Pre-Engineered Fire Suppression Systems, femalifesafety.org

 

Pre-Engineered Fire Suppression Systems

Pre-Engineered Fire Suppression Systems

Pre-engineered fire suppression systems provide immediate response to fire during the initial critical minutes. There are two common types of systems:

Dry Chemical Systems

 

Dry chemical fire suppression systems use dry chemical compounds that suppress fire effectively and provide efficient coverage. They are easy to install and maintain in any industrial setting. They require recharging after operation. Dry chemical agents come in ABC or BC. In applications where a dedicated water supply is not available, dry chemical is an easy, affordable alternative to water and some other agents.

Dry chemical systems must comply with NFPA 17 – Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems and NFPA 33 – Standards for Spray Application Using Flammable and Combustible Materials, and also be tested to the new real-world criteria of UL 1254 – Standard for Safety Pre-Engineered Dry and Wet Chemical Extinguishing System Units.

Wet Chemical Systems

A wet agent system is an effective way for suppressing commercial cooking fires before major damage occurs. When a wet chemical agent is applied in a concentrated liquid spray to a burning surface, it reacts quickly with the cooking media (fats or oils) to produce a foam blanket covering the surface. This reaction, combined with the cooling effect of the wet chemical agent, also reduces the possibility of fire re-flash.

Wet Chemical Systems must comply with the NFPA 17A – Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems and NFPA 96 – Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection for Commercial Cooking Operations, and also be tested and listed to UL 300 – Standard for Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishing Systems for Protection of Commercial Cooking Equipment.

Inspection & Maintenance

The following lists include items that should be regularly monitored and maintained monthly for both of the common pre-engineered fire suppression systems:

Dry Chemical Systems

• Make sure inspection tag is current
• Make sure there is no obvious mechanical damage to cylinder piping or nozzles
• Check positioning of all nozzles
• Check if tamper seals are intact and for any evidence of tampering
• If system has been discharged, report
• Make sure proper nozzle covers in place
• Make sure fuel is shut-off
• Check if portable extinguishers are available, accessible and operational
• Ensure manual pull-stations are labeled and accessible

  Fire Inspectors

  The following checklist can be used by fire inspectors out in the field inspecting pre-engineered fire suppression systems as a guide for ensuring that safe, effective, and up-to-date systems exist. Don’t forget to also refer to the manufacturer’s specific installation and maintenance manuals.

  Dry Chemical Systems — Industrial Protection

• Inspection tag and maintenance report is up to date
• All hazards properly covered with correct nozzles
• Duct and plenum covered with correct nozzles
• Check positioning of all nozzles
• System installed in accordance with MFG UL listing
• Penetrations sealed with weld or UL listed device
• Check if seals are intact and for evidence of tampering
• If system has been discharged, report same
• Pressure gauge in proper range (if applicable)
• Inspect cylinder and mount
• Proper nozzle covers in place
• Piping and conduit securely bracketed
• Manual and remote set/seals intact
• System protective hardware covers in place
• Proper hand portable extinguishers
• Portable extinguishers available, accessible and properly serviced
• Class K portable extinguisher in place (if required)