Computer rooms fire protection

An approved smoke detection system should be provided throughout the computer equipment room(s) and record storage spaces, with alarms locally and to another constantly attended location. The smoke detection system can be used to actuate the fire protection system. 

Fire protection options for computer rooms include ... 

Physical security (e.g., access to computer rooms, environmental conditions, fire protection)... 

The security function usually includes fire prevention and reporting, crime prevention and detection, risk management, and administration of security personnel. A security survey should be taken to determine the scope of the security function, the condition of this service, and the steps necessary to bring security up to standmd. Outside gumds may be necessary to prevent unauthorized entry to critical manufacturing areas, laboratories, computer rooms, and other sensitive areas. The level of security depends on the sensitivity emd confidentiality of the work, the labor situation, the local crime situation, and the proximity of fire and police protection (Piper 1988b). 

Special protection should be given to computer records. Not only should access to computer areas be denied to unauthorized persons, but codes and passwords should be carefully restricted. Computer rooms should be fire resistant, with special heilon extinguishing systems for protection of electronic drcuitry and magnetic media, the loss of which could be catastrophic for the business. 

For each of these special hazards, the required fire suppression system must be identified (29 CFR 1910.39). Common examples are the suppression systems installed above commercial cooking grills and stoves and the systans protecting computer rooms and assets. This fire suppression system would also include basic fire extinguishers. 

Due to the historical emphasis on fire prevention versus fire protection, few automatic fire suppression and detection systems are present in the reactor building. There are several Halon suppression systems for the diesel buildings and select computer rooms. Manual fire suppression for the reactor building is provided by way of portable fire extinguishers and limited capacity water hoses. The manual suppression capability and other measures are utilized by a combined response of area fire support teams and the Savannah River Site Fire Department. 

Dry-chemical extinguishing systems are used to protect flammable-liquid storage rooms, dip tanks, kitchen range hoods, deep-fat fryers, and similar hazardous areas and appliances. Because dry chemical is nonconductive, these systems are useful in the protection of oil-filled transformers and circuit breakers. Dry-chemical systems are not recommended for tele-phone-switchboard or computer protection. Dry chemicals are also widely used in portable fire extinguishers. 

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