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Installing a Detection System is one of the most prudent measures a business owner can take to manage risk and reduce the level of possible loss of life or property. Fire Detection Systems are basically divided into Conventional and Addressable systems.
Conventional Systems
Conventional Fire Detection Systems are the cheaper of the two systems. This system has limitations due to the fact that they indicate fires per zone. It is however just as effective as Addressable systems for smaller premises. The premises are divided into zones. Detectors are then installed and allocated per zone. For instance the Offices, Kitchen and Mess hall might contain 12 x Smoke Detectors and 4 x Manual Call Points + three Sounders(Alarms), this area is then allocated to zone one. You may still have a Workshop and Store room left in the building, containing 5 x smoke detectors, 2x Manual Call Points and 2 x Sounders. This can now be allocated to another zone, zone 2. Should a fire be detected by a Detector it will be indicated on the panel in which zone the fire is.
E.g. a Fire in the Kitchen will be displayed as a fire in zone 1.
Addressable Systems
Addressable systems offer more detailed information on the panel as to where exactly the fire is detected. It will not only display the zone, but the exact detector that detected the fire. For instance where Conventional system will only display a fire detected in Kitchen as Fire in zone1, Addressable system will display Fire in zone1 in Kitchen, Smoke detector 0022 that went off. This also applies to Manual Call Points activated, as it will indicate the exact location of the activated MCP. Overall this gives an exact Fire location to attend to. Wireless Addressable Systems are also available that can cover Large, Multi-story or several buildings on the same system, or where wiring is not an option.
A risk Assessment will give guidance on how to avoid fires and how to ensure people’s safety if a fire does start and reduce the consequences in case of a fire i.e. human and financial losses, as much as reasonably possible. What is a Fire Risk Assessment ?
A fire risk assessment is an organized and methodical look at your premises, the activities carried on there and the likelihood that a fire could start and cause harm to those in and around the premises. The aims of the fire risk assessment are:
• To identify the fire hazards.
• To reduce the risk of those hazards causing harm to as low as reasonably practicable.
• To decide what physical fire precautions and management arrangements are necessary to ensure the safety of people in your premises if a fire does start.
Why is the Assessment needed ?
A Fire Risk Assessment will give you a clear indication as to your current Fire Safety situation and if there need to be any actions taken to improve your vulnerability to potential Fire Risks. The Risk Assessment is an essential procedure to ensure the Property or Business owner's compliance to Regulation and Insurance requirements. Non-compliance to any of these requirements can leave the owner to possible financial ruin, and possibly legal prosecutions.
Fire Suppression Systems are systems that automatically activate in the event of a fire to suppress or extinguish the fire. Normally the fire is detected by a detection device (Heat or Smoke detectors).
A Sprinkler system is part of such a suppression system, but due to the possible water damage to equipment on the activation of the sprinkler system and technological advances in suppression, the Industry are moving more to clean agents as an alternative option.
Clean agents are fast and effective in suppressing fires, are safe in occupied spaces, and do not leave a residue. Probably at the top of the list of clean suppression agents is FM-200.
The FM-200 is a clean, colorless, and environmentally friendly fire suppressant that is electronically non-conductive and safe for humans.
The fire suppression system extinguishes flames primarily through heat absorption and is safe for use in occupied areas. Commercial kitchens pose one of the greatest risks for fires. Your restaurant is full of industrial, high-heat equipment that often comes into contact with cooking oils and grease, all of which present a significant fire hazard.
Protecting your kitchen staff and the equipment within your kitchen is paramount, but can be tricky.
Fire extinguishers are cumbersome and not conducive to the cooking environment, and water only makes grease fires worse. This is why your restaurant fire suppression system is so important.
Installing an alarm system is one of the most prudent measures a business owner can take to manage risk and reduce the level of possible loss of life or property.
Lowering your business' risk exposure and loss will help reduce claims. Over the past few years, short-term insurers such as Santam has settled hundreds of millions of rand in claims resulting from fire-related commercial and industrial claims.
Fire alarms are generally required for businesses to meet local and national codes and legislation.
These systems range from the simple to the sophisticated, depending upon the size and scope of the business. “Without proper business insurance cover, very few companies are able to withstand financial losses should their offices, warehouse, storage facilities or manufacturing plant fall victim to a devastating fire and that’s why proper fire insurance cover is essential, says Shehnaz Somers, Head of Commercial Underwriting at Santam.
As a major fire event can have far reaching implications for commercial and industrial enterprises, business owners are urged to identify what fire-prevention, early detection systems and firefighting capabilities are in place or risk the very real dangers of their business going up in smoke. It is of the utmost importance to discuss with their insurance broker the details regarding coverage of fire for your business.
You need to make sure you are acquainted with all sections on Fire protection in your policy and what is required from your Insurer. If for instance Fire Detection is required by your insurance, and you do not have one installed, this would have a very adverse effect on your policy coverage and pay-out, should a fire destroy your business.
It could lead to only partial or no pay-out due to not abiding by the requirements of your policy, leaving you in a financial dilemma. According to NFPA, most fires happen at industrial manufacturing properties, merchant and retail stores.
Rotarex FireDETEC systems use a proprietary continuous linear sensor tube that reliably detects and actuates release of the extinguishing agent using pneumatic technology. It is more flexible, space efficient and cost effective versus alternative mechanical or electronic systems.
Fire causes major disruptions to everyday lives of everyday people and it takes considerable efforts and resources to rehabilitate/rebuild these areas. Fire Detection in buildings are often overlooked as a critical resource in terms of Health & Safety and compliance.
The need for Fire protection and Fire Detection compliance are regulated by the following Laws and regulations:
- The Occupational Health & Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHSA)
- National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act-103-1977
- SANS 10400
- SANS 10400-T
- SANS 10139
- SANS 246
- SANS 322
- Local By-laws
Important
The Occupational Health & Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHSA)
General duties of employers to their employees Every employer shall provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health and safety of his employees.
17 National Building Regulations and Directives
(1) The Minister may after consultation with the council make regulations, to be known as national building regulations- (e) to provide for the requirements with which buildings shall comply in so far as precautionary measures against fires or other emergencies are concerned, including the resistance of buildings against the outbreak and spreading of fires, the protection of the occupants or users of buildings or other persons against fires, the aids or other installations to be in buildings for the combating or prevention of fires and for the vacating of such buildings in cases of fires or other emergencies;
Fire Safety in Buildings which includes Fire Detection, Fire Protection and Evacuation Procedures all have the following objectives in common: To save lives To prevent damage to property An Evacuation Plan, clearly displayed and regularly practiced to get occupants and workers of building prepared for the procedures to be followed in the event of an fire is not only a legal requirement, but a life saving procedure. Below is a video with some important tips on Evacuation !