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Fire Extinguishing Systems: Plan Safety Ahead

Today, the safety of any business or home is ensured by the correct planning and implementation of fire prevention and extinguishing systems. Fire is a disaster that can occur suddenly and cause serious damage. Therefore, it is vital to take the right precautions for fire safety and have an effective fire extinguishing system.

What are Fire Extinguishing Systems?

Fire extinguishing systems are systems designed to control and extinguish the fire with a rapid intervention in case of fire. These systems usually include detection, warning, extinguishing and control stages. Fire extinguishing systems work according to a predetermined plan, preventing the growth of fire and minimising material losses.

Types of Fire Extinguishing Systems

• Water Based Systems: It is one of the most common fire extinguishing systems. Water is sprayed into the fire area, absorbs heat and extinguishes the fire. Water sprinkler systems include water spray heads and fire detectors.
• Foam Systems: Liquid foam is sprayed into the fire area, forming a cover over the fire and preventing oxygen from reaching the fire. It is especially effective in fires caused by liquid fuels.
• Powder (Dry Chemical) Systems: Powder is sprayed into the fire area, forming a blanket over the fire and extinguishes the fire by restricting oxygen. Suitable for use in sensitive areas such as electrical panels.
• Gas Systems: It is especially preferred in areas where electronic equipment is located. In case of fire, a special gas is released to extinguish the fire.
• Advantages and Importance
• Fast Intervention: Fire extinguishing systems are automatically activated when the fire starts, quickly taking the fire under control without the need for manual intervention.
• Minimising Material Losses: Fire extinguishing systems minimise material losses that may occur as a result of fire. Rapid response helps businesses or homeowners avoid major damage.
• Life Safety: Most importantly, fire extinguishing systems protect human life. A rapid response in case of fire can prevent loss of life.

Fire suppression systems play a critical role in ensuring safety in any environment. If these systems are pre-planned and properly implemented, they have the potential to minimise the fire disaster. It is important for everyone, businesses and homeowners, to be aware and prepared for fire safety in order to create a safe environment.

What are Fire Extinguishing Systems According to?

Fire extinguishing systems are designed in different types and features depending on various factors. These systems are divided according to the type of fire, the characteristics of the environment and the area of use.

1. Separation by Fire Type:

a. Solid Material Fires:

Water Based Systems: Generally applied with sprinkler systems, it controls solid material fires thanks to the cooling property of water.

Foam Systems: It is effective against fires caused by solid materials, the foam forms a layer on the fire and prevents oxygen from reaching.

b. Liquid Material Fires:

Foam Systems: Used against liquid fires, the foam layer provides extinguishing by covering the fire.

Powder (Dry Chemical) Systems: It is especially effective against chemical liquid fires, the powder is sprayed on the fire to cut off the oxygen.

c. Gas Fires:

Gas Systems: It controls gas fires by using special fire extinguishing gases and extinguishes the fire by reducing oxygen.

2. Separation according to the characteristics of the environment:

a. Closed Areas:

Gas Systems: It is preferred in closed areas where electronic equipment is located.

Water Systems: Generally used in closed areas such as office buildings, shopping centres.

b. Open Areas:

Water Based Systems: It has the ability to spray water over a large area in open areas.

Fire Hydrants: Used by fire fighting teams in open areas.

3. Distinction According to Area of Use:

a. Industrial Plants:

Foam and Dust Systems: Generally used in industrial plants, especially effective in areas where hazardous chemicals are present.

Aqueous Systems: Used to control industrial fires that can spread over large areas.

b. Residential and Workplaces:

Sprinkler Systems: Widely used in residences and workplaces, automatically activated and extinguishes the fire.

Fire Cylinders: Portable and easy to use, preferred in homes and small workplaces for emergencies.

Where are Fire Extinguishing Systems Used?

Fire extinguishing systems are designed to ensure life safety, minimise material losses and respond quickly to fire disasters by using in various environments and areas.

1. Workplaces and Office Buildings: Workplaces, office buildings and industrial facilities are one of the areas where fire extinguishing systems are most commonly used. Technologies such as sprinkler systems, fire detectors and fire alarm systems are automatically activated in these areas, providing a rapid fire response.

2. Residential Buildings: Residential buildings, apartments and houses are important places for fire safety. Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and fire extinguishing systems protect homeowners and residents against the risk of fire.

3. Shopping Centres and Trade Areas: Crowded shopping centres, retail stores and commercial areas are places with heavy human traffic that need fire extinguishing systems. Water-based systems, foam systems and fire hydrants used in these areas provide fast and effective fire control.

4. Industrial Facilities: Fire extinguishing systems in chemical warehouses, factories and industrial facilities minimise the risk of fire in environments working with hazardous substances. Powder, foam or gas systems offer effective solutions in fighting industrial fires.

5. Transport Vehicles and Stations: Transport points such as airports, railway stations, bus terminals and harbours are places where large masses come together. In these areas, emergency response capacity is increased by taking measures such as fire extinguishers, fire extinguishing systems and fire doors.

6. Educational Institutions: Schools, universities and educational institutions are equipped with fire extinguishing systems to ensure student and staff safety. Fire drills and trainings ensure effective responses in case of fire.

7. Health Institutions: Hospitals and healthcare organisations require fire extinguishing systems for patient safety and equipment protection. Special gas systems for electrical panels and sensitive equipment are widely used in these areas.

8. Entertainment and Sports Areas: In places such as cinema halls, stadiums, concert areas and entertainment complexes, fire extinguishing systems are of great importance due to the presence of crowded communities. Emergency evacuation routes and fire safety plans are of vital importance in such places.

Fire extinguishing systems have a wide range of uses and each is designed to meet specific needs. The correct selection and regular maintenance of these systems play a critical role in providing safety against possible fire disasters.