Safety systems

(Tyco Fire & Security)

Fire safety systems are vital in all buildings, with high-rise properties in particular requiring specialist care. Regulations in the Middle East state that a suitable automatic fire suppression system approved by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) must be included in all buildings to ensure the safety of both structure and occupants in the event of a fire.

While each system varies in function and application, there are three main types available: water, foam and gas-based. These are each suited to specific applications. "There are certain regulations within NFPA standards for [the application of] clean agent systems, plus local authorities such as the Dubai Civil Defence have jurisdiction [over what type of system is used]," explains Jojo Joshy, sales and marketing engineer, Telectron.

Water-based sprinkler systems are regarded as one of the most effective varieties and are widely installed. Such systems are mainly found in commercial buildings such as hotels, offices, shopping malls, cinemas, airports, warehouses and factories. Sprinkler systems are generally operated in conjunction with a fire detection and analogue addressable alarm system. Jim Baldwin, associate director with WSP Fire Engineering comments: "Automatic sprinkler systems are an established and effective means of fire suppression. Developed for over 100 years and with millions of systems installed worldwide, they have record of successfully controlling and extinguishing fires."

The latest generation of water-based sprinklers have added functions that are enhanced to meet the needs of developers. Water mist systems for use in buildings are relatively new. Developed from systems used in the marine industry over the past 20 years, two main types are offered: low and high pressure. A low pressure mist system uses smaller water droplets than sprinklers, it pressurises water and discharges it through special mist generating nozzles. High pressure water mist systems control fires by filling the protected space with a fine water mist comprising of very small water droplets. Such water mist systems can be highly effective in certain environments, however the high pressure versions are not suitable for use in open spaces.

Although they need less water to tackle fire hazards, low pressure mist systems have similar functions to conventional sprinklers. "Water mist systems have very good fire-fighting properties, but also allow reduction in the water supply requirements, which is a positive environmental aspect," states Craig Nixon, business development manager, Tyco Middle East.

Clean-agent gaseous systems are also popular in the region's developments. Where the use of water spray is not suitable, for example in areas where the protection of electronic or electrical equipment is a consideration, these inert gas systems can be used to protect the space. They extinguish fire by reducing the oxygen content to a level below that in which combustion is possible.

Clean-agent systems require a relatively large storage space as opposed to water-based systems and care is needed in their design, especially in areas where people may be present. The latest versions have been developed to operate with environmentally-friendly gases.

Product development

Manufacturers are continually developing their products to meet the latest fire regulations and provide improved levels of safety. Naffco has recently introduced the Blazemaster cpvc thermoplastics sprinkler piping system.

Blazemaster cpvc piping is approved by UL, FM and LPCB and meets the NFPA 13 standard for the installation of sprinkler systems in light hazard areas. "It is easy to manouevre on site as it is lightweight and is easy to install as joints are made by using solvent cement. Pipes can be downsized due to low friction losses, plus there is no scaling and corrosion," explains Balwant Jhaveri, business development manager, Naffco.

Tyco Fire and Security offers a variety of suppression systems in the Middle East, including the Inergen inert gas system. This uses an environmentally friendly, three-dimensional agent that is formed from a blend of three naturally occurring gases - nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide - and is stored in cylinders. Inergen extinguishes fire by reducing the oxygen level in a room to below 15% and is safe for use in areas occupied by humans.

Tyco also offers MicroDrop, a high pressure water mist system that removes heat, oxygen by dispersing water at a pressure of 100 bar through specially designed nozzles. MicroDrop cylinder systems have a limited discharge time depending on the amount of stored water, but can be more cost-effective than pump systems for smaller applications. These are most suited to protecting large fire risks, particularly in spaces where ordinary combustible fire risks are present.

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