130 likes | 143 Views
Discover alternatives to traditional water sprinklers for IT fire protection. Learn about inert gas systems and clean agents. Ensure fire safety compliance and conduct effective fire drills to safeguard lives and property.
E N D
Fire Suppression for your IT Solution Presented by Alex Knost aknost@radford.edu www.radford.edu/aknost
Contents • Drawbacks of Traditional Sprinklers • Photographs of examples • Alternatives to Sprinklers • Final Thoughts
Part I: Why Not Traditional Sprinklers? • Sprinklers use water • A lot of water (15-40 gpm) • Firefighters use even more water when they arrive • A typical fire engine can pump 1500-2000 gpm • Water and building materials don’t mix • Water and IT hardware don’t mix either.
Water in Action: Blacksburg Middle School • March 14, 2016: Thunderstorm in Blacksburg • Lightning strike on roof at BMS • Roof ignited, prompting massive response • Water Damage forced closure of several classrooms
Photographs taken June 2016. Left: A tarp covers the portion of the roof that firefighters had to cut away to access and extinguish the roof fire Right: Classrooms 8A6 and 8A7 nearly devoid of ceiling tiles that were removed due to water damage
A tarp hangs from the drop ceiling in classrooms 8A5 and 8A6
Part II: Alternatives to Water Systems • Inert Gas • Clean Agents
Inert Gas Systems • Gases that displace oxygen are discharged into the room • Oxygen level reduced • Normally ~21% • Reduces to 11% - 15% • Typically use Nitrogen or Argon
Clean Agent System • Uses carbon dioxide or other chemicals • Often safe for occupied spaces • Many do not leave residue or damage equipment • Pictured right: Diagram of Kidde FM-200 installation Image source: https://www.controlfiresystems.com/media/uploads/htmlimages/2016/06/30/Suppression_System_Layout.jpg
Part III: Final Thoughts • Consult with your fire department • Entry Plan – how will firefighters get into the building/room? • Ensure compliance with other codes • Close the Door! • Keep doors closed when possible • Closed doors inhibit spread of fire/smoke • Saves Lives • Protects Property • See Close the Door! A Civilian’s Guide to Saving Lives and Property on my website for further information • URL for website on last slide of this presentation
Final Thoughts (cont) – Fire Drills Save Lives! • Planning an office fire drill • Consult with your fire department • Is your Fire Alarm system monitored? • Executing an office fire drill • Time the evacuation • Following up • Have a security camera system? Review the footage after the drill to identify and correct mistakes.
Visit radford.edu/aknost/fire_suppressionfor links to references