ifp issue 32

An MDM PUBLICATION

Issue 32 – November 2007

www.mdmpublishing.com

THE GLOBAL VOICE FOR PASSIVE & ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION

An MDM PUBLICATION




INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTIONINTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

IFP32 OFC 31/10/07 4:30 pm Page ofc1

That’s because revolutionary ANSUL® SAPPHIRE® was on the job. Powered by 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid, custom-engineered ANSUL SAPPHIRE systems suppress Class A, B and C fires in places where electronics, museum pieces and other critical assets would be devastated by water. When discharged, the SAPPHIRE fluid becomes a gas that quickly vaporizes and floods protected spaces, absorbs heat and extinguishes the blaze. At the same time, the SAPPHIRE fluid is non-toxic, so safe for people and the environment that often affected areas can continue to function immediately after the fire is suppressed.

Call your ANSUL representative today and find out how a SAPPHIRE system can work for you. And the things you care about.

of water was harmed in putting out this fire.

Nor an employee, computer, invoice …

Not a single

AD No 2005-1-Wx.qxd 10/15/07 2:46 PM Page 1

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 1

Front Cover Courtesy of European Fire Sprinkler Network

PublishersMark Seton & David Staddon

Editorial ContributorsRick Love, Wild Butcher, John Allen,Dick Schnieder, Graham Lowe, JanKnappert, Virginia Charter, Jeff Grove,John Rattlidge, Rob Thilthorpe, RandyClark, Haukur Ingason, MagnusArvidson, Alan Brinson, ErikChristensen, Ufuk Colak and Richard Wigley

IFP is published quarterly by:MDM Publishing Ltd The Abbey Manor Business Centre,The Abbey, Preston Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2ENTel: +44 (0) 1935 426 428Fax: +44 (0) 1935 426 926 Email: [email protected]: www.ifpmag.com©All rights reserved

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The views and opinions expressed inINTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION are notnecessarily those of MDM Publishing Ltd.The magazine and publishers are in noway responsible or legally liable for anyerrors or anomalies made within theeditorial by our authors. All articles are protected by copyright and writtenpermission must be sought from thepublishers for reprinting or any form ofduplication of any of the magazinescontent. Any queries should be addressedin writing to the publishers.

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Page design by DorchesterTypesetting Group Ltd

Printed in Singapore

An MDM PUBLICATION




An MDM PUBLICATION





November 2007 Issue 32

82-84

53-56

47-50

39-42

35-36

21-26

73-77

65-67

Contents5-18 News,Previews & ProductProfiles

21-26 For whomthe bell tolls

29-32 Don’t let fireperformance become aburning issue

35-36 MaintainingProper Fire Protection,After the Building isComplete

39-42 Water mist inmarine fire fighting

47-50 PortableExtinguishers – Still aVital Role to Play

53-56 Multi-CriteriaFire Protection – theTechnology of theFuture?

59-61 The Need forHigh Performance LowViscosity AlcoholResistant Foams

62-63 A TimelyWake Up Call

65-67 CO2 ProvidesVersatile Protection forComputer Suites

68-71 Sprinklers inWarehouses

73-77 Challengesto the designer: Exitingfrom high-rise & largemixed-use buildings

79-80 Explosionproof or intrinsicallysafe alarm signalling inhazardous areas

82-84Compartmentalisingthe Issues

86-87 Thetechnical argumentsagainst sprinklers inroad tunnels do notstand up

88 Advertisers’ Index

P. 1 Contents 31/10/07 4:09 pm Page 1

MDM dps IFF15 24/7/07 10:13 AM Page 2

MDM dps IFF15 24/7/07 10:13 AM Page 3

FireTrace w/p 8/8/06 10:23 am Page 1

The Nexus Gas Extinguishant VoiceSounder from KLAXON SIGNALS is afire alarm designed specifically to meetthe requirements of gas extinguishantsystems by supplying four stages ofalarm, each with a separate anddistinct fire warning message and tone.

This sounder comes complete withan interface unit that connects directlyto the sounder and extinguishantpanel. The interface unit monitors theoutputs from the panel and sends outthe appropriate message and tone viathe sounder. A choice of up to 7messages can be stored in the sounderand each message is preceded by adedicated user selectable tone and/orflashing LED beacon. The combination of aclear voice message, powerful sounderand high efficiency LED beacon ensures avery effective warning tool.

All Nexus voice sounders have a USB

interface that allows special messages inWAV format to be downloaded onto thesounder from any PC, providing users withthe flexibility of adding/removingmessages in-house.

They have a high 110 dB output, areweatherproofed to IP66 and can be

installed in almost any location. A choiceof sound outputs means there is a modelto overcome most levels of backgroundnoise.

Klaxon Signals Limited is one of theworld’s leading manufacturers andsuppliers of sound and vision signallingequipment for fire and life safety, industrialand security applications. Part of Halmap.l.c., Klaxon offers an extensive range offire alarm sirens, electronic sounders,buzzers, beacons and bells, in addition toinnovative evacuation technology andsoftware.

For more information contact: Klaxon Signals LimitedWrigley Street, Oldham, Lancs. OL4 1HW, UKTel: +44 (0)161 287 5555Fax: +44 (0)161 287 5511Email: [email protected]


NEWS

Fire Alarm Voice Sounder Communicateswith Extinguishant System

Dai Seaborn Davies, who until 1996 wasOperational Commander in charge of royalfamily protection, has joined KINGFELLGLOBAL CRISIS LIMITED, the latest division offire, risk and crisis control specialist, KingfellPlc. His associate status will see him workclosely alongside Kingfell CEO, Paul Bryant, aswell as Geoff Williams, who is heading-up thenew division, and Colin Simpson, anothercrisis management specialist.

His appointment, according to PaulBryant, is seen as being of strategic

importance to the business, which is already attracting considerableinternational interest. He said: “It is hard to think of another time, other thanwhen the country has been at war, when security was of such paramountimportance. Security is a vital consideration in any discussion on crisismanagement, and an indispensable part of every business continuity plan.We are fortunate to have attracted to Kingfell someone with Dai’s 30 yearsspecialist front-line operational experience and reputation.”

During the time he was responsible for the security of the royal family andpalaces, Dai led a force of 450 police officers, with an annual budget of £26million. He is widely regarded for restructuring and reorganising key aspects ofthe royal family and palace protection regimes, having introduced a number ofsignificant personnel, selection procedure and training changes, and completelyoverhauling the intelligence-led personnel, VIP and static protection protocols.

Since his retirement from the Metropolitan Police, Dai has built aninternational reputation as an investigator and global security adviser, andregularly contributes to television coverage and analysis on security mattersand VIP protection. His particular areas of expertise today encompass crisismanagement and corporate security. He is a much sought after speaker onsecurity generally and an acknowledged expert on ship and port security.

A detailed overview of the divisional structure Kingfell Plc, along withcontact details of the key executives, can be found on the company’s recentlyenhanced website at www.kingfell.com.

The company can be reached by telephone on +44 (0)845 60 61 999,by fax on +44 (0)845 25 81 999, or via email [email protected]

Royal Protection Commander joins new Kingfell team

Fire-Cryer® VoiceSounders Top the NorthThe tallest building in the North, Bridgewater Place, Leeds, hasinstalled over 300 Mini Fire-Cryer® Voice Sounders from VIMPEX LTD.Bridgewater Place is the premier business premises in NorthernEngland comprising of over 23,000 sq. ft. of office space located side-by-side with 200 high-rise apartments, retail outlets and leisurefacilities in a prestigious development.

The Mini Fire-Cryer®

multi-message voicesounders have beeninstalled in all officeaccommodation at thenew site, providingbuilding-wide voiceevacuation in the eventof a fire. Vimpex’sclients; ADT Fire andSecurity chose the MiniFire-Cryer® for theproduct’s clarity of voiceand the ease ofinstallation.

The Mini Fire-Cryer® is a slimline base sounder, which meant thatit was very easy to install, fitting discreetly beneath the ADT detectorbases and creating an overall detector/voice sounder combinationwith a very low profile – important in a building with such prestige.

The Fire-Cryer® system incorporates special software which allowsa normal sounder circuit to broadcast up to 7 separate user-definedmessages along a single pair of wires. When interfaced to ananalogue fire loop via sounder controllers, the Fire-Cryer® circuit isable to differentiate between alert and evacuate inputs. This meansthat with no user input, the building can safely be evacuated via atwo stage alarm.

The mini Fire-Cryer® is just one member of the extensive Fire-Cryer® family which includes the new Fire-Cryer® Plus combinationvoice/strobe and the Maxi Fire-Cryer®, which is able to broadcast 7messages at 116dBA volume.For more information: www.vimpex.co.uk

Bridgewater Place, Leeds

News P. 5, 6, 12, 16 31/10/07 3:44 pm Page 5

The New Wire-Free, Radio Fire Systemfrom DETECTOMAT is a unique alternativeto the costs, potential damage andbusiness disruption associated withinstalling Fire Systems in existing buildings.And an ideal solution for retrofit andrefurbishment applications in small tomedium sized enterprises.

Interconnection of the various FireSystem components including detectors,manual call points, sounders and controlpanels, which has traditionally been donein electrical cabling can now be done withwire-free radio. Installing cables in existingbuildings has, in the past, meant uglysurface wiring or damage to decorationscaused by the installation of concealedwiring. Installing concealed wiring is alsotime consuming and presents access issuesand general disruption to ongoingbusiness. This all meant an unwanted andunnecessary escalatation of costs, whichcan now be avoided!

Radio as a Fire System communicationmedium has been available for many yearsbut at a high cost. Now, the unique RCP6B system from detectomat offers a cost-effective wire-free, Radio Fire Alarmsolution as an alternative to hardwiredConventional and smaller Addressableapplications. And as an added benefit thesystem utilises detectomat’s unique rangeof Designer cover Smoke Alarms tocomplement traditional or moderncontemporary interior designs.

The system comprises of a range ofbattery operated, self-contained firedetection and alarm devices including Heatand third party certified Smoke Alarmsplus Manual Call Points, Sounder Beaconsand other fire peripherials. These devicesare radio connected with each other via aFire Panel base station, which providescomprehensive alarm indication and

control including monitoring of the systemnetwork integrity and battery conditions.

A unique solution within its applicationarea, which has been reviewed and well

received by a number of Fire Service andFire industry professionals. For further information call 01579 321750,or visit www.detectomat.com

6 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

NEWS

New RCP 6B Radio Fire System

FIRE PRODUCT SEARCH, the nextgeneration of product guide, has proveda huge success since launching earlierthis year. Based on actual fire products,the Fire Product Search website allowsusers to make an informed choice whenspecify fire equipment by providing up todate detailed information.

Fire Product Search features hundredsof the world’s leading fire equipmentmanufacturers giving users a huge choicewhen searching for fire products. Updatedconstantly it provides reliable informationat the click of a button.

Fire Product Search goes one stepfurther!

Rather than list fire product categoriesFire Products Search features detailedproduct descriptions, pictures andtechnical specifications plus fullinformation on manufacturers and theirdistributor networks.

Still flicking through bulky buyersguides? Fire Product Search has beenspecially designed to make searching for

products a quick and enjoyableexperience. Visitors can browse throughcategories, search using keywords or bycompany with ease. A FREE monthly e-newsletter, information on the latestglobal fire conferences and exhibitions plus industry news can also be found atwww.fireproductsearch.com

Join over 15,000 visitors atwww.fireproductsearch.com, we lookforward to seeing you.

Companies can register with Fire ProductSearch for FREE, for more information visitwww.fireproductsearch.com

A Wire-Free alternative toConventional Panels fromdetectomat

Fire Product Search proves tobe a big hit!

News P. 5, 6, 12, 16 31/10/07 3:44 pm Page 6


PROFILE

Both complement the company’s award-winning Firetuf range of performance cablesthat today embraces low voltage (cables up

to 1kV) building wires and power cables that areavailable throughout the UK, Ireland and theMiddle East.

Saffire will, the company says, enable consul-tants to specify cable that provides enhancedsafety in line with the latest fire safety legislation,and greatly assist building control officers to easilyidentify that superior fire safety is being incor-porated into a building. Saffire will also providecontractors with a new bench-mark brand forthird-party approved fire safety cabling.

The new cable extends the safety benefits ofOHLS cables to a much wider marketplace. OHLScables do not emit halogen gases and burn with-out producing large amounts of dense smoke. Bycomparison, under fire conditions, the standardPVC cables used widely in the construction indus-try emit hydrogen chloride gas, which has asuffocating odour that is detectable in even verylow concentrations. Burning PVC cables alsogenerate hazardous volumes of debilitating ordisorientating smoke that can easily increase thelikelihood of panic and make safe evacuationmuch more difficult to achieve.

The new Firetuf Powerplus cable utilises high-performance materials to achieve the maximum120-minute rating when subjected to integratedtesting involving flame irradiation exposure, directimpact and high-pressure water spray. It has beenintroduced to provide the superior performancecharacteristics required by today’s sophisticatedfire engineering solutions. These are becomingincreasingly commonplace, particularly in the UKfollowing the introduction of the RegulatoryReform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and the morewidespread utilisation of fire engineering principlesand techniques that call for greater reliance oncomplex life and property protection systems andprotocols.

Enhanced circuit integrity of the new FiretufPowerplus preserves the handling and installationcharacteristics of the wire armoured design. It is adevelopment of Draka’s Firetuf Power cable thatwas introduced to meet the requirements of BS 7846:2000.

In the UK, the Department of Communities and

Local Government’s Approved Document B (Firesafety) 2006 of the Building Regulations came intoforce on 6 April 2007 and will have a major bearingon future building work in England and Wales. ThisDocument specifies fire performance in accordancewith BS 7346, and will impact on fire safety systemsincluding: automatic fire suppression installations;fire detection and alarm systems; fire compartmen-tation; smoke control and ventilation; sprinklers andwet risers; ventilation and shutters; and firefightinglifts. Significantly, all these systems require a securepower supply that will retain its integrity in theevent of fire, which highlights the imperative needfor enhanced performance power cables.

The details of the flame irradiation exposure,direct impact and high pressure water spray testssuccessfully completed by Firetuf Powerplus arecurrently documented in Annex B of BS 7346.However, they will soon be published as a stand-alone standard, BS 8491. The BS 7346-6:2005standard defines the fire performance requirementsof various types of fire-rated cables for maintainingcircuit integrity for people – which includes fire andrescue personnel as well as building occupants –property and the environment.

Details on both cables can be found on theDraka UK website at www.drakauk.com IFP

Draka unveils newhigh-performancecables Derby-based cable manufacturer, Draka, has launched two new cables. Saffire isa new generation of OHLS – Zero Halogen Low Smoke – cable that is claimed toset a new and higher level of fire safety performance, while Firetuf Powerplus isa new 600/1000V SWA (Steel Wired Armoured) power cable that providesenhanced circuit integrity performance to meet the demanding requirements ofBS 7346-6:2005.

For more informationcontact:DrakaTel: +44 (0) 1332 345431Fax: +44 (0) 1332 331237Email: [email protected]: www.drakauk.com

Saffire Zero Halogen Low Smoke cable

Firetuf Powerplus600/1000V SWA (SteelWired Armoured) powercable

P. 7 Draka Profile 31/10/07 4:26 pm Page 7

In developing Sinteso F20, SBT has recog-nised that in terms of fire protection,intelligent system technology is no longer

merely an interaction between smokedetectors and the fire control panel. SintesoFS20 not only offers the highest detectionreliability but can be integrated, expandedor adapted to changing building utilizationwith ease.

Uniform Technology – FlexibleNetworkingSinteso F20 is the new control panel family,building on the success of the Sinteso firedetection range of products. Over half amillion Sinteso detectors are currentlyintegrated into systems all over the world,where they guarantee correct and reliableoperation everyday.

The system is based on a uniform tech-nology platform that lays the foundationsfor the various system components such assensors, control panels, communication net-

works and alarm devices to work together in asmooth and co-ordinated manner as a total solution.As well as its complete functional reliability, SintesoF20 offers significant advantages in the event ofchanges in building or room use, or when extensionsare added to buildings. The modular structure and theuse of standardized interfaces (e.g. Ethernet, BACnet)means that the system can be flexibly networked andadapted or expanded in response to changing cus-tomer requirements without any major complications.Sinteso FS20 has moved away from a centralizedsystem architecture to one that relies on smaller,decentralized units, thereby ensuring that buildingowners can always be sure that more than enoughexpansion capability exists to meet any eventuality.This has been achieved without the increased effortoften associated with decentralized systems – Sintesorequires only a single access point for commissioningand maintenance. It is also possible to network apanel with a remote control panel via Ethernet.

Network-Optimized Control PanelsThe new range of control panels enables SBT to coverall application segments with a uniform technologicalplatform. For example, this ranges from the controlpanel for stand-alone applications with the possibility

of two loops and a maximum of 252 field devices(sensors, alarm transmitters, etc.) through to a large-scale system with 30 loops and a maximum of 3000field devices. The field devices are connected via thespecially developed FDnet Furthermore, FDnet carriesthe power to the field devices, a factor that is reflectedin reduced energy. Cabling costs are also less sinceadditional cabling is no longer required to ensuretransmission in the event of a processor failure. Severalcontrol panels are networked together using the high-performance FCnet control panel bus (Fire Controlnetwork). The newly developed control panel busguarantees high-speed, efficient data transfer andmakes it possible to configure the network topologylargely without limitations (with copper and/or fiberoptic conductors). The compact and modular designof the Sinteso range of control panels allows easysystems extensions or adjustments. The operatingdisplays are standardized for all control panels and areconfigured to make them clearly comprehensible. Allfunctions comply with the relevant standards (EN54)and can be carried out intuitively for all events.

Detectors – Guaranteed ReliabilityIn 2004 SBT introduced the new Sinteso detectors.These sensors carry the quality seal of ASA Technology(Advanced Signal Analysis) and achieve unparalleledlevels of detection reliability – false alarms due to simu-lated fires are practically impossible. The detectorsguarantee a reliable response to almost all types of fire,even under the most difficult ambient conditions.Siemens is so confident of detection reliability that theywill pay for the cost of a fire brigade call-out if this iscaused inadvertently by a false alarm, when installed bySiemens. Sinteso detectors are compatible with olderSiemens conventional fire detection systems and canbe migrated to existing networks to a large extent.

Proven ExpertiseThe reliability and efficiency with which a fire detec-tion system performs its tasks is largely influenced bythe fire control panel. The new Sinteso control panelsthus set a technological milestone and also offeradvantages in other areas, such as networking capa-bilities. The panels, coupled with the detectors and awide range of peripherals, guarantees trouble-freeand financially efficient operation in a technology thatis based on decades of Siemens expertise in minimiz-ing damage to people and assets. IFP


PROFILE

Sinteso F20 –completedetection forany applicationSinteso F20 is a complete fire detection system from Siemens BuildingTechnologies (SBT). Previously available only through the Solutions side of theSiemens business, Sinteso is now being rolled out to companies in the SiemensSolutions Partner programme, a scheme whereby fire detection providersthroughout the world are trained and certified by Siemens.

For further informationplease contact:Siemens SwitzerlandLimitedBuilding Technologies Group,International HeadquartersGroup CommunicationsGubelstrasse 22CH-6301 2UGSwitzerland

P. 8 Siemens Profile 31/10/07 3:59 pm Page 8

Building Technologies

More efficiency throughout the entire life cycle.

Backed by decades of experience in fire protection, the new SintesoTM family fromSiemens comprises everything – from reliable fire detectors, clear control panels to a wide range of peripheral devices. Scalable and versatile, Sinteso is a highly flexiblesystem that meets any requirement. Economy starts right from the simple installationand automatic configuration. Efficiency is also a key factor in the operating phase.Connection to a building management system is possible via the BACnet standard interface. The result? A comprehensive fire protection system with provision for open-ended expansion in the future.For more information, please visit www.siemens.com/sinteso

Sinteso™ – homogeneous and expandable.

AD_SintesoMP1.2-N_Pro#32CAC.qxd 04.10.2007 17:12 Uhr Seite 1


PROFILE

For further informationplease contact:Alex SaintMarketing ExecutiveC-TECStephens WayWigan WN3 6PH United KingdomTel: +44 (0) 1942 322744Fax: +44 (0) 1942 829867Website: www.c-tec.co.uk

C-TEC launchnew automaticextinguisherpanelC-TEC has launched a three zone automatic extinguisher panel specificallydesigned for areas housing expensive, dangerous or irreplaceable items ofequipment such as computer servers, chemicals or antiques.

With the growing em-phasis on safeguardingnot only people but

property and society’s increasingreliance on computerised sys-tems, the market for such panelsis booming. Computers andelectronic equipment are partic-ularly susceptible to fire andheat, and, therefore, need to beprotected by special equipment.C-TEC’s new EP203 releases afire suppressant gas to extin-guish the fire with minimumdamage to the equipmenthoused within the protectedarea.

Fully compliant with EN12094 part 1 (theEuropean standard for Fixed Firefighting Systems –Components for Gas Extinguishing Systems), ournew EP203 panel has been manufactured to thehighest standards and epitomises quality, durabilityand reliability.

The panel functions as a standard three-zoneconventional fire alarm panel but has additional,highly sophisticated extinguishant release circuitryfor controlling the release of fire-suppressing gasinto computer rooms, chemical plants, museums,etc., where fires need to be put out quickly andwith minimal damage to the protected equipment.

Any combination of activated detector zonescan be programmed to automatically start thepanel’s extinguishant release sequence which canbe set to operate with or without a delay. Andwith no less than six monitored inputs, includingHold and Abort for suspending or cancelling therelease sequence at any time, the EP203 looks setto become one of the most popular extinguisherpanels on the market (see the schematic for a visualoverview of the panel’s many inputs and outputs).

Says C-TEC’s MD, Andrew Foster, ‘The company’snew state-of-the-art Research and Developmentfacility and recruitment of additional specialistengineering staff has made the development ofthis new auto-extinguishant panel possible. Thisproduct has been designed to meet demand fromour customers for a top quality auto-extinguishant

panel and we confidently expect the ECP toexceed all expectations’.

The panel is supplied in an elegantly-styled,durable enclosure with all of its electronics – apartfrom its powerful 3A EN54 switch mode PSU –mounted on a detachable metal bridge plate forease of installation.

In addition to a manual extinguisher releaseswitch, the enclosure’s front also features a 128 x64 pixel graphical display, giving users a constantoverview of the system’s status, and a keyswitchallowing authorised users to toggle between auto-matic and manual mode. For additional flexibility,up to eight remote status units, each with theirown LCDs, manual release and mode switches,can be connected to the panel via a monitoredRS485 network. Economy status units are alsoavailable.

Other key features include three monitoredsounder circuits (two x 1st stage; one x 2nd stage),adjustable flood times, an alarm counter, a time-stamped log and volt-free changeover relaycontacts for fire, local fire, 1st stage active, 2ndstage active, extract fan and fault.

An optional relay expansion board is alsoavailable with reset, mode, discharged, hold andabort outputs. IFP

P. 10 C-Tec Profile 31/10/07 3:46 pm Page 10

20137 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - ItalyTel.: + 39 02 5410 0818 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764E-mail: [email protected] - Web: www.controllogic.it CONTROL LOGIC s.r.l.

20137 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - ItalyTel.: + 39 02 5410 0818 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764E-mail: [email protected] - Web: www.controllogic.it CONTROL LOGIC s.r.l.

CONTROL LOGICSparkdetector

designed fordust collectionsystemsto protectstorage silosfrom the riskof fi re.

Sparks fl yat high speed.

They travel at a hundred kilometresper hour along the ducts of the dustcollection system and reach the silo

in less than three seconds

The CONTROL LOGICSPARK DETECTOR

is faster thanthe sparks themselves.

It detects them with its highlysensitive infrared sensor,

intercepts and extinguishesthem in a fl ash.

It needs no periodic inspection.

The CONTROL LOGIC system is designed for “total supervision”.

It verifi es that sparks have been extinguished, gives prompt warning of

any malfunction and, if needed, cuts off the duct and stops the fan.

BETTER TO KNOW IT BEFOREEye is faster than nose.

In the event of live fi re the IR FLAME DETECTOR

responds immediately

CONTROL LOGICIR FLAME DETECTOR

the fastest and most effective fi re alarm devicefor industrial applications IR FLAME DETECTOR

RIV-601/FAEXPLOSIONPROOFENCLOSURE

For industrial applications indoorsor outdoors where is a risk of explosionand where the explosionproof protection is required.One detector can monitor a vast areaand responds immediately to the fi re, yet of small size.

IR FLAME DETECTORRIV-601/F

WATERTIGHTIP 65 ENCLOSURE

For industrial applications indoorsor outdoors where fi re can spread out rapidly due to the presence of

highly infl ammable materials,and where vast premises need an optical

detector with a great sensitivityand large fi eld of view.

Also forRS485 two-wire serial line

25SF-c275x185gb.indd 1 24-06-2005 12:50:37

Control Logic w/p 16/2/06 12:22 pm Page 1


NEWS

A new IEC standard for electric and dieseldriven fire pump controllers was Approvedby world vote on 12 January, 2007. Theproject was started by IEC S/C 17B, WG2during its meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia in1996.

The Introduction of the documentperhaps best describes its purpose which isas follows:

“IEC 62091 pertains to life-safetyequipment and is based in part on NFPA20 (1996) STANDARD FOR THEINSTALLATION OF CENTRIFUGAL FIREPUMPS. When called upon to work byautomatic signal, manual-electric signal ormanual-emergency actuation, thecontroller is expected to start the pumpdriver (motor or diesel engine) because“the building is on fire”. Failure to carryout its task will increase fire damage to thebuilding, its contents and people therein.

These controllers default to a RUN state.They are intended to be located incompliance with local requirements whichgenerally will place them in pump roomsor pump houses that have some specifieddegree of fire protection. These locationsoften have sweating overhead pipes, arepossibly sprinklered and are in the vicinityof vaults housing other buildingdistribution equipment.”

Presently, some requirements for firepump controllers are included in variousinstallation standards for fire protectionequipment that vary among countries,regions and jurisdictions. These variationsare based on different cultures, differentpractices, different cost/benefit conceptsand some are mutually exclusive.

Citizens expect that buildings accessibleto the general public are safe. Inrecognition of those expectations, fire

protection and suppression equipmentmust reliably and automatically respondand, in the case of equipment or powersupply anomalies, must be capable ofbeing placed back in service in a minimumtime. IEC 62091 mandates that fire pumpcontrollers deviate from other controllersbuilt to industrial motor control standardsby specifying locked rotor protectioninstead of overload protection andintroducing the concept of “sacrificialconductors and equipment” in favor ofgetting a distressed pump going.Restoration from short circuit and lockedrotor protection must be designed to a)afford minimum “down-time”, b) beunaffected by ambient conditions, c)permit non-electrically qualified people tore-establish power availability, d) notrequire the replacement of electrical partsand e) not require analysis, electrical testequipment and specialized training thatdetract from the principle of minimizingout-of-service time under distressedconditions.

Premises burn the same regardless oflocation on this planet and surely there isone best way to suppress fires. IEC 62091is written in performance language andthus offers maximum design freedom toattain that performance and reliability.Local, regional or national standardsshould now be re-assessed to haverequirements for fire pump controllersharmonized with IEC 62091.

The IEC has as its mission to be globallyrecognized as the leading provider ofstandards, conformity assessment schemesand related service that are needed tofacilitate international trade and enhanceuser value in the fields of electricity,electronics and associated technologies.

LETTERDear David,Reference is made to David Carter’sarticle in the August 2007 edition ofIFP Magazine entitled Fire PumpControllers.

In the interest of minimizing “down-time”, most standards other than EN12845 require the use of circuitbreakers rather than fuses in the firepump controller. Firemen dispatched tothe pump room to investigate adistressed fire pump controller during afire do not have the time, electricaldiagnostic instruments, tools nornecessarily spare fuses to readily getthe pump going. It is

suggested that the EU adopt IEC62091 rather than EN 12845 tominimize the loss of fire protectionunder fire conditions.

Thank you,R. Schneider, P.E.Lancaster, S.C

NEW IEC Standard onfire pump controllersBy Richard (Dick) Schneider, P.E.

SIEMENS BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES (SBT) offersa fire detection technology specifically designedto meet the demanding requirements ofindustrial and road tunnel applications. As alinear heat detection system, it is being widelyemployed in fire prevention within cable tray,conveyer belt, laboratory applications andbeyond.

Although markedly different in their nature,cable trays and road tunnels both demand quickdetection and localization of the fire source,minimizing the time until the fire alarm is

confirmed. This is the role of FibroLaser, a linearbased fire detection system that can cover theentire fire protection process, from detection totransmission of the information to the fireservice, all from one source.

FibroLaser was originally tested in the Swisstest tunnel Hagerbach, providing an idealenvironment for research, development,practical tests and optimization of the product.Since then, over 1500 kilometers of FibroLaserhave been installed in tunnels throughout theworld, as well as in halls, parking garages,conveyor belts and cable trays as its lineardetection capabilities were explored and utilizedin other markets.

FibroLaser offers security over an entireinstallation (detecting up to 4 km in length) andmeets all the latest linear fire detectionstandards. It is sensitive to both convection andradiation heat, ensuring it detects fires not onlyextremely quickly but also with precise locationand with the maximum security against errorand false alarms. Once a fire is detected, exactinformation regarding its size, location anddirection is transmitted over a standardinterface to the alarm and operating systems.

FibroLaser is also designed to operate underharsh conditions, able to withstand the rigors ofdamp, corrosive, fast arising heat or strong windsituations. It is also unaffected byelectromagnetic interference which can occur incable trays or train tunnels.

For more information:www.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies

Fibrolaser: linear heat detection forindustrial and tunnel applications

News P. 5, 6, 12, 16 31/10/07 3:45 pm Page 12


PROFILE

In the past most critiques of optical flame detectorsand those claiming to know about these deviceshave typically lumped all Infrared and Triple IR flame

detectors in one category: narrow band IR technologyusing the 4.3 micron emission spike generated by hotCO2 and one or two adjacent narrow “guard” bandsto reduce false alarms. There is, however; anothertype of infrared optical flame detection technology,namely Fire Sentry Corporation’s patented WideBandIR™ technology. Fire Sentry Corporation pioneeredthe use of quantum sensor WideBand IR™ technologyback in 1988 with the introduction of the Model SS2UV/IR flame detectors and thereafter in 1994 with thehighly successful Model SS4 UV/IR flame detector.

There are inherent advantages of WideBand IR™technology and disadvantages of Narrow Band 4.3micron technology explained as follows:1 Fire Sentry Corporation’s new FSX detectors utilize an

array of high-speed photoconductive quantum sen-sors that directly measure magnitude and dynamicsignal amplitude of the incident photon energygenerated by fires. Conventional narrow band Dual (IR2)and Triple IR (IR3) flame detectors, on the other hand,use pyroelectric or thermopile sensors with interfer-ence filters that respond only to emission of narrowband 4.3 micron hot CO2 or 2.8 micron hot H2O asindirect measurements of a fires’ radiant energy.

2 The new FSX fire and flame detectors using Wide-Band IR™ technology are designed to alarm to alltypes of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon (i.e.,hydrogen, silane, metal fires, etc.) based fires in asingle detector. Other conventional fire detectorsusing the narrow band IR technology must use twoseparate detectors for complete coverage of hydro-carbon and non-hydrocarbon fires which result inadded cost and system complexity.

3 The FSX detectors using WideBand IR™ technologyare NOT blinded by water, ice, snow, rain, fog, smoke,or moisture condensate on the detector’s lens. How-ever, a thin film of moisture on any of the sensor lensof conventional detectors relying on the narrow band4.3 micron technology will make the detector ineffec-tive in detecting fires. Additionally, ice, snow, fog, orsmoke in the detector’s optical detection path also canrender these detectors ineffective in detecting fires.

4 In the FSX detectors an integral heater is usedprimarily to protect the electronics from exposure toextreme cold temperature rather than keeping thedetector lens free of moisture. With the conventionalIR detector an integral high power heater is a must tokeep the detector lens clear of moisture at all timesand to ensure stable operation of the Narrow Bandinterference filters.

5 The FSX detectors with Multi-Spectrum WideBandIR™ technology exhibit wider field-of-view (110degrees) and significantly higher operating temper-ature (+85°C) than competitive IR detectors usingnarrow band thermal pyroelectric or thermopilesensors.One of the most unique and significant features of

the Multi-Spectrum WideBand IR™ based technologywith Fire Sentry’s FirePic™, SnapShot™, and PC Win-dows diagnostic software is the intrinsic flexibility thatpermits Fire Sentry engineering to adjust detectorsoftware parameters to optimize detection to almostany type of fire for unique applications. This capabilityis not available with conventional IR detectors relyingsolely on detecting the emission of hot CO2 generat-ed by hydrocarbon or hot H2O generated by non-hydrocarbon based fires.

Fire Sentry Corporation has a long tradition inutilizing superior and innovative technology with thecreation, design, development, testing, and manu-facturing of all its fire detection products. Thesedetectors are designed to provide the fastest responseto all types of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon fireswithout false alarms over the widest field-of-view inall environmental conditions and scenarios.

Fire Sentry Corporation has been the technologicalleader in electro-optical fire and flame detection sinceits beginning over a quarter of a century ago andcontinues to capitalize on the military/aerospace elec-tro-optical detection background of its engineers. Ourtens of thousands of installed fire detection productscontinue to perform as advertised in a myriad ofapplications worldwide. For additional information,please go to www.firesentry.com. IFP

The NewGeneration ofFire SentryFlame Detectors Fire Sentry Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of a new generationof Multi-Spectrum radiant energy IR fire and flame FSX detectors including the newFS24X QuadBand Triple IR and FS18X TriBand Dual IR detectors. The new detectorswere designed utilizing Fire Sentry’s patented WideBand IR™ technology.

For more informationcontact:Joe AchakCharles SimekDavid LloydTel: +1 714-671-1100Email: [email protected]

FS24X QuadBand Triple IRdetector

FS18X TriBand Dual IR detector

™

P. 13 Fire Sentry Profile 31/10/07 3:47 pm Page 13

Although electronic sounders are able to effectively address most problems in the event of a fire, the alarm can still create

confusion due to the absence of a common warn-ing signal and lack of communicated information.To add to this problem manufacturers are offeringelectronic sounders with a number of tones tosatisfy mass markets. Unlimited tone choicecoupled with the absence of a common warningtone means that there will rarely be a consistentwarning signal from one site to the next, leavingroom for ambiguity to set in.

Ambiguity leads to a delayed action and longerresponse time. Therefore the need for a clearunambiguous voice message to accompany awarning tone and combat confusion or com-placency during an active alarm led to thedevelopment of the voice sounder.

In general, warning tones alert the public ofsome form of danger and expect them to make adecision on how best to respond and take action.In unfamiliar surroundings this response tends tovary amongst individuals causing panic and dis-tress for everyone on site. Voice sounders canaddress this issue by giving out clear conciseinstructions on the exact course of action to betaken following an emergency signal.

Klaxon Signals has expanded its Sonos andNexus Range of fire alarms to include new voiceenhanced variants – where normal sounder signalsare combined with a clear, synchronised voicemessage to help reduce confusion and distressduring an active alarm.

Sonos VoiceThe Sonos Voice Sounder is an entry level devicedesigned to broadcast a single evacuation mes-sage in small to medium fire alarm installations.This message is preceded by a selectable fire alarmtone for clear, effective warning.

Sonos Multi Message Voice Sounders areavailable for larger installations where both, ‘Alert’and ‘Evacuate’ messages are required for stagedevacuation. Up to four messages can be transmit-ted over two wires via an interface unit whichmonitors the sounder circuit outputs from the firealarm panel. A test facility is available through akey switch mounted on the interface unit whichemits an ‘All Clear’ message when the key switchis returned to its original position.

Both the single message and multi messageSonos units benefit from all the features of theexisting range.

Nexus VoiceThe standard Nexus voice sounders are availablewith 4 pre-programmed messages, selected froman extensive message library covering almost anyconceivable application. Bespoke messages arealso available on request.

The Nexus Gas Extinguishing Voice Sounder hasbeen designed specifically to meet the require-ments of gas extinguishing systems by supplyingfour stages of alarm each with a separate anddistinct warning message and tone.

All Nexus Voice sounders have a USB interfacethat allows special messages in WAV format to bedownloaded onto the sounder from any PC, pro-viding users with the flexibility of adding/removingmessages in-house.

They have a high 110 dB output, are weather-proofed to IP66 and can be installed in almost anylocation. Either xenon or high efficiency LEDbeacons can be added to the Nexus sounder. Thecombination of a clear voice message, powerfulsounder and high output beacon ensures a veryeffective warning tool.

Voice sounders are effective at reducingresponse time to an alarm signal by providingessential information about the type of alarm andthe action required by those in the area. Having anunderstandable message in addition to a warningsignal prevents confusion and provides theimpetus for people to take action rather thanwaiting for confirmation. IFP


PROFILE

Bringing Meaningto Sound Fire Alarm technology has come a long way since the introduction of the electricFire Bell in 1860. With the introduction of electronic sounders in the late 70s,the popularity of the fire bell began to decline. The electronic sounders wereable to produce a range of sound outputs and consume much less power thantheir older, less flexible counterpart.

For further informationplease contact:Klaxon Signals Ltd Wrigley Street Oldham Lancashire OL4 1HW Tel: +44 (0) 161 287 5555 Fax: +44 (0) 161 287 5511 Website:www.klaxonsignals.com

Nexus voice sounder with LED beacon

Sonos twist and clickvoice sounder

P. 14 Klaxon Profile 31/10/07 3:48 pm Page 14

Whether you are comparing the fire &smoke, thermal or longevity performance,the premium performance Kingspan

K–range is best in its class.

Fire & SmokeThe CFC/HCFC–free phenolic core of the Kingspan K–rangeachieves a Class O rating to the Building Regulations / Low Risk toTechnical Standards and achieves thebest possible rating of less than 5%smoke emission when tested to BS 5111: Part 1: 1974.

These properties are critical when lookingat the design of buildings. If the worsthappens and there is a fire, the buildingshould be able to provide someresistance to structural damage and alsoshould not compromise the ability of anyinhabitants to escape from the building.

ThermalWhen considering thermal conductivity(λ–value) the KingspanK–range is in a class of its own with aleague topping 0.021 – 0.024 W/m.K.This means that less thickness ofinsulation is needed to achieve therequired Building Regulations/Standards.Thinner insulation allows the specifier toreduce the impact of the structure on theusable area of the building.

LongevityThe closed cell structure of the Kingspan

K–range means that itssuperior thermal conductivity isunaffected by moisture (H2O) and airmovement. This consistency ofperformance results in the designstandard of the element being achievedfor the lifetime of the building. Thischaracteristic is essential if we are tobenefit from the current drive towardsreducing the CO2 emissions from our buildings.

BellissimO

www.insulation.kingspan.com

Further information on the Kingspan K–range of rigidphenolic insulation products for roofs, walls and floors is available fromKingspan Insulation on:

Telephone: +44 (0) 870 733 8333 (UK)email: [email protected]

Telephone: +353 (0) 42 97 54299 (Ireland)email: [email protected]

® Kingspan, Kooltherm and the Lion Device are Registered Trademarks of the Kingspan Group plc

Kingspan Insulation LtdPembridge, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 9LA, UK

Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Ireland

28/2441 Bellissi A4_IFP 26/10/07 9:27 AM Page 1


NEWS

Skum™protection forhigh riskenvironments Providing the right combination offirefighting agent and delivery system hasled to the TYCO SKUM™ brand beingrecognised globally as the industry’s leadingprovider of dependable and efficient

firefighting solutions for high value, highrisk petrochemical, aviation, marine andpower plant applications. SKUM designsand manufactures sophisticated foam-based extinguishing systems andequipment to safeguard installations wherea fire has the potential to have catastrophiceconomic, environmental or life-threateningconsequences. In addition to developinginnovative solutions, such as the SKUMHOTFOAM™ high-expansion foam systemthat is designed for use in enclosed spaces,the brand is also at the leading edge whenit comes to foam delivery systems andengineering.

The SKUM brand’s sophisticated fixed ormobile delivery systems do away with theneed for the massive and urgentdeployment of equipment and firefightingpersonnel. They also ensure that a fire isresponded to in the shortest possible time,so reducing the potential for the fire todevelop into a major incident. SKUM wasfirst to develop a semi-subsurface systemfor storage tank protection and this, andother SKUM systems, are today in usethroughout the world providing around-the-clock protection for oil, LNG and otherflammable liquid storage tanks and bunds.

The SKUM offering also includes an arrayof fixed foam generators and fixed

monitors that can cost-effectively protectstorage tanks and associated spill or groundfires. The current line-up also encompassesportable monitors and trailers that can bequickly and easily deployed. These are usedextensively by municipal and industrial firebrigades and professional firefighters.

SKUM monitors are noted for suchcharacteristics as long throw capability andfast knock down. Many, such as the latestFJM-EL ranges of electric remote control ofmonitors, incorporate features not readilyfound on other systems on the market, anduse materials that are more resistant to the

corrosion found in marine or harshindustrial environments. Several of theSKUM water or foam monitors are less thanhalf the weight of some competitors’comparable models.

Further details on SKUM – Skum is theSwedish word for foam, which ispronounced “skoom” – solutions andexpertise can be found at www.skum.com,or are obtainable by email [email protected], bytelephone on +46 303 57700, or by fax on+46 303 58200.

DRAKA has announced a number of landmarkcontract wins for the latest additions to itsFiretuf range of OHLS [Zero Halogen, LowSmoke] fire performance cables. Majorsuccesses have been notched up for FiretufEasystrip, Firetuf Connecta, Firetufplus andFiretuf EMC. These have included Europe’scurrent largest construction project, HeathrowAirport’s new TerminalFive; the new £360 millionDiamond Light Sourcehigh-technology scientificresearch facility inOxfordshire; the newDublin Port Tunnel inIreland; the Bakerloo,Central and Victoria linesfor London Underground;and the O2 arena in Greenwich. One of thelatest additions to the Firetuf range is FiretufEasystrip, so called because tests have shownthat it is the easiest cable of its type on themarket to dress and offers the quickest sheathremoval, ensuring that it has the fastesttermination time. Firetuf Connecta can besupplied in customer-specified lengths,incorporating factory-fitted moulded socketsthat eliminate the need for on-site jointforming.

Firetuf Easystrip offers superior resistance tokinking, making it almost impossible to damageduring installation. This is because FiretufEasystrip has what is called a “filled” sheaththat supports the insulated twisted cores duringinstallation flexing, and provides significantadditional protection during a fire. Draka claimsthat Firetuf Easystrip is the lightest and smallestdiameter cable of its type on the market,capable of the smallest bending radius withoutdeforming the cable. Its use has recently beenapproved by Tube Lines, which maintains 100London Underground stations.

Firetuf Connecta is a fast-track solution thathas a significant and positive impact oninstallation time. Quick-fit secondary outlets canbe taken from the Connecta sockets toindividual pre-installed fittings, and the cablemaintains the integrity of the circuit even if alocal device fails in the event of a fire. Thisensures that escape routes either side of a failed

luminaire, for example, remain illuminatedrather than plunging those in the vicinity intopanic-inducing darkness.

Firetufplus enhanced cable offers superiorpliability, robustness and flame retardancy, andprovides 60 minutes fire and mechanicalprotection, followed by 60 minutes of fire,mechanical impact and water protection. This

exceeds the requirements of BS 5839 Clause26.2e.

Firetuf EMC is a Standard grade cable thatshares many of these premium-buildspecification features, and is particularlyappropriate for airport environments wherehigher than normal levels of electro-magneticradiation are present, rendering fire detectionand alarm systems vulnerable to false alarms.

The latest addition to the Firetuf cableoffering is Firetuf Powerplus, a new armouredpower cable that provides enhanced circuitintegrity performance to meet the demandingrequirements of BS 7346-6:2005. FiretufPowerplus utilises high-performance materialsto achieve the maximum 120 minute ratingwhen subjected to integrated testing involvingflame irradiation exposure, direct impact andhigh-pressure water spray.

Derby-based Draka UK is the country’sleading designer and manufacturer of fireperformance cables, zero halogen power cablesand building wires. The company is part ofNetherlands-based Draka Holdings NV, whichhas over 9,000 employees worldwide.

Full details on Firetuf and other Drakaproducts are available by telephone on +44 (0) 1332 345431, by fax on +44 (0) 1332 331237, and via email [email protected]. The company’s websitecan be found at www.drakauk.com

Draka’s Firetuf cable offeringexpands to meet industry’s needs

News P. 5, 6, 12, 16 31/10/07 3:45 pm Page 16


PROFILE

DuPont clean agent fire extinguishants that areavailable include:

FE-227™ – a fire extinguishing replacement forHalon 1301 in total flooding applications. Known asheptafluoropropane or HFC-227 ea, DuPont™ FE-227™ is the most widely used clean agentreplacement for Halon 1301 globally.

FE-25™ – Offers the easiest, most cost-effectiveoption to retrofit an existing system. DuPont™ FE-25™is an excellent choice for total flood suppressionsystems where water, dry chemicals or carbon dioxidecan cause collateral damage to irreplaceable assets.

FE-36™ – Is suitable for portable fire extinguishersand is an excellent option to protect high-value prop-erty that can be found in applications such ascomputer rooms, telecommunications facilities, processcontrol rooms, museums, archives, marinas, hospi-tals, banks, laboratories, airplanes and motorsports.

FE-13™ – Is a clean agent replacement for Halon1301 that can be used in areas that are normallyoccupied by people. DuPont™ FE-13™ is the pre-ferred alternative where its low toxicity provides forimproved safety margins, the protected spaces arelarge, or where the temperatures are likely to gobelow 0°C (32°F).

Environmental impact of HFCsThere are a number of misconceptions surroundingthe environmental impact of hydrofluorocarbons(HFCs) in clean agent fire suppression materials. Noneof the current key global regulatory initiatives placerestrictions on the use of HFCs in fire protection dueto the low emission levels of these applications.

In fact, the leading HFC clean agent fire suppres-sion materials found in DuPont™ FE clean agent fireextinguishants, provide an environmentally sustain-able fire protection solution that is fast, effective andnon-ozone depleting.

Contributions to green building creditsThe U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofitcoalition of building industry leaders, developed theLEED® system to establish a common standard ofmeasurement for environmentally sustainable buildingpractices. DuPont Fire Extinguishants help contribute

to LEED® credits in the Energy & Atmosphere category.The Ozone Protection section requires that projects“do not operate fire suppression systems that containchlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons(HCFCs) or halons” in order to merit certification.Specifying DuPont™ FE clean agent fire extinguis-hants, which have zero ozone depletion potential andare preferred alternatives to halon, fulfills this require-ment. And, many countries in the internationalcommunity have adopted green building standardssimilar to those developed by the USGBC.

ConclusionHFCs are well-established as reliable and highlyeffective clean agent fire extinguishants. They havezero ozone-depleting potential, and voluntary codesof practice within the industry have significantlyreduced emissions levels by clearly stating responsiblemethods of installing, retrofitting, maintaining andservicing fire suppression systems.

Due to the low emissions levels across the industry,none of the key environmental regulatory initiativesrestrict the use of HFCs in fire suppression applica-tions. In fact, specifying DuPont™ FE products in newand existing buildings can contribute to green buildingcredits for sustainable building design, and are a moreversatile and cost-effective solution than fluoroketone-based products and inert gas systems.

Reference1. From Section 11, Closing Comments of the BFPSAreview of the F-Gas regulations titled “Guidance Note –EC Regulation No. 842/2006 on Certain FluorinatedGreenhouse Gases – BFPSA Guidance for the Fire Protec-tion Industry.”

IFP

DuPont™ FEClean Agent FireExtinguishantsSafe, environmentally sustainablefire suppression solutionsThe DuPont Company manufactures and markets HFC clean agent fireextinguishants that are designed to knock out a building fire before the fire getsout of control, and before the sprinkler system is activated. Once the sprinklersystem is activated, the damage that is done can be devastating to both peopleand business assets, and to the long-term sustainability of the business in general.

For more informationcontact:DuPont FireExtinguishantsChestnut Run Plaza, Building 702Wilmington, DE 19880, USATel: +1 800-473-7790Website:www.cleanagents.dupont.com

P. 17 DuPont Profile 31/10/07 3:53 pm Page 17

Thanks to the project management skills ofETA M&E Abu Dhabi and the use of highlyexperienced companies such as Victaulic, the

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre was com-pleted on time for its first event, opened by thePresident of the United Arab Emirates His HighnessSheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

With such tight deadlines on the build, the28,000m2 exhibition space, owned by Abu DhabiNational Exhibitions Company, needed to use thefastest installation techniques available. Mr JacobJohn, projects director for ETA M&E Abu Dhabi,oversaw the mechanical and electrical installationson site and explained that due to the high-profilenature of the Exhibition Centre, “any delay onmeeting the grand opening deadline was unac-ceptable.” This meant that work was carried outon-site around the clock and during the peaktimes of construction there were 2,600 M&Eworkmen on the project. “One of the biggestpressures we faced was ensuring manufacturerscould meet our incredibly short lead times on deliv-eries and also be versatile enough to cope with theever changing construction plans,” said John.

One of the manufacturers involved in the con-struction of the National Exhibition Centre wasVictaulic, world leaders in pipe joining systemmanufacture. According to Rami Mahmoud,regional manager of the Middle East for Victaulic,“the foundations on the site were laid in Februaryand due to the fast track nature of the job, wewere called in to provide grooved-end couplingsand fittings for the plant room, chilled waterdistribution and fire protection and portable water piping to begin fitting in May 2007.

“The forecasting and planning procedures thatwe have in place at Victaulic enabled us to provideour standard fittings and couplings and our AGS

large diameter system only eight weeks after theorder was placed. In addition, because Victauliccouplings do not require welding they could beinstalled quickly and without the limitations placedon a jobsite when welding is in progress”.

The complexity of the building and its sheer sizemeant that large diameter piping was usedthroughout the chilled water system. The latestrange of large diameter grooved end fittings andcouplings from Victaulic, the AGS system, offersunprecedented performance and reliability and isideal for installations such as the Abu DhabiNational Exhibition Centre due to its performance,speed and ease of installation.

For more information on the Victaulic productrange or stockists in the Middle East please con-tact Rami Mahmoud, Victaulic regional managerMiddle East on 00 971 4 883 8870 or visitwww.victaulic.com IFP


PROFILE

Victaulic helpsexhibitexcellenceOn any construction site speed is of the essence, but when the project brief waspresented for one of the largest exhibition centres in the UAE with a timeline ofeight months from start to finish, even the most seasoned project managerwould see it as a challenge.

AGS couplingsThe Advanced Groove System (AGS) from Victaulic isa range of large diameter rigid and flexiblecouplings, fittings, valves and accessories offeringunprecedented performance and reliability thanks toan innovative new design. In fact, it is now thecompany’s strongest mechanical coupling assemblysystem in its size range.

Ideal for HVAC and industrial piping applications,the new Victaulic Advanced Groove System is avail-able from 350mm – 600mm and has been designedwith performance, speed and ease of installation inmind. With a two-piece housing, requiring only twofixing bolts (rather than up to the 20 bolt flangedequivalent) and a new wedge-shaped groove thatdelivers pressure ratings up to 350 psi (24 bar),Victaulic AGS couplings and fittings offer unprece-dented assembly speed and reliability. In addition,the coupling also provides visual confirmation ofcorrect assembly via a bolt-pad-to-bolt-pad design,ensuring ultimate product inspectability.

The forecasting and planning

procedures that we have in place

at Victaulic enabled us to provide

our standard fittings and

couplings and our AGS large

diameter system only eight weeks

after the order was placed.

For more informationcontact:VictaulicArlington Business Park Whittle Way, StevenageHertfordshire SG1 2BD UKTel: +44 (0)1438 741100Website: www.victaulic.com

P. 18 Victaulic Profile 31/10/07 6:21 PM Page 18

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FIRE DETECTION

When John Donne included the lines:“send not to know for whom the belltolls, it tolls for thee” in his 1623

sermon, he might easily have been writing abouttoday’s fire industry. What was once the exclusivepreserve of fire brigades, equipment manufac-turers and installers now affects us all. Changes inthe regulatory framework covering both fire safetyand health and safety generally, coupled with therise in prominence of fire engineered buildingsmeans that fire safety today is also the very realconcern of property developers and architects;building owners and occupiers; company directorsand facilities managers.

While globally fire safety legislation differs fromregion to region, if not country to country, themovement towards designing and constructingbuildings that are frequently labelled “futuristic”has been made possible only by moving awayfrom building control and fire safety regulationbased on “thou shalt” prescriptive measures, to alegislative environment that focuses on what is

needed to be achieved. “Modernism” buildingssuch as the architectural award winning Swiss Re“gherkin” building in London and many of thelandmark structures now being constructed in theEmirates – examples of a truly new style ofarchitecture – epitomise the design freedom thatthis change brought about.

In England and Wales, it was the enactment ofthe Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order in 2006that, more than any other legislative move,changed the face of fire safety. Up to then, welaboured under a staggering 120 distinct pieces oflegislation that in one way or another related tofire safety. The most significant of these were theFire Precautions Act 1971 and the Fire Precautions(Workplace) Regulations 1997.

New responsibilitiesUntil the Fire Safety Order became law, it was theresponsibility of the enforcing authority to assessthe level of fire safety required for each building.Acquiring the all-important Fire Certificate was, in

By Graham Lowe

UK Sales Manager,Hochiki Europe

For whom thebell tollsFire safety is going through a period of unprecedented change. New legislation,the evident switch from prescribed measures to engineered solutions, and theincreasing availability of more sophisticated fire detection and alarm equipmentare changing the fire safety landscape out of all recognition. Here, GrahamLowe, UK Sales Manager at Hochiki Europe, one of the world’s leading designersand manufacturers of detectors and sounders, sheds some light on where theindustry is going.

Pic courtesy of HochikiEurope

P. 21-26 Fire Detection 31/10/07 3:56 pm Page 21

many instances, the building occupier’s only realconcern. The Fire Safety Order effectively turnedthis position on its head, making the owner, occu-pier and employer responsible for fire safety, withthe creation of the role of a “responsible person”who should be “competent”. It also placed areliance on risk assessments, and the need to take“reasonable” steps to ensure fire safety.

The perhaps predictable outcome has been thatthere is a very noticeable increase in the interest inproduct quality. If predictive legislation had onesaving grace it was that, in the event of a fire,those concerned could rely for their defence onthe fact that they had taken the measures as setout in the legislation. That you may now well beasked to answer for your fire safety measures,when poorly defined terms such as “reasonable”are embodied in the Order, means that there isonly one “safe” course of action, and that is toadopt the best available solutions.

This brings us to the question of productapprovals. The only reliable, not to mention“reasonable”, way to ensure the quality of any fire safety product is to demand independent,third-party-approved test certification of thedevices being delivered. This is the only depend-able way to be certain that the compliance claimsbeing made by the manufacturer are factual andaccurate.

Another aspect of the Fire Safety Order and, ona more global level, fire engineered solutionsgenerally, that is having a major impact on productselection is the cornerstone requirement for a firerisk assessment to be undertaken.

To be constantly effective, these must be

considered as dynamic, on-going activ-ities, rather than as a one-off event.This is because, in modern commerciallife, organisations change and adaptto new trading circumstances. Oftenthis means making quick changes tothe building’s use, or moving orexpanding departments; what wasonce an office with a wholly appropri-ate sensor or detector becomes a testlaboratory. So thought has to be givento the possible need to change thedetection devices. Every time there is astructural alteration to the building, amaterial change of use to any part ofthe building, or a modification to theevacuation procedures, the fire riskassessment must be updated andappropriate changes made to avoidfalse alarms, protect the buildingstructure and ensure the occupants’continued safety.

The wider perspectiveIn the UK, BS 5839:2002 (Fire detectionand fire alarm systems for buildings.Code of practice for system design,installation, commissioning and main-tenance) relates to all parts of the lifesafety system; everything from smokeand heat sensors, call points andsounders to input and output modulesand control panels. Under this Code ofPractice, products have to conform toa set of European standards. Theseinclude various parts of BS EN 54 (Fire

detection and fire alarm systems). In the UK, BS 7974:2001 (The application of fire safetyengineering principles to the design of buildings) is the appropriate methodology for fire engineerswhen developing fire engineered solutions.

However, the installation designer and productspecifier also has other legislation with which tocontend. This includes legislation to safeguard thedisabled, which in the UK is embodied in theDisability Discrimination Act. Designed to ensureequality of access, the Act defines a disabledperson as someone with “a physical or mentalimpairment which has a substantial and long-termadverse effect on his ability to carry out normalday-to-day activities”.

To comply with these requirements a visualwarning may be needed, instead of or in additionto an auditory warning, for the deaf or hearing-impaired.

This increased demand for visual devices has ledto the development of more energy efficientbeacons than earlier flashlight-based devices. Forexample, Hochiki’s solution for both analogue andconventional sounders is to utilise high-intensity



FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLSFIRE DETECTION

This increased demand for

visual devices has led to the

development of more energy

efficient beacons than earlier

flashlight-based devices.


Hochiki Europe (UK) LtdGrosvenor Road, Gillingham Business ParkGillingham, Kent ME8 0SA UKTel: +44 (0)1634 260133 Email: [email protected]

www.hochikieurope.com

So, there are no fewer than 5,000 high-spec sensors, sounders and beacons standing guardover every nook and cranny of this huge station.

Reasons enough?

If you want to know more, talk to Hochiki today.

There are more than a few reasons for taking the Eurostar from St. Pancras.

St Pancras International is bristling withstate-of-the-art fire safety technology.

Why? Because passenger and staffsafety really matter.

And when it is a matter of fitting the best, the best fit Hochiki. Nothing else is quite good enough.

LED technology that draws only a few milliamps ofpower. Visual and auditory alarms have also beenincorporated into a single device where thesounder and beacon elements can be operatedindependent of each other.

Fire detection and alarm products throughoutEurope also have to comply with the ConstructionProducts Directive, which is applicable to anyequipment or materials used in a building or, asthe Directive defines it: “produced for incorpor-ation in a permanent manner in works”. This CEmark is a common method of performanceevaluation across the EU.

Enhanced technologyAt first glance, the general format for thedetection and signalling of fires does not appearto have changed significantly in recent years.However, major strides have been made toimprove the performance and reliability of the keycomponents. Significant improvements have beenmade to the way in which individual productswork together, and their ability to differentiatebetween a real fire and environmental pollution or

other circumstances that previously may haveinitiated a false alarm.

These are particularly important advances inview of the need to ensure compliance with thenew fire safety legislation and to have confidencein the fire engineered solutions where greaterdependency may be placed on the performance ofthe fire detection and alarm installation. Hochiki’sESP – Enhanced System Protocol – analogueaddressable open protocol has three features thatcontribute significantly towards a high immunityto false alarms. ESP provides what is called fulldigital transmission for exceptionally securesignalling; it incorporates Hochiki’s Checksum errorchecking to safeguard the integrity of the dataand ensure reliably correct communication. It alsohas high immunity from electrical noise, so thereare no false alarms due to corruption.

One particularly noteworthy innovation isHochiki’s Flat Response high performance chambertechnology, which is incorporated into all Hochikioptical sensors and detectors, including its intrinsi-cally safe and marine-approved devices. Thisoptimises the sensitivity to both smouldering and





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flaming fires. By re-engineering and refining theinternal optics, it has enhanced the sensor’s ordetector’s reaction to a wider range of inputs thanis possible with less sophisticated devices. Tofurther boost immunity from false alarms, Hochikialso has a suite of false alarm management toolscalled ARM – which stands for Alarm ReductionManagement – within the ESP system, whichincludes Drift Compensation that, when activatedby the control panel, automatically recalibratessensors every 24 hours.

At the same time, major strides have beenmade to enable the widespread use of moresophisticated technology that empowers a muchwider cross-section of the commercial andindustrial community to utilise the best availabletechnology ensuring compliance with such legisla-tion as the Fire Safety Order.

These innovations include, for example,Hochiki’s new modular voice alarm system calledFIREvac, which brings voice alarm technology to awhole raft of new potential customers. It delivers

all of the benefits of voice evacuation at a veryaffordable cost, can be easily integrated with anexisting fire detection and alarm installation, and isdesigned to simplify achieving an installation that is fully compliant with BS 5893-8:1998 (Code of practice for the design, installation andservicing of voice alarm systems). Another devel-opment that provides new options at the specialistend of the market is Hochiki’s new FIRElink high-sensitivity smoke detection system thatincorporates advanced semiconductor laser andelectronics technology into a package that alsoshows substantial savings in whole-life cost.

It tolls for theeSo, the comfort zone that may once have existedwhere regulations told us what to do and wherefire safety was seen ultimately as someone else’sresponsibility are gone. Globally, fire safety shouldnow be on everybody’s agenda.

The design freedom that is now eagerlyembraced by architects, the groundbreakingprogress made in structural engineering, and thecreative advances in fire engineering are sure toresult in a greater number of buildings thatdemand even more from the fire detection andalarm community. At the same time, buildingowners and occupiers are awakening to the factthat they now, in the UK at least, have legalresponsibility for fire safety, which they may oneday be called upon to defend in a court of law.

The implications are clear. When it comes to firesafety, do not bother asking for whom theindustry’s alarm bell is ringing. It is ringing for you,for me, for everyone. IFP




By re-engineering and refining

the internal optics, it has

enhanced the sensor’s or

detector’s reaction to a wider

range of inputs than is possible

with less sophisticated devices.



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P. 27 ads 31/10/07 3:57 pm Page 27

A wide range of Copper and Fibre Optic Fire Resistant CablesFIRECEL SR 114HFIRECEL SR 114E“Standard” and “Enhanced” Fire Resistance according to BS 5839-1:2002

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CVC_606_2_pubb_comp.indd 1 25-10-2007 17:23:00


FIRE CABLES

Architects are designing bigger and more complex buildings, so incorporating fire safety into the design of a building through

the use of fire performance products is becomingever more important.

The safety of electrical systems should not beleft to chance, which could happen if specifiersand contractors choose price ahead of featuressuch as reliability, durability and third partycertification when specifying and installing fireperformance cables. These should be top of theagenda if contractors want peace of mind.

You get what you pay forIndependent fire investigations show that manymajor fires could have been prevented if fire

safety, both active and passive fire protection, hadbeen included as an inherent design feature.

The British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC)has also witnessed a greater number of sub-standard cables in the last year, which it believes, isa direct result of rising copper prices. It blames thenature of the electrical industry where price oftenbecomes the principle reason for choosing a cable.

Fire performance cables provide power distribu-tion to essential life safety systems such asemergency lighting and fire alarm systems, so it isparamount that these products are manufacturedto the highest specification.

Some manufacturers or importers may betempted to cut corners by reducing the amount ofcopper used in the manufacturing process and or

Ufuk Colak

Marketing ProductManager,Prysmian Cables andSystems

Prysmian FP600undergoing testing torequirements of BS7346-6 using fire withdirect impact and water jet

Don’t let fireperformancebecome aburning issueWith concerns that faulty and non-compliant cables are infiltrating the electricalindustry, Ufuk Colak, Marketing Product Manager at Prysmian Cables andSystems explains why no one should cut corners when manufacturing,specifying and installing fire performance cables.

P. 29-32 Fire Cabling 31/10/07 4:16 pm Page 29

using insulation materials without the correctdegree of flame retardance, which means thatpotentially some wholesalers, distributors andcontractors are exposing themselves to unneces-sary risk.

If specifiers and contractors use inferior cables itcould only be a matter of time before the safety ofan electrical installation on a site is compromisedbecause of poor quality products, which do notconform to the correct British Standards. In thosecircumstances the wholesalers, distributors andelectrical contractors could be held to account.The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order stressesthe need to use only superior proven products andplaces more responsibility on specifiers, whole-salers, contractors right through to the buildingowner.

Fighting fire through productdevelopmentResponsible manufacturers would warn againstinstalling fire performance cable that is notcompliant with British Standards or Approved by a

third party such as BASEC or LPCB (Loss PreventionCertification Board). The new generation of fireperformance cables are designed to meet muchmore arduous fire survival requirements nowdemanded by regulators and specifiers, forapplications such as life safety systems, propertyprotection and fire fighting systems in buildingsthat must remain functional in the event of a fire.

It’s during the development of these highperformance products that fire testing facilitiestake centre stage, such as Prysmian’s fire testingfacility in Bishopstoke which carries out in excessof 1500 tests per year, and helps set the leading FPcables apart from the rest.

In house fire testing laboratories allow manu-facturers to run quality assessments on existingcables, new cables and materials, type approval for products or contracts, customer servicedemonstrations, and development of new firespecifications for the industry. This ensures thatcables comply with stringent British and EuropeanStandards, which set the benchmark to providespecifiers and installers with the correctknowledge and understanding about a cable’s firesurvival time, flame propagation and smokeemissions. They also set out the environment andequipment that should be used when conductingfire tests, coupled with details to make sure alltests relevant to a particular standard are carriedout under the same conditions.

Testing capabilitiesThe fundamental feature of having a leading firetesting facility is that it allows cables to beobserved throughout the development process.The cables can be observed during the whole testprocess and this allows researchers and testers torecord any changes during different stages oftesting. Engineers can then make calculatedjudgements on how well cables have performedand how they can be improved.

There are three main tests conducted on fireperformance cables – fire resistance, flamepropagation and smoke emission tests. The fireresistance test measures the time that the cablecontinues to function under set conditions, retain-ing its electrical circuit integrity. The cable ismounted using fire-resistant clips and a burner isplaced under the cable. A defined mixture of airand propane is fed into the burner to produce atest flame and the cable set alight with tempera-tures reaching up to 950°C. Fire resistance can betested with the cable being exposed to differentconditions: fire alone, fire and impact, fire andwater, or an integrated fire, water and impact.

Impacts may simulate falling materials in a build-ing with water spray or blasts used to replicatesprinklers or fire fighting hoses in a fire situation.

Flame propagation tests examine how far acable burns in a vertical position when exposed toa large test flame before it stops burning. Cable isfixed so that it runs vertically inside a fire testingchamber to simulate installation within a building.

Smoke emission tests involve burning cable in asmoke cube, which contains a light source at oneend and a light sensor at the other. The cable is setalight and emits smoke into the chamber. The per-centage drop in the amount of light travellingfrom the source to the sensor is calculated andmust not drop below a certain percentagedepending on the test being applied.


Prysmian’s FP600 fireresistant cable installedat the Royal Festival Hall

Prysmian FP200 Goldundergoing testing torequirements of BS 6387Category C to testresistance to fire alone

DON’T LET FIRE PERFORMANCE BECOME A BURNING ISSUEFIRE CABLES


STI (IFP32) w/p 29/10/07 10:23 AM Page 1

An evolving marketIncreasingly as well as meeting the required stan-dards, specifiers and engineers are looking at thebespoke situation for each building and want totest products to see how they would perform inthat particular scenario. The sophistication of themarket place is evolving and this is often how thedevelopment of new standards comes to fruition.

One example is Southbank Centre’s iconic RoyalFestival Hall in London, which has re-opened tothe public following a £91 million two-year refur-bishment project, involving the renovation andrenewal of essential life safety systems.

The ambitious refurbishment project of thisGrade I listed building began in 2005 to improvethe auditorium acoustics, technical requirements,audience comfort, access, visitor facilities andgeneral condition of the entire building, all ofwhich was in need of modernisation. As with anylarge public venue on this scale, life safety systemsare of paramount importance, which was why fireperformance cables were specified to poweressential life safety and fire alarm systems. Withsuch a key role to play in the event of a fire it’simperative that these are manufactured and testedto the highest specification.

Leading engineering consultancy, Max FordhamLLP, was appointed to design and overhaul the fullmechanical and electrical services, except thetheatre. During the planning stages in early 2004,the decision was taken to opt for a robustarmoured cable for the uninterrupted power supplyand emergency lighting sub-mains cabling.However, at that time Prysmian’s FP600 was a newcable and the first of its kind on the market, whichmeant it was not listed in the Technical Standardsof Places of Entertainment regulations (oftenreferred to as the Yellow Book), which stipulatesthe technical requirements imposed by local licens-ing authorities to ensure the safety of the public,staff and performers in all places of entertainment.

Max Fordham LLP had to design the specifica-tion in accordance with the Yellow Book so thatthe venue could obtain the entertainment licence,but because FP600 was brand new to the marketit wasn’t listed in the guidance notes.

Project engineer Mark Nutley and his team hadbeen in discussions with Prysmian, going back six

years and when they submitted their tender pack-age it included a caveat that the appropriate cablefire resistance tests had to be carried out in orderto proceed with FP600.

The proposed design was then put forward tomain contractor ISG Interior Exterior, Lambeth’sDistrict Surveyor and Building Control and involveda visit to Prysmian’s fire testing facility, to seecables put to the test.

It was important to ensure that the cables com-plied with the latest and most stringent British andEuropean Standards, which set the benchmark toprovide specifiers and installers with the correctknowledge and understanding about a cable’s firesurvival time, flame propagation and smoke emis-sion. They set out the environment and equipmentthat should be used when conducting fire tests,coupled with details to make sure all tests relevantto a particular standard are carried out under thesame conditions.

This allowed Prysmian to demonstrate toLambeth the enhanced performance of the cable,giving Max Fordham LLP the green light to includeit in the specification.

Lambeth and ISG were shown FP600 beingtested to the requirements of BS7346-6:2005,which involves an integrated fire test with thecable exposed to flames, direct impact (simulatingfalling debris) and water jets used to replicate firefighting hoses in a fire situation and achieved themaximum 120-minute rating.

QualityThe quality of fire performance products shouldalways be paramount, not only to help save lives,but to enable specifiers and contractors to complywith the increased legislative burden placed uponthem. Ensuring a cable carries the correct thirdparty approvals is a small price to pay for reassur-ance. Combined with the meticulous examinationof manufacturing processes and controls by cableproducers, third party approvals help to guaranteecontinually high quality levels. Some manufac-turers such as Prysmian subject their cables tomore rigorous tests so that products are designedto go beyond the criteria set in British andEuropean standards and provide customers withthe best quality available. IFP


Royal Festival HallAuditorium – imagetaken at the acoustictuning concert on 28April 2007, featuring theLondon PhilharmonicOrchestra

DON’T LET FIRE PERFORMANCE BECOME A BURNING ISSUEFIRE CABLES

Ufuk Colak is MarketingProduct Manager at PrysmianCables and Systems Limitedin the UK. He joined Prysmianin 1994 as an electricalengineering graduateworking for the commercialside of the business and thenmoved into various marketingroles in Turkey. Ufuk joinedPrysmian UK in summer2007.


Fire-rated glazing systems needed big and visually intrusive framing systems. Architects didn’t like them but, with in creasingly-stringent fi re regulations, the big, bad framing system was a fact of life. Then, a world’s leading specialists in fi re glass technology developed a virtually frameless fi re-glass system.

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(in)visible fire protection.Vetrotech Saint-Gobain, part of one of the leading industrial groups, devoted its research and manufacturing expertise to create the ultimate in aesthetic fi re-glazing and is now able to offer what was previously impossible. . . a comple-mentary range of partitions. The unique ‘frameless’ glazing technology gives architects new dimensions in safety and aesthetics!

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SEAL MAINTENANCE

Neglect, as defined here, occurs after the con-struction phase has taken place and thebuilding has been occupied. It is when, even

after great effort and expense, the building hasbeen properly firestopped that the firestoppingbecomes compromised by lack of maintenance. Byfailing to repair damaged seals or by failing toproperly firestop new penetrations created duringthe life of the building, neglect has occurred.

It has been a short twenty years (1988) sincefirestopping was first mandated by a NationalModel Building Code (UBC). Some may say thatthere has been a struggle during the last 20 yearsfor firestopping to become a vital and recognizedpart of a balanced approach to total fire protection:Detection, Compartmentation and Suppression.Great growth has been seen in the developmentof numerous products and technologies that havegreatly advanced and enhanced the firestop indus-try. As an example, with the development of variousintumescent technologies, we have seen rapidgrowth in the approval and the use of non-metallicpiping and other combustible insulations withinBuilding Codes. Some will say that the influence of

the development of these intumescent technolo-gies and products have made certain elements andcomponents of the building less expensive andeasier to construct. Additionally, we have seen asteady rise in the level of awareness of properfirestopping in the architectural and engineeringcommunities and in the enforcement of firestop-ping, as found within the Codes by the BuildingOfficials across the country.

Yet, with all of this having been fought for andput into place; we have failed to properly addressthe need to have requirements for the mainte-nance of the firestopping.

Starting Conditions (if the Codes havebeen enforced)We start with the Concept of the building whichresults from the collaboration of the Architectsand Engineers in the creation of the Specificationsand Architectural Drawings. These are then sub-mitted to the local Building Officials for the PlanChecking Review process before a building permitis issued. Construction begins and periodically dur-ing the time of construction, various inspections

By Randy G. Clark

MaintainingProper FireProtection, Afterthe Building isCompleteFirestopping, the art of maintaining or re-establishing fire-rated barriers, hasseveral enemies; one of them is neglect.

Pic courtesy ofRectorseal Inc

P. 35-36 Seal Maintenance 31/10/07 4:17 pm Page 35

take place to insure that the construction methodsand techniques are meeting with the requirementsof the local Building Code. Only after the finalinspections have taken place and the constructionapproved will there be the issuance of the finalCertificate of Occupancy (C of O). Now, the Life ofthe building begins.

We assume at this point, that all constructionjoints and penetration seals between and withinfire-rated barriers have been properly firestopped.

CausesConstruction being complete, the building is readyto be occupied. However, as tenants move in,various trades are engaged to install computersystems, phone systems and various other servicesas required to fit the tenant’s needs. At this pointor later as the individual tenant’s needs change,additional alterations to the building services arecompleted. Without proper details (firestopdesigns) by which to complete the installations,the likelihood is that, if a fire-rated barrier ispenetrated, it will be compromised.

Multiply this scenario by the number ofindividual tenants.

This lack of proper planning or of having properprocedures in place by the building managementto regulate or oversee tenant installations couldeasily result in the reduction of the total fireprotection of the structure.

Possible solutionsTotal fire protection should consist of a “BalancedApproach” made up of three parts: Detection,Suppression and Compartmentation. For Detec-tion, we rely on fire and smoke detectors whichwill alert the occupants and possibly the firedepartment as to the existence of a fire. Suppres-sion, the ‘active’ portion of the triad, will becovered by the sprinkler system which will be usedto help to control the fire. Compartmentation, the‘passive’ portion of the Balanced Approach, isrepresented by fire rated walls and floors whichhave been maintained by proper firestopping.

Having now set up conditions where the poten-tial demise of a vital portion of the building’s fireprotection could take place; what can be done to

prevent it from happening? How best can we‘maintain’ the integrity of the firestopping of thestructure?

First, after the building has passed its finalinspection and the Certificate of Occupancy hasbeen issued, the local building authorities typicallydo not conduct any additional post constructioninspections, unless there is a major remodelingproject within the structure. Therefore, if the build-ing is to maintain its fire protection for the life ofthe building, the building’s management musttake the lead in that responsibility.

For this to be done, the building’s manage-ment must have a plan in place.

Management must first be able to identify thefire-rated barriers. This can best be done with theaid of the building’s architectural drawings. Theseplans will identify each of the fire rated barriersand their ratings. With these plans, managementwill need to create a simple set of drawings whichclearly identify each of the barriers and their ratings.

Building management must create a planof action.

This plan of action should include a policyissued to each tenant as part of their contractwhich states that the building management mustbe notified whenever the tenant intends to makeany alterations or modifications to his area whichmight require the installation of or removal ofservices from the area.

The building management should have anopportunity to review the plans and to approve thematerials and methods to be used to restore the firerating of any barrier which will be compromised.Sufficient data including product information andthe design drawings to be used for each conditionmust be submitted before any work begins.

In addition, building management should havea list of several professional contractors in the areawhom they can recommend to the tenants, ifneeded. These contractors should either havebeen trained by the firestop manufacturers or whohave Firestop Installers Certifications from recog-nized national independent approval organizationssuch as Factory Mutual (FM) or UnderwritersLaboratories (UL). By using properly trained con-tractors who use approved materials in specificapproved system designs for each application, thebuilding management can be assured of maintain-ing the fire integrity of their building.

Lastly, building management must have the workinspected upon completion, to insure that theintegrity of all of the fire-rated barriers was main-tained. The inspections must be performed by qual-ified individuals who will rely not only on the dataand system designs submitted, but also possibly byperforming destructive inspections of a randomsampling of installations. Destructive inspections arethose where an actual installation is ‘cut into’ or‘disassembled’ in order to examine measure andverify compliance to the system design submitted.

In order to maintain proper fire protection forour buildings, we must be willing to assume theresponsibility, throughout the life of the building,to maintain its Life-Safety. By having an actionplan in place and by seeing that the plan isimplemented, fire protection will be an ongoingconcern and not simply end with the completionof construction. By taking a more pro-activeapproach, lives will be protected and managementwill have eliminated a potential liability. IFP


Pic courtesy ofRectorseal Inc

MAINTAINING PROPER FIRE PROTECTION, AFTER THE BUILDING IS COMPLETESEAL MAINTENANCE

P. 35-36 Seal Maintenance 31/10/07 4:18 pm Page 36

Our products meet or exceed the Internationally recognized standards NFPA, ASTM and UL.

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PROTECTING LIFE

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RectorSeal manufactures a broad and full line of Firestop products under the trade name, Metacaulk. These include sealants, putties, composite sheets, pillows, wrap strips, collars and cast-in-place devices. The UL approved firestopping products are designed specifically to fill voids in construction joints and around penetrations in fire rated walls or floors. We provide technical expertise, quality products and economical solutions to all your firestop applications.

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San Stefano project Alexandria, Egypt

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Rectorseal new.pdf 26/10/07 16:55:55


WATER MIST

Now halon has been phased out for almost allcommercial purposes, and concerns havebeen raised about the use of CO2 in

manned or otherwise occupied areas; regardingenvironmental issues concerning most chemicalgases; health and environmental issues rising fromthe use of foam in engine rooms; and the dangerof heavy corrosion of equipment if released, aswell as a wide range of concerns regarding the useof other gases. All these problems have causedsafety-minded owners and architects to turn towater mist systems.

Since the introduction of water mist systems inthe mid-1990s, these systems have gained ground,as a very powerful suppression system in accom-modation areas. This tendency was developedfurther as a result of new regulations for passen-ger ships initiated after the “Scandinavian Star”incident, and water mist systems are now thedominant as means of fire suppression in accom-

modation areas on passenger ships. The obviousbenefits of water mists such as the use of lesswater, the smaller pipes, the lower weight, thesuperior fire suppression capabilities as well as theexcellent cooling effects speak for themselves.

The water mist has also been introduced to theengine spaces, initially as total flooding systems toreplace Halon based systems, and again the ben-efits of having a system that does not comprise adanger to human beings, equipment, or to theenvironment, is purely based on water, and is veryefficient in fire fighting and cooling was seen to bevery attractive. However, the first test standard MSC668 did, in practice, not allow for the systems to beintroduced to large engine rooms, most systemscould serve engine rooms of up to 3000m3.

A revised test standard, the MSC 1165, hasrecently been introduced and the new systemsthat have come to the market since are able toserve engine rooms up to 5000m3 or even larger.

By Erik Christensen

Vice President, Danfoss Semco A/S

Pic courtesy of DanfossSemco A/S

Water mist inmarine firefightingUp until very recently, fire fighting systems in ships were very traditional systems,mainly consisting of CO2, other gases, foam and halon in the engine rooms anda few cases of traditional sprinklers in the accommodation areas, and of coursethe fire main.

P. 39-42 Water Mist 31/10/07 4:18 pm Page 39

However, to be able to serve even larger enginerooms new standards and test standards should beintroduced, preferably with the possibility ofsectioning the engine rooms, in order not to havetoo large pump systems serving the large spaces.

The benefits of the water mist systems havebeen utilized in the local application systems, suchas a system that covers the most hazardousobjects, objects that, according to incident reports,were known to cause the majority of the fires in

engine rooms. These systems can be released veryquickly, even with personnel in the engine spaces,are automatically released in unmanned enginerooms and can suppress the majority of the fires atvery early stages. The water mist system is oftendescribed as the substitute for the man with thehose or extinguisher, who is no longer on duty.

These systems already have a good track recordin suppression of fires and are one of the initiativesthat, made by the IMO organisation, add to thesafety of ships.

New areas for water mist systems inmarine fire fightingAll the benefits and the experience collected fromthe use of the water mist system, have led to newinitiatives for increased fire safety on ships. TheIMO Fire Protection committee is working to intro-duce new standards for installation and testing ofwater mist systems for the protection of balconiesand car decks for RO-RO vessel. These standardswill probably be introduced in the very near future.

Following a major incident with a balcony fireon a large cruise vessel, it was brought to the forethat a highly combustible area of the ship was, infact, neither covered by a detection system nor by a fixed suppression system, due to missingrequirements to this area. However, as soon as thiswas realised, the owners and legislators reactedvery quickly to remedy the situation in order to




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P. 41 ads 31/10/07 4:19 pm Page 41

enhance safety. Several ships immediately installedvoluntarily systems, and new regulations for detec-tion, testing and installation of fixed suppressionsystems were drafted with effect as from July2008. Some water mist systems are already testedaccording to the new test standards.

On car decks drencher, foam and CO2 systemshave been dominant; however the systems havedrawbacks: CO2 is obviously not suited for openended decks and even for closed decks, there isthe problem of lack of coverage during loadingand unloading, as well as the toxicity problemwhen the system is released.

Foam is well known as entailing very aggressivecorrosion risks. Getting the right mixture can alsobe difficult and, consequently, the build up of thefoam may be problematic.

Drencher systems are characterized by pouringa lot of water onto the protected area, con-sequently, if not drained properly, causing stabilityproblems, etc.

Water mist will eliminate many of these prob-lems. It is based on pure fresh water, is harmless tohuman beings, environmental friendly, entails nocorrosion dangers, and is very efficient in firefighting, also during loading and unloading.Furthermore the system may be released evenwhen a space is occupied.

If and when the new regulations come intoforce the water mist systems can effectivelyprotect many areas of many ships.

The water mist is not just water mistOften the water mist is just mentioned in thespecifications as “water mist”; however, there aresignificant differences between water mist systemsin the performance and in the quality of thesystems.

As a general rule, it can be said that the higherthe pressure, the lower the water consumptionand the more effective the use of water. Also, withhigher pressure the diameter of the pipes is oftensmaller, which will ease the flexibility of the instal-lation and reduce the quantity of water reservoir inthe pipes.

The droplet sizes are very much dependent ofthe design of the nozzle head and the pressure.Very sophisticated heads can generate very smalldroplets that will be airborne for a longer time

than larger and heavier drops, which have a ten-dency to fall on the floor and be wasted. Thesmaller droplets will be exposed to the heat from afire for a longer time. They have a relative largersurface compared to the larger drops, and theywill consequently evaporate easier, expanding1700 times the volume to steam, depleting oxygen,and absorbing a remarkable amount of heat.

In general, higher pressure is able to producesmaller droplets and throw the water longer.

The water mist systems are often classified inthe below classes by pressure and droplet sizes inaccordance with the UPTUN Engineering guideline251 rev 8:

For the measuring of the DV0,9 refer to prEN/TS14972.

The quality of the systemsThere are very different systems on the market;and it is paramount that systems are designed fordurability and reliability for many years. Often themost reliable systems are those that are designedaiming for simplicity and easy operation, and donot have too many parts.

Also the materials should be first class, non-corrosive and of high class, i.e. stainless steel to anappropriate grade, should be used for pumps andpipes in order to ensure a long life withoutcorrosion.

One should remember that the system will beon standby mode at most, or hopefully all times.However, should it be needed it will be instantlyrequired and no malfunctions can be tolerated. Ithas to be in good shape during its entire life.

No compromises on quality should be allowed.

ServiceFor all systems it is advisable to have qualifiedservice personnel check the condition of thesystems at least once a year, and to have a checkrun for major parts according to the manufac-turers service charts and service instructions.

ConclusionIf a high quality water mist system is chosen toprotect your vessel which is fire tested to anapproved fire test standard, installed to a systemstandard and if the system is serviced at regularintervals, significant measure have been taken tomitigate any incidents, as well as reducing the riskof fire-related accidents severely damaging yourvessel, and the risk of loss of life with all the costsinvolved. IFP


WATER MIST IN MARINE FIRE FIGHTINGWATER MIST

Medium Droplet Size (DV0,9) Type of System

< 200 microns Class A

200–400 microns Class B

> 400 microns Class C

Table 1: Droplet Size Classification

Minimum Working Pressure Type of System

< 60 bar High Pressure System

16–60 bar Medium Pressure System

< 16 bar Low Pressure System

Table 2: Working Pressure Classification



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EXTINGUISHERS

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) was formedin April 2007, merging the UK’s two leadingassociations within the fire protection indus-

try: the British Fire Protection Systems Association(BFPSA) representing the UK fire systems industryand the Fire Extinguishing Trades Association(FETA), representing those companies responsiblefor the manufacture and maintenance of portablefire-fighting equipment. Prior to the formation ofthe FIA, FETA conducted a number of surveys intothe use of portable extinguishers, demonstratingjust how important extinguishers are in the fightagainst fire. The most recent survey showed thatsome 80 percent of fires are dealt with by a

portable fire extinguisher without the need for firebrigade intervention. In terms of commerciallosses, it is the extinguisher’s role in preventing arelatively minor incident turning into a majorconflagration which needs to be recognised,particularly in view of the statistic that some 75percent of companies that experience a serious firego out of business either directly as a result of thefire or within three years of reopening. As those inthe fire protection community know only too well(as do those companies that have experienced afire), the problems of a fire extend well beyond themore obvious ones of a burnt-out building andruined stock. There are also the consequential

By RobertThilthorpe

Technical Manager, FIA

PortableExtinguishers –Still a Vital Roleto PlayFire extinguishers are often the unsung hero of the fire protection communityyet without them the already considerable losses attributable to fire wouldundoubtedly be much greater. Installing the correct extinguisher to meet theneeds of a given environment is an important step but in these days of riskassessment, particularly given the new legislation introduced in the UK with theadvent of the Fire Safety Order, it is equally important that extinguishers are fitfor purpose and are regularly maintained.

Pic courtesy of FIA

P. 47-50 Fire Extinguishers 31/10/07 4:19 pm Page 47

losses from the resulting business interruption,with customers forced to find alternative suppliers,often not returning and therefore proving thedeath knell of what was once a thriving business.

Fire Fighting MediaThe different foams employed in portable fireextinguishers continues to be an issue, both inrelation to selecting the correct extinguisher tofight the fire and also in how to correctly disposeof the media. Choosing the correct extinguisherfor the fire risk is an essential part of the firemanagement planning for any premises. There has

been a tendency in the past to perhaps over-specifying foam extinguishers on the basis of theirability to fight most fires without properly assess-ing the risk. In recent years this has lead toconcerns regarding how to safely dispose offoams. A lot of information has appeared in thepress about the environmental impact of firefighting media. long chemical names, or theirshortened versions e.g. PFOS, PFOA, are used toenlighten or perhaps confuse the reader. Howeverthere has been little practical guidance for theend-user and practitioner.

After long consideration and discussions with


Pic courtesy of FIA

PORTABLE EXTINGUISHERS – STILL A VITAL ROLE TO PLAYEXTINGUISHERS


Bavaria w/p 11/2/06 4:01 PM Page 1

various government agencies, FIA has published aseries of Environmental Fact Files (Nos 24 to 27)which provide guidance on the general legislationapplicable to fire extinguishers and fire extinguish-er companies (No.24) and then looking at theenvironmental considerations for foam(No. 25),powder (No.26) and Class F (No. 27) extinguishers.Each Fact File provides guidance on the selectionof the extinguisher, how to handle the media onthe customer’s premises and on the service com-pany’s site. They then go on to give guidance onthe various methods of treating the media in anenvironmentally safe manner. Discussions withregulators will continue and, as UK law changes,the Fact Files will be amended.

Extinguishers v SprinklersAnother area which prompts considerable discus-sion is the debate concerning sprinklers versusextinguishers. The received wisdom within the firesafety community is that each has their role toplay. Surely it should not be a case of which tech-nology to employ but rather to what degree eachis used. When you consider the statistics alreadyalluded to, namely that 80 percent of fires areextinguished without the intervention of the fireservice, plus the fact that within that 80 percentportable extinguishers are by far the most widelyused method, completely ignoring this first aid firefighting opportunity makes no sense.

In schools this is particularly pertinent. Statisticsshow that arson is one of the major causes of firedamage in the nation’s schools but it is perhapsonly when you look at the statistics that the scaleof the problem becomes truly apparent. Everyweek in Britain, 20 schools are likely to suffer anarson attack, with one third of these attackstaking place while pupils are in class (i.e. whenpeople are on hand to potentially intervene andextinguish a fire). The cost of clearing up afterschool fires continues to soar to a staggering £92million. When you look at what that equates to in

terms of lost potential investment in the educationsystem, it provides a sobering picture – the equiva-lent of building 45 new primary schools oremploying an additional 3,750 teachers. Althoughalready dramatic, this figure does not allow for theconsequential losses that arise from a significantmajority of fires such as lost data, books andrecords, as well as the disruption to the learningprocess and the emotional effects on staff andpupils.

Furthermore, these figures are probably only thetip of the iceberg since many smaller fires are dealtwith successfully by portable fire extinguishers,before they have the opportunity to become majorincidents, and therefore go unreported.

Given that arson attacks are often started bysetting alight rubbish, including that which may beoutside the building and therefore unprotected bya sprinkler system, fire extinguishers should be anintegral part of any school fire safety strategy. Anopportunity may well present itself to tackle asmall fire but if there is no extinguisher available todo so, then this window of opportunity is lost. Toactivate a sprinkler system a fire has to be welldeveloped, even if ESFR heads are employed – inmany cases a prompt intervention with an extin-guisher could deal with the fire before it reachesthe point at which the sprinklers would activate.

There is also the consequential damage causedby the activation of a sprinkler system to consider.This is in now way an argument for not installingsprinklers but rather a recognition that it is surelybetter to contain a situation to as small an area aspossible than await the activation of the sprinklersystem which inevitably affects a much wider area,albeit considerably less than if the Fire & RescueService is required to extinguish a developed fire.

Revision to StandardsA major consideration for the UK is the imminentrevision of BS 5306, the standard that relates tofire extinguishing installations and equipment onpremises. A Task Group under the auspices of BSIcommittee FSH/2 has been working over the lastyear to revise BS 5306-3 “maintenance of portablefire extinguishers” and BS 5306-8 “Selection andinstallation”. When considering 5306-3, the grouphas been updating the standard in terms of whatneeds to be done when servicing extinguishersand has been addressing the area of training andexaminations. When the standard is released forcomment later in the year it will undoubtedly gen-erate considerable debate. The selection standard“part 8” is being aligned with the Fire Safetyorder. FIA has been actively involved in this workand will continue to be involved during the publicconsultation period by organising special interestgroup meetings to collect the views of its members.

Black HoleReturning to where we began, namely that often fire extinguishers do not receive the recogni-tion that they deserve. Part of the problem isundoubtedly that their use often goes unreportedsave for the stories of heroic actions by membersof the public. If the fire service is not called to anincident, then it effectively never happened interms of official statistics. If it were possible, whatan interesting exercise it would prove if we wereable to overcome the problems of this ‘black hole’and calculate what the costs of fire would bewithout these unsung heroes. IFP


PORTABLE EXTINGUISHERS – STILL A VITAL ROLE TO PLAYEXTINGUISHERS

Statistics show that arson is

one of the major causes of fire

damage in the nation’s schools

but it is perhaps only when you

look at the statistics that the

scale of the problem becomes

truly apparent.

A Task Group under the

auspices of BSI committee

FSH/2 has been working over

the last year to revise BS 5306-3

“maintenance of portable fire

extinguishers” and BS 5306-8

“Selection and installation”.


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FIRE PROTECTION

From the earliest ionisation smoke detectors tothe very latest multi-criteria fire protectiondevices, the ultimate goal has been to reflect

the human being’s ability to use different senses tomake a rapid and accurate judgement on the pres-ence or otherwise of a fire and react accordingly.

Early developmentsIn the first years of the last century, among theearliest automated fire protection devices wereionisation smoke detectors developed in Japan.Together with early heat detectors, these wereswitches which essentially operated like an on/offswitch controlling a central heating system.

As electrical switching became more estab-lished, such detection devices were linked tosounder devices such as electric bells to provide a

combined detection and alarm system – usuallymains powered and almost exclusively at this stagedesigned for commercial premises rather thandomestic use.

Post-1945, the next significant developmentwas that of photo-electrical detectors, enablingoptical detection for the first time. Though expen-sive to produce and initially regarded as lessreliable, as electronics improved and ionisationtechnologies fell out of favour – in part due toenvironmental concerns – optical devices becamecentral to the development of subsequent firedetection strategies.

Again driven by more broadly-based technologydevelopments – in this case the emergence of themicroprocessor – perhaps the most significantdevelopment has been that of the addressable fire

By Rick Love

Technical Manager UK,Honeywell

Pic courtesy ofHoneywell UK

Multi-CriteriaFire Protection –the Technologyof the Future?The past century has seen dramatic changes in the way in which people,property and the environment have been protected from fire, driven in majorpart by broader technological advances such as the introduction ofmicroprocessors.

P. 53-56 A History 31/10/07 4:20 pm Page 53

protection system, which came to the fore in themid-1980s.

Here, rather than straightforward detection theapproach was to provide information to the user,

who was now able to discriminate, not simply to apair of wires but precisely to an individual addresspoint. As a result, it became possible to reduce thesearch time required, by locating the source of thefire much more quickly.

This also enabled greater intelligence to beplaced around the fire decision. Previously a simpleswitch, the detector was now a sensor which couldprovide information to a central control panel whichcould then be processed, leading to better qualitydecision-making as to the presence of, and mostappropriate response to, a potential fire situation.

Multi-criteria detectionAs human beings, we are able to combine criteria tomake the most appropriate response to externalstimuli. Thus, if we smell smoke, we will move in thedirection of the source to establish whether or notthere are flames. Similarly, the earliest multi-criteriadetection devices took a relatively simple, ‘if this andthat are present, there must be a fire’ approach.

Such devices, which emerged in the 1990s, ini-tially combined ionisation and optical detectiontogether with a thermal sensor and operated onthe principle that activation of at least two of thethree parts of the device indicated the presence ofa fire. Again, initial take-up was limited on thegrounds of cost and the fact that this seemed tooffer no greater intelligence than the ‘voting

system’ provided by linking different types ofstand-alone detection – rather than combinedwithin a single device – and looking for more thanone to be activated.

The next key step resulted from the realisationthat this information could be brought togethermuch earlier than at the point of final decision. Byassessing the combined presence of some heatand smoke, say, in either the control panel or thesensor, it becomes possible to go to alarm muchmore quickly.

For many years, ionisation-based detection wasseen to provide the best form of fire protection –



MULTI-CRITERIA FIRE PROTECTION – THE TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE?FIRE PROTECTION

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and was certainly the cheapest to produce. Yet inaddition to environmental concerns, it was proneto false alarms in high air velocity and humidityenvironments and manufacturers have worked tofind suitable ways to replace ion detectors.

As a result, different types and levels of multi-criteria device have emerged. Most typically offer acombination of optical and thermal elements, capa-ble of picking up fast-flaming fires which generatelittle smoke but a great deal of heat, for example.The disadvantage is that the reaction to an increasein temperature is slower than that to smoke.

In addition, infrared (IR) detection is bettersuited to picking up invisible particles produced byfire and is also able to provide a rapid response,but on its own is restricted by dependence on line-of-sight. Airborne particulates are a commonsource of false alarms for optical devices and here,carbon monoxide (CO) detectors not only provideadditional fire detection capability but alsominimise false alarms by differentiating betweendust or steam and smoke.

From a technology stand point, much of thisdevelopment has been essentially evolutionary.However, the ability in particular to incorporate IRwithin a point detector in this way marks a majoradvance in recent fire safety technology.

Intelligent responseAll fires have three elements in common, in thatthey produce CO, heat and smoke. The proportionshowever will be different in each case, as will thetime when each element is released. Similarly, a firewill almost certainly produce a changing light sig-nature, primarily as a result of flame development.

Just as a human being picks up on thesechanges through the use of different senses, thelatest sophisticated multi-criteria devices, typifiedby Honeywell’s Smart4 detector, combine the foursensing elements of CO, IR, smoke and heatdetection within a single unit in order to detectdifferent kinds of fire faster.

Further, with sensors managed by advancedalgorithms these can be configured to operatenormally at a high immunity level, instantly chang-ing to become very sensitive to fires as soon as firecharacteristics are sensed. Critically therefore,transient nuisances are ignored, so minimising thefalse alarm rate.

Looking aheadSo, is multi-criteria detection the way ahead forfire protection? This would certainly appear to bethe case, as CO devices, for example, becomemore commonplace and combined optical/thermaldevices have moved from their earlier nichepositioning to more mainstream application.

More broadly, the fire industry generally acrossEurope is moving, subtly perhaps yet demonstra-bly, from the stance of ‘let’s detect fire better’ to


Infrared (IR) detection is better

suited to picking up invisible

particles produced by fire and

is also able to provide a

rapid response.


one which might be characterised as ‘let’s preventfalse alarms’.

The reason for this, not surprisingly, is primarilyeconomic, as the cost of downtime or lost busi-ness increases, together with a loss of confidencein the system itself. As a result, the reduction infalse alarms is now a principal product develop-ment focus within major fire safety equipmentmanufacturers.

And here, critically, multi-criteria sensors areinherently less prone to false alarms than theirsingle sensor counterparts, as it is more difficult tofalsify two criteria than one, three more than two,and so on.

At the same time, as development concentrateson providing increasing resilience against falsealarms, so infrared technologies are also provingsignificantly more capable than optical detectors inpicking up fast flaming fires in delivering equivalentperformance to earlier ion detectors. So, in the caseof those manufacturers developing dual frequencyor dual angle optical detectors, for example,though a step forward these do not provide thetrue replacement provided by an infrared solution.

Thus, from the perspective of both earlier firedetection and minimising false alarms, the conceptof multi-criteria detection has established itself asa mainstream technology response.

Key applicationsHaving said that multi-criteria detectors aremoving centre-stage, two caveats should be

introduced at this point. First, as a relativelyexpensive solution, full multi-criteria protection isideally suited to those applications where the cost of downtime to the business is especiallysignificant.

In such situations, though the early detectioncapability of a multi-criteria solution is valuable,resilience against false alarms is likely to be the determining factor from a commercialperspective.

Thus, multi-criteria protection is ideally gearedfor use in such environments as hotels who offerrefunds in the case of evacuations for false alarms,financial institutions undertaking large volumes ofhigh value transactions or mission-critical areaswithin airports, for example. At the same time, it is well-suited to sports and leisure industryapplications, where there are often large numbersof people in a single location.

Similarly, multi-criteria protection is an exampleof general application, so will not be suited toother areas where the cost of downtime issignificant, such as industrial processes which usechemicals that become airborne and can beaggressive to plastics or environments wheremajor temperature variation is commonplace,which continue to require specialist detectors.

Yet as in any newly emerging technology, as thecost of multi-criteria devices comes down and thedifferential with traditional fire detection solutionsnarrows, so their applicability will inevitabilitybecome broader. IFP



MULTI-CRITERIA FIRE PROTECTION – THE TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE?FIRE PROTECTION



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FOAM TECHNOLOGY

With the development of alcohol resistantfoams in the late eighties and earlynineties, alcohols and alcohol additives

for petrol risks, were not able to be protected,formerly fires involving alcohol containing fuelscould not be effectively combated with the firefighting foams of the day, as the alcohols in thefuels would absorb the water in the bubble walland thereby destroying the foam blanket. Thesealcohol resistant foams have a polysaccharide poly-mer additive, which when discharged onto a liquidfire forms a thick blanket above the fuel, cuttingoff the oxygen supply and minimising the vapori-sation of the fuel, this foam blanket would thenbreakdown slowly enabling the liquid released tomaintain the film layer and aid cooling, whileinhibiting the polar fuel from destroying the foamblanket. The major benefit of these alcoholresistant fire fighting foams is also their majordrawback, these foams have a high viscosity (theyare also known as Thixotropic or Non-NewtonianLiquids), which makes the foams difficult to pumplong distances especially in colder climates. Foamhardware system designers and integrators havehad to allow for larger bore displacement pumpsand larger diameter piping networks.

The ongoing development of high performance“Low Viscosity” alcohol resistant foams withinduction rates of 3x3, 1x3 and most recently 1x1

foams (the first number indicates the inductionrate for Hydrocarbon risks and the second numberindicates the induction rate for alcohol risks).These foams have a viscosity in line with thetraditional AFFF’s (see table below) as they do notcontain polysaccharides but special syntheticpolymer film forming foam stabilisers.

Test work carried out to EN1568 pt3 and pt4 byindependent certification bodies have confirmedthat these low viscosity foams are extremely effec-tive in fighting large scale “Class B” liquid fires ofboth polar and non-polar fuels using freshwater,brackish water, treated industrial water and sea-water without detriment to their performance.

The development of the new low viscosity 1x1alcohol resistant foam, enables foam storage tankvolumes to be reduced thereby additional savingscan be made in the capital investment costs ofnew foam systems.

These low viscosity foams are true universalfoam concentrates and can be effectively used forall traditional Low and Medium Expansion applica-tions, therefore, they can be used for Monitor/Water cannons and traditional fixed installations ieFoam Chamber, Over the Top pourers, sprinklerand deluge systems as well as manually controlledbranch pipes.

Low viscosity foams are able to be freeze pro-tected down to levels –25°C where the traditional

By Jan Knappert

International SalesDirector,Dr Sthamer – Hamburg

The Need for HighPerformance LowViscosity AlcoholResistant FoamsThe continuing development of fuels and alcohol based fuel additives toenhance performance and fuel efficiency, have given fire fighting foammanufacturers challenges to provide fast and effective extinguishing propertieswhilst maintaining an environmentally responsible and cost effective productoffering.

3x3 3x3 LV 1x3 1x3 LV 1x1 LV

Temp. Moussol APS Moussol APS Moussol APS Moussol APS Moussol APS

20°C 250 10 300 15 50

0°C 300 20 400 25 150

–10°C 400 — — — —

–15°C — 40 1000 45 450

–20°C — — — — 650

–25°C — — — — 900

Temperature/Viscosity Table

Viscosity is measured in mPa at shear speed of 75s-1.

P. 59-61 Foam Technology 31/10/07 4:22 pm Page 59

alcohol resistant foams could not be used withoutextremely large displacement pumps sets, whereaslow viscosity foams only require centrifugalpumps. (See curves below).

Major end users, like refineries and tank farms,are faced with major cost penalties on the foamdelivery hardware when upgrading their facilities,which is now very topical with the significant

investment into the production and storage facili-ties for the new ethanol and Bio-Ethanol fuels.One recent project involved onsite discussions onupgrading the foam hardware system facilities, theexisting foam concentrate was traditional AFFFfoam, the customer was faced with upgrading thepipe work, pump sets and housing the foam stor-age tanks within a heated building. On carrying


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Comparison of the viscosities of MOUSSOL-APS 3% and

MOUSSOL-APS 1/3 at 20°C

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

1100

10 100 1000

shear rate [1/s]

dyn

am

ic v

isco

sit

y [

mP

a*s

]

MOUSSOL-APS 3%

MOUSSOL-APS LV 1/3

P. 59-61 Foam Technology 2/11/07 12:17 PM Page 60

out a full site evaluation and flow test and firetests, the customer opted for low viscosity alcoholresistant foam, and retained the existing foamhardware infrastructure, thereby saving tens ofthousands of dollars.

Offshore platforms, FSO’s (Floating StorageOffloading) Vessels and FPSO’s (Floating Produc-tion Storage Offloading) Vessels face similarproblems but are subject to even more extremeweather and temperature variances, and must bealmost self sufficient in the event of a fire incidentuntil help can be summoned from the supportvessels. The fire fighting foams employed in thesesituations are needed to protect not only thedecks, but the process modules, Helidecks and thedeck storage areas. Previously several differentfoam types may have been be employed andstored on board requiring different application

methodologies and foam skids. The developmentof truly universal low viscosity Alcohol Resistantfoams means all of the risk areas are protectedwith one foam type stored in either localisedpods/foam skids or centralised atmosphericstorage tanks of either GRP or Stainless steel withthe necessary delivery system hardware.

As with all major industrial and petrochemicalplants detailed risk assessments need to be carriedout by qualified professional fire engineers in co-operation with the process system designengineers and end user clients, to ensure thatevery foreseeable potential fire risk scenario hasbeen examined and protected against, using notonly tried and tested technologies but includinginnovative state of the art technological develop-ments. This can lead to significant cost savingpossibilities without detriment to the emergencyfire plans when sound engineering disciplines areemployed. IFP

THE NEED FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE LOW VISCOSITY ALCOHOL RESISTANT FOAMSFOAM TECHNOLOGY

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Viscosity of MOUSSOL-APS LV 1/3

0,0

5,0

10,0

15,0

20,0

25,0

30,0

35,0

40,0

45,0

50,0

-20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25

temperature [°C]

kin

em

ati

c v

isco

sit

y [

mm

2/s

]

MOUSSOL-APS LV 1/3

Major end users, like refineries

and tank farms, are faced with

major cost penalties on the

foam delivery hardware when

upgrading their facilities.

P. 59-61 Foam Technology 2/11/07 12:17 PM Page 61


Your alarm (now at full volume) is telling youthat it is 6.30am and time to start the day.The natural reaction of course, is to hit the

snooze button and gain that all important extrafive minutes. But as you gently fall back into slum-ber the alarm repeats its message all over again,only this time the volume appears almost deafen-ing. A few seconds later the reality dawns; this isno wake-up call, it’s a fire alarm and its message isa clear one! And so it was that I found myself in ahotel in the North of England one bright andsunny morning in early August.

For those of us that travel extensively for aliving, the first thought to run through one’s headis; where am I?

My next thought, perhaps for peace of mind,was that this was almost certainly going to be afalse alarm, (this having not been the first occasionI have had to vacate a hotel for the same reason!).So, why rush?

The reason is simple. Having spent more thanthirty years in the fire protection industry, I am onlytoo aware of the reality of smoke and fire spreadand just how those first few minutes in the earlylife of a fire are important in a real fire scenario tovacate the building. So common sense took chargeand I very quickly dressed and vacated the room.

On my journey along the corridor to the stairs Iwas greeted by other hotel guests; some con-fused, some angry but no one unduly concerned.All gathered at their hotel room doors debatingwith each other whether it was a false alarm andwhat should they do. In my most authoritativetone, I announced to all concerned that theyshould vacate the building straight away down thenearest fire exit stairs and not to use the lift.

To my bewilderment, each man, woman andchild ceased debating the matter and in true PiedPiper of Hamelin fashion followed me down thestairs and out (via the clear direction of the hotel

By Wilf Butcher

Chief Executive Officer,Association forSpecialist Fire Protection

PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION FORUM

A Timely WakeThe sound of a distant

alarm drifts into the

conscious mind, and as

you begin to recognise

its not so dulcet tones,

you realise that a new

day is about to

welcome you.

Having spent more than thirty years in the fire protection

industry, I am only too aware of the reality of smoke and fire

spread and just how those first few minutes in the early life of

a fire are important in a real fire scenario to vacate the

building. So common sense took charge and I very quickly

dressed and vacated the room.

P. 62-63 ASFP Forum 31/10/07 4:22 pm Page 62

staff) to the muster point in the car park. The firebrigade were on the scene in a matter of minutesand the hotel set about the task of marryingnames with hotel rooms.

As the minutes ticked by, people somewhatapathetically continued to appear in the car parkand I began to ask myself the question; at whatpoint might they have got into difficulties had thisin fact been a real fire? Ten minutes? Twentyminutes?

The Building Regulations are specifically designedto ensure that any fire protection measure installedin a building will ensure the safe evacuation ofthose within in a timely fashion. But what happenswhen, for whatever reason, people are physicallyunable or simply decide that there is no rush toleave the building? In the event of an actual firethe answer is all too clear. They run a real risk ofbecoming a victim.

It therefore falls upon the shoulders of all thoseresponsible for the design and construction of abuilding to ensure that the fire protectivemeasures, products and systems installed are fit

for purpose and those responsible for the onwardmaintenance of the building that all fire protectivemeasures remain continuously fit for purpose.

In the case of many elements that go to makeup the fire protective measures within a building, afalse alarm can quite clearly demonstrate theeffectiveness of the measure involved, for examplethe automatic closure of a fire door. However,many fire protective measures cannot be tested bya false alarm – the fire stopping measures installedbetween adjacent compartments of the building,or the structural fire protection installed or appliedto the buildings structural framework, are just twoexamples.

Such passive fire protective measures areabsolutely essential to the control of a fire, but nomatter how many false alarms a building may besubjected to, it is only when there is an actual firethat the effectiveness of such fire protectivemeasures can be determined.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order2005, introduced October 2006, all hotels alongwith other business premises are required to carry

out fire risk assessments to ensure that all theirprocedures are effective in the event of a fire andthat the fabric of the building is adequatelyprotected to ensure safe evacuation.

Within the lifetime of a building many changescan take place. Openings in compartment wallsmay be required to make way for new cabling,piping or ducting to pass through, walls movedand extensions added. In all of these cases, appro-priate measures must be taken by those with theessential expertise to ensure that any existingpassive fire protection measures are maintainedand all new measures installed are in accord withthe required regulations and standards.

In the case of many fire protection measuresthere can be no practice runs. It has to be rightfirst time, irrespective of when. It therefore followsthat all those involved in the design, constructionand onward maintenance of a building mustensure that:● The products, systems and materials chosen do

comply with the relevant standard and areappropriate to the situation at hand

● Such fire protective measures are applied orinstalled by third party certificated installationcompanies

● Any risk assessment takes account of all thefire protective measures within a building.The ability, or willingness, of any individual to

vacate a building in a timely fashion can never beguaranteed. Statements such as “I must send thise-mail, it’s important”, “I just need to finish thisphone call”, “It’s bound to be a false alarm”, arenot uncommon.

After all, for the majority of us, we see smokeand fire as something we view from a safedistance rather than becoming an unfortunatepart of. It is only when placed in such catastrophiccircumstances that the realisation of the potentialseriousness of the situation focuses the mind and the need to vacate the building becomesparamount.

Sadly two weeks after my early morning wake-up call, a fire swept through a hotel in Newquayresulting in the tragic loss of life. When it comes toreal fires there is never a happy ending! IFP


PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION FORUM

ke Up Call

Within the lifetime of a building many changes can take place.

Openings in compartment walls may be required to make way

for new cabling, piping or ducting to pass through, walls moved

and extensions added. In all of these cases, appropriate

measures must be taken by those with the essential expertise to

ensure that any existing passive fire protection measures are

maintained and all new measures installed are in accord with the

required regulations and standards.

P. 62-63 ASFP Forum 31/10/07 4:22 pm Page 63

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DCS702_FF_IntFirePro_05-07.indd 1 4/3/07 4:12:17 PM


CO2 SYSTEMS

Carbon Dioxide seems to find its way intoevery newscast these days, thanks to therole that is attributed to it in terms of

its impact on global warming. This focus hasinevitably led to a considerable amount ofmisunderstanding about CO2 and its role as afirefighting agent.

CO2 is a gas that occurs naturally in the atmos-phere. That used as a firefighting suppressant isextracted from a number of normal CO2 produc-ing processes, and is then stored until it is needed.So, its use in fire suppression systems results in anet removal of CO2 from the environment. In allprobability, it has safely extinguished more firesthan any other gaseous suppressant agent.However, its use in fire protection is insignificantcompared with the potential damage caused by an

uncontrolled fire or the large quantities of CO2emitted as a by-product of many industrialprocesses.

So it is hardly surprising that it continues to be apopular and versatile choice for both total flood-ing of enclosed areas and local discharge for ClassA, Class B and Class C fires. When discharged, itleaves nothing behind to damage sensitive elec-tronic equipment or documents, and with noagent clean-up required, business critical installa-tions can be back in operation in the shortestpossible time. Similarly, priceless manuscripts donot have to be subjected to years of painstakingand expensive restoration work.

While it is not suitable for total flooding appli-cations in normally occupied rooms or enclosures,as the discharge of CO2 in fire extinguishing

By John Allen

EMEA MarketingDirector, Tyco SafetyProducts FireSuppression Group

Pic courtesy of TycoSafety Products FireSuppression Group

CO2 ProvidesVersatileProtection forComputer SuitesWith Carbon Dioxide fire suppression having been around for over 90 years, youmight think that there is nothing left to say, and nothing new. Not so says JohnAllen, EMEA Marketing Director for Tyco Safety Products Fire Suppression Group.Here he overviews two recent developments that were first shown at the recentInternational Firex exhibition in the UK.

P. 65-67 CO2 Systems 31/10/07 4:23 pm Page 65

concentrations represents a serious health hazardto people, it is an ideal solution when seekingprotection for unoccupied areas. Typically, theseinclude unmanned computer suites, telecommuni-cations centres, control equipment rooms andplant rooms.

An essential consideration though is to ensurethat the flooded areas are adequately ventilatedafter discharge of the CO2 to prevent accidentalexposure of personnel to dangerous levels of CO2

when investigating the cause of the discharge.Because it is one-and- a-half times heavier than air,CO2 tends to collect at low level and in under-floorducts.

CO2 expands at a ratio of 450 to 1 by volume.It has excellent thermal stability, and freedom fromdeterioration. Additionally, as CO2 has so manyother commercial uses, refills are readily availablethroughout the world.

One particularly attractive feature of CO2 is thatit can be compressed into a liquid state which,when maintained under pressure, requires asmaller storage footprint than many other gaseoussuppression agents. This can be of particularimportance to city-centre-based organisation,where rental costs mean that available floor spaceif frequently limited. Another factor in CO2’sfavour is its low cost in comparison with manyalternative suppression agents.

New fixed total flooding systemThis unique collection of end-user benefits encour-aged Tyco to further invest in CO2 deliverytechnology, which resulted in the recent unveilingof a new low-cost HYGOOD® CO2 high pressuresystem at International Fire Expo in Birmingham inthe UK. The new system incorporates the latestcylinder, valve and nozzle design enhancements,and easy integration with the latest fire detectionand alarm systems.

It is an engineered system that uses individualpremium-build steel storage cylinders of 16kg,23kg, 34kg and 45kg capacity that can be mani-fold-linked together to enable rapid, simultaneousdischarge. The gas is stored under pressure and ispiped to the protected enclosure, where it isreleased via a network of piping and strategically



CO2 SYSTEMS

CO2 expands at a ratio of 450 to

1 by volume. It has excellent

thermal stability, and freedom

from deterioration.


located discharge nozzles, the position and type ofwhich have been determined by the systemdesign. The cylinder valves can be openedautomatically – either locally or remotely – or man-ually using pneumatic, electric or mechanical valveactuators, and two or more hazard areas can beprotected with a single group of cylinders bymeans of directional or selector valves.

On release, the colourless, odourless, electricallynon-conductive, and non-corrosive gas permeatesthe entire protected area and extinguishes the fire,mainly by reducing the oxygen level to less thanthe 15 percent necessary to allow combustion totake place. The gas also provides localised cooling.

In addition to protecting the main suite itself,the system is also equally effective protecting thespaces beneath raised floors that are commonlyused in computer and switchroom enclosures tohouse the extensive cabling. These areas can be asmuch of a fire hazard as the equipment in thesuite itself, because, if a fire occurs, locating andcontrolling the outbreak before it can cause seri-ous damage is essential, although not easyachieved. It is an application where CO2 hasproven to be very effective. It is another instancewhere, as no clean-up is required, CO2 enables thefacility to be in operation in the shortest possibletime after the fire has been extinguished.

Local dischargeOf course, not all IT equipment is housed in anenclosure. This may be because the particularpiece of equipment has to be easily relocatable, orbecause it needs to be integrated with otherpieces of equipment on a production or processline. In such cases, total flooding is often not anoption; portable extinguishers are frequently theonly workable solution.

While CO2 is an eminently suitable suppressant,continuing worries about the quality of manyportables coming onto the market is concerningmany users anxious to ensure that their IT equip-ment is being properly protected. The reality isthat, while these individual items of IT equipmentmay not be housed in a suite enclosure, they maynevertheless be of critical importance to maintain-ing production.

Such concerns inspired Tyco to develop a newrange of premium-build portables, which includesCO2 extinguishers. These are now available in theUK under the TOTAL® brand and elsewhere underthe NEURUPPIN® brand.

Generally, these new portables are manufac-tured from specially formulated steel that remainsflexible after heating and welding. They also have a one-millimetre-thick internal powdercoating that is widely recognised as the industry’smost hardwearing surface, providing the bestcorrosion resistance. Each and every cylinder iselectrode-tested to ensure there are no pin-point

flaws in the internal coating, and the quality of the external finish can be judged by the fact thatthere is a complete absence of colour fading,which is a common feature of many inferiorquality cylinders. Each and every cylinder isuniquely numbered to provide a complete andreliable quality audit trail.

The TOTAL and NEURUPPIN CO2 portables are,however also available in aluminium, which makesthem very lightweight and easy to handle. It alsoensures excellent corrosion protection. Two modelsare available – 2kg and 5kg – and the 2kgportable incorporates a special double-wall hornthat protects the user’s hand from freezing. It alsohas an extremely high fire rating of 55B, whichenhances the portable’s safety margin. Theseratings are a measure of the ability of a fireextinguisher to fight a fire of a certain size, andthe larger the number in the fire rating, the biggerthe fire on which the extinguisher has been tested.The letter “B” shows that the extinguisher is suit-able for use on Class B fires.

Another CO2 portable in the new TOTAL andNEURUPPIN line-ups is an antimagnetic extinguish-er that was specially developed for locations wheremagnetic interference could potentially damagesensitive electrical equipment or put equipmentperformance in doubt or at risk. It too is suitablefor Class B fires, and is constructed entirely fromnon-magnetic materials.

So, CO2 remains an effective, versatile and cost-effective fire suppressant for fixed total floodingapplications and for localised portable firefighting.While build quality of the systems and the applica-tion of health safeguards are essential, properlydesigned and correctly maintained, CO2 is anexcellent fire suppression agent that can play amajor role in protecting vital business assets. IFP



CO2 PROVIDES VERSATILE PROTECTION FOR COMPUTER SUITES CO2 SYSTEMS

CO2 remains an effective,

versatile and cost-effective fire

suppressant for fixed total

flooding applications and for

localised portable firefighting.



Pic courtesy of EuropeanFire Sprinkler Network

SPRINKLERS

Legislative requirements to fitsprinklers

Fire safety regulators in a number of countriesrecognised the vulnerability of warehouses tofire and introduced maximum compartment

sizes, above which warehouses must be sprinklered.The requirements to fit sprinklers have three aims:firstly to prevent fire-fighter exposure to excessiverisks; secondly to limit fire-related emissions andthirdly to protect the local economy.

Regarding fire-fighter risk the authorities in TheNetherlands and Germany have determined that asingle fire crew can cope with a fire no larger than1,000m2 and 1,200m2 respectively. It is thereforenot acceptable to design buildings which couldpresent the first responding crew with a larger fire.Although the fire service could decide not to enterthe building they may do so if on arriving they aretold that people may be or still are in the building.Thus in The Netherlands if a compartment (in anybuilding) is to be larger than 1,000m2, additional

fire safety measures are needed to demonstrateequivalence to 1,000m2 compartmentationi. Inmost cases and in almost all warehouses the solu-tion is to fit sprinklers. For the same reasons inGermany the local state building codeii requiressprinklers. That fire-fighters are likely to risk theirlives in a fire in a large warehouse was sadlyproven when in June nine fire-fighters lost theirlives in a fire in a furniture warehouse inCharleston, South Carolina USA. Preliminary com-puter simulations of the fire development indicatethat it spread faster than running speed, so thatsome fire-fighters were caught by surprise. Othersprobably died when the roof collapsed. Roofcollapse is a common fire-fighter concern inwarehouse fires.

France experienced some large warehouse fireswhich took days to extinguish and thereforeintroduced a requirementiii to fit sprinklers in ware-houses larger than 3,000m2. The Spanish buildingcodeiv explicitly includes the protection of property

By Alan Brinson

European Fire SprinklerNetwork

Warehouses are one of the most vulnerable buildings to large fires. This isbecause for operational reasons there is pressure not to introduce internalcompartments and so there is nothing to prevent fire from spreading throughouta building. Moreover today’s warehouses are much larger than those built in theearly part of last century. They are also higher, using racked storage layouts, andoften carry goods of a much higher value (consider a pallet of mobile phonesagainst a bale of cotton). Readers who have never seen a fire test on awarehouse mock-up are likely to be surprised at the speed of fire spread: it cantake less than a minute for a fire to go from ground level to large flames aboveseven levels of racks.

Sprinklers in W

P. 68-71 Sprinklers 31/10/07 4:24 pm Page 68

as one of its purposes and therefore has detailedrequirements to fit sprinklers in warehouses;depending on the fire load and adjacency to otherbuildings sprinklers can be required in warehousesas small as 300m2, although for most applicationsthe threshold is 2,000m2. Across Europe Austria,Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway,Portugal and Spain all have requirements to fitsprinklers in large single storey warehouses, withthreshold areas ranging from 1,000-3,000m2.

By contrast the new edition of ApprovedDocument Bv, which took effect in England andWales in April 2007, for the first time introduced athreshold of 20,000m2, an order of magnitudelarger than in other European countries. Unlike inSpain the scope of Approved Document B doesnot include property protection, and in theabsence of major loss of life in warehouse fires theregulator felt unable to introduce a requirement toprotect warehouses with sprinklers. Neverthelessone could ask whether it is reasonable to allow theconstruction of buildings which could present fire-fighters with an impossible challenge.

Although Approved Document B does not con-sider property protection, the Government didcommission a brief study to determine whetherthere is an economic case to fit sprinklers in ware-housesvi. This study was hampered by a lack ofdata and relied heavily on warehouse loss data persquare metre for 1966 warehouse fires shown in agraph in the de facto British fire engineeringstandard, PD-7974-7vii. While nobody couldreproach the researchers for using the only avail-able standard, one could question the usefulnessof loss data in 1966 currency and any conclusionsdrawn from it. Warehouses built before 1966 wereusually lower in height and smaller in area thanthose of today, often contained goods of lowerspecific value and were built very differently.Furthermore the standard does not indicate howto index the 1966 losses to today’s currency:should one use the retail price index, Londonhouse prices, or some other arbitrary index? Usingthe retail price index, the researchers could notfind an economic case to fit sprinklers in ware-houses of any size, a conclusion which hasastonished insurers. Doubling the losses per squaremetre yielded a threshold of 19,000m2, whichintriguingly is close to the new figure of 20,000m2

in Approved Document B. Had the researchersdoubled the loss figure again, the threshold wouldhave come out below 1,000m2. While not anexhaustive study, I have determined the value ofgoods per square meter in a few warehouses andusing the same methodology found a thresholdfigure of 2,000m2, above which there would bean economic case to fit sprinklers. None of theabove discussion considers the losses due tobusiness interruption, which can be substantial.

The good news is that while most of the UKlags behind the rest of Europe in requiringsprinklers in warehouses, Local Acts which cover aquarter of England and Wales do require sprinklersin warehouses, typically those larger than

7,000m3, to protect fire-fighters and property.Many in the fire safety community believe theremit of Approved Document B should also beextended to consider protection of the environ-ment and our economy: sustainable buildings forsustainable communities. It is absurd that underthe current regime a tyre warehouse fire whichcloses transport links and pollutes a river can beregarded as a success if nobody is hurt.

New Sprinklers for WarehousesAlthough the sprinkler concept is old it is continu-ally being refined, either to find ways to protectrisks that could not previously be protected or tofind more economic sprinkler solutions. Every yearconsiderable sums are spent on research and




SPRINKLERS IN WAREHOUSESSPRINKLERS

n Warehouses


storage sprinkler systems have received among themost attention. Recently the industry has developednew solutions for the protection of high-piledstorage, for the protection of refrigerated ware-houses and for the protection of tyre storage.

In general the sprinklers used for storage appli-cations can be divided into two broad groups:control mode sprinklers and suppression modesprinklers. Control mode sprinklers are designed tolimit the heat release rate of a fire to the level itwas at when the sprinklers operated. They wetadjacent surfaces and cool the gases so that theceiling structure is not weakened. The hydrauliccharacteristic of a sprinkler is defined by its k-factor.Multiply the k-factor by the square root of thepressure in bar and you have the flow ratethrough it. K-factors of control mode sprinklers

now range from 80 to 240, in upright or pendentoptions. Generally designers prefer uprightsprinklers in warehouses because they are pro-tected by the pipe from damage.

The goods stored in a warehouse determine itshazard category and that in turn determines howmuch water per square meter, or the applicationdensity, the designer must apply for hydraulic cal-culations. In addition for higher hazard categoriesthe standard requires the designer to assume agreater area of operation, or more sprinklers oper-ating. To avoid excessive pressure requirements atthe sprinkler the designer can use sprinklers withhigher k-factors. It is in any case good practice toavoid high pressure at the sprinkler because it willthen spray small water droplets which are carriedaway by the fire plume and do not penetrate



SPRINKLERS


down to the seat of the fire. The largest k-factorsprinklers have not been submitted to LPCB forapproval but they do carry FM approval and ULlisting. To obtain these approvals they were testedin full-scale fire tests and had to perform as well asthe reference, approved, smaller k-factor sprinklers.They actually performed much better. For example,in a test with NFPA Group A plastics with a designapplication density of 24.3 mm/min, k-115sprinklers controlled the fire but 29 sprinklersoperated. By contrast k-160 sprinklers controlledthe fire operating only 4 sprinklers. Ceilingtemperatures peaked at 900°C with the k-115sprinklers but at 300°C with the k-160 sprinklers.

At the request of end users, in recent years thesprinkler industry has introduced extended cover-age control mode sprinklers. These have a k-factorof 360 and can protect 18.2m2, or twice the areaof other control mode storage sprinklers. Thatmeans that the designer can often save one-thirdof the branch lines, thus considerably reducing thecost of the installed system.

Unlike control mode sprinklers, which preventan increase in the heat release rate from a fire,suppression mode sprinklers reduce the heatrelease rate. Suppression mode sprinkler systemsare designed to operate fewer sprinklers but eachsprinkler releases more water, with larger waterdroplets and at a higher downward velocity. Themost common type of suppression mode sprinkleris the Early Suppression Fast Response, or ESFRsprinkler. These sprinklers suppress fires solely fromthe ceiling; saving the cost of fitting sprinklersbetween rack levels and removing the risk ofwater damage from in-rack sprinklers should aforklift truck driver hit one. ESFR sprinklers rangein k-factor from 200 to 360. Most are approved byLPCB, with the larger k-factor ESFR sprinklersbeing able to protect one more level of racks thanthe others.

Last year two manufacturers introduced newconcepts for the protection of refrigerated ware-houses. One uses ESFR sprinklers with a specialanti-freeze, the other a dry pipe system calculatedto release water within 30 seconds.

At the request of the tyre industry, the sametwo sprinkler manufacturers developed newsprinkler designs which use low expansion foam toprotect tyres stored in racks. These systems usemuch less water than water-only systems, savingon pump, tank, piping and any water retentionsystem costs.

Storage sprinkler systems offer more alternativedesigns than any other application. With carefulselection of the design concept and sprinklers thedesigner can achieve significant savings against theusual approach with sprinklers that have been onthe market for decades. While warehouse firescause relatively few fire deaths and injuries, theyoften lead to large property losses and disruption tobusinesses, harming communities with the loss,sometimes permanent, of a major local employer.Fire-fighters agree that an uncontrolled warehousefire is one of the most dangerous scenarios they arelikely to face. For all these reasons, many Europeancountries now insist that sprinklers be fitted in largewarehouses. It is time the UK joined them.

Referencesi Bouwbesluit 2003.ii Industriebaurichtlinie 2001.iii Arrêté 1510 du 5août 2002.iv Real Decreto 2267/2004 de 3 de diciembre.v The Building Regulations 2000 Fire Safety Approved

Document B 2006 Edition.vi Sprinkler installation trends and fire statistics for

warehouse buildings, BRE Output number 226839,24 March 2006.

vii PD 7974-7: 2003 Application of fire safety engineer-ing principles to the design of buildings, Part 7:Probabilistic risk assessment.

IFP



SPRINKLERS IN WAREHOUSESSPRINKLERS


Reliable 8/8/06 9:48 am Page 1


HIGH RISE EGRESS

Typically designed around a casino and hotelpremise, Mega Resorts have developed toinclude all the amenities a consumer could

imagine within one facility. Obviously, this isintended to keep occupants at the same place tomaximize revenue (e.g., gaming, entertainment,retail, restaurants, etc.).

Las Vegas, Nevada and Macau, China are twosuch destinations that have taken the concept ofthe Mega Resort to new levels. Although LasVegas has been a part of the resort industry forover fifty years, ideas for larger and more encom-passing resorts to replace those previously inoperation has been the norm over the past twentyyears. These facilities are attracting tourists by themillions each year. Macau is relatively new to the

resort industry, but has not suffered for lost timeand is predicted to be just as glamorous andstimulating as Las Vegas.

Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, hasalso recently entered the construction of extremelytall and large facilities. Although not associatedwith gaming, the facilities in Dubai do not lack insize or substance. However, these facilities alsopresent significant challenges to the designer todetermine how to address a satisfactory means ofegress.

The layout of the Mega Resort typically includesa parking structure, podium levels, and residentialhigh rise towers. The podium levels are typicallyarranged to house the amenities for the public.Whether it be theaters to attend Broadway style

By Virginia Charterand Jeff Grove

RJA Group, Inc.

Pic courtesy of RJAGroup

Challenges tothe designer:Exiting from high-rise & largemixed-use buildingsHigh-rise and large mixed-use buildings are located throughout the world. Thesefacilities have the potential to contain a tremendous amount of occupants,especially gaming resorts. Finding a way to egress building occupants in anemergency can be a challenge depending on the complexity of the facility andthe uses within the complex. When multiple uses come together in one of thesefacilities, the exiting challenges can grow exponentially. These facilities aresometimes referred to as “Mega Resorts”.

P. 73-77 High Rise Egress 31/10/07 4:27 pm Page 73

productions, a retail complex that would rival anylocal mall, an expansive pool, multiple restaurantsand nightclubs, or a wedding chapel; these uses,that by themselves could pose unique egress con-cerns, have been incorporated within these megafacilities to push the limits of the egress system.The number of podium levels varies from resort toresort and is generally between one to five levels.The hotel tower provides thousands of rooms andsuites for overnight guests.

ChallengesTypically, the larger the resort, the greater thechallenges presented for life safety related systemswithin the facility. Each facility competes with itspredecessors to have a more elaborate theater, alarger convention center, a more expansive casinofloor, taller residential tower accommodations,unique shopping opportunities, varied diningexperiences, and amenities to better a patron’s

overall experience and entice future visitors. Towerheights, large occupant loads, multiple uses, prox-imity to property lines, paths for exit discharge,common path of travel, and travel distances arecommon challenges for these resorts.

These resorts contain just about everything acity does. Almost all the major occupancies calledout in the International Building Code (IBC) are inthese facilities. In addition to the amenities providedto patrons (gaming, shopping, dining, etc.), thereare just as many back-of-house support areas.Many times these areas are even located onintermediate levels that patrons do not even know exist. These support areas often includeoffices, mechanical and electrical rooms, storage,kitchens, and loading docks. On occasion, theseback-of-house areas can also include hazardousoccupancies, such as fuel for emergency gener-ators and fire pumps, bulk pool chemical storage,etc. Because of the multiple occupancies located

within the resorts, additional challenges come withthese mini-cities. Occupancy separations, highsecurity areas, the desire to keep the public out ofunoccupied spaces, or employee only areas alsoadd complexity to the egress design. Additionally,these massive properties are all contained withinsites that can range from 20 to 70 acres. Comparethis to a city whose high density could be spreadover 10-square miles. Each resort is jammedpacked into these sites and the building orbuildings can also approach adjacent propertylines. Space within these facilities is at a premiumand exiting is not always the initial focus of thedesigners.

Sometimes coinciding with these mega resortsand other times standing alone, it is commonpractice to have residential or office high risetowers in excess of 500 feet. Sometimes thesefacilities reach more than 1,000 feet above grade.These heights lead to new challenges in exiting.

Within every large facility there are multiplehigh-rise stairs serving the hotel tower, levels ofthe podium, and the parking garage. Many ofthese stairs face the challenge of exit dischargedue to their location within the facility. Many ofthese stairs are not located on the exterior portionof the facility. As such, these stair terminationsreside in the middle of the resort. Once occupantsachieve a level of protection (i.e. a two hour exitenclosure), that level of protection or greater mustbe provided to the exterior of the building.Through the use of intermediate levels, horizontalstair transfers may be added to avoid having a twohour enclosure running through the main podiumlevels.

With facilities of this magnitude, exits need tobe distributed evenly. The IBC limits the maximumdistance an occupant is allowed to travel beforereaching an exit, as well as the maximum commonpath of travel. Typically the main podium levels oflarge resorts stretch well over 1,000 feet in onedimension. Now, not only is capacity an issue withexits, additional exits need to be provided andplaced to address maximum travel distances. Maxi-mum travel distances are quantified within the IBCbased upon the occupancy group, and whetherautomatic sprinkler protection is provided. Formost occupancies within these fully sprinklerfacilities, the maximum travel distance from anypoint to the closest exit is 250-feet.

Another component of the means of egress


Pic courtesy of RJAGroup

HIGH RISE EGRESS

Within every large facility there

are multiple high-rise stairs

serving the hotel tower, levels

of the podium, and the

parking garage.


system is the limitation of the maximum commonpath of travel. Common path of travel is definedin the IBC to be “that portion of exit access whichthe occupants are required to traverse before twoseparate and distinct paths of egress travel to two exits are available.” Common path of travelchallenges within these facilities typically occur inback-of-house areas and large residential units.Rooms or spaces that may require only a singleexit due to a limited occupant load would requirea second exit if the common path of travel wasexceeded.

The maximum occupancy for these facilitiesrivals the total population of many cities. Forexample, the average new gaming facilities mustaccommodate anywhere between 70,000 to100,000 occupants worth of egress capacity, withsome of the larger facilities approaching over250,000. This is due to not only these facilitiesbeing very large, but also the IBC requirement thatall portions of the building be considered to beoccupied simultaneously. Large occupant loads area major concern for the egress systems withinthese Mega Resorts, since available floor spaceneeds to include exits. Space within these resorts isat a premium and the location of these exits is acritical balance. Additionally, the largest of theseoccupant loads are not always located at gradelevel. As a result, there could be 20,000 to 40,000occupants on each of the podium levels. Theseloads could account for up to 750 feet of exitwidth. This is a considerable amount of spacewhen trying to maximize revenue generatingspace within a building. It has also becomecommon practice to put large assembly uses at thetop of residential towers, such as night clubs,restaurants, pool decks, etc. This issue results inlarger exit stairs that potentially take away fromguest rooms, condominium units, or even leasedareas on lower tower and podium levels.

Solutions There are several solutions that can be used toalleviate the impact on exit width for thesefacilities. These solutions may all need to be useddepending on the level or sometimes only one willresolve the exiting issues. Two examples of pre-scriptive code compliance that may address exitingchallenges include scissor stairs and horizontalexits. A third solution to improve the impact onexit capacity, when allowed by the local authority,

is separate evacuation zones. There are twoadditional solutions for high rise buildings to aid inthe evacuation occupants. These solutions includethe use of area of refuge floors or the use ofelevators in full building evacuations. Somefacilities may require both.

Scissor stairs are a great way to add to thecapacity of an exit without significantly increasingthe width. Each scissor stair will have two separateentrances with two separate sets of treads thatcriss-cross each other. However, it is important toremember, that scissor stairs can only add to thecapacity of an exit. Even though there are twoseparate entrances into this stair, it can only beconsidered as one exit since they are essentiallywithin one stair shaft. It should be noted thatsome international codes recognize double helixstairs as separate exits. These are similar to scissorstairs in that the two sets of treads criss-cross eachother. The difference is that each set of stairtreads, landings and stair entrances are separatedfrom each other by two-hour construction.Although explicitly not permitted by the IBC, thismeans of stair construction has been utilizedsuccessfully in several areas of the world to


Jin Mao building inShanghai, PR China.Picture courtesy of RolfJensen & Associates

CHALLENGES TO THE DESIGNERHIGH RISE EGRESS


address required additional exits.Horizontal exits are another solution that can be

utilized to approximately double the number ofexits and the amount of exit capacity without aneed for additional stairs. Since up to 50 percentof the number of exits and capacity can beconfigured with horizontal exits, this can helpreduce stair widths within the building. Horizontalexit walls are required to be continuous from theexterior wall to the exterior wall of a buildingcreating a two hour fire resistive constructedseparation between the two areas. Onceoccupants have crossed the two hour barrier, theyare considered to have exited the area beingevacuated. However, on the opposite side of thehorizontal exit wall, a refuge area providingsufficient room for the exiting occupants, as wellas the occupants already anticipated in that area.From the refuge area, occupants are required tobe provided with a clear path either directly to the exterior or to a rated stair enclosure to takethem to the exterior of the building. Horizontalexits are an effective means of egress for conven-tion centers, ballrooms and theaters, as well asdividing casinos from other areas of the resort.These inherent architectural boundaries for theseuses can then be effectively are utilized for

horizontal exit purposes. For podium levels locatedat grade, the use of horizontal exits and multipleexterior exits is usually sufficient to meet theexiting needs.

When allowed by the local authority, a thirdsolution that is typically used on high densitypodium levels is separate evacuation zones.Evacuation zones coincide with the fire alarm,sprinkler, and smoke control system boundariesand naturally utilize the horizontal exit walls assome of the boundaries. When using separateevacuation zones, the entire floor no longer exitsat the same time. Occupants within one zonewould exit, while the other zones would remain innormal mode. This way both exit stairs andhorizontal exits can be used by multiple zones and in a sense utilizing the same exit capacitymany times. Evacuation zones are a viable optionbecause with these mega resorts the type ofconstruction (Type IA or IB) is the most restrictiveand in a sense each zone is enclosed by two hourrated construction. Using separate evacuationzones is an extension of the provisions allowed fora horizontal exiting scheme, since not all areas ofthe floor will be evacuated.

Due to the significant height of high risetowers, additional protective methods may be


Pic courtesy of Jalite plc

HIGH RISE EGRESS


considered and utilized for the overall exitingsystem. Although not a requirement within theIBC area of refuge floors are a means to allowoccupants to gather and rest during an eventwithin exceedingly tall high rise structures. Typicallylocated every ten to thirty levels depending on theproject and jurisdiction, refuge floors are eitheropen to the atmosphere or completely enclosed.Refuge floors are of the same construction of thestair shaft that it serves and sized to allow forthree square feet per person of the floor of alarm,floor above, and floor below since those would bethe floors evacuated. Occupants can enter theselevels only from the exit stair. These levels are usedto have occupants gather for further instruction bytrained personnel (either building management orfire rescue). These levels can also be used as aresting place for occupants because should theywant to continue, occupants would re-enter thestair and continue down to the next refuge flooror to the building exterior.

Though it is not a new practice and notrecognized by the IBC, the use of elevators forambulatory evacuation is still being definedthrough different projects in the world dependingupon the height and complexity of the facility. Themost effective use of elevators for this type ofevacuation is typically when the building as awhole needs to be evacuated. Should this be thecase, through the use of the voice evacuationsystem, occupants would be instructed to meet ondesignated floors (by means of an exit stair) whereelevators would pick occupants up and take themto the ground level. The elevators are on bothnormal and emergency power and are only usedonce the building and building systems affectingthe elevators are deemed safe.

As an alternative to the prescriptive require-ments of the building code, performance basedsolutions may also be utilized for numerousaspects of the required means of egress, includingextended travel distances, and increased exitcapacities. These solutions may include tenabilityanalyses to determine the maximum amount oftime occupants are provided with a tenableenvironment to exit the area under consideration.Timed egress analyses can then be computed todetermine the maximum travel distances thatoccupants are permitted given this tenability analy-sis. Further, computer based models can also beutilized to determine if exit components canaccommodate greater numbers of occupants, alsobased upon this tenability analysis. Of course,these solutions are also dependent upon theauthority having jurisdiction being comfortablewith the conclusions of these analyses.

Summary and conclusionThese Mega Resorts or high rise buildings can beoverwhelming from a life safety aspect, especiallythe required means of egress systems. Breaking thefacility down by levels and areas helps alleviate theprospect of having to exit an entire facility simulta-neously, which can rival the size of small cities. Itcan be broken down into the same categories asabove; high rise levels, garage, and podium. Fromthere, each level may need to be further brokendown and evaluated. Parking garages are usuallythe lesser challenging aspect of the facility followedby typical residential levels. However, the morechallenging residential levels with larger guest

suites or the upper levels containing high densityoccupancies (night clubs, pool decks, restaurants)as well as the podium levels will need to applyseveral of the solutions listed above.

Mega Resorts and high rises are the norm asdesired destinations throughout the United Statesand the world. Exiting from these facilities isextremely challenging when dealing with so manyfactors, while trying to keep the design intent ofthe owner and architects in mind. Since floor spaceis at a premium, cost on the high density floors,creative solutions to exiting are almost alwaysrequired. Through the use of multiple stairs/exits,scissor stairs, horizontal exits, separate evacuationzones, interior stair transfers, area of refuge floors,and elevator evacuation, these buildings can bedesigned efficiently to provide both entertainmentand safe evacuation for those patrons. The ultimatedesign is to make the required exits augment thearchitectural design. IFP


CHALLENGES TO THE DESIGNERHIGH RISE EGRESS


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SAFE ALARMS

Electrical and, latterly, electronic signalingdevices have been around since the 1930s,originally defined as “explosion proof”,

devices housed in monstrous cast metal enclo-sures, capable of withstanding an internal ignitionand subsequent explosion caused by an electricalspark and or internal heat build up withoutigniting the atmosphere within its immediate loca-tion. They were necessarily expensive and crude,but they were above all effective, typically usedunderground in mines. All were manufactured tothe same code of practice; electrical devices foruse in such environments were generally producedin two versions, for use either above or belowground. Their design appears strikingly ‘over-engineered’ by today’s standards. The fundamentalprotection principle, the means of preventing anelectrical spark of sufficient energy igniting the

surrounding atmosphere of these early devices hasnot changed, and the much enhanced, regulatedand standardised design is to be found in themodern day EEx d explosion proof device.

An alternative protection principle for electricaldevices to be used in hazardous areas has evolvedover the years. Instead of the containmentapproach, an alternative method prevents suffi-cient power being present at a potential source ofignition during fault conditions of the device sothat it is intrinsically safe; the enclosure itself mayoffer little physical protection.

Today the manufacturer, installer and site ownerface a plethora of increasingly stringent regulationsand standards further complicated by legislation,international peculiarities, and directives. A conse-quence of this situation is that manufacturersendeavour to produce a super conformant

By John Rattlidge

E2S

Explosion proofor intrinsicallysafe alarmsignalling inhazardous areasAudible and visual signals are increasingly required to alert, inform and ‘alarm’people, particularly where a potentially explosive atmosphere may exist undernormal and or abnormal working conditions.

Pic courtesy of E2S

P. 79-81 Intrinsically safe 31/10/07 4:27 pm Page 79

international product that will conform to all stan-dards and directives in force in different parts ofthe world. However in the case of audible andvisual devices it inevitably affects the overall per-formance of the primary function the generationof sound and light output.

Explosion proof EEx d products are suitable forenvironments where a potentially explosive atmos-phere is likely to occur occasionally under normaloperating conditions, known as a Category 2product, suitable for Zone 1; in the USA – Division1. Explosion proof audible and visual signals allowsthe installer to treat their design and fitting assimilar to that of non hazardous area products;generally this means ensuring a certified cablegland is used together with the correct cable interms of current rating and physical protection;typically, SWA MICC or a similarly rated cable willbe required. The installation must be undertakenby a competent and suitably qualified person.

In general this concept allows for quite highpowered and very loud sounders to be used, par-ticularly useful in harsh demanding environments.Sounders allow for many different tones and stagesof alarm permitting different alarm conditions tobe indicated from one device. The addition of anincreased safety terminal enclosure EEx e offers theinstaller the convenience of a separate terminationavoiding the disassembly of the product and theuse of a much more easily fitted and significantlyless expensive certified gland during installation,reducing installation time by up to 50%.

Explosion proof beacons, traditionally Xenontube technology but nowadays increasingly LEDarray offer high outputs, again with the option ofan increased safety terminal enclosure EEx e. Somebeacons allow for synchronized flashes with othersin the same system to give a more intense andeffective appearance and the more versatile LEDbeacons offer numerous different flash and steadyoutput patterns. Combination beacon andsounder units offer a neater solution, combiningthe obvious advantage of both audible and visualsignals from a single device with a reduction ininstallation time.

Intrinsic Safety is a system concept. Some usersare put off by this idea, mistakenly believing that itis complicated and best left to the specialists – a‘black art’, when in fact it is very straightforward,particularly when it comes to sounders andbeacons. The intrinsically safe system consists of

the field device, and the associated apparatus,Zener barrier or isolation interface. Intrinsically safeproducts are suitable for environments where apotentially explosive atmosphere is present contin-uously or for long periods under normal operatingconditions, known as a Category 1 product,suitable for Zone 0; USA – Division 1. Intrinsicallysafe EEx a or EEx b sounders and beacons areprimarily for use in low power systems, such ascontrol and measurement as well as general alarmsystems operating in hazardous environments. Theprotection concept is to limit the amount of currentand voltage into the device through the use of aZener barrier or galvanic isolator. In the event of afault within the intrinsically safe device, insufficientenergy will be available in terms of a spark or heatto ignite the potentially explosive atmosphere.

Intrinsically safe sounders and beacons requireknowledge of the installation principles for them tobe fitted. The actual fitting and wiring is morestraight forward and quicker than explosion proofdevices; they also tend to cost considerably less.However, due to the restriction in input power toless than 2 Watts, the output in terms of both lightand sound is limited and in general is considerablyless than the explosion proof alternatives. Typicalinstallations would be control rooms, filling stationsand areas requiring local alarm and status indication.

Intrinsically safe sounder and beacon products aretypically small compact devices; recent developmentsallow multiple sounders, beacons or combined unitsto be operated from one barrier, giving a significantreduction in installation and equipment costs.

Products approved for use in Zone 0 and Zone 1can also be installed in Zone 2, areas where apotentially explosive atmosphere is not likely tooccur under normal operating conditions, but if itdoes, it will only be present for short periods.

A Category 3 product suitable for Zone 2 use, israted EEx N, a ‘non sparking’ device that tends togive a superior output due to the reduced designconstraints imposed by the design standard. TheEEx N restrictions are less onerous than those ofEEx d and the input power restriction of the entireinstallation of EEx N are higher than those ofintrinsically safe installations, resulting in a loudersounder and brighter beacon. The units them-selves are considerably less expensive to buy andinstallation costs and time taken to fit are reduced.

All products suitable for hazardous area usemust be third party approved by a notified body.The assessment and categorization of a potentiallyhazardous environment must be undertaken by acompetent person and or notified body. IFP


Pic courtesy of E2S

SAFE ALARMS

Pic courtesyof E2S

P. 79-81 Intrinsically safe 31/10/07 4:27 pm Page 80


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Pic courtesy of Eurobond

PARTITION WALLS

Fire-rated compartmentation walls havebecome a key consideration in both new andexisting premises since the Regulatory Reform

[Fire Safety] Order (FSO) came into effect last year.The FSO states that the risk of fire should bereduced to ‘as low as is reasonably practicable’and this in turn has led to a renewed focus onpassive, as well as active, safety measures. Fire-rated compartmentation walls are an effectivemeans of limiting the spread of fire, and also lifethreatening smoke.

Pre-finished panel systems have always beenused extensively within warehouse or retail con-structions. More recently, we have also seen amove towards their use in public buildings, such asschools and hospitals as more specifiers recognisethe key advantages such systems have over moretraditional routes of metal stud and board, forexample.

When you consider the different stages oferection there are for stud and board in particular,the reasons for this differential soon become clear. Typical construction will entail fixing gal-vanised steel studs with two layers of fire resistantboard each side, followed by a plaster skim coatand, generally, one mist and two full coats ofemulsion – a lengthy process when you take

drying times into account. Compare this to pre-finished panel systems,

which are remarkably easy to install with nospecialist skills required. Steel channels are simplyfixed to the floor and ceiling and the pre-cutpanels slotted into place. An interlocking jointdetail on each panel means there is no need toseal any joints, so no wet trades are required onsite. Openings for doors or internal windows canbe easily cut out and fixtures slotted into place.

This saving in time is significant – on averagepre-finished panel systems, such as Eurobond’sFiremaster can be constructed over 10 timesquicker than blockwork or stud and board walls.

Ikea has certainly been switched onto thebenefits of pre-finished panel systems. The Aston-under-Lyne’s new Ikea store was partitionedusing the Eurobond Firemaster System. Theconstruction programme was extremely tight, justten months, and so ease of installation was key tothe specification.

Insulated Construction Limited used EurobondFiremaster Wall Lite and Firemaster Wall Extrapanels for the compartmentation of the four-storeywarehouse and showroom facility, as they are easy to handle and install, so particularlycontractor-friendly.

By Richard Wigley

Business Development& Marketing Manager,Eurobond

Richard Wigley, Business Development & Marketing Manager for Eurobond,looks at pre-finished panel systems, and explains why, when it comes to theprovision of fire-rated internal partition walls, they are rivalling traditionalmethods.

Compartmentalisi

P. 82-84 Partitions 31/10/07 4:28 pm Page 82

The major benefit of pre-finished panel systemsis that these time and cost savings can be madewithout compromising on other key performancecharacteristics.

For example, wall panels from the EurobondFiremaster Range have achieved a BS 5234-2:1992 Severe Duty Rating, in relation to partitionwall strength and robustness.

The wall panels perform exceptionally wellunder tests that determine panel stiffness andresistance to small hard body impact, multiplelarge soft body impact, door slamming and crowdpressure. On all counts, the Firemaster panelssustain little or no damage, well below thedeflection levels allowed.

The tests are carried out by CERAM, a UKASaccredited laboratory, on a 70mm thick FiremasterPanel, the lowest strength panel in the range.Severe Duty is the top rating achieved by con-ventional built up stud and board partitions,demonstrating Firemaster’s suitability as analternative to traditional means.

Firemaster panels have also been tested toBS476 Part 22, for fire resistance and assessed to LPS1208 to satisfy the fire resistance require-ments for compartmentation in the LPC “RedBook” Design Guide.

LPS 1208 tests in relation to the fully developedor post-flashover stage of a fire. This is the phaseof the fire where all the contents in the room, orin the vicinity of the fire origin, are fully involvedand burning. Meeting this fire resistance require-ment is vital for preventing fire spread via anycombustible products that may be containedwithin the wall construction.

This superior fire performance is met due to thepanel’s mineral wool core, a non-combustiblematerial rated Euroclass A1 – the highestEuropean classification available.

This was particularly important for the new

Macrae Food Group facility in Livingston, whichproduces high quality chilled seafood for the UKmarket. Opened earlier this year, it marked thebiggest ever investment to date by owners Young’sSeafood. Approximately 12000m2 of EurobondFiremaster panels were installed consisting of100mm thick Firemaster wall, 100mm thickFiremaster wall extra and 150mm thick Firemasterceilings.

Paul Walmsley, from contractors Central Insula-tion Limited, said: “Eurobond Firemaster productsmet the high performance requirements for theproject and the 1 hour and 2 hours fire ratingrequired by local authorities and insurers.”

Panels manufactured from a mineral wool corealso offer superior performance when it comes tosmoke toxicity. In most cases of fire it’s not actuallythe flames, but the smoke and toxic fumes thatpose a threat. The most common identified causeof death or injury in a fire is being overcome bygas or smoke (accounting for 44% of all firedeaths and 33% of all non fatal casualties in2005), so understanding any threat posed by toxicsmoke is vital.

Recent independent fire tests by the WarringtonFire Research Centre do provide specifiers with anindication of the levels of toxic smoke produced bycomposite panel cores, manufactured from Polyiso-cyanurate (PIR) and Rockwool. The tests monitoredthe levels of the key dangerous substances carbonmonoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN).



COMPARTMENTALISING THE ISSUESPARTITION WALLS

sing the Issues

CO HCN

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) 1533ppm 72ppm

Rockwool 307ppm 4ppm

Test Results – Irradiance level 50kW/m2 in theabsence of a pilot flame


Pre-finished panel systems also allow for easier re-configuration of a building space. If the buildingowner ever wishes to move any partition wall thepanels can simply be taken out, the wall and ceilingchannels moved and the panels fixed back in. Underthe same circumstances a stud wall would have tobe demolished and the waste disposed of, whichwould be messy and disruptive, and not ideal forthose wishing to limit their environmental impact.

The environment is, of course another consider-ation when it comes to specifying any buildingmaterial and pre-finished steel faced, mineral woolcored panels can also contribute positively to thisduty of care.

Eurobond’s Firemaster, for example, has a lowenvironmental impact, with a carbon footprintsignificantly lower than that of an equivalent panelwith a polyisocyanurate [PIR] core.

Firemaster can also be part of a closed loop

recycling process in that both the steel and mineralwool can be used to make new product. With anincreased focus on the disposal options availableat the end of a building’s useful life, Firemaster isone of the only internal panel products that is trulyrecyclable, further minimising its overall environ-mental impact.

The benefits of pre-finished panel systemsaren’t just confined to the build itself. When itcomes to on-going maintenance, panels manu-factured from galvanized polyester-coated steelsheets can simply be washed down, so there is noneed for cyclical painting programmes.

Specifiers trying to juggle the demands of meet-ing regulations, tight budgets and deadlines,should carefully consider panel systems whenspecifying internal partition walls, as studies haveproven that they can deliver a fast and effectivemeans of achieving all levels of fire resistance. IFP




COMPARTMENTALISING THE ISSUESPARTITION WALLS

For further information onEurobond Laminates: Visit www.eurobond.co.ukTel: 02920 776677 or email:[email protected]


Patterson Pumps w/p 31/1/07 11:04 AM Page 1


Several series ofexperiments ofsprinklers in roadtunnels have beencarried out in recentyears. The results showthat water mist typesprinkler systems areeffective, and that mostarguments against theuse of sprinklers do notstand up. Photo courtesyof Marioff CorporationOy

TUNNEL SPRINKLERS

Japan has over 80 road tunnels with sprinklersystems, as against only about a dozen tunnelswith such systems in the whole of the rest of

the world. One possible explanation for this is tobe found in a number of technical argumentsagainst the use of sprinklers: arguments that areeven documented in the latest editions of PIARCand NFPA 502, the two international publicationsthat are most used in connection with fire safety inroad tunnels.

Historical experiments in SwitzerlandThe background to several of the argumentsagainst sprinklers is to be found in the fire experi-ments that were carried out in the Ofenegg tunnelin Switzerland over 40 years ago. Interpretation ofthe results of these experiments has probably beendecisive in determining the limited use of sprinklersin tunnels. The experiments were carried out withpans of petrol, of varying sizes, in a relatively smalltunnel. The tunnel had a cross-sectional area of23 m2, was 190 m long and had only oneentrance/exit. The sprinkler system used in theexperiments did not incorporate foam admixing. In

all the experiments, the sprinklers extinguished thefire, but the fire gases were quickly driven down tofloor level when the system was activated and theshort tunnel was entirely filled with smoke. Inaddition, a deflagration occurred in the last experi-ment, 20 minutes after extinguishing, when explo-sive fumes from the petrol were re-ignited. Theresults also included scalding, i.e. burns damage toorganic materials caused by steam. In addition, thesteam moved the fire gases further into thetunnel, causing temperatures there that werehigher than in the experiments without the use ofsprinklers. Since this, the results from these experi-ments have been used as arguments against theuse of sprinkler systems in road tunnels.

Further negative arguments have been putforward since those experiments were carried outin 1965, such as the risk of the sprinkler watercarrying floating fuel along the road and thusincreasing the size of the fire, the limited ability ofsprinklers to deal with fires inside vehicles, the risk of secondary accidents due to unintentionalactivation, the risk of frost damage and high main-tenance costs. Most of these arguments originate

By Haukur Ingasonand MagnusArvidson

SP Technical ResearchInstitute of Sweden,Department of FireTechnology

Interest in the use of sprinkler systems in road tunnels has increased in recentyears as a result of the major tunnel fires that have occurred in the last few yearsand of the good results from experiments with new sprinkler technology.Nevertheless, despite this, the installation of sprinklers in new tunnels is far fromsettled. A review of the literature, carried out by SP Technical Research Instituteof Sweden, shows that many of the technical arguments against the use ofsprinklers in road tunnels do not stand up.

The technical argumenin road tunnels do not

P. 86-87 Tunnel Fires 31/10/07 4:29 pm Page 86

from discussions betweenexperts, rather than on directexperience from experiments.

New experiments – newknowledgeThe experiments of sprinklersthat have been performed inrecent years (water mist, con-ventional sprinkler systems andfoam sprinkler systems) showthat all such systems restrict thespread of fire and radicallyreduce temperatures. Experi-ments have been carried outboth on liquid fires and on largeand small vehicles. In all cases,the experiments tunnels havebeen longer than the Ofeneggtunnel, with greater cross-sectional area. Admittedly, thefire gases have been presseddown towards the road surface when the systemswere activated, but only in the vicinity of the fire.In this context, it is important to point out thatlongitudinal ventilation also presses the fire gasesdown towards the road surface downstream of afire. No signs of scalding have been observed, andnor have temperatures in other areas been higher.However, experiments involving liquid fires havebeen carried out using pans, which means that ithas not been possible to determine whether thewater would spread the fuel. Nevertheless, usingfoam, liquid fires have been extinguished veryeffectively, with the blanket of foam preventingre-ignition.

Many years’ experience of sprinklers inroad tunnels in JapanMany experiments of sprinklers in road tunnelshave been carried out in Japan, with the resultthat sprinklers have been recommended for use in tunnels longer than three kilometres andcarrying more than 4000 vehicles per day. Theaccumulated experience is very favourable, withsprinklers having prevented major fires in severalcases and without causing any problems withevacuation. No cases of accidental activation ornegative effects of sprinkler systems have beenreported. The smoke from fires in those caseswhere the system has been activated has beenpressed down towards the ground only in thevicinity of the fire.

The fire in Melbourne – a concreteexampleA fire occurred in a tunnel in Melbourne on 23rdMarch 2007 as the result of a collision betweentwo heavy goods vehicles and two cars. This tun-nel is one of the few tunnels outside Japan thatactually has a sprinkler system. The fire could havehad catastrophic consequences. However, as the

fire gas ventilation system and the sprinkler system(a group activation system) were activated at anearly stage, and as the fire and rescue servicesquickly reached the scene, all those in the tunnelwere able to escape from it without any injuries.The tunnel was in fact back in use after only fourhours.

New guidelines in NFPA 502The present edition of NFPA 502, ‘Standard forRoad Tunnels, Bridges, and Other Limited AccessHighways’, includes several negative comments onsprinklers in tunnels. These comments will still bein the next edition, but will be complemented byan explanatory text explaining why they are nolonger valid. Another important change is that thedesign fire rating of fires in heavy goods vehicleswill be increased to 70-200 MW, as against theprevious 20-30 MW. This means that the expectedconsequences of a fire are greater, making theinstallation of sprinklers more beneficial. The new edition of NFPA 502 will be published inSeptember 2007.

Time to think again. . .There is no well-supported technical argumentagainst the use of sprinkler systems in roadtunnels. The only argument that can be consideredis that of investment and maintenance costs. How-ever, seen in a larger context, and thus includingthe costs of fire damage, standstill costs anddeaths and injuries, it is likely that the cost of asprinkler installation can be justified, at least inroad tunnels carrying high volumes of traffic.

SP Report 2006:56 (may be downloaded fromwww.sp.se) includes the entire literature list. Inaddition, it presents the results of 1:23 model scaleexperiments using water sprinklers, and investigat-ing the effects of basic parameters such as airvelocity, heat release rate and water flow. IFP


Fires in modern privatecars can be extremelyfierce if they involveseveral vehicles, or ifpetrol or diesel fuelleaks out onto the road.Photo courtesy ofMarioff Corporation Oy

THE TECHNICAL ARGUMENTS AGAINST SPRINKLERS IN ROAD TUNNELS DO NOT STAND UPTUNNEL SPRINKLERS

ents against sprinklersot stand up

P. 86-87 Tunnel Fires 31/10/07 4:29 pm Page 87


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