Fire sprinkler systems are an essential component of fire safety in industrial facilities. It might be the case that your premises house large amounts of hazardous materials and heavy machinery, making them particularly vulnerable to fires.
Not only can a fire cause significant damage to the facility and its equipment, but it can also put lives at risk. Fire sprinkler systems provide an important first line of defence against fires, helping to suppress them quickly and minimise any damage.
In this blog, we take a look at the importance of using high quality fire sprinkler systems in your industrial unit.
It’s the law
Perhaps the most crucial reason that your industrial premises needs a fire sprinkler system is that it may well be against the law not to have one. In the UK, fire sprinkler systems are a legal requirement for any business premises with over 20,000 square metres of space. This will clearly be the case for many industrial facilities.
However, even if your facilities are not legally mandated to have fire sprinkler systems in place, you might be interested in installing them anyway, as they have a huge range of benefits.
Respond quickly to fires
Fire spreads quickly – more quickly than you can imagine. You might assume that if you spot a fire, you can easy run to an alarm, set it off, and everything will be fine. But an unchecked fire can move rapidly.
One of the key benefits of fire sprinkler systems is their ability to detect and respond to fires quickly. Most systems use heat detectors to detect the presence of a fire and, once activated, the sprinklers will begin to release water to extinguish the flames.
The speed at which the sprinklers respond can make a significant difference in the outcome of a fire. The faster the fire is suppressed, the less damage it can cause and the less likely it is to spread.
Contain the problem
Another important benefit of fire sprinkler systems is their ability to contain fires. When a fire breaks out, it can quickly spread to other areas of the facility if it is not controlled. Fire sprinkler systems help to contain fires by releasing water on the flames and preventing them from spreading. This can help to limit the damage caused by a fire and reduce the potential cost to the business.
Some facilities worry about potential water damage. But this pales in comparison to the potential negatives of fire damage.
Protecting your most valuable asset
Of course, a vital element of fire sprinkler systems is their ability to save lives and protect people in the facility. When a fire breaks out, it can be difficult for people to evacuate the building quickly and safely.
Fire sprinkler systems can help to suppress the flames and create a safer environment for people to escape. Additionally, many systems also include alarms, which can alert everyone on the premises to the presence of a fire and help them to evacuate more quickly.
For insurance
Many insurance companies require industrial facilities to have fire sprinkler systems in order to be eligible for coverage. Additionally, many local and national fire safety codes require fire sprinkler systems in certain types of industrial facilities. It is important for facility managers to be aware of the laws and regulations that apply to their specific facility and to comply with them.
Installing a fire sprinkler system can be a significant investment for an industrial facility, but it is an investment that is well worth it. The cost of the system can be offset by the cost of damage that can be caused by a fire, not to mention the potential loss of life. Many fire sprinkler systems can be retrofitted to existing facilities, which can help to reduce the overall cost of installation.
If you are interested in having a fire sprinkler system installed it is vital to have the right parts. At Applications Engineering we supply high quality fire sprinkler valves and a range of other equipment used in these systems. Contact our team today to learn more.
Filed under: Advice and Information