Halon has largely been phased out for environmental reasons associated with the damaging effect it has on the ozone layer. Current systems now typically employ carbon dioxide, inert gases (or blends of inert gases) or chemical agents (such as halocarbons).
Fixed fire fighting systems must be carefully selected following an assessment of both the risk of fire and the risks associated with the operation of the fire fighting system.
Provided the system is chosen correctly, it will extinguish the fire rapidly, enabling operations to be re-started following removal of the fire source and reinstatement of the protection system. Key installations may require duplicate systems so that servicing or re-charging of a system does not interrupt business processes.
The systems included in this section are for the protection of specific risks, e.g. computer rooms; switch gear, high risk production lines, commercial kitchen protection systems etc. Great care needs to be taken in the choice of agent with respect to life safety, damage to equipment from bi-products, venting and the time it takes to have the system operational again after a discharge incident.
LPCB approves the following products:-
- Condensed aerosol extinguishing generators
- Direct low pressure (DLP) application systems
- Fine water spray components
- Fixed fire extinguishing systems for catering equipment
- Gaseous system components
- Gaseous systems
In addition to careful product/system selection, it is recommended that all systems are designed, installed and commissioned by third party approved contractors who have demonstrated their competence. LPCB approves contractors to LPS 1204: Requirements for contractors engaged in the design, installation and commissioning of fixed fire systems.
Download free copies of applicable standards:
LPS 1230 - Requirements for fire testing of fixed gaseous fire extinguishing systems
