Fire extinguishers computer rooms

Fine water spray systems may be potentially superior to CO9 apphcations and may replace halon environments such as telephone central offices and computer rooms. In the fine spray dehveiy system, water is delivered at relatively high pressure (above 100 psi [0.689 MPa]) or by air atomization to generate droplets significantly smaUer than those generated by sprinklers. Water flow from a fine spray nozzle potentially extinguishes the fire faster than a sprinkler because the droplets are smaUer and vaporize more quickly. Preliminaiy information indicates that the smaller the droplet size, the lower the water flow requirements and the less chance of water damage. 

Smoke detectors are primarily used where smoldering fires can be expected and where electrical equipment is located indoors. Examples of their use are in offices and sleeping quarters, computer rooms, control rooms, electrical switchgear rooms, etc. Their response is typically faster than that of heat detection devices. Smoke detectors are more susceptible to false alarms and usually multiple detectors are required to be in alarm before an extinguishing system is activated. 

In the United States, suppression systems using Halon 1301 (bromotri-fluoromethane) (NFPA 69,1986) to quench the flames in industrial equipment are popular because damage to the product and to electrical components and other equipment is minimized. Halon 1301 is also used for flame suppression in areas occupied by people such as in computer rooms. Extinguishing flames successfully can usually be achieved at Halon 1301 concentrations of 5% for about 10 min., which usually allows people time to escape the area without harm. Halon 1301 is colorless and odorless and has minimal, if any, central nervous effects to people below a 7% concentration for exposures of 5 min. However, the decomposition products of Halon 1301 that may result from a fire are quite toxic. They have a characteristic sharp, acrid odor that provides a built-in warning system to people. Halon compounds are fluorocarbons which are being phased out of use because of environmental concerns. Substitutes are being developed and should be considered as they become available. 

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. 

Are security personnel trained in sprinkler system operation and cutoff In fire extinguisher use Are computer operating and records rooms, laboratories, and other sensitive areas secured by modem personnel identification systems (card access, hand print, eye retina) ... 

Colour coded red with black colour zone - these are suitable for class B type fires and are also ideal for electrical hazards because CO is non-conductive. CO is an extremely fast fire control medium. These extinguishers deliver a powerful concentration of CO gas under great pressure, which smothers the flames very rapidly by displacing air from the local area of the fire. CO is a non-toxic, non-corrosive gas that is harmless to most delicate equipment and materials found in situations such as computer rooms. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Gas extinguishants are not used as commonly as water but in some cases are more effective and the preferred method if the fire is in an enclosed space and the equipment in the room is very valuable (computers, motor control centers, etc,). There is no water damage or dry powder damage to the equipment or messy cleanup. 

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