What Does a Fire Suppression System Actually do?

Fire suppression systems work in concert with fire alarms and smoke detectors. Prior to the 1990’s a fire suppression system was designed to control a fire until the fire department arrived. New technology has made possible the early suppression fast response system. The system is designed to suppress the fire on its own quickly. There are methods of fire suppression individuals can employ. Hand held fire extinguishers, sand, water and blankets all could suppress a fire. Individuals must be aware of what type of fire can be suppressed with what method. Extinguishers are clearly labelled indicating what fire they can suppress. Throwing water on certain fires can be dangerous and may cause the fire to spread more. The most common type of suppression system is the sprinkler type positioned in the ceilings of buildings. The sprinkler system is designed to spray water, foam or gas in a designated area. The sprinkler heads operate separately from each other. In other words if ones goes off it does not mean they all will. The system is designed to activate each head separately when a certain temperature is reached which would melt a bulb activator. The fluid inside the bulb expands under heat shattering the bulb. Some systems will use a metal foil that melts when a certain temperature is reached activating the sprinkler head. A fire suppression system can use various means for suppression. Foam, water or certain gases can be employed. Fires caused by fuel ruptures, for example, can be suppressed by foam that smothers or removes the oxygen. Most restaurants use a foam suppression system in their kitchens because of the likelihood of a grease fire. The system is engineered into the venting system. The hood venting system can draw a fire into the venting. The heads or nozzles that deploy the foam are located under the hood vents. Water used on a grease fire will cause it to spread. Fires need oxygen to survive. Depriving the fire of oxygen is what suppresses the fire or puts it out. In some industries, it is practical to use carbon dioxide in the fire suppression system. Carbon dioxide displaces the oxygen in the air causing the fire to go out. Carbon dioxide is also deadly to humans, so measures must be in place if the system activates. Employees must have an exit plan or have the proper respirators available in the event the system activates. Inspections of any suppression system must be conducted per any Government regulations. Individuals before attempting to suppress any fire must make sure they have the proper extinguisher.

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