Whether you own a residential, commercial or industrial complex, you must keep it safe from fire. Despite knowing about the importance of fire safety, we tend to overlook the most essential thing that your building must have. Yes, we are speaking about the firefighting systems in the buildings. A fire system is an integrated network of equipment, devices and procedures, designed with a critical purpose. It helps in detecting, containing and extinguishing fire before causing catastrophic damage.
Do you know India experiences over 1.6 lakhs fire incidents annually? It results in thousands of casualties and massive loss in properties. People could prevent most of the tragedies with proper firefighting systems and regular maintenance.
Sometimes the buildings have inadequate fire protection measures combined with a lack of awareness among the owners and dwellers, making the building vulnerable to fire accidents. With the installation of the best firefighting system in buildings, you change the scenario. Besides protecting the lives and assets of the dwellers, you abide by the fire safety regulations.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you require to know about fire fighting systems for buildings. The guide covers the types, key equipment, importance, installation, and maintenance tips. Whether you are the owner of a building, a safety professional, or a civilian concerned about fire safety, the information in the blog can be lifesaving.
What is Fire Fighting System in a Building?
Did you recently install a fire fighting system in your building, and are looking to collect more information about it? Your building’s fire fighting system comprises various components that function simultaneously to detect and suppress fires effectively. The essential components of the system include the following:
Fire Detection Systems
As the name suggests, the system helps with the early detection of smoke and fire, allowing a building’s occupants to take immediate action. It’s a network of smoke detectors, heat sensors, fire control panels and flame detectors. Let’s understand the function of each of the components briefly.
Smoke detectors: They come with optical sensors that help in detecting smoke in a building. After it detects smoke, it triggers an alarm, alerting people about the presence of smoke.
Heat detectors: They activate an alarm as soon as they sense a rise in the usual heat of the building. Every building has a temperature threshold that rises with a fire outbreak.
Flame detectors: Fire in buildings gives rise to high-rise flames. However, these detectors of a fire safety system activate the alarm. It alerts the occupants of the building about the fire incident.
Fire alarm control panels: The fire safety system has detectors that signal the control panels in case of a fire. The building fire alarm system activates the audio-visual alarms, so that the occupants are aware of the fire and evacuate the building.
Fire Suppression Systems
As the name suggests, this fire system extinguishes fire. You can avail the suppression systems in various types, including water-based, gas-based and foam-based systems. Some of the most common suppression systems include the following:
Sprinkler systems: It’s a water-based system comprising a network of pipes. The professionals install the sprinkler heads throughout the building. Therefore, during a fire, the heat produced activates the heads and releases water to suppress the fire.
Gaseous suppression systems: As the name suggests, the system uses specific gases that help in suppressing the fire. When used, the system displaces oxygen or inhibits the chemical reactions to sustain combustion. Clean agent systems like FM-200 and CO2 systems are the two most common examples of the systems.
Foam systems: These systems combine foam concentrate with water, creating a foam blanket. It suppresses flammable liquid fires by smothering the flames and cooling the fuel surface.
Fire Extinguishers
You have often noticed a red can with a pump system placed in different spots of a building. Well, they can extinguish a small fire or one in its early stage. CO₂ extinguishers, dry chemical extinguishers and foam extinguishers are some of the common variants available in the market.
Emergency Lighting and Exit Sings
You must install the signs. They serve as a guide during emergencies, especially during a building fire. Since they illuminate, installing them in stairways, corridors and exits helps the occupants find the right way to escape the building.
Fire Hose Reels and Standpipes
They stand as a ready source of water during a fire outbreak. You must install them in ideal locations so that the firefighters can easily access water to combat fires.
Fire Safety Signage and Instructions
What happens during a building fire? Everyone gets panicked and runs here and there to evacuate the building or extinguish the fire. It’s when these safety signs come into the picture. Usually, the signs indicate the path to evacuate, the location of the extinguisher, and the point of installation of the fire fighting system, so that people and experts can follow the procedures effectively and quickly.
Fire Doors and Fire-rated Partitions
The doors and partitions prevent the spread of smoke and fire within a building. Besides being constructed out of fire-resistant materials, they come with self-closing mechanisms that seal off compartments containing fire.
Types of Fire-Fighting Systems
Before investing in a firefighting system, you must determine certain points. Determine the nature of the building, the occupancy of the building, and the possibility of fire risk. Here are some common fire fighting systems you can avail in the market.
Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems
It’s the most common fire-fighting system installed in buildings. As the name suggests, the system remains filled with water throughout. Whenever a system detects fire, the sprinkler head opens automatically, releasing the water onto the fire. It’s the best way to control or extinguish fire in areas where you do not need freeze protection.
Deluge Sprinkler Systems
Do you have a chemical factory and planning to install a suitable firefighting system? The deluge sprinklers are the best choice. When the system detects a fire, the system activates all the sprinkler heads simultaneously. Since they are ideal for high-hazards areas, they use a high amount of water to suppress the fire.
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems
Do you live in an area experiencing snowfall in winter? Then, a dry pipe sprinkler system is an ideal choice. As the name suggests, the systems do not use water and therefore, the extreme temperatures do not burst the pipes. Instead, the systems use pressurised air or nitrogen. During a fire, when the system receives the trigger, the sprinkler head releases the air or nitrogen helping in extinguishing the fire.
Carbon Dioxide Systems
It’s the most suitable system if you are looking to install in areas having sensitive equipment, such as a server room or an electrical substation. When the system detects a fire, the system floods the area with carbon dioxide gas. This cuts off oxygen from the fire, thereby extinguishing it completely. Since carbon dioxide gas is extremely harmful to humans, you must use the system only in unoccupied areas.
Essential Fire Fighting Equipment
How did the firefighters use to extinguish the fire in the early days? Well, they used to pour buckets full of water on the fire. Undoubtedly, the process was ineffective, making the fires burn unchecked for a long time. However, with the invention and extensive use of the fire fighting systems, firefighters can now effectively extinguish the fire. The system consists of certain essential equipment. Some of the most common building fire safety equipment includes fire extinguishers, ladders and hoses. Let’s discuss the list of equipment in detail, understanding their function in extinguishing a fire.
Fire Extinguishers
Have you ever seen a professional firefighter extinguish a small fire? Yes, they do so with those easily portable and versatile fire extinguishers. Since they come in variations including water, carbon dioxide gas, dry powder and water, you must know which one to use depending on the type of fire. Due to the extensive adaptability, firefighters and individuals can employ the best agent during a building fire, depending on the scenario.
Fire Extinguishing Ball
As a self-activating fire suppression system, the ball offers a unique and innovative approach to firefighting. The ball contains fine powder and, when exposed to flames bursts open to release the powder, extinguishing the fire effectively. The device is ideal for fires in confined spaces or areas with minimum accessibility where traditional systems experience challenges.
Fire Hose
Usually a high-pressure hose used in transporting water from a water source to the fire. Besides water, they also channel other fire retardants from the source to a fire. The experts, after extinguishing a fire, hang the hose to dry. If left wet for a long time, the water present inside will deteriorate the materials, making it unusable.
Fire Hose Reel
A cylindrical metal spindle with a hose wound around it is designed for skilled and unskilled firefighters. Experts use it as a quick-response method for suppressing fires in their early stages. Consisting of a main valve, a hose guide, and a hose with a nozzle, you will find the reel connected to a water supply. In case of a fire in a high-risk environment, such as schools, factories, and hotels, they control the water supply to combat a potential fire risk.
Fire Hydrant
It refers to the fixed devices offering access to water for extinguishing fires. Usually, you will find the hydrant connected to a main water supply network, ensuring unlimited water availability in case of an outbreak. You can find them around your buildings, parking areas, mines, roadsides and industrial areas.
Fire Hydrant Valve and Accessories
The valves and nozzles are essential connection points from where the firefighters attach their hoses. The valves refer to the fittings in the hydrant, helping you regulate, direct and control the flow of water. You can open, close and partially obstruct the passageways in the hose connectors.
Nozzles, on the other hand, refer to short tube-like devices that help in controlling the flow rate, speed, direction and pressure of the water in a hydrant or a hose. You need to attach the device at the end of the hose, allowing a firefighter to deliver water in all directions, speeds and pressure to suppress an outbreak.
Fire Monitors
As the name implies, a fire monitor does not monitor or detect the presence of fire. Instead, it’s a controllable, high-capacity water jet suitable for suppressing a fire manually or automatically. Often called deluge guns, master streams, and deck guns, you can carry them anywhere or fix them into firefighting vehicles. Similar to a fire hydrant, a fire monitor delivers large volumes of water for extinguishing fires. If there’s a fire incident in a high-risk environment, such as industries prone to fire outbreaks, using the monitors is ideal. It discharges up to 7,500 litres of water every minute, making it perfect for suppressing large fires.
Fire Sprinkler System
A fire sprinkler system comprises a water supply, a water distribution piping system, and sprinkler heads. It stands as the major equipment in the sprinkler system, as they discharge water after detecting a fire. It has a heat-sensitive valve that detects changes in temperature. It then activates the sprinkler when it reaches a predetermined heat level. You are required to install it on the ceilings and on the inside walls of a building.
Importance of Fire Fighting System
When we see a building blazing with fire, we panic and call professionals to extinguish it. Right? Undoubtedly, fire is a powerful and destructive force. However, we, as humans, must protect our environment the most from potential threats, which is why the fire system in a building plays a vital role in ensuring safety.
If you are still wondering if you should install one of these systems in your building. The answer is yes, and here’s why.
Protects Life and Property
Most people love tall skyscrapers, especially the stunning views they provide. However, in case of a sudden outbreak, the fire climbs higher, quickly engulfing your building rapidly in a few minutes. What about the occupants? Without proper fire protection measures, you will witness catastrophic consequences. Therefore, your buildings must have effective fire fighting systems, such as fire extinguishers, fire sprinklers, and smoke detectors. With these in place, you help suppress and extinguish fires at the earliest stage. Besides saving lives, it also prevents property damage.
Early Detection and Rapid Response
Installing fire protection systems, such as fire alarms and smoke detectors, helps in the early detection of fire in your home. The systems can trace even the slightest trace of smoke, thereby initiating rapid responses. Remember, the quicker the response, the more effective you are in controlling the fire.
Legal Compliance and Consequences
Whether you own a residential building or a commercial or an industrial one, it’s mandatory to install fire protection systems. Remember, adhering to building regulations and codes is mandatory and not a choice. Therefore, if you fail to comply with the legal system, you might have to pay penalties. Sometimes even professionals might take legal actions against you. To avoid such consequences, you must recognise and follow the rules regarding fire safety.
Long-term Cost Savings
While you might feel that the initial cost of installation is high, having the most effective fire protection measures in your building offers you long-term cost savings. Imagine during a fire outbreak in your building, the fire engulfs the building and damages it. However, when you install and maintain an efficient fire safety system, you outweigh the costs of dealing with the aftermath of a fire. It includes legal ramifications, property restoration, and possible business disruptions.
Conclusion
Having a proper fire fighting system in your building is essential to prevent property losses, protect lives, and avoid compliance issues. Components like fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and fire suppression systems detect and suppress fires. When you, as a building owner or facility manager understand the types and operation of fire fighting systems, you make informed decisions and ensure utmost safety.As a prominent and trustworthy construction company in India, Brick&Bolt will take care of everything from start to finish, including fire safety. The engineers, designers and other professionals associated with the firm ensure incredible construction services without compromising the quality of resources and building materials. Furthermore, our professionals are aware of the fire safety systems and install the perfect one that suits your building.
Hemali Patel