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10th Anniversary Edition

2000-2010

Issue 41 - February 2010

www.mdmpublishing.com

THE GLOBAL VOICE FOR PASSIVE & ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION

SAFER TUNNELS
START HERE

FT Connecta from Draka is the ultimate range of fire performance cables. And when it comes to fire safety in
tunnels nothing performs better than FT Connecta, our zero halogen, low smoke (OHLS®) modular cabling system.
FT Connecta has been specifically developed to provide lighting and small power applications in tunnel
environments. In the event of a fire FT Connecta maintains the integrity of the circuit even if a local device fails,
allowing escape routes further up and down to remain illuminated. It's not surprising therefore that FT Connecta
has been installed in major tunnels worldwide. Contact us today for full details or visit www.drakauk.com/ftconnecta

Draka

The world's most trusted cable brand

Draka UK Limited, P.O. Box 6500, Alfreton Road, Derby, DE21 4ZH, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1332 345431 Fax: +44 (0)1332 331237 email: techinfouk@draka.com www.drakauk.com

IFP/FTConnecta/0210

February 2010
issue 41

Front cover picture courtesy of
Spectrex Inc.

Publishers

Mark Seton & David Staddon

Editorial Contributors

Brian Robinson, Stefan Brugger, Nick
Grant, Jeremy Hodge, Neal Porter,
Mark Froggatt, Ian Buchanan, Bob
Durstenfeld, James Shipman, Dr
Daniel Brosch, Kit Bryant, Jeremy
Mason, Scott Martorano, John Allen,
Ruediger Kopp, Steve Goodburn

IFP is published quarterly by:

MDM Publishing Ltd

The Abbey Manor Business Centre,

The Abbey, Preston Road,

Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2EN
Tel: +44 (0) 1935 426 428
Fax: +44 (0) 1935 426 926
Email: dave.staddon@ifpmag.com
website: www.ifpmag.com
©All rights reserved

Annual Subscription
UK -£50.00 Europe- €60
Overseas - US$70.00
ISSN - 1468-3873

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in
INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION are not
necessarily those of MDM Publishing Ltd.
The magazine and publishers are in no
way responsible or legally liable for any
errors or anomalies made within the
editorial by our authors. All articles
are protected by copyright and written
permission must be sought from the
publishers for reprinting or any form of
duplication of any of the magazines
content. Any queries should be addressed
in writing to the publishers.

Reprints of articles are available on
request. Prices on application to the
Publishers.

Page design by Dorchester
Typesetting Group Ltd

Printed in the UK

Contents

45-46

3-16 News, Product

Profiles & Comment

18-21 Interschutz
2010 prev lew

22-23 Firetrace®

provides business-critical
protection for Middle
East projects

25-28 A Fire Safety
Education

30-33 Spray Nozzles

Selection for water spray
Systems: Options and
applications explained

35-37 Chicago Fire

Department responds to
unseen threats with best
practices that leverage
available technology

39-43 Protecting

hazardous product
storage tanks and
lpc/lnc gas terminals

45-46 ^

legislation clock is
ticking for PFOS

49-52 Pre-packaged

Firewater Pumphouses

55-58 High Pressure
water Mist

60-64 Audible and

visual warning devices

66-69 Aspirating

smoke detectors for
early detection

71-73 Getting to

grips with counterfeit
cables

74 Fire protection of
Structural Steel by
intumescent Coatings

76-78 Fire and life

safety solutions for
multi-level and
mixed-use spaces

79 ASFP Forum: Apathy,
ignorance and denial

80 Advertisers' Index

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

It's imperative to the health of our planet that we reduce the impact
that halon has on our atmosphere. Halon Banking Systems is dedicated
to the environmentally responsible recycling and redeployment of
halon for essential end-users. Let us help you dispose safely of your
halon, and together, we can make the world a better place.

HALON BANKING SYSTEMS

8601 73rd Avenue Suite 6 II, Brooklyn Park. MN 55428 USA
Tel: 001-416-458-1990 Fax: 001 -763-3154)399
info£'halonbankingsystems.us www.Kalonbankmgsystems.com

NEWS

Approved Flame Detectors -
and then some!

SHARPEYE 40/40 SERIES FLAME DETECTORS
offer unmatched performance and reliability —
including patented, IR3 (Triple IR) Multi-
Spectrum detectors that enable detection of
small fires at distances up to 65m, with
enhanced immunity to false alarms. These
highly specified detectors operate reliably in the
harsh conditions of offshore drilling and
production platforms, FPSO vessels, fuel loading
and storage facilities, LNG and LPG plants and
petrochemical plants throughout the world.

The compact and lightweight design (only
2.5kg in stainless steel) offers low-power
consumption with a heated lens for continued
availability in difficult environments - as well as
the reassurance of 3rd party FM3260/EN54-
1 0/DNV performance approvals and IEC 61 508
- SIL2 (TUV) certification to assure reliability.

All detectors are, of course, Ex approved to
ATEX/IECEx/FM/CSA/GOST R/GOST K standards
for Zone 1/21 hazardous area locations. As a
result, the warranty period has been extended
to a full 5 years.

The Spectrex 40/40 Series detectors
incorporate an integral automatic self-test that
checks the device every 1 5 mins to ensure
correct operation. The 40/40 Series offers many
interface options for maximum compatibility
with all control and fire detection systems -
outputs include 0-20mA, dry relay contacts,
RS-485 ModBus and HART.

The certified operating temperature range

has also been extended. The detectors will now
operate reliably in temperatures from -55°C to
+75°C (with an option for +85°C) allowing their
use anywhere in the world.

The SharpEye 40/40 Series includes the
model 40/401 flame detector using the well-
proven triple IR (IR3) technique, thus offering
the highest immunity to false alarms combined
with a massive 65m (21 5ft) detection distance
for hydrocarbon fires with an enlarged cone of
vision - 1 00° horizontal and 95° vertical.

Another major feature is the improved
response to gas flames (methane, LNG, LPG etc)
where small gas flames can be detected at
distances of up to 30m (100ft). An important
addition to the series is the model 40/40M Multi
IR detector, which can simultaneously detect
'invisible' hydrogen flames at 30m (100ft) and
hydrocarbon fires at 65m (21 5ft).

The 40/40 series comprises many detection

Intrinsically safe and explosion
proof manual call point

E2S, the leading European manufacturer
of warning devices for use in hazardous
areas, has extended its capabilities with
the development of intrinsically safe and
explosion proof manual call points,
certified to both ATEX and IEC Ex
standards. The IS-CP4 intrinsically safe
units are approved for use in Zones 0, 1
and 2 environments and the BExCP3 Ex
e d explosion proof versions for Zones 1
and 2. Both types are available with
either break glass or push button
operation. The devices are manufactured
from corrosion proof, copper free, marine
grade LM6 alloy and are sealed to IP66,
enabling them to be used in both offshore
and onshore installations.

A comprehensive range of standard
accessories and options can be specified;
they can be fitted with a stainless steel
lift flap and series and EOL resistors in a
range of different values can be fitted
as required. The units can be fitted
with stainless tag and duty labels and,
normally finished in red powder coat finish,
special colours can be specified to enable

rapid visual identification of special functions.

The introduction of this new family
complements the well-established BEx
range of explosion proof sounders,
beacons and loudspeakers and the IS-mini
modular sounder and beacon family.

For further information:

Neal Porter

European Safety Systems Limited
Impress House, Mansell Road
London W3 7QH
Tel: + 44 (0)20 8743 8880
Fax: + 44 (0)20 8740 4200
Email: sales@e2s.com
Website: www.e2s.com

techniques to suit every situation including
triple IR (IR3), Multi IR, combined UV/IR, single
IR or UV. Thus, Spectrex can offer unbiased
advice on which detector is the correct solution
to your detection needs.

The 40/40 Series detectors are programmable
allowing the user alter factory default settings.
Sensitivity levels, response time, alarm delay,
heated lens operation etc are all able to be
modified where required, either pre-delivery or
post-installation.

Various accessories are available to tailor to
your environment and a long range Flame
Simulator to allow full 'end-to-end' proof
testing in the Ex hazardous area at distances up
to 9m thus avoiding the cost and inconvenience
of scaffolding.

Detection of Gas Flames just got better!

Until recently, it was difficult to detect industrial
gas flames/fires as the radiation output from
gas flames is generally much lower than that
from liquid hydrocarbon fuels; thus detection
distances were limited. However, Spectrex has
introduced additions and improvements to its
wide range of optical flame detectors to
significantly advance this capability.

The new Spectrex 40/401 Triple IR Flame
Detector can now detect methane and propane
(LNG/LPG) flames at up to 30 meters (instead of
18m before). This same detector will detect
heptane /gasoline fuel fires at 65m.

The new 40/40M Multispectrum
Flame Detector will do the -a "
same job as the 40/401
described above but can
also detect "invisible"

Hydrogen flames at
30 meters (previously
limited to only 5-7m
with other techniques).

Applications include battery rooms,
refinery H2 storage, generators, gas
plant, fertiliser plants, and compressors

As the products of a hydrogen fire
do not contain C0 2 , normal IR3 detectors
cannot be used and users had to accept the
distance limitations of UV/IR type detectors.
Now, with additional sensors, the 40/40M can
detect both hydrocarbon and hydrogen fires
over much greater areas and reduce the number
of detectors needed.

In normal circumstances, people cannot see,
taste or smell hydrogen gas, which is very
flammable and easily ignited - can even self-
ignite in some cases. You will not see a
hydrogen fire - even up close. You may see a
shimmer, like a mirage. Also, little heat is felt
near the flame because very little heat (IR)
radiation is emitted. As you see and feel
nothing, you may even walk directly into the
flame with no pre-warning.

For more information, email
spectrex@spectrex-inc.com or visit the
website at www.spectrex-inc.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

NEWS

Det-Tronics Fire and
Gas Detection/
Releasing System
obtains u.S. Coast
Guard and Lloyd's
Marine approvals

Det-Tronics system and detectors
are hearty enough for offshore

Det-Tronics has earned Type-Approval from the
U.S. Coast Guard and Lloyd's Register.

DETECTOR
ELECTRONICS
CORPORATION
(Det-Tronics) has
announced that its
Eagle Quantum
Premier, (EQP) system
has received Type-
Approval from the
United States Coast
Guard (USCG) and
from Lloyd's Register
(http://eqp.
det-tronics.com).

Det-Tronics manufactures
flame detectors, gas
detectors, and safety systems
and is part of UTC Fire &

Security, a unit of United
Technologies Corp.

(NYSE:UTX).

Approval by the U.S. Coast Guard is
required for flame and gas detection
systems (including control panel, flame
detectors, gas detectors, and
accessories) in use where the USCG has
jurisdiction - for example, in U.S.
flagged vessels or vessels operating in
U.S. waters.

The U.S. Coast Guard certificate was
awarded after rigorous Factory Mutual
Approvals (FM) witness testing proved
the system and components meet the
stringent USCG performance criteria.
The products were verified to meet the
U.S. Coast Guard's environmental
requirements as described in 46 CFR
161.002.

Obtaining the meticulous Lloyd's
Register of Shipping approval further
verifies that the flame and gas detection
system meets their specified
performance requirements and is

acceptable for operational use.

"We are pleased to obtain
certification from these respected
organizations," says Simon Pate,

Director of Projects and Systems at
Det-Tronics. "The hundreds of offshore
sites and floating platforms that we
currently serve worldwide can be
assured of their wise choice for safety."

Detector Electronics Corporation
(Det-Tronics) - a world leader in
industrial fire detection, gas detection,
and hazard mitigation systems - designs,
builds, tests, and commissions safety
systems ranging from conventional
panels to fault-tolerant, addressable
systems. Det-Tronics detectors are
globally certified to current product
approvals standards, including critical
SIL2 industrial applications.

Further Information available at
http://www.det-tronics.com

waterproof
Reset Call Point
(WRP)

STI (EUROPE) have extended their range of
EN54 approved products with the
announcement that the Waterproof ReSet Call
Point (WRP) has successfully passed testing to
the European Standard for fire alarm systems.

Already approved to the IP67 rating for
dust and water ingress to ensure it is able to
cope with the harshest of environments, the
waterproof conventional fire outdoor model
now joins the indoor version, already
approved to EN54.

It is a highly reliable and robust manual call
point that mimics the feel of breaking glass
but features a glass-free operating element
which can be easily reset. No broken glass
means it is safer and more economical to use,
with a warning flag dropping into view to
confirm when it has been activated and a
simple key-based resetting operation. Its IP67
rating means the WRP is ideal for a wide
range of outdoor environments, from oil rigs
to ships, while being glass-free means it is
also particularly suited to wash down areas in

food processing facilities, for example, where
broken glass can be an issue. It can also be
used in dusty environments such as factories
and warehouses, offering a virtually
maintenance free option with no potential for
breaking, losing or incorrectly fitting glass
elements during installation.

For applications subject to potential
malicious or accidental activation of the fire
alarm system, STI (Europe) also offers the
Stopper II. This tough polycarbonate cover not
only adds an extra level of protection to the
WRP but is available with an integral sounder
which emits a piercing 96dB alarm when the
cover is lifted, providing both a visible and
audible deterrent to malicious activation.

For more information: Safety Technology
International (Europe) Ltd. Sales
Freephone: 0800 085 1678
Tel: 01527 520 999
Fax: 01527 501 999
Email: sales@sti-europe.com
Website: www.sti-europe.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

the standard in safety

Underwriters

Laboratories

There’s a reason
we’ve been a leader
in product safety
testing & certification
for over 100 years.

Trust. ..jL jt

VlMI

Trust...

that UL has unmatched technical expertise in product safety testing and certification.

that the UL mark is backed not by a piece of paper, but by the integrity, quality,
experience, commitment and consistency that stands behind it.

Remember, UL has been testing and certifying fire resistance,
life safety and security products for over a century.

To learn more about Underwriters Laboratories and how you can leverage our global
expertise in the fire resistance, life safety and security industries on a local basis:

T:: +44 (0) 1 483.402.032 / E:: Fire&SecuritySales. EULA@uk.ul.com / W:: ul.com

PROFILE

By Nick Grant

EMEA Vice President &
General Manager,
Firetrace International

Nick Grant is EMEA Vice
President & General Manager
for Firetrace International,
which is headquartered in
Scottsdale, Arizona USA. He
can be reached at the
company's EMEA offices in
Gatwick in the UK by
telephone on +44 (0) 1293
780390 or via email at
grant@firetrace.com. The
company's website is at
www.firetrace.com.

Firetrace® counters the
threat of vehicle fires

The increasing awareness of the threat of vehicle fires, and particularly buses and
coaches, has come at a time when Firetrace International has announced a
number of major orders from across the globe for its FIRETRACE® automatic fire
detection and suppression system.

T oday the system is to be found protecting bus
and coach engine compartments, running gear
and wheel areas - the most common locations
for the outbreak of a fire in almost 60 percent of the
cases.

These systems are safeguarding operators from
fires that could easily result in considerable financial
loss, pose a serious threat to the lives of the vehicle
occupants, and jeopardise the company's ability to
continue to provide the level of service expected by
fare-paying customers.

In addition to the vehicle's fuel and the risk of fuel
line ruptures, any number of flammable liquids are
present throughout any engine compartment. These
include hydraulic, brake, automatic transmission and
power steering fluids, plus combustible accumulated
grease on the engine block, for which frayed or
damaged electrical wiring can easily provide the
ignition source.

While these risks can be lessened by regular main-
tenance and cleaning, engine fires will remain a
constant threat, and the dynamics of the airflow in
and around an engine compartment when a vehicle is
in motion can seriously impair the performance and
reliability of traditional techniques such as fusible link
systems. This is because the heat and flame that
typically rise from the source of a fire may be pro-
pelled away from the location of the fusible link by
the motion of the vehicle, delaying its activation. The
inevitable build-up of dirt in and around engines,
vibration and intense temperature variations are also
factors that are known to cause such systems to fail.

FIRETRACE uniquely deals with the problem of
airflow, and reacts immediately when a fire breaks out
and suppresses it before it has any opportunity to
spread. It is also effective on every type of fire risk that
is likely to be present - due to the use of ABC powder
suppressant - is able to withstand harsh dust-laden
environments, contend with extreme ambient temper-
atures, and stand up to intense vibration. In fact,
genuine FIRETRACE from Firetrace International
remains the only UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed,
FM (Factory Mutual) approved and CE (Conformite
Europeene or European Conformity) marked tube-
operated system in the world that is tested as an
automatic fire detection and suppression system. It
also comes with approval for use on buses and coaches
from the Danish Institute of Fire & Security Technology
and the Swedish Fire Protection Association.

FIRETRACE is an automatic, self-seeking fire sup-
pression system; one that requires no power source
and comprises an extinguishing agent cylinder that is
attached to polymer tubing via a custom-engineered
valve. This proprietary Firetrace Detection Tubing is a
linear pneumatic heat and flame detector that is
immune to the vibration, shocks and temperature
extremes found in engine and generator compart-
ments. It was specially developed to deliver the
desired temperature-sensitive detection and delivery
characteristics in even the harshest of environments.

This leak-resistant tubing is routed throughout the
engine compartment. Immediately a fire is detected,
the tubing ruptures and automatically releases the

suppression agent, extinguishing the fire precisely
where it starts and before it can take hold. The tubing
is placed both above and behind the potential source
of the fire to ensure that the airflow actually helps by
directing the heat and flames towards the tubing,
providing faster and more reliable detection and
suppression in moving vehicles. Depending on the
particular FIRETRACE system that is chosen, the
suppression agent also flows through the delivery
tubing to the front of the engine, again working with
the airflow to flood the entire compartment.

The FIRETRACE Direct Release System utilises the
Firetrace Detection Tubing as both the detection
device and the suppressant delivery system. If a fire
breaks out, the tube ruptures nearest the point where
the most heat is detected, forming an effective spray
nozzle that releases the entire contents of the cylinder
to suppress the fire. The Indirect Release System uses
the tube as a detection and system activation device,
but not for the agent discharge. The rupturing of the
tube results in a drop of pressure causing the indirect
valve to activate. This diverts flow from the detection
tube and the agent is discharged from the cylinder
through diffuser nozzles, flooding the entire engine
compartment.

All FIRETRACE systems are available with a manual
release or an "alert" signal light and a horn that can
be mounted on the operator's dashboard or control
panel.

The FIRETRACE extinguishing agent cylinder is
usually mounted in a convenient location in or near the
engine compartment. However, choosing the correct
agent is vitally important, as the possible presence of
carbonaceous debris around the engine and the
potential presence of flammable gases preclude the
use of tube-based systems that rely solely on the use
of C0 2 , which is unsuitable for these particular fire
risks. So, while FIRETRACE systems are available with
clean agents such as DuPont™ FM200® and 3M™
Novec™ 1230, which have the essential firefighting
characteristics that these hazards demand, ABC dry
chemical suppressant is by far the most appropriate
choice due to the openness and airflow typi cally
found in these applications. Illil

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

□ nly

FI RETRACE

Other Tube-Based systems
Claim td be Like Firetrace.

They are Ndt.

+ Only FIRETRACE INTERNATIONAL manufactured
Systems offer extensvely tested Firetrace
branded solutions with listings and approvals'
from CE, FM. UL, ULC and more than 25 other
international agencies.

FIBE TRAffe Jf l

Insist on genuine
Firetrace systems

FOR PROVEN FIRE
, SUPPRESSION.

+ Only FIRETRACE INTERNATIONAL has 20 years
of experience with more than 65,000 systems
protecting equipment worldwide

+ Only Genuine FIRETRACE SYSTEMS have the
tested and proven reliability you and your
customers require

Never compromise your reputation by using
impostor, untested and unapproved systems
- be sure you are using genuine Firetrace

automatic f re suppressio

Call +44 (0) 1293 780390 (Europe, Middle East, Africa)
or +1 480 607 1218 (US and elsewhere) or e-mail info@firetrace.com
to see why Firetrace is the right solution for your fire protection needs.

www.firetrace.com

www.firetrace.eu

® ® < 6 > C€

IISTEO LISTED — ^ ■

Firetrace® is a registered trademark of Firetrace USA, LLC / Firetrace Ltd. All unauthorized uses of the Firetrace trademark shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by the law.

* The Firetrex, FireDeTec, and Firetec brands are the property of their respective owners, and are not the property of Firetrace.

f Listings and Approvals vary by system and agent.

The Eusebi Group is comprised of dynamic, integrated and flexible companies with more than 30 years of
experience at an international level in the design and production of fire protection systems for complex industries
in the energy, oil, petrochemical, naval and military fields. The certifications that Eusebi Group has been awarded
and the many different systems installed all over the world, often in critical situations, bear witness to the skills
acquired by the Group and the innovative solutions it proposes. The systems manufactured by the Group are the
result of the dedicated commitment of each and every member of Eusebi’s staff, from the laboratory technicians
to the worksite personnel, who all go the extra mile to guarantee protection its clients can count on. Thanks to
its perseverance in improving performance, backed by a system of values, skills and sense of responsibility,
the Eusebi Group constantly improves its quality standards. A commitment born from a passion: your safety.

Eusebi Group. You can rely on us.

www.eusebigroup.com

By Dr Jeremy Hodge

Chief executive, BASEC

Further information about
BASEC is available at
www.basec.org.uk or
contact BASEC directly on
01908 267300

COMMENT

High

performance
fire resistant
cables

Fire engineers are making greater use of active fire protection systems in modern
buildings.

At the same time, architects, engineers and
/ \ designers are taking advantage of new
/ V technologies to produce innovative designs
incorporating more elaborate layouts, and the
need for more effective fire performance systems.
As high prestige buildings become more complex
in this way, the need for higher performance
cables has been identified by a number of
manufacturers. Public buildings such as hospitals,
shopping centres, office buildings with atriums,
sports stadiums and even some high specification
residential premises are all using advanced fire
safety engineering design approaches.

Traditional fire protection approaches rely
primarily on materials choice and passive compart-
mentation to provide limitations to fire growth
and spread. Fire safety engineering techniques
allow a more open building structure, but they
ensure safe evacuation in the event of a fire by a
combination of traditional and modern, active fire
systems such as smoke control and extraction,
phased evacuation, gaseous fire extinguishing and
firefighter support systems. Many of these systems
require electrical power supplies and control
circuitry to remain fully functional throughout a
potentially serious fire lasting many hours.
Examples include power supplies for fire-fighting
lifts and smoke extract systems. Robust fire resis-
tant cables are needed in order to satisfy these
needs, cables that have been tested under quasi-
real conditions and with proven performance.

Normal power distribution cables such as BS
5467 or BS 6724 have limited performance
against sustained fire attack. Cables which need to
remain operational throughout the fire need to be
robust to not only fire, but also to impact damage
from falling items of building structure and
resistant to the effects of water spray from
sprinklers or from fire fighting activities. Some
well-established cable types, such as mineral insu-
lated cables to BS EN 60702-1 remain very effec-
tive under such circumstances and are usually
smaller in diameter than the equivalent armoured
cable. A new cable fire test, BS 8491, has been
developed to provide assessment of cables larger
than 20mm diameter. The test incorporates direct
fire attack, mechanical attack and water spray,
over a variable time up to two hours. Several cable
makers have produced enhanced fire resistant

cables to meet this requirements, some incorporat-
ing spiral interlocked steel tape armour instead of
the usual steel wire armour.

A new edition of BS 7846 for fire resistant
armoured cables has just been published. As well
as the traditional steel wire armoured fire resistant
cables (category F2), the new type using inter-
locked steel tape armour has been introduced,
classified as categories F30, F60 or FI 20, reflecting
the length in minutes of the BS 8491 fire test.
These cables can maintain full operational per-
formance during such a fire by the use of a
mineralised insulating tape over the conductors,
normally made from mica. The armouring retains
the structure of the cable and protects against
shock. It is important to remember that cable
cleats and other cable mounting techniques also
need to survive the fire, shock and water attack.

Mineral insulated cables perform well against a
combined fire, shock and water attack, and the
BS 8491 test method should soon be extended to
cover these generally smaller diameter cables.

Installers are beginning to see these new types
of cable specified in high prestige buildings or
where critical operations need to continue during
a fire, for example emergency power supplies.
Because the armour construction of the inter-
locked steel armour is different, new cutting and
preparation methods will be needed. New gland
types will be used, and traditional cone-type SWA
glands may not be suitable. Installers will also
need to make sure they are adequately trained to
use such cables. m

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

201 37 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - Italy

Tel.: + 39 02 541 0 081 8 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764

E-mail: controllogic@controllogic.it - Web: www.controllogic.it

CONTROL LOGIC

201 37 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - Italy

Tel.: + 39 02 541 0 081 8 - Fax + 39 02 541 0 0764

E-mail: controllogic@controllogic.it - Web: www.controllogic.it

ISO 9001

CONTROL LOGIC

CONTROL LOGIC
Spark
detector

designed for
dust collection
systems
to protect

iiios

from the risk
of fire.

Sparks fly
at high speed.

They travel at a hundred kilometres
per hour along the ducts of the dust
collection system and reach the silo
in less than three seconds

The CONTROL LOGIC
SPARK DETECTOR

is faster than
the sparks themselves.
It detects them with its highly
sensitive infrared sensor,
intercepts and extinguishes
them in a flash.
It needs no periodic inspection.

The CONTROL LOGIC system

is designed for "total supervision".
It verifies that sparks have been
extinguished, gives prompt warning of
any malfunction and, if needed,
cuts off the duct and stops the fan.

IR FLAME DETECTOR
RIV-601/FA
EXPL0SI0NPR00F
ENCLOSURE

For industrial applications indoors
or outdoors where is a risk of explosion
and where the explosionproof
protection is required.

One detector can monitor a vast area
and responds immediately
to the fire, yet of small size.

CONTROL LOGIC
IR FLAME DETECTOR

the fastest and most effective fire alarm device
for industrial applications

Also for

RS485 two-wire serial line

IR FLAME DETECTOR
RIV-601/F
WATERTIGHT
IP 65 ENCLOSURE

For industrial applications indoors
or outdoors where fire can spread
out rapidly due to the presence of
highly inflammable materials,
and where vast premises need an optical
detector with a great sensitivity
and large field of view.

BETTER TO KNOW IT BEFORE

Eye is faster than nose.

In the event of live fire
the IR FLAME DETECTOR
responds immediately

PROFILE

SEVO® Systems True
Retrofit™ integrated
into FireFlex® DUAL
and 1230 Cabinets

For further information on
SEVO Systems please
contact:

Jon Flamm
SEVO Systems, Inc.

1 4824 West 1 07th Street
Lenexa, KS, 6621 5 USA
1.913.677.1112
Email: info@sevosystems.com

For further information on
FireFlex Systems please
contact:

Raymond Quenneville
FireFlex Systems, Inc.

1935, Lionel-Bertrand Blvd.
Broisbriand, QC,

Canada J7H 1N8
1.866.347.3353
Email: info@fireflex.com

S EVO® Systems True Retrofit™, utilizing 3M™
Novec ™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid, is a major
component in both of the newly released Fire-
Flex® DUAL and 1230 integrated fire suppression
cabinets. Unlike conventional fire suppression clean
agent systems, SEVO takes full advantage of the
characteristics of the fluid and increases the system
pressure to the rated pressure of the standard
welded cylinder - 500 psi, instead of the industry
standard of 360 psi. Increased system pressure
provides greater options in system design, allowing
longer pipe lengths, smaller pipe diameters and
more flexible design limits and nozzle placement.
Retrofit of existing halon systems simpler and less
costly with a 500 psi system, as existing pipe
networks may often be used. One-to-one cylinder
replacement reduces downtime and increases cost
and space savings.

FireFlex Systems, Inc., of Broisbriand, QC, Canada
incorporates the SEVO 1230 True Retrofit System as
the clean agent suppression system of choice in the
FireFlex 1230 and FireFlex DUAL Cabinets. These
cabinets integrate all of the components necessary
for a complete extinguishing system, including the
releasing panel. The FireFlex DUAL also integrates
a pre-action automatic
sprinkler system with
the SEVO 1230 System
in a factory assembled
single cabinet. All of the
components necessary
for both complete extin-
guishing systems are
fully integrated, includ-
ing a common releasing
panel.

The FireFlex DUAL
and 1230 cabinets are
available in a variety of
sizes and are designed
to hold SEVO cylinders
(ranging in capacity
from 15L to 345L),
allowing for specific configuration to the protected
hazard. The cabinets are free-standing and made
of robust schedule 14 steel with a rustproof, fire
red paint finish, polyester powder-coated and
oven-baked on to a phosphate base. They are
equipped with one or two locked front doors,
reducing space requirements for ease of installation
and maintenance.

In the FireFlex DUAL, the combined pre-action
system and SEVO 1230 suppression system are
configured to prevent water discharge in the
hazard. If the SEVO 1230 system suppresses the fire

SEV® SYSTEMS

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

before the room reaches a high enough tempera-
ture to open a sprinkler head, the sprinkler system
will not be activated. The SEVO 1230 system can
be actuated using a single or cross zone smoke
detection system.

The pre-action system is available with a single
interlock, electric release, in which the deluge valve
will open and fill the system and wait for a sprinkler
to activate before releasing water in the area. Also
available is a double interlock, electric-pneumatic
release, in which the deluge valve waits for a
smoke detection and a sprinkler to activate before
opening, fills the system and flows water through
the activated sprinkler(s).

The SEVO True Retrofit System exclusively uses
the halon alternative clean agent 3M Novec 1230
Fire Protection Fluid (FK-5-1-12). Novec 1230 Fluid
has zero ozone depletion potential and the lowest
atmospheric lifetime for chemical clean agent
alternatives: 5 days. 3M's Blue Sky SM Warranty
offers 20-year protection against regulatory bans or
restrictions on the use of Novec 1230 Fluid.

The FireFlex DUAL and 1230 cabinets offer the
fire sprinkler contractor a cost effective and con-
venient method of installing clean agent systems.
No longer will it be necessary to sub out this
part of a contract. Only FireFlex Dual and 1230
cabinet systems meet the ever changing needs
of the fire suppression industry by offering
environmentally sustainable clean agent, flexi bility
and convenience. m3

"SEVO" and "True Retrofit" are trademarks of
SEVO Systems , Inc. of Lenexa , Kansas USA. "Fire-
Flex" is a trademark of FireFlex Systems , Inc. of
Broisbriand , QC, Canada. "3M" and "Novec" are
trademarks of 3M Company.

Ship Halon
Phase Out

Retrofit with Gielle Clean agent fire
suppression systems

• Utilize existing piping

• 1 to 1 cylinder/nozzle replacement

• Existing Halon Systems / Existing HCFCs Systems

• Express service

• Worldwide 24h service

• Full range of International Approvals

www.giellemarine. com

Imo Halon Banking authorized
FP.l/Circ.37 - Jan 2009

FIA COMMENT

fia response

to BBC Tower
Block fire
safety debate

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has welcomed the extension of the debate
regarding fire risk assessments and their role within high rise dwellings following
the 'Face the Facts' programme broadcast by Radio 4 on 7 January.

T he programme, part of an investigative
consumer series by presenter John Waite,
focused on the absence of fire risk assess-
ments in tower blocks in the wake of the Lakanal
House fire in London in which six people died in
July 2009.

The FIA consider that, as a piece of investigative
journalism, the BBC programme was reasonably
well balanced. More specifically, the FIA applaud
the measured position taken by the Chief Fire
Officers Association (CFOA), as expressed by lain
Cox, particularly in respect of the risk posed by
high rise flats, which Mr Cox very eloquently put

focussed on the fire at Lakanal House has arisen
from the very fact that the circumstances in which
people tragically died were extremely unusual.

The FIA also acknowledge the amount of work
involved in carrying out fire risk assessments in the
case of any landlord with a large portfolio of
properties. Indeed, it is noted that, when a fire,
reputedly involving a £1,000,000 loss, occurred at
the Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh, an
executive agency of the Department for Com-
munities and Local Government, in May 2009,
the College were, at the time, in the process of
reviewing fire risk assessments across the College

The membership of the FIA includes many organisations
that are capable of assisting Responsible Persons to
undertake fire risk assessments for their premises.

Further details:

Beverley Bane
FIA

Thames House
29 Thames Street
Kingston upon Thames
Surrey KT1 1 PH
Tel: 020 8549 8839
Fax: 020 8547 1 564
Email: info@fia.uk.com
Website: www.fia.uk.com

into context - "The people at the very greatest risk
are those in the flat or compartment of origin and
. . . there must be an alarm system there to tell them
they've got a fire and for them to get out. If the
building's built properly everybody else should be
able to stay put. If the building isn't built for that
then you should have a different evacuation proce-
dure. And it really is for the responsible person -
the owner, occupier, manager or whatever - of
those premises to consider that. High rise blocks
are not implicitly dangerous in themselves but if
you're making assumptions about how they're built
which are wrong then that can be a danger."

While the FIA agree that it is unacceptable for
any Responsible Person (as defined by the Fire Safe-
ty Order in England and Wales) not to have carried
out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment for
any premises within the scope of the Order, it
should be borne in mind that the duty to carry out
fire risk assessments for the common parts of
blocks of flats did not arise until 1 October 2006
(unless the premises constituted a workplace), and
that no such duty exists in Scotland or Northern
Ireland. Nevertheless, over the forty years or more
in which high rise flats have existed throughout all
parts of the UK, there is no significant history of
multiple fatality fires involving occupants beyond
the flat of fire origin; indeed, the attention

site. No fire risk assessment had been undertaken
for the building in question under the Regulatory
Reform (Fire Safety) Order; a previous fire risk
assessment, undertaken in December 2004 under
previous legislation, was still in place, notwith-
standing CLG guidance to Responsible Persons
that, following the introduction of the Fire Safety
Order in 2006, the Responsible Person would need
to revise a risk assessment carried out under
previous legislation.

The membership of the FIA includes many
organisations that are capable of assisting Respon-
sible Persons to undertake fire risk assessments for
their premises. Such organisations are signatories
to the FIA Code of Practice for fire risk assessors,
which requires that the work of carrying out fire
risk assessments is only carried out by persons
competent to do so. D33

Fire Industry Association

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PRODUCT PROFILE

ASSERTA range
from Fulleon

Using expertise gained from many years of fire sounder development, Fulleon's
ASSERTA range incorporates innovative thinking, which has contributed to easier
and safer installation procedures.

C areful electronic and acoustic design has
provided class leading efficiency, while the
integrated beacon has a carefully controlled
asymmetric distribution that makes best use of the
light output to give a much higher efficiency than
omni-directional units.

The ASSERTA family of industrial alarms has
been manufactured by Fulleon for more than
seven years. Over that time the range has grown
to encompass many more applications and cus-
tomer requirements, resulting in three key variants:
the ASSERTA MINI, ASSERTA MIDI and ASSERTA.

The baby of the family and the most recent
introduction is the ASSERTA MINI. This compact
105dB(A) sounder with a robust enclosure is
equally at home in fire, or in an industrial sig-
nalling system. Although the performance is simi-
lar to the RoLP MAXI, the enclosure provides
higher IP66 protection and like the rest of the
ASSERTA range there is the option of a bright,
integrated xenon beacon. The MINI is unique in
the ASSERTA family as it has the facility to add an
anti-tamper module to the base, allowing it to be
used with security systems in exposed locations.

• 105db(A) output suitable for localised
applications

• IP66 protection suitable for most environmental
conditions

• First and second fix installation for simplified
installation

• 32 user selectable alarm tones avoids confusion
with other signals

• 2 alarm stages to provide status signalling
• Fully integrated high efficiency beacon for
optimised light dispersion (av version)

The ASSERTA MIDI is physically larger than the
MINI and provides a higher sound output of
110dB(A). Again the protection is IP66 as is the
option for a fully integrated beacon. The MIDI is
ideal as a general purpose industrial and process
alarm sounder, although it is frequently used with
fire systems in noisy or harsh environments.

• IP66 protection

• Simple first & second fix installation
• 32 alarm tones
• 2 stage alarm

The top of the range is the ASSERTA, the largest
and most powerful sounder with outputs of both

For more information please
contact:

sales@fulleon.co.uk, or visit
www.cooperfulleon.com

120dB(A) and 110dB(A) available. Additionally
there are three alarm stages, together with voice
capability and a timer to automatically silence the
sounder after a preset time when used externally
in residential locations. The ASSERTA warning
sounder is designed to cope with harsh environ-
ments requiring protection to IP66. Design fea-
tures are incorporated to ensure safer and easier
installation, while providing flexibility with fewer
product variants.

• 1 1 0db(A) or 1 20db(A) output versions available

• IP66 protection

• Simple first and second fix installation

• 42 alarm tones

• 3 stage alarm

• Sounder time out - user adjustable

• Optional swivel mount bracket

• Voice message option available

• Fully integrated asymmetric beacon uses light
more efficiently (av version)

All three of the sounders share the same
aesthetics, simplified installation and rugged IP66
enclosures. Both DC and AC supplies are catered
for and although the majority are supplied with
red enclosures, grey is also an option. The range is
are available as sounder only or with an integrated
efficient xenon beacon.

The ASSERTA Beacon is also available as a stand
alone unit. The distinctive shape of this industrial
beacon allows robust construction to be combined
with highly efficient control of the light output to
give a performance normally associated with much
more powerful units. Versatility is ensured with a
number of voltage and supply options. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Fulleon

|-»#|

World Class

Leaders in audible & visual alarm systems

Wide range for markets catered for including:

■ Fire

■ Industrial

■ Security

■ Hazardous Areas

■ Product for indoor and outdoor use

■ High efficiency, low current design

■ Compliant with a wide range of standards

■ Wide range of applications

COOPER Notification

www.cooperindustries.com

T: + 44 (0) 1 633 628 500 F: + 44 (0) 1 633 866 346
sales@fulleon.co.uk www.cooperfulleon.com

Say goodbye to
broken glass!

EN54-11 approved
(cert. no. 653a/02)
Resettable -
no broken glass
IP67 EN54-11
Waterproof &
addressable
versions available

AJS

Just

ReSet

IP67 Waterproof ReSet Call Point

(STI|

www.easyreset.co.uk

Safety Technology International (Europe) Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)1527 520999 Fax: +44 (0)1527 501999
Email: info@sti-europe.com Website: www.sti-europe.com

Safety Technology International, Inc.

Toll Free: 800 888 4784 Tel: 248 673 9898
Email: info@sti-usa.com Website: www.sti-usa.com

Fire Industry Association

Export Council

VIM R EX

ReSet Call Point
UK Distributor to the
Fire Trade

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PRODUCT PROFILE

STl call Point
(Re)Sets the
Standard in
Hong Kong

A somewhat unusual problem with condensation in a major Hong Kong
commercial building has been resolved by the ReSet Call Point from STl (Europe)
and a little lateral thinking from a resourceful fire safety engineering manager.

For further details please
contact:

Safety Technology
International (Europe) Ltd.

Sales Freephone (UK):

0800 085 1678
Tel: 01 527 520 999
Fax: 01 527 501 999
Email: sales@sti-europe.com
Website: www.sti-europe.com

T he China Resource Building, a 178 metre tall
skyscraper in the Wan Chai district of Hong
Kong island, was experiencing regular faults
in its fire detection and alarm system. Peak Trade
International Limited (PTI), a company that has
been providing fire system design, engineering
and maintenance in the Asian market for some six
years, was called in to investigate. Kinman Chow,
Engineering Manager with PTI, soon identified the
problem. The breakglass call points in the public
corridors on each of the building's 48 floors were
semi-flush mounted. On completion of the day's
activities, to conserve energy the air conditioning
system is shutdown, with the resulting change in
temperature generating condensation which was
running down the wall and entering the call point.
This was causing a fault report in the system, a
problem which resolved itself during the day when
the air conditioning was reactivated and the water
that had collected in the callpoint's back box dried
up. Mr Chow comments - "We conducted a full
risk assessment for the China Resource Building.
The faults were only occurring at night when the
air conditioning system was shut off and the risk in
terms of life safety was therefore low. However, we
all know that fire safety is not just about protecting
life but also the building itself, as well as its
contents. From our risk assessment we recognised
the need to do something to resolve this issue to
ensure the building's owners had a fire protection
system that was fully operational 24 hours a day."

Following the site survey, PTI recommended that
the existing call points be replaced with STI's Reset

Call Point and an
Apollo mini module
(located in the Air
Handling Unit plant
room) to interface
with the Apollo
analogue address-
able fire detection
system. The 'ReSet'
mimics the feel of
breaking glass but
in a unit which
offers the benefits
and environmental
advantages of a

The ReSet call point is
manufactured to EN54-1 1
and approved by LPCB

re-settable operating element. Although it is flush
mounted, the call point's screw-type terminal is
much less susceptible to water ingress than the
plug and play design of the units that had caused
problems. Even though a waterproof ReSet call
point manufactured to IP67 ratings is available as
part of the range, the manufacturing quality of the
indoor version proved more than adequate to
overcome the condensation problems encountered
in this particular application.

This approach also resolved the situation with
the call point located in the podium at upper
ground floor level which could be affected by rain,
particularly when the rain was coupled with high
winds.

Since the introduction of the ReSet Call Point,
the faults in the system have been completely
eradicated. Mr Chow continues - "although the
call point we used is recommended for use
indoors, the build quality meant that it was able to
resist the condensation in this application and the
call points located in the public corridors have
worked perfectly since being installed. Also, no
false alarms or fault reports have been generated
by the call point in the podium, despite sometimes
typhoon conditions, which is a real testament to
how robust the units are."

The success of the initial project and the
positive response from the building's owners to
the performance of the units has lead to a second
phase where the remaining existing call points
are being replaced with the STl ReSet. H33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Manufacturer and Designer
of Globally Approved
Fire Extinguishing Systems

Clean Agent

High Pressure Carbon Di|j>xi
Low Pressure Carbon Dioxide
Water Mist
Foam
Alarm and Detection
Air Sampling Smoke Detection

YOUR GATEWAY TO A NEW KIND OF SERVICE

+1 219-663-1600 • www.janusfiresystems.com

1 102 Rupcich Drive, Crown Point, IN 46307

CEOTFED TO EN54 1*4
LVD EMC CPD COMPUANT

CERTIFIED TO Err 2*394 t ft EN54 2 4
LVD. EMC, CPD COMPLIANT

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C TEC is the only UK fire panel manufacturer with third party product certifications and
. . _ factory process approvals from the I KB, BSI and VdS.

Currently trading in over SO countries worldwide, our commitment to quulity is underlined by our ISO 9001
dcaeditdbon (held since 1994) and out corpcrdtu membership of the Tire Industry Association (FIA).

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PROFILE

INTERSCHUTZ

HAHN

INTERNATIONALE LEITMESSE FUR RETTUNG,
BRAND-/ KATASTROPHENSCHUTZ UND SICHERHEIT

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR RESCUE, FIRE
PREVENTION, DISASTER RELIEF, SAFETY, SECURITY

LEIPZIG 7-12 JUNE 2010

Interschutz, the world's largest trade exhibition aimed at the fire industry will
soon be upon us. Held once every 5 years, anyone and anybody involved in the
fire safety and fire fighting industry will be in Leipzig, Germany between the
7th and 1 2th June 2010 attending this prestigious event. IFP takes a look at
some essential information for visitors as well as exhibitors attending
Interschutz.

Student's day ticket (incl. young people
in military or civilian service: ID required)

11.00 EUR

Tickets can be bought in advance via the Internet
(www. i ntersch utz . de)

Free ride to and from event

Your admission ticket entitles you to ride public
transit free of charge* on the day of the event on
all lines operated by the MDV transit authority
(Mitteldeutscher Verkehrsverbund), valid for the
following regions and fare zones:

MDV fare zones

*The visitor's free ride to and from the exhibition
center via MDV-ope rated public transit lines on the

VISITOR INFORMATION

INTERSCHUTZ 2010, 7 to 12 June

At a glance
Duration:

Monday, 7 June to Saturday, 1 2 June 2010

Opening hours:

Daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Admission prices:

Advance sales and Ticket office

Single admission 18.00 EUR

Full-event ticket 41 .00 EUR

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

INTERSCHUTZ 2010

DDHCI 1 C

rKUNLt

day of the event is valid for the following regions
and fare zones:

Leipzig

Leipzig County
Nordsachsen County
Mittelsachsen County
Burgen County
Halle

Saale County
Altenburger Land

Catalogue:

€17 plus postage and packaging (available
approx. 3 weeks before opening day of event)
Internet: http://www.interschutz.de/catalogue

Visitor information:

Internet: http://www.interschutz/visitorservice
Email: interschutz@messe.de

Getting there:

If traveling by car, simply follow the signs to the
exhibition center ( Messegelande ) in and around
Leipzig; the Leipzig exhibition center is well sign-
posted. Our dynamic parking guidance system will
point you to the nearest parking space.

If traveling to Leipzig by train, you can reach the
exhibition center ( Messegelande ) from Leipzig
Central Railway Station ( Hauptbahnhof) by taking
the regional train, the FlughafenExpress train, the
tram or a taxi. For more information, please
inquire at the Service Point desk at Central Railway
Station.

Numerous airlines serve the Leipzig/Halle Air-
port. There are over 300 direct flights to and from
eight German cities and 72 cities abroad.
Leipzig/Halle Airport also gives you easy access to
the following major international airport hubs:
Frankfurt, Munich, Paris and Vienna.

Travel and accommodations:

Do you prefer a quiet's night sleep, or would
you rather be close to Leipzig's pulsating nightlife?
The Leipziger Messe company can provide you
with recommendations and reservations for any
location or price category. Your selection of
accommodations ranges from hotels, pensions
and guesthouses with a total of 12,000
beds between them - from "shoestring budget"
to luxury. For more information, visit www.inter-
schutz.de/61050.

Parking:

The press parking lot for journalists at Leipziger
Messe is located inside the exhibition grounds next
to the Messehaus building. The parking lot is
accessible via Messe-Allee, South 1 gate.

Range of exhibits:

Vehicles and vehicle equipment, fire extinguishing
appliances and systems, fire extinguishing
agents, technical support and environmental
protection, rescue, emergency, first-aid and med-
ical equipment, personal protective equipment,
measuring and detection apparatus, control-
station and signaling technology, information and
organization, equipment for fire stations and
workshops, building and construction industry,
structural and organizational fire protection,
associations, organizations, service companies,
technical literature, model making, fan articles,
gifts,

Exhibitors:

The organizers anticipate some 1,100 exhibiting
enterprises, occupying more than 80,000 m 2 of
net display space.

Press Center:

At the Messehaus building, open from Sunday, 5
June 2009, starting at 9:00 a.m.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

I— I I— t I

— HALLE / MAGDEBURG / HANNOVER / A9 (BERLIN / MUNCHEN)

era

Verwjltung
Meite All i

Mew -A lee

Display categories interschutz 2010

Vehicles and vehicle equipment

Hall 1,2,4 + Open-air ground 1

Fire extinguishers appliances and systems,
extinguishing agents

Hall 1, 5

Technical support and environmental
protection

Hall 1,2 + Open-air ground 1

Rescue, emergency, first-aid and medical
equipment

Hall 1, 2, 3 + Open-air ground 1

Personal protective equipment

Hall 1 and 3

Measuring and detection apparatus

Hall 3

Control station and signaling technology

Hall 3

Information and organization technology

Hall 3

Equipment for fire stations and
workshops

Hall 1, 5

Building and construction industry,
structural and organisational fire
protection

Hall 1, 5

Associations, organizations, services

Hall 1, 2, 3, 5

Trade literature, model making, gift items

Hall 1, 2, 4

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

The benefits of
exhibiting at the
show

The No.1 event in the industry calendar

With more than 120,000 visitors and over 1,200
exhibitors, INTERSCHUTZ is the leading inter-
national trade fair for public safety. Featuring
the world's largest array of exhibits for disaster
prevention, rescue and emergency services,
INTERSCHUTZ offers you a fantastic opportunity to
demonstrate the competence of your company
and organization to the entire industry - with just
one trade fair presentation.

Unique concept

Due to the combination of commercial and non-
commercial exhibitors under the same roof you
benefit as a supplier from directfeedback from the
users of your security solutions. This puts you in an
excellent position to fine-tune your product range
to meet changing market needs.

INTERSCHUTZ 2010

DDHCI 1 C

rKUNLt

TAXI

Press Centre
Entrance

Station Leipzig
Messe

EC-Cash

dispensing

machine

Heliport

Business

Lounge

| First aid

Restaurant

Fair shop

Parking

Shop

Cafe

Airport-City-

Shuffle

Police

Taxi

□

Customs

Tram line 16

Forwarding

Agencies

Tram

MaxicoM

Bus Stop

(Euro-Asia
Business Group)

Efficient business platform

With over 90% of visitors classed as trade visitors,
you can be certain of reaching large numbers
of decision-makers and buyers. This makes
INTERSCHUTZ an ideal platform for successful new
product launches and business deals.

International audience

At INTERSCHUTZ you'll meet top decision-makers
from all over the world. This gives you ready
access to profitable new markets.

Barometer of trends

Learn about pioneering innovations and key trends
within the industry at the conferences, symposia
and corporate lectures that accompany the show.
You'll benefit from the professional expertise of
leading experts and gather useful information for
shaping the future course of your company and
organization.

Attention guaranteed

An extensive advertising campaign and an attrac-
tive program of events serve to generate and
maintain the interest of visitors and the media.

Excellent facilities

The modern exhibition complex in Leipzig with its
fascinating steel and glass architecture provides
you with everything you need in terms of both
organization and technical facilities.

Reasonably priced entry

For as little as Euro 5,321 (plus VAT) you can book
a 20 m 2 fair-package system stand, fully fitted and
ready to go - and enjoy all the benefits of exhibit-
ing at INTERSCHUTZ. D3U

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRETRACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Firetrace® provides
protection for Midd

At last month's Intersec exhibition in Dubai, Firetrace International showcased a
number of Middle East projects where its fire suppression technology is
By Nick Grant providing 24/7 protection for business-critical assets. Nick Grant explains.

EMEA Vice President
and General Manager of
Firetrace International

At the beginning of 2008 the Middle East
/ \ construction sector was at an all time high.
/ \ Over US$1 trillion of projects were under-

way in the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] states
and another US$150 billion's worth was in the
pipeline. So, despite the recent debt crisis news
from Dubai, the region remains one of the world's
most prominent construction markets, where the
investment in major projects and the development
of the region's infrastructure is on a world-class scale.

One of the most prominent of these projects is
the US$2 billion DOKAAEP [Development of King
Abdul Aziz Endowment Project] in the holy city of
Makkah in Saudi Arabia that today has a popula-
tion in excess of 1.7 million. The architecturally
distinctive complex, which comprises seven high-
rise towers overlooking the Masjid al-Haram or
Grand Mosque - the largest mosque in the world
- will, when completed in 2011, accommodate
65,000 guests and visiting pilgrims. The 1,445,000
square metre project is believed to be the largest
mixed-use complex of its kind in the world, and
the central hotel tower will reach up to almost

600 meters, earning it a place among the tallest
buildings in the world.

Among the many business and service-critical
elements of the project are more than 300 escala-
tors and elevators that will travel at speeds of up
to six metres a second. Due to its incorporating a
shopping mall, restaurants and food courts, as well
as a large prayer area for 3,800 people, a 1,500
capacity convention centre and car parking for 780
vehicles, it also has extensive and sophisticated
CCTV, heating, ventilation and air conditioning,
data networking, access control, lighting, security
and telecommunications installations.

With such complex building management
systems, it was judged to be of major importance
that the electrical control cabinets on which these
systems depend be protected by dedicated and
efficient fire detection and suppression. So much
so that the electrical cabinets throughout the Dar
Al-Handasah (Shari & Partners) designed building
are being protected by hundreds of Firetrace
International's genuine FIRETRACE® stand-alone,
automatic fire suppression systems.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

BUSINESS-CRITICAL PROTECTION

FIRETRACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

business-critical
le East projects

FIRETRACE was chosen because it satisfied the
consultant's insistence on relying on a solution that
is both UL [Underwriters Laboratories] listed and
FM [Factory Mutual] approved. It also appealed
because its proven reliability. ISO 9001:2008
registered Firetrace International's FIRETRACE is a
"self-seeking" solution that is entirely self-con-
tained, does not require an external power source,
and so is ideal for protecting installations spread
throughout the complex. Significantly, it can be
activated only by heat or flame and so will
discharge only when a genuine fire is detected,
overcoming any potential for false alarm or
unwarranted discharge.

However, for all of its sensitivity, FIRETRACE
systems are unaffected by Saudi Arabia's high
temperatures, which can average over 40°C
between May and September.

Currently, 250 FIRETRACE systems have been
installed, but Firetrace International's authorised
trading partner in Saudi Arabia, Husam Sinjab
Contracting Establishment, anticipates that this
will ultimately increase to a figure closer to 400.
For this particular project and application they
utilise DuPont™ FM-200® clean suppression agent
that is ideal for protecting electrical components. It
leaves no residue to damage sensitive equipment,
is non-conductive and non-corrosive. Also, unlike
C0 2 [carbon dioxide], which some companies
erroneously promote as suitable for direct
discharge via tube-operated systems used to protect
electrical cabinets, FM-200 does not cause thermal
shock to the equipment being protected.

The FIRETRACE technology chosen for the
DOKAAEP cabinets was the Firetrace Direct
Release System. This comprises Firetrace Inter-
national's proprietary Firetrace Detection Tubing
that is linked, via a custom-engineered valve, to
the FM-200 suppression agent cylinder. This special-
ly-developed, leak resistant, small-bore polymer
tubing is a linear pneumatic heat and flame detec-
tor that delivers the desired temperature-sensitive
detection and delivery characteristics. Its flexibility
is such that it can be threaded around each
cabinet's tightly-packed compartments and com-
ponents. When the tubing detects a fire anywhere
along its length it ruptures, forming an effective
spray nozzle that automatically releases the entire
contents of the FM-200 cylinder, extinguishing the
fire precisely where it starts and before it can do
extensive damage to the cabinet or its contents.

Another Middle East project that relies on the
Firetrace Direct Release System is for Qatar's
Ministry of Drainage Affairs' Doha South STW
[Sewage Treatment Works] project, where FIRE-
TRACE is again playing a leading role in ensuring
that critical electrical control panels are provided
with dedicated, fast-action fire protection. The
latest delivery of FIRETRACE equipment, which is
being supplied by Doha Electrical and Mechanical
Projects, Firetrace International's authorised Qatari

distributor, brought the total number of systems
supplied for the project to well over 400 in the
past three years.

These systems are safeguarding a variety of
machinery control cabinets, variable speed drives,
and high and medium-voltage cabinets that
control drinking water pumps, sewage and water
treatment processes throughout the southern part
of the city, which is home to 80 percent of Qatar's
population. The project manages the flow of
wastewater for approximately 500,000 people.

Each of the Ministry of Drainage Affairs' cabinets
is protected by a single FIRETRACE cylinder to pro-
vide maximum protection. Every system is linked
via a low-pressure switch to a Kentec Electronics
fire panel - also supplied by Firetrace International
- that is in turn connected to a main SCADA
[Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition] system.
Every Kentec panel has a unique address so, if a
low-pressure switch is activated, the location of
the fire is immediately evident. D33

The company's EMEA head
office is in the UK and can be
contacted on +44 (0) 1 293
780390

Firetrace International
headquarters is in Scottsdale,
Arizona, USA and can be
reached on +1 480 607 1218
www.firetrace.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

UK Manufacturer of Passive Fire Protection Products

FI Hi OLA2ING SF.LECTOF

■

*>* -*w

Pyroplex

Glazing

Selector

Architectural design is increasingly incorporating
the use of fire resistant glazing.

The Pyroplex Glazing Selector outlines the correct
seal that is compatible with a wide range of fire
resistant glass, making fire resistant glazing system
selection simple.

Certifire approval provides you with the confidence
that our products have achieved certification at a
higher level than the minimum requirements.

For our full range of Pyroplex passive fire protection
products visit us at www.pyroplex.com

For a free copy of The Pyroplex Glazing Selector

email us at info@pyroplex.com
or telephone 01 905 795432.

Pyroplex 8 Limited, The Furlong, Droitwich,
Worcestershire WR9 9BG, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1 905 795432
email: info@pyroplex.com web: www.pyroplex.com

The Derby Roundhouse ,
photo courtesy of Bowmer
and Kirkland

By Steve Goodburn

CGI Sales Director

GLAZING

A Fire Safety
Education

The continued evolution of fire resistant glazing has prompted one of the most
current design styles - open plan. Be it a ten floor office block, a hospital waiting
room or a school corridor - open plan living and working is the design style of
the moment.

T his design evolution has been enabled thanks
to ongoing developments in the world of fire
resistant glass - longer protection times and
increased panel sizes now afford us the very best
in fire safety without compromising design.

Fit for purpose

However this protection is dependent on com-
pliance with a wide range of rigorous testing
procedures, industry standards and building
regulations. These are critical to both the specifica-
tion and functionality of fire resistant glass.

Test certificates validate a product's suitability
for use and define its limits. While there may be
some variation in the testing practices from one
country to the next, the certifications themselves
all talk the same 'language' and give specifiers the
necessary assurances that the product is fit for
purpose.

CGI provides fire products to fulfil a wide variety
of performances and appearances enabling
specifiers to obtain all requirements for fire and
speciality glasses from a single source. All products
are tested to British and European standards as
well as a variety of International standards for fire
resistance and impact safety.

Options

Fire glass products can be grouped into three main
categories. The first is integrity only (E) which pre-
vents flames and hot gasses from spreading for
the specified time - typically from between 30 and
60 minutes. The second option is integrity and
radiation control glass (EW) which not only offers
integrity but also offers some radiant heat control.
This significantly reduces the amount of radiant
heat transmitted through the glass. The third is
integrity and insulating glass (El) which has the

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

r | A 7 1 M fl

A FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION

vjLAZ.II u

same ability as the above but also restricts the
temperature transfer to the unexposed face.

Modern building design has created heightened
demand for those products which offer integrity
and full insulation (El) or integrity and radiation
control (EW). A fire glass with insulation or radia-
tion control stops/limits the transfer of heat
thereby mitigating the risks of spontaneous
combustion, protecting adjacent parts of the
building and buying more time for fire crews to
respond and for people to evacuate safely.

The advice is that any building which has a high
volume of people or business assets or a complex
evacuation protocol should select from integrity
and radiation control (EW) or integrity and
insulation glass (El). This is because most common
materials will ignite spontaneously once tempera-
tures reach 500-600°C, so even if the fire is
contained in an adjoining room, catastrophic
damage and further spread of fire can take place.
A fire glass with insulation or radiation control also
stops or limits the transfer of heat through the
glass for a predetermined period of time and
mitigates the risks.

Installation

There is a misconception that using fire resistant
glass is 'job done'. However incorrect installation
can render a tested specification useless and make
fire resistant glass installations nothing more than
normal glass.

It's of the utmost importance that all com-
ponents in a fire-resistance glazing system are fire
rated, compatible and approved if the glass is to
fulfil its role and meet building regulations.

Standard glazing material products won't with-
stand the high temperatures experienced during a
fire and will combust, melt or work loose within a
very short period of time. Eventually the glass
will twist or fall out, allowing the fire to spread.
Specialist glazing materials should be specified
along with the glass itself, as a fire resistant
system. Ceramic tape is an ideal and economical
medium for glazing most types of fire resistant
glasses including both insulated and non-insulated
panels.

Choosing the right frame is also very important.
The combination of a fire glass with a poorly
designed frame, or a frame manufactured from a

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Saint-Gobain
Glass Solutions

Control of the transmission
of radiated heat below
a specified level

SGG VETROFLAM®,
sgg CONTRAFLAM® Lite

Provides a physical barrier against
flame, hot toxic gases and smoke

SGG PYROSWISS®,
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Highest performance limitation
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sgg CONTRAFLAM®, sgg SWISSFLAM

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E = Integrity

GLAZING

A FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION

sub-standard material, will almost always render
the system non fire-rated and at risk of immediate
failure in a fire.

CGI has a wealth of evidence to cover hardwood
timber frames as well as fire rated steel systems.
There is a trend to move towards softwood frames
because of cost and test evidence is available in this
area too. CGI is also working to develop fire tested

reducing its effectiveness. It will also no longer be
a certified installation.

Continual change

The glass industry is continuously on a quest to
develop the next generation of fire glasses. CGI
invests heavily in research and development and
more recently opened its own on-site facilities to

Fire rated glass manufacturer
CGI International supplies
the widest range of fire
glasses for use in buildings
around the world - which
has tripled sales in the past
decade.

Around 60 per cent of the
company's glass is exported
to countries such as Holland,
Ireland, France, Spain,
Sweden, Norway, Finland,
Australia, China, Dubai, the
USA and Turkey. CGI is
currently expanding into new
markets in Eastern Europe
and the Middle East.

CGI's products include
Pyroguard Clear, Pyroguard
Wired, Pyroguard Insulation
and Pyroguard Insulation
Acoustic.

For more information on CGI
please call 01942 710720 or
visit www.cgii.co.uk

CGI has a wealth of evidence to cover hardwood timber
frames as well as fire rated steel systems. There is a trend to
move towards softwood frames because of cost and test
evidence is available in this area too. CGI is also working to
develop fire tested wooden framing systems of slimmer
thicknesses to suit the demands of the architectural world.

wooden framing systems of slimmer thicknesses to
suit the demands of the architectural world. Steel
and hardwood frames are the most suitable simple
because of the non-combustibility of steel framing
systems, or slow char rates of hard wood.

As well as the use of inappropriate frames, glaz-
ing media and sealant systems, there's also confu-
sion about the approved sizes of fire resistant
glass. The orientation and area of the glass is all
important. A piece of glass that's been cut to por-
trait sizing should be installed that way. Install it
horizontally and you may well be exceeding the
test parameters of that product and thereby

continue developing technical capabilities.

Recent developments have included ceiling to
floor panels in CGI's integrity and radiation control
(EW) fire resisting glass Pyroguard and increased
sheet sizes for Pyroguard insulation.

There's no disputing it, fire resistant glass is
becoming a more and more common way of satis-
fying the fire safety requirements of a building,
without compromising on the architectural and aes-
thetic qualities of the design. In less than 30 years
fire resistant glass has been radically overhauled and
as building design and construction trends evolve,
so too will the fire resistant glass industry. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

For over 90 years, The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
has manufactured fire sprinklers, valves, and fire protection
accessories. They are also a major distributor of sprinkler sys-
tem components. Reliable produces a full line of both solder
element and frangible glass bulb sprinklers for virtually every
type of protection requirements. Reliable has a complete line
of fire protection valves for controlling water flow and providing
alarm signaling to include check, alarm, dry, deluge, and pre-
action valves.

Reliable Fire Sprinkler Ltd.

Manufacturer & Distributor of Fire Protection Equipment

www.reliablesprinkler.com

HCHN014CT • *1*111/ • SCtl' C t

Western Europe:

Germany:

Sweden:

UK Office:
Germany Office:
Sweden Office:

Berny Holden - bholden@reliablesprinkler.com
Hartmut Winkler - hwinkler@reliablesprinkler.com
Dan Forsberg - dforsberg@reliablesprinkler.com

+ 44.1342316800

+ 49.62176212223

+ 46.87165570

TECHNOLOGY • QUALITY • SERVICE

SPRINKLERS

Spray Nozzles Selectio
Systems: Options and

Figure 5

By Scott Martorano,
CFPS

Water spray systems as defined in NFPA 1 5 can provide some of the most
complex and challenging system designs encountered by fire protection
professionals.

Senior Manager,
Technical Sen/ice,

The Viking Corporation

T he selection of the proper spray nozzle that
achieves the coverage area and water density
required for the hazard being protected is
one of the most important steps necessary to
ensure the successful operation of the system. Of
course, there are many other steps of equal impor-
tance and complexity that are taken during the
design and layout process for water spray systems,
but it is the selection of the proper spray nozzles
that can present one of the largest challenges and
may ultimately determine whether or not the
water spray system will perform as required.
Because of the wide variations in the characteris-
tics of water spray nozzles including discharge pat-
terns, velocities, distances of projection and the
variables of the hazards being protected a careful
evaluation of the nozzle selection should be com-
pleted by a professional with an in-depth knowl-
edge of special hazards applications and water
spray system design.

The complexity of nozzle selection can be
increased in some cases where a limited amount
of technical information is available describing
the specific features or proper application for the
spray nozzle being considered. In other cases,
confusion may result from the terminology used in
a manufactures technical data, such as high,
medium and low velocity nozzles and the term

velocity's relationship to the application. Given the
substantial number of hazards where spray nozzles
can be applied, and the various listings and
approvals granted by Underwriters Laboratory,
Factory Mutual and LPCB, the design engineer and
layout technician are presented with a demanding
selection process. This paper will attempt to
clarify spray nozzle selection criteria for several of
the most complex water spray applications and
the terminology used to identify the unique
characteristic of the spray nozzles.

water spray and nozzles

The applications where spray nozzles are utilized
can be severe. Primarily spray nozzles are used for
exposure protection of bulk storage flammable
and combustible liquid tanks to cool the shell,
prevent explosion or collapse of the tank and
extension of the fire. In addition, when designed
properly and correctly installed water spray systems
can be successfully utilized for extinguishment and
control of some flammable liquids fires, some
combustible liquid fires, Class A combustibles, and
electrical transformer applications. Extinguishment
of a fire using water spray is achieved "by cooling,
smothering, emulsifying or diluting of flammable
liquids or by a combination of these factors" 1 .
"Controlling of a fire can be achieved with the

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

SPRAY NOZZLES SELECTION FOR WATER SPRAY SYSTEMS

CDDIIVIIfl CDC

3r KIIMIvLt Kj

n for water Spray
applications explained

same mechanisms that achieve extinguishment,
however due to different characteristics of the
fuel, suppression is not possible" 2 .

FM Global defines the mechanisms of fire
extinguishment in the following manner:

Cooling action results to some extent from
absorption of heat by water particles but mostly
from the conversion of water to steam. When
converted into steam, 11b of water at 60°F
absorbs 1150 Btu. When the surface of the
burning material is cooled to a point where
flammable vapors are no longer evolved, the
fire is extinguished.

Smothering action is obtained when the
water spray is converted to steam by the heat
of the fire, expanding its volume approximately
1,750 times. As the steam envelops the fire
area, oxygen is excluded which helps to
extinguish the fire.

Emulsification is obtained by mechanical
agitation of water with oil or other non-water
soluble liquids so that droplets of both materials
become closely interspersed. Such an emulsion
is produced by the action of water spray striking
the surface of certain flammable liquids, render-
ing the liquid surface nonflammable. With
liquids of low viscosity, emulsification is probably
temporary, existing only during the application
of the spray. With materials of higher viscosity,
the emulsion will last longer and provide some
protection against re-flashing.

Dilution of water-soluble liquids is usually a
minor factor in extinguishing a fire because of
the high degree of dilution required 3 .

Spray nozzle selection and operation

The selection of spray nozzles involves considera-
tion of several factors, primarily its ability to dis-
tribute water in a manner which allows the proper
mechanism of extinguishment or control for the
hazard to be achieved. Spray nozzles are available
in a wide range of capacities and angles. The
design elements used within the spray nozzle to
manipulate the movement of water through the
spray nozzle will impact the discharge velocity of
the water droplets and the discharge patterns
reach or range.

The velocity of the water droplets discharged
from spray nozzles is not a factor for consideration
of water spray system design within NFPA 15 or
13. However terms referencing velocity are used
extensively within manufactures technical data and
within the testing and installation standards of the
Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) which
are used in many part of the world. The exact
meaning of this terminology and how it applies to
the spray nozzle application can be confusing and
at times misleading, but it can be helpful to put a
definition to the terms low, medium and high
velocity if for no other reason than to help the
designer and layout technician gain a better
understanding of the nozzle application. The only
written definitions for spray nozzles that can be

found within the fire protection industry common
referenced text are within the LPCB Standard 1277.

LPCB Standard 1277 defines medium velocity
spray nozzles are "sprayers with deflection plates
producing conical discharge patterns having bores
not less that 14 inch (6.3 mm) and meeting the
test requirements of this standard apart from the
fire test. These sprayers may be opened or sealed;
the seal is identical to that of a sprinkler" and
"sprayers with swirl chambers producing conical
discharge patterns and having internal waterways
not less than Va inch (3.1 mm) and final exit bores
not less than 14 inch (6.3 mm) and meeting the
requirements of this standard at a pressure of
20 psi (1.4 bar) apart from the fire test". High
velocity spray nozzles are defined as "sprayers
with swirl chambers producing conical discharge
patterns and having internal waterways not less
than Vs inch (3.1 mm) and final exit bores not less
than 14 inch (6.3 mm) and meeting the require-
ments of this standard apart from those for cone
angles and distribution 4 ".

From these definitions several of the key differ-
ences between medium and high velocity spray
nozzles can be identified such as the incorporation
of a deflector on some medium velocity nozzles
and high velocity nozzle will have to meet differ-
ent cone angle and distribution requirements. Also
the term "swirl chamber" is introduced for some
medium velocity and all high velocity nozzles. A
"swirl chamber" is used within a nozzle to spin
the water so it emerges as a solid cone jet.

Historically, the term velocity and distribution of
the size of water droplets has been understood to
describe the reach or area of coverage of the
nozzles water spray pattern 5 . However, it is the
velocity and dispersion of the water droplets them-
selves which will determine a spray nozzles ability
to achieve the mechanisms of extinguishment or
control of a fire.

Fixed nozzles have certain velocity or pressure
ranges of effectiveness. Below the lower limit of
the force range, the discharge pattern is ineffec-
tive; above the upper limit, velocities may be
reached that will result in decreased effectiveness
due to reduction in the discharge pattern, delivery
distance and/or the water droplets 6 . At the point
where a droplet of water is discharged from a noz-
zle, it is carried forward by its momentum, down-
ward by the force of gravity and is retarded by
friction in the air. The forward velocity of water
droplets becomes very important in the reach of
the nozzle 7 . Spray nozzles are designed to have
various spray angles. The volume of water being
discharged and the spray angle of the nozzle will
determine the actual velocity of the water droplets
and the range of the spray.

The size and velocity of the water particles will
have an impact on the ability to extinguish or
control a fire. If the droplets are too small, they
cannot penetrate to the seat of the fire but are
carried upward by the fire plume. If they are too
large, their surface-to-mass ratio is small and they

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

SPRINKLERS

cannot effectively cool the fire gases 8 . When being
used to suppress flammable liquid fires with high
flash points above 200°F the water droplets must
be traveling at a velocity sufficient to penetrate the
surface of the flammable liquid.

Defining the ranges of water droplet velocities
is difficult given the lack of published information
available for spray nozzles. There are many factors
which impact the actual velocity of water droplets
including the water droplet size, orientation or
angle of placement of the nozzle and the operat-
ing pressure. The large range of spray nozzles
available on the market makes it almost impossible
to clearly define the three velocity categories.
However, for the purpose understanding the
potential application of each type of nozzle, in
addition to the information provided above one
potential method of defining the velocity terms is
as follows.

Low velocity spray nozzles are similar in dis-
charge characteristics to standard spray sprinklers.
The water droplet size is within the same range. A
review of two studies from the U.S. Department of
Commerce, National Institute of Standard and
Technology (NIST) called "Determination of Water
Spray Drop Size and Speed from a Standard Orifice,
Pendent Spray Sprinkler 9 " and "Understanding
Sprinkler Sprays: Trajectory Analysis 10 " Place the
measured water droplet velocities for K 5.5 spray
sprinklers between 2 ft/sec and 27 ft/sec flowing
1 5 gpm at 7 psi. It would be expected that a spray
nozzle with similar characteristic may have water
droplet velocities in the same range.

High and medium velocity spray nozzles cover a
much broader range of application. Due a wide
range of K factors and operating pressures the
water droplet size can range from the larger
droplets found in the discharge of a standard
sprinkler to the much smaller water droplets that
would be similar to the sizes found in water mist
systems. At least one manufacture publishes water
droplet velocity information for a medium velocity
nozzle. When the water pressure range is between
20 psi (1.4 bar) and 50 psi (3.5 bar) the water
droplet velocity was 49 ft/sec (1 5 m/sec) to 82 ft/sec
(25 m/sec). High and medium velocity spray
nozzles are used primarily within this pressure
range so it can be anticipated that the water
droplet velocity may be similar to this published
information for many spray nozzles.

water, spray nozzles and flammable or
combustible liquids

NFPA 30 the Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Code provides the definitions for flammable and
combustible liquids. Flammable liquids are defined
as any liquid that has a closed-cup flash point at or
below 100°F. Combustible liquids are defined as
any liquid that has a closed-cup flash point at or
above 100°F 11 . Water can effectively utilize several
of the control and extin-
guishment mechanisms on
a flammable or com-
bustible liquids fire.

Extinguishing a flamma-
ble liquid fires can occur if
the flammable liquid is mis-
cible with water, large
quantities of water can
dilute and the liquid to the
Figure 1 point where it is no longer

flammable and cool the liquid below its flash
point; however extreme care must be taken when
using this approach to ensure the container which
is holding the combustible liquid does not over-
flow and inadvertently spread the fire. One tech-
nique that can be used to prevent this situation is
to select a nozzle which discharges a fine spray with
droplets less that. 4 mm. The fine spray will dilute
and cool the surface layer of the flammable liquid
limiting the amount of water introduced to the
container and reducing
the possibility of an over-
flow. Fires involving
flammable liquids that
are not completely misci-
ble with water such as
ether and ketones can
be controlled utilizing
water spray 12 . Low to
medium velocity solid
cone nozzles are well suited for this type of appli-
cation (figure 1).

Fires involving combustible liquids with flash
points above 200°F that are not miscible with
water such a lubricating oil, can be suppressed
using high velocity solid cone nozzles (figure 2).
When the water is discharged with a velocity that
is sufficient to penetrate the surface of the com-
bustible liquid, suppression is achieved by cooling
the surface below the liquids flash point.

Extinguishing or controlling a flammable of com-
bustible liquids fire with water is complex. It
involves many considerations beyond the spray
nozzle selection. The successful application of
water to a flammable liquids spill will probably
cause the burning flammable liquid to spread,
unless a dike is present. Another problem is
encountered if the liquid has a high flash point and
is less dense than the water. In this case, water
droplets, even if applied gently, will sink below the
surface and turn into steam, causing eruption of
the flammable liquid into the flames and increasing
the burn rate 13 . In addition, when combustible liq-
uids burn in depth for long periods of time the liq-
uid can take on the characteristics of a flammable
liquid. Careful consideration should be given to the
application, the volume of water that will be intro-
duced and it potential impact on the situation.

water and electrical equipment

Water spray systems are often used to provide fire
protection and complete water impingement for
oil-filled electrical transformers (figure 3). Trans-
formers are available in many different sizes
and configurations and a complete understanding
of all the relevant transformer information is
necessary to ensure the proper nozzle selection.
However, high velocity spray nozzles can be
extremely effective in extinguishing the high flash
point non-miscible combustible liquids fire that
results from the catastrophic failure and explosion
of the electrical transformer. Additional considera-
tions in the selection of the proper nozzle outdoor
transformers include the effect of wind, the nozzle
capacity and placement of the nozzle. Electrical
clearances may require the selection of a nozzle
capable of a large water discharge to achieve the
proper range and coverage of the water spray.

The water spray system is also designed to
provide cooling for the structural and metal
elements while the combustible liquids are is

Figure 2

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

SPRAY NOZZLES SELECTION FOR WATER SPRAY SYSTEMS

CDDIIVIIfl CDC

jrKINIvLtKj

Figure 3

being extinguished. NFPA 15 outlines the specific
requirements for placement of the spray nozzles to
avoid the live un-insulated electrical equipment
and it is critical that the water spray system be
designed in a manner to remove power before
water is applied.

surface. For example, when extinguishment or
control of a flammable or combustible liquids fire
is the purpose of the water spray system then a
nozzle should be selected that can accomplish the
appropriate mechanism of extinguishment for the
flammable or combustible liquid being protected.
When the purpose of the water spray system is to
cool a bulk storage fuel tank the nozzle selected
should have the discharge capacity and spray
angle required to the appropriate water density
over the surface are of the tank.

Although the terminology can seem confusing,
it can actually assist the design engineer and
layout technician in quickly identifying the most
appropriate group of nozzles for an application.
NFPA 15 and 13 are the basis for these designs,
however as you can see because of the complex
nature of the hazards involved a considerable
amount of additional research may be necessary to
develop an effective fire protection design. In
these cases it is always prudent to consult the
spray nozzle manufacturer for specific technical
information of the performance expectation of the
spray nozzle being considered. D33

Exposure protection of bulk storage
flammable and combustible liquid tanks

Water spray systems designed for exposure protec-
tion as defined in NFPA 15 provide "absorption of
heat through application of water spray to struc-
tures or equipment exposed to a fire, to limit
surface temperature to a level that will minimize
damage and prevent failure". The nozzle selection
for this application will be based on the nozzle dis-
charge capacity, spray angles and patterns such as
the shaped spray pattern nozzle in figure 4. The
objective of the water spray is to keep the tank
cool. This prevents the liquid from boiling away. If
the liquids within the tank boil away, the heat will
not be transferred away from the shell. This could
cause the shell to rupture in the case of direct
flame impingement.

It is important that the nozzle
discharges overlap to prevent
dry spots on the surface of the
tank and that overspray of the
storage container be limited to
achieve the most efficient
hydraulic design. Consideration
must also be given to the effects
of wind and possible updrafts
from a fire in close proximity to
the tank and evaporation of
smaller water droplets from
heat. Typically the nozzles are
Figure 4 placed and will discharge the
water spray at the top of the
equipment to allow the water to run down the sur-
face. The actual amount of water run down is diffi-
cult to predict because of the effects of wind and
the shape of the tank (figure 5 page 30).

Conclusion

The selection of spray nozzles can be a complex
and challenging process. The variables that affect
the selection can be numerous. It is important for
the fire protection professional to keep the goal or
purpose of the water spray system in mind during
the selection process. The characteristics of the
spray nozzle will determine its effectiveness in
extinguishing a fire, controlling a fire or cooling a

References

1 FM Global Loss Prevention Data Sheet. "Fixed
Water Spray Systems for Fire protection 4-1 N".
Factory Mutual Insurance Company, Norwood MA.
2002. Pg 9.

2 Bryan, John, L. "Automatic Sprinkler and Stand-
pipe Systems" Second Edition. National Fire
Protection Association. Quincy, MA. 1990. Pg 456.

3 FM Global Loss Prevention Data Sheet. "Fixed
Water Spray Systems for Fire protection 4-1 N".
Factory Mutual Insurance Company, Norwood MA.

2002. Pg 9-11.

4 "Testing methods for medium and high velocity
water sprayers" LPS Standard 1277: Issue Draft B,
Loss Prevention Certification Board, United Kingdom,
2006.

5 Vollman, Christopher, L. "Water Spray Protec-
tion", Fire Protection Flandbook, Nineteenth Edition,
National Fire Protection Association. Quincy, MA.

2003. Pg 10-267.

6 Hickey, Harry, E. "Hydraulics for Fire Protection",
National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA,
1980. Pg 219.

7 Hickey, Harry, E. "Hydraulics for Fire Protection",
National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA,
1980. Pg 229.

8 Friedman, Raymond. "Principles of Fire Protection
Chemistry and Physics", National Fire Protection
Association, Quincy, MA. 1998. Pg 211.

9 Potorti, A.D., Belsinger, T.D and W.H. Twilley,
"Determination of water spray drop size from a
standard orifice, pendent spray sprinkler" U.S.
Department of Commerce National Institute of
Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD. 1999.

10 Sheppard, D.T., Gandhi, P.D., and R.M. Lueptow. "
Understanding Sprinkler Sprays: Trajectory Analysis".
U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of
Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD. 2000

11 NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Code. National Fire Protection Association. Quincy,
MA 2000. Pg 30-12.

12 Nash, Philip, and Yong, Roy, "Automatic
Sprinkler Systems for Fire Protection" 2nd edition,
Paramount Publishing Limited, Hertfordshire,
England, 1991. Pg 210

13 Friedman, Raymond. "Principles of Fire Protection
Chemistry and Physics", National Fire Protection
Association, Quincy, MA. 1998. Pg 235.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

RAE Systems has a wide range of products and offers solutions
for many applications, including:

• HazMat/WMD/Radiation applications (MultiRAE Plus, AreaRAE, RAELink3, GammaRAE II R, ChemRAE)

• Decontamination sick building investigation/indoor air quality (ppbRAE 3000)

• Confined Space Entry Monitors (QRAE II and EntryRAE)

• Single-gas monitors for EMT (ToxiRAE 3 CO) and for Overhaul (ToxiRAE II HCN)

• Arson investigation (MiniRAE 3000)

The Leader in Wireless Gas Detection

By Bob Durstenfeld

RAE Systems' Senior
Director of Corporate
Marketing.

Chicago Fire
Department responds
to unseen threats
with best practices
that leverage
available technology

Unseen threats are the routine for first responders. Knowing if there is imminent
danger is key to getting home safely. This article outlines several cases where the
Chicago Fire Department learned the value of using available technology in
gauging an appropriate response.

M ore than 10 years ago, the Chicago Fire
Department began deploying single-gas
CO (carbon monoxide) monitors on all
200 of its engines and trucks. This came about
with the advent of commercially available CO
monitors for home use. The early home units often
went into false alarm, and this would result in a
panicked call from a homeowner for a response
from the fire department. The need to know if
there was an immediate threat to life or health
could not wait for the arrival of the hazardous
material response team. Each engine company was

initially equipped with an industrial, single-gas CO
monitor. These were most useful in the winter,
when CO calls were often due to incomplete com-
bustion in faulty heating systems. "After a family
died from carbon monoxide poisoning 12 years
ago, we first deployed single-gas CO sensors on
every truck," said Chief Daniel O'Connell, coordi-
nator for Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Special
Operations and Hazardous Materials.

Single-gas CO monitors might still be the norm,
had it not been for some catastrophic events. In
one instance, an engine company arrived for what

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

GAS DETECTION

4-Gas field calibration
team with Chief
Anthony

QRAE Calibration Desk
at Chicago Fire
Department Air Mask
Services

they thought was a CO call, and because there
was no alarm from the CO monitor, they assumed
all was safe and entered the building. One of the
firefighters turned on the building's lights, initiating
what turned out to be an explosion from a natural
gas leak. "We began investigating the use of
4-gas meters two years ago, after several 91 1 calls
where the CO monitor was not sufficient to
detect the unseen threat, and we had two gas
explosions," added O'Connell.

Over this two-year period, the department ran
various evaluations on different combinations of
instruments and sensors. The objective was to
determine if there was an immediate threat to life
or health, and if the instrument alarmed, whether
it would be sufficient to determine the need to
secure the area and notify the HazMat team. The
department's two HazMat teams ran experiments
using various combinations of instruments using
the following four sensors: lower explosive limit
(LEL) for combustible materials, carbon monoxide
(CO), hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) and oxygen (0 2 ).
Each of the sensors was chosen for the life-critical
or time-critical threat information provided if it
went into alarm. The carbon monoxide sensor was

already proven. The lower
explosive limit sensor was
selected to detect the
presence of high levels of
flammable gas. The hydro-
gen sulfide sensor was
chosen because H 2 S is a
common threat that easily
saturates a responder's
sense of smell. The oxygen
sensor was selected
because it would immedi-
ately indicate the need for
an air mask and might also
show the presence of an
oxidizer. Other sensors that
were considered included
chlorine and ammonia, but
both substances have
other characteristics that
make them identifiable.
Four-gas instruments from
many manufacturers were evaluated for rugged-
ness, user interface, calibration stability, battery life
and ease of service. "We went through an evalua-
tion process and selected the RAE Systems QRAE.
The QRAE adds to the complement of RAE
Systems instruments already utilized by the CFD
HazMat teams, including wireless AreaRAE RDK
monitors, MultiRAE Plus 4-gas monitors with
PIDs, ppbRAE PIDs for decontamination and
others," said O'Connell.

"Part of our decision to go with the RAE
Systems QRAE was the reliability and durability of
the instruments," said Robert Anthony, coordin-
ator for the Chicago Fire Department's Division
of Equipment and Supply. To gain personnel
efficiency, the 4-gas instrument calibration team
works out of the same division as the breathing-air
pack services. "Our in-house technicians maintain
our fleet of over 200 QRAE units deployed at 102
firehouses. We currently calibrate each unit using
the AutoRAE calibration station on a monthly
cycle."

The fire department training academy was
called to develop a training and certification pro-
gram in the new 4-gas instruments. "Much of the
initial training on 4-gas instrument deployment
was done by AFC International, an equipment
supplier to the Chicago Fire Department," said
Doug Mayer, RAE Systems Director of Eastern
U.S. and Canadian Sales. "Jim Seneczko and his
company have provided much of the on-site train-
ing and support that the Chicago Fire Department
required." This training was encouraged using
rank incentives in a similar fashion to emergency
medical certifications. "The Chicago Fire Depart-
ment has encouraged all of our firefighters to
learn the basics of hazardous material response by
offering level A and B Technician certifications,"
said Lieutenant Myron Kovalevich from the
Chicago Fire Department's Training Academy.

At the same time as the fire department was
growing in its use of gas monitors on every truck,
the HazMat team was able to become more spe-
cialized. The team began to develop new response
protocols which in turn were made part of the
academy's training. Two of the procedures that
have become standard practice are the immediate
use of an air-mask or SCBA at 35 ppm (parts per
million) of carbon monoxide, and a CO reading of

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT

r AC nCTCrTIHM

Cj ^ LJ tit 1 1 U i %

over 100 ppm makes the response a level-one
HazMat event. Other meter based procedures
include the immediate ventilation of a response
scene when a Lower-Explosive-Limit exceeds ten
percent and the use of the 4-gas meter in post fire
overhauls to determine when it is safe to remove
the SCBA. On-site response procedures include a
fresh-air calibration of the meter prior to any
building entry in addition to the monthly full
instrument calibration. For confined space entry,
the fire department has deployed both the 4-gas
meter and in many cases the wireless AreaRAE
monitors. As part of each after-response review,
the on-scene data logs from any gas meters
that were deployed are reviewed for alarms and
reading response times.

The September 11, 2001, attacks in New York
and Washington, D.C., began a new era for first
responders, both in terms of homeland security
responsibilities and the possible threats that might
be encountered. The first protocols and equipment
were tested as part of the May 2003 TopOff Drills,
multi-agency events that included the United
States National Guard Civil Support Teams, the
United States and Illinois Environmental Protection
Agencies, the US Centers for Disease Control, the
Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United
States Coast Guard. As a result, the HazMat teams
began to develop decontamination protocols for
both toxic chemicals and radiation. The drills
included the first deployment of AreaRAE wireless
toxic gas and radiation monitors for public venue
protection. The TopOff Drills showed the need for
critical incident information to be available beyond
the local incident commander. The advent of
secure internet protocols has enabled the fire
department to engage remote specialists from the
federal agencies and allowed all of them to see
the same real-time sensor data. During large

events, such as the annual "Taste of Chicago" that
runs for 10 days and includes both an air and
water show, connected gas detection technology
has played a key role in creating safety deploy-
ment comfort with both civilian and municipal
data users.

New technologies have allowed the Chicago
Fire Department HazMat Teams to develop public
venue protection protocols that have moved
beyond the normal responsibilities of the fire
department. The City of Chicago responded
potential large scale threats that might require a
multi-agency response by forming the Office of
Emergency Management. This multi-agency city
directorate has responsibility for issues related to
Homeland Security. The department also took on
the responsibilities performed by the Fire Depart-
ment's Bureau of Emergency Preparedness and
Disaster Services and created what is now known
as the Office of Emergency Management and
Communications (OEMC). Today, OEMC protects
life and property by operating the public safety
communications system and by coordinating and
managing emergency situations, and now includes
911 emergency services, 311 city services, the
Office of Emergency Management, and City
Operations.

On February 10, 2005, the OEMC launched a
new Homeland Security Grid that includes both
fiber optic and copper cable. This grid enables
Chicago to expand its use of surveillance cameras
and biological, chemical, and radiological sensors.
These cameras and sensors simultaneously feed
into the City's Operations Center for coordination
of both critical city services and emergency
response. The grid gives city officials tools to
better respond to developments in homeland
security, law enforcement, traffic management,
crowd control, and severe weather. m

AreaRAE Rapid
Deployment Kit, wireless
gas monitors at the
ready

Bob Durstenfeld has spent
the last seven years as RAE
Systems' Director of
Corporate Marketing and
Investor Relations. Before
joining RAE Systems,
Durstenfeld served as Senior
Director and Staff
Technologist for the Silicon
Valley office of Fleishman-
Hillard Public Relations. Bob
has also held marketing and
management positions at
Agilent Technologies and
Hewlett-Packard Company.
He has published articles on
Port Security, Wireless Gas
Detection, Semiconductor
Testing and Automation
Technology.

MR. Durstenfeld received
his Masters in Engineering
Management and
International Marketing from
Santa Clara University and
his BS in Engineering and
Biology from UCLA.

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE DETECTION

By Ian Buchanan

European Manager,
Spectrex Inc

Protecting hazardous
product storage
tanks and lpg/lng
gas terminals

The major concerns associated with the storage and handling of hazardous
materials, e.g. LNG/LPG, are the fugitive emissions and liquid spills that
evaporate when exposed to atmospheric pressure.

T he light gases migrate very fast over large
areas, hence the need for reliable, fast, gas
and flame monitoring over large areas of
pipelines and storage facilities. The heavier-than-
air gases/vapours tend to accumulate in low areas,
thus posing a fire/explosion hazard in the congest-
ed production, pipelines, manifolds and bund
areas.

Petrochemical storage tank farms require moni-
toring of heavy combustible hydrocarbon gas leaks
that stay close to the ground from leaks in storage
tanks, pipes and valves. There is a significant fire
risk due to ignition of these leaks.

LNG facilities

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), with its major com-
ponent methane, is drilled from the ocean bed in
various parts of the world, using either fixed
exploration platforms or FPSO vessels. The natural
gas is transported via pipelines and tankers to the
onshore facilities where it is stored in special tank

farms before it is vaporized and distributed to the
various users.

At the terminal, the natural gas is stored in liq-
uid form at -320°F (-160°C). Such terminals are
situated in strategic locations close to areas of
high demand or at the extremities of the gas
supply network where the natural gas can be
rapidly revaporized and delivered into the national
transmission system.

An LNG terminal comprises unloading dock
area, storage tanks, vaporizers, liquefiers, control
rooms, maintenance areas and offices. Gas &
Flame Detection are required in the unloading,
storage, liquefier and vaporizer areas.

LPG storage

Beside this natural resource, the petrochemical
industry has developed various distillation and
cracking processes that produce light hydrocarbon
gases like methane, ethane, propane, butane and
their derivates ethylene, propylene, butylene, etc.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

EIDE nETETTIHM

PROTECTING HAZARDOUS PRODUCT STORAGE TANKS

MKt UtltLIlUlM

Figure 1

These refined gases are compressed and liquefied
for storage purposes and known commercially as
Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG).

The unique properties of LPG allow for it to be
stored or transported in a liquid form and used in
a vapour form. In industrial applications, LPG is
typically stored in large vessels that are spheroid
shaped. These are the large "golf ball" shaped
and oval vessels commonly seen at refineries.

LPG vapours are heavier than air and tend to
collect on the ground and in low spots. After LPG
is released, it readily mixes with air and could form
a flammable mixture.

in the past, adequate detection
coverage often required a
great number of combined
UV/IR type detectors. This
solution, however, was costly
and detectors were subject
to false alarms.

In developing fire protection methods for lique-
fied gas storage facilities, the chief concern is a
massive failure of a vessel containing a full load.
The probability of this type of failure occurring can
be avoided or at least controlled to a reasonable
and tolerable level with appropriately designed
and operated facilities.

Most fires originate as smaller fires that become
increasingly more dangerous. Of greater impor-
tance, and more likely, is a leak from a pipe, valve
or other component leading to ignition, flash fire,
pool fire and eventually to a pressure fire at the
source.

Loading stations

Petrochemicals, whether used as refined fuels, raw
materials or feedstock for other industries, have to
be shipped from a processing plant or storage
farm. They have to be offloaded at loading

stations in either gas, liquid
or compressed form - all
of which are highly com-
bustible and a major hazard
to any equipment or people
working in or living close to
these areas.

Railway loading platforms
and truck filling stations
require flammable gas and
flame monitoring capable of
detecting fugitive emissions
and alerting in case of
explosive concentrations or
the incidence of fires.

Fire protection design
considerations

In order to reduce the fire
risk at such facilities, adher-
ence to national regulations,
various design considera-
tions and requirements, such
as layout, spacing, distance
requirements for vessels/storage tanks, drainage
and containment control, will help to limit the
extent of fire damage.

Equally important are properly designed,
installed and maintained fire protection systems,
which attempt to minimize or limit the fire dam-
age once a fire occurs.

GasA/apour and Flame Detectors mounted in
the vicinity of a tank complete the automatic
activation of these systems. Vapour detection
provides early detection and warning, but activation
of water application systems must be confirmed
through quick response flame detection.

An evaluation of the facility is necessary in order
to determine the correct types and locations for
gas and flame detectors.

The objectives of the fire protection system are
to:

• Detect a fire or vapour leak at an early stage

• Control a fire or leak in the shortest possible
time

• Minimize damage

• Minimize disruption to operations

• Minimize the incidence of false alarms.

Flame detection

Optical flame detectors provide the fastest detec-
tion of a fuel fire in the early ignition stage. Their
fast response capability, adjustable field of view
and programmability make them extremely well
suited for this duty. Flame detection with high
sensitivity and immunity to false alarms is an
essential determining factor when designing
systems for this application.

In the past, adequate detection coverage often
required a great number of combined UV/IR type
detectors. This solution, however, was costly and
detectors were subject to false alarms.

The Triple IR (IR3) detector solution, like the
Spectrex 40/401 shown in fig 1, detects fires at up
to 215 ft (65m) dependent on the fuel, offering
three to four times the detection coverage of any
solution using conventional IR or combined UV/IR
detectors - and, as a result, IR3 flame detectors
are now widely recommended. The IR3 flame
detector provides better and faster response to the
fire scenarios, providing larger area coverage with

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

keep a SharpEye
on your safety

5PECTREX INC.

www.spectrex-inc.com

Headquarters NJ (USA): +1 (973) 239-8398 I Houston Office: +1 (281) 463-6772 I Europe: +44 (141) 578-0693
E-mail: spectrex@spectrex-inc.com I Web: www.spectrex-inc.com

FIRE DETECTION

Figure 2 - Floating roof
tank fire detection

Flame Detector

t» 200 ft (60m)

fewer detectors, thus lowering the total cost and
optimizing the performance of the fire detection
system.

Whilst the IR3 flame detector is extremely
sensitive, it also has a highly increased ability to
distinguish between a real fire and false alarm
sources and will detect flames in the presence of
other common radiant energy sources such as
welding or light sources (including Halogen and
X-ray inspections). The detector is 100% solar
blind.

Interfaced to a fire alarm system and an auto-
matic fire extinguishing system, these unique
detectors will provide optimal detection coverage
and the safest and most reliable solution for stor-
age tank protection. Optical flame detectors have
been designed to perform under extremely tough
industrial and environmental conditions.

operators can also utilize an integral colour CCTV
to improve the 'out-of-hours' fire fighting
response. Detecting a fire at its incipient stage by
the infrared sensors and establishing its exact loca-
tion and size by the colour CCTV camera, provides
the ultimate solution to fire protection.

Location of flame detectors

The number of flame detectors and their locations
in the protected area are determined by:

• The type of flammable materials that may be
present. In some areas there will be a variety of
fuels stored in different tanks

• The size/dimensions of the protected area and
the distance to be detected

• The types of tank (fixed, floating roof, etc.)

• The sensitivity of the detectors - the size of fire
to be detected

with the combined CCTV/IR3 Flame Detector, operators can
also utilize an integral colour CCTV to improve the ‘out-of-
hours’ fire fighting response. Detecting a fire at its incipient
stage by the infrared sensors and establishing its exact
location and size by the colour CCTV camera, provides the
ultimate solution to fire protection.

Triple IR (IR3) Flame Detectors incorporate three
IR sensors to monitor the sensing wavelength and
two other nearby wavelengths to discount
unwanted or spurious alarms. This flame detection
technique is the most relaible and immune to false
alarms and offers:

• Fast response time

• Up to 215 ft (65m) detection distance over a
cone of vision of 100°

• Highest Immunity to false alarms

• Built-in self-test for the electronics, sensors and
window cleanliness

• 5-year warranty/1 50,000hr MTBF

• SIL 2 approved

• EN 54- 1 0/FM performance approved

With the combined CCTV/IR3 Flame Detector,

• Detectors' cone of vision (100° horizontal/
vertical)

• Obstructions to the detectors' lines of sight.

Fire detection system for floating roof
storage tank

The storage of crude oil and petroleum products in
'floating roof' tanks may result in vapour migra-
tion outside the o-ring seals and ignition to form a
fuel fire that in time, if undetected, will destroy
the seal and turn into a catastrophic fire. The roof
of the tank floats on the oil and enables it to
vaporize through the rim seal. Thus, there is no
vapour phase below the tank roof.

Natural evaporation during movement of the
floating roof or damage to the seal (ruptures,

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PROTECTING HAZARDOUS PRODUCT STORAGE TANKS

EIDC nCTETTinM

Ml\t Ut 1 tLIIUN

Figure 3 - SafEye open-
path gas detection

SafEye Source SafEye Detector

70% LEL

Point type Detectors

This scenario shows bou> matrix <>f Point type detectors can miss a leak nr eientually
only see diluted #as la vis whereas SafEye Open -Path Gas Detectors will, in this case,
measure LEL x 7 m * 1.4 LEL.m - well abate / LEL.m alarm level.

thinning or degradation) can enable vapours to
migrate outside, over the floating roof, and
accumulate as hazardous explosive/flammable
concentrations.

The existence of flammable vapours on the oil
tank roof increases the fire danger. Thus, any spark
or flame (especially lightning) in the vicinity of the
oil tank roof may ignite the vapour and cause a fire.

The main problem here is the difficulty in quick
response to the fire because the oil tank's shell
hides everything that happens on the tank roof.
This problem becomes more critical when the oil
tank is not full and the floating roof is lower. Thus,
a fire on the oil tank roof is detected only when it
is large enough to be seen from outside the oil
tank, but by then it may be too late and impos-
sible to extinguish the fire. The solution to this
problem is to have optical flame detectors on the
oil tank roof (see fig 2) situated to view the full
travel area of the tank roof for continuous detection
of the oil tank's rim seal with very fast response
time and a very high immunity to false alarms.

System configuration

The detector configuration depends on the size of
the oil tank and the size of the site itself. Each oil
tank is calculated as a detection zone. The detec-
tors are located on the side wall (perimeter) of the
oil tank. Each flame detector monitors a section of
the rim seal and the tank shell. The number of
detectors required for each oil tank depends upon
the size (diameter) of the oil tank.

Gas detection

Open-Path "line of sight" Flammable Gas
Detectors use optical spectral analysis of the
hydrocarbon vapours escaping from various loca-
tions in the tank storage area to detect potentially
hazardous conditions. They provide in-situ
monitoring in the storage tank's immediate vicinity
and around plant perimeters (fence line), over long
distances of hundreds of feet.

'Point' type gas sensors detecting vapours
emitted locally at a preselected location may

complement the open-path gas detectors. These
types of detectors can be used in congested areas
where line-of-sight is not possible.

Open-Path Gas Detection Systems (see fig 3) are
designed to monitor over long distances without
effect from the environment or weather and are
highly immune to false alarms. They comprise a
transmitter (source) and receiver (detector) located
at the ends of the desired detection path. Gas
clouds passing though the path will absorb IR
energy, emitted by the source unit and the detec-
tor senses the change and equates it to gas
concentration. Measurment is in terms of LEL.m
which is the combination of concentration and
distance. For example, a 5 meter wide cloud
containing 100% LEL ( 1 LEL) of the combustible
gas would read 5 LEL.m . Alarms can be set at any
point on the 0 - 5 LEL.m scale.

Location of open-path gas detectors

Not all gas clouds are hazardous - only if a
flammable gas cloud or plume is wide enough to
allow flame acceleration to speeds greater than
1 00 m/sec does it become a significant threat.

"Point" type detectors measure gas at their
location in terms of % LEL, whereas open-path
gas detectors measure the amount of gas any-
where along the length of the path, in terms of
the integral of concentration and length (LEL x
meters).

Location of the Open-Path Gas Detector is less
important than with 'point' type detectors as it
can provide a warning alarm from a diluted gas
cloud and does not need to be close to leakage
sources.

Location is determined by many factors,
including:

• The specific vapours/gas(es) in the storage
tanks (whether heavier or lighter than air).

• Expected leak trajectory, taking account of
prevailing wind directions, release pressure,
etc.

• Storage tank layout and ability to have
unobstructed sight lines for the open path. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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(

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U DX5022; Environmental Profile

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Can be formulated into Newtonian 3X3 or
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T 914 764 0202 techinfo@dynaxcorp.com

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By John Allen

EMEA Marketing
Director, Tyco Fire
Suppression & Building
Products

PFOS FOAM

The legislation
clock is ticking
for PFOS

But what about pfoa?

EU regulations banning the storage or use of firefighting foam concentrates
containing Perfluorooctane Sulfonates - more often abbreviated to PFOS - come
into effect in June 201 1 . John Allen explains.

T he European Community has passed legisla-
tion banning foam concentrates containing
PFOS. Under Directive 2006/122/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council of Twelve,
December 2006, all materials containing PFOS -
including firefighting foams - must not be used
or stored after June 27th 2011. This will affect
the fire and rescue service, industrial brigades
and outsourced emergency response providers,
although the scale of the removal and disposal
challenge is not at all easy to determine.

In the UK alone, for example, a study commis-
sioned by DEFRA (Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs) towards the end of 2004
indicated that, at that time, the UK fire and rescue
service had 76,000 litres, while industry had
2,367,000 litres of foams containing PFOS. The
high usage of PFOS in firefighting foams, when

compared with other applications, was borne out by
an OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation
& Development) report in 2005 that showed that
around 90 percent of the PFOS related chemicals
in the EU were used in firefighting foams.

While all Tyco foams are now made with fluoro-
surfactants obtained by a different process called
Telomer, which does not create PFOS, Tyco Fire
Suppression & Building Products has put procedures
in place to provide users of foam concentrates
from any supplier that may contain PFOS with
assistance to meet their obligations, and keep
them updated on the issue.

But first, what is PFOS? PFOS is an impurity
found in high concentrations in the Electrochemical
Fluorination or ECF process that produces
Fluorosurfactant or Fluorinated Surfactants com-
pounds. These are synthetic Organofluorine

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

DCnC CHAM

THE LEGISLATION CLOCK IS TICKING FOR PFOS

rrU5 MJAIVI

John Allen is EMEA
Marketing Director at Tyco
Fire Suppression & Building
Products. He can be
contacted by telephone on
+44 (0) 161 875 0402, by
fax on +44 (0) 161 875 0493,
or via email at
marketing@tyco-bspd.com

chemical compounds that have multiple Fluorine
atoms, which are more effective at lowering
the surface tension of water than comparable
Hydrocarbon Surfactants.

The 3M organisation began producing PFOS-
based compounds using Electrochemical Fluorina-
tion as far back as 1949. However, following the
detection of Organofluorine in the blood serum of
consumers, the detection of PFOS in blood from
global blood banks, and the USA's EPA (Environ-
mental Protection Agency) investigations, the
company announced its withdrawal from the
foams market in May 2000.

Nevertheless, PFOS is still to be found at levels
exceeding the EU limiting values in all old stocks of
3M "LightWater" AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming
Foam) concentrate for hydrocarbon fuel fires and
AFFF-ATC (Alcohol Type Concentrate) agents for
use on water-soluble polar solvent fuels such as
Acetone, Isoproponal and MTBE (Methyl Tertiary
Butyl Ether). After 3M left the market, a number
of foam manufacturers filled the supply gap and
provided a refilling service to 3M customers. The
problem was that the blending of 3M PFOS foams
with other foams, and even those not containing
PFOS, will very likely result in a mixture that
nonetheless exceeds the permitted EU tolerance of
less than 50 ppm (parts per million) PFOS by mass
and so require action under Directive 2006/122/EC.

So, what steps should be taken if there is any
possibility that a foam stock may contain PFOS? If
a system possibly still contains 3M concentrate, if
it may have a blend of 3M concentrate and
other concentrates, or if the foam was supplied
by Tyco prior to 2000 - indeed, any foam stock
that may be suspected of containing PFOS - the
concentrate must be tested. If it is found to
contravene the Directive, it will have to be
removed, responsibly disposed of and replaced
before June 27th 201 1 .

The first step is to identify if the foam contains
PFOS. One course of action is to use the expert
laboratory analysis facilities that Tyco has at its
disposal. All that is required is a representative 200
ml sample for analysis (a sample kit is available

from Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products). A
report will then be issued from an official external
laboratory.

If PFOS is detected, Tyco Fire Suppression &
Building Products can provide technical assistance
regarding foam replacement and advice on how
to check if other parts of the system distribution
have been exposed to PFOS. For example, the
cleaning of tanks or equipment might not be
sufficient to avoid further contamination, as
porous material can potentially re-contaminate
a replacement foam not containing PFOS. The
service also extends to the responsible disposal of
foam containing PFOS and all other contaminated
components, such as bladders from bladder tank
systems.

Turning to the question of concentrates con-
taining PFOA or Perfluorooctanic Acid, as yet there
are no restrictions on their use. However "notice"
has been given that PFOA is likely to be classified
as being at least persistent, bio-accumulative and/
or toxic and, as such, foams containing PFOA are
very likely to be reviewed. This may lead to them
being regulated in future, but it is important to
note though that many manufacturers have
already taken steps to remove both PFOS and
PFOA from their products.

The regulation of toxic or PBT (persistent, bio-
accumulative and toxic) chemicals in firefighting
foams will impact on all users and holders of foam
stocks. So much so that organisations facing
decisions about the replacement of foam stocks are
reasonably expecting reassurance from manufactur-
ers that the replacement concentrates are not
themselves going to be subject to future regulation.

With this in mind, Tyco issued a series of notices
in October 2008, reminding customers that all
Tyco European-branded products - Ansul, Sabo-
Foam, Finiflam and Towalex - are free of PFOS and
PFOA at all but possibly minute trace levels; well
below the legislated limits set by the EU regula-
tions for PFOS. Tyco will, on request, continue to
provide all foam users with technical support and
advice, whether the user holds Tyco foam or
foams from other suppliers. JE2

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Dr Sthamer - Hamburg
Fire Fighting Foams

jMi >* '

Proven Reliability

FOAM

FIGHTS

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Phone +49 40 736168-0

Telefax +49 40 736168-60

E-Mail: info@sthamer.com • www.sthamer.com

International Sales Contact

Mr. Jan Knappert

Phone +44 (0) 7795 101770

E-mail: jknappert@sthamer.com

FireDos GmbH

Admixing Systems for Fire-fighting
The intelligent choice for admixing systems

• No external energy required

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• Retrofitting into existing systems possible

• Versions for stationary installations, or vehicles and mobile applications available,
also for use with seawater

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f vi

Auf der Kaulbahn 6 • D-61200 Wolfersheim • Germany
Tel. +49(0 >6036/ 9796-0 • Fax +49(0)6036/9796-30 • E-Mail msr@msr-dosiertechnik.de

www.firedos.de

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE PUMP SYSTEMS

Pre-packaged

Firewater

Pumphouses

-The Way Forward

By James Shipman

The merits of the traditional on-site block-built construction fire water pump
house are being very seriously challenged.

Sales Manager,
Patterson Pump
Ireland Limited

T he increasing costs and the timescale to carry
out the construction and fitting out of
conventional buildings including the ancillar-
ies such as electrical installation and plumbing
are resulting in a rapidly increasing interest in
the use of pre-packaged firewater pump house
solutions.

The distinct benefit of the pre-packaged pump
house is its single source responsibility (usually it is
fully designed, manufactured and tested by the
fire pump manufacturer within their facility),
which ensures that all the equipment included
is fully co-ordinated and the pump house is
despatched from the manufacturer's facility tested
and ready to be put into service within hours of
arriving at its installation site if necessary. These
systems are usually fully manufactured indoors
which eliminates the dangers of equipment being
temporarily stored on site with the associated risks
of it being subjected to mechanical or weather
damage when the completion of a conventional

block-built building is running behind schedule
preventing the satisfactory installation of the
equipment as soon as it is delivered.

All existing fire pump configurations can be
accommodated in this style; horizontal split case,
end suction, vertical in-line and vertical turbine fire
pumps together with their associated jockey
pumps and ancillary equipment.

Naturally it is still essential that a correctly
designed foundation is constructed prior to the
delivery of a pre-packaged pumphouse to site and
the building needs to be safely and satisfactorily
anchored once it has been placed into position.
However, the convenience that the pre-packaged
solution provides is immeasurable when compared
to a traditionally built pump house.

The concept of the pre-packaged pump house
solution has evolved considerably over the last
decade or so.

Initially, the majority of systems were based
on standard shipping containers which would

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE PUMP SYSTEMS

PRE-PACKAGED FIREWATER PUMPHOUSES - THE WAY FORWARD

be structurally modified by strengthening the
floor, adding access doors, ventilation louvers
and pipework apertures to accommodate the
equipment required. Whilst customised shipping
containers are still used by some manufacturers,
these do present some drawbacks. For example,
the flat roofs on shipping containers can present
challenges with weatherproofing, particularly
when water and debris has collected and corrosion
has begun to set in. Another significant negative is
their aesthetic appearance. Without applying an
expensive overcoat of cladding panels, it is difficult
to disguise the fact that they are indeed modified
shipping containers!

A more attractive solution is the construction of
the pump house based on a steel space frame
which is externally fitted with insulated building
cladding panels. This provides for greater flexibility
in the building design as it eliminates the internal
dimensional constraints of standard shipping
containers.

One of the latest innovations is the use of
self-framing panels. These comprise a hidden
structural steel frame with integrated

III*

interior/exterior panels, damp-proof membrane
and insulation. I am aware that one fire pump
manufacturer has been so successful with this style
of building construction for their pre-packaged
pump houses that it has resulted in their building
fabricators establishing a new facility local to the
pump manufacturer purely to service their own
production requirements. Internally and externally,
this type of pre-packaged building has an extreme-
ly professional and high quality appearance with
no visible signs of the building framework internal-
ly providing completely clean and flat internal
walls.

Pre-packaged pump house floor design varies
depending upon the manufacturer. Some manu-
facturers prefer to provide steel decking or
chequer plate flooring above the structural steel
frame, other manufacturers leave the structural
steel baseframe exposed to permit the entire floor
area to be in-filled with concrete grout once the
unit has been placed into its final position on site.
The latter arrangement has advantages in terms of
suppressing noise and vibration and
providing additional base fixing
security but inevitably requires addi-
tional work to be carried out on-site
following delivery before commission-
ing/start-up work commences.

Overall sizing is a particular aspect
which requires very careful con-
sideration at the early
stages of a pre-packaged
pumphouse project. Whilst
more than ample space
may be available at the final
destination at which the
unit is to be installed,
there are restric-
tions on the size
of the unit for
transportation pur-
poses between the
manufacturer's facility and
the installation site. The extent

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Introducing

EN 1 2845

F RE PUMP L NE

Patterson Pump Ireland
Ltd. specialises in the
production of world class
fire protection equipment
around Europe.

From enquiry stage, right through design,
manufacturing, installation and after sales
service, Patterson Pump Ireland strives to
provide a quality, reliable fire protection
system, at the most competitive price.

EN12845 provides a pan-European standard
for the design, installation and maintenance of
automatic sprinkler systems, and encompasses
the basic requirements set forth by local rules
into one European Standard.

The new Patterson Pump End Suction product
line is the latest addition to the Patterson
Sentinel™ range. Cost effective and efficient,
these will be used in fire pump packages
specifically designed and built to comply with
the regulations of European standard EN 1 2845,
along with other local rules.

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

A Subsidiary of Patterson Pump Company U.S.A.

Unit 14, Mullingar Business Park* Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
Tel.: 353 44 934 7078 • FAX: 353 44 934 7896
E-mail: info@ie.pattersonpumps.com

www.ie.pattersonpumps.com

FIRE PUMP SYSTEMS

PRE-PACKAGED FIREWATER PUMPHOUSES - THE WAY FORWARD

of the transportation size restrictions very much
depend on which countries the units will need to
be shipped through and research on this aspect
needs to be thoroughly conducted before anything
is finally designed and placed into production. That
does not mean that pre-packaged units greater
than a particular size cannot be produced however.
The solution is to consider initially designing the
project so that it comprises a multiple of sections,
each co-ordinated to accurately fit together once
they have been delivered to site. It is in the manu-
facturer's best interest in this situation to fully
check that all the sections of the module fully align
and correctly fit with each other before the unit is
despatched to site otherwise very costly on-site

heating, lighting, internal sprinkler system, hose
valve headers, etc. is a very attractive prospect.
Any issues of incompatibility with the internal
items will need to be fully addressed by the system
manufacturer during design, production and
testing which eliminates considerable on-site time
is resolving these. The system will have pre-
determined connection points for the water
suction and discharge lines, test line, electrical
interfaces and drains. All site work that is
ongoing during the period in which the pre-
packaged pump house is being manufactured can
be closely co-ordinated such that all interfaces are
in position when the system arrives on site result-
ing in an extremely rapid time from delivery to the

The increasing popularity of the pre-packaged
pumphouse concept is also related to the rise in the
number of ‘standard model’ logistics buildings,
warehouses and supermarkets.

rework with the associated delays in equipment
handover can only be expected.

The increasing popularity of the pre-packaged
pumphouse concept is also related to the rise
in the number of 'standard model' logistics
buildings, warehouses and supermarkets. Where
the 'standard model' is replicated in different parts
of the world for the same client, standardised
designs of pre-packaged fire pump house can also
be adopted.

Referring again to the aspect of single-source
responsibility, the ability for a contractor to place
one order which covers the provision of the
pump-house, fire pumps, valving,
test line, ventilation,

system being fully commissioned into full
operation.

In the event that a client has surplus existing
building space for their project, the pre-packaged
concept can still be applied to a slightly lesser
extent. Virtually the same equipment can be pack-
aged together onto an open skid assembly to fit
within a suitably-sized existing building although
with this arrangement, it is usual for the client to
look after the arrangements within the building
for the electrical work, ventilation louvers,
drainage, etc..

Pre-packaged systems can be produced to
comply with all known fire protection
codes and standards from EN 12845
through to NFPA No 20 and
FM/UL Standards. Particular local,
regional and national codes and
standards for requirements such
as building and electrical regula-
tions, can be fully accommodat-
ed covering such requirements as
wind and snow loadings, etc.

In summary, the pre-packaged
fire pump house has evolved into
a viable commercial and techni-
cal solution for many firewater
applications providing a distinct
edge over conventional solutions
where a rapid time is required
from delivery to project completion and
handover. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

AVK INTERNATIONAL A/S

Bizonvej 1 , Skovby • 8464 Galten • Denmark
Tlf. : +45 87 54 21 00 • Fax: +45 87 54 21 20
www.avkvalves.com • sales@avk.dk

— r— JTT7 '

Products made for fire fighting in the
^jcal and petro-chemical industry

us at Interschutz Hall 5 - booth C46

From individual pumps to

total systems... we have it all.

^ Pentair
Water

Visit us at
Interschutz 2010

Hal 5. Booth E26

« !«>:• t your fire protection needs

Case. Vertical tirtnne.Fonm and Wist punjis

nil .i - i mi p|: ty cntnpieln |.^ii: k.njri: lysleTis lei

AURORA

Edwards 'r Fairbanks Morse

Contact: thcmas.fahrcnbachjSiporit
Tel: *49 170 91 B9 99 9

jrnfapump.com wvrw.e4wnr4smlg.cain www. fmpump.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

omrec

Fire Fighting Foams & Equipment

Foam Concentrates and Foam Systems

for all applications

DAFO FOMTEC AB P.O Box 683 SE-135 26 Tyreso Sweden

Phone: +46 8 506 405 66 Fax: +46 8 506 405 29
E-mail: info@fomtec.com Web: www.fomtec.com

oimec

Fire Fighting Foams & Equipment

High Pressure
water Mist

- Safe Protection for Archives and
Libraries

By Ruediger Kopp
(Dipl.-lng.)

Conventional fire fighting technologies such as sprinklers, gas, powder and foam
systems, continue to have disadvantages in terms of resulting water damages,
environmental compatibility, toxicity, or refill costs.

FOGTEC Brandschutz
GmbH & Co. KG

O ften, the consequential damages caused by
the extinguishing agent are greater than
the potential loss by the fire. Therefore
most buildings containing valuable goods are only
protected by fire detection systems.

The benefits of fire-fighting with water in the
form of smallest droplets have been known since
the 1930-ies, but only have been identified for
archive and library protection during the last
decade. For many applications, high pressure
water mist technology is a true alternative, reduc-
ing or avoiding the disadvantages occurring with
other fire fighting agents.

Principle

Water is the most effective cooling agent to fight
fires. Conventional water based systems require
large quantities of water to control or extinguish
fires, mainly making use of the cooling effect. The
primary reason for the large water amounts
required is that the majority of the water is not

effectively used to fight the fire, resulting into
large water run off. This is due to the limited
surface area of the water droplets getting into
contact with the heat from the fire.

If water is atomized into very fine droplets, as it
is with water mist technology, a substantially larger
surface area is available to absorb energy and
consequently fighting the fire. The fine droplets
convert into steam at in the vicinity of the fire. Due
to the vaporisation, the energy and the combus-
tion rate of the fire are effectively reduced. Once
the fire has been suppressed or extinguished, the
droplets being discharged continue the effect
by removing heat from the fuel source i.e. fabrics,
wood, paper etc. and prevent re-growth or re-igni-
tion of the fire.

Additionally to the cooling effect, the fast
vaporisation results into a local inerting effect by
volume increase of water, resulting into oxygen
depletion in the direct vicinity of the fire. Different
to other inerting agents this effect is a local effect

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

1AIATED MICT

HIGH PRESSURE WATER MIST

VVA 1 t K IVI 1 3 1

Scenario with fixed
shelves

at the fire source, not reducing the oxygen
concentration in the entire space.

Fire Tests

Water mist is not a gaseous agent and therefore
can not be designed and approved like a gaseous
agent. Likewise water mist cannot be directly
compared with conventional sprinkler systems
where design is based on two dimensional water
calculations.

For each application the required nozzle type,
droplet distribution, flow rate and discharge time
have to be individually determined to provide the
optimum protection of the relevant risk.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
has established guidelines for the approval and
design of water mist systems in accommodation
areas on board of ships. Similar to these test
guidelines, protocols for light and ordinary hazard
risk applications on land have been established by
Factory Mutual (FM 5560 standard) and CEN
(CEN/TS 14972 standard).

These standards and guidelines are today
applied to generate design parameters and to
approve system components. For some applica-
tions like Ordinary Flazard risks, the standards
prescribe fire test scenarios to verify the system
technology. The type of fire load and risk to be
found within archives and libraries are normally
not covered by these standard scenarios. Individual
fire test protocols and scenarios have to be
developed with fire experts to test the technology
and to generate layout parameters.

An extensive test series for the above men-
tioned risks has been carried out by the French Fire

Research Laboratory CSTB. Three different fire
scenarios were evaluated, since these are typical
for storage facilities for documents and other
goods in archive and library environment.

The first test scenario included fixed shelves
being filled with 900 archive folders. The second
test scenario was created for areas with moving
compact shelves. The dimensions and the fire load
of the shelves were the same as in the test with
fixed shelves, but each two shelves were arranged
closed to each other with only a small gap. The
third fire scenario was elaborated for storage areas
containing plastic goods in shelved, e.g. video and
data tapes.

The aim of the fire tests in all three scenarios
was to control and suppress the fire, thus after
automatic system activation each fire test was
conducted for 30 minutes. After this test period
the fire brigade entered the space and extin-
guished the fire using a high-pressure water mist
fire fighting gun.

All fire tests have shown a rapid control and
suppression of the fire as soon as the system has
been activated. No fire spread occurred to the
adjacent shelf. All temperatures in the area were
rapidly reduced to a safe level, most below 50°C.
The damages to the fire load mainly resulted from
the time before system activation. All documents
and goods were analyzed for damages after the
test duration of 30 minutes. It was found that they
were damp on the surface, but dry inside.

System set-up

High-pressure water mist systems mainly consist of
a pressure generating device, a high pressure
pipework and special nozzles.

The required operating pressure is generated by
means of high-pressure pumps or pressure cylinder
systems. The selection depends on the type of risk
and the area to be protected. Larger risk areas
such as archives and libraries are normally protect-
ed by pump systems. The main design features
of high pressure pump units are similar to a
conventional sprinkler pump, whereby positive
displacement pumps are used due to the higher
pressure levels required. A difference to conven-
tional sprinklers is the water storage requirements.
Due to the substantially lower water consump-
tions, water storage tanks are only 10% of the
size of conventional sprinkler systems. In many
cases the high pressure pump units are directly
supplied by the public water main via a small
intermediate tank. Maintenance requirements are

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

The Smarter Way of Fire Fighting

www.FOGTEC.com • information@FOGTEC.com • Tel.: +49-2 21-9 62 23-0 • Fax: +49-2 21-9 62 23-30

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

1AIATED MICT

HIGH PRESSURE WATER MIST

VVA 1 t K IVI 1 3 1

Nozzle arrangement in
the library

Ruediger Kopp completed
his studies of Chemical
Engineering and Safety
Engineering at the University
of Dortmund as Diploma-
Engineer. Since 1 4 years he is
involved in the development,
approval and marketing of
high pressure water mist
systems. At present he is
Sales & Product Manager for
these systems at the
company FOGTEC Fire
Protection based in Cologne.

Further information is
available from:

FOGTEC Brandschutz
GmbH & Co. KG

Schanzenstrasse 19 A
51063 Koln
Germany

Tel: +49 221 96223 - 0
Fax: +49 221 96223 -30
Email: contact@fogtec.com

comparable to conventional fire fighting systems.

The low water consumption also has a positive
effect on the pipe dimensions required. Not
only the flow rates are much lower than with
conventional sprinklers, also hydraulic pressure
losses of up to 70 bar allow to install the systems
with pipe diameters of 10 to 50 mm. These prop-
erties permit installations in confined locations
and ease retrofits in historical buildings.

The system can be triggered either by a
separate detection system or by thermally activated
glass bulbs. All system configurations known from
conventional systems, e.g. deluge and wet
systems, dry and pre-actions systems can be real-
ized with water mist technology. Room heights up
to five meters are protected with ceiling mounted
nozzles. Higher areas, e.g. an atrium, can be
protected by installing nozzles in different levels.
Beyond that, it is possible to install wall cabinets
with water mist extinguishing guns. These offer
the possibility of rapidly suppressing initial fires,
using the lowest possible consumption of water.

Case study

Due to substantial benefits of high-pressure water
mist technology for archive protection, numerous
smaller and larger storage areas for paper docu-
ments are today protected by this technology
around the world. Among these is the Bizcaia
Library in Bilbao, Spain.

Due to valuable documents stored in this library
and the building being national heritage, there
was a requirement for an automatic fire fighting
system with minimum disturbance of the old build-
ing structure and reduction of the fire damage and
consequential damages by the water discharged.

Since the building has an open ceiling structure
with no false ceilings and only minimal space for
the pipework installation, only small bore pipes
routed along the ceiling and the walls could be
used.

Additionally, no fixed fire zones could be
defined. Large open areas demanded for an
automatic fire fighting system, capable to rapidly
control and limit the spread of a potential fire.

The system used to protect the reading hall as
well as all book shelving areas of the building was
designed based on specific fire tests independently
carried out for storage areas of paper documents
in shelve structures.

With small bore stainless steel pipes of diameters
between 12 and 42 mm an architecturally pleasing
installation without disturbance of the old struc-
ture of the building could be achieved.

A wet pipe system with glass bulb activated
nozzles was used to protect book shelving areas,
offices and technical areas. The nozzle spacings
used for the water mist system are comparable to
those of conventional sprinkler systems, but flow
rates are substantially lower.

The entire pump system, including a 1000 liters
break tank, has been installed in a room of only
10 m 2 floor area. Although the area is very
small, the pump equipment is easily accessible for
maintenance and test run purposes.

Conclusion

Even if water mist systems initially were mainly
seen as alternative to gas extinguishing systems
for machinery and special risk protection, more
and more applications in areas that traditionally
have been protected by conventional sprinklers are
identified for water mist.

Due to partly higher initial investment cost
and the lack of general design parameters, water
mist systems will today not substitute sprinklers in
most traditional applications, but they have found
their market place for applications, like archives
and libraries, where benefits of water mist
technology over conventional sprinklers or gas
extinguishing systems are recognized by users and
insurers. nn

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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INDUSTRIAL WARNING SIGNALS

Audible and visual

By Neal Porter

In the great
majority of
automatic fire
systems, the end result
of the detection of a fire is the
initiation of audible and visual warning
devices that alert the occupants to the
danger so that they can evacuate the
premises.

Sales and Marketing
Director E2S

G iven the complexity and variation of differ-
ent types of buildings and structures in
which fire systems are installed, and the
further variations to be found in the homogeneity
or otherwise of the occupants, it is clear that, for
maximum effectiveness, many different types of
warning devices will be required. For example, at
one end of the spectrum may be an offshore oil
rig, which is manned by highly trained workers
who operate under strict safety procedures at all
times; at the other end is a large retail develop-
ment crowded with shoppers who are unfamiliar
with the general layout of the building or the
position of the nearest emergency exit. Clearly,
the technical requirements for the warning
devices and the nature of the warning signals
themselves will vary greatly. The key consideration
for the system designer is how to produce clear,
unambiguous audible warnings throughout the
protected areas in the event of an emergency.

Voice alarms

Voice alarm systems have unfortunately suffered
adversely from historic confusion with Public
Address Systems, enshrined in most people's
minds as the source of the muffled and incompre-
hensible announcements to be encountered in
older railway stations. Thankfully, modern tech-
nology and the introduction of robust standards
mean that this perception is now no longer
relevant. The introduction of EN54-16, which
defines the requirements for the control and
indicating equipment, and EN54-24 that covers

voice alarm loudspeakers, have defined test
methods, environmental tests and performance
criteria comparable with those required of
sounders and strobes. It is worth noting that CPD
compliance for such equipment will be mandatory
from March and July 201 1 respectively. BS5839-8,
the relevant code of practice for voice alarm
systems, defines five different types of system,
broadly increasing in complexity to allow for more
complex site and messaging requirements.

Voice alarm loudspeakers will typically combine
pre-recorded standard or custom messages with a
choice of pre- and post-message tones, enabling,
for example, phased evacuation instructions to be
broadcast in larger buildings. The E2S Appello
range is available in industrial, marine and
explosion proof versions, allowing the more
sophisticated instructions of a voice sounder to be
made available in both interior and exterior
locations across many different operating environ-
ments. BS5839-8 indicates that as a starting point
for system design the spacing requirement for
voice alarms is broadly similar to that for tradition-
al sounders, although intelligibility requirements
and the wider frequency range associated with
voice will normally require closer spacing when a
detailed audibility survey is carried out.

Sounders

Many countries, such as Germany, France, Holland
and Australia have a national 'evacuate tone'; the
UK does not. The relevant standard, BS5839-1,
merely states that the evacuate tone should

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

AUDIBLE AND VISUAL WARNING DEVICES

INDUSTRIAL WARNING SIGNALS

warning devices

contain frequencies within the range 500Hz to
1000Hz. However, for specific applications such as
offshore use, specific tones are defined. Known
as PFEER, Prevention of Fire, Explosion and
Emergency Response, as a minimum, there must
be provision for three types of alarm on the
installation or platform:

1 Prepare for evacuation is a continuous con-
stant amplitude signal with varying
frequency of 1200Hz to 500Hz
over 1 second then repeated.

2 Toxic gas alarm is a constant
1000Hz tone reinforced where
necessary with a red beacon
or strobe.

3 Other cases for alarm (Fire) is a
1000Hz, 1 second on, 1 second off tone
reinforced where necessary with a yellow bea-
con or strobe.

In normal commercial environments such as
offices, hotels, hospitals and public buildings, the
ambient background noise will typically be around
65dB, and most individual areas are relatively
small. Such environments may be covered with
multiple sounders with typical outputs of approxi-
mately 100dB(A) at 1 metre; even the traditional
6" bell is effective in small installations, although
not particularly compatible with today's low-cur-
rent control systems. BS5839-1 states that the
effective distance of a sounder is when the
calculated dB(A) is at least 5 dB(A) above the
known ambient background noise, so the effective
distance of a sounder in an ambient of 65 dB(A) is
the distance at which the output level reduces to
70 dB(A). Using the inverse square rule/rule of
thumb that the output falls by 6 dB(A) each time
the distance doubles, the output will reduce by
30 dB at a distance of 32 metres.

In high background noise industrial environ-
ments, higher output devices are obviously needed,

on large industrial and petrochemical sites and for
civil defence requirements, electronic wide area
sounders will normally generate multiple interna-
tionally recognised alarm tones including fire,
security, civil defence, alert, COMAH (SEVESO II)
toxic gas alarms and disaster warnings for flood,
tsunami, tornado and other severe bad weather
conditions.

Electronic sounders are increasingly replacing
the traditional electromechanical sirens, hooters,
buzzers and bells that have been the mainstay of
the wide area warning device market for many
years. Now, complex new digital to analogue

in normal commercial environments such as offices,
hotels, hospitals and public buildings, the ambient
background noise will typically be around 65dB, and most
individual areas are relatively small.

although there is always the danger of installing
units with too high an output; high output
sounders should not be used in low ambient noise
areas or as a means of "drenching" the area in
sound. Alarm systems that are too loud may be
dangerous, cause panic and discomfort and make
communication very difficult, impeding evacuation
procedures. The overall alarm level should be a
maximum of 10 to 15 dB(A) over the ambient
background noise.

conversion software and the latest in SMD class D
amplifier technology enables E2S Hootronic
sounders to mimic, in one product, an industrial
hooter, high and medium frequency mechanical
sirens, a buzzer and a bell with amazing fidelity.
The operational advantages of replacing electro-
mechanical devices with electronic equivalents are
the savings in power consumption and weight;
traditional sirens and hooters can be extremely
heavy and often need three-phase mains power.
Unlike electro-mechanical devices, the Hootronic
range is continuously rated, requires zero
maintenance, three remotely selectable stages
are available and signal quality and performance
will not degrade with age.

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Strobes

It is becoming increasingly common in both com-
mercial and industrial applications for visual signals
to be required to reinforce the primary audible
warning device. A visual signal should never be
used by itself as part of a life safety system,
although they are widely used by themselves in
industry to indicate machine state or environ-
mental condition.

Advances in lighting source technology have
generated a number of alternatives to the tradi-
tional Xenon tube as the basis for strobes. In
particular, high output brilliant white or mono-
chromatic LEDs provide the benefits of low current
draw, long life and simple electronic configuration
and control.

The Xenon strobe beacon has
the best light output to power
input ratio and is the most
widely used and versatile
technology currently available.

The Xenon tube uses a very high voltage, gen-
erated by an inverter circuit, to break down the
Xenon gas in the tube, creating an instantaneous
brilliant flash of light, normally enhanced by using
a 'Fresnel' lens. The light energy of the flash is a
function of the Xenon tube size, the voltage across
it and the capacity of the capacitor discharging
into it. The Xenon strobe beacon has the best light
output to power input ratio and is the most widely
used and versatile technology currently available.
Tube life is critical: it may be as little as 1 million
flashes in cheaper devices but specifiers should
typically expect 5 to 8 million flashes from higher
quality units. However, traditional Xenon tube
beacons cannot perform to their full potential
when managed through intrinsically safe barriers
for use in hazardous areas; the input energy that is
allowed to pass through the Zener barrier or
galvanic isolator is limited and consequently the

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

AUDIBLE AND VISUAL WARNING DEVICES

INDUSTRIAL WARNING SIGNALS

performance of the Xenon tube is severely
compromised, significantly reducing its light out-
put. In such cases, the solid-state LED (light
Emitting Diode) unit has far greater potential.

An array of ultra bright LEDs produces a bright
flashing warning signal when powered
through a Zener barrier or galvanic isolator,
overcoming the restrictions associated with a
Xenon strobe.

Hazardous areas

Hazardous areas are defined as areas
where concentrations of flammable
gases, vapours or dusts may occur, either
constantly (Zones 0 and 20), under
normal operating conditions (Zones 1
and 21) or unusually (Zones 2 and 22).

A whole series of additional conditions
relating to the temperature classification
and the auto-ignition temperatures of the
type of gas or dust to be found ensure
that any equipment will not initiate an
explosion or fire. Hazardous areas are to
be found in a very wide range of
manufacturing industries, far beyond the
obvious petrochemical plants. Food,
pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacture
all involve processing potentially explosive
substances, while the problems of explosions in
grain silos and sugar processing plants are very
well documented.

There are two ways of ensuring that the
sounder or strobe does not initiate an explosion

when operated in a hazardous area: intrinsic safety
of explosion proof. Simplistically, the input energy
entering an intrinsically safe device is constrained

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

INDUSTRIAL WARNING SIGNALS

AUDIBLE AND VISUAL WARNING DEVICES

so that any arcing or sparking within the unit
cannot generate enough heat to start ignition. The
alternative approach, explosion proof, is to
house the equipment in an enclosure that is
sufficiently robust to prevent any internal
explosion from reaching the outside. Clearly,
explosion proof devices will, by their very nature,
be bulkier, heavier and more robust than intrinsi-
cally safe ones, and are therefore more likely to be
installed in external applications, particularly as
they will be environmentally sealed to IP66 or IP67
in order to achieve the degree of protection
required.

full 360° coverage; in order to minimise cabling
costs, the systems are often battery powered and
are radio controlled. As well as providing wide
area coverage, such systems are often used on
building and construction sites, where they
provide excellent protection levels for the work-
force. Typically, the sounders are initiated from
radio manual call points, either through a system
of master/slave control panels or directly if the
system is self contained. Mobility is a key feature,
with the individual units being moved around the
site as the work progresses. Such systems are
particularly useful on a temporary basis when

wide area sounders, with an output at im in excess of laodB,
significantly higher than the human threshold of pain, have
an effective warning range of between 500 and 750m
depending on the atmospheric conditions.

E2S is the world's leading
independent signalling
manufacturer. Based in
West London, England
the company designs
and manufactures a
comprehensive range
of signalling products
for industrial, marine
and hazardous area
environments.

Wide area coverage

Wide area sounders, with an output at 1m in
excess of 140dB, significantly higher than the
human threshold of pain, have an effective warn-
ing range of between 500 and 750m depending
on the atmospheric conditions. Used in quarries,
on large industrial and petrochemical sites and for
civil defence requirements, electronic wide area
sounders will normally generate multiple interna-
tionally recognised alarm tones including fire,
security, civil defence, alert, COMAH (SEVESO II)
toxic gas alarms and disaster warnings for flood,
tsunami, tornado and other severe bad weather
conditions. Typically, systems consist of three indi-
vidual sounders are pole-mounted at 120° to give

construction work is being carried out on large or
congested sites or for more permanent installa-
tions like those needing to meet obligations under
the Control of Major Accident Hazard (COMAH)
regulations.

Conclusions

Sounders, reinforced by strobes, are the primary
mechanism for alerting people in the event of an
emergency. Voice alarms are also playing an
increasing part in providing protection; whatever
the warning system chosen, the primary function
of the system designer is to ensure that the
audible and visual output levels are adequate
throughout the protected area. EOS

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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FIRE & HAZARD CONTROL

ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTION

An example of an
aspirating smoke
detector in operation:
aspirating detectors are
particularly well suited
to difficult conditions as
here in a high-rack
storage facility

By Stefan Brugger

International Product
Manager, Special Fire
Detection at Securiton
Alarm and Security
Systems

Aspirating smoke
detection

The solution for safety-critical
ambient conditions - when standard
smoke detectors no longer provide
adequate protection

There are many monitoring areas where fire detection using point-type fire
detectors has its limits. Challenging ambient conditions and interference factors
may rule out the use of standard smoke detectors.

S uch applications call for the use of special fire
detection technology such as aspirating
smoke detectors. And thanks to the new
European product standard EN 54-20 today's
aspirating smoke detectors (or ASDs) achieve
new dimensions in detection speed and reliability.

The new European standard EN 54-20 has
had a major influence on the use of aspirating
smoke detectors. These automatic fire detectors
are divided into three categories: Class A detectors
for very high sensitivity; Class B detectors for
enhanced sensitivity; and Class C detectors for
normal sensitivity. And it is worth noting that the
sampling hole of a Class C detector corresponds to
the response sensitivity of a conventional point-
type smoke detector.

In the past, tests focused on the response
behaviour at the evaluation unit of the aspirating
smoke detector. Today it is the response behaviour
of the system as a whole that is defined, i.e. the
aspirating smoke detector complete with sampling
pipe, sampling holes or sampling devices and its
accessory components. That's why it is no longer
necessary to include maximum sampling time
requirements in a system's specifications.

Approval requirements

The air-flow monitoring requirements have been
made considerably more stringent, with even a 20
per cent change in the air-flow rate now detected
as an error. But a 20 per cent change in air-flow
rate does not mean that 20 per cent of the

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTION

ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTORS

detectors for early

sampling holes are simply
covered up so that a func-
tion test can be carried out
in the field. The aerodynamic
connections are much more
complex and only computa-
tional programs can supply
binding results.

What's also important
is that since 1 July 2009
the provisions of the Con-
struction Products Directive
89/106/EEC state that only
aspirating smoke detectors
that are type-approved
according to EN 54-20 and
have the relevant Certificate
of Conformity can be used.

So any national standards
for aspirating smoke detec-
tors such as Austrian
standard F-3014 or French
standard CEA 4022 had to be withdrawn by that
date.

The aim of the CE marking procedure is that in
Europe a fire detection system and its components
now only have to be tested and certified once by
a notified body as a construction product based
on harmonised European standards (hEN); it can
then be used throughout Europe and bear the
corresponding CE mark.

The CE mark used previously was affixed to the
product on the basis of a manufacturer's declara-
tion. What's new now is that the CE mark can only
be affixed after testing and certification by a
notified body and once the certificate of confor-
mity and the declaration of conformity have been
issued.

Design of aspirating smoke detectors

The planning of aspirating smoke detectors is
regulated separately in each country: in Germany
it is set out in VDE 0833 Part 2; in Austria, in
TRVB S 123; in Switzerland, in the Technical
Guideline for Fire Alarm Systems of the SES/VKF
and in the UK in BS 5849-1 with the additional
FIA Code of Practice for ASD systems. All these
guidelines have now undergone revisions (or
such reviews are about to be completed). In most
countries aspirating smoke detectors are planned
in such a way that one sampling hole corresponds
to one point type smoke detector when it comes
to the areas to be monitored. The starting point
is an aspirating smoke detector that complies
with EN-54-20, Class C. Class B aspirating smoke
detectors can also be used in the case of halls
with very high ceilings. As before, the highly
sensitive Class A aspirating smoke detectors are
used for early fire detection purposes, for instance
in computer centres, clean rooms or other object
monitoring applications.

Application

The main area of application of an aspirating
smoke detector is not to replace point type smoke
detectors. This only makes sense in the case of
very large continuous monitored areas that all
form part of the same fire zone for example in
shopping malls or in large halls. Its principal remit
remains the use in applications under difficult
operating conditions such as:

• high humidity environments

• steam baths, tropics

• high temperatures

• large sauna installations

• low temperatures

• refrigerated warehouses

• outdoor applications

• very high ceilings

• high-rack storage facilities

• halls with high ceilings

• premises difficult to access

• laboratories

• cable tunnels

• Ex zones

• high-voltage laboratories

• hollow floors and false ceilings

• premises at risk of sabotage

• prison cells

• equipment monitoring

• electrical/switchgear cabinets

• telecom facilities

• IT installations

• dusty environments

• waste recycling

• mills

• invisible fire detection

• collections of cultural artefacts

• museums

• churches

• modern architecture

The ASD 535 aspirating
smoke detector from
Securiton represents the
new EN 54-20
generation of devices

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTION

Aspirating smoke
detectors can also be
used in very dusty
environments

The new generation

The latest generation of aspirating smoke detec-
tors is ideally suited to these operating conditions.
The main features include a universal detector
for all applications which can be complemented
with a number of options; one or two high-quality
smoke sensors in one aspirating smoke detector
with adjustable response sensitivities; and an
adjustable high-performance ventilator for large
monitored areas featuring whisper-quiet operation.

Air-flow monitoring ensures that the sampling
pipes are constantly checked for pipe breakage
and the sampling holes monitored for pollution. A
high-performance ventilator sucks the air from the
room or facility being monitored through the
sampling pipe to the evaluation unit. There the air
is continuously evaluated by the smoke sensors.
The display of the ASD system indicates the smoke
concentration of the sampled air and alarm, fault

measures ensure a long system service life and
durability.

Obsolete laser technology

The actual core of the aspirating smoke detector is
the smoke sensor and what is crucial here is not
just its absolute sensitivity, but its long-term
response under difficult ambient conditions. Lasers
were long considered as synonymous with high
sensitivity. But today there is no doubt that the
technology of a high-power LED offers significant
advantages. Firstly, the useful temperature range is
much greater; secondly, it has a much longer
service life than a laser diode. With the vast
measurement volume of >1cm 2 and very fast
measurement times (up to 100 measurements per
second) particles are now measured several times,
which allows the use of a patented electronic
particle suppression system capable of filtering

The latest generation of aspirating smoke detectors is ideally
suited to very harsh operating conditions and detects a
multitude of fire risks.

and status messages. Any increase in the smoke
concentration is detected very early on. Three pre-
signals and one main alarm can be programmed
for each smoke sensor and are signalled to the CIE
(control and indicating equipment) via potential-
free relays or directly to a analogue loop. There are
four expansion slots in total to which additional
relays, interface or memory cards can be installed
in modular form.

The specially developed high-dynamic smoke
sensor is the result of comprehensive research
work. A high power LED combined with an
LVSC sampling chamber (Large Volume Smoke
Chamber) yields unparalleled adjustable sensitivity
with minimum aerodynamic resistance and
utmost resistance to pollution and soiling. These

out large individual dust particles. Overall reliability
is boosted enormously as a result. The large
measurement volume also means that a dynamic
scatter angle range is achieved from the forward
scatter to the extreme backward scatter, which
detects every possible size and colour of smoke
particle equally without the need for additional
measurement systems (2 wavelengths).

Commissioning and functions

Many installers shy away from familiarising them-
selves with new aspirating smoke detectors. And
yet the new generation of aspirating smoke
detectors offers considerable advantages. On
simple standard systems for instance the aspirating
smoke detector can be activated without a PC and

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTION

ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTORS

the main settings carried
out on the building site
itself. A PC tool is also
available for expert users;
it provides the full range
of setting possibilities via a
USB interface and allows
the data to be visualised.

In difficult ambient
conditions in particular it
can be very important to
record and display all the
ambient data during a trial
phase lasting several
months. And with an
optional Memory Card
module and commercially
available SD storage cards
it is also possible to record
the values for impaired
visibility and airflow for up
to a year on the aspirating
smoke detector - without
an additional PC - and
then analyse the data in the office using Microsoft
Excel.

An extensive range of accessories is available
(e.g. alternative sampling pipes, sampling holes,
filters, water retaining boxes, detonation flame
arresters). These accessory components are also
tested and certified along with the aspirating
smoke detector in accordance with EN 54-20. The
range of accessories must be listed in full on the
certificate issued by the notified body.

With the optional interface the aspirating
smoke detector can be ideally integrated into the
fire detection system. It is then very easy to display
and adjust the day and night sensitivity, for
example, from the fire alarm control panel.

Planners of sampling pipes all know that the
design of the installation always had to be
symmetrical, which is why T- or H-shaped configu-
rations were used in most cases. However this is
not always the optimum solution, particularly on

larger premises, and compromises sometimes had
to be made due to the space needed by the
sampling pipes. But now with the new sampling
pipe computation software ASD PipeFlow asym-
metrical sampling pipes can be used as well. This
results in sampling pipe savings of up to 20 per
cent and a further improvement in response time.
The only requirement is that the sampling-hole
diameter calculated using the software be observed
accordingly also at the implementation stage.

Soundproofing included

Most operators of fire alarm systems do not want
to hear or see anything of their fire detectors: they
just want them to monitor things quietly in the
background and then leap into action at the crucial
moment. But until now the use of aspirating
smoke detectors was limited in applications where
noise was an issue as the aspirating noise (the fan
in particular) was audible. In most cases it meant
that an expensive housing or even special versions
of the aspirating smoke detector had to be used.
Not so with the latest generation. Thanks to the
adjustable high-performance ventilator sufficient
air samples are now aspirated even at the whisper-
quiet fan level 1 to enable the implementation
of large aspirating configurations. ISO 11690-1,
i.e. the recommended practice for the design of
low-noise workplaces containing machinery, is
complied with just as easily as DIN 4109 on sound
insulation in buildings, which means that aspirat-
ing smoke detectors can be used even in inhabited
areas such as hospitals and retirement homes.

Summary

The aspirating smoke detector is a multi-talent
that can be used practically anywhere. It includes
not only room protection applications (such as
high-rack storage facilities, dropped ceilings and
raised floors, large halls, museums, galleries,
theatres, airports, computer centres) but also
object monitoring (such as distribution cabinets and
EDP installations). Thanks to the new technology
the equipment is even quieter, more resistant and
more reliable when it comes to false alarms;
what's more it is more responsive than ever
before. D33

The ASD PipeFlow
sampling pipe
computation software
allows asymmetrical
sampling pipes

Stefan Brugger is the
International Product
Manager Special Fire
Detection at Securiton Alarm
and Security Systems in
Zollikofen, Switzerland. He is
a member of the CEN TC 72
WG 16 and IS0TC21 SC 3
WG 21 Standard committees
for Aspirating Smoke
Detectors.

info@securiton.com,
www.securiton.com
T +41 31 91 01 122, F
+41319101616

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Smoke means an immediate alarm.

SecuriRAS® ASD aspirating smoke detector with HD sensor

Securiton AG, Alarm and Security Systems
www.securiton.com, info@securiton.com

A company of the Swiss Securitas Group

*Q> SECURITON

For your safety

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Draka is one of the
world's leading cable
manufacturers

By Mark Froggatt

Marketing Services
Manager, Draka UK

CABLES

Getting to grips
with counterfeit
cables

Just about every sector of the fire protection business now seems to be targeted
by counterfeiters and rogue manufacturers. Nowhere is the risk greater than
when the product is electrical cable. But what can be done? Mark Froggatt
explains.

T he first thing to appreciate about counterfeit
cables is that they are almost always sub-
standard, posing a life-threatening risk to
installers and end users. The second, and perhaps
more harrowing realisation is that these rogue
manufacturers are not in the least bit concerned
about anyone's welfare; their total focus is on
making a profit. Their game plan does not
stretch to protecting their company's reputation,
establishing integrity, providing safe products or
building a reputable brand. No, it is all about
money.

Ironically, the very fact that there are standards
and regulations that bona-fide cable manufactur-
ers adhere to can help the counterfeiter to dupe
the unsuspecting wholesaler, distributor, installer
or fire engineer. These rogue manufacturers and

suppliers are more than willing to lay claim to
standards that are totally fraudulent; unwarranted
BS, EN or other acknowledged standards are
often to be found displayed on the rogue cable
sheathing. So, everyone in the trade - wholesalers
and stockists; contractors and installers - need to
check very carefully that the cable being supplied
does meet the required standards and not merely
claim to.

This scenario, understandably, alarms reputable
cable manufacturers as it undermines confidence
in the standards to which their cables are manu-
factured and used.

But how big is the problem? Although precise
figures are difficult to come by, reliable UK
industry estimates indicate that as much as 20
percent of the cable being sold and installed in the

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

CABLES

Draka's Cable and Tables
Handbook covers a host
of technical and
legislation issues

UK currently is counterfeit, unsafe, or both.
Annually, around £30 million of counterfeit
electrical products are believed to reach British
shores and those with an intimate knowledge of
the problem assess that the vast majority
emanates from China.

Today, cables can be found where the diameter
of the copper wire has been reduced, lowering the
current rating and increasing the resistivity of the
cable. This could potentially result in overheating,
which could lead to fire or reduce the level of safety
against electrical shock. There have also been
numerous instances where materials other than
pure copper, such as steel wire, copper-coated
aluminium or badly recycled copper have been used
in cables, and instances where the insulation or
sheathing is sub-standard are also commonplace.
In many instances, of course, it is not easy to
detect a rogue cable simply by looking at it.

Although it is difficult to assess the precise
impact that this is having, it is a fact that, in the
UK there is strong correlation between the
increase in cable-related fires and the amount of
unapproved and counterfeit cable entering the
country. According to statistics from the Depart-
ment of Communities and Local Government, in
2007 there were 4,093 fires in homes and busi-
nesses in England alone that were caused by faulty
wires and cables. This equates to 27 percent of all
electrical fires. In the past five years 15 people
have died in fires due to faulty cable and 1,200
have been seriously injured. Of course, in many
major fires the damage is so extensive that often
investigators are unable to establish the precise

cause of the blaze. So the government's fig-
ures may well grossly understate the number
of fires that can be attributed to faulty cable.

The question, of course, is what can -
indeed should - be done?

The first thing to acknowledge is that
everyone in the industry has to be involved
and accept their legal and moral responsi-
bility. While the majority of distributors and
installers that have used sub-standard cable
have done so innocently, it would be wrong
to believe that there are no instances where
a "blind eye" has not been turned in the
quest to reduce costs. Certainly, there has
been sufficient international publicity about
the issue to argue that nobody in the indus-
try can reasonably claim not to be aware of
the problem.

The first step that needs to be taken may
seem obvious: take a very close look at the
cable being offered and supplied. Draka is
currently focusing much-needed attention on
the absence of cable marking, without which
there is no means of establishing the cable's
authenticity. In the absence of such marking
there is every probability that the quality and
performance of the cable is highly suspect
and is from a disreputable supplier. Under
the banner: "If it's not marked, it's not worth
it", the Draka campaign focuses on the fact
that there is a legal obligation to include
certain information on the cable; the more
demanding the specification, the more informa-
tion is required to be shown.

But what markings should a cable carry? To
help installers, Draka has published a pocket guide
and has an explanatory video presentation on its
website. Both are available at www.drakauk.com.
Among the markings that should be clearly visible
on every cable are the manufacturer's name and
the British Standard number to which the cable
claims to conform. Providing the cable has been
tested by one, the name of the independent
third-party approval organisation should also be
included.

The next step is always to corroborate that
what you are being told or shown on sales litera-
ture or websites, and that the markings on the
cable itself are not misleading, incorrect, or simply
downright dishonest. However, relying on the
manufacturer's or supplier's assertions that a cable
is manufactured to a specific standard simply will
no longer do; ask for copies of test or membership
certificates. Better still, use only cable that is
supported by independent test certification by
fully accredited organisations that, in the UK, are
themselves accredited through UKAS, the United
Kingdom Accreditation Service. This is the sole
national accreditation body recognised by the gov-
ernment to assess - against internationally agreed
standards - organisations that provide certifica-
tion, testing, inspection and calibration services.
The UKAS website contains information on all of
the accredited organisations and can be found at
www.ukas.com.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

CABLES

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH COUNTERFEIT CABLES

Draka runs regular
factory tours to
demonstrate the
integrity of its cable
offering

The importance of this third-party accreditation
lies in the fact that the specifier, the trade supplier
and the installer can be sure that the cable being
supplied today is built to precisely the same
standard and specification as the cable that was
originally tested and approved. If the cable is from
a producer that does not have this third-party
accreditation there is, in reality, no guarantee
whatsoever that it is manufactured to the standard
being claimed for it.

This requirement for third-party accreditation is
important even when buying cable from a well
known manufacturer. Without it, while earlier
cable from that supplier may have been up to the
standard claimed for it, re-sourcing
materials and accepting a different
specification, changing the formula-
tion of the coating or sheathing, or
modifying the design are just
examples of changes that may have
affected the performance of the
cable.

It is important though to remem-
ber that rogue cable manufacturers
are every bit as willing to fake third-
party accreditation as they are BS or
EN standards, so always check with
the accreditation organisation that
the claim is genuine. They are also
quite prepared to misrepresent their
accreditation. In one instance, a
company's sales literature proudly
carried the logo of one of the
world's leading product certification
organisations. In this particular
instance, the company had every
right to include the logo, as it had
achieved an international quality
management standard. However,
the way in which it had been
included on its literature might

easily have been taken as implying that the prod-
ucts themselves had been tested and approved.

So surely the message is clear. The more difficult
we make the counterfeiter's life and reduce his
chance to make easy money, the sooner this
scourge will come to an end. But, this will not hap-
pen on its own; we must all play our part to the
full. Wholesalers and distributors must verify the
quality of the cable they are stocking; contractors
and installers must be equally diligent and avoid
buying cable from suppliers that have shown to be
prepared to side-step the issue; and fire engineers
and building services consultants should be ever
watchful for substandard product substitution. D33

Mark Froggatt is Marketing
Services Manager at Derby-
based Draka UK. He can be
reached on +44 (0) 1332
345431 or via email at
cableuk@draka.com. The
company's website can be
found at www.drakauk.com

In-house test facilities
complement rigorous
third-party testing

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PAINTS AND SPRAYS

Fire protection of
Structural Steel by
intumescent Coatings

Dr Daniel Brosch

Global Product Manager
PFP in PPG Protective
and Marine Coatings

Fire protection can be obtained by
different methods.

T here is "active" fire protection comprising fire
detection and extinguishing methods on one
side. Passive and reactive fire protection
materials contribute to the fire resistance of
structural steel by insulation from the heat of a
fire. "Passive" means the product provides the
insulation in as it has been installed and does not
change in the case of fire. Reactive materials such
as intumescent coatings are installed as a relatively
thin layer of a coating that under normal con-
ditions does not provide insulation. But in case of
a fire a chemical reaction triggered by heat is
taking place The coating changes and forms a
thick layer of char insulating the steel covered by it
from the fire.

Intumescent coatings are often used to protect
structural steel from fires. Steel loses its load
bearing properties when heated. Applying an
intumescent coating to steel columns and beams
will maintain their load bearing capacity and pre-
venting buckling and collapse of a steel structure
for a defined time. This buys additional time for
people to be evacuated and to fight the fire.

There are intumescent coatings that protect
steel form cellulosic fires in civil buildings but also
special types to fire protect steel on oil and gas
installations onshore as well as offshore from the
most extreme fire conditions such as hydrocarbon
pool and jet fires. These "thick film" coatings are
in general based on 2 pack epoxy formulations.

Apart from protecting the steel from fire,
intumescent coating systems also provide corrosion
protection.

Intumescent coatings for protection of steel from
cellulosic fires are normally 1 pack products. They are
also known as "thin film" intumescents. Their appli-
cation is very much like paint by airless spray result-
ing in smooth surfaces. Structural steel members fire
protected with intumescent coatings preserve their
appearance. This is of major importance in modern
architecture, because the steel columns and beams
are often visible and meant as design feature of
buildings, such as airport, hotels and sports stadia.

To proof their "fitness for purpose" intumes-
cent coatings have to undergo a demanding fire
test regime. Fire tests of several types and sizes
of steel columns and beams are conducted at
standardised conditions by accredited test facilities.
In these fire tests the intumescent coating system
has to proof it ability to keep the temperature of a
steel section under a certain level, the critical
temperature for a given time period, such as 30,
60, 90 or 120 minutes. From the fire test raw data
tables with film thicknesses of the coating for
different types and sizes of steel sections are
derived. In many cases these assessments finally
have to be verified by an independent party, often
a state authority by means of certification.

The film thicknesses stated in the tables are
meant as minimum dry film thickness of the
intumescent coating excluding the film thickness
of primer or topcoat.

Although all intumescent products share the
same basic principle of how they contribute to the
fire resistance of structural steel members, not two
have the same film thickness tables.

The thickness of the intumescent coating
required for proper fire protection is also depending
on the type and size of the steel section, the type
of fire, the protection time and local regulations.

Because every country normally has its own
standard for fire testing and local building
regulations the way of testing and the critical
temperature tested to may vary by country. In the
European Union it is intended now to harmonise
the local fire testing standards in the member
states by introduction of EN 13381. Because prEN
13381-4 has not differentiated between passive
and reactive fire protection part 8 of this standard
has been developed. The final draft is out for
voting now. Also a part 9 is worked on presently,
taking care of fire protection systems applied to
steel beams with web openings.

To form a fire resistant coating system meeting
the demands of the regulations the correct choice
of primer and topcoat is essential. By choosing the
wrong primer or sealer the fire performance of the
intumescent can be affected adversely and lives
and assets put at risk. The intumescent coating
manufacturers normally have tested various
primers and topcoats for compatibility with their
intumescent coatings to ensure sufficient fire
performance of the full system.

Further to the correct product choice the
preparation of the steel substrate and application
of the coatings to the steel are important for the
final performance.

Intumescent coating systems can provide efficient
fire and corrosion protection in many areas. They
are particular suited for applications where
aesthetics or weight are issues. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PROTECTIVE COATINGS

solutions that cover your needs

• Up to 120 minute? fire protection

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RETAIL CENTRE PROTECTION

Fire and life safety s
level and mixed-use

Successful retail projects today benefit from a comprehensive approach to fire
protection and life safety. This article discusses the ways in which the application
of such an approach can affect the layout, design and construction of a
project. Further, it describes how such an approach may result in savings for the
retail developer, and a more successful enterprise for the design and
Kit Bryant AIA construction team.

and

Jeremy Mason, P.E.

A recent project completed in Dedham, MA
/ \ serves as a good case study. Legacy Place,
/ \ a development partnership between W.S.

Development, Inc. and National Amusements, Inc.,
is a new Lifestyle center consisting of 675,000
square feet of leasable space located at the inter-
section of Routes 1 and 128 in Dedham, MA. Early
in the development of the project, the developer
engaged Rolf Jensen & Associates (RJA) to assist
their design team of Prellwitz/Chilinski Associates,
Inc. and spg 3 in better understanding the fire
protection and life safety issues the project might
encounter. RJA initially provided an analysis of the
building codes enforced by the local authority
having jurisdiction (AHJ) and an approach report
that set out the options for best conforming to
those codes. The approach report provided
the design team with multiple scenarios for the
construction types for the various buildings, the
separation requirements between use groups and
the associated fire and life safety systems. It also
provided the design team with an outline of the
major fire protection and life safety code issues
that the various buildings would need to address.

Mixed use parking retail applications

Large retail projects, both open air and enclosed,
have become more complex in recent years. Land
values and parking requirements limit the amount
of buildable land available for development, often
resulting in denser, multi-level mixed-use projects.
Stacking of diverse uses, such as retail over parking

and parking over retail, and assembly and residential
over retail or parking, can create fire protection
and life safety challenges.

To accommodate the leasable square footage
required to make the project economically viable,
and the parking required to support that leasable
area, it was necessary to construct portions of the
project as mixed-use buildings. For instance, while
there is substantial at grade parking, the majority
of the required parking is situated in three levels of
open parking garage located above ground level
retail spaces.

The newer model codes are set up to deal with
a mix of parking located above and below various
retail occupancies. Generally, the model codes
require that the lower occupancy be separated
from the occupancy above by a 3-hour fire resis-
tance rated horizontal assembly. When separated
by such an assembly, the spaces above and below
are permitted to be treated as separate buildings
with differing construction types. This offers the
developer a significant opportunity to save money
in protecting the structure of the building (gener-
ally fireproofing) and potentially eliminating sprin-
klers, as was the case in the open parking garage
at Legacy Place.

The at-grade retail was designed and built as
Type IB (Protected Noncombustible) Construction
and was fully sprinklered. Above the retail applica-
tion was a 3-hour horizontal floor/ ceiling assembly
which separated the at-grade retail spaces from
the three unsprinklered parking levels. The parking

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

RETAIL CENTRE PROTECTION

FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY SOLUTIONS

olutions for multi-

levels were designed and built as Type MB
(Unprotected Noncombustible) Construction. The
3-hour horizontal assembly subdivided the project
into two separate buildings of two different con-
struction types. This approach saved the developer
substantial money by eliminating the need for fire-
proofing and sprinklering the open parking garage
structure on the upper levels.

Properly planning for future tenants

Retail spaces often need to accommodate varying
uses such as mercantile, business, and assembly.
Because the developer's leasing efforts continue
throughout the design and construction process
and even over the life of the project, many of the
uses will not be determined until the shells of the
buildings are already constructed. For all of these
reasons, a comprehensive approach to fire protec-
tion and life safety initiated at the start of such a
project can provide significant benefits to the
developer and their design and construction team.

For example, the occupant load of retail appli-
cations at grade or one story below grade is
calculated at 30 square feet per person while
restaurant type assembly spaces are required to be
calculated from 5 to 15 square feet per person.
This difference in possible occupant load factors
can have a significant impact on the number and
location of exits that are required. Thus, a retail
space of 1,400 square feet would only require a
single exit as a mercantile occupancy while the
same space if converted to an assembly occupancy
would need two exits.

Further complicating the matter is the fact that
egress for the general public is not permitted to
pass through commercial kitchens or through stock
rooms in retail applications unless there is a 44-inch
wide aisle defined by partial or full height partitions.
Thus, properly locating exits from the start can give
developers maximum flexibility in leasing their
spaces to various tenants and occupancy types.

Spacing between buildings on a limited
site

Many developers strive to construct their buildings
to be one story in height. The model building
codes permit one story mercantile or business
buildings to be of unlimited area and to be built of
any materials except wood framed construction,
given that 60-foot side yards are provided
between buildings and the buildings are fully
sprinklered. As long as the buildings are spaced far
enough from one another, this approach allows
developers to build large retail strip malls with
no fireproofed construction and at a substantial
cost savings. This approach also results in a trade-
off when the site is of limited area. Unlimited
area buildings can save the developer significant
construction costs, but they require more site
area because the buildings must be spaced
appropriately apart. RJA played an integral role at
Legacy Place by helping to properly place adjacent
buildings to maximize cost savings, and at the

same time helping to make sure the developer
achieved their goals for leasable area.

It should also be noted that restaurants, consid-
ered assembly occupancies, are permitted in
unlimited area buildings but in only small propor-
tions and must be separated from the balance of
the building with two hour rated construction.

Assembly occupancies mixed with
retail

Mixing assembly spaces with other retail applica-
tions is a fast growing trend in retail development.
This provides added benefits to developers beyond
just filling lease spaces. It expands the options
for their customer base and the time those
customers may shop at their development. How-
ever, because of the increased occupant load, the
code generally requires a higher level of protection
for assembly occupancies than for mercantile
occupancies.

The multiplex cinema at Legacy Place provides
an example of such an assembly occupancy mixed
in with retail occupancies. The multiplex cinema is
located on the second and third levels of one of
the retail buildings, above retail and other enter-
tainment spaces. The initial fire protection and life
safety code compliance report identified several
code related issues that were the result of the
mixed occupancies and made corresponding
recommendations.

At Legacy Place the multiplex cinema has an
occupancy load of approximately 3,000 people.
Additionally a waiting population of 800 people
was assumed based on the capacities of the two

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

RETAIL CENTRE PROTECTION

FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY SOLUTIONS

largest auditoriums. A strict interpretation of the
building code would have required a larger wait-
ing population (based on square foot calculations
per occupant in the waiting/lobby areas). The
design team was able to demonstrate, based on
an analysis of movie start and stop times at similar
multiplex cinemas, that use of the capacities of the
two largest auditoriums as a worst case scenario
for a waiting population would be more than
adequate. However, even with this reduced waiting
area population the total occupant egress capacity
for the cinema required a significant amount of
exits and exit capacity. To address this capacity the
design team created an egress approach similar to
one used for cinema projects located on grade.
This approach gave the cinema occupants a
straightforward and intuitive means to egress the
building (studies have shown that occupants will,
during an emergency, first attempt to egress the
way they entered).

Early involvement by RJA with the authority
having jurisdiction (AHJ) during the development
of this equivalent egress approach successfully
allayed their legitimate concerns about the ability
to safely egress so many occupants from the upper
levels of the building. These early meetings helped
the design team better understand the AHJ's
major concerns and allowed the AHJ to better
understand the projects goals and approach. In
addition, by preparing life safety drawings, the
design team was able to show the AHJ how egress
should function. These drawings could also be
used as a resource in the future by the design

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team and the AHJ to ensure that proper egress will
still be provided if renovations occur. Laying this
early ground work helped keep the project
focused and on track and resulted in fewer mis-
understandings between the AHJ and the design
team and resulting in consequential changes.

Because the area required for the intended uses
was large, the fire protection analysis recommend-
ed that the multiplex/ retail building be of Type 1 B
non-combustible and protected construction,
allowing it to be of non-separated mixed-use and
unlimited area. The main entry to the building
consisted of an unprotected two story space
between the first and second floors and the
cinema contained a two story lobby from the
second to third floors. The initial report also
recommended that the cinema be separated from
the remainder of the building to prevent the con-
nection of those multi-story spaces. This prevented
those multi-story spaces from being considered a
three story atrium which would have triggered
the requirement for a smoke control system in the
building.

Fire alarm systems in retail applications

The design and installation of fire alarm systems
can have a significant impact on retail applications.
A system with separate panels for each tenant
that connect into the master building fire alarm
panel can ease the burden when new tenants
arrive or leave. In addition, having a single con-
tractor who is responsible for the entire building,
not just individual tenants, can ensure that the
work is done efficiently and on time.

While not used in the cinema at Legacy Place, a
phased evacuation scheme tied to the fire alarm
system is an option that may be considered in
similar assembly occupancies. Because of the large
number of occupants in a modern multiplex
cinema, phased evacuation can increase safety by
sequentially allowing occupants to egress from the
various auditoriums. Instead of all of the occu-
pants attempting to exit at the same time (3,800
people in a cinema such as the one at Legacy
Place) several hundred at a time are directed to
egress. This phased evacuation process is typically
controlled through voice commands that first
egress those spaces and auditoriums closest to the
origin of emergency event followed in a planned
sequence by the remainder of the building.

In conclusion, retail developers are facing new
challenges as the types of tenants they covet are
changing and as the land available for develop-
ment is constricting. For these and other reasons it
has never been more important for developers
and their teams to address fire protection and life
safety concerns up front. By being proactive they
can help assure that the numerous and often
restrictive requirements contained in the building
codes do not conflict with the goals of the
development. [Q3

Kit Bryant AIA is the Operations Manager based in the
Philadelphia area office of RJA. He can be reached at
+1 (484) 690-1 1 1 8, or by email at
cbryant@rjagroup.com

Jeremy Mason, P.E. is a Consultant located in the
Boston area office of RJA. He can be reached at +1 (508)
620-8900, or by email atjmason@rjagroup.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

ASFP FORUM

By Brian Robinson

ASFP President

Apathy,
ignorance
and denial

- ASFP President spells
it out

dip

ASSOCIATION
FOR SPECIALIST
FIRE PROTECTION

More than 100 guests attended the
Association for Specialist Fire Protection
(ASFP) annual President's Lunch, at the
Palace of Westminster in December, to hear ASFP
President Brian Robinson spell out the current problems
with regard to the control of fire protection in the UK.

"I have been questioning whether the Regulatory
I Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the CDM
I Regulations 2007 and Regulation 16B of the
Buildings Act were working together to raise
installation of appropriate fire protection measures"
he commented. "Have matters improved? Sadly, I
think not".

He blamed the lack of a national audit proce-
dure and claimed that the biggest challenges faced
by the industry were apathy, ignorance and denial.
"We all recall the scene of the tragic fire at Lakanal
House that unfolded on our television screens
recently, in which six people sadly lost their lives.
At the time, the media were asking the obvious
question - how could this happen? Lakanal House
gained national media attention because people
died", he stressed. "Only then were questions
asked of Lambeth and other Local Authorities, to
ascertain their legal requirement to undertake fire
risk assessment".

He questioned if Lakanal House was a one off, or
if it was symptomatic of a much more deeply
rooted problem. He also queried if other issues
were contributing to a picture of worsening public
fire protection in the UK and pointed to the recent
Association of British Insurers (ABI) fire loss figures.
They show fire damage up by some 16% to £1 .3b,
which represents a record high. Life loss figures also
indicate that we will see a significant rise over the
next year. "Such a combination of factors should
at least raise the question of, why", he stressed.

"Disasters such as Lakanal House could be
minimised by much tighter Building Regulations"
he claimed. "However, it is arguably just as true to
state that if appropriate fire protection measures

were installed correctly, in accordance with the
Building Regulations, both the human and finan-
cial cost would be considerably lessened. "The
demise of the Clerk of Works is symptomatic of
how, piece by piece, our systems for delivering
excellence of works in buildings have been
stripped away and the matter has been made
worse through the introduction of competitive
bidding between local authorities and approved
inspector bodies" he maintained.

Mr. Robinson confirmed that if the evidence of
malpractice or inadequate passive fire protection
witnessed by many ASFP members on an almost
daily basis was anything to go by, the courts
should be overflowing. The journey from the archi-
tect's initial design, to occupancy, is one loaded
with opportunity for error, compounded upon
error. The ASFP President drew the analogy of
taking delivery of a new car. "Do you give much
thought to the process of manufacture, or how
the vehicle was inspected before delivery? You
assume they put brakes in it, that the steering
wheel is connected correctly and that your family
will be safe in it. If you think that way about a car,
why shouldn't the same rules apply to the fire
protection measures installed in a building? The
hazards are the same. Get it wrong and you run
the risk of killing, or seriously injuring its occupants.

"It is simply not good enough to state that
measures exist to ensure against incompetent
workmanship, that everyone will take ownership
of their responsibilities, utilise properly qualified
people and proper independent audits". A full
copy of Brian Robinson's speech can be found at:
www.asfp.org.co.uk D33

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In today's business climate, we believe a company should be held accountable by more than
just regulations and government entities. At OCV, we answer to you-the customer-and you
expect a high standard, demand solutions that work, and insist on products of quality.

We also believe in longevity and commitment. Our Sales and Engineering teams offer new
talent combined with seasoned professionals for a sum of over 283 years of experience. With
companies failing and economic conditions changing overnight, isn't it nice to know you will
get an answer every time you need help with an application?

OCV wants to be your partner for managing fluid application needs - large or small. OCV
continues to develop its broad spectrum of technical expertise, turning field experience and
problem solving knowledge into a refined offering of services and state-of-the-art product.

At OCV we put customer service at the top of our list. Our slogan says it best: Global Perfor-
mance. Personal Touch.

1983

1980

1 Q8-2hp

| High Pressure Fire
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Fire Pump Relief

1974

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t One Way Altitude

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OCV enters the
fire market

1952 m OCV Founded
Control Valves

Control Valves

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APPROVED

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SAFER TUNNELS
START HERE

Draka

The world's most trusted cable brand

Draka UK Limited, P.O. Box 6500, Alfreton Road, Derby, DE21 4ZH, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1332 345431 Fax: +44 (0)1332 331237 email: techinfouk@draka.com www.drakauk.com

IFP/FTConnecta/0510

May 2010
issue 42

Front cover picture courtesy of
Advanced Electronics Ltd

Publishers

Mark Seton & David Staddon

Editorial Contributors

Mike Troiano, Ges Wallace, Alfred
Thornton, Graham Collins, Matthias
Ecke, Mark Froggatt, Sarah Brewer,
Mike Wood, Ian Buchanan, Tom
Cortina, Nick Grant, David Gentle,
Bob Choppen

IFP is published quarterly by:

MDM Publishing Ltd

The Abbey Manor Business Centre,

The Abbey, Preston Road,

Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2EN
Tel: +44 (0) 1935 426 428
Fax: +44 (0) 1935 426 926
Email: dave.staddon@ifpmag.com
website: www.ifpmag.com
©All rights reserved

Annual Subscription
UK -£50.00 Europe- €60
Overseas - US$70.00
ISSN - 1468-3873

DISCLAIMER:

Reprints of articles are available on
request. Prices on application to the
Publishers.

Page design by Dorchester
Typesetting Group Ltd

Printed in the UK

Contents

12-26

4-10 Profiles

12-26 Interschutz
2010 Leipzig, Germany.
Exhibitor guide and
previews and essential
visitor information

29-33 The Phaseout

That Didn't Happen

35-37 Modern water

Mist Technology

39-42

39-42 Detecting The

Right Technology

45-49 A case of

double standards...

51 -55 Call point

evolution: past, present
and future

57-60 Remote

monitoring a fire pump
system status

62-65 A Visible

improvement

67-68 Fire

Suppression

70 Removal of Fire
Extinguishers - is it
worth the risk?

73-76 industrial

Flame Detection - the
'pros and cons'

78-80 Protecting

Electrical Cabinets with
CO z is a high risk option

83-86 Testing times
88-92 Fire Rated

Duct Enclosures

94-95 New Code

Raises The Bar on cable
Fire Safety

96 Advertisers' Index

57-60

62-65

78-80

Collins to join MDM Publishing Ltd as Group Editor

W ell known industry figure Graham Collins will join MDM Publishing Ltd as Group
Editor, starting in June 2010. He will take direct responsibility for all editorial
matters involving MDM's three leading trade magazines, International Fire
Protection, International Fire Fighter and Asia Pacific Fire. When asked to comment on
the appointment Collins said "I am thrilled to be joining such an exciting and dynamic
organisation as the Group Editor. MDM Publishing Ltd has established its titles as the
leading business to business international journals available to fire professionals around the
world. I am looking forward to shaping new editorial features and exciting new content in the coming
months within all three journals".

Graham has worked and lived in the USA, Middle East, France, Germany and Japan and brings over
1 5 years experience in the international fire industry, particularly fire suppression, foam concentrates and
hardware, detection and alarm systems and emergency response. He has been a regular contributor in fire
safety and construction industry magazines including the MDM Publishing Ltd titles. He has also worked as a
specialist campaigns director for a fire industry PR company for the past 20 years. Graham is married and
lists photography as one of his major interests.

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PROFILE

Latest Industrial
Flame Detectors
from Spectrex

SharpEye 40/40 Series Flame Detectors offer unmatched performance and reliability
- including patented, IR3 (Triple IR) Multi-Spectrum detectors that enable detection
of small fires at distances up to 60m, with enhanced immunity to false alarms.

T hese highly specified detectors operate reli-
ably in the harsh conditions of offshore
drilling and production platforms, FPSO ves-
sels, fuel loading and storage facilities, LNG and
LPG plants and petrochemical plants throughout
the world.

The latest SharpEye 40/40 Series flame detec-
tors include the model 40/401 using the well-
proven IR3 detector, offering the highest immunity
to false alarms combined with a massive 65m
(215ft) detection distance for hydrocarbon fires
with an enlarged cone of vision - 100° horizontal
and 95° vertical.

Another major
feature is the
improved response
to gas flames
(methane, LNG,
LPG etc) where
small gas flames
can be detected at
distances of up to

30m (100ft). An
Fig 1 Ed - 40/401 detector important addition

to the series is the model 40/40M Multi IR detec-
tor, which can simultaneously detect 'invisible'
hydrogen flames at 30m (100ft) and hydrocarbon
fires at 65m (215ft).

The 40/40 series comprises many detection
techniques to suit every situation including triple IR
(IR3), Multi IR, combined UV/IR, single IR or UV. Thus,
Spectrex can offer unbiased advice on which detec-
tor is the correct solution to your detection needs.

The compact and lightweight design (only
2.5kg in stainless steel) offers low-power con-
sumption with a heated lens for continued
availability in difficult environments - as well as
the reassurance of 3rd party EN54-10 /FM perfor-
mance approvals and IEC 61508 - SIL2 (TUV)
certification to assure reliability. All detectors are,
of course, Ex approved to ATEX/IECEx/FM/CSA/
GOST R/GOST K standards for Zone 1/21
hazardous area location.

The 40/40 Series detectors incorporate an
integral automatic self test which checks the
devices every 15 mins to ensure correct operation.
The 40/40 Series offers many interface options to
ensure that the detectors are compatible with all
control and fire detection systems - outputs
include 0-20mA, dry relay contacts, RS-485
ModBus and HART.

The certified operating temperature range has
also been extended. The detectors will now operate
reliably in temperatures from -55°C to +75°C (with

an option for
+85°C) allowing
their use anywhere
in the world.

The 40/40 Series
detectors are pro-
grammable allow-
ing the user alter
factory default set-
tings. Sensitivity
levels, response
time, alarm delay,
heated lens opera-
tion etc are all able to be modified where required,
either pre-delivery or after installation.

Various accessories are provided including a
Flame Simulator to allow full 'end-to-end' proof
testing in the Ex hazardous area.

Fig 2 Ed - Flame Simulator
with collimator

SafEye Open Path Gas Detection for
Combustible Gas Hazards

Spectrex's SafEye ' Li ne-of-Si g ht' IR Hydrocarbon
Gas Detectors feature unprecedented reliability
and exceptional detection capability for flammable
hydrocarbon gases/vapours in a wide range of
hazardous conditions and ambient environments

SafEye Open Path Hydrocarbon Gas Detectors,
Series 700 and 200, monitor for combustible
hydrocarbon gases over an open air 'path' of up
to 460ft (140m) and can provide alarms prior to a
fire or explosion event. The normal unit of
measure for open-path detectors is the product of
distance x concentration. Typical full scale is 0 - 5
LEL. meters. Unit of measure is LEL. meters i.e. 1
LEL. meter = 1 00% LEL over 1 metre (or 25% LEL
over 4 meters etc).

The 'flash' type radiation source ensures immu-
nity to any false alarms and the unit functions
effectively even in extreme environments, such as
fog, rain, smog etc. Heated optics are also avail-
able to ensure continued detection in extremes of
weather. If the 'open-path' is ever completely
blocked due to environmental or human interven-
tion, a warning signal will be generated to allow
corrective action or investigation.

Alignment is a simple one-man operation using
a telescope - no electronic hand held device
needed or connecting cables between source and
detector units. The wide alignment tolerance
ensures that SafEye.

SafEye detectors are fully Exd approved to ATEX
and UL standards with a full range of interfaces
including mA analogue, RS485 and HART. A SIL2
version is also available.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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1986

| 127-3FC

Pressure Reducing

At OCV we put customer service at the top of our list. Our slogan says it best: Global Perfor-
mance. Personal Touch.

■ 108-2hp

High Pressure Fire
Pump Relief

1980

1974

| 108FCA

Fire Pump Relief

' JTV 3331

One Way Altitude

65FC

OCV enters the
fire market

1952 m OCV Founded
Control Valves

Control Valves

Global performance. Personal touch.

Fin

PROFILE

For more information please
contact:

PPG Industries (UK)
Limited

Mr. Charles Taylor
Tel: +44 1773 837 300
Email:

charlestaylor@ppg.com
or visit our website:
www.ppgpmc.com

Steelguard fm 550

Ferrari world - YAS island Complex -
Abu Dhabi - united Arab Emirates

P PG Protective & Marine Coatings is a world
leader in the development and supply of
performance coatings to protect steel and
concrete structures from fire and corrosion around
the world.

We work closely with the world's leading
architects and engineers to enhance the use and
appearance of our fire protection products across
many industries: construction, petrochemical,
chemical processing and also for railway and road
tunnels.

Passive fire protection with thin-film
intumescent coatings

A 'thin-film' intumescent coating is the passive fire
protection method that enhances the visual
appearance of a structure and will even add to the
design with decorative finish and colour. This
allows architects to show the steel construction
while at the same time protecting its structural
integrity in case of fire, allowing for safe evacua-
tion and enhancing the access time required for
rescue workers.

Thin-film intumescent coatings are commonly
used on steel frame structures in airports, stadia,
commercial, leisure, education, retail, manufactur-
ing and industrial sectors. Intumescent coatings
for the protection of steel from cellulosic fires
are normally one-pack products - also known as
thin-film intumescents. Their application is similar
to painting by airless spray and results in extremely
smooth surfaces.

Structural steel members painted with fire-pro-
tection intumescent coatings preserve their
appearance. This is of major importance in modern
architecture as the steel columns and beams are
often visible and meant as a design feature in
buildings, such as airports, hotels and sports
stadia. To prove they are 'fit for purpose', intumes-
cent coatings have to undergo a demanding fire
test regime. Fire tests on several types and sizes of
steel columns and beams are conducted using
standardised conditions by accredited test facilities.
In these tests the intumescent coating system has
to prove its ability to keep the temperature of a
steel section under a certain level - this being the
critical temperature for a given time period, such
as 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes. Raw data tables
from this test will identify the appropriate film
thicknesses that should be applied on each type
and size of steel section to provide protection for
the required period. In many cases these assess-
ments have to be finally verified and certified by an
independent party, often a state authority.

PPG offers, under the trade name Steelguard,
a complete range of intumescent coating systems
for various grades of fire protection, climatic
exposure conditions and application techniques
while complying with many national standards.

Fire Engineering Service

Large projects frequently require additional fire engi-
neering in which the coatings supplier, designer and
contractor develop solutions for specific project

Ferrari World YAS
island - Case study

PPG Protective &

Marine Coatings in
the Middle East
was awarded the
supply of the cellu-
losic intumescent
fire protection sys-
tem for the Coast-
er Bridge Buildings
on the prestigious
Ferrari World - YAS Island complex incor-
porating the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Circuit. The
inaugural Grand Prix was held in November
2009.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world's
largest indoor theme park, sitting under a roof
designed in the style of a classic double-curve
body shell of a Ferrari GT car. There is energy,
excitement and passion for the entire family at
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. With over 20 rides and
attractions, including the world's fastest roller-
coaster, Ferrari World is more than a theme park
- it is where Ferrari's legendary story is unveiled.

Steelguard FM 550 was supplied for this pro-
ject, protecting about 15,000 square meters of
steel structures, protected against a 60-minute
cellulosic fire. The constant professional
perserverence by the PPG team resulted in the
client selecting PPG Protective & Marine Coat-
ings not only as the preferred manufacturer and
supplier of the passive fire protection system, but
also to ensure that the fast track project would
be completed by November 2009. In addition,
the contactor for this project made product
comparisons indicating that Steelguard FM 550
had the most favourable application and drying
features. A polyurethane topcoat was used as a
decorative and durable finish.

This project represented a key strategic mile-
stone in the drive to establish the PPG
Steelguard range as the leading cellulosic fire
protection product in the Middle East.

applications and construction solutions to meet all
fire protection requirements. With an experienced
coatings supplier like PPG Protective & Marine Coat-
ings, equipped with the latest laboratory facilities
for formulating and fire testing, custom-made
solutions can be developed to ensure dependable
and compliant fire protection. D33

Efi

PPG Protective &

Marine Coatings

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LG UARD

Proven fire protection for civil building

• Up to 120 minutes fire protection

• National ancUirfternational certification

• On-site ancWFf-site applicatiol

• Engineerin^upport I

3 PPG Protective & Marine Coatings

www.ppgpmc.com

PROFILE

2010 NFPA confer

Mark your calendars and plan to attend
the most important event for the fire,
life safety and electrical industry. Join
NFPA and other likeminded professionals
as we gather on June 7-1 0, 2010 for the
2010 NFPA Conference & Expo - widely
regarded as the most comprehensive
event in the industry. The event
combines an unrivaled educational
conference and an exhibition with more
than 300 exhibiting companies. You'll
want to take advantage of the
networking opportunities and gain
up-to-date knowledge on codes and
standards that relate to you.

The Education Conference

T he education conference includes an impres-
sive list of industry experts. Presentations will
included many case studies, code updates
and results from a myriad of research projects. On
Tuesday June 8, the featured presentation will be
given by the newly appointed, Administrator for
the Federal Emergency Management Agency's
United States Fire Administration, Kevin Cochran.
The presentation - "Putting the Fire Back in the
U.5. Fire Administration: Shaping the Future " - will
certainly be a huge attraction during the event.
Kevin has over twenty-five years of experience in
preventing and responding to fires and emergen-
cies and extensive experience in the fire service
including fire fighting, emergency medical services,
hazardous materials response, public education
and research and development.

The entertainment during the general session is
an annual highlight. This year the general session
will feature Gerry McCambridge, better known as
"The Mentalist". Gerry has been amazing audi-
ences for over 30 years and has headlined many
shows and appeared on countless radio and TV
talk show including, "Late Night with David Letter-
man," and "The Today Show" . McCambridge is
also the crator and executive producer of the hit
prime-time television show "The Mentalist".

The conference schedule offers more than 130
education sessions within 1 1 conference tracks.
The Society of Fire Protection Engineers is pleased
to once again sponsor the Fire Protection Engi-
neering Track which will focus on the advance-
ment and education of fire protection engineering.
Rounding out the conference tracks are:

• Building and Life Safety - This track concen-
trates on practical information needed by
designers, engineers, and building and fire
officials, such as plans review, inspection tech-
niques, and updates on code requirements,
new technologies, and best practices.

• Codes and Standards - This track focuses on
providing information to assist with code appli-
cation. Includes many sessions which discuss
important code updates and changes.

• Detection and Suppression - This track con-
centrates on code requirements and design
issues, the application of new technologies in
alarm and suppression systems, and the impact
of maintenance on systems performance.

• Emergency Preparedness/Business Continu-
ity - This includes information on assessing
risks and consequences, emergency prepared-
ness, contingency planning, incident manage-
ment, and recovery plans.

• Fire and Emergency Services - This track
features current information on fire-fighting
apparatus and technologies, safety and

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PROFILE

ence & Expo

preparedness for first responders, incident
command strategies, and fire prevention and
inspection techniques.

• Facility Fire Safety and Security - Features
of this track will emphasize new technology in
industrial fire protection and emergency
response, fuel storage issues, and security of
industrial processes.

• Electrical - This considers new electrical design
issues, successful maintenance programs, and
best practices in electrical contracting, effective
inspection techniques, and practical electrical
safety programs.

• Loss Control/Prevention - This track provides
essential information on preventing property
damage due to threats posed by fire and other
hazards. Help protect your organization and
better understand how various hazards can
affect your day-to-day operations.

• Public Education - This track includes fire
and life safety planning and strategies. Also
offers the latest in safety education including
challenges and creative solutions.

• Research - The research track considers the
latest information available on many timely
issues, such as video smoke and flame detec-
tion systems and reliability of water mist fire
protection systems.

• NEW! Green - This in-demand track includes
session with a focus on environmentally friendly
initiatives that affect the design, maintenance
and testing for fire and life safety systems and
components.

The Expo

The three-day expo will showcase many of the
latest technologies and services from more than
300 of the top solution providers in the fire
and life safety, and electrical industries. Knowl-
edgeable representatives from these companies
will be available to answer your questions and
offer solutions to your most pressing challenges.
The exposition provides attendees the ideal
location to see, touch and try products as well as
meet with a company's technical staff. As always,
the expo is free when you register in advance.

Pre-Conference Seminars

While the 2010 NFPA Conference & Expo officially
begins on June 7th, you can arrive early to attend
any of the 19 comprehensive pre-conference semi-
nars being offered. Some of these seminars will
only be offered in Las Vegas. Pre-conference
seminars are priced separately from the main con-
ference and are offered at a substantial discount
from NFPA's regular seminar pricing. Why not
come early and enrich your overall experience?
The seminars include:

Five 1-Day Seminars on Saturday

• NFPA 3, Standard on Commissioning and
Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and Life
Safety Systems

• Changes to NFPA 13, 2010 Edition

• Designing and Installing Photovoltaic Systems

• Risk Management/Property Loss

• Water Mist Fire Protection Systems

Seven 2-Day Seminars on Saturday & Sunday

• CFPS Primer

• NFPA 1, Fire Code

• NFPA 1600, Disaster/Emergency Management
and Business Continuity Programs

• NFPA 921, Fire and Explosion Investigations

• Code Requirements for Maintaining Fire & Life
Safety Systems

• NFPA 72®, Alarmas y Deteccion (en espanol)

• NFPA 70E®, Electrical Safety in the Workplace®

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PROFILE

Three 3-Day Seminars on Saturday - Monday

• NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems

• NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm & Signaling Code

• NFPA 101 , Life Safety Code Essentials

Four 1-Day Seminars on Sunday

• lAEI's Analysis of Changes - 201 1 (NEC)

• Dust Explosion Hazards

• Changes to NFPA 72, 201 0 Edition

• Aviation Fire Safety

NFPA Conference & Expo Blog

Stay on top of all the important details regarding
the NFPA Conference & Expo by visiting the blog
site! To view the NFPA Conference & Expo blog
site, go to: http://npfa.typepad.com/conference.
Visitors to the site will find updated articles, live
broadcasts and downloadable podcasts. Give feed-
back before, during, and after the conference
regarding your experience on the conference blog.

NEW! Social Media

Whether you are looking to get a recap of sessions
and events as they happen or are interested in
joining the conversation, NFPA's social media offer-
ings make it easier and more accessible than ever.

We're Blogging!

NFPA's blog is the perfect source
for news and commentary:

http://nfpa.typepad.com/
conference/

The blog is also available in
Spanish:

http://nfpa.typepad.com/conferencia

Twitter

Interested in meeting your fellow Tweeters? Follow
@NFPA to receive information on how to meet
other Tweeters at our Tweet-up planned during the
conference. You will also get updates on confer-
ence news and details on giveaways! We hope you
will join our conversation during the conference by
using our 2010 Conference & Expo hashtag,
#NFPA201 Owww.twitter.com/nfpa

Facebook

Check out Facebook for NFPA's fan page and the
2010 Conference & Expo fan page for updates,
photos, and general information.

www.facebook.com/theNFPA

www.facebook.com/NFPAconf

Linkedln

Find out what other NFPA Linkedln users are talk-
ing about and join in on the conversation by
becoming a member of our group!

www.linkedin.com

NEW! NFPA Mobile Application

We are excited to introduce
NFPA's new mobile application
NFPA C&E, specifically
designed for the 2010 NFPA
Conference & Expo. Virtually
all smartphone users (Black-
berry, iPhone, Android, Palm
OS, Symbian, Java, Windows
Mobile, etc.) have free access to the application.
Access all the information you need to make the
most of your conference experience in the palm of

your hand. To download NFPA C&E, you may go
to the iTunes App Store, Android Market or Black-
berry App World and search for NFPA C&E. If you
are on any other mobile phone, you may down-
load the application directly from your mobile
browser by going to nfpa.boopsie.com. You will
be prompted to download the application for your
particular phone, or you may use the 'web lite'
version of the application from your browser.

The Association Technical Meeting

At the heart of the codes and standards develop-
ment process is the Association Technical Meeting.
More than 30 documents are up for review this
June including NFPA 70, National Electrical Code,
NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing and
Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Sys-
tems and NFPA 654, Standard for the Prevention
of Fire and Dust Explosions. Documents that cover
flammable and combustible liquids, aircraft
hangars, Class A foams, liquefied petroleum gas,
explosive materials, laboratories using chemicals,
and fire protection for marinas and boatyards and
more will be voted on during these sessions. Tech-
nical Committee (TC) members will receive
20% off conference registration prices.

Las Vegas

Did you know that Las Vegas offers much more
than casinos and bright lights? When you travel to
Las Vegas, you enter a world that will captivate
you by its international flare, superb dining choices,
and award-winning shows. You are sure to be
impressed by the unique building structures, mas-
sive hotels and the countless attractions, sights
and sounds of this destination city - especially the
brand new $11 billion City Center. Depending on
where you are traveling from, flights to Las Vegas
are relatively inexpensive, couple that with endless
dining options and reasonable hotel rates, and you
have a perfect destination for any company
budget. Come to the 2010 Conference & Expo for
an incomparable learning experience and be sure
to explore all that Las Vegas has to offer.

Hotel Reservations/Registration

NPFA has negotiated special rates at four Las
Vegas hotels close to the Mandalay Bay Conven-
tion Center and easily accessible by tram:
Mandalay Bay Hotel, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay,
Luxor and Excalibur. Hotel reservations can be
made online at www.nfpa.org/conference or by
calling the Las Vegas Hotel Housing Authority toll
free (US) at 1-888-892-5822. Don't delay! Register
now! D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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HALON BANKING SYSTEMS

8601 73rd Avenue Suite Cl I, Brook lyn Park. MN 55428 USA
Tel: 001-416-458-1990 Fax: 001-763-3154)399
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PREVIEW

INTERSCHUTZ

HAHN

INTERNATIONALE LEITMESSE FUR RETTUNG,
BRAND-/ KATASTROPHENSCHUTZ UND SICHERHEIT

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR RESCUE, FIRE
PREVENTION, DISASTER RELIEF, SAFETY, SECURITY

LEIPZIG 7-12 JUNE 2010

Interschutz, the world's largest trade exhibition aimed at the fire industry will
soon be upon us. Held once every 5 years, anyone and anybody involved in the
fire safety and fire fighting industry will be in Leipzig, Germany between the
7th and 12th June 2010 attending this prestigious event. IFF takes a look at
some essential information for visitors as well as exhibitors attending
Interschutz.

Student's day ticket (incl. young people
in military or civilian service: ID required)

11.00 EUR

Tickets can be bought in advance via the Internet
(www.interschutz.de)

Free ride to and from event

MDV fare zones

*The visitor's free ride to and from the exhibition
center via MDV-ope rated public transit lines on the

VISITOR INFORMATION

INTERSCHUTZ 2010, 7 to 12 June

At a glance
Duration:

Monday, 7 June to Saturday, 1 2 June 2010

Opening hours:

Daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Admission prices:

Advance sales and Ticket office

Single admission 18.00 EUR

Full-event ticket 41.00 EUR

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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day of the event is valid for the following regions
and fare zones:

Leipzig

Leipzig County
Nordsachsen County
Mittelsachsen County
Burgen County
Halle

Saale County
Altenburger Land

Catalogue:

€17 plus postage and packaging (available
approx. 3 weeks before opening day of event)
Internet: http://www.interschutz.de/catalogue

Visitor information:

Internet: http://www.interschutz/visitorservice
Email: interschutz@messe.de

Getting there:

Travel and accommodations:

Parking:

The press parking lot for journalists at Leipziger
Messe is located inside the exhibition grounds next
to the Messehaus building. The parking lot is
accessible via Messe-Allee, South 1 gate.

Range of exhibits:

Exhibitors:

The organizers anticipate some 1,100 exhibiting
enterprises, occupying more than 80,000 m 2 of
net display space.

Press Center:

At the Messehaus building, open from Sunday, 5
June 2009, starting at 9:00 a.m.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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CHEMGUARD M DESU

CHEMGUARD

FIRE SUPPRESSION SOLUTIONS

HALL 3, STAND C76 f
BOOTH NO. C4

Chemguard Leads with Innovative
Products, Comprehensive Support

Chemguard is a full-service ISO 9001:2008 certi-
fied manufacturer of UL and FM approved fire
suppression foams, equipment, and systems.

Chemguard's Fire Suppression Division has
been researching, developing, formulating, and
distributing high-quality, dependable fire-fighting
foam concentrates for more than two
decades. Our efficient and environmentally friendly
UL Listed/FM Approved foam products are used
worldwide. Chemguard performs topside and
sprinkler fire tests for a wide variety of test stan-
dards at our onsite Fire Test Facility. We have
obtained international approvals for Chemguard
foam concentrates, including IMO, DNV, LASTFIRE,
and EN 1568.

Chemguard designs and manufactures an
extensive line of fire-fighting foam hardware,
including nozzles, monitors, and foam trailers.
We also offer on-site product fabrication, includ-
ing ASME bladder tank and custom foam
skid fabrication. Our intensive quality control
procedures ensure that equipment shipped from
Chemguard reflects our reputation for excellence
and is delivered on-time at competitive prices.

Chemguard's systems engineers provide fire
suppression systems design and applications
assistance - reviewing specifications, providing
value-added engineering alternatives, and
supporting systems start-up. Working side by
side with customers, we apply our years of
experience designing systems for petrochemical
facilities, hangars, flammable-liquid storage tanks,
warehouses, and other challenging installations
to maximize performance, efficiency, and
effectiveness.

The Chemguard Specialty Pumps Division man-
ufactures a complete line of UL Listed/FM
Approved positive-displacement foam concentrate
pumps for fire-protection systems. Based on a
proven design with several unique features, these
durable pumps are built for years of dependable
operation.

Chemguard's research-based Specialty Chemi-
cals Division produces a rapidly expanding selec-
tion of fluorosurfactant and hydrocarbon
surfactant specialty chemical products for formu-
lating all types of fire-fighting foam products.

Known around the world, Chemguard is
recognized for comprehensive customer support,
high-quality and field-tested products, and the
ability to meet customer requirements through
product customization.

Contact details:

Vice President of Sales and Marketing
John Vieweger
jvieweger@chemguard.com

HALL 3, STAND NO. FI 9

Having been in business since early 2005 success-
fully, Desu Systems BV - Special Hazard Fire Detec-
tion & Suppression - continues to strengthen its
position in the EMEA market being specialist in
Flame-, Gas- and Spark detection as well as Low
Pressure C02 and kitchen fire suppression systems.

During the Interschutz 2010 on the detection
side of its business, the company is pleased to
introduce its brand new line of 40/40 Flame Detec-
tors ranging from UV and IR to UV/IR, IR3 and
Multispectrum flame detectors, all CE marked,
EN-54-1 0, ATEX EExde, SIL2, DNV, GOST-R and
CPD approved and standard equipped with heated
window optics.

On the suppression side of its business, the
company is pleased to introduce its UL-300,
NFPA17A, NFPA96 approved and CE marked
Kitchen Mister kitchen fire suppression system for
which it obtained the distribution rights in EMEA
from Buckeye Fire Equipment.

For enquiries please contact Ronald
Verkroost, rverkroost@desusystems.com or
visit www.desusystems.com and come and
see us in Hall 3, F19.

DR STHAMER

HALL 5, BOOTH G74

Dr Sthamer - Hamburg, one Germany's oldest
companies and Europe's leader in Fire Fighting
Foam Concentrate Technology, will be displaying
their latest developments in fire fighting foams
and how they should be used utilizing several
interactive displays.

Dr Sthamer has the full range of Fire Fighting
Foams to protect you assets, including the latest
generation of Fluorine Free Alcohol Resistant
Foams.

Please visit us to discuss your needs and require-
ments for Industrial, Municipal, Aircraft Rescue,
Marine or Wildfire Fire Fighting Foams.

Contact details:

DR. STHAMER - HAMBURG Liebigstrasse 5,

D22113 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 736168-0

Fax: +49 40736168-60

Website: www.sthamer.com

Cell +44 7795 101770 •

jknappert@sthamer.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

When It Comes to FIRE
Only The Best is Good Enough

SEE YOU THERE

HALL: 5

Stand No. C 20 (Main Stand)
Stand No. F 77 - F 78 (bvfa)

INTERSCHUTZ

LEIPZIG - GERMANY

7-12 June 2010

■ Car Fire Extinguishers

■ Portable Fire Extinguishers

■ Mobile Fire Extinguishers

■ Fire Fighting Trailers

■ Self Actuated Fire Extinguishing Solutions

■ Fire Cabmets with a Big Variety of Models and
Accessories

■ Rescue Equipment

■ Detection Systems

■ Total Suppression Systems

■ Fire Fighting Equipment

■ Fire Fighting School

• ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratories
According to EN3 Norms

BAVARI Fire Fighting Solutins
Germany - Egypt • Lebanon - U.A.E. - Sudan

www.bavaria-firefighting.com info@bavaria-firefighting.com

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DUPONT

The miracles of science""

HALL 001, STAND H10

DuPont has been a leader in fire protection and a
driving force in the development of safe, clean
alternatives to commonly used fire suppression
systems. We pioneered much of the science that
makes clean agent fire extinguishants possible.
Through the Science of Protection™, we are
committed to protecting what matters most.

DuPont™ FM-200® is accepted and respected
worldwide, with a history of protecting some of
the world's most critical and irreplaceable assets.
In fact, FM-200® is in use in over one hundred
thousand applications, in more than 70 nations.

Many fire suppression systems can cause major
damage to - and even destroy - the very things
they are supposed to protect. FM-200® fire sup-
pressant stops fires fast. When you consider the
potentially devastating environmental effects of an
uncontrolled fire, it's easy to see that an FM-200®
system is an important part of an environmentally
responsible fire suppression solution.

FM-200® systems reach extinguishing levels in
10 seconds or less, stopping ordinary combustible,
electrical, and flammable liquid fires before they
cause significant damage. That's the fastest fire
protection available, period. When fire is extin-
guished this quickly, it means less damage, lower
repair costs, and an extra margin of safety for
people. It also means less downtime and disruption
of business.

FM-200® fire suppressant can be safely used
where people are present.

In applications where space is at a premium,
FM-200® fire suppression systems are the superior
choice. The FM-200® agent is stored in cylinders
as a liquid and pressurized with nitrogen, saving
huge amounts of storage space. FM-200® systems
take up to seven times less storage space than
systems based on C02 and inert gases.

For more information, visit:
www.cleanagents.dupont.com

FI RETRACE®

FI RETRACE*

AUTOMATIC FIRE SUP^SSION SYSTEMS

HALL 003, STAND B76

Firetrace® to showcase UL & FM
Approved Fire Protection

Firetrace International will be showcasing its full
range of FIRETRACE® automatic fire detection and
suppression systems at Interschutz in Leipzig, the
only UL [Underwriters Laboratories] listed, FM
[Factory Mutual] approved and CE [Conformite
Europeene or European Conformity] marked tube-
operated system in the world that is tested as an

automatic fire detection and suppression system.

The ISO 9001 :2008-certified company will also
be highlighting a selection of the 1 50,000 success-
ful FIRETRACE installations completed around the
world. Today, these are protecting business-critical
"micro-environments" such as electrical cabinets,
machinery enclosures, fume hoods, engine com-
partments, wind turbines and a host of other
applications in the mining, pharmaceutical, manu-
facturing, power generation, mass transit,
telecommunication and petrochemical industries.

The tried-and-tested system is truly unique
among tube-operated systems. In addition to its
endorsement by UL and FM, and its CE marking
that confirms its compliance with the essential
requirements of the relevant European health,
safety and environmental protection legislation,
FIRETRACE has accreditations and approvals from
more than 25 other world-renowned independent
agencies. It also stands apart from its competitors
by being able to be supplied with a variety of
suppression agents, the choice of which is tailored
to the precise fire risk.

Currently, the FIRETRACE suppression options
include the latest environmentally-acceptable clean
agents such as 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Suppres-
sion Fluid and DuPont™ FM-200®, together with
ABC dry chemical agents and AFFF foam. C0 2
[carbon dioxide] is another FIRETRACE extinguis-
hant, although the company points out that
extreme care has to be taken to ensure that it is
not used in any applications where there is a risk
of thermal shock to delicate electrical equipment.

Genuine FIRETRACE is available only via Fire-
trace International's global network of authorised
distributors. These trading partners are skilled in
hazard analysis, agent and system selection, instal-
lation, commissioning and support, and use only
genuine FIRETRACE components. Details of these
authorised distributors are available by contacting
Firetrace International at info@firetrace.com.

European, Middle Eastern and African opera-
tions for Firetrace International are managed from
the company's EMEA administration, manufactur-
ing and logistics facility near Gatwick in the UK.

Further information is available on +44 (0)
1293 780390, or from Firetrace International
headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona USA on
+1 480 607 1218. The company's website is
at www.firetrace.com

FOGTEC

FOGTEC'

FIRE PROTECTION

HALL 5, STAND NO. D45

FOGTEC is the leading specialist for high-pressure
water mist systems. FOGTEC systems use pure
water, converting it to fine mist at a pressure
around 100 bar. These systems are not only 100%
eco-friendly but are often more effective than con-
ventional gas or water fire fighting equipment.
The high energy binding potential and the local
inerting effect allows to reduce the required water
amount to 10% of the one required by conven-
tional systems.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

From individual pumps to

total systems... ive have it all.

r—

ducts made for fire fighting in th
^ical and petro-chemical industry

us at Interschutz Hall 5 - booth C46

A4?

AVK INTERNATIONAL A/S

Bizonvej 1 , Skovby • 8464 Galten • Denmark
Tlf.: +45 87 54 21 00 • Fax: +45 87 54 21 20
www.avkvalves.com • sales@avk.dk

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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With 45 system partners FOGTEC globally offers
its systems for applications like offices, hotels,
museums, archives, industrial applications, ships,
trains and tunnels. A team of specialised engineers
are developing and designing the systems in the
head office in Cologne, in Rostock and in the
Asian offices in Mumbai and Shanghai.

In the field of tunnel protection FOGTEC is the
market leader. Tunnels have been protected in
Madrid, Moscow, Newcastle and along the Bren-
ner motorway in Italy. FOGTEC has been awarded
as part of a consortium the contract for the fire
protection system in the Eurotunnel. After success-
ful full scale fire tests with fire sizes up to 200
MW, an optimal protection concept including
detection and fire fighting with water mist in four
SAFE stations of each 900 m length along the two
bores of the Eurotunnel is currently in the installa-
tion phase within the tunnel. The system localises
a fire on the train wagons within the tunnel and
reduces the heat release and temperatures to
allow personnel to safely evacuate the trains and
the fire brigade to carry out fire fighting measures.

For more details please visit us at our booth Hall
5 No. D45 on the Interschutz exhibition.

Further information:

FOGTEC Brandschutz GmbH & Co KG

Schanzenstrasse 19 A

51630 Koln

www.fogtec.com

contact@fogtec.com

GIELLE srl

HALL 001, STAND NO. D16

Gielle srl, the parent company of the Gielle Group,
with more than 45 years of experience in the field
of fire fighting, has become one of the leading
European companies in the design and manufac-
ture of automatic fire fighting systems.

Technological innovation, quality and interna-
tionalization are the strong points that have made
Gielle one of the most qualified companies in this
field.

This active and dynamic company supplies its
systems all over the world and offers a level of
professionalism to its clients that is unsurpassed.
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, BS OHSAS 18001, SA 8000,
ATEX 94/9/C E and PED 97/23/C E certifications of
its integrated management system make an undis-
puted statement of Gielle's full potential.

In nearly half a century the Group has always
considered flexibility one of its major strengths.

Gielle also has an advanced R&D division which
is supported by its motivated engineering, techni-
cal sales, administration, production and market-
ing departments, all with a single goal in mind:
customer satisfaction.

Our mission is to make the world a safer place.
To do this, we develop and supply advanced fire
fighting products and systems, supported by first
class service. People and businesses everywhere
trust our brands and depend on our expertise to
protect what is most valuable.

Including fire detection, fire suppression and fire

control products. Our products set the benchmark
for fire safety detection, prevention and protec-
tion. We are devoted to protecting people, proper-
ty and processes from everyday hazards and
danger. People trust us to do that because we are
experts in our field. And that trust is reinforced by
the quality we instill in everything we do.

Our fire suppression products include:
FM_200®, Argonite®, 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire
Protection Fluid, FE-13™, WHDR wet chemical,
IND dry chemical and a wide range of fire extin-
guishers.

We hope that our company can be included
in your vendor list and You can request any
quotations for any type of project.

BLAZEMASTER®

Blaze Master

FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

HALL 5, STAND NO. El 3/1

It may be surprising to learn that the first fire
sprinkler systems were not designed with any
thought of protecting human life, but were
installed almost exclusively for the protection of
buildings and their contents! It was not until the
middle of the last century, following several fires in
the U.S. that resulted in large losses of life, that
authorities realised the importance of providing
life safety systems for building occupants.

A fire sprinkler system with proven performance
in protecting lives and buildings worldwide is the
BlazeMaster fire sprinkler system, utilising CPVC
pipes and fittings.

CPVC stands for chlorinated polyvinylchloride
and is a plastic material which was developed orig-
inally in the 1950s. BlazeMaster CPVC pipes and
fittings are specially designed for use in fire sprin-
kler systems. BlazeMaster fire sprinkler systems
have gained world wide recognition with over 300
million metres installed around the world since its
introduction in 1984.

Today BlazeMaster fire sprinkler systems are
used in a wide variety of residential and commer-
cial applications such as high rise buildings, hotels,
educational and healthcare facilities, and in domes-
tic dwellings. BlazeMaster systems are increasing in
popularity due to the following benefits:

Durability and long service life: No corrosion!

Superior Hydraulics: Hazen Williams C-Factor of
150!

Fast Installations, Easy Handling: Fast jointing
process! Easy transport and handling on jobsite!

Light Weight: One fitter can lift, carry and install
the pipe work on his own, even for bigger
diameters!

To learn more about BlazeMaster fire sprinkler
systems, please visit us at our stand El 3/1 -
Hall 5 at the Interschutz in Leipzig, Germany or
contact Sinikka Freidhof, Market Development
Manager EMEAI, Lubrizol Advanced Materials
Europe BVBA, Chaussee de Wavre 1945, B-1160
Brussels, Belgium, sinikka.freidhof@
lubrizol-be.com, Tel: +32 2 678 1911

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FireDos GmbH

Admixing Systems for Fire-fighting
The intelligent choice for admixing systems

• No external energy required

• Working flow-proportional

• Easy installation and handling

• Retrofitting into existing systems possible

• Versions for stationary installations, or vehicles and mobile applications available,
also for use with seawater

• Large flow ranges and dosing ranges covered

• Not affected by changing pressure or flow rate

• Suitable for all common fire-fighting liquids

Auf der Kaulbahn 6 • D-61200 Wolfersheim • Germany

Tel. +49(0)60 36/ 97 96-0 • Fax +49(0)6036/9796-30* E-Mail msr@msr-dosiertechnik.de

www.firedos.de

Manufacturer and Designer
of Globally Approved
Fire Extinguishing Systems

Clean Agent

High Pressure Carbon Di|>Xid
Low Pressure Carbon Dioxide
Water Mist
Foam
Alarm and Detection
Air Sampling Smoke Detection

YOUR GATEWAY TO A NEW KIND OF SERVICE

+1 219-663-1600 • www.janusfiresystems.com

1 102 Rupcich Drive, Crown Point, IN 46307

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Mcwic Alice VA«se Alice

n F==ni

Display Categories

Vehicles and vehicle equipment

Hall 1,2,4 + Open-air ground 1

Fire extinguishers appliances and systems,
extinguishing agents

Hall 1, 5

Technical support and environmental
protection

Hall 1,2 + Open-air ground 1

Rescue, emergency, first-aid and medical
equipment

Hall 1, 2, 3 + Open-air ground 1

Personal protective equipment

Hall 1 and 3

INTERSCHUTZ 2010

Control station and signaling technology

Hall 3

Information and organization technology

Hall 3

Equipment for fire stations and
workshops

Hall 1, 5

Building and construction industry,
structural and organisational fire
protection

Hall 1, 5

Associations, organizations, services

Hall 1, 2, 3, 5

Measuring and detection apparatus

Hall 3

Trade literature, model making, gift items

Hall 1, 2, 4

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

n n

Beiucher 1

The benefits of
exhibiting at the
show

The No.1 event in the industry calendar

Unique concept

INTERSCHUTZ 2010

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Press Centre
Entrance

Station Leipzig
Messe

EC-Cash

dispensing

machine

Heliport

Business

Lounge

First aid

Restaurant

Fair shop

Parking

Shop

Cafe

Airport-City-

Shuffle

Police

Taxi

□

Customs

Tram line 16

Forwarding

Agencies

Tram

MaxicoM

Bus Stop

(Euro-Asia
Business Group)

Efficient business platform

International audience

At INTERSCHUTZ you'll meet top decision-makers
from all over the world. This gives you ready
access to profitable new markets.

Barometer of trends

Attention guaranteed

An extensive advertising campaign and an attrac-
tive program of events serve to generate and
maintain the interest of visitors and the media.

Excellent facilities

The modern exhibition complex in Leipzig with its
fascinating steel and glass architecture provides
you with everything you need in terms of both
organization and technical facilities.

Reasonably priced entry

For as little as Euro 5,321 (plus VAT) you can book
a 20 m 2 fair-package system stand, fully fitted and
ready to go - and enjoy all the benefits of exhibit-
ing at INTERSCHUTZ.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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MINIMAX

£W Jirur* '
fist Proitchnt itf

HALL 5, BVFA STAND NO. F78
HALL 1, VBBD STAND NO. H38

At INTERSCHUTZ, Minimax, a firm world leader
in fire protection, presents new visual product
highlights of mobile fire protection: design fire
extinguishers and wall hydrants. In addition to
this, innovative developments for smoke and heat
exhaust venting systems will be unveiled. Concern-
ing system operation, visitors at INTERSCHUTZ will
be introduced to the 'Smart Systems' compact
systems with easy assembly.

Functional safety, durability and the best 'Made
in Germany' quality - Minimax Mobile Services has
developed its new generation of fire extinguishers
based on this pledge. As a fire extinguisher pro-
ducer with the highest rate of vertical integration,
we use complex quality control procedures to
guarantee standards at every production stage.

The Minimax design extinguishers not only
ensure safety, but also add stylish design touches.
Thanks to the four new versions - the refined
Edition Line, the Logo Line, the unique Individual
Line and the exclusive Luxury Line - you can now
let your creativity run free.

The design wall hydrants in the Minimax Pres-
tige Line & Future are also guaranteed to be the
stylish centre of attention. This individual combina-
tion of reliable protection and style is currently
only offered by Minimax Mobile Services - the
company has received exclusivity rights for distrib-
ution in Germany.

The smoke and heat exhaust venting stairwell
system provides effective smoke ventilation in the
event of a fire, thus ensuring vital smoke-free
escape and rescue routes. Reliable smoke removal
from lift shafts in accordance with the valid EnEV
law is guaranteed by the new lift shaft smoke
extraction system (LiSE), which will be unveiled for
the first time at INTERSCHUTZ.

The product portfolio offered by the new Mini-
max sales branch, Smart Systems Sales, consists of
pre-assembled fire protection systems with easy
installation. Examples of this are the active extin-
guishing system OneU and the MX 1230 or MX
200 compact extinguishing systems. The Smart
Systems can be used almost anywhere where

compact systems optimally meet fire protection
requirements and can be installed without com-
plex assembly procedures.

Unified, structured and effective - this is the
motto of the new operations control for the ELSA
field staff service, which ensures that capacities are
used optimally and effectively, whilst also greatly
reducing reaction times for emergency services.

Press contact:

Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
Business Unit Technologies
Marketing: Airi Loddoch
Tel: +49 4531 803-495
Fax: +49 4531 803-500
Email: LoddochA@minimax.de
www.minimax.de

MSA

AA5A

The Safety Company
HALL 3, STAND NO. A74

MSA has once again redefined the high perfor-
mance multi-gas detector with the new ALTAIR 5.
Capable of measuring up to six gases simultan-
eously, the ALTAIR 5 can be fitted with a wide
range of both toxic and infra-red sensors, providing
the flexibility required to meet most applications.
There is even the option to have a diffusion
instrument or one with a built-in pump.

The multifunctional alarms, MotionAlert and
InstantAlert, are standard on the ALTAIR 5. When
enabled, the MotionAlert with motion detector
alerts anyone in the vicinity if the user is in distress
with audible and visual alarms. The user can also
alert anyone nearby with a 3 second button press,
activating the InstantAlert alarm. The ALTAIR 5
comes with the proven high performance triple
alarm system, 24 hour bump test checkmark and
comprehensive data-logging facility as standard.

On top of this ALTAIR 5 can offer the Wireless
USB option that allows the integration into the
alpha Personal Network. This monitoring and
alarm system consists of modular and wireless
components. These can be individually integrated
to enable those wearing breathing apparatus and
portable gas detection equipment to be easily
monitored by sending information to a central
control station. Gas readings and alarms can now
be transmitted and displayed in real time.

Gas concentrations and other data can be seen
at a glance via the full graphical monochrome dis-
play or the optional high resolution colour display
which provides simple yet comprehensive informa-
tion instantly and can be customised with a
company logo.

The rechargeable battery provides up to 15
hours of continuous operation from a charge time
of up to six hours. With reliability a key factor,
ALTAIR 5 has an extremely durable rubberized
housing for water and dust ingress protection (IP
65). An intuitive three button operation ensures
the ALTAIR 5 is extremely easy to use even when
wearing gloves and the 18 pre-programmed

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Dr Sthamer - Hamburg
Fire Fighting Foams

Synthetic Foams

• Moussol APS

• Moussol FF

• Sthamex AFFF

• Sthamex

• Sthamex class A

Protein Foams

• Fluor-Foamousse

• Foamousse FFFP

• Foamousse OMEGA

• Foamousse

Ready To Use Foams

• Fettex

• Mousseal-C

• Mousseal-CF

• Mousseal-ATC

Training Foams
24/7

EMERGENCY
SUPPLIES
+49 40 7361680

We offer a comprehensive range of high performance and environmentally friendly foams.

Dr.STHAMER

Head Office and Factory Hamburg

Liebigstrasse 5 • D-22113 Hamburg

Phone +49 40 736168-0

Telefax +49 40 736168-60

E-Mail: info@sthamer.com • www.sthamer.com

International Sales Contact

Mr. Jan Knappert

Phone +44 (0) 7795 101770

E-mail: jknappert@sthamer.com

D D Cl/I C1AI

INTERSCHUTZ 2010

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languages further enhance its user acceptance all
over the world.

The GALAXY is the ALTAIR 5's perfect com-
panion providing automated record keeping,
calibration, testing and charging system.

The versatile ALTAIR 5 can be configured for
individual requirements to suit a myriad of applica-
tions in and beyond the following industries: oil
and gas, chemicals, steel and iron, utilities, fire ser-
vice, waste water, civil engineering and contractors.

For further information please contact your
local MSA representative or check our
website www.msa-europe.com.

NFPA

[ 5 ]

NFPA

HALL 3, STAND NO. B76

NFPA is an international, private, nonprofit mem-
bership organization founded in 1896 as the
National Fire Protection Association. Today, with
more than 81,000 members representing nearly
100 nations and 320 employees around the world,
NFPA serves as the world's leading advocate of fire
prevention and is an authoritative source on public
safety. In fact, NFPA's 300 codes and standards
influence every building, process, service, design,
and installation in the United States, as well as
many of those used in other countries.

NFPA codes and standards have helped save
lives and protect property around the world. The
volunteers and staff of NFPA are dedicated to the
single mission of continually enhancing public
safety. That dedication can be seen in the
codes and standards that are adopted - docu-
ments developed through NFPA's commitment to
creating a true consensus among those interested
in safety.

NFPA's mission to save lives and property from
fire and other hazards isn't limited by national
boundaries. Over the past decade, NFPA has trans-
formed itself from a national organization with
international influence to a truly international
organization. We have established offices in
Canada, Mexico, France and China, and many of
our codes have been translated into Spanish,
French, Portuguese, Chinese and Korean. We've
established collaborative relationships with our
counterparts around the world, and not a week
passes that we don't get visitors from other coun-
tries. We also conduct seminars worldwide and
host hundreds of international visitors during our
annual member meeting NFPA's Congress and
Exposition.

Further information:

One Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169
Tel: +1-617-770-3000
www.nfpa.org

SOLBERG

HALL 5, STAND NO. F29

Solberg Scandinavian "The Foam Experts" are
renowned for their forward thinking and active
Research and Development program. They pride
themselves on being at the forefront of new,
state-of-the-art technology and indeed are proud
to be able to offer our customers the very latest in
PFC free Foams.

We are now pleased to be able to add two new
innovative products.

Customers have told us that there is a need for
a multi-purpose foam for use on both Class \A'
and Class \B' fires. Solberg Scandinavian's R&D
team got to work and has developed an addition
to its PFC Free foam range, which we have called
'Re-Healing Foam MB'.

The benefits and characteristics of this new
foam is that it can be used at 0.5% on Class \A'
fires, and 3% on Class \B' hydrocarbon fires,
including Bio-Fuels from E5 right up to E85. This
pseudoplastic foam concentrate can be used with
most of the existing proportioning systems and it
can be used at low, medium or high expansion
(800:1). A further benefit to this new product is its
ability to adhere to vertical surfaces creating a
thermal barrier from radiated heat and allowing
constant cooling as water ebbs from the foam
bubble structure. This new feature gives fire fight-
ers the opportunity to seal surrounding risks while
they extinguish the main fire.

Sealing and controlling ammonia spills is
extremely difficult due to the constant boiling of
the ammonia at ambient temperatures destroying
a conventional foam blanket. It requires a new
product to secure and prevent any further escala-
tion. Solberg Scandinavian is pleased to be able to
announce a new state-of-the-art foam concen-
trate designed specifically to resolve this issue. It is
an addition to the PFC Free range of foams and is
called 'Re-Healing Foam H+'.

'Re-Healing Foam H+' is specifically manufac-
tured to deal with ammonia spills, allowing fire-
fighters to control and secure an incident without
compromising safety.

For more information on these new products and
to review our current range of PFC Free foams which
include Re-Healing Foams RF3 & RF6 for hydrocarbon
fires, Re-Healing Foam RF3x6 ATC for polar solvent
fires, Fire Brake a USDL listed Class 'A' Foam and of
course our Solberg TF5X Training foam please visit us
at the Interschutz Exhibition in Hall 5 Stand F29

Solberg with offices in Norway, UK and Australia
is an innovative, forward thinking foam manufac-
turer and very aware of its environmental responsi-
bilities. At Interschutz, this company has decided to
focus 100% on their PFC free foam range.

Besides the Fire-Brake class A product, often just
at forest fires and also suitable for tyre-fires they
would like to inform visitors also about their PFC
free Class A and B product line: Re-Healing Foam™

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

\ EUSEBI I M PI ANTI

m AUTOMATIC FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

oil & gas plants

power and nuclear plants

I industrial facilities
chemical plants

logistic centers and malls
navy and shipbuilding
military applications
civil applications

INTERSCHUTZ

Eusebi Impianti srl is pleased to invite
you to visit its stand, F 53 Halt 5 ,
during next Interschutz exhibition
that will take place from 7 to 12 june in Leipzig

www.eusebigroup.com
EUSEBI IMPIANTI srl

Via M. Natalucci. 6-60131 ANCONA Tel. +39.071.9504900 - Fax +39 071.2865099

www.euaebMmpianti.it eusebi@eusebi-impianti.it

D D C\/l C1AI

INTERSCHUTZ 2010

r K t V 1 1 VV

Within this group their are two new products:
One, Re-Healing Foam MB, especially designed for
the municipal fire-brigades, it is suitable for extin-
guishing Class A fires as well as Hydrocarbon fires
including bio-fuels El 5 up to E95. The other new
product is Re-Healing Foam H+(+ at right top corner)
which can be used to cover Ammonia-spills.

We like to welcome everybody on our Stand no
F29 which you can find in Hall 5.

SPP PUMPS LTD

HALL 1, STAND NO. FI 5

SPP Pumps Ltd is the world's leading specialist
manufacturer of quality fire protection products
including fire pumps, pump packages, pre-fabri-
cated pump houses and fire pump system remote
monitoring solutions. Unrivaled experience in
design and manufacture together with advanced
testing and accreditation ensures the utmost in
equipment reliability.

SPP fire pumps are proud to comply with the
demanding requirements of the Loss Prevention
Certification Board (LPCB), Factory Mutual
Approvals (FM), Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

(UL), APSAD, CNBOP, ZUS, PSB and ANPI.

You will find SPP products in major airports, oil
and gas installations, in many of the tallest, most
prestigious buildings around the world and in the
channel tunnel between the UK and France. In
fact, you will find SPP fire pumps wherever people
and property need to be protected from the
devastation of fire.

The protection of life is not a matter for com-
promise. This is particularly true for fire protection
systems where they are only as strong as their
Xweakest link'. Any compromise could result in
avoidable loss of life or property.

That is why SPP fire pump products are
designed specifically for the very particular needs
of fire protection and are approved by most of the
major fire protection bodies around the world.

Fire pump approvals are essential for the peace of
mind of those that build, operate or use buildings.
The approval demonstrates that an independent
assessment has been made of the fire pump manu-
facturers' products and processes and maintain that
they conform to current industry standards.

See a demonstration of the latest SPP remote
monitoring capability on stand FI 5, in Hall 1 .

VICTAULIC

\As.

■ctaulic

Quality Fire
Resistance Testing

Fire resistance test equipment for indicative testing
and certification of horizontal and vertical specimens,
including columns, beams & ducts. Suppliers to national
certification laboratories worldwide . M

/ FURNACE

/ CONSTRUCTION
fCo. Ltd.

Newton Moor Industrial Estate, Hyde, Cheshire
SK14 4LF, United Kingdom.

Tel: 0161 368 8419
Fax: 0161 368 3813

Email: sales@furnace-construction.co.uk

lurgical Heat Treatment Furnace
Non-Ferrous Melting Furnaces

; ■ Kilns for Advanced Ceramics
Cremators and Incinerators

HALL 1, STAND NO. J62

Victaulic, the world leader in mechanical pipe join-
ing systems, is showcasing its latest fire protection
solutions at INTERSCHUTZ. The main product on
show will be its new FireLockEZ® Style 009H Rigid
Coupling with its pre-assembled, no-loose-parts
approach to installation.

Based on feedback from contractors, the revolu-
tionary FireLockEZ® Style 009H Rigid Coupling is
designed as a lightweight, installation-ready cou-
pling. It is a fast, simple coupling solution that is safe
to install, even with hand tools, and delivers a solid
performance. It has no loose parts to drop or cause
injury, ships to the jobsite ready to install and offers
the fastest installation times currently on the market.

The Style 009H Rigid Coupling is available in
DN32 - DN1 00/42.4 - 114.3mm sizes and is FM
and VdS Approved and cULus Listed for fire protec-
tion services up to 2517 kpa/365 psi. Frank
Lewandowsky, Fire Protection Manager for Victaulic
in Germany, comments: "We have chosen to show-
case the FireLockEZ® Style 009H Rigid Coupling at
INTERSCHUTZ as it is central in terms of cost, time
and maintenance benefits for any consultant
involved in the design, installation or management
of a fire protection system. With the built-in speed
of installation of the FireLockEZ® Style 009H Rigid
Coupling, we are expecting the range to be very
popular throughout Europe and internationally."

Victaulic fire protection products are employed in
some of the world's most prestigious building pro-
jects, such as the Sony Centre in Berlin, the Alexan-
dria Library in Egypt, the Grand Media Towers in
Indonesia and the Shanghai World Financial Centre.

For more information, visit
www.victaulic.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE SUPPRESSION SOLUTIONS

FIRE & HAZARD CONTROL

CHEMGUARD

THE GLOBAL LEADER IN FLUOROSURFACTANT AND FOAM CONCENTRATE TECHNOLOGY

AND

WILLIAMS FIRE & HAZARD CONTROL

THE GLOBAL LEADER IN FLAMMABLE LIQUID FIRE FIGHTING

(r) (r)

Chemguard now manufactures the complete line of Williams Thunderstorm and T-STORM products,
including the premiere fire-fighting foam concentrate, F-601B 1x3 AR-AFFF.

www.chemguard.com

www.williamsfire.com

What's the
>t way to si

| That's why Dynax developed DX5022!

DX5022 is the Foam Stabilizer of choice by AR-Agent producers worldwide.

DX5022 allows agent producers to formulate 3x3 and 1x1 AR-Agents with little or no polysaccharide
gums - Newtonian agents meeting international standards are now possible!

DX5022 is neither derived from nor does it degrade into PFOA. DX5022 meets the US EPA PFOA
Stewardship objectives of 2010/2015. And DX5022 has low aquatic and mammalian toxicity.

DX5022: Performance Profile

H DX5022; Environmental Profile

Provides superior performance on acetone,
ethanol and gasohol

Reduces or eliminates the need for
polysaccharide gums

Can be formulated into Newtonian 3X3 or
1X1 AR-Agents

Can be formulated into products that meet
EN 1568 and UL 162

Neither derived from nor degrades into PFOA
Relatively harmless to Fingerling Rainbow Trout
Relatively harmless to Daphnia magna
No harmful oral toxicity (rat)

No skin or significant eye irritation (rabbit)

Has low viscosity for ease of handling in production

Additional product information available. Just call us.

DYNAX CORPORATION
PO Box 285, Pound Ridge, NY 10576 USA
T 914 764 0202 techinfo@dynaxcorp.com

F 914 764 0553 www.dynaxcorp.com

FOAMS

The Phaseout That
Didn't Happen

AFFF Foams Move into the Future

By Tom Cortina

It has been ten years since 3M sent a shock wave through the fire protection
industry with their announcement that they would end production of PFOS-
based AFFF foams because of environmental issues with the fluorosurfactants
they contained. This is also about the time that many so-called "experts" said
that all AFFF foams would be phased out of production for similar environmental
reasons. Instead, telomer-based AFFF foams continue to be the agent of choice
to protect against flammable liquid fires, and manufacturers have developed
enhanced foam formulations with reduced environmental impacts that can be
used well into the future. Why were the experts wrong in their predictions?

Fire Fighting Foams
Coalition

Halon experience colors industry view

P art of the reason for the speculation about a
possible phaseout of AFFF foam after the 3M
announcement was that at the time, the fire
protection industry's only real experience with
environmental regulation was the phaseout of
halons as ozone-depleting substances. Based on
this experience many people in the industry
assumed that this is how environmental regulation
works; a chemical is determined to have some
negative impact and is banned from future pro-
duction. In reality, however, the phaseout of
ozone-depleting substances was a unique situa-
tion. Most environmental regulation focuses on
the toxicity of a substance and has the goals of
reducing emissions to the environment and expo-
sure to humans. Very rarely are chemicals actually
banned from production. For ozone-depleting sub-
stances, the focus was atmospheric effects and it

was determined that the only way for the ozone
layer to recover fully was to end the worldwide
production of these chemicals.

The other reason for speculating about a pos-
sible phaseout of AFFF was business related. Com-
panies selling non-fluorosurfactant foams saw an
opportunity to use the negative publicity surround-
ing the 3M announcement as a way to enhance
sales of these less effective alternatives. Unfortu-
nately that practice continues today, even though
it seems clear that global regulation of AFFF is not
on the horizon. We continue to see articles in fire
protection journals from manufacturers of fluo-
rine-free foams that contain misleading and in
some cases false information about the environ-
mental impacts and future regulation of AFFF. The
strange thing about this situation is that many of
these same companies also sell AFFF. If they actually
believe what they write in these articles, that

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

C n A M c

THE PHASEOUT THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN

r ft! j

facility for a relatively low cost.

All current manufacturers in
the US and Europe use a
process called telomerization to
produce the fluorosurfactants
contained in their fire fighting
foams. Chemicals produced by
this process are generally
referred to as telomers. Telom-
er-based foams do not contain
or degrade into PFOS. They are
not made with PFOA, but may
contain trace levels as a conta-
minant of the manufacturing
process. It should be noted that
there is continued production of
PFOS-based materials for AFFF
applications in China despite
the restrictions in other regions
of the world.

fluorosurfactant foams are not safe for the
environment, why do they continue to sell
the products?

Focus on fluorosurfactants

Historically, most of the environmental concern
related to fire fighting foams has focused on
aquatic toxicity and residual foaming, which can
be a concern for local waterways and sewage
treatment systems, and are common problems for
all foams 1 . Starting about ten years ago the focus
shifted to the fluorosurfactants that are a key
ingredient in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF).
Fluorosurfactants provide AFFF with the required
low surface tension and positive spreading coeffi-
cient that enables film formation on top of lighter
fuels. It is this film formation capability that gives
AFFF its name and its effectiveness against
flammable liquid fires. AFFF agents provide rapid
extinguishment, burnback resistance, and protec-
tion against vapor release.

Fluorosurfactants and related fluorochemical
polymers are used in many applications besides
fire fighting foams including paper and packaging,
textiles, leather and carpet treatment, and coat-
ings. Some of these fluorochemicals and/or their
persistent degradation products have been found
in living organisms, which has drawn the concern
of environmental authorities worldwide and led to
both regulatory and non-regulatory actions to
reduce emissions. The focus of these actions has
been on fluorochemicals that contain eight car-
bons (C8) or more such as PFOS (perfluorooctane
sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid).

3M used a unique process to manufacture the
fluorochemical surfactants contained in its fire
fighting foams. This process is called electrochemi-
cal fluorination (ECF), and fluorochemicals pro-
duced by this process both contain and degrade
into PFOS. 3M stopped the manufacture of
PFOS-based foams in 2002, and regulations in the
United States (US), Canada, and the European
Union (EU) act as a ban on new production. EPA
regulations do not restrict the use of old stocks of
PFOS foam in the US. Regulations in the EU and
Canada require old stocks of PFOS foam to be
removed from service in 2011 and 2013, res-
pectively. Excess stocks of PFOS foam concentrate
can be destroyed by high temperature incineration
at any approved hazardous waste destruction

Global stewardship approach

Rather than regulate emissions of PFOA, the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed
a global stewardship program that has been
adopted by other countries such as Canada. Under
the program eight fluorochemical manufacturers
have voluntarily agreed to reduce 95% by year-
end 2010 and work to eliminate by year-end 201 5
both plant emissions and product content of
PFOA, PFOA precursors, and related higher homo-
logue chemicals. As a result, telomer-based fluoro-
chemicals that are used in fire fighting foams are
likely to transition to only six carbons (C6) or fewer
in order to comply with the global stewardship
program. This will require some reformulation and
likely some type of re-approval of most current
AFFF, FP, and FFFP foam products between 2010
and 2015. There are telomer-based AFFF agents
that have been on the market for decades that
contain greater than 95% C6 fluorosurfactants
and meet the world's most challenging foam
standards, so manufacturers are confident that
the new products will retain all of the same fire
suppression capabilities as existing AFFF agents.

Environmental update

Over the past several years makers of telomer-
based products, not surprisingly, have undertaken
more intensive study of the toxicology and envi-
ronmental fate of their products. For AFFF this
research has focused on the predominant break-
down product of the C6 fluorosurfactants they
contain, which is commonly referred to as the 6:2
fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) 2 . Although there
have been articles and conference presentations
that claim the 6:2 FTS to be a PFOS analog, the
scientific data do not support this allegation. A
broad range of existing data indicate that 6:2 FTS
is not similar to PFOS in either its physical or eco-
toxicological properties 3 - 4 ' 5 ' 6 . Recent studies on
AFFF fluorosurfactants likely to break down to 6:2
FTS show it to be generally low in acute, sub-
chronic, and aquatic toxicity, and neither a genetic
nor developmental toxicant. Both the AFFF fluoro-
surfactant and 6:2 FTS were significantly lower
than PFOS when tested in biopersistence screening
studies that provide a relative measure of bioup-
take and clearance 7 . Aerobic biodegradation stud-
ies of 6:2 FTS in activated sludge have been
conducted to better understand its environmental

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

AFFF Foams . . .

So everyone
will make it home
safely tonight.

Today’s advanced AFFF agents:

■ Are most effective to fight flammable liquid fires.

■ Provide the best extinguishment and burnback performance.

■ Have minimal environmental impact.

■ Have a low toxicity and biopersistence profile.

■ Are approved by global regulatory agencies.

Fire

Fighting

Foam

Coalition

www.fffc.org

by Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products

omrec

Fire Fighting Foams & Equipment

Foam Concentrates and Foam Systems

for all applications

DAFO FOMTEC AB P.O Box 683 SE-1 35 26 Tyreso Sweden

Phone: +46 8 506 405 66 Fax: +46 8 506 405 29
E-mail: info@fomtec.com Web: www.fomtec.com

omrec

Fire Fighting Foams & Equipment

THE PHASEOUT THAT DIDNT HAPPEN

C n A M c

rUAivi j

fate. Preliminary results were reported at the
Reebok foam conference in July 2009 and a
publication is in preparation 8 .

Work has also been done on a possible contam-
inant that may be found in trace quantities in
AFFF-type fluorosurfactants: perfluorohexanoic
acid (PFHxA). Extensive data on PFHxA were
presented at an EPA PFOA Information Forum in
June 2006 that gave a very favorable initial toxi-
cology (hazard) profile 9 ' 10 . Additional information
was presented in September 2007 at a major foam
conference in the UK (Reebok) that further sup-
ported the favorable toxicology profile of PFHxA 11 .
Preliminary data were shared on four major toxi-
cology end points: sub-chronic toxicity in rats,
reproductive toxicity in rats, developmental toxicity
in rats, and genetic toxicity. It was noted at this
conference that PFHxA was neither a selective
reproductive nor a selective developmental toxi-
cant. In addition it was clearly shown to be neither
genotoxic nor mutagenic. Combining these data
with those presented in June 2006 provides signifi-
cant evidence that this particular end product has
a low hazard profile based on current data.

Fluorine-free foams

Foam manufacturers continue to evaluate many
types of potential products that do not contain
fluorosurfactants, but efforts to date have not
yielded working products with fire performance
across all fuels and in all operational circumstances
equal to film-forming foams. Some fluorine-free
foams can provide an alternative to AFFF in some
applications, but they are not currently able to
provide the same level of fire suppression capabili-
ty, flexibility, and scope of usage. A recent paper
from the University of Newcastle shows that stan-
dard AFFF foam can suppress n-heptane vapor for
140 minutes, while the best available fluorine-free
foam under the same conditions held for only 60
minutes 12 .

Fluorine-free foams are often championed as
"environmentally-friendly" alternatives to AFFF.
Although such foams may not contain fluorine,
their environmental profile related to biodegrada-
tion, acute toxicity, chemical oxygen demand
(COD), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is
typically no better than fluorine-containing pro-
ducts and in many cases is not as environmentally
responsible in use as AFFF. A recent study of
commercially available fire fighting foam agents

indicates that fluorine-free foams are at least an
order of magnitude higher in aquatic toxicity than
AFFF agents 13 .

Moving forward

AFFF and fluorochemical manufacturers have
worked closely with environmental authorities over
the past decade, and are currently doing the
research and testing necessary to incorporate into
their AFFF formulations the new fluorochemicals
that are being developed to comply with global
stewardship programs. This work will ensure that
safe and effective AFFF agents that meet new and
challenging environmental requirements will
continue to be available to fight flammable liquid
fires in military, aircraft, industrial, and municipal
settings. 03

References

1 Environmental Impacts of Fire Fighting Foams by
William H. Rupert, Daniel P. Verdonik, and Christo-
pher Hanauska of Hughes Associates, Inc. (2005)

2 Quantitative Determination of Fluorotelomer
Sulfonates in Groundwater by LC MS/MS, Melissa
M. Schultz, Douglas F. Barofsky and Jennifer Field,
Environmental. Sci. Technol. 2004, 38, 1828-1835

3 DuPont 2007a. H-27901: Static, Acute 96-Hour
Toxicity Test with Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus
mykiss. Unpublished report, DuPont-21909.

4 DuPont 2007b. H-27901: Static, Acute 48-Hour
Toxicity Test with Daphnia magna. Unpublished
report, DuPont-21910

5 DuPont 2007c. H-27901: Static, 72-Hour Growth
Inhibition Toxicity Test with the Green Alga,
Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Unpublished report,
DuPont-22048.

6 DuPont 2007d. H-27901: Early Life-Stage Toxicity
to the Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.
Unpublished report, DuPont 22219.

7 Serex, T. et al, 2008. Evaluation of Biopersistence
Potential Among Classes of Polyfluorinated Chemi-
cals using a Mammalian Screening Method. SOT
2008 Poster #958

8 Aerobic biodegradation studies of 6:2 fluo-
rotelomer sulfonate in activated sludge, N. Wang et
al, DuPont, manuscript in preparation, 2010

9 Chengalis, C.P, Kirkpatrick, J.B., Radovsky, A.,
Shinohara, M., 2009a A 90-day repeated dose oral
gavage toxicity study of perfluorohexanoic acid
(PFHxA) in rats (with functional observational
battery and motor activity determinations). Reprod.
Toxicol. 27, 342-351.

10 Chengalis, C.P, Kirkpatrick, J.B., Myers, N.R.,
Shinohara, M., Stetson, PI., Sved, D.W., 2009b
Comparison of the toxicokinetic behavior of
perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and nonafluorobu-
tane -1 -sulfonic acid (PFBS) in monkeys and rats.
Reprod. Toxicol. 27, 400-406.

11 Loveless, S.E., Slezak, B., Serex, T., Lewis, J.,
Mukerji, P, O'Connor, J.C., Donner, E.M., Frame,
S.R., Korzeniowski, S.H., Buck, R.C., Toxicological
evaluation of sodium perfluorohexanoate. Toxicolo-
gy 264 (2009) 32-44.

12 Schaefer T.H., Dlugogorski B.Z. and Kennedy E.
M., "Vapour suppression of n-heptane with fire
fighting foams using laboratory flux chamber", 7th
Asia-Oceania Symp. Fire Scie. Tech, (in review).

13 96-hour LC50 Value in Fathead Minnows (flow-
through test), Report of tests on six fire fighting
foam agents performed by Aqua Survey Inc., Flem-
ington, New Jersey, USA and 96-hour LC50 Test in
Fingerling Rainbow Trout, Report of tests on six fire
fighting foams agents performed by Harris Industrial
Testing Service Ltd., Nova Scotia, Canada

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

International Water Mist
Conference 2010

03 - 04 November

Prague, Czech Republic

The 10th International Water Mist Conference is presented

in conjunction with independent member institutions

Please see

www.iwma.net

for more information

The second day of the conference will be held in a water mist protected building.
A tour through the building will be offered to the attendees.

Registration

Name First Name

Organization Address

Tel,- Fax: E-mail:

Payment received on or before 77 June Members 460 Euro Non-Members 520 Euro

Payment received after 27 June Members 520 Euro Non -Members 560 Euro

On-Site Registration Members 640 Euro Non -Members 600 Euro

□ Bank transfer □ Credit Card* 'Payment by credit card available for attendees outside Europe through Paypal

CXate Signature

Fax or mal this registration form to Internaltonai Water Mist Association Btederltzer Sir S, 0-381 75 Heyrolheberge, Germany,
or register online at www.lwma.net

Phone +49 - 392 92 • 690 25

Fax +49 - 392 92 - 690 26

E-mail info@iwma.net

Mikado House
equipment. Pic courtesy
N oven co

By Matthias Ecke

Secretary General,
International Water Mist
Association

WATER MIST

Modern water
Mist Technology

The history of modern water mist technology for fire-fighting has been discussed
in detail in one of the last articles by the International Water Mist Association,
and the specific advantages and efficient fire-fighting capabilities of water mist
are widely known by now.

W ater mist technology at present has
become a well accepted and well estab-
lished fire-fighting technique throughout
the world. However, the rather slow development
and introduction of mandatory standards prevents
this technology from spreading even faster.

30 years ago the ban of Halon as extinguishing
agent and new requirements by the International
Maritime Organization to install marine sprinklers
on passenger ships mainly leveled the way for so
called modern water mist systems.

When the first Halon systems were replaced by
water mist systems about three decades ago, one
could find very often the perception that water
mist systems have to always extinguish fires. How-
ever, these systems can also be designed to control
or suppress potential fires as we usually see in
applications where conventional sprinklers are
being installed. This is just a question of the objec-
tive that is pursued.

Water mist systems are more and more
designed as sprinkler equivalent systems where
fire control or fire suppression is the required

objective. Today we find a considerable and large
variety of different applications for water mist sys-
tems around the globe. However, what are these
applications? This article intends to give some
answers and will address some real life sample
installations where the fire-fighting capabilities of
modern water mist systems are actually utilized.

The Oasis of the Sea - state of the art
vessel yard technology meets state of
the art fire-fighting technology

The International Maritime Organization has been
revealed as one of the driving forces for modern
water mist technology. At the beginning of the
90's the IMO had to realize that new requirements
for the safety of lives on passenger ships had to be
brought into force. The serious fire catastrophe on
the passenger ferry Scandinavian Star in April
1990 is considered the key moment for the devel-
opment of these new requirements. It became
rapidly obvious that conventional sprinklers are not
applicable due to the big amount of water needed
and the heavy piping. Particularly high pressure

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

WATER MIST

Oasis of the Seas.

Pic courtesy STX Europe

Technical Library.
Pic Courtesy Fog tec

water mist systems are considered an excellent
protection technology onboard passenger ships.
Up until now a few hundred water mist systems
have been installed on passenger vessels. One of
the newest and most famous cruise liners carrying
a water mist system is the Oasis of the Seas.

The vessel was built by Aker Yards, Turku,
Finland, for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and was
delivered on the 28th of October 2009. This ship is
currently the largest passenger cruise vessel in the
world. It is 361 meters long, 47 meters wide and
65 meters high. The 225.000 gross tones Oasis of
the Seas is able to carry 5400 passengers. It pro-
vides 2700 cabins to accommodate its passengers,
and all cabins are protected by the high pressure
water mist system. Besides that the public and ser-
vices spaces such as shopping and storage areas
are equipped with the water mist system, too.
Moreover, the laundry and galley ducts as well as
the deep fat fryers in the kitchen area are protected
by water mist nozzles. Finally, an additional water
mist system in the machinery provides a higher
level of safety than actually required.

Altogether roughly 15,000 high pressure water
mist nozzles have been installed and approximately
90 kilometers piping of different diameters has
been mounted into the vessel. The whole system is
divided into 126 sprinkler zones driven by two
electric pump units.

The National Technical Library Prague -
modern architecture combined with
modern fire-fighting technology

Whilst one can observe a rather steady market for
marine solutions, the market for land based appli-
cations is on the contrary constantly growing with
growth rates in the two digit area. An interesting
example for a water mist installation in an impres-
sive new building is the National Technical Library
in Prague.

This building has been constructed between
2006 and 2009 and was opened to the public in
September 2009. The building consists of 6 above-
ground floors and 3 basement floors. The
coverage for each floor is approximately 5200m 2 .
The library accommodates on these floors book-
shelves, lecture areas, exhibition areas, bookshops,
a cafeteria, a night study room and other areas.

According to the architects they intended to
create "comfortable ambience for study mutual
meetings and relaxation" and underlined the
social importance of such a meeting point.

The architects and the owner of the building
have chosen high pressure water mist for the pro-
tection of this building because of a number of
reasons. First of all fire tests have proven that the
system can effectively protect the building and the
interior by using considerably less water. Due to
that the expected water and overall damage
would be much lower. Moreover, the system
would not endanger any visitors in the case of a
fire and would allow people to rather escape
controlled. Furthermore, the small dimension and
the design of the stainless steel piping (piping is
visible) lead to the fact that this system could be
integrated harmoniously into the architecture of
this modern library. Additionally, the significantly
less amount of water to be stored for the system
was another reason to choose this technology.

Altogether 4000 glass bulb nozzles have been
installed in this building and 20 kilometers of pipe
work has been mounted. The objective is the
control of any fire incident. The fire brigade is
expected to arrive within 1 5 minutes.

Finally, this building provides also modern meet-
ing facilities, and the next IWMA conference in
Prague on November 3-4, 2010, will be held
partly in this building. Please see www.iwma.net
for further information.

The Felbertauern tunnel - innovative
solutions put into practice

The major fire accidents in tunnels some years ago
lead to a heavy discussion about appropriate safety
measures in traffic tunnels. It can be observed that
accidents involving burning cars or trucks in
tunnels occurring rather often. However and
fortunately, these fires do not always trigger big
catastrophes as seen in the past. In September
2008 for example a truck caught fire in the
Tauerntunnel. Fortunately the truck was carrying
fruits and, therefore, the fire brigade was able to
prevent a disaster. Even a relatively small fire, how-
ever, can severely damage the tunnel infrastructure

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

MODERN WATER MIST TECHNOLOGY

1AIATED MICT

VVAI tK IVII 3 1

since extreme temperatures are reached within
minutes. Therefore, it is very important for tunnels
to suppress potential fires immediately at its origin
without any time delay. Fixed fire-fighting systems
are able to provide this safety, and water mist sys-
tems have been found to be an efficient solution
for the safety objectives in traffic tunnels. Today a
number of water mist systems have been already
applied to tunnels, and the Felbertauern tunnel
shall be named as one example. This tunnel is 5.3
kilometers long and is bi-directional. Due to the
missing second tube that could be used for escape
the installation of a fire suppression system is of
utmost importance. The tunnel was divided into
148 sections and 8000 high pressure water mist
nozzles have been installed. Two diesel driven
pump units are located in the north of the tunnel
and two pump units are located at the south end
of the tunnel. These aggregates ensure the neces-
sary water supply. The detection system is able to
locate a fire with an accuracy of four meters. The
immediate suppression of the fire at its origin pre-
vents the fire from spreading to other vehicles and
ensures a cooling of the surrounding atmosphere.
The temperatures are kept at a low level and the
structure of the tunnel, particularly the concrete, is
protected from severe temperature levels that
would heavily damage the tunnel itself. Further-
more, people are able to escape from the fire
under rather safe conditions.

Mikado House - a new office building in
Copenhagen

Reference has been made already to the increasing
number of land based applications, and this devel-
opment does not exclusively refer to high pressure
water mist systems which normally operate around
lOObar. The number of buildings accommodated
with low pressure water mist systems does
constantly increase as well. One of the newest
projects carried out is the so called Mikado House
in Copenhagen, Denmark. The building is an
office building with lots of open spaces and an
atrium as well. The premises consist of 5 floors
and the total floor area is 32,000m 2 . This office
building is equipped with a low pressure water
mist system operating at about lObar. In this case

there is no water storage and the system is directly
connected to the main water supply. The pressure
pump will provide the necessary pressure if the
system operates. The low pressure water mist
system combines all the benefits that are known
by now. The system uses less water, the piping is
smaller and the expected damage is considered
less. Furthermore, the system provides excellent
cooling of the environment. In total 2300 nozzles
have been installed in this building.

international Water Mist Conference

2010

The forthcoming International Water Mist Confer-
ence 2010 will take place this year in Prague,
Czech Republic, on November 03-04.

The conference is open to anybody and will be
an excellent opportunity for those responsible for
selecting fire protection to extent the knowledge
about water mist technology.

The conference will be held partly at a confer-
ence hotel and the National TEchnical Library
Prague which is a water mist protected buidling.
Attendees, and particularly newcomers, will have
the opportunity to join a tour through the buidling
and to view the installation. Interested parties can
find more information about the conference such
as the program on the web page of IWMA
www.iwma.net.

Mikado House.

Pic courtesy Novenco

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DETECTION

By Graham Collins

Detecting The
Right Technology

While great strides have been made in fire detection technologies in the past
few decades, the guiding principles remain unchanged - it is all about saving
lives and protecting property. Graham Collins explains.

I t is not that long ago that fire detection was lim-
ited to choosing between one or another type of
single-sensor device. More recently, highly effec-
tive multi-criteria, multi-sensor devises have been
successfully developed, aspirating smoke detection
is now a well regarded technology, and significant
strides have been made in CCTV-based video
smoke detection.

But are we as individuals, the buildings we
occupy or visit, and the assets we use better pro-
tected? The reality is that today we have reached a
point where the reliability of the technologies used
for detection are far less frequently an issue pro-
viding, of course, that equipment appropriate to
the fire safety challenge has been installed. Human
behaviour is much more likely to be the culprit
if a detection installation fails to perform in an
emergency or if it false alarms. In all probability an

otherwise dependable fire safety solution will be
found to have been incorrectly installed, poorly
maintained or simply not to have been kept in line
with altered working practices or changes of use
of the building.

The international trend away from prescriptive
measures and towards engineered fire safety solu-
tions has seen any number of impressive structures
emerge that a few decades ago would have
remained firmly in the architect's imagination. This
has placed a huge burden of responsibility on the
shoulders of fire engineers, system designers,
installers, maintenance organisations and system
users. It has, rightly, focused attention on ensuring
that devices are selected only if they comply with
the appropriate standards and codes of practice,
and has witnessed a growing requirement for the
installation of detectors and sensors that have

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

ncTcrTin m

DETECTING THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY

U t 1 t L 1 1 U IM

these quality claims underpinned by independent,
third-party approval by such organisations as UL
[Underwriters Laboratories], FM [Factory Mutual],
LPCB [Loss Prevention Certification Board] and VdS
[Vertrauen durch Sicherheit].

Irrespective of the technology that is adopted,
the primary aim is to protect lives or safeguard
property - in many cases, both - by detecting an
incipient fire as quickly and reliably as possible.
Certainly, there is no single solution; no one device
that can be relied upon to operate effectively with
fires that can range from slow smouldering to fast-
flaming hydrocarbon fires, and environments that
can span from cellular offices to aircraft hangers.
So, let us take a brief look each of the current
options.

Detection options

Traditional fire detectors are designed to detect
smoke, heat or flame and can be either "conven-
tional" or "addressable". In a "conventional" or
"non-addressable" installation, these detectors are
in one of two states - normal or alarm - and
individual detectors are not identified or given a
specific "address" or location. In an "addressable"
installation, every sensor has its own unique
"address" on the system's control panel. The
custom is that non-addressable devices are usually
called detectors, while addressable devises are
most often termed sensors.

At one time, ionisation detectors were used for
detecting smoke but, despite being very effective
for detecting small particles of combustion pro-
duced by fast-flaming fires, these are now less
acceptable in many countries due to their radia-
tion content and issues surrounding their shipment

and ultimate disposal. Their place has been taken
by optical or photoelectric devices where, in the
majority of designs, smoke particles are detected
using light scatter or obscuration techniques. Heat
detectors come in one of three main types: fixed
heat detectors; rate-of-rise detectors; and linear
heat detectors, and detect temperature changes
using a temperature-sensitive resistor called a
thermistor. UV and IR Flame detectors are also
available but are appropriate only for certain
specific fire risks that usually involve flammable
liquids or gases.

Alongside improvements in the reliability of
these detectors, the most significant advance in
this area was probably the development of multi-
sensor devices that increase the probability of
detecting a fire. For some time, dual-sensor devis-
es have been available that combine both heat
and smoke detection, and heat detectors can be
installed that offer both fixed temperature and
rate-of-rise detection in a single device. A number
of manufacturers have also introduced tri-sensor
devices, in which the smoke and heat detectors
are augmented by the addition of a carbon
monoxide sensor.

Most recently, dual optical technology has been
adopted by some manufacturers, notably in Gent
by Honeywell's S-Quad and Nittan's latest Evolu-
tion sensors, and dual optical smoke detectors
have been introduced alongside combined dual
optical and heat multi-detectors. In this type of
detector, the optical chamber either contains two
optical paths at different angles, or two different
wavelengths of light. In both cases, the two
signals provide information about the nature and
size of the particles being sensed, allowing more

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orbis™ IS (Intrinsically Safe) is a range of conventional detectors
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ncTcrTin m

DETECTING THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY

U t 1 t L 1 1 U IM

accurate differentiation between products of
combustion and non-fire particles that might
otherwise trigger a false alarm.

There are also a number of special application
devices, such as beam detectors, duct detectors,
intrinsically-safe detectors, waterproof and marine-
approved detectors manufactured by such com-
panies as Apollo, System Sensor, Hochiki and
Notifier by Honeywell, which has just unveiled its
new Opal range of detectors. Radio Wireless
detection that uses radio technology is another
option that is available from such companies as
EMS, which has just unveiled FireCell that uses
what the company calls "smart cluster technology",
and Cooper Fulleon, which recently launched its
Radio+ system. These systems are claimed to offer
faster and simpler installation, and lower cost
when compared with the conventional wired
detection systems.

Irrespective of the particular type of detector
that is installed, a major consideration that needs
to be taken into account is the protocol of the sys-
tem being considered, as the decision can impact
on the life-time cost of the detection system. Pro-
tocol is the language used by electronic products
to communicate with each other and can be
classified as "open protocol" or "closed protocol".

particles suspended in air, using light scattering
technology. Aspirating smoke detectors are highly
sensitive and can detect smoke before it is even
visible to the human eye.

Video detection

Video smoke detection - often abbreviated to VSD
- is based on the computer analysis of video
images provided by standard CCTV cameras. The
particular motion pattern of smoke is automatical-
ly identified and analysed in real time by applying
digital image processing techniques to provide a
fast response to a potential fire. It is particularly
appropriate for voluminous areas, high ceiling
buildings, where a high airflow may be present
and for external applications. VSD systems can
now be found protecting forests, tunnels, aircraft
hangers and industrial buildings and the major sys-
tem suppliers in this field include D-Tec, Fike and
Notifier by Honeywell.

Clearly, one of the key benefits of these systems
is their ability to use existing CCTV cameras that
would have been installed originally for security
surveillance. These systems generally work by
looking for small areas of change within the image
at the digitisation stage and pass only these pixel
changes to the main processor for further filtering.

Public expectations concerning personal safety, fire safety
legislation, health & safety legislation, escalating insurance
costs and a general feeling of insecurity in a troubled world
have undoubtedly helped to fuel many of the developments
in fire detection in recent years.

Open protocol systems are where the detection
components are compatible with products
produced by other manufacturers, whereas closed
protocol systems offer, as the term implies, no such
flexibility. So, specifying a closed protocol system
does tie the user to the manufacturer of the system
for the lifetime of the system for any upgrading,
replacement parts, servicing or modification of the
system. An open system though enables the
system owner to choose a different company to
service the system, or supply other components.

Aii^sensing detection

Aspirating smoke detectors sense microscopic
smoke particles in a sampling chamber and these
systems have become particularly popular in appli-
cations where the presence of traditional sensors
and wiring is aesthetically unacceptable.

However, while aspirating smoke detection is
most commonly associated with museums, gal-
leries and religious buildings, one of the contracts
currently being highlighted by Xtralis for its VESDA
aspirating smoke detection system illustrates how
broad the appeal now is for this detection tech-
nology. VESDA systems are covering more than
290 underground railway stations, retail shops and
escalators in the Madrid Metro environment.
Other global players in this sector include Wagner
and AirSense Technology.

Essentially, an aspirating smoke detection sys-
tem comprises a central detection unit that draws
air through a network of pipes to detect smoke

The video information is passed through a series of
filters that seek particular characteristics that are
associated with smoke behaviour. Further analysis
is carried out on the filtered characteristics to
determine whether all the conditions have been
met for the system to confidently predict the
presence of smoke.

Things to come

Public expectations concerning personal safety, fire
safety legislation, health & safety legislation, esca-
lating insurance costs and a general feeling of
insecurity in a troubled world have undoubtedly
helped to fuel many of the developments in fire
detection in recent years. At the same time, the
high price-tag associated with false alarms has
ensured that manufacturers strive to improve exist-
ing products and develop new technologies that
are ever more accurate, dependable and robust.
Certainly, we have come a long way from the time
when fire detection depended upon the diligence
of a night-watchman.

Many of these changes have been possible
thanks to the increased sophistication, reliability
and cost effectiveness of electronics generally, data
processing, digital technology and the ability to
have real-time control via the Internet. The indus-
try though remains, quite rightly, conservative. So
the next steps in fire detection are likely to be
evolutionary developments of current proven tech-
nology rather than ground-breaking advances. But
who knows.

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EN54 versus UL'864'

ALARM CODES

A case of double
standards...

By Mike Troiano

In this article Mike Troiano President of Advanced Fire Systems Inc. describes the
differences and synergies between US & European fire systems and gives
examples of future convergence.

President, Advanced
Fire Systems Inc.

C ompanies, whose main goal is to engineer
and develop fire detection systems for appli-
cation in the world's global markets, have a
major, almost insurmountable task on their hands.
One of the most significant challenges they face is
the differences in fire codes and standards. Despite
attempts that have been ongoing for over a hun-
dred years to agree on common fire codes and
standards, the end is still not in sight. Not only are
there differences continent to continent and
region to region, but in Europe there are differ-
ences in requirements from country to country and
in the US state to state and even in some instances
city to city.

To make matters more complicated, fire codes
and standards effect: 1) the way the products
themselves are designed and how they must
perform, 2) the way that the system shall be
installed, effecting for example the wire types,
location and spacing of smoke detectors, sounders
and strobe devices, 3) how a system is operated
once installed, and by whom, 4) how and when
a system shall be serviced and maintained over
time, 5) the manner in which fire departments
and fire brigades are notified and ultimately
respond to the report of a fire and 6) As the world
speaks more than just English!, the operating
language.

Two major standards dominate the world
market, the US National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) based UL'864' and European EN54. Both
standards have the best interests of fire detection,
fire prevention, building and life safety at heart
and have committees made up of leading fire
authorities and experts constantly searching for
and seeking to improve the way that fire systems
perform.

In Europe, despite adopting the EN54 stan-
dards, each country has their own unique
requirements. For example, in Sweden and
Germany, you can't have a system installed there

without a common user interface that includes a
"Fireman's Key," which enables control. The prin-
ciple here is that they don't want their fire fighters
having to learn every nuance about every fire
system sold in their country, so all systems sold in
Sweden and Germany must have common style
interfaces designed to a specific standard for use
by the fire fighters.

Today, Voice Evacuation and Fire Fighter
Telephone Communication Systems, although in
common use in the USA, are not widely in use
in the EU. Voice Evacuation might be seen in
large sports stadiums, but not typically in other
commercial, industrial and residential applications.
Fire Fighter Telephone Communication Systems
remain in use today in many of the US states,
although in some states there is a trend toward
replacement with high end, radio communications
systems.

It is very common in the USA to have the status
of a fire system transmitted over phone lines, or
more recently the internet, via a stand alone
or integrated Digital Alarm Communicator

EN54 (Germany) Penta Control Panel

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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A CASE OF DOUBLE STANDARDS...

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UL864 9th Edition
(America) AX 'V Series
Integrated Fire & Audio
Panel

Transmitter (DACT) to 3rd party Central Stations.
These stations monitor 24 hours per day, and have
the responsibility to contact the fire department in
case of emergency, along with the property owner
and service company. In Europe the use of DACTs
is much less prevalent and it is common in certain
countries to have alarm communications direct to
a municipal station or fire brigade via hard wired
routing equipment.

In some USA states, it is common to see a
requirement for a City Box interface. City Boxes
came into existence in the late 1800s and
although mechanical wheels have been replaced
with electronics, the principles remain the same.
Basically a system going into alarm transmits a
signal over a pair of wires that run directly from
the facility to the City Box, then onto the fire
municipality or fire station.

When comparing two fire panels that have
been designed toward complying with the NFPA

EN Manual Call Point

versus the EN standards, they are quite dissimilar.
Further yet, if one were to compare one manu-
facturer's fire panel to a competitor's fire panel in
the same market, once again one will find sharp
disparities. There is no truth to the statements: "a
fire panel is a fire panel" or "all fire panels are the
same." In fact nothing could be further from
the truth.

It would be impossible in such a short article
to list all of the many differences and similarities,
but below is a summary of some of the major
issues:

USA versus EU - Major differences

AC/Mains Operating Voltage: The USA is in the

minority compared with the rest of the world in
that its primary supplied voltage is nominally 120
Volts, 60 Hertz. The majority of the world is 230
Volts, 50 Hertz. However in all cases the AC/Mains
voltage supplied in the various countries fluctuates
plus or minus some percentage of nominal. In
addition, the power supplied is not always "clean"
and must be filtered by the fire system or else
power line "glitches" can cause false alarms and
other problems.

Wiring Types: The quality and variety of the dif-
ferent types of fire system cabling allowed by the
various regional standards is surprising. Wires may
be thick or thin, shielded or not, mineral insulated,
highly capacitive, have various levels of fire pro-
tective ratings and current carrying capacity, etc.
However in all cases wires carrying high voltages
and currents versus those carrying any low voltage
communications signals must be separated with
the separation distances specified, and the circuits
the wires connect to require different levels of
safety protection.

Message Terminology Examples - Alarms vs.
Fires, Troubles vs. Faults, Supervisory vs. N/A,
AM-PM vs. 24 hour clock, Fahrenheit vs. Celsius.
In the USA, when a detector goes into alarm or a
pull station is activated, it is viewed and reported
as an Alarm. In Europe and other parts of the
world, this same condition is viewed and reported
as a Fire. If there is a problem in a fire system such
as from a dirty smoke detector, a broken wire or a
low battery for instance, USA fire systems view
and report this as a Trouble Condition, whereas
others see this as a Fault in the system. NFPA

US Horn/Strobe

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ALARM CODES

EN Sounder Beacon

Codes and Standards recognize problems with a
monitored Sprinkler system as a Supervisory
Condition and so is treated uniquely different than
other trouble conditions, whereas EN54 has no such
separate recognition/distinction. In the USA, systems
time stamp events using a 12 hour clock with AM
and PM designations, whereas Europe uses a 24
hour clock, so for example 2:00 PM is 14:00 hours.
It is common throughout the EU and much of the
world to measure temperature in degrees Celsius
where the USA measures in Fahrenheit.

User Display - Both US and European systems
prioritize Alarms (Fires) but present the informa-
tion in different ways. For example if multiple fire
alarm conditions are reported, which gets
displayed, the first or most recent event? Is the
system allowed to scroll the messages automatically
or manually? Is the total number of devices or
zones in alarm displayed? Must the display show
the type of device in alarm, etc., etc., the stan-
dards are quite prescriptive and diverse in all of

these areas. Also there is a great deal of dissimilar-
ity between what must be displayed when there is
a mixture of alarms (fires), troubles (faults), super-
visor's, and non fire events occurring at the same
time. Finally, while still complying with the
required standard, the equipment must support
and display the information in the language
required by the installation.

Switches/Buttons - Reset, Silence vs. Silence/
Resound, Acknowledge, Mute, Fire Drill and Evac-
uate. The requirements for what happens in a fire
system when a Reset switch is pressed varies
country to country and even city to city, especially
if the system is installed in a high rise facility. For
example in New York City, a reset switch cannot
interfere with air handling systems. The Silence/
Resound button on an EN54 system allows alter-
nate presses to Silence or Resound sounding
and/or strobe devices, but typically, only the
Silence function is presented on a USA based
system. Other switches of distinction are:
Acknowledge (USA), Mute (EU), Fire Drill (USA)
and Evacuate (EU).

ADA - In the USA, a law was passed in 1990
called the "Americans with Disabilities Act" and it
affected fire systems such as requiring the synchro-
nization of strobe lights and their luminous inten-
sity levels as well as affecting the sound levels of
sounding appliances measured in dB (decibels). In
Europe, there are equivalents (i.e. DDA - Disabili-
ties Discrimination Act in the UK) standard with
the same intentions in mind, but there are differ-
ences including the sound levels, spacing of
devices, luminous intensity levels, etc., and how
these levels are measured by 3rd party approvals
agencies is different. Such differences have a
major impact on the fire panel and system design
due to the extreme differences in the voltages and
currents, the backup battery size, system wiring,
and programming options.

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Loop Power Technolo-
gy - In the EU, it is com-
mon to have a fire alarm
system contain on the
same pair of wires: smoke
detectors, call points (pull
stations), input/output
modules, strobes and
sounder devices. All of
these devices receive their
power and communica-
tion control signals over
the same pair of wires.

Due to the combination
of their low operating
currents, installation and
operations standards, as
well as safety standards,
such a design has large
ramifications in the
reduction of power con-
sumption, backup battery
requirements, wiring and
labor costs. Loop power technology has not yet
been fully embraced by the USA, but certain for-
ward thinking manufacturers of Fire detection
equipment (such as Advanced) are well on their
way to bringing this technology to the US Market.

EU Country Differences - While the EN54
Harmonized Standards are accepted by the EU
member countries, it is important to note that
each country has an "options with requirements"
exception to the EN54 standards that must be
adhered to. No two country requirements are the
same, with France standing out as the most drasti-
cally different from the others in that they require
the system power supplies and system wiring to
be supported completely separate in a self con-
tained enclosure from the User Interface - key
switches and display.

USA Regional, State and City Differences -

Some examples of different requirements across
the USA include the following areas: Fire Depart-
ment Communications -City Box, Radio Transmis-
sions, DACTs and Mesh Networks. Hi and Low Rise
applications - Smoke Control Systems, Elevator
Controls, Fan and Damper Controls, Automatic
and Manual Voice Evacuation, Fire Fighter
Telephones. Non Fire interfaces to - Facilities
Management Systems, Graphics Annunciation,
Video Monitoring systems, Nurse Call systems, etc.

Advanced Technology is Universal - regardless
of the country, city or town and regardless of the
national and local fire codes, smarter global manu-
facturers are applying advanced technology and
global experience to the best benefit possible.

For example, the better systems provide peer to
peer network topology and deliver high speed per-
formance regardless of the number of panels or
nodes on the network. That means that when a
switch is pressed to perform a life safety function,
it always responds as it should, regardless of net-
work traffic or conditions present on the system.
The same goes for any message that has to be dis-
played or the fast response to a fire or life safety
condition. The networked user displays on these
systems are capable of viewing an entire system
and can be customized to suit the application.

Smarter systems include built-in intelligent volt-

age and ammeters which allow technicians to
assess the voltages and currents on any wires in
the system, 24/7, regardless of the state of the sys-
tem. In the more advanced type of systems, these
meters can be turned on and viewed at a control
panel, or from a remote location via PC based
monitoring and control software.

IP Technology is becoming more prevalent
through the use of secure IP Gateway technology,
such that systems may be monitored locally and/or
remotely as well as providing Email and text
message alerts. Quite often not only does this
allow the maintenance company to provide
enhanced service support to their installed base of
systems, but facility managers may be given
remote access to the system in order to give them
piece of mind that their system is performing
properly every second, minute and hour of every
day.

Mike concluded that by applying their expertise
of global standards, local market requirements and
technology the Advanced group of companies
have brought together a truly advanced range of
fire and life safety products which go together to
provide systems which meet and exceed the
various market requirements not just in the US and
Europe but also across the globe. JE2

Advanced ip Gateway
for remote fire system
monitoring

US Pull Station

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

A Fitting
Improvement

> Choose the MCP range from KAC and get the winning formula.

In addition, the MCP range provides a simple
maintenance procedure and offers a quick change
between operating elements, whilst also being approved
to the latest EN54:11 standard.

All products utilise a unique ‘plug and play’ concept giving a fitting improvement.
This new concept provides quicker and easier installation
resulting in reduced installation time and more
significantly the associated cost.

KAC House, Thornhill Road,
North Moons Moat, Redditch,
B98 9ND,
United Kingdom

To find out more about the new MCP range, call:

UK: 0845 6015675 Outside UK: +44 (0) 1527 406688

www.kac.co.uk

A challenge for
manufacturers was to
simulate break glass
activation in the
resettable call point,
given the deterrent glass
has proved to offer in
terms of reducing false
alarms

By Ges Wallace

Managing Director,
STI (Europe)

CALL POINTS

Call point
evolution: past,
present and
future

Break glass call points can hardly be called the new kid on the block in terms of
fire detection and alarms. They have been used as the means to manually
activate a fire alarm for decades, with their forerunner, the simple switch based
street fire alarm, going back as far as the turn of the 20th Century. While the
introduction of the means for people to raise the alarm in the event of a fire has
undoubtedly been a major contributor to fire safety, so it has brought with it the
problem of false alarms, a problem that prevails today and one that the fire
industry, the fire service and building owners throughout the world continue to
grapple with.

in the beginning

I n the earliest devices, the simple switch was
located inside a box, sending a signal to the fire
service when operated. In London, by 1900
some 675 fire alarm boxes were installed, signifi-
cantly improving communication and reducing
response times. By 1936 this number had
increased to 1,732 but already it was apparent
that the issue of false alarms would need to be
addressed. Of some 9,297 calls received in 1936
by the London brigade, 3,422 (or over 30%) were
false alarms. Given the newness of the technology

and the vagaries of London's electrical circuitry at
the time, it is perhaps not too surprising that
almost two thirds of those were down to electrical
or other malfunctions, but this still means that
over 1 ,300 were the result of malicious activation.

The first attempts to combat this saw manufac-
turers placing the switch inside a red box. This
went some way towards reducing the incidents of
false alarms generated by curiosity or malicious
intent, but it took the introduction of glass to
significantly impact on the problem and make
false alarms more manageable. The insertion of a

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

r A 1 1 DAIMTC

CALL POINT EVOLUTION: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

LALL rUIN 1 j

Early call points used
telegraph and
telephone signaling
techniques to alert the
emergency services

glass panel, which anybody activating the call
point is required to break to trigger the alarm, is a
real deterrent to the casual misuse of an emer-
gency switch. So called 'break glass' call points are
now widely used for a variety of emergency
switching applications, not just for fire alarms.

Inherent problems with glass

However, while the introduction of glass certainly
addressed the existing drawbacks, it brought new
ones of its own, some of which were specific to
the design of the early break glass call points but
others which hold true today. In the early devices,
the design of many was based on the switch being
held in the operated position, usually in the centre
of the glass. The switch subsequently put the glass
under stress and, as many break glasses were
often installed next to large exit doors, the result
was false alarms generated by the glasses breaking
without any human intervention other than from
the slamming of the door. The switch also ejected
the broken glass from the call point onto the floor,
presenting another potential hazard. The glass in
these types of early devices was unprotected and
one widely held theory was that call points were
manufactured in red to hide the blood from
lacerations caused during their operation!

In 1972 a revolution in call point technology
was introduced with the advent of the first break
glass call point to address the issues outlined
above. The patented design moved the switch of
the call point to the edge of the glass, thereby
overcoming the issue of the glass being under
constant pressure. The glass was also scored and
fitted with a clear plastic protective film, holding
the broken glass largely in position rather than
ejecting it onto the floor. While the glass was still
used for its very important deterrent features, it no
longer presented a hazard to the user.

This simple approach to the problem provided a
truly unique concept that helped create and form
the then UK standard for call points, BS5839-2,
and even now, almost 40 years later, this approach
to call point design is still adopted (albeit with
some changes with the introduction of EN54-11,
more of which later).

In recognising the undoubted success of this
approach, it is important to realise that there are
still disadvantages in the use of glass as an operat-

ing element. One of the most important is that,
once broken, the glass is discarded and a replace-
ment is required. On many occasions I have seen
call points in the field with other objects inserted
into them to maintain operation - with obvious
consequences in terms of fire safety.

Operationally the break glass concept is excel-
lent. Glass offers natural deterrence from misuse.
While working with such call points for many
years I attended trade shows where we encour-
aged visitors to come onto the stand and "break a
glass". The immediate reaction from most people
was an instant refusal. When questioned, the
reasons largely revolved around not wanting to
destroy the product or a fear of being injured by
its operation to the extent that some visitors
removed shoes or used other objects to activate
the alarm.

Meeting the challenge

The challenge therefore for manufacturers was to
emulate the operational and psychological charac-
teristics of glass but with an integral operating ele-
ment that could be reused - in effect a resettable
break glass! Hence the introduction of the 'reset-
table call point'. This proved another major step
forward in call point technology, with a number of
resettable products brought onto the market. The
resettable option prevents inappropriate 'heath
robinson' attempts to put the call point back into
action without replacing the glass or, even for
those who do follow the correct procedure, elimi-
nates the potential risk of inserting the wrong

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INTERSCHUTZ

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR RESCUE, FIRE
PREVENTION, DISASTER RELIEF, SAFETY, SECURITY

LEIPZIG 7-12 JUNE 2010

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

CALL POINTS

London Underground
was an early adopter of
resettable call points ,
recognising the
importance of keeping
downtime of a fire
alarm system to a
minimum

glass in the wrong call point. There is another
major advantage of resettable call point devices.
By eliminating the need for replacement parts
after every operation, the call point can be put
back into working order and the system reset very
quickly, keeping downtime to a minimum - a very
important factor in what is a life safety system.
Resettable call points were adopted by the London
Underground some years ago for this very reason.

Standards

Returning to the issue of standards, BS5839-2, the
UK standard for call points, was replaced in
September 2003 with the European standard,
EN54-11, which permits the use of resettable call
points. This new standard, together with demand
from the marketplace for a more user and
environmentally friendly product which reduces
maintenance costs will, in my view, see the end of
the use of glass in call points.

Changes in moving from BS5839-2 to EN54-11
were largely an attempt to try and standardise the
look of manual call points, as well as addressing
major advances in electronics with the inclusion of
sophisticated electronics in call points for intelli-
gent fire systems. This is an important considera-
tion since familiarity with the means to activate an
alarm, wherever you happen to be, is obviously
vital. This provides the all important early warning
to enable a safer evacuation of the building and
provides the optimum amount of time to tackle
the fire.

One major difference between BS5839-2 and
EN54-1 1 is how the operating instructions are pre-
sented on the call point. Originally these were
white lettering against a black background, which
was easily achieved by applying a clear label onto
the glass which was printed with the operating

instructions in white. The glass was then fitted
into a black moulding and the necessary white on
black instruction was visible, but the operating
element still retained its glass appearance. EN54
reversed this requirement and the operating
instruction must now appear black on white. For
resettable call points this could be achieved by
moulding the operating element in a white materi-
al and printing the instructions in black onto its
face. However the important operational deterrent
properties of glass will have been lost, and this
could lead to an increase in false alarms over time.
Function marking has also been addressed by
EN54-11. European language differences have
been overcome through the use of a 'House Flame
Logo', although the option of reproducing the
word 'Fire' or equivalent text in the appropriate
language is still permissible (again the logo or text
must be in white).

The 'Reset 1

One innovative solution to the problem highlighted
above regarding the black on white lettering is the
STI 'ReSet' call point. Its operating element is
moulded in a clear material, overprinted with the
required black legend, and assembled against a
white moulding. The plastic operating element
takes on the appearance of glass, thus retaining its
deterrence from misuse.

The patented operating element provides real
action on operation and simulates break glass acti-
vation. An activation indicator drops into view at
the top of the window after the 'ReSet' has been
operated. The unit is then simply reset with a key
and is immediately ready for reuse. This unique
approach eliminates glass and encompasses all the
benefits of a resettable operating element. Down-
time of the fire alarm system is minimised as the

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

CALL POINT EVOLUTION: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

c A 1 1 DHIMTC

CALL rUIN 1 j

call point can be quickly and simply reset in the
event of a false activation. It is very important that
we retain the appearance of the use of glass in call
points to prevent the possible trend towards a
simple push button worded Tire Alarm', with the
obvious consequences for false alarms. It is impor-
tant to learn from history and the figures from
London in 1936 that we opened with in this article
demonstrate all too clearly the dangers of moving
away from an approach which features an in-built
deterrent to misuse.

installer benefits

Turning from the benefits to the end user to those
for the installer. Resettable units are virtually main-
tenance free, with the operating element easily
reset after activation. There are no glass elements
to break, lose or incorrectly fit during installation.
Stocking requirements are reduced and there is no
possibility of fitting the wrong manufacturer's
glass element. Unlike traditional break glass units,
which use a key for testing, call points like the
'ReSet' provide a complete functional test with
every activation.

Another important point to consider is that call
points are often delivered to site well before the
building is commissioned and secure. As anybody
who has worked on a construction site will testify,
damage to products is an all too common prob-
lem. Many of the call points will have broken
glasses prior to the fire alarm system being fully
operational. In order to combat this waste and
inconvenience, some call point manufacturers
offer call points fitted with a piece of plastic to
substitute the glass. While this enables installation,
testing and commissioning they do render the call
point inoperable. Call point glasses are then deliv-
ered to site for fitting at a later date. Unfortunately
this practice, while effective in reducing break
glass wastage, is dangerous. Call points will often
be left with the glass substitute in place after com-
missioning, rendering the call point inoperable.
There is also the danger that the glass substitutes
will be retained by the installer or end user and
used as a quick-fix when glasses are broken and
no replacements are available. All these problems
are avoided by using a resettable call point.

Added protection

The use of protective covers on call points,
although previously not permitted by BS5839-2,
has been accepted in certain situations for more
than 20 years in the UK. EN54-1 1 now recognises
this and permits the use of covers to protect
against accidental operation, requiring that opera-
tor instructions are provided or indication arrows
are placed on the cover. Protective covers also per-
form a crucial deterrence in many applications
which are notoriously problematic in terms of false
fire alarms, schools being an excellent example.
The headline figures for schools demonstrates only
too clearly that they remain a prime focus in fire
safety terms - the latest estimates from the
Department for Communities and Local Govern-
ment show there are 1,300 school fires a year in
England and Wales, representing a cost of £58
million. What these figures do not provide is an
estimated cost for false alarms, an issue in many
schools along with the extensive disruption to
classes, staff and pupils that false alarms inevitably
cause through persistent evacuations of a site.

Once a break glass call
point has been
activated , it is not
always a replacement
glass that is used to
'reactivate' the unit

There is also the cost of the Fire Service attending
a fire call (an estimated £1,000 per call out) and
the fact that if a Brigade is at a false alarm it
cannot attend a real fire - £1,000 wasted and the
impact this has in terms fire cover.

With the recent publication of the Chief Fire
Officers Association (CFOA) Policy on False Alarms,
the focus on reducing such alarms is now even
greater. Consequently, head teachers, along with
many others working in environments where false
alarms remain an issue, are looking for ways to
address the problem. The challenge is to provide
added security to prevent malicious or accidental
use of a manual call point while ensuring that it
remains readily accessible. This is where covers can
prove an excellent solution. The cover makes the
operation of the call point a much more deliberate
act and the operator is forced to linger at the call
point in order to operate it.

Protective covers can be integral to the call
point itself or be a separate product that can be
retrofitted to existing call point installations. To
add even further deterrence against malicious
activation, in certain circumstances the covers can
be fitted with a sounder that emits an ear-piercing
alarm if the cover is lifted. o a

4 ■

UFT HERE

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Introducing

EN 12845

F RE PUMP L NE

Patterson Pump Ireland
Ltd. specialises in the
production of world class
fire protection equipment
around Europe.

EN1 2845 provides a pan-European standard
for the design, installation and maintenance of
automatic sprinkler systems, and encompasses
the basic requirements set forth by local rules
into one European Standard.

. f

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

A Subsidiary of Patterson Pump Company U.S.A.

Unit 14, Mullingar Business Park • Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
Tel.: 353 44 934 7078 • FAX: 353 44 934 7896
E-mail: info@ie.pattersonpumps.com

www.ie.pattersonpumps.com

REMOTE MONITORING

Remote
monitoring a
fire pump
system status

By David Gentle

Initially you would imagine that a system that is tested and approved to stringent
standards, runs for only half an hour each week and is regularly maintained
would not be an obvious candidate to need remote monitoring. Fire pump
packages are such systems but it would be wrong to believe that vigilant
monitoring is not required. The consequences to life and property are such that
not to do so would be irresponsible.

Business Development
Manager, Industrial Fire,
Northern Europe
SPP Pumps Limited

I nitially you would imagine that a system that is
tested and approved to stringent standards, runs
for only half an hour each week and is regularly
maintained would not be an obvious candidate to
need remote monitoring. Fire pump packages are
such systems but it would be wrong to believe
that vigilant monitoring is not required. The con-
sequences to life and property are such that not to
do so would be irresponsible.

The regular fire pump tests prove the system is
working at that time but can you be sure it will
work without failure if it is called into action later

on? There are many reasons why system perfor-
mance may be compromised after the test and this
short article explains the sort of circumstances that
could cause a failure with possibly tragic con-
sequences. The need to keep an eye on the fire
pump at all times and not only when periodically
tested is what led SPP to develop a remote moni-
toring system designed specifically for fire pump
applications.

Ultimately it is the building operator or manager
that needs to assure themselves that fire pump(s)
are operational at all times. In the aftermath of

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

fire, insurance may meet the immediate costs but
it has been proven that damage to a business from
fire is a multiple of the insurable risk. Such losses
could all be saved through something very simple
and avoidable.

Problems with the pump system can arise from
simple oversight, carelessness when doing a simple
(and perhaps boring) task, intentional damage
caused by a disaffected person, poor maintenance
or system misuse (e.g. car cleaning using plant
equipment). Each of these is cause for concern but
is also preventable using available and affordable
technology. This technology can not only help to
keep an eye on the equipment but also to identify
where it is used inappropriately and confirm its
readiness to run.

In many cases faults continue to go undetected.
This may result from service operatives being
unaware of the fire protection requirements, inad-
equate hand-over, insufficient knowledge/training
which has rendered them ignorant to equipment
service requirements or a lack of regard for fire
protection significance generally. Operatives might

not be qualified service engineers or service-minded
at all. Alternatively, faults could be put down to a
lack of attention because of resource or time
constraints. Weekly tests are sometimes carried
out by members of staff whose responsibilities lie
normally with security, car park tending and recep-
tion each of which can distract from the rare but
serious risk from fire.

A lack of information or inexperience of the
pump, driver, controller or any other component
of the pump room could lead to valves being shut,
the engine being starved of coolant water, isola-
tors left in the off position, batteries losing charge
or pump sets being left offline/not in automatic
mode. System failures can occur because of
frozen, bent or broken pipes, leaks as well as low
or empty tanks. Inaccurate instrumentation and
component failure prove a direct problem them-
selves but have the potential to cause faults
further down the line as well. Pre-empting these
faults so as not to cause others seems inarguable.

Wilful tampering by disaffected employee(s) or
school student(s) for example is often irrefutable.

The repercussions unfortu-
nately cannot be denied.
Remote monitoring devices
can take inputs from addi-
tional pump room (intruder)
alarms, valves etc and alert
the designated contact per-
son^) best placed to see
damage is minimised further.

A poor understanding or
little regard for the impor-
tance of fire protection will
incur poor and inadequate
maintenance from the start.
Human error sees alarms
being muted and wires
damaged with no due con-
sideration. Without remote
monitoring problems are
likely to persist. If nobody
knows it is broken then it is
less likely to be fixed, if a

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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Total peace of mind

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WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

Poor maintenance System misuse

Human error System failure

Simple carelessness

SPP Pumps Ltd. Theale Cross, Pincents Lane, Calcot, Reading, Berkshire RG31 7SP
Tel: +44(0)118 932 3123 Fax: +44(0)118 932 3302 Website: www.spppumps.com

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REMOTE MONITORING

REMOTE MONITORING A FIRE PUMP SYSTEM STATUS

potential failure isn't identified then fewer
measures will follow to prevent it. If somebody can
put in less effort to complete a task (and get away
with doing so) more often than not they will.

The reason might not be apathy. Commercial
pressures too induce corners to be cut. There have
been frequent instances of a manual log being
filled in erroneously giving a deceptive history of
an installation and a false sense of security. Repeat
data and repeat instrumentation measurements, a
column of identical handwriting and the same pen
being used over a long record of dates are clues
which may rightly allude to the weekly tests being
carried out quickly, falsely or perhaps not being
carried out at all.

in the processes, proce-
dures or attitudes affecting
maintenance and the abil-
ity of a system to do its job
as needed. There is even
less room for poor vigi-
lance in the case of non-
preventative, gross intent
which gives less or no
chance to manage or con-
tain effects of fire devasta-
tion. In such circumstances
however, even if the pump
room, control room, recep-
tion or complete structure
is lost as a result of fire,
logged data on a support-
ed, third party (hosted),
remote web server can go
some way to be able to
provide valuable informa-
tion after the event.

Whether the causes of problems are accidental
or intentional, the result can be substantial in
terms of financial loss as well as incalculable per-
sonal, environmental, social and economic costs
too. Whether circumstances affecting the system
are common or infrequent, planned or not, a
means is required to monitor in near real time
where such misuse, abuse and neglect is taking
place in order to prevent them.

Equipping qualified engineers with information
to put right first time or pre-empt system failures is
a basic requirement. It is useful for them quickly
and easily to have the most recent system status
and alarms sent back to their mobile phones
before they enter the pump room. This may allow

Whether the causes of problems are accidental or
intentional, the result can be substantial in terms of financial
loss as well as incalculable personal, environmental, social
and economic costs too.

Please visit

www.sppfireeye.com or
www.spppumps.com for
further information

Interim and annual service contracts might have
existed previously but ceased because of changed
building ownership, commercial cutbacks, struc-
tural/job changes, job losses or insufficient
handover. Where service maintenance is in place,
service personnel are often located in distant
headquarters remote from the multiple sites they
are responsible for.

All these are concerns that can be addressed by
remote monitoring of fire pump systems. Benefits
can include the ability to recognise and prompt
when regular service intervals are due; the evi-
dence to prove pump drivers have been started
each week and what alarm was activated when
(date and time); direct access to device history on
the smallest to today's biggest (multiple pump
rooms on one site) installations; alarm occurrence
notification from remote locations and low GSM
signal areas. Remote monitoring can also highlight
where, when and how frequently the equipment is
being used outside the operating conditions it is
intended for (e.g. jockey pump starts within select
durations).

In fire protection there is no room for shortfalls

them to evaluate and put right the issues on site
more safely and efficiently. The nature of preventa-
tive maintenance using remote monitoring reduces
or can prevent unnecessary engineer call-outs. In
turn the associated mobilization costs are mini-
mized or saved respectively.

All applications including warehouses, factories,
schools and offices can employ and benefit from
this concept. Controlled environments, airports,
hospitals, power plants and other transmitter free
sites can use the device, confident that other or
integrated building infrastructures will not be
interfered with. Being compliant to CE the product
is suitable for integration both on existing/retrofit
projects as well as new fire pump installations in
the European Union and outside.

FireEye remote monitoring has been designed so
that system faults may be identified and corrected
in time to prevent damage and even loss of life. A
demonstration will be available on the SPP Pumps
Ltd stand FI 5, in Hall 1 at the INTERSCHUTZ
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Sparks fly
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any malfunction and, if needed,
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AUDIBLE ALARMS

A Visible improve

By Bob Choppen

Cooper Fulleon

Audibility?

Audible alarms are firmly established as the warning method for fire detection as
well as many other types of safety system and yet their effectiveness has always
been limited and now appears to be decreasing further due to changes in
people's behaviour.

T hat may sound like a strange statement to
come from someone who works for an
organisation that provides literally millions of
alarm sounders of many different types every year,
but it is I think a fair assessment.

Alarm sounders, or Audible Alarm Devices
(AADs) in current parlance, have not changed in
their basic function since their conception; that is
to make a noise to warn of an emergency. This is
in contrast with other elements of safety systems,
such as detection technology which constantly
advances to provide earlier and more accurate
analysis of emergency conditions and has benefi-
ted greatly from developments in electronics and
software. So why haven't alarm sounders moved
on at the same pace or in the same way? The
underlying technology irrefutably has changed and
has brought benefits to efficiency and cost, but
the basic function remains unchanged. A 50 year
old bell would be just as effective as any current
sounder. In fact many bells Fulleon still provides
are based on designs from the 1 970s.

The limiting factor for audible alarms is people,
the basic auditory sense is not evolving so the
basic technology is locked into providing an
acoustic signal covering a small frequency range.

The observation that the effectiveness of
audible alarms is diminishing is based on the rapid
changes in society and the built environment.

The often casual regard for alarm signals is born
out of the sheer number of alarms we endure
every day, right from the microwave "ping" to the
invariably ignored car alarm and the ever present
mobile phone. The difficulty of identifying an
important life safety alarm is compounded by the
lack of a nationally recognised UK fire alarm

signal, so even critical signals can be consigned
to the general morass of contemporary noise.

Mobile technology has spawned the "Podestri-
an" who are estimated to be involved in as many
as 10% of minor traffic accidents (Telegraph Oct
2008). The use of music players and mobile phones
either masks the noise of approaching traffic or dis-
tracts the user to the exclusion of normal safety
considerations. While the "Podestrian" is an essen-
tially external manifestation, there are a surprising
number of employees using personal music sources
to ease the boredom of repetitive jobs and are
quite oblivious to their immediate surroundings.

Normal hearing is taken for granted by most of
us, but there are estimated to be nearly nine million
people who are deaf or hard of hearing of which
700,000 are thought to be severe to profoundly
deaf. (RNID 2005). For these people sounders are of
little use. In addition, increased concerns over health
and safety are encouraging the greater use of ear
defenders in the work place and so there is a sizeable
contingent of people who work in environments
where any alarm sounded is unlikely to be heard
over process noise and may also be rendered below
a normal hearing threshold even when the noise has
stopped because of the hearing protection in use.

Audible alarms are, however, still treated as the
most effective alarm method overall; they are cost
effective to install and the efficacy of the installed
system can be easily assessed with commonly
available instruments, but in many situations they
do need to be supplemented.

Visual alarm devices

To overcome the issues mentioned above commu-
nication needs to be broadened to stimulate

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senses other than hearing alone and in 2010 the
focus is falling on visual alarms.

Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) have been used to
supplement audible alarms for many years either
as separate units or integrated with the alarm
sounders themselves. The awareness of the need
to complement audible alarms has received more
attention in recent years, no doubt driven by
observance of the requirements of the Disabilities
Discrimination Act (DDA).

As the use of visual alarm devices has grown
there has been a consequent increase in the load-
ing placed on alarm circuits and Fulleon has
responded by producing more efficient visual
alarms and also by developing versions of all of its
sounders with integrated visual alarms to reduce
the power and ease installation requirements.

The problem that has been faced by both
manufacturers and users is that in Europe there
has been no standard method for the measure-
ment of visual alarms or any documents to provide
guidance on how to use them within a building.
The lack of standards has given rise to manufac-
turers rating their products in a number of ways,
most choosing to use joules, the amount of
energy discharged in the flash tube, but this has
only a tenuous relationship to the amount of the
light produced and nothing to do with where
the light goes. Now this has not really mattered as
the installers and systems designers had little idea
of how bright the visual alarms needed to be, so
the criteria for choice often boiled down to power
consumption. Aware of the need for a more
meaningful comparison of light sources, whether
xenon flash tube or LED, Fulleon took the decision
to rate all visual alarms by light output, based on
testing to the American UL standards and were
fortunate to be able to call on the facilities of their

sister company Cooper Wheelock for the measure-
ments. This aided comparison between Fulleon
products, but did little to allow comparison with
competitors or with the decision of what to use in
any particular application.

As in any market where there is a requirement,
such as the DDA, without any related regulation,
there has been much confusion and misinforma-
tion in fire industry, some arising through the inno-
cence of ignorance and some intended to exploit
that ignorance. Many systems installed with the
best intentions may well fall far below the stan-
dards required.

Salvation

2010 Will see the introduction of two important
documents to the UK. The first: EN 54-23 2010 Fire
detection and fire alarm systems - Part 23: Fire
alarm devices - Visual alarm devices, is close to
publication, although at the time of writing it is
not exactly clear when. This will provide a method
of test and classification for VADs, allowing manu-
facturers to rate their beacons/strobesA/ADs in a
way that allows the system designer to compare
and assess performance and suitability for an
application. The second document being prepared
is by a joint task group from BRE/LPC and the FIA
and is targeted for publication as LPS 1652 Code
of Practice for Visual Alarm Devices used for Fire
Warning, later this year. This document will directly
complement EN54-23 and provide guidance on
how to use the test data to give effective results in
typical situations.

EN54-23 is a parallel to EN54-3 for audible
alarms, but differs in that VADs are classified into
one of three categories by their intended
application. Two of the categories for "Wall"
mounted or "Ceiling" mounted products have

WALL MOUNTED
W-2.4-6

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AUDIBLE ALARMS

CEILING MOUNTED
C-6-6

specific targets for light distribution patterns,
whereas the third category "Open" allows the
manufacturer freedom to specify particular charac-
teristics which fall outside of the other two
categories.

The area of coverage determined by the testing

is based on the distance at which the "required
illumination" is achieved, which is 0.4lumens/m 2
on a surface perpendicular to the direction of the
light emitted from the VAD.

The Wall and Ceiling classes will require differ-
ent light dispersion characteristics, the Wall format

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requiring the manufacturer to state a mounting
height on a wall, minimum 2.4m and the width of
a square room over which the VAD will provide
coverage. So the data on the beacon could
read W-2.4-6, ie mounted at a height of 2.4m
the VAD will cover a room 6m square. The VAD
will therefore be required to cover a volume;
below its mounting height. Any light going
upward will be wasted as far as this categorisation
is concerned.

Similarly the Ceiling format will be assessed on
the diameter of its coverage volume when mount-
ed at a height of 3, 6 or 9m. The VAD in this case
needs to radiate more or less equally all around.

The Open class will both allow existing designs
to be measured, even if not optimised for wall or
Ceiling mounting, or permit a manufacturer to
design dispersion characteristics specifically for
certain applications, maybe to suit corridors or
where mounting heights fall outside those pre-
scribed by the standard.

LPS1652 aims to provide guidance on how the
data generated by EN54-23 can be used to plan a
system and also fills in many of the considerations
absent from the information provided regarding
visual alarms in the fire industries bible: BS 5839-
1 :2002+A2:2008 Fire detection and fire alarm sys-
tems for buildings. Code of practice for system
design , installation , commissioning and maintenance.

A key element of the work that has gone into
LPS1652 is the assessment of how effective VADs
are in practical situations and how the basic data
from EN54-24 can be adjusted to suit variations in
viewing conditions within a building. This takes
into account both direct and indirect viewing of
the light from a visual alarm as well as the effects
of ambient light levels in the locality.

An outcome of these two documents is that
VADs used with fire systems are likely to need higher
light outputs than are currently employed to meet
the requirements of the DDA. Low power devices
whether xenon or LED based are likely to be effec-
tive only in smaller spaces similar to toilet cubicles;
larger areas will require higher output devices with
consequently higher power requirements

Undoubtedly this will affect the present genera-
tion of visual alarms whether and will particularly
test the ingenuity of the engineers working on the
next iterations of addressable products.

Future considerations

It should be remembered that VADs are only one
solution to supplementing audible alarms and that
they too have many limitations on their effective-
ness which will require more careful planning than
for an audible system.

Increased costs to both manufacturers and
installers brought by the new standard will encour-
age the investigation of other alarm methods such
as portable tactile devices, mobile phones and so on.

Despite its shortcomings and the changing
behaviour of the public there appears to be little
on the horizon to displace the audible alarm from
its place as the staple for alarm systems. Voice
alarm is commonly used to improve information
and understanding, but does not help where a
sounder is inaudible or masked by other activities.
The way forward appears to be more integration
between different techniques and may require
solutions tailored more specifically to individuals
and locations. CD

Fulleon

9 d

IU«'J

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Leaders in audible & visual alarm systems

■ Variety of markets catered for including:

■ Fire

■ Industrial

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■ Product for indoor and outdoor use

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■ High efficiency, low current designs

■ Compliant with a wide range

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COOPER Notification

T:+44 (0)1633 628 500 F:+44 (0)1633 866 346
sales@fulleon.co.uk www.cooperfulleon.com

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of Ed. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

By Alfred Thornton

DuPont Fire
Extinguishants

CLEAN AGENTS

Fire Suppression

With increasing corporate and societal attention on product stewardship and
sustainability as part of achieving long-term environmental goals, many companies
are looking at ways to improve the environmental profile of their facilities and
processes by selecting an environmentally preferred fire suppression solution.

T he fire suppression industry has been at the
forefront of adopting practices in support of
responsible product use since the Montreal
Protocol regulations came into effect more than
twenty years ago. Industry-driven voluntary codes
of practice have helped ensure that the societal
benefits of fire suppression agents are maintained
while environmental impact is minimized.

It is important to consider all key criteria when
choosing a safe, effective and environmentally
responsible fire extinguishing system. It would be a
mistake to focus on only one aspect of a system,
such as the global warming potential or GWP of
the extinguishing agent. The reality is that an
agent's GWP contributes to climate change only if
the agent is released into the atmosphere. Fire
suppression industry data indicate that minimal
amounts of extinguishing agent are ever released
to the atmosphere since most suppression
equipment doesn't encounter a fire scenario.

Voluntary codes of practice within the industry
have established best practices for installing, main-
taining, and servicing fire suppression systems, and
these measures have proven highly effective in con-
trolling and reducing unwanted emissions. The
industry has also been working closely with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a
reporting program to track fire system emissions,
the HFC Emission Estimating Program (HEEP). 1

In fact, worldwide emissions from fire protection,
including fire events, are estimated to represent
less than 0.02% of total greenhouse gas emissions

on a C0 2 equivalent basis and less than 1% of
emissions from the basket of gases manufactured
for use.

To put these volumes into further perspective,
the average fire system in the U.S. contains about
155 kgs of extinguishing agent, meaning an aver-
age system releases about 4.5 mt C0 2 equivalent.
According to the U.S. EPA, this release rate
equates to the same GWP impact of 9/1 Oths of a
passenger car or [less than half] 4/1 Oths of your
home's annual energy use. 2

What about the future environmental risk of an
ever-growing base of protected facilities? The HEEP
data shows emissions from fire systems leveling off,
indicating that system emissions are not directly
tied to the number of installed fire systems System
installations have increased consistently every year
over the period of the HEEP data, from 2002 to
2008, yet the volume of emissions from that grow-
ing base remains the same. One explanation for
this non-intuitive data is that the number of fire
and false discharge events is steady, no matter how
many sites are protected. Further, the industry cur-
rently has a well-established maintenance, recovery
and reclamation infrastructure, providing a robust
global market for recovering and reusing clean
agents in new fire extinguishing systems, recharg-
ing existing systems after fires, and removing
agents from use through conversion or destruction
technologies. Over the years, these maintenance
and recovery programs have become more refined
and efficient proving that, with proper care and

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market incentives, emissions can be reduced, agent
and system sustainability can be attained, and
environmental responsibility can be realized.

Since clean agent fire systems have a low
emission impact, how should an end-user (i.e.,
facility manager, building owner, and administra-
tor) evaluate and make the best choice in a fire
suppression system? Fire suppression systems
should be considered as an integral complex
system, including, but not limited to, the choice of
agent. Just as the science and politics of climate
change are complex and interrelated, so too, the
choice of the right fire suppression technology for
any given application is more than a single com-
ponent or even sum of components, and requires
careful decision making.

First, it is critical to ensure that the performance
of the suppression system properly matches the
application. Protection of life and health must be
the top priority, followed by protection of property
and the environment. Selecting a suppression sys-
tem with the main focus on achieving an arbitrary
GWP target not only wastes resources but may
ultimately prove to be a worse choice environmen-
tally as well. A high quality system from a recog-
nized manufacturer, carrying an internationally
recognized approval (such as Underwriters
Laboratory, VdS, or Factory Mutual), helps ensure
the system performs as expected, releasing only
during a real fire event. Proper service and routine
maintenance by trained technicians with respected
service firms will enable the suppression system to
protect lives and property from fire.

In evaluating the environmental impact of a fire
suppression system, it is important to consider the
quantity of equipment required, including system
storage space, as well as installation and servicing
costs. Achieving the same hazard protection goals
with physically larger, more complex fire systems
can increase a facilities overall environmental
impact. Systems utilizing efficient, high performance
extinguishing agents such as DuPont™ FM-200®
reduce resource requirements, going back to the

hardware manufacturing process;
they also require less floor space,
thus reducing all of the attendant
operational costs associated with
managing a highly protected risk
facility. According to a Data Center
News article 3 the operational cost of
a U.S. data center ranges from $80-
$11 2/ft2 ; a large part of that cost
goes to power and environmental
controls. Displacing functional floor
space to accommodate a less effi-
cient fire system increases the oper-
ational overhead requirements for
these facilities and creates an added
environmental impact over the life-
time of the installation.

When considering the overall
environmental performance of your
facility, consider LEED® (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design)
standards. The U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC), a non-profit coali-
tion of building industry leaders,
developed LEED® to establish a com-
mon standard of measurement for
environmentally sustainable building
practices. Several clean agent fire
extinguishant options contribute toward LEED®
credits in the Energy & Atmosphere category, con-
tributing toward USGBC Certification. Money saved
by choosing a high performance, cost-effective fire
suppression system can be used to upgrade building
materials or for other energy performance enhance-
ments. Improvements in these other operational
areas are weighted five to ten times more heavily in
the LEED® certification process than improvements
related to fire systems. Focusing limited resources
on areas that provide the greatest return is both
fiscally prudent and environmentally responsible.

It is certain that "sustainability" will continue to
be a growing concern for critical facilities. Facility
managers, building owners, architects and design
engineers will continue to review and examine
options for improving a site's environmental profile
and fire systems are not exempt from that process.
By combining a safe, effective fire suppression
system that offers the highest performance with
an efficient use of space, energy and capital,
owners can focus their resources on making a real
difference in reducing a company's environmental
footprint.

For nearly two decades, HFC clean agents have
clearly demonstrated they offer the best balance
between performance, economic value, and
environmental responsibility for the special hazards
fire protection industry. To choose a fire suppres-
sion system based solely on the GWP of the agent
used in the system is to fail to properly appreciate
the true impact and importance of fire extinguish-
ing system in the overall protection and operation
of a critical facility. JE2

References

1 Report of the HFC Emissions Estimating Program,
March 2010.

2 US EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator;
http://www.epa.gov/RDEE/energy-resources/calcula-
tor.html#results

3 Data Center Locations Ranked by Operating Cost,
Data Center News, 25 Jul 2006. SearchData
Center.com

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ALTAIR 5 - The high performance multi-gas detector

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FIA COMMENT

Removal off Fire
Extinguishers - is
it worth the risk?

In recent years it has not been uncommon to see risk assessments
recommending that portable fire extinguishers be removed from the common
areas of blocks of flats. This seems an odd recommendation when one bears in
mind that there is a plethora of statistics from the UK and Europe that show that
portable extinguishers have a life and property saving role to play.

I n some cases the removal of portable fire
extinguishers appears to have been supported by
the local fire brigade at a time when fire safety
legislation in the UK has placed the responsibility for
fire safety onto the shoulders of building owners
and occupiers.

The rationale behind the removal of portable fire
extinguishers is the belief that they are a hazard in
untrained hands and could encourage people to try
to tackle a blaze themselves rather than leaving the
building. However in view of the large number of
fires that are safely extinguished every year using
portable extinguishers, surely it makes more sense
to focus on providing training rather than removing
what has proven to be very effective means of con-
taining a small fire?

In general fire brigades believe in a "get out, stay
out and call the fire service out" approach. How-
ever, this advice means that the residents of a
block of flats should resist any urge to extinguish a
minor waste bin fire in the foyer, activate the alarm,
evacuate the entire building and await the arrival of
the fire brigade.

This approach appears to be very sensible until
you take into account the fact that things are
very different in today's UK fire service as a result of
the Fire and Rescue Act in 2004. This act requires
that every brigade has an integrated Risk
Management Plan which is aimed at the complex
problem of balancing its obligations with its
resources. The outcome in some parts of the
country is that brigades will now not respond to an
alarm unless there is "visual confirmation" of a fire.
In other cases fire personnel in fourwheel-drive
vehicle or on a motorcycle are sent to assess the fire
before committing further resources. Also, some
stations now have lower manning levels during the
night.

The fact of the matter, according to a survey pub-
lished by the FIA is that portable extinguishers save
the British economy alone around £500 million
every year and extinguish completely around 66,000
fires. Even these figures may underestimate the role
played by portable extinguishers as they are
designed to prevent relatively minor incidents
becoming major conflagrations, so their use often
goes unreported.

In comparison figures from the UK government's
Department of Communities and Local Government
that show that the fire and rescue service in the UK
attended 88,400 fires in buildings in the UK. Thus
the effective use of portable extinguishers is undeni-
able, and adopting a widespread policy of removing

them would place extra strain on the resources of
the fire service.

So, shouldn't we be concentrating on the safe
use of portable extinguishers, rather than dismissing
them and leaving nothing in their place. In England
and Wales, for example, The Regulatory Reform
(Fire Safety) Order covers the common areas in such
buildings, which means that there is a legal need to
appoint a "responsible person", to ensure that
adequate training is provided, and to ensure that
residents are aware of the fire safety precautions
being implemented in the building. Training in the
safe use of portable extinguishers is readily available
and inexpensive. Many fire brigades now include
information on the selection, placing and use of
portable extinguishers on their websites, as well as
offering short training courses. In addition reputable
suppliers of portable extinguishers also are only too
willing to work with a building's 'responsible
person' regarding the selection of the most
appropriate extinguisher and to help ensure that the
legislative requirements are being met.

Any training provided should cover emergency
procedures, familiarisation of the building and its
escape routes, an understanding of the different
types of fire and their likely causes, the different
types of portable extinguisher and their safe use,
and when not to attempt to use a portable extin-
guisher to fight a blaze. This may, at first glance,
appear to be a somewhat onerous schedule, but
most training courses take between a couple of
hours for a basic portable extinguisher course, to
half-day courses that combine both portable
extinguisher training with fire awareness.

Finally the fire sector is becoming ever more
aware of the need for third-party certification as the
only reliable means of verifying that products gen-
uinely comply with the standard being claimed for
them. This is certainly the case with portable fire
extinguishers and end users should be encouraged
to put their faith only in portables that are main-
tained by installers that can prove their competence
by membership of a third party certification scheme
such as those run by BAFE and LPCB. HU

Fire Industry Association

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By Ian Buchanan

European Manager,
Spectrex Inc

industrial Flame
Detection - the
'pros and cons'

Optical flame detection has progressed to meet the ever-growing demands for
maximum reliability, availability and minimal false alarm events and is widely
employed in many high risk industries, such as those in oil & gas (onshore &
offshore), petrochemicals, hazardous material handling and storage, etc., to
protect both high-value plant and personnel.

F lame Detectors are the favored solution for
high risk areas and outdoors where smoke and
heat detectors are not effective. Unlike smoke
and heat detectors, the fire/products of fire
(smoke/heat) do not have to reach the optical
detector to be recognized as it can 'sees the fire
(flame) radiation from distances up to 65 meters,
within a 100° 'cone of vision' in all directions -
and raise an alarm within 5 seconds. Detection is
taken to the fire rather than waiting for the fire to
reach the detector.

Optical flame detectors provide the fastest
detection of a fuel fire in the early ignition stage.

About flames

Flames emit electromagnetic radiation at a wide
range of wavelengths, which vary depending on
the fuel being burned and environmental condi-
tions that affect the radiation transmission in the
atmosphere. Optical flame detectors operate by
sensing one or more of these wavelengths. (Fig. 1)
Many combustible materials include carbon,

and combustion of such hydrocarbon fuels,
typically generate hot carbon dioxide (C0 2 ) gas.
Hot C0 2 has a characteristic infrared (IR) emission
spectrum, with a relatively strong and well-defined
peak at wavelengths from approximately 4.2 to
4.5 microns, and relatively little intensity at wave-
lengths immediately on either side of the peak. In
the presence of an actual fire, the radiation
intensity in the peak band is generally high, while
little or no radiation is received in the side bands.
Thus, high radiation intensity in the peak band as
compared to that in the non-peak side bands is
used to determine whether a flame is present.

Some other combustibles lack carbon, for
example hydrogen, ammonia, metal oxides, silane
and other non-organic fuels. In their combustion
process, they generate a lot of hot water vapor
that has a characteristic IR emission spectrum with
a relatively strong peak around 2.7 microns.

One of the problems in detecting fire conditions,
particularly small fires or at long range, is the poten-
tial for a high false alarm rate. Such spurious radia-

I INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

INDUSTRIAL FLAME DETECTION

THE 'PROS AND CONS f

40/40 plus

tion sources might not be large enough to activate
short-range detectors, but may activate detectors
whose sensitivity has been increased to maximize
their detection distance. A false alarm may result in
a costly discharge of the fire extinguisher and its
replacement and/or plant shutdown.

Several generations of flame detectors have
been developed over the years to address the
various fire and explosion hazards, particularly in
today's high-risk industries.

Flame detection technologies

Flame Detectors usually employ several optical
sensors, working in specific spectral ranges that
detect simultaneously the incoming radiation
at the selected wavelengths. These signals are
analyzed in one or more of the following ways:

1 Comparator techniques (and-gate techniques).

2 Flickering frequency analysis.

3 Threshold energy signal comparison.

4 Mathematical ratios and correlations between
various signals.

5 Correlation to memorized spectral analysis.

Modern Flame Detectors employ several of the
above-mentioned techniques using multiple sensors
to provide enhanced reliability and accuracy. The
spectral bands selected for each type of detector
determine the detector's sensitivity, detection range,
speed of response and immunity to false alarms.
The flame radiation spectral pattern, being unique,
allows several spectral ranges to be employed
simultaneously in the various detection devices.

The following, in chronological order, is a brief
review of the technologies, their limitations and
the solutions that have been developed and
incorporated into modern flame detectors. All
are still in use today although early types tend
to be restricted to very specific applications.

UV flame detection - single sensor

The earliest flame detector utilized the UV spectral
signature of some flames which have a pattern
that can be readily recognized over the back-
ground radiation. UV flame detec-
tors detect flames at high speed
(3-4 milliseconds) due to the high-
energy UV radiation emitted by
fires and explosions. However, the
UV flame radiation can be attenu-
ated by atmospheric pollutants. In
addition, false alarms can result
from random UV radiation from
stimuli such as lighting, arc welding
and radiation, X-rays, solar radia-
tion (not absorbed by the atmos-
phere).

The latest generation of UV
detectors are more reliable but still
susceptible to false alarms and
limited to approx 15m detection
distance. They tend to be used
indoors where interfering radiation
is not present and where very
fast response is necessary, e.g.
munitions manufacture.

IR flame detection - single
sensor

IR radiation is present in most
flames. However, flames are not
the only source of IR radiation, in
fact, any hot surface emits IR
radiation that coincides with flame
IR radiation wavelengths.

Most single band IR detectors are
based on pyroelectric sensors with a
4.4 micron (m) optical filter and a
low frequency (1-10 Hz) electronic
band pass filter. This type of detector
will recognize a 1 sq.ft. Gasoline pan
fire from a distance of 1 5m.

fa) candle flame - id) eunfcgpit

(b) gasoline fire (el incandescent lamp

(e) foen gas Tire (c) hot substance

Figure 1

Detection ot the flame's characteftetic infrared and
uttrawotet radiatkm

Figure 2

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

40/40 Series Flame Detectors

A heated window, fully SIL2 [TUV] certified and EN54-10, FM3260 and DNV performance approved, along with Ex
hazardous area approvals [ATEX, IECEx, FM, CSA] ensure your peace of mind. Interfacing is also easy - we provide a
choice of relay contacts, analogue mA, RS485 Modbus and HART. All of this combined in a compact, lightweight but
rugged package makes the 40/40 Flame Detector the one to choose!

The 40/40 Series includes well-known and proven technologies such as triple IR (IR3) and UV/IR, and even a new Multi
IR that allows simultaneous detection of hydrocarbon and hydrogen fires at long distances.

5 YEAR WARRANTY

Headquarters NJ (USA): +1 (973) 239-8398
Houston Office: +1 (281) 463-6772
Europe: +44 (141) 578-0693
E-mail: spectrex@spectrex-inc.com
Web: www.spectrex-inc.com

SPECTREX INC.

INDUSTRIAL FLAME DETECTION

THE 'PROS AND CONS f

Figure 3

Wavelength

Defection of the name s characteristic C0 2 emission line
by the use of three wavelength bands

However, these IR detectors are still subject to
false alarms caused by blackbody radiation
(heaters, incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, etc.).

UV/IR flame detection - dual sensor

Dual spectrum UV/IR technology employs a solar
blind UV sensor with a high signal-to-noise ratio
and a narrow band IR sensor. The UV sensor itself
is a good fire detector but easily false alarms.
Thus, the IR sensing channel was added, working
at the 2.7m or the 4.1 m-4.6m spectral ranges and
serve as a reliable detector for many mid-range
applications. (Fig. 2)

However, even this advanced technology has its
limitations, since each type of fire has its own
specific ratio of UV to IR output. Hence, specific
dual UV/IR detectors must combine both signals
and compare them to distinguish a fire signature
from false alarm stimuli.

To ensure reliability, a discriminating circuit
compares the UV and IR thresholds, their ratio as
well as their flickering mode. Only when all
parameters satisfy the detection algorithm is a fire
signal alarm confirmed. However, UV radiating
sources are sources for false alarms.

Since false alarms can affect both UV and IR
channels, certain scenarios may occur when a fire
is present. Unwanted solar spikes in the UV com-
bined with flickering IR sources (such as moving
objects in front of hot sources) are liable to cause
false alarms, even when a fire is not present.

Again, detection distance is limited to max 15m.

IR/IR flame detection - dual sensor

More recently, the fire's main IR spectral character-
istic feature at 4.3m-4.5m is analyzed thoroughly.
This "differential spectral" approach is where two
spectral ranges are analyzed: one emitted strongly
by the fire, while the second is emitted weakly by
the surroundings, thus the ratio gives a substantial
mathematical tool for fire signal processing.

However, since most dual IR detectors use
the 4.3m sensor as their main channel for fire
recognition, they suffer from atmospheric
attenuation, especially at long range detection
applications. Again, detection distance is limited to
max 1 5m.

Triple infrared (IR3) flame detection

TRIPLE IR (IR3) technology is a major breakthrough
in fire detection, which detects by concurrently

monitoring with three IR
sensors. These signals are
further analyzed mathemat-
ically with respect to their
ratios and correlations.

IR3 detectors will not
false alarm to any continu-
ous, modulated or pulsating
radiation sources other than
fire (including sources like
black or gray body radia-
tion). The high sensitivity of
the Triple IR technology,
coupled with its inherent
immunity to false alarms,
enables another major
benefit of this technology -
substantially longer detec-
tion ranges than previously
obtained with standard
detectors - 65m compared to 15m for the same
test fire. (Fig. 3)

Multispectral flame detection

A major concern in optical flame detection is IR
radiation with spectra, at least superficially, similar
to those emitted by flames, which may be pro-
duced by many non-flame sources, including warm
objects, sunlight and various forms of artificial
lighting. Such IR radiation may be misinterpreted
as a flame. However, simply ignoring or filtering this
radiation may result in actual flames being masked.

Analyzing multiple spectral bands, identifying
the absence of a strong peak, eliminating spectra
resembling a blackbody curve, employing wide
band and narrow band filters, are some of the
modern 'tools' in flame detection.

Multiple IR sensors is the best technology, pro-
vided the selection of sensors and filters covers
most of the flammables spectra (including hydro-
carbons and hydrogen flames) and eliminates all
the false alarm spectra in the monitored area.
Such detectors can simultaneously detect a hydro-
carbon fire at 65m and a hydrogen flame at 30m.

The increased activity in LNG and LPG process-
ing and storage also requires the use of flame
detectors, and recent improvements in the
effective detection range for such gas type flames
(e.g. methane, propane, etc.) means that fewer
detectors are required to properly protect any
given area than was previously the case.

Due to the increased reliability, durability, high
quality and performance, Spectrex 40/40 Series
Flame Detectors are approved to SIL2 (TUV) for
safety integrity; performance approved to EN54-10
and FM3260 as well as Ex Zone 1 hazardous
area approved with a resultant extension in the
warranty period to 5 years.

Summary

Flame detection technologies have advanced
significantly since the first UV detector, primarily
'pushed' by the ever-growing demands of modern
industries for reliable and cost-effective detection
equipment for their expensive high-risk facilities
and processes. Smaller in size, larger in brains,
modern optical flame detectors provide enhanced
flame detection reliability and longer detection
ranges with minimal (or no) false alarms, backed
by independent confirmation of their performance
and integrity. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Reliable Fire Sprinkler Ltd.

Manufacturer & Distributor of Fire Protection Equipment

www.reliablesprinkler.com

Western Europe: Berny Holden - bholden@reliablesprinkler.com

Germany: Hartmut Winkler - hwinkler@reliablesprinkler.com

UK Office: +44.1342316800

ucHMoncr.tnutr.itn tt Germany Office: +49.62176212223

Reliable

TECHNOLOGY • QUALITY • SERVICE

PROTECTING ELECTRICAL CABINETS

By Nick Grant

EMEA Vice President
and General Manager of
Firetrace International

Protecting Electri
with C0 2 is a high

Using C0 2 to protect electrical cabinets and enclosures risks doing considerable
and expensive damage to the very equipment it is seeking to protect. Nick Grant
explains.

F or the past 100 years or so, C0 2 has been
successfully extinguishing fires and continues
to this day to be a popular, versatile and effec-
tive fire suppression agent. Frequently, the only
detracting consideration has been that it is not
suitable for the protection of areas where people
might be present, as its discharge in fire
extinguishing concentrations would be lethal to
room occupants.

However, while the full-room total flooding
discharge of C0 2 can be used without damaging
electrical equipment, this does not mean that C0 2
is suitable for every electrical environment. This is
because the C0 2 discharge nozzles in a room
are typically some distance from the sensitive
electronics. This is not the case with direct-
discharge, tube-operated systems in enclosed
electrical cabinets, where the C0 2 discharge may
be a matter of only a few centimetres away from
delicate circuit boards or microchips.

This has the potential to adversely impact on a
vast number of businesses where electrical cabinets
and enclosures maintain and control an array of

business-critical processes - machinery control
cabinets, switchgear, substations or simple fuse
boxes - and where the loss or damage of the
equipment could have devastating consequences.

In these applications, the direct-discharged C0 2
suppressant agent is released in liquid form that
transmutes instantly into a gas, reducing the
temperature to a super-cooled -70°C. This instantly
freezes the humidity throughout the cabinet and
effectively transforms the electrical panels into
"snow boxes". This "snow" is a mixture of frozen
carbon dioxide - often called dry ice - and water
that can also collect dust and dirt particles from
inside the cabinet. This "snow" melts into water
inside the panels and then comes into contact
with the energised components. The dust particles
that are collected within the snow are deposited
on to surfaces inside the enclosure, creating an
electrically conductive substrate.

The rapid cooling from ambient temperature to
-70°C can also damage sensitive electronic com-
ponents through a process known as thermal
shock, which can damage some - possibly all - of

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

C0 2 IS A HIGH RISK OPTION

PROTECTING ELECTRICAL CABINETS

cal cabinets
risk option

the equipment in the cabinet. Also, there
are still direct-discharged C0 2 systems on
the market that discharge the C0 2 as a
gas, rather than as a liquid that then
transmutes into a gas, where on dis-
charge so much frost is formed that the
cylinder valve freezes up and discharges
only a portion of the cylinder's contents.

Estimates suggest that this may be as low
as 50 percent. This serious drawback has
though been overcome in ISO9001:
2008-certified Firetrace International
FIRETRACE® automatic fire suppression
systems by the innovative development
of a modified direct/indirect valve.

However, when the C0 2 transmutes
from a liquid to a gas it expands at a rate
of 500:1. This sudden expansion in vol-
ume creates a significant over pressurisa-
tion that can also seriously harm sealed
enclosures and deform metal panels. The
result is that, while the fire in the cabinet
is suppressed, the damage caused to
nearby electrical equipment by choosing
to use direct-discharged C0 2 is likely to
be extensive.

This might, of course, beg the ques-
tion: "Is it necessary to protect electrical
cabinets with this type of dedicated fire
suppression?" The answer is an unequiv-
ocal "yes". Reliance on facility-wide sys-
tems, even with the most sophisticated
and integrated installations, is seriously
flawed because, by the time a ceiling-
mounted smoke, heat or flame sensor or
a beam detector has been activated by a
fire in an electrical cabinet, it is all but
certain to be extensively damaged if not
destroyed. By their very nature, enclosed
micro environments are isolated from the
facility's main fire detection and alarm installation
and firefighting facilities.

Any energised equipment - both low voltage
and high voltage - can catch fire. Typically, fires in
electrical cabinets are caused by loose connections
and faulty cables that, when power is running
through them, the electricity can arc. This arced
electricity is extremely hot and can cause the
cable sheathing to burn and spread to other com-
ponents. It is therefore essential for the fire
detection and suppression to be targeted on the
connections and components, such as switches
and transformers.

So, what suppressants are suitable for electrical
cabinets? While there are any number of agents
that can be trusted to suppress a fire, not all can
be relied upon not to damage the electrical
cabinet they are endeavouring to protect. Certainly
not C0 2 .

Unlike C0 2 , properly designed systems with
agents such as DuPont FM-200® and

3M™Novec™1230 Fire Protection Fluid discharge
at much higher temperatures and have proven to
provide fast and reliable suppression without the
detrimental side effects of direct-discharged C0 2 .
Both FM-200 and Novec 1230 are non-conductive,
clean suppression agents and, significantly, neither
has either the huge temperature change from
ambient, or the huge pressure change from
ambient that precludes C0 2 from being suitable
for these applications.

Novec 1230, for example, exists as a liquid at
room temperature. It is stored as a low-vapour-
pressure fluid that, when discharged, transmutes
into a colourless and odourless gas, using a con-
centration of the fluid that is well below the
agent's saturation or condensation level. Both
agents have been used extensively by Firetrace
International in its FIRETRACE systems, of which
there are now more than 150,000 installations
around the world.

Both agents are also approved by UL [Under-

I INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PROTECTING ELECTRICAL CABINETS

CO ? IS A HIGH RISK OPTION

writers Laboratories] and FM [Factory Mutual] and
are listed in the appropriate codes and standards,
such as NFPA 2001 [Standard on Clean Agent Fire
Extinguishing Systems] and BS EN 15004:2008
[Fixed firefighting systems. Gas extinguishing
systems].

FIRETRACE provides reliable, around-the-clock,
unsupervised protection; it is self-activating, which
means it needs neither electricity nor external
power. It also requires neither manual activation
nor monitoring, virtually no maintenance, and
can be fitted as a new-build installation or

marked tube-operated system in the world that is
tested as an automatic fire detection and suppres-
sion system with, globally, 150,000 successfully
completed installations.

Briefly, the system comprises an extinguishing
agent cylinder that is attached to technically-
advanced proprietary Firetrace Detection Tubing
via a custom-engineered valve. This leak-resistant
polymer tubing is a linear pneumatic heat and
flame detector that is designed to deliver the
desired temperature-sensitive detection and delivery
characteristics. It can be routed throughout an

firetrace provides reliable, around-the-clock,
unsupervised protection; it is self-activating, which
means it needs neither electricity nor external power, it
also requires neither manual activation nor monitoring,
virtually no maintenance, and can be fitted as a new-
build installation or retrofitted to existing
micro-environments in a matter of hours.

Nick Grant is EMEA Vice
President and General
Manager of Firetrace
International. He is based at
the company's EMEA head
office is in the UK and can be
contacted on +44 (0) 1293
780390 or via email at
grant@firetrace.com

retrofitted to existing micro-environments in a
matter of hours. A FIRETRACE installation does
not affect the IP ingress protection rating of the
cabinet or any internal enclosures, as it does not
necessitate the drilling of holes. It also does
not involve the introduction of any electrically
conductive hardware.

It is the only UL [Underwriters Laboratories]
listed, FM [Factory Mutual] approved and CE
[Conformite Europeene or European Conformity]

electrical cabinet and, when the tubing is exposed
to heat and radiant energy from a fire, it ruptures
instantly and immediately directs the suppression
agent at the source of the fire.

In addition to FM-200 and Novec 1230, FIRE-
TRACE systems also use ABC dry chemical agents
and AFFF [Aqueous Film Forming Foam] con-
centrate. In appropriate cases, C0 2 is the chosen
suppressant, but certainly not when it comes to
electrical cabinets. m

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Only

FI RETRACE

Other Tube-Based systems
Claim td be Like Firetrace.

They are Not.

+ Only FIRETRACE INTERNATIONAL Systems
offer the extensively tested Firetrace brand
solutions with listings and approvals 1 from
CE, FM, UL, ULC and more than 25 other
international agencies on agents such as
Dupont FM-200, 3M Novec 1230, C0 2 , and
ABC dry checmicalT

Insist on genuine
Firetrace systems

FDR PRDVEN FIRE
SUPPRESSION

+ Only FIRETRACE INTERNATIONAL has 20 years
of experience with more than 65,000 systems
protecting equipment worldwide.

+ Only Genuine FIRETRACE SYSTEMS have the
tested and proven reliability you and your
customers require.

I. *

Never compromise your reputation by using
impostor, untested and unapproved systems
- be sure you are using genuine Firetrace.

SfcTi

AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

Call +44 (0) 1293 780390 (Europe, Middle East, Africa) or
+1 480 607 1218 (US and elsewhere) ore-mail info@firetrace.com
to see why Firetrace is the right solution for your fire protection needs.

www.firetrace.com

www.firetrace.eu nsmi iism» APP*OVtO

LISTED LISTED

Firetrace® is a registered trademark of Firetrace USA, LLC / Firetrace Ltd. All unauthorized uses of the Firetrace trademark
shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by the law.

f Listings and Approvals vary by system and agent.

Pilkington Pyrostop®
Pilkington Pyrodur®
Pilkington Pyroclear®

The primary function of any fire-resistant glass is to consistently, reliably and uncompromisingly
protect lives and properties in various applications and situations. Pilkington offers a comprehensive
range of products for specific requirements and types of risk:

• Pilkington Pyrostop® - well-proven with its high performance providing full thermal

insulation as well as integrity (El)

• Pilkington Pyrodur® - a barrier to smoke, flames and hot gases effectively reducing

the level of dangerous radiant heat (EW)

• Pilkington Pyroclear® - the clear choice for consistent and reliable basic integrity

performance (E)

It is the unrivalled range of fully tested and approved fire-resistant framing solutions available for
the product lines in combination with additional functional properties which contributes - to a
substantial degree - towards facilitating safer as well as space giving, brighter and cost-effective
fire safety design. Pilkington fire-resistant glass is fit for purpose - a sure choice!

Pilkington Deutschland AG Haydnstrafie 19 45884 Gelsenkirchen
Telephone +49 (0) 209 1 68 0 Fax +49 (0) 209 1 68 20 56
fireprotection@nsg.com www.pilkington.com

Pilkington

NSG Group Flat Glass Business

Testing times

By Mike Wood

Advances in fire safety design now include a significant element of risk
assessment as a supplement, or an alternative, to prescriptive rules. There are
major implications as a result.

Head of Fire Protection
(Glass & Glazing
Design), Pilkington UK

P roduct reliability and fitness for purpose
become key considerations, and manufac-
turers have to give more consideration to the
reproducibility of product performance in realistic
and alternative fire scenarios. A risk-based
approach requires confidence in product perfor-
mance, linked to assurance on the reliability of
product function. That requires more attention to
the range and validity of furnace test data as
evidence for product capability in fire.

Best practice principles

The successful application of fire-resistant glass is
based on three core factors:

• the development of fire-resistant glass tech-
nologies with reliable and effective function, for
use in the wide range of fire environments that
may be possible;

• repeat furnace testing of fire-resistant glass, in
as many different furnaces around the world as
possible to demonstrate consistency of behaviour
and effective fire protection function; and

• testing in as wide a variety of different glazed
system applications and framing options as
feasible to provide the maximum of specifier
choice.

These best practice principles for fire-resistant
glass need to be recognized and reinforced. Inno-
vations in architecture and construction continue
to set challenges, and fire safety is even more in
the spotlight. Pilkington continues to be at the
forefront of developments. Advances maintain
reliable effective fire protection whilst expanding
the variety and capability of applications. Fires in
modern buildings can be intense and the course of
fire growth characteristically unpredictable. The

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE RATED GLAZING

underlying fire-resistant technology for glass
products therefore has to be inherently safe and
reliable, requiring a significant technical input.

Implications of risk

Risk-based approaches lead to focus on scope of
application, product sensitivities, failure mechan-
isms and limits in fire. At issue are both the level
and validation of product performance. Both are
not easily satisfied by reference to a single passed
fire test, least of all by an assessment that may be
tenuously balanced on scanty test evidence.

Development of risk-based techniques calls for
a greater focus on the depth and spread of test
evidence, not less. Wider consideration of real fire
conditions, in what could be a range of possible
fire scenarios and a variety of fire safety objectives,
is increasing in fire safety design. The uncertainties
and risks of fire are well known. Deduction of
expected performance in real fire conditions is a
projection from test evidence involving an element
of uncertainty. The further the claimed perfor-
mance strays from the underlying test evidence,
and the weaker that evidence is, then the greater
are the potential uncertainties in predicting fire
behaviour. The degree of uncertainty can effectively
be minimized by increasing as much as possible
the scope and range of available test evidence as a
testament to product reliability, consistency and
effectiveness.

Furnace testing

The prime purpose of a standard test is to allow
product classification according to broad functional

categories which are defined by prescriptive
pass/fail criteria. A base of standard test evidence
is essential. But, the prescriptive process is not
ideally suited to provide the type of information
required by a risk-based approach to design. The
test evidence therefore needs to be as extensive as
possible, to maximise the information content for
the designer.

Assurance on repeatability and reproducibility of
performance can best be provided by a demon-
strated track record of testing - as many tests in as
many different test furnaces and framing situations
as possible, backed up by large scale tests and real
fire experience. Such considerations can hardly be
answered by a single test, or a limited scope of
test evidence. In the approval process, test failures
are not recorded, and no distinction is made
between a product that just scrapes through by
less than a minute and one that can achieve a
safety margin of several minutes.

Test evidence is crucial, but the information
should not be stretched beyond its point of
applicability and relevance, at the risk of becoming
misleading and unrepresentative. Scrutiny of the
evidence should cover applicability, scope, rele-
vance and validity. The designer also has to note
the expected fire situation. There are some key
points to be mindful of:

• Fire-resistant products should only be installed
as part of an approved and tested fire-resistant
system of matched components. There should
be no short cuts, such as mixing and matching
of components, or using a system based on
incorrect test evidence. Different glasses made

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

TESTING TIMES

FIRE RATED GLAZING

by different manufacturers should not be
presumed to be equivalent..

• The product tested must always be representa-
tive of the routine product coming off the
production line. And if that product changes, or
varies, in a way that could compromise the
submitted test evidence then controls must
be put in place and the product re-tested.

• There are limitations on furnace test informa-
tion. A proviso included in fire resistance test
reports is that a test result only relates to the
behaviour of the element of construction
under the particular conditions of the standard
classification test.

• Test reports remind users that the result applies
only to the specimen as tested, also that the
result is not intended to be the sole criteria for
assessing potential fire performance of the
element in use, nor to reflect actual behaviour
in fires. Time in a standard test does not
necessarily directly correlate with time in a fire,
under fire conditions that may well vary signifi-
cantly from those of the prescriptive test.

• The fire test evidence must be relevant and
applicable to the application and the function
of the fire-resistant glazed system. For example,
a test report for overhead glazing is totally
inadequate as evidence for a fire-resistant
loadbearing glass floor (on the presumption
that any horizontal glazing test will do).

Practical limits

Even relatively low levels of radiant heat can cause
serious burns and smoking on the protected side,
perhaps secondary ignition. Radiant heat absorp-
tion by a glass can also give high surface tempera-
tures on the protected side, leading through
convection to a high temperature environment on
the protected side.

The UK's Building Research Establishment (BRE)
guide safety limit for human tenability is 2.5
kW/sqm. That is within the range of insulation
glass, but not integrity EW (limit 15 kW/sqm).
There is a tendency to pass off the EW class, in
some way, as a substitute for insulation. In prac-
tice, there is no comparison. The 15kW/sqm limit
represents a high level of intolerable heat, and it is
of questionable fire safety benefit.

Insulation on the other hand provides protec-
tion against all heat transfer, defined by precise
temperature criteria. Insulation performance there-
fore effectively protects against the risk of serious
burns, for enhanced life safety (especially for
vulnerable groups) as well as benefits in providing
containment and limiting fire spread.

Assessments

Assessments provide an opinion on performance
were the product to be tested. Assessments are
generally used to support minor variations in the
product as originally tested They should not be

Test evidence is crucial, but the information should not
be stretched beyond its point of applicability and
relevance, at the risk of becoming misleading and
unrepresentative. Scrutiny of the evidence should cover
applicability, scope, relevance and validity. The designer
also has to note the expected fire situation.

Fire resistance

Applicable fire resistance classes are either integrity
(i.e. holding back flames and hot gases) or insula-
tion (i.e. the limitation of heat transfer by all
mechanisms, plus integrity). Integrity (EN classes E
and EW) refers to the prime performance as a
physical barrier to flames, fumes and hot gases.
Insulation refers to the ability of the fire-resistant
system to act both as a physical and a heat barrier
(EN class El). The insulation function is unambig-
uously evaluated by measuring the surface
temperature of the test panel. Insulation effectively
reduces the risk of dangerous heat transmission
for the fire, by all transfer mechanisms.

The differences between the performance
categories must not be blurred. For example,
interpretation of the European EW class (integrity
radiant heat) can be ambiguous. The EW radiant
heat limit - less than 15 kW/sqm at a 1m distance
- is not recognised by UK regulations. Radiation is
determined by pane size, orientation and distance,
as well as the intensity of the source fire. The level
of radiant heat from a glass, even under standard
test, therefore varies according to the situation. As
a result, a single measurement cannot be taken as
a characteristic material value.

used in lieu of fire tests, although this is a develop-
ing trend of suspect practice which requires careful
scrutiny since the supporting test evidence can be
tenuous. Assessments should be withdrawn when
tests show the opinion to be mistaken.

If assessments are used to support a product
claim, then it is absolutely important that they
are based on valid and applicable primary test
evidence which is owned by the assessment owner
and approved for use. If specific test evidence of
this validity is not referenced then the assessment
should be dismissed. Above all, assessments must
be carried out by properly accredited authorities
with experience of testing and the fire-resistant
glass in consideration (e.g. a notified body accred-
ited to BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005, General criteria
for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories).

Fire-resistant glass floors

The development of fire-resistant integral loaded
glass floors is one of the best examples of the
capability of intumescent fire-resistant glass based
on co-operation between manufacturers and
specialist systems developers.

Pilkington has worked closely with specialists

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

TESTING TIMES

FIRE RATED GLAZING

Pilkington Pyrostop,
Pilkington Pyrodur, and
Pilkington Pyrodur Plus are
extensively tested fire-
resistant glass types based
on an established resilient
intumescent interlayer
technology. They are
available in an extensive
portfolio of framing systems,
and are capable of fulfilling
the range of fire safety
demands from regulations
and risk-based design. The
record of use includes major
buildings across the world in
a range of challenging
situations for glass. For more
information on Pilkington
call 01 744 69 2000 or
visit www.pilkington.co.uk/
fireresistant

Glazeguard to develop a robust fully tested
loadbearing fire-resistant glass floor system. Glaze-
guard's Triple-Lite™ Firefloor is at the forefront of
transparent building design. It is the first fire-resis-
tant glass floor system to attain the CE mark
under standards EN 14449 (Glass in Building:
laminated and laminated safety glass) and
EN1 365-2:2000, (Fire resistance tests for loadbear-
ing elements - Part 2: Floors and Roofs). The test
load has to be appropriate for the type of activity
and occupancy characteristic. In the UK, guidance
comes from standard BS 6399-1 : 1996, Loading for
buildings - Part 1: Code of practice for dead and
imposed loads.

Triple-Lite™ has shown fire resistance insulation
and integrity for over one hour for both integrity
and insulation when fully loaded under test fire
conditions. The floor structure has demonstrated
robust stability in several tests. Triple-Lite™ is avail-
able in individual panel areas 3m by 1m standard
single panels for construction of glazed floor areas
or glazed transit air bridges. Both timber and steel
framing are approved. Major applications already
include a range of situations. Major projects
completed and in progress illustrate the value
engineering benefit of a complete approach from
design through to installation. Applications are in
a wide range of diverse situations, including health
care, commercial, education, and even domestic
buildings (e.g. Rolls House, a commercial and
court building in Fetter lane, London; United

House, West St London, a commercial develop-
ment; Dublin dental hospital; and private domestic
installations in flats and houses).

The fire-resistant backbone of Triple-Lite™ is
provided by Pilkington Pyrostop® 60-101, a well
tried and tested insulation with integrity fire-resis-
tant glass classified for 60 minutes. Not only does
Pilkington Pyrostop® 60-101 have an extensive
furnace test record around the world. It also has
demonstrated fire performance in the major
Center Parcs Elvedon Forest fire (2002) when the
product had to survive severe fire exposure for
more than seven hours - which it did comfortably,
effectively stopping the fire in its tracks and
protecting the heart of the site.

Fitness for purpose

The current widespread application of fire-resistant
glass is fundamentally dependant on the applica-
tion of best practice principles in furnace testing
linked to systems development. Tragic headline
fires involving fatalities serve to remind everybody
of the risks and unpredictable nature of fire. The
costs of fire are rising not falling. And the focus on
fitness for purpose of products and constructions
is accordingly getting sharper.

Against the background of fire risks, those
principles of furnace testing need to be empha-
sized, rather than eroded. That is critical if the use
of fire-resistant glazing is to keep in touch with
advancing design. D33

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FIRE RATED DUCTING

Fire Rated Duct

Fire rated enclosure of
duct located in exit
passageway ; protected
with flexible wrap

Shaft Alternative for Air
Distribution Systems (ADS)

By Sarah Brewer

Fire rated duct enclosures are increasingly being accepted as a shaft alternative
for air distribution systems (ADS) by design professionals and code officials.

Group Product
Manager, Unifrax I LLC

S haft alternatives, such as ducts protected with
flexible fire rated duct wrap, provide solutions
for better building space utilization and
physical access to air control equipment. Listed
and Labeled systems verify performance when
tested under duct application conditions and
provide documentation necessary for code com-
pliance. The benefits of these systems can help
resolve current project issues and offer potential
future building design options.

ADS ducts function under operational
and emergency conditions

Multi-story commercial and residential buildings
must utilize a variety of air distribution systems
(ADS) to provide the necessary heating, cooling,
and ventilating functions required to provide occu-
pants with a tenable environment. These systems
must meet minimum standards of performance
and fire safety set by the building code for both

normal operating conditions and emergency fire
situations. This is accomplished through a combina-
tion of code prescribed passive fire resistant build-
ing construction and active smoke control systems.

Fire rated duct requirements,
challenges and benefits

Innovative design, retrofit occupancy changes and
the push to achieve greater efficiencies in all
aspects of building construction present challenges
for designers, installers and code officials. These
challenges certainly include balancing air distribu-
tion system functionality with fire protection
requirements within the shared space of structural
building elements and other building service items.
Requirements for fire protecting duct systems are
clearly defined in the International Building Code
(IBC) utilized for building construction in the United
States. This code dictates duct systems that pass
through fire rated horizontal assemblies shall be

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE RATED DUCT ENCLOSURES

Enclosures

FIRE RATED DUCTING

located in shafts; transfer open-
ings in shafts are to be protected
with fire or combination
fire/smoke dampers; and special-
ized ventilation systems such as
ducts serving smokeproof enclo-
sures and exit enclosures shall be
enclosed in construction as
required for shafts or ductwork
enclosed by 2 Hour fire barriers.

Despite these prescriptive
requirements, unique job site
conditions arise where "alterna-
tives" to shafts (often referred to
as fire rated duct enclosures)
offer potential solutions and
therefore are given considera-
tion.

These conditions can include
but are not limited to:

• Insufficient space to construct
a shaft enclosure

• Inadequate access to fire
dampers for maintenance,
requiring the shaft enclosure
be "extended" to the new damper location

• Fire rated enclosure of ducts that pass through
exit enclosures and exit passageways

• Penetrations of shafts where steel subducts are
installed but lack continuous vertical air flow

• Penetrations of shafts by kitchen, clothes
dryer, bathroom and toilet room exhaust
openings, where steel subducts are installed
but the exhaust fan lacks continuous power in
Group B (Business) and Group R (Residential)
Occupancies.

For these situations and others, there are
numerous benefits to using fire rated duct
enclosures including flexible duct wrap systems.
The most common include:

/ Uses less space than shaft construction, thin
installed profile

/ Potential for more effective space utilization
/ Contours to fit complex configurations
/ Easy material handling
/ Lower installed cost
/ Listed and labeled systems

Existing and potential fire rated duct applica-
tions that could benefit from shaft alternatives
include:

• Smoke control, including stairwell & vestibule
pressurization ducts

• Exit enclosures and passageways

• Bathroom and toilet exhaust

• Commercial dryer exhaust

• Trash & linen chutes

• Hazardous ducts

Shaft alternative: approval using
alternate materials and methods

Fire rated duct enclosures, including flexible fire
rated duct wrap systems are increasingly being uti-
lized by design professionals and accepted by
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ's) as a shaft
alternative for unique job site conditions.

The building code does not define shaft alterna-
tive requirements for an air distribution system
(except for commercial kitchen grease ducts). There-
fore, Section 104.11 of the IBC can be utilized,
which permits "An alternative materials, design or
method of construction to be approved, where the
building official finds the proposed design is
satisfactory and complies with the intent of the pro-
visions of this code, and that the material, method,
or work offered, is for the purpose intended, is at
least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code
in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance,
durability, and saftety" 1 This option is further
defined in Chapter 7 on Fire Resistance Rated
Construction, Section 703.3 Alternate methods
for determining Fire Resistance. Approvals for
Alternative Materials and Methods are typically
granted for project specific requests. Applications
should include supporting documentation, prefer-
ably with Listed and Labeled systems tested at an
IAS accredited testing lab & inspection agency,
which are recognized by ICC. Accreditation
Listings can be found at www.iasonline.org or
562-699-0541. Intertek Testing Services and
Underwriters Laboratories are examples of accred-
ited companies.

Shaft alternative: performance criteria

One guideline for defining shaft alternative perfor-
mance criteria is the International Mechanical
Code (IMC), Section 506.3.10 Grease Duct Enclo-
sures. For this specific air distribution system
application, the code states, "Duct enclosures shall
have a fire resistance rating not less than that of
the floor assembly penetrated, but need not
exceed two hours." Enclosure protection can be
provided via IBC requirements for shaft con-
struction, a field-applied grease duct enclosure or
a factory-built grease duct assembly. Section
506.3.10.2 Field Applied Grease Duct Enclosure,

Example of duct with
insufficient space to
construct a shaft
enclosure

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE RATED DUCTING

FIRE RATED DUCT ENCLOSURES

Duct enclosure system
being prepared for
testing per ISO 6944
under full scale duct
application conditions

defines the criteria that must be met for it to be
used as an alternate to a shaft. This includes:

1 Listed and labeled material, system, product
or method of construction specifically
evaluated for such purpose (as a duct enclosure
configuration)

2 Fire tested per ASTM E2336 (under full scale
application conditions, including ASTM El 19
engulfment fire test)

3 Duct continuously covered on all sides from the
origin to the outlet terminal

4 Duct penetrations sealed with firestop system
tested per ASTM E 814 or UL 1479

5 Firestop system shall have an F and T rating
equal to the fire resistance rating of the
assembly being penetrated. 2

In this example, the fire rated duct enclosure
demonstrates equivalency to a shaft by limiting
fire penetration and temperature rise to the next
compartment (per ASTM El 19 criteria). Both
criteria must be met and results are reported as
the Fire Resistance Rating of the system. Meeting
the pass/fail criteria of the standard verifies
stability, integrity and insulation capabilities of the
duct enclosure system and its ability to provide
equivalent fire resistance to the code prescribed
shaft. In addition, a through-penetration firestop
system must be utilized to seal the duct penetra-
tion opening, which shall provide fire ratings (F)

and temperature ratings (T) equal to the duct
enclosure and assembly penetrated (per ASTM E
814 criteria). Results are reported as F Ratings and
T Ratings. Temperature rise limitations are a
mandatory component of ASTM El 19, used to
define a shaft. Therefore, T Ratings that are equiv-
alent to the F Ratings are mandatory for firestops
installed on grease duct enclosure systems used as
shaft "alternatives". See Table 1 .

Extension of performance criteria to
ADS ducts

It is logical that the shaft alternative performance
criteria for grease duct enclosures defined in the
IMC can be used as a model for other type air
distribution system (ADS) duct enclosures. Since
the IBC requirements for fire protection of ducts is
based on enclosure in shafts, then a shaft alterna-
tive for ADS would have the same performance
objectives and components as grease ducts, using
an engulfment fire exposure test conditions
appropriate for ADS duct application. Using this
philosophy, the ADS fire rated duct enclosure
system must provide equal fire and temperature
ratings to demonstrate equivalent performance to
a shaft.

ISO 6944-1985 (BS 476: Part 24) "Method for
Determination of the Fire Resistance of Ventilation
Ducts" is utilized extensively in Europe and other

Table 1. Grease Duct Enclosure Shaft Alternative Performance Criteria

Criteria

Duct Enclosure (ASTM El 19)

Fire Resistance Rating

Penetration Opening (ASTM E814)

Fire Penetration

No collapse of duct support

No passage of flame throughout

F Rating - no openings through firestop

Temperature Rise

Temperature rise limit on

T Rating - temperature rise limit on
unexposed side of firestop

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FyreWrap® Elite 1.5
Duct Insulation provides fire

FyreWrap® Elite™!. 5 Duct Insulation is ideal
for the insulation of grease and HVAC duct
systems in densely populated areas such as
hotels, schools, restaurants, high rise condos,
medical facilities, research labs, and sports
arenas and stadiums. This lightweight, flexible
material also saves valuable building space
and minimizes labor and installation time.
FyreWrap Elite 1 .5 Duct Insulation offers:

2 hour fire-rated duct protection

Space-saving shaft alternative for grease
and HVAC ducts

Thin, lightweight flexible blanket for faster,
easier installation

Solutions for building design and complex
job configurations

Offers both fire and insulation performance;
made in USA

A FyreWrap product specification in several
formats is available at www.arcat.com;
search using keywords Unifrax, FyreWrap or
www.unifrax.com. For additional information
on FyreWrap Elite 1 .5 or other products,
certifications, code compliance, installation
instructions or drawings, contact Unifrax
Corporate headquarters USA at 716-278-3800.

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Zero clearance to combustibles

Complies with NFPA 96, ICC and
IAMPO Codes

FIRE RATED DUCTING

FIRE RATED DUCT ENCLOSURES

Through-penetration
fi rest op system with
thermocouples
measuring unexposed
surface temperature of
duct enclosure and
sealant to determine
compliance with
requirement for equal F
and T ratings

Sarah Brewer is a Group
Product Manager for Unifrax
I LLC with over 20 years
experience in various
engineering and marketing
positions supporting the
North American passive fire
protection business. She is
member of the ASTM E05
Task Group on Duct
Enclosures, UL Standards
Technical Committee on
Grease Ducts and current
President of the International
Firestop Council (IFC) and
Chairperson of its Duct
Committee. She is also a
member of the National Fire
Protection Association
(NFPA) and Society of Fire
Protection Engineers (SFPE).

parts of the world to evaluate the fire resistance
rating of ventilation air ducts and duct enclosure
systems. This standard evaluates full scale duct
systems under application conditions, which is
representative of the configuration they will be
installed in the field. Performance per ISO 6944 is
reported with the following Ratings:

• Stability Rating - no duct collapse (of duct
support system)

• Integrity Rating - no passage of flames
(through duct or opening)

• Insulation Rating - temperature rise limit
(through duct or opening to unexposed side)
Testing per this standard is conducted by North

American laboratories (including those with IAS
Accreditations and recognized by ICC). Listed and
Labeled systems are available on line in each lab's
Listing Directory. Design listings reflect the individ-
ual ratings achieved for each criteria. However the
equivalent fire resistance rating for the system is
the lowest rating achieved of the three. Manufac-
turers of fire rated duct systems under considera-
tion for approval should produce evidence of an
Insulation Rating that is at least equal to the fire
resistance rating of the assembly penetrated.
Approvers should be cautious, as not all systems
have achieved an insulation rating that matches
the assembly, which demonstrates equivalency to
a shaft.

Acceptance by local jurisdictions

Some jurisdictions are developing acceptance
criteria for fire rated duct enclosures for ventilation
air ducts or ADS. This permits broader approval of
the systems and elimination of the need to apply
for approval of Alternate Methods and Materials
on an individual project basis. Support documenta-
tion typically includes Fire Resistant Duct Design
Listings provided by IAS accredited labs as
evidence of successful fire testing.

One example of a major metropolitan area and
jurisdiction that has developed acceptance criteria
for the ADS application is the New York City
Buildings Department. Their Office of Technical
Certification and Research (OTCR) has defined the
acceptance criteria for Fire Rated Flexible Duct
Wrap Insulation as an Alternate Material in the
2008 NYC Construction Codes under Building
Bulletin OTCR 2009-028. Fire rated duct assem-

blies (duct plus enclosure materials) shall be tested
per ISO 6944, ASTM E814 and ASTM E84. Mini-
mum F and T Ratings for the assembly are man-
dated and defined in the bulletin. Similar criteria
are being considered for adoption by many other
cities, indicating a growing trend of acceptance for
ADS duct shaft alternatives.

An ASTM Test Standard for fire rated ventilation
ducts is under development. Once published, this
standard can then be considered for inclusion in
appropriate sections of Building Codes that cover
duct fire protection requirements. Testing and
Listing of duct enclosure systems per this new
ASTM standard can then be conducted at national
testing laboratories providing additional evidence
of compliance with shaft alternative criteria.

Evolution from project solver to design
option

The use of fire rated duct enclosures as shaft
alternatives have provided designers, installers and
code officials with solutions to unique project
conditions. There is no doubt the benefits associated
with flexible duct wrap systems are evolving this
technology from project solver to design option,
creating the potential to value engineer solutions
as the building is being designed. The culmination
of industry activities already underway aim to
provide AHJ's with a code defined criteria for shaft
alternatives beyond grease duct systems. In the
meantime, existing Listed and Labeled fire resistive
duct enclosure systems are available as supporting
evidence for local project submittals and accept-
ance criteria. m

Footnotes

1 . International Code Congress, 2006 International
Building Code (IBC), Section 104.1 1 .

2. International Code Congress, 2009 International
Mechanical Code (IMC), Sections 506.3.10 and
506.3.10.2

References

1 . International Building Code 2006, International
Code Council, Inc., 2006

2. International Mechanical Code 2009, International
Code Council, Inc., 2009

3. BS 476: Part 24 (ISO 6944-1985), British Standards
Institution, 1987

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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FIRE RATED CABLES

New Code Raises
Fire Safety

The publishing in February of the new BS 851 9:201 0 Code of Practice has led to
a number of misleading claims being made for some cables, with the confusion
appearing to have arisen from a misinterpretation of the different test methods
required for power and control cables. Mark Froggatt explains.

Marketing Services
Manager, Draka UK

B S 8519:2010 (Selection and installation of
fire-resistant power and control cable systems
for life safety and fire-fighting applications.
Code of Practice) replaces BS 7346-6:2005
(Components for smoke and heat control systems.
Specifications for cable systems). Among other
changes it calls for power cables - cables connect-
ing a device to the power supply - to be tested in
accordance with BS 8491:2008 (Method for
assessment of fire integrity of large diameter
power cables for use as components for smoke
and heat control systems and certain other active
fire safety systems) that itself replaced BS 7346-6:
2005.

The new Standard aims to ensure that the level
of circuit integrity is not compromised by other
components of the whole electrical distribution
system, including cable glands, terminations, joints
and cable support systems. It covers: the source
of supply; the high and low distribution voltage;
the appropriate location of the main intake enclo-
sure, high-voltage and low-voltage switchrooms,

transformer rooms, generator rooms, risers, fire
life-safety plant rooms and firefighting/evacuation
lift motor rooms and shafts.

But what inspired the creation of a new Code
of Practice? The main drivers were the increased
size and height of many high-rise and complex
buildings, the sophistication of the active fire
protection installed in many buildings, and the
adoption of fire engineered solutions; solutions
that demand a high level of reliable performance
from building services, including the electrical sup-
plies. In the UK at least, this change was set in
motion by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)
Order 2005 that heralded in an entirely new
approach to fire safety. In place of being told what
they must do in terms of fire safety in a building,
designers were told what must be achieved.

This Order was followed in 2007 by Approved
Document B of the Building Regulations of
England and Wales, where certain "large or
complex" building structures were singled out:
"Where it is critical for electrical circuits to be able

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

NEW CODE RAISES THE BAR ON CABLE FIRE SAFETY

FIRE RATED CABLES

The Bar On Cable

to continue to function during a fire, protected
circuits are needed. The potential for damage to
cables forming protected circuits should be limited
by the use of sufficiently robust cables These
cables have to achieve a 120 minute rating when
subjected to integrated fire performance testing.

The main changes, when comparing BS 8519
with the now withdrawn BS 7346-6 were an
expansion of content to include all life safety and
firefighting systems - not only smoke venting
and firefighting cores, and the inclusion of new and
revised technical guidance relating to the selection
and installation of fire-resistant cables and systems
for life safety and firefighting applications.

BS 8519 also makes reference to the recom-
mendations identified in BS 9999 (Code of
practice for fire safety in the design, management
and use of buildings) with regard to the design
and installation of the electrical distribution
systems and the design, management and use of
buildings to achieve acceptable levels of fire life-
safety for anyone in and around buildings.

Significantly, in terms of cable selection,
BS 8519 identifies three categories of circuit that
are required to maintain their integrity under
defined fire conditions for fire survival times of 30
minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes. Appropri-
ate cable tests are identified for each category,
giving the relevant British Standard for the assess-
ment of cable performance under fire conditions
that might be expected in an actual incident.

Traditionally, the solution would have been to
use mineral insulated cables (MICC) that incor-
porate insulation of highly-compressed MgO
(Magnesium Oxide). These cables are undeniably a
robust and long lasting solution, but they are
costly, difficult and expensive to terminate, and
the quality of some imported mineral insulated
cables has become suspect. Supply problems are
also often cited as an additional reason for their
not being used.

Currently though there are believed to be two
cables available on the market that can justly claim
to be viable alternatives to mineral insulated cables
that meet the power cable requirements of BS
8519:2010. One of these is Draka's 600/1 000V
Enhanced grade FTP120 cable - until recently
called Firetuf Powerplus. This is an LPCB (Loss
Prevention Certification Board) third-party
approved SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) power cable
that achieves BS 8491 's highest integrated-testing
120-minute rating.

This demanding integrated testing regime
involves flame irradiation exposure, direct impact
and high-pressure water spray testing for cables
that are destined to provide a secure power supply
that will retain its integrity in the event of fire for a
whole raft of fire safety systems. These include:
automatic fire suppression installations; fire detec-
tion and alarm systems; fire compartmentation;
smoke control and ventilation; sprinklers and wet

risers; ventilation and shutters; and firefighting
lifts. The test incorporates 115 minutes of direct
mechanical impact followed by five minutes of the
application of water - in five-second bursts - at a
pressure that equates to that of a fireman's hose.

Somewhat alarmingly, cables are being promoted
as complying with the new Standard and hence
suitable for power applications that have been not
ratified in accordance with BS 8491. These cables
have been tested in accordance with BS EN
50200:2006 (Method of test for resistance to fire
of unprotected small cables for use in emergency
circuits) and are suitable only as control cables -
cables that carry information as inputs and
outputs. So, great care should be taken to ensure
that claims of compliance are not misleading.

Like any Code of Practice, the aim of BS
8519:2010 is to encourage best practice and takes
the form of guidance and recommendations. So,
any company claiming compliance with a Code is
expected to be able to justify any actions that devi-
ate from the Code's recommendations. Installing a
cable that has not been tested to the required
power cable regime is a high-risk decision that
could have dire and expensive consequences. D33

Mark Froggatt is Marketing
Services Manager at Derby-
based Draka UK, He can be
reached on +44 (0) 1332
345431 or via email at
cableuk@draka.com.

The company's website can
be found at
www.drakauk.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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by Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products

There's some exciting news involving the SKUM brand — news that could affect the way you
fulfill your foam fire protection needs from now on. Contact us and we'll give you the whole story.

www.skum.com I +44 (0) 161 875 0402

INTERSCHUTZ Get the news at
Interschutz 2010,
Hall 5, Stand B38

INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION

SAFER TUNNELS
START HERE

Draka

The world’s most trusted cable brand

Draka UK Limited, P.O. Box 6500, Alfreton Road, Derby, DE21 4ZH, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1332 345431 Fax: +44 (0)1332 331237 email: techinfouk@draka.com www.drakauk.com

IFP/FTConnecta/0510

August 2010
issue 43

r )

www.mdmpublishing.com

INTERNATIONAL Fffi PROTECTION

Front cover picture courtesy of
System Sensor Europe. Series 200
Advanced all-digital detector.

Publishers

Mark Seton & David Staddon

Group Editor

Graham Collins

Editorial Contributors

Stuart Bell, Paul Bryant, Wilf Butcher,
Bob Choppin, Mark Cooper, Tom
Cortina, Graham Ellicott, Rudiger
Kopp, James Lane, Airi Loddoch,

James "Andy" Lynch, Ed Orazine,
Samir Samhouri, Scott Starr, Al
Thornton, Mike Wood, Graham Collins

IFP is published quarterly by:

MDM Publishing Ltd

The Abbey Manor Business Centre,

The Abbey, Preston Road,

Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2EN
Tel: +44 (0) 1935 426 428
Fax: +44 (0) 1935 426 926
Email: dave.staddon@ifpmag.com
website: www.ifpmag.com
©All rights reserved

Annual Subscription
UK -£50.00 Europe- €60
Overseas - US$70.00
ISSN - 1468-3873

DISCLAIMER:

Reprints of articles are available on
request. Prices on application to the
Publishers.

Page design by Dorchester
Typesetting Group Ltd

Printed in the UK

Contents

37-39

6-16 News & Profiles

19-20 Structural

Steel Protection

22-24 Sprinklers

update

26-27 understanding

Fire Stopping

28 Teamwork works -
ASFP Forum

30 Standards Round-up
32-35 The Advance

of Video imaging
Detection

37-39 The Appliance

of Science

41 In my Opinion

53-55

42-45

42-45 Safety in

Numbers

46-47 watermist

Technology Comes of Age

48-50 Turbine Fire

Protection

53-55 intelligent

Fire Safety Design

57-60 Fire Alarm

System Design. Key
Changes to NFPA 72

62-64

46-47

62-64 For Whom the

Bell Tolls

66-69 Protecting

the Past

70 Toast, Smoke

Detectors and the
Healthcare Sector

72 Advertisers' Index

Follow International Fire Protection on facebook Linked in

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the standard in safety

Underwriters

Laboratories

There’s a reason
we’ve been a leader
in product safety
testing & certification
for over 100 years.

Trust.

1WI

Trust...

that UL has unmatched technical expertise in product safety testing and certification.

that the UL mark is backed not by a piece of paper, but by the integrity, quality,
experience, commitment and consistency that stands behind it.

Remember, UL has been testing and certifying fire resistance,
life safety and security products for over a century.

To learn more about Underwriters Laboratories and how you can leverage our global
expertise in the fire resistance, life safety and security industries on a local basis:

T:: +44 (0) 1 483.402.032 / E:: Fire&SecuritySales. EULA@uk.ul.com / W:: ul.com

FROM THE EDITOR

Graham Collins

Good words and
Bad words

Most of us would acknowledge that, in the past few years, a number of words
have entered into everyday use. Two spring to mind: globalisation and
networking.

O f course, in the current somewhat turbulent
times, the concept of globalisation is not
universally embraced with enthusiasm
particularly, it seems, by the environmental
lobby; and the term networking comes with the
implication that it is a lazy computer-world texting
alternative to good old-fashioned, face-to-face
communication.

But there is another way of interpreting both
globalisation and networking. Globalisation can
mean that thoughts, ideas, research, opinions and
solutions that are known in one business sector or
country are made readily available to a worldwide
audience. Networking can mean making the right
contacts - those with specialist knowledge or
experience - to achieve the best possible solution
to a problem. And that is precisely what we aim to
do through the regular pages of International Fire
Protection.

Our goal is to provide a vehicle through which
the latest fire protection technology is accessible
across international boundaries; to present
solutions, products and systems that are being
developed or have been established in one country
to a much wider audience. At the same time, by
including articles from experts in particular areas
of fire protection, we aim to connect people with
specialist skills, firmly-held views and knowledge
with those seeking to learn more about the latest
thinking in fire protection.

This latest edition of International Fire Protec-
tion includes what we hope will become a couple
of new regular features of the magazine. The first
is the inclusion of a section of the magazine
where the latest standards and codes of practice
will be highlighted and briefly overviewed. The
second is a feature called "In my Opinion" where
an opinion-former in the industry gets the

opportunity to say precisely what is on his or her
mind about a current fire safety issue.

Also in this edition you will find articles from two
of the world's most prominent fire safety consultan-
cies; one on the special life-threatening challenges
associated with large building egress, and the other
on the latest detection codes, particularly as they
relate to voice alarm systems. We also cover fire
protection for the world's historic buildings in some
detail with examples from the Czech Republic,
China and Germany; delve into the science behind
some of the clean gaseous suppression agents; and
get an update from the leading authorities on
sprinklers. There is also an interesting article looking
at the various options for protecting vulnerable and
high-value wind turbines. On the passive protection
front, this edition includes updates on the impor-
tance of effective fire stopping, fire-resistant glazing
and intumescent coatings' standards.

To take things to the next stage and further
improve two-way communication with our readers
around the world, we have recently created an
International Fire Protection page on Facebook, an
entry on Twitter, and one on Linkedln. The
Facebook page will keep you up to date on what
is about to appear in the next edition of the
magazine, while both Twitter and Linkedin give
you a chance to contribute to any aspect of the
global fire protection debate.

They also give you the opportunity to initiate
your own topics for discussion; perhaps you
have a good word to say about a new code or
standard, or a bad word on what you consider
to be an emerging trend or fire protection
practice? Whichever, they just might be themes
that we expand on in future editions of the
magazine. Please feel free to contact me at
graham.collins@mdmpublishing.com D33

facebook

Linked [fi].

twitter

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NEWS

lthd detection in aggressive
environments

SECURITON AG is promoting its SecuriSens
MHD 535 LTHD [Line Type Heat Detector]
as offering faster detection of a fire, even
in aggressive environments, than
conventional smoke detectors or
conventional point-type temperature
detectors, particularly in applications with
high moisture or dust loading. The
company is citing wide-spread systems,
where it offers cable lengths up to 2000
metres and network capability and fire
detection in aggressive environments and
hazardous areas in the oil, gas and
chemicals industries as the main
applications. Typical examples are floating
roof tank monitoring, monitoring of
inflammable liquids, or fuel transport
processing and handling areas. Recently
the system has been installed in a glycol
plant for ATEX zone-2 fire detection.

Other applications include road tunnels,
cable and utility tunnels, ceiling voids and
other industrial applications, plus harsh

environments with aggressive gases or
extreme temperatures. In addition, the
system can be used for product
temperature monitoring in pipelines or
leakage detection in LNG terminals.

The company claims that its SecuriSens

MHD 535 - which offers solutions with
ATEX approval - is the fastest LTHD on the
market, even for external or tunnel
installations with high wind velocity. The
maximum cable length is 2000 metres or
250 sensors, and temperature information
is transmitted to an evaluation and alarm-
generation central processor unit where it
is converted to calibrated temperature
values. The 250 sensors can be segmented
in up to 64 reaction groups for different
rooms or fire sections. Each sensor can
have up to four different thresholds for
pre-alarm and alarm generation, and
conventional relay contacts are used to
transfer the alarm information to the fire
control panel. The SecuriSens MHD 535
can also be used for temperature profile
measurement.

For more information please contact:
Securiton AG
www.securiton.com

Chequered Flag
for Nittan

NITTAN's Evolution analogue fire detection system has been installed in
the new Brooklands Hotel, within the legendary Brooklands motor
racing circuit in the UK. The installation features dual optical detectors,
optical detectors, heat detectors, call points and interfaces and runs on
eight loops controlled by two Advanced Electronics control panels on a
fault-tolerant network.

The fire system is directly interfaced to the hotel's own network,
enabling information, including faults or fires, to be immediately
converted to voice announcements broadcast to the relevant staff via
digital-enhanced cordless technology phones. As the fire detection
system has an "investigation delay", staff can quickly inspect any alerts
and react accordingly.

Evolution is Nittan's premium fire system and is claimed to combine
extremely reliable fire detection with a very high degree of protection
against unwanted false alarms. Its advanced, highly flexible protocol is
resistant to noise, plus it allows substantial amounts of information to
be transmitted at high speed.

For more information please contact: Nittan UK Limited
www.nittan.co.uk

Fire Protection for
Capital's Museum

Five new galleries at the
Museum of London -
one of the world's
largest urban history
museums with custody
of more than two million
artefacts - that recount
the story of the capital
from the 1666 Great Fire
of London, through to
the Blitz, and right up to
the present day, is being
protected by a
combination of XTRALIS
VESDA and ICAM ASD
(Aspirating Smoke
Detection) system.

The solution was specified for its advantages over conventional point or
beam detections systems in protecting large open spaces; the Xtralis ICAM
technology is used in more confined spaces, especially those that are
difficult to access. Unlike conventional detectors, Xtralis ASD solutions can
be flexibly and unobtrusively deployed to preserve aesthetic features, and
maintenance and service is done at a central detector point, minimising
scaffolding, ladders and workmen in busy gallery areas.

Xtralis aspirating smoke detectors constantly sample the air for even the
smallest of smoke particles, so preventing a small fire from becoming a
major incident. A network of pipes can be placed where the smoke is most
likely to go, sensing it long before traditional smoke detectors.

This latest installation is one of many undertaken to protect London's
heritage buildings. Others include the National Gallery, St. Paul's Cathedral
and the Houses of Parliament.

For more information please contact: Xtralis
www.xtralis.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

NEWS

New Air Conditioning Duct Detectors

As close-control air conditioning systems
for computer and IT rooms and air
conditioning systems for personal spaces
become increasingly common throughout
Europe, the risk of fire or smoke spreading
through the duct systems they use to
transfer the warm and cold air increases.

In response, SYSTEM SENSOR EUROPE has
developed new detectors to provide
specific fire protection for the square and
circular air conditioning ducts that form
part of such systems.

The new range of InnovairFlex™ range
duct detectors comprises both conventional
and addressable versions. The addressable

version uses the Series 200 Advanced
optical detector, while the Series 300
optical detector is used for the conventional
version. Both ranges offer what System
Sensor describes as class-leading false alarm
rejection, through a combination of
advanced hardware and software
engineering. The air management design of
the sensor cover allows the units to monitor
ducts with air velocities ranging from 1 00
feet-a-minute to 4000 feet-a-minute
without an increased false alarm risk. Both
versions can be fitted with a module to
control ancillary equipment; the module
is mounted in the unit, saving the cost

of an additional conduit box and extra
wiring.

One of the claimed unique features is that
the housing is made of two interconnected
sections that are hinged together, allowing
them to be installed in rectangular or square
configurations to suit the available space.
Also, to simplify installation, the air sampling
tubes can be installed, replaced or removed
from either the front or the rear of the unit,
with a large termination area giving plenty of
room for cables.

InnovairFlex has a very wide range of
operating temperature and humidity,
allowing the units to be installed in
aggressive environments such as machine
rooms, roof voids and spaces where the
temperature and humidity excursions are
likely to be extreme.

For more information please contact:
System Sensor Europe
www.systemsensoreurope.com

BSI Offers
ATEX

Certification

A comprehensive range of ATEX explosive
atmosphere directive support and
certification services is now offered by BSI
(British Standards Institution). ATEX
compliance is mandatory in the EU for
products that are intended to be used in
explosive atmospheres, or Ex compliance
via the lECEx scheme for markets outside
Europe.

BSI, a Notified Body for the ATEX
Directive 94/9/EC, offers services that
include design advice, pre-assessment of
products to ensure they are ready for full
assessment, type testing, certification, and
storage of the technical files that hold all
of the data used to substantiate
conformity claims. At every stage of the
certification process, support is readily
available from the BSI technical team.

BSI claims that using the services for
ATEX certification has many benefits. The
organisation's specialist expertise ensures
the fastest possible access to market for its
clients, as delays and uncertainties are
eliminated. To provide the most
responsive testing service possible, BSI
works in partnership with TRaC (Testing
Regulatory and Compliance) Laboratories,
the leading British testing and approvals
company.

For more information please contact:

British Standards Institute
www.bsigroup.com

Five-star Cable for Five Towers

200,000 metres of PRYSMIAN's
FP200 Gold cable is currently being
installed in the vast fire alarm
system throughout the soon to be
completed, billion-dollar, 77-storey,

Etihad Towers development in Abu
Dhabi. Consisting of five towers
and located on the waterfront at
the end of the Abu Dhabi
Corniche, the development
incorporates a range of amenities,
including a five-star hotel tower,
huge shopping mall, 870 luxury
apartments and an extensive
conference centre.

The Etihad Towers is the latest
high-profile project in the Middle
East to opt for Prysmian FP cable,
following on from the new
Emirates Headquarters in Dubai
that last year used FP200 and
FP400 cable and the new Ethihad Airways
terminal, also in Abu Dhabi.

For more information please contact:
Prysmain Cables & Systems
www.prysmian.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PROFILE

Fire Fighting
Foam Coalition

By Tom Cortina

In May 2001, AFFF and fluorosurfactant manufacturers met in Washington DC
with representatives of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the US
military and major foam users to discuss the fallout from 3M's decision to stop
production in 2002 of PFOS-based AFFF due to environmental concerns.

Fire Fighting Foam
Coalition

Tom Cortina is Executive
Director of the Fire Fighting
Foam Coalition
www.fffc.org

I t quickly became clear that users and agency
staff did not fully understand the differences in
chemistry between PFOS-based and telomer-
based foam agents. It was also evident that
speculation about the future regulation of AFFF
was causing problems for the industry. As a
result of this meeting, the Fire Fighting Foam
Coalition Inc. (FFFC) was formed to ensure that
accurate information about telomer-based foams
is disseminated to appropriate audiences.

FFFC is a non-profit corporation that represents
the AFFF industry's interests on all issues related to
the environmental acceptability of firefighting
foams. The Coalition provides a focal point for
industry technical reviews, development of
industry positions, and interactions with relevant
organizations, such as environment agencies, mili-
taries, approval agencies, and standards bodies.
Members are AFFF manufacturers, fluorosurfactant
manufacturers, and distributors.

Key messages

In order to clarify the differences between
PFOS-based and telomer-based foams, FFFC has
developed the following key messages:

• Fluorosurfactant-containing foams such as AFFF
are the most effective agents currently available
to fight flammable liquid fires in military,
industrial, aviation, and municipal applications.
They provide rapid extinguishment, burn-back
resistance, and protection against vapour release.
• Telomer-based fluorosurfactant foams such as
AFFF, FP, and FFFP are not banned from use. We
are aware of no pending legislation to regulate
telomer-based fluorosurfactant foams in
Europe, Canada, Japan, or the United States.

• Telomer-based AFFF agents do not contain or
breakdown into PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate),
are not made with PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid),
and contain between 30 percent and 60 percent
less fluorine than PFOS-based AFFF.

• The C6-based fluorosurfactants that have been
the predominant fluorochemicals used in
telomer-based AFFF for the last 25 years are
low in toxicity and not considered to be
bioaccumulative or biopersistent.

• New products based on C6 telomer chemistry
are currently being developed and introduced
around the world because they are considered
to be safer for the environment than C8 and
above. Fluorochemical manufacturers are
voluntarily working to eliminate C8 and higher
homologue chemicals from products and plant
emissions by 2015 under the EPA PFOA Global
Stewardship Program.

• Telomer-based AFFF agents that contain greater
than 95 percent C6 fluorosurfactants and meet
the world's most challenging foam standards
have been on the market for decades, so
manufacturers are confident that the new
products will retain all of the same fire suppres-
sion capabilities as existing AFFF agents.

Key activities

One of the important roles performed by FFFC is
to respond to inquiries from organisations around
the world as they evaluate the impact of the PFOS
phase-out on foam use in their countries. FFFC has
a philosophy of open and honest communication
as it relates to the products that our industry
manufactures. We have provided extensive infor-
mation on firefighting foams to environmental
agencies and armed services in the United States,
Europe, Canada, China, and Australia that
includes the following:

• Amount of fluorosurfactant actives used in the
manufacture of AFFF in the US.

• Chemical structure of the fluorosurfactants
used in major fluorotelomer-based AFFF
formulations.

• Mechanics of film formation.

• Groundwater monitoring data from US military
fire training areas.

• US inventory of PFOS-based and telomer-based
AFFF.

• Overview of the different types of foams, the
market channel for their distribution, and the
environmental fate once they are used.

• Aquatic toxicity of fire fighting foams.

• Toxicity, bioaccumulation, and biopersistence
potential of AFFF-type fluorosurfactants and
their likely breakdown products.

FFFC has also published an AFFF environmental
fact sheet, eight newsletters, and numerous
journal articles on foam-related issues that are
available on the web at www.fffc.org.

Moving forward

The PFOS issue had the potential to deprive
firefighters of their best resource for preventing
loss of life and destruction of property from
flammable liquid fires - fluorosurfactant-based
AFFF foams. Fortunately, telomer-based AFFF
continues to be the agent of choice to protect
against this threat, and manufacturers have
developed enhanced foam formulations with
reduced environmental impacts that can be used
well into the future. One of the main reasons for
this positive outcome is the work of FFFC and its
member companies. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

AFFF Foams . . .

So everyone
will make it home
safely tonight.

Today’s advanced AFFF agents:

■ Are most effective to fight flammable liquid fires.

■ Provide the best extinguishment and burnback performance.

■ Have minimal environmental impact.

■ Have a low toxicity and biopersistence profile.

■ Are approved by global regulatory agencies.

Fire

Fighting

Foam

Coalition

www.fffc.org

by Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products

NEWS

Controlled Flow Cuts Suppression Costs

KIDDE PRODUCTS has launched ARGONITE® C60
total flooding fire suppression system for enclosed
spaces, the next generation of its ARGONITE
product range. The new system introduces a
unique patented Controlled Flow Technology,
allowing considerable savings to be made on
system installation costs, while delivering
performance that meets or exceeds applicable
regulatory and environmental requirements.

When activated, the ARGONITE C60 system
controls the gas release throughout the
discharge period, meaning that the peak mass
flow of the gas is 60 percent less than other
systems, with no reduction in fire suppression
efficiency. As a result, smaller and less costly
pipework can be used in the distribution
network, and pressure relief requirements are
greatly reduced allowing further savings to be
made. The controlled flow technology allows
homogeneous distribution of the gas in the
enclosure, as well as reducing both noise and
pressure impulse impact that could otherwise
affect sensitive electromechanical equipment.

It is suitable for use in a wide range of
applications, including data processing and
communication centres, clean rooms, oil and
gas installations, power generation facilities,
museums and galleries. For buildings where fire
protection is required in more than one area,
the system allows significant space and cost
savings to be achieved by using a single bank
of cylinders in conjunction with diverter
valves to direct the gas to the area where it
is needed.

ARGONITE is a 50:50 mixture of argon and
nitrogen, gases that are natural constituents of
the atmosphere. It is non-corrosive and non-
conductive; it produces no by-products when
exposed to high flame temperatures. It may be
used in manned areas, and it has a zero Ozone
Depletion Potential and a zero Global Warming
Potential.

For more information please contact:

Kidde Products
www.kiddeproducts.co.uk

New Detectors Use Hart
Communication

DETECTOR ELECTRONICS CORPORATION - Det-Tronics - has introduced flame
detectors and gas detectors that use the HART communication protocol. It has
added HART functionality to its X9800, X2200, and X5200 flame detectors,
permitting digital signals carrying information such as diagnostic parameters
and device configuration to be transmitted simultaneously with the 4-20 mA
analogue signal.

The enhancement results in a more efficient device set-up because facilities
can easily configure and adjust many detector variables. For example, a device
can be given a recognizable name, such as "line 1 flame detector." Variables
then can be set and adjusted using universal HART commands.

"Workers in the control room or field can configure or change device settings
using a variety of tools," says Product Manager Mike Bragg. "They can enter
HART commands locally or remotely via our FlexVu Universal Display, a HART
communicator, or an asset management system."

Modifications to device settings are simple. By sending a command, a user
initiates calibrations, reviews logs, or adjusts alarm and warning set points.
Additionally, users accurately assess device conditions, such as fault frequency, and
prepare for tasks before venturing into the field. Easily accessible, automatically-
generated event logs present viewable history and possibilities for improvements.
Time- and date-stamped records of activities, such as calibration and device
replacement, provide regulatory-compliance evidence for system audits.

For more information please contact:

Detector Electronics
www.detronics.com

New intrinsically Safe
Panel Mount Sounder

E2S has added a new
product to its
intrinsically safe range
of sounders and
beacons, the IS-pAI
panel mount sounder,
which is certified II 1 G
Ex ia MB T4/5/6 for use
in Zones 0, 1 and 2.

The IS sounder is said
to be ideal for use as
fault indication or
process alarm in
control panels located
in intrinsically safe
environments. It
produces a 100dB(A) at
one-metre continuous
600Hz tone that can
be pulsed externally to
produce different signals.

To reinforce the audible warning signal, E2S also offers
the intrinsically safe IS-pBI panel lights. The high efficiency
LEDs, which are mounted behind red, amber, green, blue or
clear lenses, have a typical operating life in excess of ten
years. Powered via Zener barriers or galvanic isolators, the
panel mount sounder and lights produce reliable and cost-
effective status indications with minimum power
consumption.

The E2S IS range also includes the IS-mini sounder,
beacon and combined units, as well as the IS-L1 01 L LED
beacon and the IS-A105N sounder, which are approved to
ATEX, lECEx and FM.

For more information please contact:

European Safety Systems
www.e2s.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

m m

Tested to extremes i

y The hottest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. was in Death Valley, 1913.

It soared to 56.7° C, which is pretty hot! But not as hot as our heat-testing
chamber, which subjects our new WCPs to a sweltering 70°C. So when the heat is
on, you know who to trust.

Rigorously drenched, frozen, bashed, dropped and subjected to all sorts of abuse,
KAC’s WCP is guaranteed ‘waterproof’ with IP67 protection.

So, whether you need conventional or analogue addressable, resettable or glass
element, you can rest assured our WCPs are built to last.

What’s more they’re quick and easy to install.

The new waterproof WCP form KAC.

Reliable in the extreme.

KAC House, Thornhill Road,
North Moons Moat, Redditch,
B98 9ND,
United Kingdom

Find out why at www.kac.co.uk

www.kac.co.uk

PROFILE

For more information, visit
www.xtralis.com/vesda-eco
or www.xtralis.com/icam-eco

New VESDA

ECO
ECO from

and ICAM

xtralis

xtralis adds gas detection
to its market leading
VESDA and ICAM
aspirating smoke
detection technologies

A fire can have catastrophic
consequences and cost millions of
dollars in business disruption, and result
in the tragic loss of lives and assets. The
key to fire protection is the mitigation
of risk through early warning. By
detecting a fire before it escalates, an
effective response can be staged.

T he same principle applies to gas detection.
This invisible hazard can originate from the
release of toxic gases, oxygen deficiency or
the presence of combustible gases and vapours.
Yet when detected at an early stage, counter-
measures can be initiated to protect personnel and
property.

Xtralis has launched VESDA ECO and ICAM
ECO, the industry's first system to cost-effectively
combine aspirating smoke detection (ASD) with
gas detection and environmental monitoring,
building on its market-leading VESDA and ICAM
very early warning smoke detection technologies.

These newly available solutions use new or
existing VESDA or ICAM pipe networks to reliably
detect smoke and hazardous/combustible gases to
ensure air quality. They also integrate easily with
other building management systems for real-time
situational awareness and intelligent emergency
response, including the activation of demand-
controlled ventilation to control costs and save
energy.

"Because we want to deliver more value to our
customers and end users, Xtralis has extended the
integrity and high performance of its ASD systems
beyond smoke to also include gas detection and
environmental monitoring," explains Xtralis Presi-
dent and CEO, Samir Samhouri. "Every VESDA or
ICAM customer now can amortise the cost of their
existing smoke detection infrastructures to reliably
and accurately detect certain gases early enough
to prevent damage to staff and assets and prevent
unnecessary and costly down time."

Now customers across a wide array of indus-
tries, including data/telecom, manufacturing and

transportation, can rely on the VESDA ECO and
ICAM ECO for very early warning fire detection,
protection against hazardous gas leaks, air quality
monitoring to ensure safe working environments,
and help to reduce energy consumption and costs.

With an ECO detector installed on a VESDA or
ICAM pipe network, air can be conditioned or fil-
tered to remove moisture, dirt and other particulates
that can cause traditional gas-detection systems to
false alarm or become contaminated. As with fire
detection, early warning of a gas leak or build-up
enables countermeasures to be taken to protect
personnel, property and business operations.

Each VESDA/ICAM ECO detector can house up
to two gas sensors, and additional detectors can
be added easily to the pipe network to monitor
more gases if required. In its initial release, the
solution can be configured to detect ammonia
(NH 3 ), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H 2 ),
hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), methane (CH 4 ), nitrogen
dioxide (N0 2 ), oxygen (0), propane (C 3 H 8 ) and
sulfur dioxide (S0 2 ).

VESDA/ICAM ECO provides point, zone or total-
area coverage to suit different applications in a
wide array of environments, including battery-
charging rooms, underground utility tunnels,
boiler rooms, manufacturing facilities, parking
garages and transportation centres. The systems
easily integrate with fire alarm control panels
(FACP), programmable logic controllers (PLC),
heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
systems, and building management systems (BMS)
to provide real-time situational awareness for
intelligent emergency response. No construction
or electrical conduit is required. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Gas and smoke
detection in one
Thjtjs total
aspiration.

detection

Reduce the threat of fire and gas
emissions with VESDA ECO by Xtralis.

From the makers of the world’s No.1 brand of Aspirating
Smoke Detection systems, specified by fire professionals
around the world. Introducing VESDA ECO for very
early warning smoke detection together with reliable
gas detection and environmental monitoring.

VESDA ECO by Xtralis:

> Uses existing VESDA ASD pipe networks

to cost effectively detect both smoke and gas

> Provides detection of multiple gases through
simple expansion without major construction
or retrofitting

> Reduces energy consumption and costs
through demand-controlled ventilation

> Integrates easily with FACP/PLC/HVAC/BMS

> Works in challenging environments.

For VESDA ECO videos, whitepaper and application
specific data, visit www.xtralis.com/vesda-eco

by xtralis

Car Parks

Underground Utility Tunnels Manufacturing Facilities

Transportation Centres

Battery-charging Rooms

Warehouses

PROFILE

Strength, Functionality
and innovative Design

The new generation of stylish design fire extinguisher from Minimax

Stronger extinguishing power and a well
thought-out technical design to make it
more user friendly is what distinguishes
the new generation of Minimax fire
extinguishers. At the same time, the
company has focused on design to raise the
aesthetic standard of mobile fire protection

M inimax Mobile Services has developed its
new generation of fire extinguishers based
on the pledge - functional safety, durability
and the best 'Made in Germany' quality. As a pro-
ducer of fire extinguisher with the highest rate of
vertical integration, we use sophisticated quality
control procedures at every stage of production to
guarantee our standards. The use of high-quality
materials also ensures that our extinguishers are in a
state of permanent operational readiness, which is
characterised by their impressive extinguishing
power and sophisticated technical design that
ensures enhanced user-friendliness. However, in
addition to the proven Minimax performance attrib-
utes, our new series is also strong on innovation.

More powerful than ever

The new generation's improved high-performance
extinguishing agent formulations and the equip-
ment design combine to guarantee abundant
extinguishing power.

More usev^friendly than ever

The revised operating instructions simplify fire
extinguisher operation by using more symbols and
less text. Consequently, even inexperienced users
can operate the fire extinguisher safely in the
event of fire. The colour-coded controls - safety,
pressure level and tube grip - also ensure safe
operation in the event of fire.

More versatile than ever

The newly developed armature made of shock-
resistant, high-performance plastic, and with
proven single-handle operation, enhances the
Minimax offering. The result is a significant weight
reduction of up to one kilogram compared with
other Minimax armature models.

More environmentally friendly than ever

Minimax uses exclusively extinguishing agents that
are harmless to people and animals, yet offer a
maximum of extinguishing capacity for safe

Minimax Hydrant

extinguishing without on-
going environmental risks.

Minimax fire extin-
guishers share nearly
identical design and con-
struction features, ensur-
ing efficient servicing that
is a measurable benefit
for Minimax Mobile
Services customers.

Minimax Portable

Perfect combination of safety and style

Minimax offers entirely new design options to its
demanding customers, particularly those who are
concerned to ensure that their extinguishers can
be integrated tastefully into their particular envi-
ronments. First-class craftsmanship and creative
decoration have transformed the standard red
extinguishers into unique and decorative works of
art.

So, Minimax extinguishers not only ensure
safety; they also add stylish design touches to an
interior. Thanks to the four new versions, you can
now let your creativity run free. With the refined
Edition Line, you can choose the support colour
and pattern to create the perfect match for every
environment. In our Logo Line series, your own
brand logo can be positioned in any size and form
on the extinguishers. Our artists make every
extinguisher in the Individual Line unique - with
the design of your choice or even incorporating a
personal photograph. Whether chrome-plated or
coated with real beaten gold, the exclusive design
extinguishers in the Luxury Line are a real architec-
tural luxury.

Of course, as the regulations stipulate that
portable fire extinguishers should be red, approval
by the local regulatory authority for fire protection
will be necessary if the different coloured designs
are to be used in commercial environments.
However, the design fire extinguishers in
domestic applications may not be subject to
such constraints.

The wall hydrants in the Minimax Prestige Line
& Future are also guaranteed to be a stylish centre
of attention. This individual combination of reliable
protection and style is currently only available from
by Minimax Mobile Services, as the company has
the exclusivity distribution rights in Germany. IlMil

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

...combines safety & style!

www.minimax-mobile.com

Fir ^fe,£?yf«ems

Your Life-Safety Solution

»> fejr&fe connections and comnuncafcm
»> reliable architecture

@ © C i

satety.det-tronics.com

Eagle Quantum Premier* (EQP)

(A ; Fire and Gas

% y Safety System

A DETTRONICS

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PROFILE

Manufacturing the
Market Leading Sounder

For more information,
contact Cooper Fulleon on
info@fulleon.co.uk or visit
the website

www.cooperfulleon.com

The more things change, the more

they stay the same!

The ROSHNI is the fire industry's leading
conventional alarm sounder and has
been for more than 20 years, although it
does find use in many more applications,
from industrial signaling to security and
safety systems.

T he ROSHNI existed long before any of the
current EN54 fire standards existed and yet
required no significant modification to pass
the test regimes of EN54-3 and became the first
sounder to be approved even though the standard
was still in draft format.

Even though the product looks the same as it
ever did, beneath the skin there has been a steady
evolution to both improve performance and
improve its environmental credentials. Changes to
the electronics have often been enforced by
component suppliers, but at each change the
opportunity has been taken to enhance the
ROSHNI either by improving efficiency to reduce
power consumption, or to improve accuracy of the
alarm tones or even to offer additional features for
particular customers.

The mechanical design has changed too. The fit
of the bases and the performance of the sealing
has been improved, while the need for the encap-
sulation of the electronics has been eliminated
allowing the product to be both lighter and easier
to recycle. The major visual change has been the
introduction of the ROLP (ROSHNI Low Profile)
over ten years ago.

The ROLP performs identically to the ROSHNI
and has the benefit of a reduced profile for
improved aesthetics. While the ROSHNI and ROLP
have run in parallel for over ten years, the manu-
facturing issues of running the two parallel ranges
does mean that the original ROSHNI will, for all
practical purposes, disappear during 2011, leaving
the ROLP as the main version.

Fulleon has made attempts to upgrade the
format over recent years and offer extra benefits,
but the resistance from customers was surprisingly
robust proving that the basic concept for the

Fig 2 Red ROLP

Fig 1 ROLP Solista Red

ROSHNI and ROLP are fundamentally sound and as
correct for today's market as they were a quarter
of century ago.

Flexibility has proven to be a key feature to the
ROSHNI and ROLP's success. The variety of bases,
"Shallow", "Deep" and "U" provide the installer
with solutions to fitting the product in most
locations using the variety of wiring practices
found across Europe. There is even a shallow base
variant for use with American 4" x 2" wiring
boxes. The wide operating voltage too allows the
sounders to be used in all types of safety and
security systems. The addition of the "Mains Base"
in recent years has built the range by allowing any
of the standard 24Vdc products to be used with
1 1 0 to 230Vac supplies without having to resort to
specific product versions.

Markets have not been static and the growing
awareness of disability has driven the move
toward combined audible and visual devices (AV)
so the original "FLASHNI" with Xenon beacon has
spawned the ROLP SOLISTA with LED beacon and
much lower power consumption and "Combi"
units, which allow the ROLP and various types and
numbers of beacon to be combined to suit cus-
tomers specific requirements. Certain customers
have also demanded a louder version, so the ROLP
MAXI was introduced with the main tones
enhanced by 5dB and a complementary AV
version was also included.

With over ten million ROSHNI family products
manufactured, the reputation of the product is not
just about performance, but reliability and consistent
quality. Manufacturing processes employed at
Fulleon are the foundation to the continued success.
An experienced manufacturing workforce with low
staff turnover has resulted in a high level of aware-
ness for product quality and the way they are pro-
duced. The Quality Management System (QMS) is
audited to IS09001:2008 by UL and LPCB, and the
many Lean Manufacturing initiatives provide greater
efficiencies and reduced time to the customer. m

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Basic if you like. Complex if you need.

ALTAIR 5 - The high performance multi-gas detector

The multifunctional alarms, MotionAlert and InstantAlert,
as well as the 24 hour bump-test checkmark are standard
on the ALTAIR 5.

On top of this the Wireless USB option allows integration
into MSA's alpha Personal Network, transmitting gas
readings and alarms to a central control station in real
time.

Never before has a gas detector offered so many
intelligent features - contact MSA for your local
distributor and make your own evaluation.

/VISA

The Safety Company

MSA EUROPE -Thiemannstr. 1 ■ D-12059 Berlin ■ Phone: +49 (30) 6886-555 ■ Fax: +49 (30) 6886-1517 ■ E-mail: contact@msa-europe.com ■ www.msa-gasdetection.com

omrec

Fire Fighting Foams & Equipment

Foam Concentrates and Foam Systems

for all applications

DAFO FOMTEC AB P.O Box 683 SE-1 35 26 Tyreso Sweden

Phone: +46 8 506 405 66 Fax: +46 8 506 405 29
E-mail: info@fomtec.com Web: www.fomtec.com

omrec

Fire Fighting Foams & Equipment

PAINTS & COATINGS

structural steel
Protection

By Mark Cooper

Technical Manager
Cellulosic Passive Fire
Protection Europe
PPG Industries (UK)
Limited

Passive fire protection. The role of
thin-film intumescent coatings

Thin-film intumescent coating enhances the visual appearance of a structure,
allowing the architect to show the steel construction while protecting its
structural integrity. Mark Cooper explains.

T hin-film intumescent coating is a passive fire
protection method that enhances the appear-
ance of a structure, and can even add to the
aesthetic appeal of the design by adding decora-
tive finish and colour. This enables architects to
display the steel construction while, at the same
time, protecting its structural integrity in the event
of a fire, allowing safe evacuation and providing
the access time required by the fire and rescue
services.

Manufacturers of thin-film intumescent coat-
ings are constantly expanding their theoretical
knowledge and developing their products
that, naturally, have to be subjected to the
prevailing standards and assessment methods.
However, following the recent introduction of
BS EN 13381-8: 2010 (Test methods for determin-
ing the contribution to the fire resistance of
structural members. Applied reactive protection to
steel members) there is currently a degree of
uncertainty within Europe regarding each country's
implementation date and the withdrawal of
national standards.

This is further complicated by the existence of
DD ENV 13381-4: 2002 (Test methods for deter-
mining the contribution to the fire resistance of
structural members. Applied protection to steel
members) to which numerous manufacturers'
products have already been tested. Clearly, the aim
is to have one standard throughout Europe with
CE-marked materials and systems. Work has
already started on the beams with web openings
standard, EN 13381-9, with ETAG 18 Part 2 [Euro-
pean Organisation for Technical Approvals: Fire
protective products. Part 2: Reactive coatings for
fire protection of steel elements] also undergoing
revision.

Product certification

During the past few years there has been an
increase in third-party certification of thin-film
intumescent coating manufacturers, which result-
ed in greater end user confidence. Manufacturers
have worked together with several certification
bodies to identify which critical manufacturing
processes and key raw material changes could
influence the performance of the product. This has
resulted in the creation of industry-standard guide-
lines such the British Coatings Federation's BCF
Guide to a Quality Control Fire Test Regime for

Intumescent Coatings, which is being adopted
gradually throughout Europe and beyond.

Specification and application

The main focus for the choice of a thin-film
intumescent coating on new-build projects is often
determined by the thicknesses required for a given
fire protection period, coupled with the material
price. Surface preparation, coating application,
primer and topcoat selection is often an after-
thought. However, if not correctly specified, this
can result in failure to perform in the event of a
fire.

The first process is to identify which intumes-
cent fits the building designer's requirements, in
terms of the fire protection period needed and the
durability requirements of the final system. This
information can be obtained direct from the pro-
duct manufacturer, who has relevant certification
and approvals for the particular market.

Environment classification

Most specifiers are familiar with the Environment
Classifications described within ISO 12944 Part 2:
1998 Cl, C2, C3, C4 and C5 (Paints and var-
nishes. Corrosion protection of steel structures by
protective paint systems. Classification of environ-
ments). However, it is necessary to note that ETAG
18 Part 2, which is used for the durability testing
of intumescent coating systems, has its own
Classifications X, Y, Z1 and Z2. As yet, there is no
clear crossover between the two standards and
advice from the intumescent coating manufacturer
should be sought.

Surface preparation and primer
selection

With the exception of galvanized steel, all surfaces
should normally be abrasive blast cleaned to Sa 2 V 2
- ISO 8501-1:1988 [Preparation of steel substrates
before application of paints and related products].

The type and dry film thickness will be decided
by a number of factors:

• Construction time from fabrication/primer
application to project completion.

• Intumescent type (solvent based/water borne).

• Environment during construction and end use.

• Expected durability.

On many occasions, steel may arrive already
primed, and this primer coating will need to be

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PAINTS & COATINGS

STRUCTURAL STEEL PROTECTION

intumescent Graph

The 3D Interpolation method is an
assessment method for the characteri-
sation of intumescent coatings for the
protection of structural steelwork
against fire. It describes how the factu-
al data from fire tests is used and how
measured performance times are pro-
jected in a 3-dimensional space.

Each test specimen can be presented
by a dot (x, y, z) in the 3-dimensional
space. Three dots form a plane and the
mathematical equation of the plane
facilitates calculation of the perfor-
mance time t (z-value) for any combi-
nation of section factor Hp/A (x-value)
and dry film thickness DFT (y-value) within the boundaries of the plane. The combination of a large
number of intersecting planes forms a landscape of 'rolling hills', identifying the performance time of
any intumescent coating with great precision 3-dimensionally.

The 3D Interpolation Method can visualise the performance as a function of Hp/A, DFT, time and
temperature. The illustration shows a 3-dimensional graph of an intumescent coating in the heating
process at one temperature stage of 750°C steel temperature.

Mark Cooper is Technical
Manager Cellulosic Passive
Fire Protection Europe
PPG Industries (UK) Limited's
website is at
www.ppgpmc.com

identified correctly to ensure compatibility with the
intumescent coating. This can generally be
approved by generic type, as in ETAG 18 Part 2, but
should always be approved by the manufacturer.

Failure by the intumescent installer to identify
that the specified primer has been applied may
result in delamination of the intumescent coating,
as it has been known for alternative primers to
have been substituted without informing to all
parties involved in the project. For example, if an
epoxy zinc phosphate was specified, substitution
by an epoxy zinc-rich under normal circumstances
could be considered as an upgrade in corrosion
performance. However, application of a water-
borne intumescent coating without an additional
sealer coat would result in detachment of the
intumescent coating.

Top coat selection

The final process is to identify a suitable topcoat.
This is determined by the environmental exposure,
required durability and decorative finish.

Unlike corrosion specifications, the durability of
an intumescent coating is reliant on the integrity
of the topcoat, which provides a barrier from the
environment. Continual inspection and mainte-
nance of the topcoat is therefore vital, particularly
in aggressive environments. It is essential that
all topcoats are approved by the intumescent
manufacturer before application for compatibility,
durability and performance in a fire. Although
primers tend to be approved on generic types, this
not the case for topcoats. Application of the
wrong topcoat may result in loss of insulation
performance in a fire due to it restricting the
intumescent char expansion.

Fire engineering

Large projects frequently require additional fire
engineering to meet all fire protection require-
ments, in which the coating supplier, designer and
contractor develop solutions for specific applica-
tions and construction solutions. Experienced
coating suppliers are equipped with the latest
laboratory facilities for formulating and fire test-
ing, and custom-made solutions can be developed

to ensure dependable and compliant fire
protection.

One such project was the Muziekpaleis or Music
Palace in Utrecht in the Netherlands, where PPG
Protective and Marine Coatings was awarded the
protective coatings contract. This iconic music
venue is part of a complete €133 million renova-
tion of the area around the railway station, and
the new building will replace an old music centre.
It is predicted to become one of the world's
premier music venues.

The building has space for 5,300 people to be
entertained simultaneously, and around 725,000
visitors are expected each year. The decoration
will reflect the world's musical diversity, with the
building being divided into four main halls, each
developed in a different style by four different
architects.

The main contractor, Heijmans NV, which oper-
ates in Belgium, the UK and Germany, is building
the project for the City of Utrecht, and specialist
subcontractor CSM NV, one of Belgium's most pre-
eminent steel fabricators will produce and paint
the 4,000 tonnes of steel to be used in the project.
Much of the steel will be protected anti-corrosive
or passive fire protection systems. The anti-corro-
sion coating on carbon steel will be a three-coat
system based on SigmaWeld 199 as prime coat,
SigmaFast 205 as build-coat and SigmaDur 580 as
durable finish coat. For the galvanized steel com-
ponents, a two coat system will be used based on
SigmaCover 280, top-coated with SigmaDur 580.

The prefabrication primer system for the passive
fire protection system will be SigmaWeld 199, fol-
lowed by SigmaFast 205 as permanent primer. The
intumescent coating for the passive fire protection
is Steelguard 561, which will be finished with
Steelguard 2458 topcoat.

One of the main reasons PPG Protective and
Marine Coatings and its Steelguard 561 was
selected for this project was the timely release of
the "three-dimensional assessment method" used
for the Steelguard passive fire protection
system test data that, under the new European
standard, can be used to optimally assess the fire
test results. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

LG UARD

Proven fire protection for civil building

• Up to 120 minutes fire protection

• National ancUirfternational certification

• On-site ancWFf-site applicatiol

• Engineerin^upport I

3 PPG Protective & Marine Coatings

www.ppgpmc.com

SPRINKLERS

Sprinklers Up da

International move for greater
adoption of sprinklers

By Graham Collins

A lot is going on in the sprinkler world, all of which promises a bright future for
sprinklers even if today the market is depressed following the construction
downturn. Alan Brinson, Executive Director of the European Fire Sprinkler
Network, elucidates.

With reference to Alan
Brinson, Paul McTurk,
John Bonney and lain
Cox

T raditionally, fire safety has been designed into
buildings through compartmentation. This
approach has been successful in many fires,
but it will not help anyone who remains in the
compartment. Sprinklers are the only technology
to offer some hope to anyone unable to hear the
alarm or to respond to it. For this reason sprinklers
are required in care homes in an increasing num-
ber of countries - Australia, Canada, Denmark,

Finland, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, and the
United States - where it is obvious that residents
may not be able to evacuate in time.

In Finland and the United States, the require-
ments are often retrospective. Sweden has
announced it will join this group in the autumn
and one of Germany's sixteen states, North-Rhine
Westphalia, has drafted regulations that give
incentives to fitting sprinklers. Norway is the only

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

SPRINKLERS UPDATE

CDDIMI/I CDC

jrKINIVLt j

European country to require sprinklers in hospitals,
but thousands of hospitals in North America are
sprinklered. In Europe, fire engineers are increas-
ingly designing fire safety in hospitals with a
protect-in-place strategy, since it can be dangerous
to move some patients. To make this possible they
include sprinklers in their designs.

Over the past five years, most European coun-
tries have introduced requirements to fit sprinklers
in high-rise buildings, where evacuation and rapid
fire brigade access can be difficult. However, the
height at which this becomes mandatory can vary
from nine metres in Portugal to 200 metres in
France. Large new hotels are covered by these
requirements and are therefore often sprinklered.

Again Norway is the only country to require

suffer a fire. Furthermore the Environmental Liability
Directive has established the polluter-pays principle
in European law. Emissions to the air or ground
water from a fire can lead to large fines. To help
prevent this scenario several countries now require
sprinklers in large new factories and warehouses.

European standards are advancing to keep pace
with fire safety code developments. Updates to
EN 12845 (Fixed firefighting systems. Automatic
sprinkler systems. Design, installation and main-
tenance) the sprinkler system design standard,
have been drafted and it is hoped they will be
included by 2011. The committee is working as
fast as the CEN process will allow for this standard
to reflect the latest technology. Meanwhile the
sprinkler industry continues to innovate, with new

Over the past five years, most European countries have introduced
requirements to fit sprinklers in high-rise buildings, where
evacuation and rapid fire brigade access can be difficult. However,
the height at which this becomes mandatory can vary from nine
metres in Portugal to 200 metres in France. Large new hotels are
covered by these requirements and are therefore often sprinklered.

sprinklers in all new hotels. The Norwegian
requirement took effect on 1st July 2010.
Sprinklers are now also mandatory there in new
housing of more than two storeys. This measure is
part of the Norwegian government's commitment
to Universal Design, under which homes should be
safe for everyone, including those with disabilities.
Several other European countries are studying the
benefits of fitting sprinklers in homes, and there is
a real likelihood that Wales will mandate the fit-
ting of sprinklers in all new homes in 201 1 . In the
United States, campaigners are pressing each state
to mandate sprinklers in new housing. Half a
dozen states have already adopted legislation,
including California where it will take effect on 1st
January 201 1 .

Fire engineering is also encouraging the use of
sprinklers; for example, with moderate relaxations
in compartmentation or fire brigade access that
is permitted if sprinklers are fitted. DIN 18230
(Structural fire protection in industrial buildings)
and BS 9999 (A New Approach to Design of Fire
Precautions in Buildings) codify some of these
permitted relaxations, while CEN (European Com-
mittee for Standardization) is looking to introduce
a methodology to assess designs that use
sprinklers as an alternative to prescriptive codes.

Another important reason to fit sprinklers is to
protect the environment. Carbon dioxide emis-
sions from buildings due to fires are enormous
when one considers not just the material that
burns, but the embodied carbon in building
materials. The carbon footprint of our buildings could
be reduced if they were all fitted with sprinklers,
even allowing for the added carbon loading for
the sprinkler systems in buildings that do not

sprinklers for warehouses, homes and prisons, as
well as many other excellent ideas to make it
easier and more economical to install sprinklers.

The cost of peace-of-mind

The British Fire Consortium claims that a
sprinkler system is the only device that
can detect a fire, sound the alarm,
call the fire brigade and control or
extinguish a fire all at the same time.

According to the BFC (British Fire Consortium), the
most common cause of fire-related death is smoke
inhalation. Sprinklers dramatically reduce the
amount of smoke created, as they attack the fire
in its early stages and, because sprinklers wash the
larger particles out of smoke, its density and
toxicity is reduced.

Each sprinkler head is individually activated by
the heat of a fire and, in the majority of cases,
only one head will be triggered, which will be
sufficient to extinguish most fires. A key barrier to
the adoption of sprinkler systems used to be the
fear of water damage and clean-up costs, but
domestic fire sprinklers only spray ten gallons to
15 gallons of water a minute, compared with a
fireman's hose that jets out between 250 gallons
and 500 gallons a minute.

Paul McTurk, Managing Director of BFC mem-
ber company, Phoenix Fire, cites fear of arson in
schools as the key driver of most current local
authority sprinkler specifications. He comments:
"We have fitted systems in schools that have
suffered serious fires during in school holidays,
because a sprinkler system is seen as the only way

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

CDDIIVIIfl CDC

SPRINKLERS UPDATE

jrKINIvLtKj

to protect premises when they are empty. " He
continues: "However, this peace of mind repre-
sents a significant investment, as a system
comprising 1500 sprinkler heads - a typical num-
ber installed across a large secondary school
premises - can cost up to £350,000. Primary or
first school installations may comprise as many as
250 to 300 heads and represent an investment of
between £70,000 and £90,000."

On the plus side, he does point out that the
installation of a comprehensive sprinkler system
may provide scope for negotiating insurance
premiums.

UK brigades encouraged to
promote sprinklers

The UK f s CFOA (Chief Fire Officers 1
Association) believes that sprinklers save
lives and it is vital that this message is
received and acted upon both within
and outside of the fire industry.

John Bonney, President of CFOA announced recently
in his speech at the UK Fire and Rescue Conference
that all fire and rescue services within the UK will be
issued with a briefing pack highlighting the key
protection benefits sprinklers can offer.

John Bonney said: "Sprinklers are surrounded
by myths and misconceptions and it is up to as the
leaders of the UK fire and rescue service to provide
factual information to dispel those myths. As such,
we will (today) be issuing briefing packs to all our
members to help to co-ordinate national activity
and spread knowledge and awareness of the
benefits of sprinklers beyond the fire sector."

New sprinkler alliance

The BSA (Business Sprinkler Alliance) is a
newly incorporated coalition working to

achieve greater business resilience
through enhanced protection against
fire.

A new organisation has been formed to promote
the uses of sprinklers that brings together the
majority of the "big guns" in the industry. Found-
ing members of the new Business Sprinkler
Alliance include: the Chief Fire Officer's Associa-
tion (CFOA), "the professional voice of the Fire
and Rescue Service"; the National Fire Sprinkler
Network (NFSN), a non-profit organisation that
works in partnership with the Fire Community; the
European Fire Sprinkler Network (EFSN), a Euro-
pean coalition that encourages the greater use of
fire sprinklers; the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler
Association (BASFA); the UK's trade association for
fire sprinklers; and leading commercial property
insurer FM Global.

Commenting following the inauguration, Chair-
man of the Business Sprinkler Alliance, lain Cox,
CFOA Director for Prevention and Protection,
Chair of the National Fire Sprinkler Network and
Chief Fire Officer of the Royal Berkshire Fire and
Rescue Service said: "Tackling a fire at its earliest
stages is vital for protecting a building, a com-
pany's assets and the welfare of the people who
work there. The recent warehouse fire at London's
Heathrow Airport is a perfect example of how fire
can occur at any time, especially in hot weather,
and how sprinklers can begin suppression within
moments, thereby extinguishing it or at the very
least preventing it from becoming wide spread."

He continued: "Had the company involved
installed sprinklers, the building would not have
become being fully alight, requiring over a hun-
dred firefighters from London and neighbouring
brigades to extinguish. Sprinklers would have
turned the incident into a minor inconvenience
and ensured business continuity at Heathrow was
not compromised." D33

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TECHNOLOGY • QUALITY • SERVICE

FIRE STOPPING

Understanding Fir

By Wilf Butcher

Chief Executive,
Association for
Specialist Fire Protection

Fire stopping is a serious business. Getting
consequences, as Wilf Butcher explains.

I n the current tough economic environment, all
contractors will look for ways to increase the size
of their offering by finding additional, related
works they might have previously sub-contracted,
or seen to go into someone else's contract. At the
same time, quantity surveyors are often on the
lookout for ways to combine works in order to
minimise the number of sub-contractors.

For interior specialists, a common application
that they will consider is the fire-stopping around
service penetrations and movement joints. As
these can often be in partitions that these sub-
contractors have erected, there seems - on the
surface - to be an obvious synergy. Fire-stopping,
however, serves a number of functions and has to
fulfil several criteria that, if not met, could leave a
contractor vulnerable should things go wrong.

The primary purpose of fire-stops is to reinstate
breaches in compartment walls and floors. The
compartments themselves are designed to limit
the spread of fire and smoke within a building
making them a crucial element in the life safety
and property protection elements of a building's
fire strategy.

it wrong can have dire

All compartment walls and floors will have a
pre-defined rating, usually between one and two
hours but this could be up to four hours in some
circumstances. The rating will cover two aspects,
the ability of the product to withstand the passage
of flame and its ability to resist the transfer of
excessive heat.

This second requirement is to ensure that fire
cannot spread through the build-up of heat
causing spontaneous combustion on the non fire
side of the wall. The ratings for fire resistance and
insulation should always be the same.

A product's literature may state that it is
capable of achieving up to four hours, but it is the
responsibility of contractors to check if that is
achievable in their specific applications. The sort of
details that the contractor must check are:

• For what substrate is the product suitable -
solid or drywall construction?

• Does the drywall opening need to be framed
out (letter boxed)?

• Does the thickness of substrate in which it was
tested relate to the application?

• What services has it been tested around?

It is generally easier to fire-stop in solid wall construction
compared to drywall. This is because a drywall will move in a
fire and this movement can dislodge the fire-stops,
compromising the compartment, in brick and block walls the
key issues to look out for are that the products are capable of
lasting for the requisite time and that they can accommodate

thermal movement of pipes and ducts.

Following the British Government's White Paper
on Fire Service Reform, in the UK the fire and
rescue service is responsible for not only identifying
the route cause of a fire, but additionally looking
at how and why it might have spread. These
investigations are carried out in order to uncover
faults in both the design and installation of fire
safety systems and can lead to contractors being
liable to prosecution in both the criminal and civil
courts.

So what are the pitfalls and how can they be
avoided? It is generally easier to fire-stop in solid
wall construction compared to drywall. This is
because a drywall will move in a fire and this
movement can dislodge the fire-stops, compromis-
ing the compartment. In brick and block walls the
key issues to look out for are that the products are
capable of lasting for the requisite time and that
they can accommodate thermal movement of
pipes and ducts.

• What is the minimum/maximum annulus of
fire-stopping material that must be used?

• What pipe diameters and types of plastics has
the fire-stop product been tested on?

• Can the product accommodate pipe/duct
movement as a result of temperature changes
and other movement criteria and still perform
to its required ability in a fire?

• What additional restraints might be needed on
services in order to prevent the fire-stop being
dislodged?

• Does the product meet the requisite acoustic
requirement of the wall/floor?

• Does the insulation material around a metal
pipe need to be fire-stopped; most probably
the answer is yes.

• Have dampers been installed in line with the
fire compartment?

• Has the product that is intend to be installed
ever been age tested, as it is impossible to

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UNDERSTANDING FIRE STOPPING

CIDC CTHDDIMC

Ml\t jIUrrlNVl

e Stopping

predict when a fire-stop may be activated. Age
testing will give peace of mind that it will
perform up to the time period stipulated.

It is the responsibility of the contractor to verify
all these points and, if the answers are not imme-
diately available from the product's literature, then
copies of test reports and assessments should be
obtained. In terms of products, there a many
suppliers of proprietary fire-stopping systems. Look
for a company that can offer adequate training
and that has its products third-party certified.

oxygen that can fuel the flame and so the foam is
able to withstand the passage of fire for four
hours. However, if the hole is increased to 50mm
and the wall thickness reduced to 100mm the
foam can burn through in less than five minutes.

If a product is specified and installed in line
with its third-party certified detail, this kind of
life threatening mistake can be avoided. The
most common fire-stop product certification marks
to look out for are Certifire, LPCB and IFC
Certification.

Third-party product certification schemes regularly assess
that the product sold is manufactured to the specification
used in the original fire test, and that nothing has changed
that might affect the performance of the product. They will
also be application specific in order to ensure that products
are only used in a configuration that will meet the integrity
and insulation performance achieved in the fire test.

Again referring to the UK, Approved Document
B is the British Government's guidance document
for fire safety in the construction of buildings. This
document, together with the UK Insurers Essential
Principles Document and the Regulatory Reform
(Fire Safety) Order guidance documents all
recommend that products used for fire protection
measures should be subject to independent
inspection and certification.

Due to the lack of knowledge at compart-
mentation design stage of the size and types of
services that will pass through a fire-rated floor
or wall, most specifications will consist of an
instruction to reinstate the compartment to the
recommended fire integrity and insulation, rather
than mention specific products. This can poten-
tially lead to incorrect or inferior products being
installed.

Third-party product certification schemes regu-
larly assess that the product sold is manufactured
to the specification used in the original fire test,
and that nothing has changed that might affect
the performance of the product. They will also
be application specific in order to ensure that
products are only used in a configuration that will
meet the integrity and insulation performance
achieved in the fire test.

A very good example of a product that is often
misused as a passive fire stop is PE "Fire Rated"
Foam. Guidance on the can will often state that
the product is able to achieve a four-hour fire rat-
ing. However, on inspection of the original fire test,
it can be seen that this type of product will usually
be tested in a 1 5mm gap in a solid wall that is over
200mm thick with no services passing through it.
The limited size of the hole restricts the amount of

The final pitfall to look out for is the practice of
patressing. This is where off-cuts of plasterboard
are used to either reduce a hole size prior to fire
stopping the penetration with mastics or, in many
cases, the plasterboard is cut tight to the services
and then glued in place using a fire-rated mastic.

The Building Regulations for England and Wales
are clear. For a solution to be acceptable it must
be shown by test to work. There are recommenda-
tions made by the plasterboard manufacturers on
how patressing should be used. These involve
fixing the patch back to the studs either side of
the opening with plasterboard screws at 300mm
centres, with the addition of metal cavity fixings
being used around the services. Even these
onerous details have not been proven by test to
work and so the ASFP (Association of Specialist
Fire Protection) is clear on this matter - patressing
is not a recognised way of fire-stopping.

If this all sounds too complicated and risk laden,
then the ASFP would strongly recommend that life
safety packages such as fire stopping should be
sub-contracted to third-party certified installers.
These companies not only demonstrate expertise
in the installation of these products, but also have
their work certificated by independent certification
bodies that in turn are, in the UK, accredited by
the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Should the decision be taken to sub-contract
this package then it is imperative for site produc-
tivity that the dry-liner prepares any openings in
fire-rated compartments, ready for the services to
pass through prior to the fire stopping taking
place. This will normally involve the framing out of
the opening in accordance with the fire-stop
manufacturers' recommendations. tm

Wilf Butcher is Chief
Executive, Association for
Specialist Fire Protection
(ASFP)

www.asfp.org.uk

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ASFP FORUM

4»P

ASSOCIATION
FOR SOCIALIST
FR FRQTtCTtQN

Teamwork

works

A while back, I attended a short Outward Bound team-
building course designed to demonstrate how, when
people work as a team, the desired results can be
achieved with greater speed and efficiency.

By Wilf Butcher

Chief Executive,
Association for
Specialist Fire Protection

Wilf Butcher is Chief
Executive, Association for
Specialist Fire Protection
(ASFP)

www.asfp.org.uk

O bvious, you may say, but such courses are
designed to demonstrate that one person's
approach to achieving the goals can be very
different to the next person's. Until they "see the
light" and start communicating with each other,
the goal can never be effectively achieved.

Even when the team starts to work in a more
efficient manner, the whole process falls apart as
soon as a number of teams are brought together
to achieve the set objective. Self interest takes
control, and the whole exercise becomes highly
competitive, with the result that everyone loses.

Of course, these were just games. But the mes-
sage was very real - work together or collectively fail.

As the course progressed, the objective became
clear to all. But the real challenge for those attend-
ing was how to take away the lessons learned and
convert them into practical benefit when addressing
the issues that each faced within his or her industry.

The fire protection sector is not one generally
associated with fast or dynamic change. So, it
could be argued that the need for all those
involved in the business of fire protection to come
together and work as a team, is not an issue of
any real importance. Evolution, rather than revolu-
tion, has always been the order of the day.

I for one no longer believe this to be the case,
and I know that many of my fire industry col-
leagues from the passive, active and firefighting
sectors share my thoughts on this matter.

It could be argued that the tragedy of the
Lakanal House fire in London - when six people
were killed and at least 20 were injured when fire
spread through a number of flats in a twelve-
storey tower block - may prove to be a catalyst
that will bring together the fire protection commu-
nity, at least in the UK. The disaster may prompt
recognition that such fires will continue to happen
unless the fire protection industry learns to oper-
ate as a single entity to identify, in a non-partisan
way, the issues that need to be addressed, and
pursue the appropriate way forward.

But, as demonstrated in my team building
exercise, we are but one element in the process.
So, unless we can encourage the other "teams" -
Government, legislators, insurers, designers,
builders and building owners - to get involved and
join with us, our industry goals will not be realised.

Firstly though, we need to agree what our
collective goals should be. What are the issues that
we need to address? Here are a few suggestions. I
am sure you can add your own.

• To what depth should specifiers understand
the detail of appropriate specification when

considering the fire protective needs of their
design, particularly when adopting a fire
engineering approach? Who should take
responsibility for this process?

• We are advised that there will be no changes to
the Building Regulations of England and Wales'
Document B until 2013, and that these will not
be implemented until 2016. Is this the right
approach? If changes are not made, how can
we ensure that the current Regulations reflect
and direct the need for correct selection or
installation of appropriate fire protection
measures? For example, while we continue to
allow totally unqualified and untrained individ-
uals, or companies, to install fire protection
products and systems, the industry will
continue to lose the battle for appropriate
minimum standards.

• How can the industry ensure the main contrac-
tor understands and respects his legal liability
and obligations when appointing a contractor
to carry out the required fire protection works,
particularly if the chosen contractor carries no
third-party certification?

• In the UK, the Fire Safety Order gives a guid-
ance framework in theory, but how can this be
made to work in practice? Driven by case law, it
turns the onus of responsibility onto those who
do not have the knowledge to determine
appropriate fire protection measures.

• Undertaking a risk assessment currently
requires no qualification, but these are the very
people/organisations giving assurance to the
Order's "Responsible Person" that the building
is fit for purpose. This is a real issue for those
who are qualified by experience.

• The process of building inspection does not
require detailed investigation of the fire protec-
tion measures in a building and that they are fit
for purpose. Should the fire industry therefore
be looking to a "Permit to Occupy" approach?
The tragedy of Lakanal House and the subse-
quent fires are a wake-up call to all those involved
in the process of fire protection. The danger is
that, with time, they will disappear into the annals
of history, buried under the weight of justification
from all quarters. So much so that any attempt to
affect the status quo and raise the bar in fire safety,
will place an unnecessary burden on UK Pic.

If team building on a sunny afternoon with like-
minded people showed itself to be a challenge,
then the one we face on just the issues raised
above is positively herculean. But, as an industry,
face them we must.

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REGULATIONS

Standards

Round-Up

The recent NFPA Technical Meeting in the USA
accepted a number of Standards, several of
which are going to impact on the provision of
fire protection.

Inspection, testing, and maintenance of
watei^based fire protection systems

NFPA 25 (Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and
Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection
Systems) sets down the minimum requirements for
the periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance
of water-based fire protection systems for both
land-based and marine applications. It does not
though address all of the inspection, testing, and
maintenance of electrical components of the auto-
matic fire detection equipment for pre-action and
deluge systems, which are covered by NFPA 72
(National Fire Alarm Code).

The types of systems dealt with in this Standard
include - but are not limited to - sprinkler, stand-
pipe and hose, fixed water spray, and foam water.
Water supplies that are part of these systems, such
as private fire service mains, fire pumps and water
storage tanks, and valves that control system flow
are also included. The Standard does not apply to
sprinkler systems designed and installed in accor-
dance with NFPA 13D (Standard for the Installation
of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family
Dwellings and Manufactured Homes).

Road tunnels, bridges, and other
limited access highways

NFPA 502 (Standard for Road Tunnels, Bridges,
and Other Limited Access Highways) provides fire
protection and fire life safety requirements for
limited access highways, road tunnels, bridges,
elevated highways, depressed highways, and
roadways that are located beneath air-right
structures. It does not apply to parking garages,
bus terminals, truck terminals, or any other facility
in which motor vehicles travel or are parked.

where only residential equipment is being used,
where fire extinguishers are located in all kitchen
areas in accordance with NFPA 10 (Standard for
Portable Fire Extinguishers), where the facility is
not an assembly occupancy, or where the authori-
ty having jurisdiction has approved the installation.

The requirements include - but are not
limited to - all manner of cooking equipment,
exhaust hoods, grease removal devices, exhaust
ductwork, exhaust fans, dampers, fire-extinguish-
ing equipment, and all other auxiliary or ancillary
components or systems that are involved in the
capture, containment, and control of grease-laden
cooking effluent.

Examples of operations that might not require
compliance with this Standard include day care
centres' warming bottles and lunches, therapy
cooking facilities in health care buildings, churches
and meeting operations that are not cooking
meals that produce grease-laden vapours, and
employee break rooms where food is warmed.

Watei^cooling towers

NFPA 214 (Standard on Water-Cooling Towers)
applies to fire protection for field-erected and fac-
tory-assembled water-cooling towers of com-
bustible construction or those in which the fill is of
combustible material. It cites a number of factors
that should be considered in determining the
extent and method of fire protection required for
both induced-draft and natural-draft cooling tow-
ers: However, when a cooling tower's structure,
fan and distribution decks, louvers, and fill
materials are all non-combustible materials, no fire
protection is required. D33

More information on these,
and the other recently
accepted NFPA Standards,
can be found at
www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/

Ventilation control and fire protection
of commercial cooking operations

NFPA 96 (Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire
Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations)
provides the minimum fire safety requirements -
preventative and operative - relating to the
design, installation, operation, inspection, and
maintenance of all public and private cooking
operations. The Standard applies to residential
cooking equipment used for commercial cooking
operations, but does not apply to cooking equip-
ment located in a single dwelling, to facilities

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VIDEO DETECTION

The advance of
Detection

James "Andy" Lynch

Video image detection (VID) has progressed tremendously over the last ten years.
The technology has evolved from a concept to a prototype implemented by a
few progressive early adopters, to a refined, listed and code-recognized product
with applications ranging from cultural properties to nuclear power plants. The
speed of the technology's progress and acceptance has benefited from its use of
video and computer components widely used in other industries, such as
imagers and processing chips used in high end CCTV security cameras and
HDTVs. This article will review the history of the technology's progression and
the evolution of the VID industry.

Technical Services
Manager, Fike Video
Image Detection

A recent 2010 NFPA Suppression and Detection
(SUPDET) conference presentation given by
i Bob Elliott, a senior engineering specialist
at FM Global, identified the 4 stages of VID histori-
cal development. The presentation was entitled
"Video Image Detection, No Longer a Supplemen-
tal System". The four stages are identified as:

Stage 1 - Flame only
Stage 2 - Smoke only
Stage 3 - Combination Flame and Smoke
Stage 4 - Single Package Combination Flame and
Smoke

These stages identify the evolution of the tech-
nology, but what can be overlooked is why it has
progressed in this fashion. Stage 1 to this day
competes with the traditional UV and IR optical
flame detectors (OFD). Rather than using a UV or
IR sensor, the Stage 1 VID flame detector uses a
CCD imager, the visual spectrum, and pixel analy-
sis to identify a flaming fire. The unit itself looks,
feels, and provides alarm contacts like any other
OFD but also provides a video signal. The units are
therefore treated as OFDs with approval and instal-
lation occurring with little or no change to the
standards and fire code.

The next stage was the development of the
video image smoke detector (VISD). These systems
are server based in that they receive analog video
through a BNC camera connection and then
process the video feeds on the server. This provides
an alarm in the form of dry contacts located on
the server. These systems generally handle 4 to 8
cameras at a time. At the time of the inception,
these systems were not recognized by code. How-
ever, due to the supplemental use in the field FM
took the initiative and began to test and approve
these systems, setting expectations for a properly
installed VID system.

The benefits of this technology were quickly
recognized by early adopters. The detectors can
identify smoke in large volume spaces (even if
stratification took place), provide video for situa-
tional awareness, and provide large coverage areas
with minimal and easily accessible camera loca-
tions. However, these systems also have several
drawbacks. The combination of the server and
cameras makes for a bulky, power hungry detec-
tor. A typical camera consumes 5 Watts of power,
while the servers can consume another 200 W.
This requires tremendous amounts of battery
power to provide an uninterrupted power supply

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VIDEO DETECTION

THE ADVANCE OF VIDEO IMAGE DETECTION

video image

Increasing energy-

Increasing wavelength ►

0.0001 nm 0.01 nm 10 nm 1000 nm 0.01cm 1cm lm 100 m

i i

1 1 l 1 1

Gamma rays

X-rays

Ultra-

violet

Infrared

Radio waves

Radar TV FM AM

Visible light

400 nm

500 nm

600 nm

700 nm

Fig 1 - Image of the
electromagnetic
spectrum that includes
Ultra-violet (UV), Visible
light, and Infrared (IR)
spectrums all used in the
fire protection industry
for the purpose of
detection

(UPS). Each camera also needs a dedicated con-
tinuous Siamese coax and power line between the
detector and the server, increasing installation
costs.

Stage 3 combined the two algorithms (fire and
smoke) into one server based system that can then
be tested as a flame and smoke detection device.
As supplemental installations continued and the
NFPA revision cycle for the 2007 NFPA 72 code
came around, it was advantageous to provide guid-
ance in the code for future installations. The code
insured a minimum set of requirements be fulfilled.
One such requirement is that only listed systems be
installed. At the time only Factory Mutual approved
video image detection systems by using modified
ANSI 268 and FM 3260 standards. NFPA 72 also
required an uninterrupted power supply. For the
server based systems of the time, this required a
large amount of batteries to meet the necessary 24
hours of power required by NFPA. Communication
integrity was required, so the systems had to moni-
tor their camera feeds for interruption and ensure
an alarm signal reached the monitoring point.
NFPA also requires these systems use a perfor-
mance-based design. Because of the wide range of
performance, architecture, and lighting require-
ments between each system they will most likely
remain performance based within the code. With
the introduction of the technology into the NFPA
code and FM's ability to approve systems, supple-
mental installations continued. Due to the cost,
privacy issues, and the technology's ability to cover
large volume spaces, VID systems (both smoke only
and fire & smoke) are generally installed in only
non-residential applications such as power plants,
warehouses, and manufacturing facilities.

Stage 4 is the most significant stage to date as
it combines the two algorithms into a single self
contained device. This advance was possible due
to increases in computational power over time and
advances in the video security industry, especially
the migration toward IP based systems. This stage
put the analytics at the edge of the network, pro-
viding a more reliable system. It also enabled LED
indicators and contacts to move to the device
location - a configuration more similar to conven-
tional detection devices. With the contacts on the
device the communication loop is direct to the Fire
Alarm Control Panel and therefore the com-
munication integrity does not have to take into
account the sometimes numerous and long runs
of coax from the cameras to the server. And
because the device can sit directly on the FACP
loop, the NFPA code mandated UPS only has to
ensure the cameras (~5 W) stay active rather than
the cameras and servers (-200 W) for 24 hours.

Until this stage UL had not listed any VID
devices nor did a UL standard exist that VID
systems could pass. One hurdle was UL 268,
which has been used to test beam, spot and air
aspiration systems, required detection within a
predefined obscuration limit. The conventional
technologies being tested relied on the smoke
reaching the sensor, therefore an obscuration
measurement can be made at the location of the
detector or sampling port to ensure detection
within the bounding limits. Video "sees" the
smoke - in many instances before it has reaches
the obscuration measuring point in the UL268
room. In other words, tying the pass/fail criteria to
a point measurement was inappropriate for the 3
dimensional VID detectors. UL has since created

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

VIDEO DETECTION

Fig 2 - IP camera system
architecture with
connection through
addressable modules to
the FACP and on to a
Local Area Network
(LAN) for video and
alarm storage and
viewing

“I "I I

UL268B which uses the same test sources and
room dimensions but removes the criteria that ties
obscuration to the detection, and instead uses a
time to detection. FM, which has traditionally
tested the systems to modified ANSI/UL 268 and
FM 3260 test standards, has begun the process of
creating a new Video Image Detection standard
(FM3232). This standard will better define the
expectations of a VID detector and take into
account the advances in the technology, as well as
the knowledge gained by FM, manufacturers, and
industry personnel.

Currently VID systems that are being installed to
code take advantage of the new IP camera system
flexibility. The cameras are placed in fixed positions
and attached to a 12-24 VDC power supply. This
can come from the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)
or a listed power supply. The cameras are then
monitored by the FACP using dry contacts attached
to an addressable module that indicate when the
camera is in a trouble or alarm condition. In addi-
tion, the cameras are attached to the Local Area
Network (LAN) using the RJ45 jack. This can be
attached to a Power Over Ethernet (POE) network
switch to provide a redundant power source. IP
video and alarm information is then transferred
over the LAN to a server for recording purposes.
This allows the user, whether it is the building
manager, owner, distributor, AHJ or fire personnel,
access to the archived video and alarms. User inter-
faces usually allow easy access to this information
as well as floor plans with camera locations, and
live video. In certain situations, AHJs can approve
the replacement of a traditional code mandated
alarm system with a VID system. Some installations
forgo the code required power from a listed supply
and FACP, instead relying on the POE switch with
battery backup and user interface monitored at a
control room or security desk. This configuration is
generally only used for supplemental purposes.

Lighting

Lighting has been an important issue over the life
span of video image smoke detection systems.

Critics point to the necessary illumination
needed to see a smoldering smoke source.
Since flaming fires produce light, additional
illumination does not need to be supplied for
flame detection to occur. However, all video
image smoke detection systems need some
form of illumination to function correctly,
much like how air aspiration systems require
a fan to pull the smoke back to the detector.
If the fan were to malfunction or the piping
became blocked, the smoke would no longer
travel through the piping and the smoke
would remain undetected. It is for this reason
that air sampling systems supervise air flow.
In a similar fashion VID systems will fault if
the light level gets to low, or if the camera is
covered, dirty or out of focus. These condi-
tions need to be supervised.

The supplied illumination can be either
Infra Red (IR) or white light depending on the
system. Statistics show that a majority of fire
incidents reported to the fire department
occur at night when a business is closed or
has a reduced staff on hand. A challenge to
the end user and installer is to provide proper
illumination so that the VID system is effec-
tive on a 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a
year basis.

There are advantages and disadvantages with
each illumination type (IR and White Light). A
foot-candle (FC) is the English measure for light
intensity. Lux is the metric equivalent with 1 FC =
10.76 Lux. Both are measurements of illumination
produced by one candela or lumen over one
square foot or meter respectively. As Lux and FC
are measurements of visible light, and by
definition IR produces invisible light, how do you
measure the appropriate IR illumination level? In
order to measure light radiation in terms of
Watts it is necessary to use a radiometer which
typically exist only in laboratories and are usually
priced beyond the means of normal installation
companies. On the other hand, white light is easily
measured with a calibrated light meter.

White light illumination provides color images
whereas IR can only deliver a black and white
image. This is due to the fact that IR illumination is
light which the human eye cannot see but that a
monochrome CCTV camera can. In addition,
switching between IR at night and white light dur-
ing the day can result in a focus shift. The different
wavelengths create different focus points through
the lens onto the camera chip. This can lead to a
loss of image focus in dark conditions, particularly
if the camera is set up during day time operation.
IR light used in CCTV applications is in the 700 to
1 ,1 00 nm range - just beyond the visible spectrum,
Fig. 1 . As white light is visible to the human eye we
have natural protection against an overexposure to
white light. On the other hand because humans
cannot see IR light our eyes cannot automatically
adjust to overexposure and potential eye damage.
Applications that require covert surveillance or
where no light is allowed due to light pollution on
light sensitive materials, are ideal for IR. However
the majority of installations are better served using
white light illumination as it provides a higher level
of safety and security. In addition, system perfor-
mance is not changed and light levels can be as
low as 1 ft-candle, the emergency light level set by
NFPA standards.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

VIDEO DETECTION

THE ADVANCE OF VIDEO IMAGE DETECTION

VID systems without IR filters can also be blind-
ed by large fires in the field of view. These fires
produce a large amount of IR that can flood the
imager, creating a blinding affect. The camera may
generate a fault condition, but it will also miss the
fire source. IR filters prevent this but also make it
impossible to use IR illumination for smoke
detection.

Using white light provides more options to the
end user because it can be supplied by a number
of sources including incandescent, fluorescent,
High Intensity Discharge (HID), or LED lamps. LEDs
are the fastest growing lighting solution for VID
applications. They are extremely efficient and offer
tremendous reliability. LEDs may cost more initially,
but they offer the lowest possible running cost
(lower wattages) with longer operating life (up to
10 years).

Some VID systems have built in illuminators
attached to the camera. In many cases, a single
source will not provide the necessary and proper
lighting for a facility and may be unnecessary. In
addition, a single high powered light creates large
pockets of light with dark areas in the image.
Lighting should be placed to provide uniform
illumination within the cameras field of view.

Another advantage of white light illumination is
that many facilities already have the required 1 FC
of illumination. The life safety code (NFPA 101)
Section 7.9.2 describes the required emergency
lighting levels for safe egress in case of loss of
power during an evacuation. The code states

that "emergency illumination shall be provided
for not less than 1.5 hours in the event of failure
of normal lighting. Emergency lighting facilities
shall be arranged to provide initial illumination
that is not less than an average of 1 FC (10 lux)
and, at any point, not less than 0.1 FC (1 lux),
measured along the path of egress at floor level.
Illumination levels shall be permitted to decline to
no less than an average of 0.6 FC (6 lux) and, at
any point, no less than 0.06 FC (0.6 lux) at the end
of the 1 .5 hours. A maximum to minimum illumina-
tion uniformity ratio of 40 to 1 shall not be exceed-
ed."

No matter which video system is installed or its
purpose, proper camera placement and illumina-
tion is vital. Video image smoke and fire systems
rely on proper illumination that generates uniform
and adequate levels of light.

Video image smoke and fire detection has
evolved a long way in a relatively short period of
time, and will continue to do so. Higher processing
speeds, increase storage, mega pixel imagers, and
advanced analytic capabilities are already being
considered for future development and inclusion.
The increased use of networks and the impending
demise of the Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)
will allow for greater access to information pro-
vided by fire alarm and suppression systems. It is
necessary that the fire codes, listing agencies, and
customers embrace and define the use of new fire
equipment and technologies in order to support
the changing fire industry. D33

James Lynch has been
employed by Fike Video
Image Detection since
December 2005, and has
served as the manager of
technical services. As the
manager of technical services
he is responsible for fire
related research, the
development of Video Image
Detection (VID) technologies,
approvals testing,
certification training and VID
system implementation. He is
a member or the Salamander
Honorary Fire Protection
Engineering Society, the
National Fire Protection
Association, the Society of
Fire Protection Engineers, and
the International Association
Fire Safety Science. Mr.

Lynch's educational
background includes: a B.S. in
mechanical engineering and
an M.S. degree in fire
protection engineering from
WPI.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

When asset protection matters most.
DuPont™ FM-200®

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DuPont Fire Extinguishants. The Science of Protection.™

The miracles of science

Copyright ©2010 DuPont. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont " The miracles of science"!
The Science of Protection"", and FM-200® are trademarks or registered trademarks
of Ed . du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

By Al Thornton

The Application
of Science

Since prehistoric times, when people first extinguished fires with dirt and water,
mankind has looked to science to develop new and improved technologies for
managing and controlling fire. Al Thornton plots it growth.

I n today's complex, interdependent electronic
society, the need to effectively manage risk and
control fire is critical to modern life. As our need
for fire protection increases, the criteria for choos-
ing a practical, viable clean agent becomes more
complex as well. Understanding the science that
drives clean agent fire protection development
is crucial to making sound, responsible choices
for protecting today's critical infrastructure and
ensuring business continuity.

Fires happen every day. In the most critical facili-
ties and installations, clean agent technologies are
often the best tools for protecting lives, valuable
or sensitive assets, and maintaining operations.
They offer the best balance between performance,
safety, economic value, and environmental
responsibility for the special-hazards fire protection
industry.

In the early 20th century, several different
halogenated hydrocarbon molecules were used to
protect mostly military vehicle applications; ships,
aircraft and tanks. Carbon tetrachloride (Halon
104 or CCI 4 ) was the first "clean agent" put into
use, and by 1910 portable carbon tetrachloride

extinguishers, tested by independent agencies,
had appeared.

Carbon tetrachloride was soon followed by
methyl bromide (CH 3 Br or Halon 1001) and
chlorobromomethane (CH 2 CIBr, Halon 1011 or
'CB'); both agents being employed in military
aircraft and ships during World War II. While these
options served as very effective fire fighting
agents, they exhibited high toxicity and were
unsafe for use around people.

In 1947, the Purdue University Research
Foundation conducted a research program
evaluating the performance new-candidate fire
extinguishing agents. At the same time, the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers undertook a project to
evaluate the toxicological properties of the same
compounds. These studies extensively charac-
terised over 60 candidate extinguishing agents
according to fire efficacy, toxicity, corrosivity,
electrical conductivity, and the effect of tempera-
ture and different fuel arrangements on agent
effectiveness. From these review candidates, four
agents were selected for further study - Halon
1301, Halon 1211, Halon 1202 and Halon 2402.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

CLEAN AGENTS

*: y jl

The results of the Purdue Study were:

Halon 1202. Most effective and most toxic; the
U.S. Air Force chose Halon 1202 for
military aircraft engine protection.

Halon 1301. Second most effective, with excel-
lent toxicity; U.S. Army chose for
portable extinguishers; FAA selected
for commercial aircraft engines.

Halon 1211. Selected by the UK for aircraft and
portable applications.

Halon 2402. High toxicity, liquid agent; selected
by Russia for total flooding and
portable applications.

In the 1960s, DuPont introduced Halon 1301
(CF 3 Br) to the commercial fire protection market
using legacy C0 2 equipment and technology.
Hailed as a "wonder gas," colourless, odourless,
and safe for use around people, it left behind no
residue making it an ideal product for the nascent
computer and telecommunication industries. By
1970 NFPA had created a design standard, NFPA
12A, and the modern "clean agent" industry was
in full swing.

The extremely efficient fire extinguishing prop-
erties of the Halons cannot be fully explained by
consideration of the traditional fire triangle, which
tells us that fire can be extinguished by the
removal of heat, fuel or oxygen. An additional
factor must be added to explain the high efficiency
of the Halons - that of chemical chain reaction -
leading to the concept of the fire tetrahedron. In
addition to the methods of heat, fuel or oxygen
removal, fires can be extinguished by inhibiting, or
interrupting, the chemical chain reaction which
produces the fire.

The Halons extinguished fire predominantly by
this "chemical" mechanism, which turned out to be
an extremely efficient method. This mechanism
involves the removal of the key fire species, which
are responsible for keeping the chain reaction of the
fire going - Halon serves to "break" the chain reac-
tion. The key chemical species responsible for main-
taining the chain reaction in a fire are the hydrogen

(H), oxygen (O) and hydroxyl (HO) fragments
produced in the fire. Halon 1301 reacts with
hydrogen to produce the CF 3 fragment and
HBr - the "magic bullet" which slays the fire:
HBr reacts with H and HO, removing the two
species most responsible for maintaining the
chain reaction, and breaks the chain reaction,
shutting down the fire.

The 1980s introduced concerns about
ozone depletion from chlorofluorocarbons
and Halons and the subsequent passage of
the Montreal Protocol. The key to the highly
efficient extinguishing properties of Halon -
the presence of a bromine atom in its struc-
ture - also led to its demise, as bromine is
also a powerful ozone depleting species.
The Montreal Protocol initially froze Halon
production at 1986 levels, and ultimately
eliminated the production of new Halon in
developed countries by 1992. Today, many
Halon systems remain in place protecting
critical facilities throughout much of the
world.

With pressure to find a new "wonder
gas" - with the added requirement of zero
ozone depletion potential - the fire suppres-
sion industry mobilised and introduced a
wide variety of alternative agents for both Halon
1301 and Halon 1211. Fire extinguishing theory in
hand, one can begin to deconstruct the building
blocks of these clean agent extinguishants,
comparing, contrasting and evaluating additional
alternatives and options. The first schism in
next-generation alternatives came between
"chemical agents" and "physical agents".
Chemical agents extinguish fire by interfering
with the chemistry of the fire. Physical agents
extinguish fire via physical mechanisms such as
oxygen reduction or heat absorption.

As already explained, Halons are "chemical
agents" that extinguish fires by interfering with
the chemistry of the fire; removing the key flame
species and breaking the chain reaction of the fire.
Physical agents do not interfere or become
involved in the chemistry of the fire; they extin-
guish fire through physical mechanisms, such as
oxygen depletion or heat absorption. Inert gases
and carbon-based clean agents are both physical
agents, but extinguish fire by different physical
mechanisms. The inert gases extinguish fire by
oxygen reduction, whereas the carbon-based
agents extinguish fire via heat absorption.

The inert gases - nitrogen, argon, and a variety
of inert gas blends - act as physical extinguishing
agents, reducing oxygen levels from an ambient
21 percent-by-volume down to below 14 percent-
by-volume, essentially starving the fire of enough
oxygen to continue burning. Oxygen reduction is
an inefficient method of fire extinguishment and,
as a result, inert gas systems require large design
concentrations, typically in the order of 40
percent-by-volume or more of the protected space.

Inert gases cannot be compressed and stored as
liquids, but can be stored only as gases. As a result
of their low efficiency and inability to be stored as
a liquid, inert gas systems require a large number
of storage cylinders. The number of storage
cylinders required can be reduced somewhat by
resorting to high pressure (for example, 300 bar)
systems, but this requires the utilisation of
high-pressure storage cylinders and high-pressure

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE

n CAM ACCMTC

LLtAIM AutN 1 j

piping and manifold systems. The inert gas
extinguishing agents themselves are readily
available, low cost, industrial gases, but the
additional hardware requirements often
result in a higher system cost and a much
larger site footprint for inert gas systems
than for other clean agents.

The fundamental construction of a
carbon-based clean extinguishing agent
consists of a carbon base molecule with
halogens substituted for various hydrogen
atoms. The introduction of bromine atoms
into the carbon base greatly improves the
fire extinguishing effectiveness. However,
this can also lead to increased toxicity and
reduced chemical stability; most importantly,
the introduction of bromine results in a mol-
ecule characterised as an ozone depleting
substance (ODS), and hence subject to the
controls of the Montreal Protocol.

The introduction of chlorine into the
carbon base results in a moderate increase in
fire extinguishing effectiveness, and lessened
effects on toxicity and stability compared to
bromine. However, the chlorine atom is efficient at
depleting ozone, and the resulting molecule will
be classified as an ODS, subject to the controls of
the Montreal Protocol.

The introduction of fluorine into the carbon base
has four desired effects: increased fire extinguishing
effectiveness, increased chemical and physical
stability, reduced toxicity, and reduced boiling point.
Unlike bromine and chlorine, however, fluorine
does not participate in ozone depletion and hence
these compounds containing carbon, hydrogen,
and fluorine atoms (hydrofluorofluorocarbons or
HFCs) have zero ozone depletion potentials (ODPs).

Using the science and chemistry of clean
agents, DuPont set about developing a family of
physically acting fire extinguishing agents designed
to balance the needs of the market with the com-
peting demands of life safety, fire performance,
environmental acceptance, and suitable physical
properties. The results of this extensive develop-
ment program are four halocarbon extinguishing
agents targeted for specific user requirements.
None of these clean agents contain bromine or
chlorine, achieving the goal of zero ODP All of
these clean agents are physical agents, extinguish-
ing fire via heat absorption.

DuPont™ FE-13™ (HFC-23, CF 3 H)

The simplest of the molecules, FE-13™ offers
some key physical features that make it a unique
solution for certain difficult applications.

Due to its very low toxicity, FE-1 3 can be used in
occupied applications that require a very high
design concentration, such as difficult flammable
liquid and gas extinguishment and inertion haz-
ards, or in areas where the volume or temperature
of the protected space varies dramatically, such as
cargo holds. The low boiling point of FE-13 allows
its use in applications involving low temperatures,
such as environmental test chambers, turbine
enclosures, railroad locomotives, and mining
equipment. The low boiling point of FE-13 also
makes it more effective in the protection of areas
with high ceilings.

DuPont™ FE-25™ (HFC-125, CF 3 CF 2 H)

FE-25™ is characterised by flow properties very

similar to those of Halon 1301, and was selected
by the U.S. Department of Defence to replace
Halon 1301 in engine nacelle applications in new
aircraft, and by the U.S. Navy in the engine
nacelles of existing aircraft.

FE-25 is effective for many surface fires and
most solid combustible materials and is used in
grain elevators for explosion suppression. Origin-
ally provided as a close replacement for existing
Halon 1301 systems, it is now also used for new
systems.

DuPont™ FE-36™ (HFC-236fa,

CF 3 CH 2 CF 3 )

FE-36™ is proving to be the standard in-kind
replacement for Halon 1211 in portable extin-
guishers. FE-36 is characterised by lower toxicity
compared to Halon 1211, and has zero ozone
depletion potential.

DuPont™ FM-200® (HFC-227ea,
CF 3 CHFCF 3 )

FM-200® is the most frequently specified and
installed clean agent in fire protection systems. It is
safe for use in Class A ordinary combustible mater-
ial applications and Class B flammable liquid and
gas applications (Classes B and C in Europe,
Australia and Asia), where people are normally
present, the so-called "normally occupied spaces".
FM-200 can be used where conventional extin-
guishing agents such as water, dry chemical, and
carbon dioxide are unsuitable. These situations
exist where there is sensitive electronic equipment
servicing a critical operation, where a loss would
include the equipment and the cost of business
interruption.

Other situations involve delicate or irreplaceable
materials such as those found in museums,
libraries and historical sites. FM-200 is arguably
the most cost effective clean agent extinguishant
for total flooding applications, including computer
rooms, telecommunication facilities, semiconductor
manufacturing facilities, data processing centres,
clean rooms, and industrial process control rooms.
Other examples of applications include marine
engine compartments, petrochemical facilities,
chemical storage rooms, paint lockers, and other
applications where hydrocarbon-based materials
are present. D33

Al Thornton has sales
responsibility for the fire
suppressant business of
DuPont

www.DuPont.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

CONTROL LOGIC
Spark
detector

designed for
dust collectio
systems
to protect

ri .

of fire.

201 37 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - Italy

Tel.: + 39 02 541 0 081 8 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764

E-mail: controllogic@controllogic.it - Web: www.controllogic.it

The

Sparks fly
at high speed*

They travel at a hundred kilometres
per hour along the ducts of the dust
collection system and reach the silo
in less than three seconds

CONTROL LOGIC
SPARK DETECTOR

is faster than
the sparks themselves.
It detects them with its highly
sensitive infrared sensor,
intercepts and extinguishes
them in a flash,
no periodic inspection.

CONTROL LOGIC system

is designed for "total supervision".
It verifies that sparks have been
extinguished, gives prompt warning of
any malfunction and, if needed,
cuts off the duct and stops the fan.

SO 9001

CONTROL LOGIC

BETTER TO KNOW IT BEFORE

Eye is faster than nose.

In the event of live fire
the IR FLAME DETECTOR
responds immediately

IR FLAME DETECTOR
RIV-601/FA
EXPL0SI0NPR00F
ENCLOSURE

CONTROL LOGIC

IR FLAME DETECTOR

the fastest and most effective fire alarm device
for industrial applications

■j -t ^

IR FLAME DETECTOR
RIV-601/F
WATERTIGHT
IP 65 ENCLOSURE

For industrial applications indoors
or outdoors where is a risk of explosion
and where the explosionproof
protection is required.

One detector can monitor a vast area
and responds immediately
to the fire, yet of small size.

Also for

RS485 two-wire serial line

201 37 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - Italy

Tel.: + 39 02 541 0 081 8 - Fax + 39 02 541 0 0764

E-mail: controllogic@controllogic.it - Web: www.controllogic.it

St Pan eras Platform

By Paul Bryant

Chairman of the Rail
Industry Fire Association

The Rail Industry Fire
Association was formed in
1 996 with the objectives of
sharing information,
experience and best practice
in the management of fire
safety throughout the
railway industry. Its website
is at www.rifa-rail.com

Paul Bryant is Chairman of
the Rail Industry Fire
Association
www.rifa-rail.com

Railway Fire
Safety - As I See It

The unique fire safety challenges posed by railway stations around the world
need to be more holistically approached. So says Paul Bryant, Chairman of the
Rail Industry Fire Association.

L ondon recently experienced a major fire at a
main railway station and while the fire protec-
tion systems at the station worked as intended,
this still did not prevent wide scale damage. How-
ever, it was not the damage that was the main
issue, but the fact that the fire disrupted the jour-
neys of thousands of people for many hours; yet
another example of how a fire in a railway station
can have real or potentially devastating con-
sequences. While most of the travelling public are
unaware of the implications of a fire, it is vital that
those working with for and in the railways are.

More people want to travel more often.
Consequently, the strain on rail networks around
the world will continue to worsen, and the contin-
uing requirement to explore bolder railway station
designs puts even greater pressure to adopt an
effective performance based approach to fire
safety. The traditional prescriptive approaches for
fire safety in buildings have been replaced by the
requirement for a "free thinking" scientific
approach, which surely demands that the skills of
qualified or experienced fire engineering specialists
need to be used and not those who are just happy
to follow a set of rules.

One of the issues affecting railway station
design and use is the need to gain an understand-
ing of how performance-based fire safety engi-
neering approaches can assist in providing
effective fire strategies. Hence, any fire safety
engineered design for railway stations invariable
has to consider the large open areas that are
essential for the movement of large numbers of

passengers, many of whom will make several
stops inside the station for shopping, ticket collec-
tion and refreshment. It also has to address the fire
risks posed by areas such as restaurants and fast
food outlets, plant and control rooms, store rooms
and waste collection areas.

The need to ensure controlled evacuation in the
event of a fire or other emergency, particularly in
these troubled times, is another major considera-
tion, particularly given the fact that most travellers
have little knowledge of the station environment
and some have only limited understanding of the
indigenous language. Finally, there is the ever
present requirement to minimise business disruption
due to expensive and distressing false alarms and
ensure that the station is "back in business" as
soon as possible after a fire. In short, it is essential
that a more holistic approach is taken to fire safety
in stations around the world, if nothing is to be
overlooked.

Every station should have a distinct and specific
fire strategy, and the specifics of each individual
station should be presented in a similar way. This
consistency of approach is vital when protecting
the millions who use the rail networks, an impera-
tive that led me to author the British Standard
Specification PAS 91 1 on fire strategies, which was
published in 2007 and is designed to be used
internationally. This sets out the preparation of a
fire strategy as a process, with key inputs and sub-
strategy outputs, along with guidance on how to
evaluate the factors associated with fire safety and
protection. 132

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

EVACUATION

Safety in Numb

,4 * 3 - i|

By James Lane

Buildings are generally becoming larger and potentially more complex. Can we
be sure that the principles of fire safety have developed in line with the changes
and remain adequate when dealing with means of escape? James Lane gives a
professional insight.

Hilson Moran

irst we have to avoid a common misconcep-
tion; what do we mean by large?

When anybody mentions large buildings we
immediately think tall. However, a quick Internet
search will reveal that the largest buildings in the
world, in terms of occupiable space, are mainly
linked with the aeronautical industry. Vast sheds
used for the assembly of airliners and space craft.
This has historically been the case since technology
enabled powered flight and hangers were required
to house airships and transatlantic aircraft. Even
before the dawn of this brave new world it was
the industrial revolution and the call for increasing
mass production capability that gave us ever
increasing factory buildings, with a population
equivalent to a small town, but it was the need for
property protection that led the insurance market
to push for the development of automatic fire
protection and the birth of sprinkler systems.

Since then, automation of the work force has
reduced the number of people and even the space
requirements for production facilities. But the
large concentrations of people did not go away.
They moved. Renaissance in our leisure time

activities has led to larger public spaces such as
sports arenas and, where a high street would have
had individual shops, the street was covered over
to create a single common space and purpose-
built shopping malls have changed our retail
expectations.

Nowadays, large buildings are a feature of all
sectors of the built environment from industrial
and warehouse, to leisure and retail, to residential
and commercial. So what are the fire implications
for these large buildings and how does increasing
area affect means of escape?

How important is means of escape?

The provision for achieving evacuation from a
building in an emergency is the fundamental
feature of any fire strategy. All other fire design
features have the underlying aim of maintaining
conditions that will enable escape. In the UK the
Approved Document system for compliance with
Building Regulations states that:

"...the Building Regulations do not require
anything to be done except for the purpose of
securing reasonable standards of health and safety

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

SAFETY IN NUMBERS

c \i a r 1 1 a t i n m

tVALUAI IUIM

for persons in or about buildings
(and any others who may be
affected by buildings or matters
connected with buildings)."

This effectively limits the Building
Regulations for fire to dealing with
matters of life safety. The benefits in
protection of property are a happy
coincidence rather than the main
purpose.

Prescriptive codes will stipulate
the number and dimensions of
escape routes, the doors and stairs
and the type of fire alarm required.

Although it may not be clear from
a simple set of rules, the purpose
of specifying these parameters is
to ensure that the provisions for
escape will be suitable for the
expected number of occupants.

Legislation has moved away from
this prescriptive approach and has
adopted a more risk-based philoso-
phy. The Building Regulations are
built to a set of functional objectives
that require that "reasonable" pro-
visions are made to achieve an
acceptable level of safety". This has
given rise to one of the fundamen-
tal principles of fire engineering and
the engineered solution.

Available Safe Egress Time (ASET)
is the time from ignition until condi-
tions become untenable and injury
or death may occur. Required Safe
Egress Time (RSET) is the time taken
from ignition until all the occupants
reach a place of safety. While ASET is
greater than RSET then it is claimed
that the functional objective for
means of escape has been achieved.

The process which greatly influences building
design is one of a balancing act. On one side the
provisions made for escape such as the number of
exits and stairs and how wide they are allows esti-
mates of the time taken for people to reach a
place of safety. By increasing the number of exits
and the aggregated width available for escape the
time taken for people to flow through the system
is reduced - RSET is lower.

On the other side of the equation, division into
smaller fire compartments, limiting fire size
through the application of sprinkler - or similar -
suppression and the removal of heat and smoke
are examples of the active and passive measures
that can be employed to delay the onset of unten-
able conditions - ASET is higher.

So how does the size of the building influence
this balance and what measures may be necessary
to overcome any potential problems?

First of all it may be useful to examine what
we mean by large. We could consider three
categories:

• Large; but with low population (typified by

industrial or warehouse facilities).

• Large; and with high population (sports, enter-
tainment, transport interchange or retail).

• Large; tall with high population (commercial
and residential).

Of course, it is possible to think of examples
that do not fit with this way of thinking, or build-
ing types that blur the edges between the
categories. But overall this serves as a convenient
way to address the issues in dealing with large
buildings.

Reducing the RSET

It is reasonable to assume that with increasing
building area the time taken for the occupants to
reach the exits will be longer. Implications for the
required evacuation time include:

• Buildings with a large footprint area are likely
to be deep plan. This means that the conven-
tional travel distance limits to reach a fire exit
may not be achievable.

• Large public buildings are likely to have a
greater number of people. Sports arenas and
shopping centres, exhibition halls and enter-
tainment venues have the potential for large

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

EVACUATION

area floor plans occupied to a much higher
density

• Visitors to public buildings may be unfamiliar
with the building and the emergency proce-
dures. Motivation and managing the evacuation
of a mass population from a building brings its
own headache. Unfamiliarity means people are
less likely to begin escape unless there is a direct
and unambiguous instruction.

• After entering the escape system a prolonged
route to reach the final exit may lead to fatigue
and disorientation. This would be particularly
the case for tall buildings where many flights of
stairs could be off putting.

To deal with the problems encountered in large
buildings, fire engineering offers a range of
solutions aimed at reducing the time required
to escape from the immediate danger from fire
and its products.

Low volume population

In the industrial setting, factories and warehouses,
while having a potentially large floor plan and vol-
ume, are likely to have a relatively low population
density. The value in these buildings is in occupy-
ing the space with commodity, not people.

Standard guidance for means of escape
assumes that there will be a period of queuing
while people flow through the exit doors. How-
ever, where the population is small this may be
greatly reduced and although it might take a little
while longer to reach the exit (typical speed of
travel often assumed to be about 1.2 m/s) if there
is no queue at the exit the overall escape time may
be shorter than otherwise expected.

Phased evacuation

Where the building will have a much higher popu-
lation than the industrial warehouse example
above, one way to cope with the management of

the number of people is to divide them into dis-
crete groups and evacuate each group at different
times.

Commonly used for tall buildings, this type of
phasing will usually call for the immediate evacua-
tion of the floor intimate with the fire. After this
most vulnerable group are out of the danger zone
the population of subsequent floors are evacuated
in manageable chunks, usually two floors at a
time, above the fire origin and then similarly for
floors below, until the building is completely
empty.

The advantage of this method is that generally
the required stair width will be less than when
compared with a simple simultaneous escape. It
may also be possible, in certain cases, for the
population remote from the fire to remain
operational.

For very tall buildings it may not be reasonable
to expect the occupants at the top to descend the
stairs all the way to the bottom in a single journey.
In this situation it may be necessary to provide
refuge floors. These are selected floors in the
building which will have higher fire precautions.
Occupants evacuate from floors above to this level
where lifts provided with special measures to keep
them operational during a fire can be used to ferry
them down to the ground floor.

Progressive horizontal evacuation
(PHE)

Where the building is large by virtue of its plan area
rather than height, a modification of the phased
evacuation method is divide the footprint into a
series of fire compartments. Again the most vulner-
able occupants are moved in the first instance, but
this time into an adjacent compartment horizontally.

Separated by fire resisting walls, this neighbour-
ing compartment acts a refuge area. Organisation
of the evacuation from this compartment can then

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

SAFETY IN NUMBERS

c \i a r 1 1 a t i n m

tVAtlAI IUIM

be done in an orderly manner outside of the
immediate threat from the fire. Typically used in
healthcare facilities, it is an additional benefit that
occupants less able to effect their own escape
unaided can be assisted during the secondary
phase.

A similar method is applied to shopping centres.
The central mall is considered to provide a place of
relative safety and will usually be provided with
some form of smoke control. Dividing the mall
into smoke and evacuation zones makes it
possible to evacuate one zone of a shopping com-
plex at a time. Occupants in the mall are ushered
into the neighbouring zone and the heat and
smoke from a shop fire is dealt with by the venting.

Focused exit provision

Location and size of the available exits will also
play a key part in an efficient escape strategy. It
has been documented that human behaviour
favours the familiar and where large public build-
ings have multiple exits people will often pass
emergency exits in order to use the main entrance
through which they gained access, or which pro-
vides the ready route back to the car. If the most
favoured exits can be identified then measures to
improve flow through the exits and management
of the people after escape can be better focused.

Computer-based evacuation models that apply a
probabilistic element into the predicted movement
of a population, while theoretically applicable to a
wide range of scenarios are put to the greatest
benefit in these types of buildings.

Increasing the ASET

Extending the time before untenable conditions
are reached is a valuable means of protecting the
populations that require longer before escaping.

Increased compartment volume

A feature of industrial buildings is a general
increase in the roof height to accommodate the
industrial processes and machinery. The effect of
this is to allow the heat from a fire to rise above
the people and the volume created will take
longer to become clogged with smoke. This may
be sufficient enough delay before the heat and
smoke build down to a height that would affect
escape to allow all the occupants to evacuate the
compartment safely.

However, industrial, and particularly storage,
facilities have the propensity to contain a greater
volume of combustible materials and contents of
unusually high heat output, leading to larger fire
sizes. A careful analysis of the rate that heat and
smoke are generated is required to compare it
with the benefits of the higher compartment
height. Where there remains a problem an
alternative strategy may need to be adopted.

Limiting potential fire size

Subdivision into smaller fire compartments will
reduce travel distance to a place of refuge, as
described above, and has the additional benefit of
limiting the potential fire size and restricting the
extent of damage.

Where subdivision is not possible, the applica-
tion of automatic suppression has the significant
advantage of keeping a fire relatively small, or
even extinguishing it. There are many types of
suppression, starting with standard water sprinklers

thorough to stored liquid and gas agents and even
a method of permanently reducing the oxygen
content of the space to prevent ignition, and
discussion of these could fill enough space for a
separate article.

Venting

If the heat and smoke generated in a fire is
released to atmosphere then the build up to
untenable conditions within the space will be
delayed, or even prevented completely. Theoreti-
cally, the conditions could be maintained within
the limits of tenability indefinitely, allowing a
greatly extended evacuation time. This might have
more of a psychological effect on the occupants
who may not be in a position of understanding
the fire strategy and the calculations that have
been applied to achieve this happy state.

Conclusion

Increasing building size brings with it a double-
edge sword. The larger volume may mean that a
fire has less immediate effect due to reduced
proximity of the occupants with the products of
combustion. But the resulting increase fire load
and distance to an exit, potential population
density and the problems of controlling a mass of
people make means of escape the key considera-
tion in developing a fire strategy.

Escape is likely to be the driving force that
shapes major aspects of the building design. James Lane is Principal Fire

Provision of fire precautions is to achieve the Consultant at Hilson Moran

functional objective of escape. Du

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

SUPPRESSION

watermist Techno

By Rudiger Kopp
(Dipl.-lng.)

Fogtec GmbH

Watermist technology was once seen as a niche product for special industrial
risks, but today, says Ruediger Kopp, it is widely accepted as an alternative to
sprinklers and gaseous extinguishing systems.

W hen watermist technology was "rediscov-
ered" in the 1 980s, it was seen mainly as
a niche product for special industrial
risks, such as protection of turbines, generators
and other pieces of machinery. Today, however,
watermist is accepted widely as a viable and
effective alternative to gaseous extinguishing
systems. In the marine industry, its benefits have
been transferred from machinery space protection
to accommodation areas where, traditionally,
conventional sprinkler systems have been used.

Indeed, marine applications were the first
where standards for testing, approval and installa-
tion of watermist systems were developed. The
IMO (International Maritime Organisation) stan-
dards for machinery spaces and accommodation
areas have been a good basis also for land-based
applications, and still are used as a reference for
the definition of fire scenarios in land-based
watermist standards.

Watermist technology now has a firm place in
the fire protection system market, with applica-
tions spanning from the protection of machinery
containing fuels and lubricants, to cable tunnels,
within the food industry, hotels, archives, museum,
high-rise buildings, hospitals, laboratories, hotels
and heritage buildings. Its use is also becoming
widespread in the automotive and power genera-
tion sectors, for the protection of test cells,
paint areas, hydraulic risks, generators, turbines
and storage facilities. In the past few years, sophis-
ticated and innovative fire protection solutions
have been developed based on watermist technol-
ogy that ensure highest possible level of safety

where, previously, no appropriate solution was
available.

Standards and fire tests

Since watermist combines the fire fighting effect
of both conventional gaseous suppression and
water sprinkler systems, it can neither be designed
nor approved based on the standards applying to
"conventional" systems. In their place, there are
now a number of standards that apply specifically
to the design and approval of watermist systems.

Among these, those that are most referenced
internationally are: the IMO standards; NFPA 750
(Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems);
ANSI FM 5560 (American National Standard for
Water Mist Systems) from Factory Mutual; and the
European CEN TS 14972 (Fixed firefighting sys-
tems. Watermist systems. Design and installation).
Based on these international standards, national
guidelines and standards are under development,
or have already been published by organisations
such as VdS in Germany, APSAD in France and BSI
in the UK.

All standards have in common that for water-
mist technology the required nozzle type, droplet
distribution, flow rate, nozzle spacing and dis-
charge time have to be individually determined by
carrying out application-related, full scale fire tests
to provide optimum protection of the respective
risk. Transfer or extrapolation of design criteria
from one application to another, or basing the
system designs on calculation models, is not
possible. In past years, numerous full scale fire
tests have been carried out at independent fire

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

WATERMIST TECHNOLOGY COMES OF AGE

CIIDDDCCCIHM

jUrrKtjjIUN

logy Comes of Age

research institutes and laboratories
that have lead to broad acceptance
of watermist systems as alternative
to conventional systems.

Hamburg Philharmonic
Orchestra Hall

Special buildings and architecturally
challenging environments require
sophisticated tailor-made solutions
to fulfil their fire safety needs. The
integration of an automatic fire
fighting system into the Elbphilhar-
monie Philharmonic Concert Hall in
Hamburg, Germany was one such
challenge. It is a typical example of
where watermist technology has
delivered an innovative fire protec-
tion solution that provides efficient
cooling, low water consumption,
minimal potential water damage, and straightfor-
ward installation due to small pipework and small
water storage requirement.

A conventional sprinkler system could not be
used due to the height of the area and the poten-
tial water damage that would result from system
activation. Similarly, a gaseous fire suppression sys-
tem could also not be used due to the evacuation
time required by the audience. So, it was decided
to develop an innovative fire protection concept,
based on high-pressure watermist technology; a
concept that was verified in full scale fire tests that
determined the system design parameters.

Since the fire load in the concert hall is con-
centrated in the floor and seating area, the
firefighting agent preferably needed be focused in
this area. So, instead of attempting to contend
with the concert hall height of 25 metres, it was
decided that a floor integrated system would be
most appropriate solution. Rapid activation of the
system after fire detection would further increase
the safety level, so the fire detection and the
firefighting systems were jointly evaluated.

Full scale fire tests were carried out with fire
loads and test scenarios derived from standards
such as CEN TS 14972, and the fire test results
were evaluated by independent fire consultants
and a certification body - HHP and DEKRA - to
confirm that the concept met all of the safety
requirements.

A zoned deluge, high pressure watermist
system was installed, triggered by a linear heat
detection system integrated into the floor area. In
standby condition, special nozzles are covered
with lids and incorporated into the floor areas
between the seats to meet the demanding
requirements of the architects and acoustics
engineers of the building. Three adjacent areas
can be discharged simultaneously to cover the
worst fire condition.

This protection concept for concert halls
resulted in a safe and architecturally satisfying
solution; one that was successfully integrated into
the overall fire safety strategy of the building and
approved by the regulatory authorities.

Eurotunnel protection

The Channel Tunnel Rail Link under the English
Channel links Calais in France and Folkestone in
England and is used by around 16 million passen-
gers each year. Up to 450 train journeys are
made through the tunnel every day, including the
high-speed Eurostar passenger trains and the
Eurotunnel car and truck shuttles. After truck fires
in 1996 and 2008, Eurotunnel, the operating
company, decided to reinforce the already high fire
safety standards.

To achieve this, a special fire protection concept
was developed based on the establishment of four
separate firefighting sections within the tunnel, in
which a fire on a train could be fought quickly and
effectively. Due to the significantly larger potential
fire load that trucks represent, these so called
"safe" stations are primarily to protect truck
shuttles.

The decision to incorporate a firefighting system
inside the tunnel was based on the recom-
mendation of an expert group that had carried
out a quantitative risk assessment and a cost-
benefit analysis. High pressure watermist was
chosen due to its high cooling potential that helps
to create a safe environment for passengers, staff
and vehicles within the tunnel. The watermist
system potentially contributes significantly towards
reducing the intensity of a fire, and the heat
absorption supports the successful evacuation of
people, particularly during the first critical phase of
a tunnel fire.

During a lengthy test program with the fire and
rescue service, it was established that, even with
heat release rates of more than 200 MW, the
watermist system facilitates the fire brigade's
rescue efforts and allows for effective control of
the fire and rapid extinguishing.

The tunnels are fitted with four times 29 deluge
fire fighting sections, each 30 metres long and
independently controllable. Only open nozzles are
used in order to provide full flow rates for every
activated section, so maximising the effect of
watermist from the beginning of the system's
activation. m

Riidiger Kopp is Sales and
Product Manager at Fogtec
Fire Protection

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

SUPPRESSION

By Scott Starr

Firetrace International

Wind Turbine Fire

Fire detection and suppression
has become a top priority for
turbine manufacturers and
wind farm operators. Scott
Starr reviews the options.

W ith governments across the
globe becoming ever more
aware of the environmental
benefits of wind-generated power, the
number of wind farms and the financial
investment in constructing, erecting and
maintaining wind turbines is increasing
exponentially. Today, the market is esti-
mated to be worth $60 billion annually,
with global wind capacity expected to
double every three years. According to
the WWEA (World Wind Energy Associa-
tion) World Wind Energy Report 2009,
the United States is the world leader in
terms of the installed capacity of wind
power, followed by China, Germany,

Spain and India. Together, these five
countries - again according to the
WWEA - last year accounted for nearly
80 percent of worldwide wind capacity.

Such a high level of investment,
coupled with the increased dependence
on wind power, has led turbine manufac-
turers and operators to become acutely
aware of the financial implications, safety
issues and environmental impact of fire-
damaged or destroyed turbines. Indeed,
fire safety has become such an issue that
the USA's NFPA (National Fire Protection
Association), Germany's VdS (Vertrauen
durch Sicherheit) and Germanischer
Lloyd have developed recommendations,
standards or codes of practice.

The NFPA has recently added wind
turbine and outbuilding fire protection standards
to NFPA 850 (Recommended Practice for Fire
Protection for Electric Generating Plants and High
Voltage Direct Current Converter Stations, 2010
Edition). This document provides fire protection
recommendations for the safety of construction
and operating personnel, physical integrity of
plant components and the continuity of plant
operations. The revised 2010 edition includes
detailed recommendations relating to wind turbine
generating facilities.

VdS 3523en (Wind turbines, Fire protection
guideline) has also been used as the basis for the
CFPA E (Confederation of Fire Protection Associ-
ations in Europe) Guideline No 21.2010 F, which
addresses the same topic. VdS is a highly-regarded,
independent, international, third-party accredita-
tion and certification body for fire prevention and
safety technology. Germanischer Lloyd, which
specializes in classifications for the maritime and
energy industries, has developed Renewables
Certification Guidelines (GL Wind Technical Note
Certification of Fire Protection Systems for Wind

Turbines, Certification Procedures, Revision 2,
Edition 2009).

Scale of the problem

A report by the AREPA Group, a technical service
organization with operations throughout Europe
that specializes in the assessment and restoration
of damaged technical equipment, suggests that
184 wind turbine components were damaged by
fire since 2002, while the Caithness Windfarm
Information Forum believes that, as of September
2009, 122 wind farm fire incidents were reported
globally. The cost of property damage on each of
these reported incidents spans from $750,000 to
$2 million.

However, many in the industry believe that
these figures grossly underestimate the scale of
the problem. A significant number of turbine fires
go unreported, possibly because of a combination
of their remote location and the fact that the
emergency services are not always called upon to
attend, and these fires do not form part of any
official fire incident statistic.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

WIND TURBINE FIRE PROTECTION

CIIDDDCCCIHM

jUrrKtjjIUN

Protection

Turbine fire risk

The almost inevitable con-
sequence of these industry
initiatives has been that a
number of detection and
suppression systems have
been put forward as suit-
able solutions. While many
are effective for what
might be regarded as
"conventional" applica-
tions, they may not be
suitable for the particular
fire challenges found in
wind turbines.

The majority of turbine
fires are started by a light-
ning strike, brought about
by their exposed and often
high-altitude location and the height of the
structure; turbines are now being built that are up
to 320 feet high. Mechanical failure or electrical
malfunction also account for a significant percent-
age of fires that can be fuelled by up to 200
gallons of hydraulic fluid and lubricants in the
nacelle, which itself is constructed from highly-
flammable resin and glass fiber. Internal insulation
in the nacelle, which can become contaminated by
oil deposits, adds to the fuel load.

Electrical equipment is another high risk area.
Capacitors, transformers, generators, electrical con-
trols and transmission equipment, all have the
potential to catch fire, as do SCADA (Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition) systems. There is also
the risk of fire due to loose or broken electrical
connections or the overloading of electrical circuits.

Braking systems pose a particularly high fire risk.
Overheating can cause hot fragments of the disc
brake material to break off, rupturing hydraulic
hoses and resulting in highly combustible hydraulic
fluid being expelled under pressure and coming into
contact with the hot disk brake fragments. Hydraulic
pumps and connections have also been known to
fail, allowing the fluid to erupt into flames when it
comes into contact with a hot surface.

Unique fire protection challenge

What are the special challenges that an effective
fire detection and suppression system for a wind
turbine have to overcome?

The core issue is, of course, remoteness. This is
particularly the case with off-shore wind farms,
but even on-shore farms are routinely in difficult to
access or isolated locations. The essential charac-
teristics of an effective wind turbine fire detection
and suppression system are that it should:

• Deliver around-the-clock reliability and 24/7
unsupervised protection.

• Ensure an absence of false alarms.

• Contend with vibration, dust, debris and
airflow through the nacelle.

• Contend with extreme temperature variations.

• Stop a fire precisely where it breaks out and
before it takes hold.

• Require no external power.

The options that are often considered can be
generally categorized as:

• Air sampling detection.

• Watermist suppression.

• Compressed-air foam suppression.

• Fusible link detection and suppression.

• Total flooding C0 2 (carbon dioxide) suppression.

• Total flooding clean agent suppression.

• Linear pneumatic detection and suppression.

Air sampling aims to offer early detection by

collecting minute smoke particulates in the early
stage of fire, but they do require a power source
and control panel, which means that the system
will fail if the external power or battery backup
fails. These systems are also expensive, in part
because they only detect a fire, and so need to be
integrated with a suppression system.

The major drawback to air sampling in wind
turbines though is the ever-present risk of false
arms. These can be caused by tiny particles of dust
and debris and atmospheric pollution that are
propelled around the nacelle due to the turbine
housing having a number of openings to allow air
to circulate to reduce the internal temperature.
While false alarms are the bane of any system
owner's life, a false alarm in a wind turbine
inevitably involves extensive travel and possibly the
hiring of expensive specialist access equipment.

Suppression-only systems

Water mist suppression systems convert water into
a fine atomized mist, but they too have limitations
when used to protect wind turbines.

Due to the turbine's remote location and the
distance from the ground to the nacelle, water
mist systems are often impractical, plus they call
for considerable space to be devoted to water
storage, which increases the weight in the nacelle.
These systems are also a costly part-solution to the
problem, as they need to be linked to a detection
system.

Water mist systems are total flooding solutions,
which increase the potential for damage to
electrical components and possible corrosion. Also,
because in some locations the temperature can fall
below freezing point, antifreeze has to be added

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

CIIDDDECCinM

WIND TURBINE FIRE PROTECTION

jUrrKtjjIUN

Scott Starr is Director of
Global Marketing at Firetrace
International
www.firetrace.com

to the water, and antifreeze is a combustible liquid
that is itself a corrosive substance.

Compressed air foam systems work on the
principle that compressed air is injected into a
foam solution to achieve a quicker fire knockdown
when compared with conventional foam systems.
While they need less water than conventional
systems, the storage, weight and freeze-protection
problems are similar to those of water mist
systems. In addition, these systems require consid-
erable extra space for the operating components.
After discharge, clean-up can be extensive and,
like water mist systems, the cost is increased by
the need for a separate detection system.

Fusible link systems do however combine detec-
tion and suppression into one package and work
on the basis that heat from a fire will rupture a
fusible link - the detection element - that in turn
will initiate the discharge of the suppressant. The
challenge with these systems is that airflow in the
nacelle can seriously impair performance and
reliability because heat and flame that typically rise
from the source of a fire may be propelled away
from the location of the fusible link, critically
delaying activation.

Total flooding gaseous systems

Whether using C0 2 or the latest clean gaseous
agents, traditional total flooding suppression sys-
tems are designed to fill the entire space being
protected with suppressant.

C0 2 , while an established suppression agent, is
not without its drawbacks. It is unsuitable for total
flooding applications in potentially occupied
enclosures, as its discharge in fire extinguishing

concentrations would be lethal to occupants.
Flooded areas must be adequately ventilated after
discharge to prevent accidental exposure of
personnel to dangerous levels of C0 2 when
investigating the cause of a discharge.

However, these challenges do not exist with
clean agents, such as 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire
Protection Fluid. The suppressant is stored as a
low-vapor-pressure fluid that, when discharged,
vaporizes into a colorless and odorless gas. Typical
total flooding applications use a concentration of
the fluid that is well below the agent's saturation
or condensation level and its low design concen-
tration means that less space has to be devoted to
cylinder storage. Novec 1230 has a negligible
impact on the environment, with insignificant
global warming potential, zero ozone depletion
and an atmospheric lifetime of just five days. Once
discharged, it leaves nothing behind to damage
sensitive electronic equipment.

Traditional total flooding systems are not
without any downsides. Vibration can loosen con-
nections, while dirt, dust and temperature
extremes are known to cause unwarranted
discharge. Additionally, openings in the turbine
housing significantly inhibit achieving the desig-
nated agent concentration. Devising a solution
to overcome these challenges can add significantly
to the weight in the turbine.

Integrated detection and suppression

The major drawbacks of traditional total flooding
suppression systems, and the shortcomings of
other technologies put forward for the protection
of wind turbines, are overcome in the FIRETRACE®
linear pneumatic system that provides both fire
detection and suppression in a single package.

It is a self-contained system that, significantly,
requires neither electricity nor external power; a
solution that is activated automatically around-the-
clock without the need for manual activation or
monitoring, and requires virtually no maintenance.
It is an intrinsically safe solution, as it does not
contain any components that produce sparks or
which can hold enough energy to produce a spark
of sufficient energy to cause an ignition.

FIRETRACE comprises a cylinder that, for wind
turbine applications contains 3M Novec 1230, that
is attached to a purpose-designed proprietary Fire-
trace Detection Tubing via a custom-engineered
valve. This leak-resistant polymer tubing is a linear
pneumatic heat and flame detector that is
designed to deliver the desired temperature-
sensitive detection and delivery characteristics. It is
routed throughout the areas to be protected and,
when the tubing is exposed to heat and radiant
energy from a fire, it ruptures and instantly directs
the suppression agent at the source of the fire.

A key factor in its success - there are over
150,000 FIRETRACE systems installed around the
world - is the system's reliability. The fact is that
the only thing that will rupture the tube is heat
or flame from a fire, so there is no prospect of
false alarms; yet, if a fire breaks out, the response
is unerringly immediate and accurately targeted.
It is the only UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
listed, FM (Factory Mutual) approved and CE
(Conformite Europeene or European Conformity)
marked tube-operated system in the world that
is tested as an automatic fire detection and
suppression system. JE2

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

□ nly

FI RETRACE

Other Tube-Based systems
Claim to be Like Firetrace.

They are Ndt.

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offer the extensively tested Firetrace brand
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ABC dry checmicalT

+ Only FIRETRACE INTERNATIONAL has 20 years
of experience with more than 65,000 systems
protecting equipment worldwide.

+ Only Genuine FIRETRACE SYSTEMS have the
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FDR PROVEN FIRE
SUPPRESSION

AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

Call +44 (0) 1293 780390 (Europe, Middle East, Africa) or
+1 480 607 1218 (US and elsewhere) ore-mail info@firetrace.com
to see why Firetrace is the right solution for your fire protection needs.

www.firetrace.com

www.firetrace.eu

® @ <FM> /■ £
LISTED LISTED APP * ovto ^ ^

Firetrace® is a registered trademark of Firetrace USA, LLC / Firetrace Ltd. All unauthorized uses of the Firetrace trademark
shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by the law.

f Listings and Approvals vary by system and agent.

Pilkington Pyrostop®
Pilkington Pyrodur 4 ®
Pilkington Pyroclear®

■ m

Pilkington Fire-Resistant Glass
Tried - Tested - Trusted

• Pilkington Pyrostop® - (El)

• Pilkington Pyrodur® - (EW)

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The Pilkington fire-resistant glass range provides safe and sustainable multi-functional transparent
bespoke solutions. On-going production certification audits, quality checks, fire testing and application
know-how ensure compliance to high quality standards. The technical pioneering role of Pilkington
continuously sets benchmark standards for transparent fire protection in and around buildings.

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Telephone +49 (0) 209 1 68 0 Fax +49 (0) 209 1 68 20 56
fireprotection@nsg.com www.pilkington.com

Pilkington

NSG Group Flat Glass Business

GLAZING

Chicago Art Institute
Building. Renzo Pianos
Modern Wing

By Mike Wood

Pilkington UK Limited

intelligent Fire
Safety Design

Fire safety professionals have to admit that fire safety is too often relegated
down the list of priorities. Others, sadly, do not share their passion. Fire safety
tends to be seen pragmatically as a minimum measure, an imposition driven by
regulations to be side-stepped if at all possible. There are lessons from the world
of glass: work with the flow of design and not against it, as Mike Wood explains

integrated design

Architects have had a dream for a light-filled,
crystal palace of glass architecture ever since the
mid 19th century, articulated by the visionary Paul
Scheerbart in Glasarchitektur in 1914. This was
taken several steps onwards by Walter Gropius
and the foresight of the Bauhaus school in the
1920s and 1930s, and later explored by Mies van
der Rohe in the towering skyscrapers of US cities
from the 1950s onwards.

The central thread of the architectural story
through the 20th century into the 21st is an interna-
tional one that is fundamentally founded on an
increasing use of glass in ever more creative building
styles. This is linked to increasingly innovative and
complex highly-engineered and calculated struc-
tures. Today's skyscrapers carry the legacy of
London's original Crystal Palace of 1850 -which was
destroyed by fire in 1936 - based on design and
construction ideas a century ahead of their time.

It is the use of glass in buildings that has pro-
vided the continuity and drive for architectural
development, to satisfy both basic psychological
human needs and lofty ambitions. Natural day-
lighting, comfort, security, privacy, sustainability and
energy efficiency rate highly. Image, decoration and
presentation also receive a particular emphasis in
this modern marketing-led consumer world. As a
result there is a high technology sophistication to
modern buildings. Fire-resistant glass has followed.
And fire-resistant glazed systems, like all fire-

resistant systems, have had to develop accordingly
to match the sophistication of modern buildings.

The earliest development was wired glass, intro-
duced in the 1890s for the first large span glass
roofs of the central city rail transport hubs of the
time - still one of the most effective, reliable and
robust types of fire-resistant glass; the sterling
workhorse of the fire-resistant range of glazing
solutions. The current range of clear fire-resistant
glass types have only developed, in the main, over
the last 30 years. They are still relatively new, and
based on a diversity of glass technologies each
with its own strengths; some with weaknesses
that could be potentially critical in some fire
circumstances. They are still undergoing develop-
ment in order to keep pace with the fast rate of
architectural change.

The case is that fire safety has to catch up with
design and building practice. Fire safety is not a
leader. And therefore fire safety has to integrate
with the full architectural context, as part of the
functional mix. Fire safety cannot sit outside the
design process and be seen simply as an add-on
after all the other building needs have been
addressed. The risk, however, is that this is where
fire safety, in effect, chooses to make its stand.

Range of application

The range of application for some fire-resistant
glass types is now so extensive that it is no exag-
geration to say that virtually all potential major

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

GLAZING

applications where glass could be required in
buildings are possible in fire-resistant glass. Other
fire-resistant glass types are more limited and
restricted in use. Each one needs to be taken on its
own merits; evaluated in its own right. Assump-
tion that one fire-resistant glass is exactly like
another can be risky - potentially dangerous.

Internal applications cover door vision panels,
full glass door sets and surrounding screens, large-
area glazed partitions, some including integral
blind systems, overhead panels and even sliding
door systems. Advanced load-bearing fire-resistant
glass floors are also possible. Pilkington has taken
the lead in this development, being successful with
not only steel framing but also timber framing for
particular aesthetic effects. For older heritage build-
ings sensitive refurbishment may be needed to
bring them closer to modern standards. Secondary
fire-resistant glazing systems have been developed
to preserve the character of the original casement
without damage to the exterior while providing the
required fire protection on the inside.

External applications include not only the fagade
but also multi-layered overhead glazings for hori-
zontal or inclined roof applications to allow the
maximum light presentation into corridors and
working or living areas, also fulfilling safety require-
ments necessary for overhead glazing. One of the
relatively neglected aspects of fire movement in
buildings - that of break-out followed by break-in
through the external glazing of upper floors - is
receiving increasing attention in view of the analysis
of fire disasters in glass towers. The fashion for atria
in designs has also led to some interesting fire-resis-
tant solutions, including smoke control and preven-
tion of break-out and break-in of fire from adjacent
room glazing looking out on to the atrium.

The designer has many available options in
glass. And the adaptation of fire-resistant glass to
fit the overall glass and natural lighting concept is
a key development in allowing designers and
specifiers to meet their overall design objectives.

Function

Glass, of course, is used primarily for its transparen-
cy. That imposes limits on fire-resistant glass types
that have only a basic integrity function, lacking
significant performance as a fire insulation heat
barrier. The dangers of heat in a fire are high, so
basic integrity function limits such glass types to
relatively smaller sizes and limited runs of glazed
panels. Such types may also only really be suitable
for the immediate needs of fast escape, within

15 minutes or at most 30 minutes from the time
occupants start to move to a place of relative safety.

Fire-resistant glass types, which have a full
insulation capability and integrity, provide a much
wider scope of application and they are capable of
countering a much wider range and type of fire risk.
Insulation performance provides less uncertainty
for those who rely on fire protection and have a
much greater capability of providing safe working
conditions for firefighters.

Products with good insulation performance are
therefore especially appropriate when escape could
be more hazardous, the building more complex and
the conditions less certain. That would apply, for
example, to health and education establishments,
transport centres - particularly airports - multi-
functional buildings where the occupants are not
accustomed to the building, sleeping accommoda-
tion, and major buildings, for example museums,
art galleries, modern offices and industrial plant
containing high value assets. Fires may well last for
up to 24 hours and the exposure of an element of
construction could be several consecutive hours
within that period. Fires in modern buildings, based
on fixtures, fittings and furnishings with a high plas-
tic and synthetic content, can be particularly intense
and fast moving. Insulation performance provides
the additional assurance to minimise risks.

Flexibility in design

One of the main requirements for designers is
flexibility and freedom to develop core design con-
cepts; in particular, an ability to make adjustment
to meet the demands of the client's specification
and budget, without compromising on the basic
requirements for safety, security, comfort and
efficiency. Implicitly, fire safety has to be a balance,
in tune with design.

One of the prime objectives of fire-resistant
glass, in addition to providing safe escape, is to
allow effective fire compartmentation without
sacrificing openness, vision and innovation in
layout and building arrangement. The first require-
ment for fire-resistant glass is to fit the design
requirements. The second objective is to satisfy the
demands of fire protection for the building and its
occupants, restricting fire to its place of origin,
preventing spread and avoiding collapse. Fire
compartmentation is a basic requirement for fire
safety in buildings, as it provides a basic founda-
tion for all other fire-safety measures.

Clear fire-resistant glass cannot readily be distin-
guished from other glass products surrounding it.
That has been a key objective for the development
glass technologist, as fire-resistant glass has to look
and function the same in all other respects, with
the addition of resistance against fire. That is why it
is particularly important to specifically identify fire-
resistant glass with a permanent, easily readable
mark, normally positioned in a bottom corner, at
least noting the product name, manufacturer, fire
performance class and, where relevant, impact clas-
sification. Too often, the mark is illegible or non-
permanent. If there is no mark, the assumption
must be that the glass is not a fire-resistant glass.

Fire-resistant glass can now be combined with a
whole range of other functions demanded of glass,
such as impact safety, energy efficiency, security,
privacy, and solar control, while providing the high-
est performance of all - fire resistance. One of the
particularly useful additional benefits of the

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

GLAZING

INTELLIGENT FIRE SAFETY DESIGN

Comparison of acoustic sound insulation data

Products not classified for fire resistance

Sound attenuation index

R w (C;C tr ), reference EN ISO 717-1, in dB

Pilkington Optilam (6.4mm standard laminate)

32 (-1

-3)

Pilkington Optiphon (6.8mm acoustic laminate)

35 (-1

-3)

Pilkington Optiphon 6.8mm in dgu, 16mm gap

38 (-2

-6)

Pilkington Optiphon 9mm in dgu, 16mm gap

39 (-2

-6)

Products classified for fire resistance

Integrity fire resistance

Sound attenuation index

R w (C;C tr ) index, reference EN ISO 717-1, in dB

Pilkington Pyrodur Plus (7mm, E/EW 30, El 15)

35 (-1

-3)

Pilkington Pyrodur (1 0mm, E/EW 30, El 1 5)

36 (-1

-2)

Pilkington Pyrodur 10mm in dgu, 12mm air gap

38 (-2

-5)

Pilkington Pyrodur (1 3mm, E/EW 60, El 1 5)

38 (-1

-2)

Products classified for fire resistance

Insulation with integrity fire resistance

Sound attenuation index

R w (C;C tr ), reference EN ISO 717-1, in dB

Pilkington Pyrostop (15mm, El 30)

38 (-1 ; -2)

Pilkington Pyrostop (18mm, El 30)

38 (0; -2)

Pilkington Pyrostop 18mm in dgu, 12mm air gap

40 (-1

-5)

Pilkington Pyrostop (23mm, El 60)

40 (-1

-3)

Pilkington Pyrostop 18mm in dgu with

Pilkington Optiphon™ (9mm), air gap 12mm

45 (-1

-5)

proprietary intumescent laminated fire-resistant
technology utilised for Pilkington Pyrostop and
Pilkington Pyrodur, for example, is enhanced
acoustic insulation performance, which is a require-
ment of increasing importance in modern high-
density occupancies. The special glassy fire-resistant
interlayer and the composite-layered structure of
these laminated products together deliver good
sound insulation; a valued benefit when combined
with fire-resistance in one product.

Her Majesty's question

On a visit to the London School of Economics in
November 2009, HM Queen Elizabeth II is reported
to have asked the assembled accomplished
economic experts why no-one had foreseen the
financial credit crisis and provided a warning.

It is a valid question and one that Her Majesty
might equally ask, given the opportunity, of fire
safety specialists in the context of fire. Why do we
still have major property losses in fire that in the UK
amount to £1.3 billion a year, and are rising? And
why do we still have tragedies when lives of
residents and firefighters are unnecessarily lost?
We know how to build and operate buildings
with enhanced levels of fire safety; the difficulties
lie rather in application and operation according to
principles of good or best practice, which are well
demonstrated. Enforcement is also part of the prob-
lem; compliance with clear standard and regulatory
guidelines. Another major factor is a disturbing ten-
dency to ignore requirements and apply them down
to the lowest possible level, too often in the face of
knowledge, with too close an eye on cost cutting.

Her Majesty might equally have followed her first
question with a supplementary for the gurus on
whether risk-taking practices had perhaps crossed
over the boundary from prudence to recklessness,
and if it could possibly be that practitioners had
been so wrapped up in what they were doing that
they did not notice that limits had been trans-
gressed. That question is also one that fire safety
needs to ask, as fire safety design and engineering is

increasingly cast adrift from the anchor of prescrip-
tive guidance in a move towards risk-based tech-
niques, dependent more and more on unchallenged
expert judgment. There should be circumspection
that risk-based techniques do not become adven-
tures in the land of probability and chance.

Performance

Modern buildings and assets are high value, while
cities and buildings more congested. The risk to
people in some senses is higher than it was because
of developments in the built environment. Fitness
for purpose of designs and, in turn, of building
elements, products and components is essential if
the overall objective is fire safety. Because of the
unpredictability and intensity of fire, attention to
quality of performance has to become an obses-
sion. That, in turn, requires recognition and accep-
tance of personal responsibility, applying to all those
along the chain from the design to installation,
including product supply, building operation and
ownership. That above all is the critical imperative
needed for advances in fire safety. JE2

Notes:

1. Sound insulation data measured in accordance with
BS EN ISO 140-3.

2. Correction factors C and Ctr take into account the
different frequency spectra of residential and traffic
noises, respectively.

3. "dgu" refers to a double glazed unit with a 6mm
float glass pane unless otherwise indicated.

4. Fire resistance classifications in accordance with
BS EN 13501-2

E = integrity; EW = integrity and radiant heat; El =
fire insulation performance; 0, 60 etc = classification
test time in minutes.

5. The Pilkington Pyrodur and Pilkington Pyrostop
range are also classified for impact safety according
to BS EN 12600.

6. It is advisable only to directly compare acoustic
indices measured and recorded on the same basis.
Estimates may be used in place of measurement
and each determination has a natural measurement
variation.

Mike Wood is Head of Fire
Protection (Glass & Glazing)
at Pilkington UK Limited
www.pilkington.co.uk/
fireresistant

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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SAINT-GOBAIN

REGULATIONS

Fire Alarm
System Design

Key Changes to nfpa 72: 2010 Edition

The codes and standards for fire alarm systems provide the minimum installation
requirements, and do not necessarily reflect all the concerns. Ed Orazine
explains.

Consultant for Rolf
Jensen & Associates

I ndustry buzzwords such as survivability, intelligi-
bility, and mass notification are becoming of
greater importance in the design of fire alarm
systems. In recent years, commercially available fire
alarm systems have undergone changes in techno-
logical design and functionality in both fire and
non-fire modes of operation. Newer, more com-
plex fire alarm system head end components are
virtually small computer networks that perform a
variety of functions and controls. In 2009, Under-
writer's Laboratories issued an updated version of
UL 864 (Standard for Safety Control Units and
Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems) to increase the
minimum acceptable performance for response
time, voice messaging capabilities, software
performance and other criteria.

As a distinction, the design and installation of
fire alarm systems is dictated by model codes and
standards that can be adopted and amended by a

jurisdiction. A commonly referenced standard,
NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) has itself
undergone a major revision with guidelines on the
installation of fire alarm systems to improve perfor-
mance and increase reliability of control functions,
such as occupant notification. Three of the most
scrutinised fire alarm system design considerations
in recent years are survivability, audibility/intelligibility
and mass notification.

Codes and standards

Most building and fire codes adopt NFPA 72 as a
reference standard for fire alarm design and instal-
lation. The standard is applicable in almost all
federal, state and local jurisdictions throughout
the United States, and now in many countries
around the world. The National Fire Protection
Association has recently released its 2010 Edition
of NFPA 72, and is already being considered for

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adoption in many jurisdictions due to much
enhanced/additional code language such as new
guidelines on mass notification (or Emergency
Communication Systems as referred to in NFPA
72). However, there are also other significant
changes, of which designers and code officials
should be aware, as adoption of the 2010 Edition
of NFPA 72 progresses. As indicated above, key
code language revisions have been incorporated in
the areas of survivability, intelligibility, and mass
notification systems.

Survivability

A standard smoke detector may have a listed tem-
perature range of 32 to 120 degrees F, while a
standard heat detector may be rated for 135
degrees F and only listed for temperatures up to
155 degrees F. The rationale is that the smoke or
fire will be detected before the device fails due to
exposure to high ambient temperatures.

The same considerations must be given to the
fire alarm control equipment, signalling and
notification circuits which will fail at elevated tem-
peratures from fire exposure. With larger buildings
and more complicated partial evacuation schemes,
it is critical that the survivability of the system is
maintained to transmit vitally important messages
to occupants during an emergency condition. The
fire alarm system is also responsible for monitoring
the status of the building and initiating a variety of
other control functions. These functions include
control of fans, operation of doors, operation of
lights and background sounds, smoke control,
activation of fire suppression systems, monitoring
automatic sprinklers, generators, fire pumps and
elevator controls. One of the most important func-
tions however, remains the alerting of occupants
to a fire or other emergency.

Most building and fire codes
adopt NFPA 72 as a reference
standard for fire alarm design
and installation. The standard is
applicable in almost all federal,
state and local jurisdictions
throughout the united States,
and now in many countries
around the world.

Evacuation in a high-rise is typically achieved by
directing the occupants on the floor of the fire and
the two adjacent floors to evacuate, while alerting
the occupants on other floors without directing
their evacuation. In larger building floor plates,
evacuation may be achieved horizontally from one
zone to another. In mixed use occupancies the
evacuation zoning may be based on the occupan-
cy. A mixed use building with theatre, retail, and
residential uses may be configured such that an
alarm in the residences due to smoke from a
cooking appliance does not immediately initiate
evacuation of the theatre. In each of these cases,
the control functions for the operation of the

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM DESIGN

DEfllll ATIHMC

l\ t xJ L 1 1 xJ 111 ^

emergency equipment may be zoned separately.
There may be floor exhaust or pressurisation
systems, automatic door closers, fire shutters, or
other systems that are required to protect the
occupants and allow for evacuation.

Therefore the fire alarm system in accordance
with NFPA 72 is to be designed to be operational
in emergency conditions. In the 2007 Edition of
NFPA 72, 6.9.4 states that: "fire alarm systems in
partial evacuation buildings must be designed and
installed such that a fire in one evacuation zone
(fire floor) does not impair control and operation
of other evacuation zones (e.g. other floors). This
can be accommodated by two-hour rated fire
cable, two-hour rated enclosures (stacked rooms)
or performance alternatives acceptable to local
Authority Having Jurisdiction." In a partial building
evacuation scheme, the emergency voice system
must be fully functional for the duration of the fire
event so that occupants remaining in the building
can receive follow-up voice messages. If the fire is
not controlled, total building evacuation may
eventually become necessary.

The 2010 Edition of NFPA 72 now defines four
levels of signalling and notification circuit surviv-
ability. Pathway Survivability Level 2 (two-hour fire
rated cable or construction) and Level 3 (sprinkler
protection plus two-hour fire rated cable or
construction) should be provided for fire alarm
systems that are configured to initiate partial
evacuation, or relocation of occupants.

The 2007 edition of NFPA 72 specifically recog-
nised sprinkler protection (with circuits in metal
conduit) as an option for achieving survivability in
lieu of a two-hour fire resistance rating. The 2010
edition no longer specifically recognises this option
such that it would need to be approved as a
performance alternative by the authority having
jurisdiction.

Audibility vs Intelligibility

For many applications of fire alarm systems, the
method of occupant notification is a general evac-
uation signal using a temporal tone or other
approved pattern. The tone pattern is useful for
the complete evacuation of a building; however,
as noted with survivability, the fire alarm system is
a backbone for the building emergency system,
and provides a means for one-way communication
to occupants in the event of an emergency. A
voice evacuation system provides a flexible means
of providing a general evacuation tone, messages
for partial evacuation, or for providing instructions
in case of an emergency. The voice messages may
be pre-recorded or live.

The output of the system to notify occupants
can vary, and the information on a voice evacua-
tion system may vary as well. A person pulling a
manual fire alarm box may be doing so not for a
fire, but because they have a medical emergency.
With the incorporation of mass notification code
language in NFPA 72, the emergency voice system
is becoming an even more important part of the
building infrastructure. Therefore, the voice evacu-
ation system needs to be designed to provide an
intelligible (understandable) message either live or
pre-recorded.

NFPA 72 18.4.10 states for intelligibility, "With-
in the acoustically distinguishable spaces (ADS)
where voice intelligibility is required, voice commu-
nications systems shall reproduce pre-recorded,

synthesised, or live (e.g., microphone, telephone
handset, and radio) messages with voice intelligi-
bility." The ADS (per NFPA 72) is an emergency
communications system notification zone, or sub-
division thereof, that might be an enclosed or
otherwise physically defined space, or that might
be distinguished from other spaces because of
different acoustical, environmental, or use charac-
teristics, such as reverberation time and sound
pressure level. The ADS should not be confused
with an occupant notification zone which should
be separated from other such zones by fire or
smoke barriers.

Developing a voice evacuation system that
meets intelligibility in accordance with the codes
and standards is becoming a more recognised part
of the fire alarm design process. The fire alarm
designer needs to be aware of the sound charac-
teristics of the space when considering location of
speakers. The new ADS requirements are intended

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

DEfZIII ATIHMC

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM DESIGN

l\ 1 13 U LA 1 1 U IM 3

Ed Orazine is a Consultant
for Rolf Jensen & Associates,
Inc., a US-based global leader
in fire protection, life safety
and security consulting.

Based in the Boston area
office of RJA, Ed can be
reached at +1 508-620-8900
or eorazine@rjagroup.com.

to provide various options to address intelligibility,
but provide alternative notification such as strobes
or signage, and voice messages should be intelligi-
ble within a reasonable distance of the area in
which intelligibility cannot be achieved. The design
drawings, per the new NFPA 72 requirements,
should show the areas of intelligibility, and define
how occupants are to be notified in case of an
emergency announcement.

As part of the design process, the designer will
need to develop a plan for testing and confirming
that the system works as designed. Different pre-
recorded messages may influence the intelligibility
of the system as much as speaker placement.
There are several test methods listed in NFPA 72
that include both qualitative and subjective
approaches. Additional coordination with the local
authority may be required as more familiarity with
the concept of intelligibility is developed within
the fire protection community. A registered fire
protection engineer should be consulted if the
designer is unfamiliar with these concepts.

Mass notification

A significant revision to NFPA 72 is to include
emergency communication systems, also referred

to as mass notification. An
emergency communication sys-
tem may be provided voluntar-
ily, or mandated from a
building code, agency, or ordi-
nance. Whether mandated or
voluntary, the emergency com-
munication system should be
provided in compliance with
Chapter 24 and Chapter 27 of
NFPA 72. Part of the NFPA 72
design process includes an
emergency plan and a risk
assessment. It is important for
the designer(s) to develop a
system that meets the needs of
the end users, which may
include local authorities such
as police and fire, as well as
building security.

A mass communication
system will not have the same
performance requirements as a
standard voice evacuation sys-
tem due to the way the system
may be used. The emergency
communication system may
include speakers on the exterior
of the building, or utilise a wide
array to alert multiple buildings.
Additionally, technical require-
ments are provided for both
one-way and two way commu-
nication. The available power
supply and secondary supply to
the panels may need to be increased beyond a
customary 24 hour standby and 15 minutes of
alarm to allow for communication for an extended
duration. Also, the designer needs to look at
system interfaces, who is being notified, signal
priorities, and what messages are sent based on
relocation of occupants or when alerting multiple
buildings.

Summary

The codes and standards for fire alarm systems
provide the minimum installation requirements,
and do not necessarily reflect all the concerns.
Additionally, more restrictive guidelines for circuit
protection and intelligibility aim to improve the
reliability of the system during an emergency. The
new 2010 Edition of NFPA 72 includes require-
ments on Emergency Communication Systems, as
the growing use of mass notification continues, to
provide minimum installation standards. The
emergency communication system may require
additional measures that need to be developed
through a risk analysis. A professional engineer is
required for proper application of the codes and
for engineering a system that meets the needs of
the occupants and owner. D33

Developing a voice evacuation system that meets intelligibility in
accordance with the codes and standards is becoming a more
recognised part of the fire alarm design process. The fire alarm
designer needs to be aware of the sound characteristics of the
space when considering location of speakers.

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

DETECTION

By Stuart Ball

System Sensor Europe

For whom the

False alarms are a major concern both to the automatic fire detection industry
and the fire and rescue services. Stuart Ball explains.

I n a typical year, more than 50 percent of all false
alarms are attributable to automatic fire systems,
at an estimated cost of more than £1 billion in
the UK. The problem is being addressed on several
fronts. Control panel and detector manufacturers
have invested heavily in hardware and software
developments to reduce the incidence of unwanted
alarms, and the fire services have started to
implement alarm management procedures in sites
where there is an established pattern of repeated
false alarms. So serious is the problem that some
fire and rescue services have implemented a policy,
applicable to selected premises with a particularly
poor history of false alarms, which requires human
confirmation of a fire before they will attend an
automatically generated alarm.

Clearly, the onus is on the automatic detection
industry to improve its performance. Obviously,
the greatest potential for improvement lies in the
fire detector: if it does not generate a false alarm
in the first place, the control panel will not activate
the sounders, shut down the air conditioning
plant, open smoke vents, close the fire doors and
call the fire service. Enabled by the increased
power of modern electronics, in recent times
alarm management at the panel level has become
increasingly complex, with pre-alarm levels, group
polling, day/night sensitivity level adjustment,
phased evacuation and other initiatives that render
the fire system more responsive to real fire and
more robust in its rejection of false alarms. How-
ever, the great majority of the improvements in the

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS

nCTCTTIHM

U t 1 t L 1 1 U N

Bell Tolls

panel rely upon increasing
complex signal processing in
the detector, allowing multiple
alarm levels to be generated,
and more sophisticated com-
munication protocols between
the detector and the panel that
provide enhanced communica-
tions between the two main
components of the system.

Dectector types and
advances

Given the importance of the
detector in reducing false
alarms, it is important not to
lose site of the primary objec-
tive of responding to a fire at
the earliest possible stage in
its development - namely to
enable timely evacuation of the occupants and to
minimise the damage to the building's structure.
Over the years, detectors have evolved in function-
ality from simple "yes/no" switches to multi-sensor
intelligent devices with powerful embedded signal
processing.

Increased capability of the detectors has been
achieved primarily through the use of multi-sensor
technology, in which different sensors, charac-
terised to different products of combustion,
enable the main sensor - the optical smoke detec-
tor - to be set to a higher level of sensitivity than
would normally be the case. In simple terms, if the
smoke detector detects particulate matter in the
sensing chamber, an alarm state is not signalled to
the panel until other sensors have been interro-
gated and have confirmed the alarm as genuine.
As a very basic example, in a photo-thermal
detector, dust in the optical chamber may set the
optical detector into alarm, but without any heat
rise reported by the thermal elements, the alarm
condition will be rejected and not communicated
to the panel.

The first detector was the ionisation smoke
detector that was developed in 1 941 , and was the
foundation of today's multi-billion pound global
fire detection industry. Without doubt, the ion
detector is an extremely effective device for the
rapid detection of fast developing flaming fires,
and, if it were not for the environmental pressure
and increasing legislation surrounding the use of
radioactive material in smoke detectors, it would
continue to occupy an important place in the
product portfolio.

The reality is, of course, that no manufacturer
has developed a new ion detector for many years;
they now represent a small and falling percentage
of the product mix and, in several countries, they
are banned outright. Legislation and environ-
mental considerations are weighted heavily in
favour of optical technology; in most countries, it
is becoming harder to obtain approval for an
ionisation detector, and the regulations surround-
ing the transportation of radioactive materials

are becoming more stringent and consequently
more expensive. With increasing emphasis on
environmental protection, it is sensible that the
use of products incorporating radioactive sources
should be discouraged where a true alternative
exists.

The optical detector, developed to improve
response to slow-developing fires, is today's most
widely used technology, but it is relatively weak at
responding rapidly to fuel fires. The photo-thermal
detector was developed to address the inevitable
balancing act between increasing the sensitivity of
a detector, so that it responds more quickly to an
incipient fire and the consequent increase in the
false alarm rate. Originally crude units, in which
two independent sensors - an optical and a
thermal detector - were mounted in a single
housing, the increased availability of low cost
embedded microprocessors has enabled true
composite units to be developed. Signal process-
ing in the detector head itself resulted in the panel
being presented with a single composite result
from the raw data generated by the two sensors,
improving the effectiveness of the device across
the fire spectrum.

Series 200 Advanced
detector family

Carbon Monoxide ,

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Stuart Ball is Marketing
Manager at System Sensor
Europe

www.systemsensoreurope.com

Multi-sensor detection

The multi-sensor detector concept has now been
extended with the addition of more sensors, each
one aimed at detecting a specific product of
combustion. It is well known that every fire has a
different profile during its development; however
different the characteristics of the inflammable
material, all fires have three characteristics in
common: they all produce carbon monoxide, heat,
and particulate matter.

The proportions change from one fire type to
another, as does the time during which each ele-
ment is produced, but in every case, to a greater
or lesser extent, each of these three elements will
be present. In cases where the fire is burning
fiercely, it will additionally produce a changing
light signature as the result of the flame genera-
tion. Several manufacturers have introduced
tri-sensor devices, in which the smoke and heat
detectors are augmented by the addition of an
infra-red sensor. Again, embedded intelligence in
the head manages the inputs from the three
sensors.

Extending this principle even further, the latest
multi-sensor detector to be launched is a quad
sensor device, which combines optical, thermal,
carbon monoxide and infra-red detectors into a
single device. For example, the System Sensor
quad-sensor device, COPTIR, has been subjected
to an extremely rigorous series of 21 different false
alarm tests and 29 different fire alarm tests, and in
all of them, it has outperformed any alternative
technology from any manufacturer.

The false alarm tests included:

• Water mist.

• Condensation plunge.

• Ramping aerosol in smoke box.

• Spray aerosol - small room.

• Propane buffing of floor - small room.

• Dust and fan small room.

• Disco fog - small room.

• Toast - dried white bread.

• Deep fat frying potato chips.

• Water mist with fan on inside container.

• Oily toast in toaster oven.

• Oil coated pan - toaster oven.

COPTIR did not return a false alarm in any of

these tests, while other single and
multi-criteria detector technolo-
gies alarmed. The false alarm
tests were chosen to reflect the
typical false alarm scenarios that a
photoelectric detector would face
in the field. The fire alarm tests
included:

In a small room:

• Waste basket smouldering to
flaming.

• Waste basket flaming.

• Heptane flaming.

• Wood smouldering.

• Cardboard smouldering.

• Waste basket flaming under a
desk.

• Smouldering carpet.

• Waste basket flaming.

• Flaming shredded paper.

• Heptane flaming.

• Vegetable oil in rag flaming

• Wires on a hot plate.

In a standard fire room:

• EN54 heptane reduced amount.

• EN54 heptane reduced amount with bright
halogen lights on (IR test).

• EN54 cotton reduced amount.

• EN54 smouldering wood reduced amount.

• UL268 smouldering wood fire.

• UL268 flaming wood fire.

• UL268 paper.

• UL268 heptane.

The fire tests selected were biased to the flam-
ing end of the scale, because it is known that
these are less favourable to the photoelectric
smoke detection technology. The test results
showed conclusively that although the detector is
highly insensitive to false fire alarms, this does not
compromise its potential for fire detection; it also
conclusively demonstrates that it provides the best
performance available for detection of fires across
the full spectrum of different fire types.

Improved effectiveness in the detection of fires
and the rejection of spurious sources has been
supported by parallel advances in the communica-
tions protocols between the detectors and the
control panel. The latest digital protocol enables
greater customisation and the implementation of
advanced features in the fire system. Installation
costs and total cost of ownership are reduced by
allowing more devices on each analogue loop
and giving greater control over maintenance
intervals.

Group polling improves system performance
considerably. There is no limit to the number of
devices that can be grouped together on the same
loop, and by implementing group polling, the
response time for an alarm to be detected is
reduced to less than 2.5 seconds. Output devices,
such as sounders and strobes, will be fully control-
lable from the panel, enabling tone selection and
output levels to be set from the panel according to
the status of the alarm; all warning devices on each
loop will automatically be synchronised.

In combined sounder-strobe units with a single
loop address, individual control of each element is
achieved through the use of sub-addresses,
enabling, say, a pre-alarm warning to be indicated
by the use of the strobe only, so that staff can
investigate the situation. JE2

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HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Karlstejn Castle

By Graham Collins

Protecting the

Historic buildings come in all shapes and sizes; they can be stone, brick or
timber-built; surrounded by near-impenetrable jungle or alongside a vehicle-
clogged highway; some are so old they almost defy dating. But they have one
thing in common . . . they are irreplaceable. IFP editor, Graham Collins argues
the case for better fire protection.

T he scale of the problem of protecting historic
buildings spread across the globe is daunting.
In England alone there are 400,000 Grade I
and Grade II listed heritage buildings; worldwide,
the tally must run into tens of thousands, and a
very significant proportion are considered to be
"at risk" in one form or another. Some are threat-
ened by a chronic lack of care, others by the
tramping feet of too many visitors; vandalism, war,
terrorism, climatic change and simply the passage
of the centuries have also added to the toll.

In many cases, man's ingenuity, commitment
and sheer hard work has brought historic buildings
back from the brink of oblivion. Sadly though, fire
is a threat from which it is often - particularly with
highly-combustible buildings - impossible to recre-
ate anything more than a sterile replica of the
original. Of course, the technology does exist to
safeguard these structures from the ravages of
fire; the same cannot however be said for every
nation's willingness or ability to devote the neces-
sary funds to the task. In too many countries

around the world, fire protection comes down to
little more than sheer optimism that a fire will not
occur and the watchful eyes of those working in
or living near the building.

While the range of historic buildings is diverse,
construction methods also vary greatly. By defini-
tion, the vast majority were constructed before
any fire safety codes or standards were even con-
sidered; they frequently feature a labyrinth of
dead-end corridors and concealed chambers, and
escape routes were never part of the original
designer's thinking. Compartmentation is often
non-existent.

With the exception of some religious buildings,
none were designed for the purpose for which
they are now used. Castles, for example, were
designed to keep enemies out; they were never
built to accommodate thousands of transient
visitors. Take, for example the Kinkaku-ji temple or
Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. Today it is one of the
most visited buildings in Japan, but was built for
the exclusive use of the ruling shogun in the 14th

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

PROTECTING THE PAST

Past

century. Ironically, perhaps, it is one of the "fac-
simile" historic buildings, as the original was burnt
to the ground in 1950. Even those buildings, such
as temples, that were designed to be accessible to
the public, were not conceived to contend with
the hoards that today regularly stroll though.

The scope for passive fire protection is obviously
very limited, as the introduction of conventional
fire doors and partitions can have a disastrous
affect on a building's character and historic inter-
est. The task of protecting the structure itself,
its contents, staff and visitors is, therefore, best
tackled by implementing appropriate active fire
protection measured, coupled with risk assessment
and the development of a strategic approach to
fire safety.

The scope for passive fire
protection is obviously very
limited in historic buildings, so
the task of protecting the
structure itself, its contents,
staff and visitors is best
tackled by implementing
appropriate active fire
protection measures, coupled
with risk assessment and the
development of a strategic
approach to fire safety.

The key word is, of course, "appropriate", as
conventional detectors and exposed wiring would
be deemed to be defacing many historic buildings.
This has led to a fairly widespread use of detection
and suppression technology that either does not
add any intrusive visual impact or damage the very
building - aesthetically or structurally - it has been
installed to protect.

Video detection for 14th century Czech
chapel

One such example is the Chapel of the Holy Cross
situated inside the world-famous Karlstejn Castle
in the Czech Republic, which was founded in
1348 by the Bohemian King and Holy Roman
Emperor. It is one of the most famous and most
frequently visited castles in the Czech Republic.
The installation of an advanced FireVu CCTV
camera-based video smoke detection system from
D-Tec is protecting the Chapel, where magnificent
panel paintings make it a structure of major
international importance.

The installation is designed to deliver a swift,
around-the-clock, response to any fire related inci-
dents without impacting negatively on the unique

aesthetics of the Chapel. In this particular
instance, the authorities at Karlstejn Castle ruled
out the option of installing an aspirated system, as
it would involve extensive tubing to draw in air.
After surveying the Chapel, it was decided what
was required was a single FireVu black-and-white,
day/night CCTV camera. To minimise any visual
impact this was positioned at the entrance
window of the Chapel, where a climate control
unit was already positioned. The result was no
additional unsightly cabling, and the FireVu
networked Digital Video Recorder was fitted
elsewhere, out of sight of visitors to the Chapel.

FireVu has the potential to offer 24-hour
remote monitoring of fire incidents, with alarm

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Grafschafter Castle

and associated video images distributed to an
unlimited number of locations for review. In
addition, as all alarm events are recorded on the
system's Digital Video Recorder, they can be readily
accessed for pre and post-event analysis. Testing
and diagnosis of the installation can also be
carried out remotely.

Early warning at China's forbidden
cities

Two projects where the decision was taken to opt
for aspirating solutions were at the world-
renowned Forbidden City in Beijing and at the
identically named Forbidden City in Shenyang,
capital of north-eastern China's Liaoning Province,
where VESDA technology is now providing early
warning smoke detection to avoid the potential
destruction of irreplaceable treasures of China's
cultural heritage. Today, only a handful of original
palaces remain, and both Forbidden Cities have
been ravaged by fire several times in the past few
centuries.

Constructed predominantly from wood that has
dried for centuries, these buildings are an extremely
high fire risk. Their construction is often intricate
and highly detailed, with timber beams supporting
the heavy tiled roof. This forms an enclosed envi-
ronment where it is difficult for smoke and heat to
escape, and where a fire has the potential to cause
the building to collapse and be totally lost to
future generations. This can all happen in a very
short period of time, making it essential that fires
are detected early.

The contents of the buildings are also frequently
highly combustible, with wooden furniture,
curtains and drapes, and painted screens. Old
electrical wiring, degraded insulation, inappro-
priate use of electrical appliances and burning
candles all increase the risk of a fire.

The VESDA systems were installed with the
detection points concealed within the buildings -
positioned in pockets in the ceiling or below ceiling
level in buildings with very high ceilings. Even if
smoke is diluted by a draught blowing through the

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

PROTECTING THE PAST

buildings, it will be detected and
an alarm raised. Adjustable
alarm levels allow the elimina-
tion of nuisance alarms, which is
particularly important in these
public areas to prevent unneces-
sary panic among visitors. In
total, 26 VESDA units were
installed in Shenyang Forbidden
City, while 23 are safeguarding
the Forbidden City in Beijing. A
further 108 units will be
installed in the Beijing palace in
several phases by 2014.

The pipe network that takes
air samples to the detector is
installed on top of the ceiling
beams. Unobtrusive capillary
tubes are then attached to draw
air samples into the pipes and
back to the detector that, along
with the associated electronics is hidden from
public view in a control room.

watermist protection for German castle

Grafschafter Castle in Moers, Germany, is a major
tourist attraction. Built in 1200, it now houses the
Museum Grafschafter, which focuses on the
cultural history of the Lower Rhine. It contains
many pieces of priceless original furniture. It has
recently undergone a complete refurbishment of
the electrical installation and the installation of a
fire detection and fire fighting system. Due to the
wooden floors and the value and scarcity of

exhibits, conventional sprinkler technology was
considered not to be an option.

Instead, a Fogtec automatic high pressure water-
mist system has been installed. In addition to limit-
ing the water damage in the event of system
activation, other considerations in favour of the
Fogtec solution included the very restricted space for
pipe, pump and water storage. The pump water
break tank was installed in a small ten-square-metre
room, and a total of 160 glass-bulb nozzles protect
the castle's six floors. The lightness of the small-bore
pipes limited the weight imposed on the ceilings
and walls that vary greatly in their stability. [Q3

Sign of the Hall of
Supreme Harmony

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FIA COMMENT

Toast, Smoke
Detectors and the
Healthcare Sector

Graham Ellicott

Chief Executive Officer
of the FIA

Graham Ellicott is Chief
Executive Officer of the Fire
Industry Association (FIA)
www.fia.uk.com

My daughter is a student and, in order to keep up her calorific uptake, she often
resorts to that tried-and-trusted student's friend, the toaster. Now, having been
bored to tears by my banging on about the fire industry, she knows better than to
insert a slice of her favourite loaf into the toaster if it is near a smoke detector.

O f course, most students do not understand
the possible consequences of this type of
action; the smoke detector goes off, the
fire and rescue guys come running, and a lot of
time and money is wasted. One thing to point out
here is that the smoke detector has done its job. I
mention this as many people attribute false alarms
to equipment malfunctions when in reality a lot of
them are about premises management. But it is
not only students that burn the toast, cooking in
general causes around 45 percent of false alarms
in the National Health Service. And a lot of these
are also down to toasters!

But help is at hand via the revised Chief Fire
Officers Association/FIA False Alarms Policy that
attempts to clarify the relationship between those
responsible for the protected premises, the fire
alarm service provider, the ARC (Alarm Receiving
Centres) and the FRS (Fire and Rescue Service). The
policy sets out a distinction between what happens
at the premises, as it is at this point the alarm
signal can be considered a false alarm if it's not
caused by a fire. Once the signal leaves the premis-
es and reaches the fire brigade it becomes an
unwanted fire signal - unwanted because the FRS
want to respond only to real fires. The policy looks
at this "fire" signal and how it can be dealt with at
the various stages before it reaches the FRS.

So, back to the burnt toast. The smoke alarm
goes off but, under the new policy, when the FRS
arrives it turns out to be a false alarm, the premises
will receive a letter from them asking them to regis-
ter to the policy. Part of the registration will involve
the FRS, the premises and the maintenance provider
discussing the best way of managing the problem.
This can involve system changes, if appropriate, or
in most cases, a change in the management of the
system. So in future, if there is a fire signal from the
system, there should be a management system in
place to investigate the signal before it is transmit-
ted to the ARC or the FRS.

If it is a confirmed fire, the signal is passed to
the FRS and they arrive with the appropriate level
of response as dictated in their Integrated Risk
Management Plan. It is not envisaged that the
premises are expected to do a full search of the
premises; the fire panel should give them the
location of the signal and they should be able to
check "safely" if there is a fire or it is a false alarm.

If at a later date another false signal occurs and
no management plan is in place, and the false
alarm reaches the FRS as an unwanted false alarm,
then the FRS can instigate the changes in response

level given in the plan, but will still work with the
premises to improve the system. If nothing is done
and false alarms from the premises continue to still
reach the FRS, they will look to take action against
the premises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire
Safety) Order.

The policy recognises that, in many cases, an
alarm at a protected premises never reaches the
FRS as it is handled by the management systems;
either it was proved to be a false alarm and the
call was cancelled, or it was a fire but was dealt
with by the "first aid" firefighting equipment.

For signals from Alarm Receiving Centres, the
policy presupposes that the on-site checks have
been already carried out as part of the contract
between the premises and the ARC; so the FRS
will arrive as if it's a fire. If it turns out it isn't the
same action as above begins.

The policy also treats social alarm providers
separately, but they still have to confirm that there
is a fire either by call back or their management
plan. It also deals with the 999 call to the brigade.
The policy is clear that competent persons have a
big role to play and that third-party certification is
the best method of providing proof of com-
petence with regard to fire alarms.

So if you know any students or healthcare people
who like to toast bread, please make them aware of
the possible consequences of their actions! D33

Fire Industry Association

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Introducing

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BRITISH STANDARD

At Draka we work hard to develop cable
products that meet and often exceed the British
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Tel: +44 (0)1332 345431 Fax: +44 (0)1332 331237
email: cableuk@draka.com www.drakauk.com

Which BS
are you buying?

Sadly not all cable is the same, as you can see
here. It's a fact that poor guality and often
dangerous cable like this is available in today's
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IFP/Rogue2/1110

November 2010
issue 44

Front cover picture courtesy of
Apollo Fire Detectors Limited

Publishers

Mark Seton & David Staddon

Group Editor

Graham Collins

Editorial Contributors

Rick Love, Jon Ben, lain Cox,

Leigh Hill, Wesley Kent, James Lane,
Peter Massingberd-Mundy, Niall
Rowan, David Spicer, Mark Thomson,
Pedro Valcarcel, Kurt Werner,

Ian Buchanan

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Page design by Dorchester
Typesetting Group Ltd

Printed in the UK

Contents

27-30

4-19 News, Upcoming

Events, Standards
Round-Up & Profiles

20-24 Fire Alarm

Panel Buyers' Guide

27-30 The Growing

Role Of voice in Fire
Safety

32-33 water mist

Systems Boost Traveller
Safety

61-62

44-45

34-35 Clouds in The

Forecast

36 Deluge Protection
For Spain's Vielha Tunnel

38-40 Smoke

Screen: The Real Impact
Of Smoke

42-43 The Business

Case For Fire Sprinkler
Protection

44-45 Portable

Score 9 Out Of 10

46-50 Getting The

Best From Beam
Detection

53-55 EN54-20:

Smoke Detection's
Essential Building Block

56-58 EN54-23:
Rising To The Challenge

61-62 Protecting
High-Risk Plant

65-68

71-74

65-68 Buying

Valuable Time

71-74 The Changing

Face Of Fire Safety
Design

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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FROM THE EDITOR

Knowledge

Empowers

Air travel, we are told, is among the safest means of transport. Interestingly, it is
the one that relies least on intuition and self help when it comes to evacuation
and safety. Step aboard any flight and you will be treated to a detailed safety
and evacuation presentation.

S o, are we missing a point here? Across the
globe, millions are spent on fire detection and
alarm installations and fire suppression in
buildings, but are we doing enough for those
caught up in an emergency to give them the best
possible information on what to do - or what not
to do - and when to do it? Clearly, it is impractical
to give every visitor to a shopping mall, leisure
centre, theatre or hospital the "flight attendant"
treatment, but any measures that make people
more aware of what is the most appropriate thing
to do in an emergency are surely to be encouraged.

The faster the detection and alarm equipment
responds to a fire, the more time people are likely
to have to make rational evacuation decisions.
Important though that is, it is only part of the
story. After all, communication is not the message
that is transmitted; it is what the listeners perceive
that message to mean. For example, an alarm
sounder is intended to transmit an alert, but in
some circumstances what it can possibly be com-
municating is panic. If you doubt this, watch the
reaction of a stressed young mother with toddlers
in tow, ladened down with shopping, when an
alarm bell is activated in an unfamiliar crowded
shopping mall.

The evacuation challenge is further compounded
by the fact that we do not all have the benefit of
perfect hearing, and a recent solution to aid
people with this disability, one that harnesses
cellphone technology, is described in this edition.

Of course, panic is not induced solely by fear of
the unknown or confusion. There is the potential

for it to ensue even with the most sophisticated
voice alarm systems, because what we see can be
equally as important as what we hear - and in a
panic-ridden environment may possibly rank as
more believable or reliable. You only have to
watch the behaviour of people subjected to
billowing smoke to appreciate the significance of
that argument. So, in this edition of the magazine
we have also included an article on smoke
ventilation from Hilson Moran, one of the world's
premier fire engineering consultancies.

Elsewhere in this edition we have included the
annual fire alarm panel buyers' guide, looked at
flame detection, and delved into important parts
of EN54. There are also articles on third-party
testing and certification, fire-rated paint and beam
detection.

Also, following the introduction in the previous
edition of International Fire Protection of a codes
and standards update section, where the latest
NFPA standards and codes were reviewed, this
time we have included a brief overview of the
latest British Standards. Alongside this we have
introduced another new section on upcoming
industry events - fire safety exhibitions and
conferences around the world.

Finally, returning to the subject of transport fire
safety, the watermist feature in this edition looks
at the latest systems designed specifically for
tunnels and trains. We also look at the practical
application of this technology with an article on
the system installed in what was once regarded as
one of Spain's most dangerous tunnels. D33

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NEWS

Beam Me Up Fireray

A full range of installation accessories for use in its Fireray optical
beam smoke detectors has been introduced by FIRE FIGHTING
ENTERPRISES LTD.

This new line-up includes various mounting plates and brackets
for the reflector prisms that are said to allow easy fixing and
positioning of either a single-prism or four-prism array to surfaces
at almost any angle. Protective cages for the Fireray 5000 detector
head and controller units are also available, as are those for the
Fireray 50/1 00R and Fireray 2000 models.

The prism plate for either one or four-prism array is suitable for
where the wall facing the detector head is perpendicular to the
angle of the beam. Where this is not the case, the prism plate can
be attached to a universal bracket that fixes to the wall, allowing
the angle of the prisms to be adjusted to reflect the beam correctly.

A reinforced surface mount plate is another option, providing a
particularly rigid and secure fixing.

The protective cages are made from plastic-coated galvanised
steel and will protect detector heads and controller units from
accidental knocks or flying objects.

For more information go to www.ffeuk.com

Outstation Boost
For Disabled Refuge
System

C-TEC has launched four new outstations for its SigTEL disabled refuge system/
emergency voice communication system.

The new surface-mounted EVC302GS disabled refuge outstation is reckoned
to be easy-to-clean and ten percent cheaper than its stainless steel counterpart.

A flush mount version is also available, and both models enable two-way
emergency communication between disabled refuges and building control. In
keeping with C -TEC's other Type B outstations, the new EVC302G can also be
connected to an induction loop system/CCTV camera or interfaced to a disabled
persons' toilet alarm system.

C-TEC has also unveiled the EVC301 RPO fire telephone outstation that
includes a telephone handset in a red, push-to-open steel cabinet. A version with
a "lift key" locking mechanism is also available. Both can be surface or semi-flush
mounted.

For more information go to www.c-tec.co.uk

Polish Buses Get
Dedicated Fire
Protection

More than 500 buses in Poland are now being protected
by FIRETRACE INTERNATIONAL'S FIRETRACE® automatic
fire detection and suppression system. 450 systems are
being installed in buses operated by MZA- Miejskie
Zaklady Autobusowe Sp z.o.o - in the capital, Warsaw,
while a further 75 are being installed in buses in the city
of Poznan. The systems are being fitted to protect the
engine compartments of the cities' existing buses, and
it is the largest single order ever won by Firetrace
International's UK-based EMEA operation.

The bulk of the order - 380 FIRETRACE systems - is
being installed in the 12-metre Solaris Urbino 12-metre
and the 18-metre articulated Solaris Urbino 18 buses. The
order was won in the face of stiff international competition
and the decision is said to have been influenced by the fact
that the system is already being used to protect over 5,000
vehicles. Firetrace International was also able to show that
there has not been a single reported instance where a
FIRETRACE system has either false alarmed or failed to
detect and suppress a genuine fire.

For more information go to www.firetrace.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

NEWS

Sound investment

COOPER FULLEON'S continuous improvement initiative has invested in numerous projects
since the beginning of 2010. The end result, the company says, is a slicker, more effective
operation that ensures the delivery of superior service and support to customers.

Lean Manufacturing continues to be employed on site and this year has seen a major
change to the way production operatives work. Conventional bench-seated stations
have been replaced by standing work stations, reducing down time and defects as well
as benefiting operatives' posture. Jan Westacott, production operative says: "I feel less
tired than when I used to be sitting down and the process flows much better."

The building and commissioning of an anechoic chamber has also been completed on
site. This is capable of achieving up to 100 percent sound attenuation, improving the
accuracy and integrity of sound level measurement during product testing. It has a
suspended floor and its walls, ceiling and floor are covered with over 500 acoustic foam
tiles that are critical to reduce the reflection of reverberation when measuring the sound
output of products.

Cooper Fulleon's new Customer 1st programme includes the introduction of an online
customer centre, Cooper Customer Centre (C3), which allows customers to track orders
and price and check availability of products quickly with ease. The introduction of a new
telephone system to streamline call handling ensures all calls are answered efficiently.

These initiatives represent the commitment to delivering value and supporting
customers every step of the way. Cooper Fulleon will continue to invest in improvement
measures and the final months of 2010 will see the launch of a new improved quick
delivery service. The 'Xpress Service' catalogue features the most frequently requested
products with a reduced lead time.

Beam

Detector is
Auto-Aligned

A conventional auto-aligning beam detector
with laser alignment has been added to APOLLO
FIRE DETECTORS' range of fire detection
products. Specifically designed to detect smoke
in large, open areas such as warehouses,
hangars, theatres, churches and sports centres,
it has a range of eight metres to 1 00 metres.

During installation, a visible laser is used for
initial alignment of the beam. An automatic,
motorised auto-alignment feature then ensures
that the beam remains on target, counteracting
the effects of building movement. Automatic
optimisation technology also compensates for
dust build-up on the lens, ensuring that false
alarms are avoided and the system continues to
work effectively over time. Up to four detectors
can operate from one single low-level controller,
minimising installation costs and allowing full
control of the detector heads without the need
for expensive lifting gear.

The product has worldwide approvals
including EN54:12 and can be loop-powered
using a switch monitor or mini switch monitor,
enabling it to be added on as an extension to
existing Apollo analogue addressable systems.

For more information go to www.cooperfulleon.com

For more information go to
www.apollo-fire.co.uk

ASD System Gives Airport Safety A Lift

The XTRALIS ICAM aspirating smoke detection (ASD) system is being used to
provide early warning fire detection in lift shafts throughout London Gatwick
Airport. It is the UK's second largest airport and the busiest single-runway
airport in the world, serving more than 200 destinations in 90 countries with
around 33 million short- and long-haul passengers a year.

The installation works by actively drawing air through sampling holes in a
network of pipes that are installed along each elevator shaft and in the
elevator machine room. However, while the sampling pipes are installed
within each lift shaft, the actual ASD technology remains outside. Air samples
are then analysed by the ICAM unit that is placed within the machine room,
ensuring ease of access for testing and maintenance requirements.

Lifts are a critical component of building infrastructure, particularly in busy
passenger terminals, and the ICAM solution was chosen because of its ability
to identify the location of the earliest presence of smoke.

For more information go to www.xtralis.com/lifts

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

NEWS

Gas Detection & Environmental
Monitoring Added To vesda Systems

XTRALIS™ has expanded its VESDA aspirating
smoke detection [ASD] system with the inclusion
of gas detection and environmental monitoring.
VESDA ECO™ by Xtralis uses new or existing
VESDA pipe networks to reliably detect smoke in
addition to hazardous/combustible gases to
ensure air quality. It integrates easily with other
building management systems for real-time
situation awareness and intelligent emergency
response, including the activation of demand-
controlled ventilation.

VESDA ECO is already being used in a power
plant in South America, car parks in Europe, and
a data centre, national laboratory, wireless
telecom facility and historical display in the
USA, providing very early warning fire
detection, protecting against hazardous gas
leaks, monitoring air quality to ensure safe
working environments, and help reduce energy
consumption and costs.

With an ECO detector installed on a VESDA
pipe network, air can be conditioned or filtered
to remove moisture, dirt and other particulates
that, Xtralis says can cause traditional gas-
detection systems to false alarm or become
contaminated. As with fire detection, early
warning of gas leaks or build-up enables
counter-measures to be taken to protect
personnel, property and business operations.

In its initial release, the solution can be
configured to detect ammonia, carbon monoxide,
hydrogen, hydrogen sulphide, methane, nitrogen
dioxide, oxygen, propane and sulphur dioxide.
The systems integrate easily with fire alarm
control panels, programmable logic controllers,
heating ventilation and air conditioning systems,
and building management systems.

For more information go to
www.xtralis.com

New Panel Mount
Sounder is
intrinsically Safe

Remote Monitoring
Option For Fire Pump
Systems

E2S has added a new
product to its
intrinsically safe range
of sounders and
beacons, the IS-pAI
panel mount sounder,
which is certified II 1 G
Ex ia MB T4/5/6 for use
in Zones 0, 1 and 2. The
IS sounder is said to be
ideal for use as fault
indication or process
alarm in control panels
located in intrinsically
safe environments. It
produces a 1 0OdB (A) at
one-metre continuous
600Hz tone that can be
pulsed externally to
produce different
signals.

To reinforce the
audible warning signal,
E2S also offers the intrinsically safe IS-pBI panel lights. The high
efficiency LEDs, which are mounted behind red, amber, green,
blue or clear lenses, have a typical operating life in excess of ten
years. Powered via Zener barriers or galvanic isolators, the panel
mount sounder and lights produce reliable and cost-effective
status indications with minimum power consumption.

The E2S IS range also includes the IS-mini sounder, beacon and
combined units, as well as the IS-L1 01 L LED beacon and the IS-
A105N sounder, which are approved to ATEX, lECEx and FM.

Continuous remote monitoring of
fire pump systems' status from
anywhere in the world is the
promise behind SPP's new
FireEye, which was developed
specifically for the fixed fire
protection market. Utilising
General Packet Radio Service
(GPRS) and SMS text alarm
module technology, up to four
devices can be monitored, plus
there is provision for monitoring
additional pump room alarms,
such as intrusion alarms and
valves.

FireEye is compatible with SPP
fire pump packages and other
manufacturers' equipment, and
can be integrated into existing
and new fire pump installations
where a combination of electric starters and diesel fire pump controllers are
used. Data can be logged, accessed and monitored remotely via the
Internet and, as standard, FireEye communicates a system status that is
logged to the web server every hour, although it can be easily set more or
less frequently to suit individual requirements. Additional notification of
system alarms via email to pre-determined accounts is also simple to
enable. Each site, its system status, and even individual device history is
recorded and logged on a database for future accessing.

SMS information is sent to up to five pre-determined and prioritised
contacts. If the receipt of alarms via text is not confirmed by the first
allocated contact, the message is relayed to the other nominated numbers.
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology provides continuous
information to aid locating a site and reduce travel time to it.

iUttW* 5

For more information go to www.e2s.com

For more information go to www.sppfireeye.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

the standard in safety

Underwriters

Laboratories

There’s a reason
we’ve been a leader
in product safety
testing & certification
for over 100 years.

Trust.

1WI

Trust...

that UL has unmatched technical expertise in product safety testing and certification.

that the UL mark is backed not by a piece of paper, but by the integrity, quality,
experience, commitment and consistency that stands behind it.

Remember, UL has been testing and certifying fire resistance,
life safety and security products for over a century.

To learn more about Underwriters Laboratories and how you can leverage our global
expertise in the fire resistance, life safety and security industries on a local basis:

T:: +44 (0) 1 483.402.032 / E:: Fire&SecuritySales. EULA@uk.ul.com / W:: ul.com

NEWS

Industry Gets Compact
Smoke Detector

Manufacturer of conventional and
addressable fire detection products,

NITTAN, has launched a conventional
smoke detector for industrial use where
space is at a premium.

The 0KB3 works on the principle of
scattering light detection, measures just
40mm by 40mm by 45mm, weighs 55g,
and is aimed at applications such as
transport containers, aircraft toilets and
computer racking systems. It is said to
be extremely rugged and capable of
coping with the most demanding of
environments, providing reliable fire
detection with a high degree of
protection against unwanted false
alarms, plus it automatically adjusts its detection sensitivity against dirt.

It can be used with Nittan's CPC-3 Control Panel, and up to 20 0KB3 smoke
detectors can be used with a single CPC-3 Control Panel.

For more information go to www.nittan.co.uk

UL & FM Endorsed
USD Detection

FIKE VID has received UL Listing on its SigniFire video smoke
detection system. Approved to the new UL 268B
standard for video smoke

detection, it is the only
system to have both the
UL listing and FM
approval.

Offered as a
turnkey solution for
video smoke, flame
and intrusion detection,

SigniFire is a camera-based
detection system that visually detects the presence of smoke or fire at its source,
independent of airflow. It provides early warning fire detection, identifying and reacting to
fire situations in their earliest stages, and is used in applications where traditional smoke
detection technologies may not be practical or efficient, including fossil fuel power plants,
nuclear facilities, industrial facilities, cultural properties, warehouses and tunnels.

Dual

wavelength

Detector

A fire detector that is said to reduce false alarms
by accurately differentiating smoke particles from
other types of gas, steam and dust has been
launched by EUROTECH FIRE SYSTEMS.

The newly patented dual wavelength optical
detector offers a "flat response" to detect all types
of fires, and is being promoted as an ideal solution
for large public buildings, such as hotels, schools
and healthcare facilities, where false alarms can
have a significant impact on daily activity.

The new optical detector is one of a range of
fire detection products being made available under
Eurotech's new Making Every System Happen
(MESH) protocol. This offers both "closed" and
"open" fire detection protocols to fire detection
and alarm installers worldwide, ensuring that
installers are not tied to the one manufacturer for
all system components or long-term maintenance
contracts.

For more information go to www.fike.com

For more information go to www.eurotechfire.com

Cleated-up

A range of fireproof cable restraint cleats
designed for the installation of fire-rated
cables has been introduced by ELLIS
PATENTS. The Phoenix range is manufactured
from corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel,
is available in 1 1 sizes, ranging from 10mm
to 65mm, and features a single bolt fixing.

In order for FP rated cables to continue
working in an emergency they need to
remain not just intact, but in place -
something that simply cannot be
guaranteed without the use of restraints

that have the same fire resistant properties
as the cables they are restraining," said Ellis
Patents' Managing Director, Richard Shaw.

The new cleat was developed in
conjunction with Exova Warringtonfire,

BRE and ETS Cable Components. The
companies developing a testing process
that most realistically reflects the conditions
the cleat might experience in service, and
to ensure that they achieved fire protection
to the same level as the cables they are
installed to support. These tests included
exposure to fire, impact and water spray.

For more information go to
www.ellispatents.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Firex India 2010

23rd - 25th November 2010

Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai, India

www.firexindia.com

The dfhnltw* resource for hr* safety

16th - 19th May 2011

Hall 3, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, B40 1NT

www. i nf o4f i re.com

INDIA

Middle East Fire, Safety
and Security Exhibition

4th - 7th December 2010

Cairo International Convention Center, Cairo, Eqypt

www.mefsec-middleeast.com

international Fire, Rescue
& Emergency Expo 2010

sliFREE

esw **"" 4

HI. «— m*

8th - 10th December 2010

Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta, Indonesia

www. ifreexpo.com

intersec 2011

16th - 18th January 2011

Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

www.intersecexpo.com

FDIC 2011

21st - 26th March 2011

Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oils Stadium,
Indianapolis, IN, USA

www.fdic.com

uc & Emergency €-*j

NFPA Conference &
Expo 2011

June 12th - 15th 2011

Boston Convention Center, Boston, MA, USA

www.nfpa.org

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

REGULATIONS

Standards

Round-up

Watermist systems, fire detection and alarm systems
and fireguards focus in the latest batch of Drafts for
Development, Codes of Practice, and Standards
published by BSI.

DD 8458-1:2010

Fixed fire protection systems.

Residential and domestic watermist
systems.

Code of practice for design and
installation

DD 8458-1 :201 0 is a Draft for Development giving
recommendations for the design, installation,
water supplies, commissioning, maintenance and
testing of watermist systems with automatic
nozzles installed in residential occupancies not
exceeding 20 metres in height and domestic
occupancies. It primarily covers watermist systems
used for life safety, but might also provide
property protection. It does not cover watermist
systems in industrial and commercial buildings.

Watermist fire suppression system maintenance
although not complex, is essential. It is important
that owners and occupiers pay particular attention
to precautions issued by the watermist system
supplier, such as the avoidance of obstructions to
the watermist nozzle, or the painting of the
watermist nozzle or its mounting.

The advent of watermist nozzles that operate at
an earlier stage in the development of a fire,
together with the recognition that the largest
numbers of deaths from fire occur in the home,
have led to the introduction of watermist fire
suppression systems specifically designed for
residential and domestic occupancies. Watermist
fire suppression systems have demonstrated their
value in assisting the protection of life and
property in industrial and commercial applications
for many years.

More information on these
and the other recently
published British Standards
can be found at
shop.bsigroup.com

BS 5839-9:2010

Fire detection and fire alarm systems
for buildings.

Part 9: code of practice

This part of BS 5839 has been prepared to give
guidance to those who specify, design, manufac-
ture, install, commission, service and use such
emergency voice communication systems. It also
ensures that high standards of reliability, safety
and security are achieved, together with accept-
able standards of performance.

Emergency voice communication systems, as
defined in BS 5839-9, are used in connection
with life safety and need, therefore, to be subject
to high standards of design, manufacture,

installation and servicing, similar to those covering
fire detection and alarm systems and voice alarm
systems.

This standard primarily relates to the use of
emergency voice communication (EVC) in assisting
both firefighters and those responsible for
evacuating buildings or sports stadiums in fire
emergency situations, including evacuation of dis-
abled people. Use, other than in fire emergency
situations, by disabled persons and others,
although not precluded, is not addressed in detail.

BS 5839-9 covers systems with components
linked by wires, wirelessly, or a combination of
both and emergency voice communication sys-
tems. This standard does not recommend whether
or not an emergency voice communication system
should be installed in a given premises.

BS 8423:2010

Fireguards for fires and heating
appliances for domestic use.
Specification

BS 8423 specifies the requirements and test
methods of fireguards intended for use with heat-
ing appliances utilising organic fuel or electricity,
and which can be situated in an open area or
against or on a wall, or within a recess.

The fireguards specified are intended to protect
people from falling into a fire, prevent burns and
reduce the risk of injury, particularly to young
children and the infirm. In addition it is intended
to reduce the risk of fire resulting from clothing
and/or other flammable materials coming into
contact with, or in proximity to, burning fuel
and/or hot surfaces.

This is a full revision of the standard, and
introduces new requirements for fixings, require-
ments regarding small parts, and increasing the
aperture of mesh, while the requirements
regarding shearing and crushing have been
deleted. BS 8423 supersedes BS 8423:2002, which
is withdrawn.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

intelligent control

equipment *
for life * M
safety I

The Mx-5000 ^

range is the next c ^ '

generation of analogue addressable fire alarm control panels
that are fully approved to EN54 part 2,4 & 13 (VDS & BSI) and
CE marked under the Construction Products Directive (CPD).
The full range, from one to four loops, has been approved for
use with the AV intelligent range of devices.

The Ax series of UL864 approved fire
control panels, fire sensors and field
devices now incorporate the all new
AVISA Voice Evacuation range for
intelligent audio distribution.
Developed for UL markets
world wide, the Ax-Series has
been designed to satisfy the
most demanding of fire
detection applications.

The Ex-3000 series is one of the first extinguishant release

control panels in Europe to be approved to EN54 part 2 & 4 and

EN 12094-1. Optional accessories

include networked Remote Status

Indicator Panels, Hold & Abort push

buttons and active EOL units -

making it one of the most

advanced solutions available. !

Global Compliance
Multiple Languages
Fully Networkable
3 Year Warranty

advanced

protection

UK Head Office and
Manufacturing Facility
Cramlington, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1670 707 111

‘Centre of Excellence’

Barnsley, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1670 707 111

Middle East Office

Dubai, UAE

Tel: +971 50 640 1320

London Office
Chertsey, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1932 564 567

US Head Office and
Manufacturing Facility
Boston, MA

Tel: +1 (0)508 453 9995

■ Barnsley ■ Boston ■ Cramlington ■Dubai ■ London

www.advel.co.uk

www.advelexport.com

www.afsi.us.com

PROFILE

Flat and
Flattering Fire
Detection From
Apollo

Fire detection is a life critical requirement in all types of building, but sometimes
it can cause conflict.

For more information go to
www.apollo-fire.co.uk

A rchitects who have worked hard to create a
/ \ prestige office building or a sleek retail
/ \ experience can find that their design vision

is compromised by the need to install standard fire
detectors, which protrude from the ceiling. Even a
low-profile detector can interrupt the clean lines of
many modern interiors.

Heritage buildings are another environment in
which the need to preserve aesthetics and the
need for fire detection can collide. Between
January 2002 and June 2006, an average of seven
heritage buildings a month were lost or damaged
as a result of fire in the UK. Fire detection in
heritage buildings is therefore imperative, but it
can be very difficult to incorporate modern fire
detectors into heritage interiors without interfer-
ing with the original decor.

This conflict between style and function is
being addressed in the latest generation of fire
detection products. Apollo Fire Detectors Limited
has developed Plateau; a new smoke detector that
can meet stringent design demands without
compromising on reliability. Plateau is flush-
mounted to the ceiling so only a discreet white
plastic cover plate is visible. This greatly reduces
the device's aesthetic impact and means that
ceiling lines are virtually uninterrupted.

The signature flat profile is possible due to the
fact that Plateau detectors do not have an internal
smoke chamber - instead, smoke particles are
detected outside the device itself. Plateau operates
as an optical detector, but the light beam is trans-
mitted through the cover plate and reflected by
any smoke close to it. The light that is reflected is
registered by a receiver in the detector, which will
change to the alarm state if the presence of smoke
is confirmed.

Plateau's aesthetic credentials are not limited to
the fact that it sits flush-mounted to the ceiling;
the appearance of the detector also helps it fit the
design brief. The simple plastic cover is minimalis-
tic with no lines or moulding and is pure white,
with no logos or other branding visible. So when
discretion is required, Plateau is able to provide
reliable and accurate fire detection with minimal
visual intrusion.

In order to aid reliability and accuracy, Plateau
has a number of inbuilt features. The device
permanently checks for contamination on the

cover plate by means of additional light-emitting
and sensing components. It gauges the degree of
contamination present and adjusts its alarm
threshold accordingly. The device will raise a fault
condition if contamination is excessive.

Plateau's discreet presence is also finding favour
in security applications. Apollo has created a
special vandal-resistant version that comes
equipped with a 100mm square, 4mm thick
stainless-steel plate instead of the standard plastic
cover. This version has been developed for use in
environments such as secure units in a hospital,
detention centres, prisons or police holding cells
where standard fire detectors could be easily
vandalised.

In summary, often a vast amount of time and
money has been spent on building design, so it is
understandable that developers and architects
want to ensure that their vision is not compromised
by utilitarian equipment. However, the fact remains
that any public access building must have adequate
fire protection.

The evolution of Plateau makes it possible for
the demands of style and function to be met
in both modern and heritage environments. In
addition, the security version of this device means
that some of the most vulnerable people in our
society cannot use a product intended for their
protection to do any harm to themselves or to
others. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

The level-headed detector

Effective detection with
minimum intrusion

PLATEAU from Apollo is a major
advance in fire detector design, providing
effective detection with minimum intrusion.

Plateau detects smoke without needing an internal smoke
chamber hence requiring only a stylish disc to be visible on
the ceiling. The disc has two small windows for the infra-red
transmitter and receiver. Plateau is flush mounted so that all the

Prestige offices
Listed buildings
Designer boutiques
High-class hotels

To find out more:

www.apo I lo-fi re. co. uk/p lateau

call us on: +44 (0)23 9249 2412
email us at: marketing@apollo-fire.co.uk

PLATEAU

PROFILE

steelguard

intumescent

Coatings

PPG Protective & Marine Coatings has extensive and varied experience in the
domestic, commercial and industrial cellulosic fire protection markets, with
systems designed to meet the needs of almost every kind of environment.

For more information go to
www.ppgpmc.com

P PG Protective & Marine Coatings
global network of project specialists
are available to ensure that the correct
fire protection systems are specified for
each individual project, working closely
with architects, main contractors and
engineers. This world-class customer ser-
vice and commitment to manufacturing
consistently the highest quality products
underpins PPG's position as a world leader
in the fire protection industry.

Steelguard thin-film solution for
nuclear sector

The UK nuclear market is an area in which
PPG has provided an alternative solution to
the more traditionally-accepted thick-film
intumescent coatings.

Previously, even where hydrocarbon fire
protection was not a requirement, engi-
neers looked to specify the more durable
epoxy thick-film intumescent coating. This
was down to several contributing factors,
such as the harsh corrosive environments and
coastal conditions to which the steelwork would
be exposed during the erection period, and the
certification and approvals required in the oil, gas
and petrochemical markets.

There are, however several drawbacks to using
this type of fire protection when compared with
the thin-film intumescent alternative:

1 The application of a thick-film epoxy intumes-
cent coating requires specialist equipment.

2 Expert training must be give to applicators
wishing to apply thick-film fire protection.

3 Mesh re-enforcement is often needed for larger
steel section profiles.

4 The higher costs involved with thick-film fire
protection.

Sellafield Ltd has undergone an extensive con-
struction programme with several new facilities
being constructed; more might be built over the
next few years. So, any proposed system had to
not only be durable enough to satisfy the corrosive
environment the steelwork would be exposed to
during the initial construction phase, but more
importantly it required a suitable topcoat with the
necessary decontamination approval to satisfy
Sellafield Ltd.

In this instance, the solution put forward by the
PPG Cellulosic PFP team was to devise a cost
effective alternative to thick-film that called for an

off-site-applied thin-film intumescent fire protec-
tion system. A system was put forward that
included zinc rich primer, Steelguard solvent-borne
thin-film intumescent coating for the required fire
resistance, over-coated with a suitable epoxy tie
coat with PSX 700 applied as the final protection
to the steelwork.

PSX 700 is a patented engineered siloxane
coating that embodies the properties of both a
high-performance epoxy and polyurethane in
one coat. The coating offers "breakthrough"
weather resistance and corrosion control. It also
has the required decontamination properties and
approvals. As a result of the innovative specifica-
tion put forward by PPG, Steelguard intumescent
coatings are now a well established in the UK
nuclear construction market.

Steelguard - working in partnership
with architects and engineers

Steelguard thin-film intumescent coatings are
being specified by architects and specifiers across
the globe as part of complete fire protection
systems. PPG Protective & Marine Coatings'
engineers have the essential expert knowledge to
devise fire protection specifications to meet
precisely the specific needs of clients, guarantee-
ing the longevity and performance expected from
the system. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

LG UARD

Proven fire protection for civil building

• Up to 120 minutes fire protection

• National ancUirfternational certification

• On-site ancWFf-site applicatiol

• Engineerin^upport I

3 PPG Protective & Marine Coatings

www.ppgpmc.com

PROFILE

Chemguard
Concentrates,
Hardware &
Support

For more information go to
www.chemguard.com

A full-service ISO 9001 :2008 certified manufacturer of UL and FM approved fire
suppression foams, equipment, and systems, Chemguard serves the fire suppression
and specialty chemicals fields worldwide through innovative research and
development, advanced engineering and design, precision manufacturing, and
prompt service and delivery.

B ased in Mansfield, Texas, Chemguard has
been listed among the 100 fastest growing
private companies in the Dallas, Texas, region
for the past two years.

Overview

The comprehensive operation of the Chemguard
Foam Fire Suppression Division includes foam con-
centrate development and production, firefighting
foam equipment engineering and manufacturing,
and foam systems design. Our efficient and environ-
mentally friendly UL-listed and FM-approved foam
products are used worldwide in challenging industrial,
military, municipal, offshore, petrochemical, energy,
transportation, freight and airport applications.

Chemguard designs and manufactures an extensive
line of firefighting foam hardware, including nozzles,
monitors, and foam trailers. We also offer on-site
product fabrication, including ASME bladder tank and
custom foam skid fabrication. Our intensive quality
control procedures ensure that equipment shipped
from Chemguard reflects our reputation for excel-
lence and is delivered on-time at competitive prices.

In addition, Chemguard manufactures advanced
positive-displacement foam concentrate pumps
for fire-protection systems and fire apparatus.
Chemguard's balanced vertical integration allows us
to ensure the integrity of our foam fire-fighting
equipment by controlling the manufacturing
process - from raw materials through quality assur-
ance testing and final delivery.

Chemguard's systems engineers provide fire sup-
pression systems design and applications assistance
- reviewing specifications, providing value-added
engineering alternatives, and supporting systems
start-up. Working side-by-side with customers, we
apply years of experience designing systems for
petrochemical facilities, hangars, flammable-liquid
storage tanks, warehouses, marine applications, and
other challenging installations to maximise perfor-
mance, efficiency, and effectiveness.

The company performs topside and sprinkler fire
tests for a wide variety of test standards at our on-site
fire test facility, obtaining international approvals for
Chemguard foam concentrates, including IMO,
LASTFIRE, DNV, and EN 1568. We are committed to
continuous innovation to meet customer require-
ments and market demands. In recent years Chem-
guard has expanded its laboratory facility and
invested in additional state-of-the-art equipment.
Our research staff collaborates with customers to
address specific application requirements.

Chemguard designed-and-built bulk foam
storage/transport trailer

Chemguard's research-based Specialty Chemicals
Division produces environmentally responsible
fluorochemical surfactants (a major ingredient in
fire-suppression foam concentrates) for Chemguard
as well as other firefighting foam manufacturers
worldwide.

We are committed to protecting the environment
while supplying products that will effectively protect
people and structures, equipment, and other property.
Because of Chemguard's successful synthesis of
fluorochemical surfactants from telomer-based
fluorocarbons, our fire-fighting foam concentrates
do not contain perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or
perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOS) ingredients.

Williams acquisition

During summer 2010, Chemguard acquired
Williams Fire & Hazard Control as a wholly owned
subsidiary, combining Chemguard's extensive R&D,
manufacturing, and systems engineering experience
with Williams' unmatched expertise in flammable-
liquid firefighting - effectively integrating surfactant
research, foam pump design, systems development,
and firefighting technical expertise.

Chemguard and Williams - also based in Texas -
enjoy a history of collaboration. In late 2009, they
introduced an advanced alcohol-resistant aqueous
film-forming foam (AR-AFFF). Developed in
Chemguard's R&D laboratory to Williams' rigorous
specifications, this "next-evolution" concentrate
exhibits significant improvements in effectiveness
and efficiency and exceeds the highest performance
standards in the industry.

Chemguard and Williams are committed to
continued development of foam concentrates, fire-
fighting equipment, fire-fighting systems, and
emergency services. un

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Introducing

EN 12845

Patterson Pump Ireland
Ltd. specialises in the
production of world class
fire protection equipment
around Europe.

FIRE PUMP LINE

EN 12845 provides a pan-European standard
for the design, installation and maintenance of
automatic sprinkler systems, and encompasses
the basic requirements set forth by local rules
into one European Standard.

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LIMITED

A Subsidiary of Patterson Pump Company U.S.A.

Unit 14, Mullingar Business Park* Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
Tel.: 353 44 934 7078 • FAX: 353 44 934 7896
E-mail: info@ie.pattersonpumps.com

www.ie.pattersonpumps.com

CNBOP

VdS

Member of

'Hydraulic

PROFILE

Bosch Dual Ray Te
Provides Paster Pi

New additions to Bosch's Fire Detector 420 Series provide even faster fire
detection than was previously possible, along with reduced rate of false alarms,
ensuring that the series offers maximum reliability in all conditions and
environments.

For more information go to
www.boschsecurity.com

A lthough no two fires are the same, they all
have certain obvious characteristics in
L common, including the generation
of heat, smoke and combustion gases.

Detecting any one of these can
give early warning of a fire, but
can also lead to false alarms
due to other particulate mater-
ial being mistaken for smoke.

That is why multi-sensor detec-
tors were developed by com-
panies such as Bosch Security
Systems with products such as its
ground-breaking FAP-OTC 420
optical, thermal, chemical multi-
sensor introduced 2001. Where
Bosch's Fire Detector 420 Series
really scores, however, is in the
leading-edge algorithm embodied
in the company's Intelligent Signal Pro-
cessing (ISP) technology, which enables the 420
Series to achieve the highest level of intelligent fire
detection.

ISP enhances multi-sensor performance

In general, the more sensors a fire detector has,
the earlier it can detect a fire and the fewer false
alarms are generated. This is particularly true of
the multi-sensors in Bosch's Fire Detector 420
Series. They feature the company's unique and
powerful ISP technology, through which all sensor
signals are pre-processed continually by dedicated
internal evaluation electronics, analysed and linked
with each other via a built-in microprocessor.

The sensor signals are processed by a powerful
algorithm developed using data from fire tests
and tests with known disturbance values. The
algorithm itself is based on rules derived from the
experience of 5000 fire patterns. An alarm is trig-

gered automatically only if the signal combination
of the sensors corresponds to the specific pattern
for a real fire. In addition, the multi-sensor
algorithm parameters are adapted to application
type to further optimise early fire detection and
false-alarm immunity. They also enhance immunity
from ambient influences such as dust, humidity
and temperature variations. This ensures best-in-
class differentiation between real fires and
disturbances.

Not content to rest on past successes, the com-
pany has recently introduced three new variants to
the 420 Series embodying innovative Dual Ray
technology that, in combination with ISP, offers
ultimate precision in smoke detection.

Earliest detection of even the
smallest smoke particles

Bosch formerly offered four sensor vari-
ants in the 420 Series: the FAH-T 420
(heat detector), the FAP-0 420 (optical
smoke detector), the FAP-OT 420 (multi-
sensor detector optical, thermal) and the
FAP-OTC 420 (multi-sensor detector
optical, thermal, chemical). With the
exception of the FAH-T 420, all feature a
single optical smoke detector. The series
has now been extended with new
detector variants featuring a dual-optical
smoke sensor based on the company's
Dual Ray technology.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PROFILE

chnology
re Detection

It is commonly known that dis-
tinguishing between steam, dust
particles and smoke particles can
be a challenge for some detectors.

They also find it challenging to
detect very light smoke with small
particles produced by some open
wood fires, particularly what are
known as open cellulosic (wood)
fire defined in practical tests as TF1
fires. In the past, smoke from such
fires could only be reliably detected
using multi-criteria sensors or
ionization detectors, the latter
incorporating a small amount of
radioactive material that detects any invisible
smoke particles floating in the air and sets off an
alarm.

Some manufacturers have attempted to address
this challenge using a combination of thermal
sensor and dual-optical sensor based on forward
and backward scattering of light from two LED
sources of the same wavelength. First described by
Gustav Mie in 1908, the Mie theory describes the
scattering of light by particles larger than a wave-
length. It is responsible for the white light in mist
and fog and the white glare around street lamps.
Mie scattering is strongly dependent on particle
size - the larger the particles, the stronger the
intensity of scattered light in the direction of the
incident light.

Bosch adopted quite a different dual-optical
approach in its new precision Dual Ray technology.
Although this is also based on the Mie scattering
effect, Dual Ray technology takes advantage of
the effect to determine smoke density and particle
size from the ratio between the intensity of scat-
tered light from two LED sources of differing
wavelength (one infrared LED and one blue LED).
The smoke density and particle size are used by

Ultimate precision with Dual Ray Technology

the detector's powerful fire-detection algorithm to
provide even more reliable differentiation between
smoke particles and other particles caused, for
example, by disturbances such as dust and steam.
This leads to earlier, more reliable fire detection
and fewer false alarms.

Three new variants featuring Bosch's new dual-
optical sensor are being added to the FAP-420
Series - the FAP-DO 420 (dual-optical smoke
detector), the FAP-DOT 420 (multi-sensor detector
dual-optical, thermal) and the FAP-DOTC 420
(multi-sensor detector dual-optical, thermal,
chemical). Their addition, which brings the total
number of detectors in the series to seven, means
that the 420 Series now provides optimal choice of
detector variants meeting all likely application
requirements.

A unique combination

As with the original members of the series, the
new variants also feature Bosch's ISP technology,
providing a unique combination of precision Dual
Ray technology and the company's powerful
fire-detection algorithm. They are all capable of
detecting challenging TF1 test fires - even the
FAP-DO 420, which embodies only the dual-
optical sensor - and are the first
detectors attested by VdS to TF1
and TF8, in addition to the
required test fires of EN54-7.

Moreover, the dual-optical
FAP-DO 420 offers a signifi-
cant cost advantage over
some competitor systems
that require a multi-sensor
detector (optical and thermal or
dual-optical and thermal sensors) to pro-
vide reliable detection of TF1 fires. The dual-
optical detector can also make full use of the
surveillance area at all times, in contrast to
multi-sensor detectors in which
the surveillance area may
be reduced in certain oper-
ating modes, for example,
thermal only. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE ALARM PANEL BUYERS' GUIDE

New voice Alarm command centres

ADVANCED FIRE SYSTEMS has
launched the AVISA Voice Alarm Com-
mand Centres to complement and
extend its AX Series fire panels and
provide distributed digital audio, fire-
fighters' telephone and multiple com-
mand centre controls capabilities.
Applications include high-rise and cam-
pus style, wide-area network applica-
tions that demand the most stringent
engineering specifications.

The combined AX
Series and AVISA prod-
uct range, comprising
1-loop, 2-loop, and
4-loop integrated sys-
tems, shares a full range
of advanced intelligent
detection devices as
well as system
peripherals includ-
ing remote LCD and LED annunciators,

graphics controllers, BMS inter-
faces, in-built panel printers,
power supplies, audio boosters
and firefighters' telephones.

The products utilise the latest in
surface-mount and flash-based
microprocessor technology, and
standard features include integral
intelligent voltage and ammeters
that aid installation and trouble-
shooting. The IP Gateway™
provides a low cost solution for
remote monitoring via email and
alert text messages of alarm
and/or fault conditions, while
Windows-based programming tools
offer simple select-and-click pro-
gramming with built-in logic and
error checking diagnostics.

For more information go to
www.afsi.us.com

VDS

Fire

and BSl Approved
Panels

Big Solution for
Small installations

ADVANCED ELECTRONICS has launched phase one of the Mx-5000 series
of analogue addressable fire control panels making it, the company says,
the first UK-manufactured panel to be approved to EN54 part 2, 4 and
part 13 by VDS and BSL

New features include improved diagnostics showing a visual oscillo-
scope, fire database management system, up to 2000 network zones and
up to 200 control panels on a fault-tolerant network system. The product
range, comprising a single-loop, dedicated 2 and 4-loop control panel
series also includes a number of remote terminals and dedicated peripher-
als and uses the latest in flash-based micro-processor technology combined
with high intensity, fully programmable LCD Displays. .

In addition to this, the product line includes a common PC-NET software
programming package and PC-NET graphical control software, as well as
remote diagnostics via ipGateway™ Internet portal. The Mx-5000 is fully
backward-compatible with the Mx-4000 series and supports all of the
latest analogue addressable field devices.

For more information go to www.advel.co.uk

BOSCH SECURITY SYSTEMS' Fire Panel 1200 Series for
smaller installations offers fire protection in the one and
two-loop segments, and is said to combine flexibility
and ease-of-use with the reliability of the company's
Modular Fire Panel Series.

The 1200 Series panel is operated via an easy-to-use
touch screen featuring a large LCD display and an
intuitive user interface with a clear menu structure. In

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE ALARM PANEL BUYERS' GUIDE

addition, the panel offers various functions including the dis-
play of extensive diagnostic information. Based on the LSN
(Local Security Network) bus system, it offers a high level of
system stability, and supports the full range of proven LSN
peripheral components. It also provides synergies with the
existing Modular Fire Panel family in relation to specification,
configuration, maintenance and logistics.

The 1200 Series also offers an extensive choice of rugged,
encapsulated modules that can be hot swapped, which means
that it is possible to replace modules in a running system. The
standard deployment of the 1200 Series panel is one loop,
although it can be easily extended to two loops with an addi-
tional module. Up to three remote keypads can be connected
to the 1200 Series panel, plus it is also possible to connect the
panel to a fire monitoring or building management system.

For more information go to www.boschsecurity.com

Large Project
Panel Enhanced

The latest version of the Modular Fire Panel 5000 Series from BOSCH
SECURITY SYSTEMS includes enhanced features that are aimed at
greatly simplifying operation of the system, as well as making
installation and networking much easier.

The Modular Fire Panel 5000 Series panel now operates with a
new serial interface for directly connecting the Bosch Plena Public
Address and Voice Alarm system without any additional contact inter-
faces. This reduces installation and hardware costs, particularly for
projects with numerous evacuation zones. Fire panel networks can be
easily tied together with the EVAC system that enables intelligent
operation of the voice evacuation system via the fire panel.

The modules are extremely rugged, with components protected by
encapsulated housings to avoid damage from touching or static
discharge. Regardless of the size of a building or site, only a few
standard modules are required from which the customer can easily
construct a tailor-made system. The system can be extended from one
loop to up to 32 loops with more than 4,000 elements. A "hot plug"
feature allows modules to be plugged in or removed for expansions or
modifications while the panel is in operation.

For more information go to www.boschsecurity.com

Networkable
Fire Panels

All six of C-TEC's XFP networkable one and two-loop analogue
addressable fire alarm panels have been tested for functionality and
performance, comply with EN54 Parts 2 and 4 and are third-party
approved by LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board).

The XFP range is targeted at office blocks, shopping complexes
and big industrial sites as well as smaller, stand-alone applications
and, the company says, offers high performance at a very com-
petitive price. It is available as a single-loop 16-zone panel in a
plastic enclosure, or a robust one or two-loop 32-zone metal panel,
offering full compatibility with Hochiki's ESP and Apollo's XP95,
Discovery and Xplorer protocols. Features include two independently
programmable conventional sounder circuits and the ability to
interconnect up to eight XFP main panels onto a two-wire RS485
network. The XFP is also fully compatible with C-TEC's new Hush
Button fire alarm solution for Houses of Multiple Occupation.

For more information go to www.c-tec.co.uk

Conventional Panel
Offering

Three distinct ranges of con-
ventional fire alarm panel 7 ., Hj

are currently available from
C-TEC: the CFP two to eight-
zone EN54-2/4 fire panel; the
MFP four to 28-zone BS5839-
4 fire panel; and the FP one to CFP panel

14-zone BS5839-4 fire panel.

The CFP EN54 panel comes in three versions - standard, economy
and LPCB-approved and is supplied in a flush or surface-mountable
plastic enclosure. All come with two, four of eight detection circuits
and feature four conventional sounder circuits, two inputs (class
change and alert) and four outputs (fire one, fire two, fault and
reset). Depending on the model purchased, an array of engineering
functions is available including: selectable zone delays; coincidence;
non-latching zones; and comprehensive fault diagnostics facilities.
The CFP is fully compliant with EN54 parts 2 & 4, the European
standard for fire alarm control and indicating equipment.

The MFP four to 28-zone fire panel was designed to fill what C-Tec

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE ALARM PANEL BUYERS' GUIDE

MFP panel

perceived as the gap between low cost,
low specification fire panels and higher
priced, higher specification equipment.
Expandable from four to 28 zones in four
zone steps, the MFP's four sounder cir-
cuits, head-out fault indication and two
on-board fire relays, plus its compatibility

with a wide range of expansion boards
makes it one of the most sophisticated
BS5839-4 compliant fire panels available.
It offers a wide range of engineer func-
tions including: one-man detector test;
sounder walk test; sounder isolate;
sounder delay; and auxiliary isolate.

The FP one to 14-zone panel has been
protecting people and property for almost
two decades. Like the MFP, it is supplied in
a robust metal enclosure with a lift-off lid
and heavy-duty base connections to help
promote an easy first fix and straight-
forward maintenance. The FP's broad
compatibility with virtually all known con-
ventional smoke and heat detector ranges
and its ability to interpret a short circuit in
any zone or zones as a fire or fault make it
particularly useful for retro-installations.
Optional head out monitoring units are

FP panel

also available for systems requiring compli-
ance with BS5839-1 (1988).

For more information go to
www.c-tec.co.uk

Upgrade

Improves

Commissioning

Process

Nano is the latest fire detection control panel
from GENT BY HONEYWELL This single-loop
analogue addressable panel is aimed at small
sites that require improved fire sensing and
evacuation options, and offers a simple cause-
and-effect, which can be configured by a simple
and easy to use PC commissioning tool.

Incorporating an intuitive user interface, Nano
manages up to 127 devices on the loop and offers
end users a smaller system that benefits from the
support of Vigilon's loop technology that supports
a range of devices: S-Quad sensors; interfaces;
beams; manual call points; and S-Cubed sounders.

Gent by Honeywell launched a system
upgrade in April 2010. An improved commis-
sioning process allows changes or the addition
of devices to be managed easily and quickly,
while offline commissioning enables the system
to be configured before the commissioning
engineer attends the site.

For more information go to
www.gent.co.uk

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE ALARM PANEL BUYERS' GUIDE

Mid-range Panel is
EN54 Compliant

Vigilon Compact is a one to two-loop panel
designed for small-to-medium systems and
uses VIGILON technology, offering the
capability of networking with other Com-
pact or Vigilon panels on the same centrally
managed system.

Sixty percent smaller than a standard Vig-
ilon panel, Compact incorporates an intuitive
user interface allowing the user to determine
quickly the position and nature of an emer-
gency. This can be enhanced by the use of
the WINMAG PC-based graphical manage-
ment application or a loop-based mimic
panel. Repeat panels relay all information
provided from the main control panel and provide main control functions.

The Gent by Honeywell analogue addressable panel fully complies with
EN54: Parts 2 & 4 and can accommodate up to 200 devices on a loop,
supporting a range of devices: S-Quad sensors; interfaces; beams; manual
call points; and S-Cubed sounders.

A recent addition to the Vigilon range is a newly enhanced mains
powered interface, designed to comply with BS 7273, a standard concern-
ing the critical signal path between fire detection and alarm systems and
release mechanisms for fire doors. Controlled by the panel, the new loop-
based interface will maintain the integrity of fire compartments, even with
a fault on the system.

Panel Offers Ease
of Programming

The VIGILON analogue address-
able fire detection and alarm
system from Gent by Honeywell
is targeted at medium-to-large
buildings and is promoted as
being simple to install, configure
and use. It offers a range of con-
trol panels that can be installed
either as four or six-loop stand
alone panels, or as part of a
multi-panel network, easily pro-
grammable as one system. This
seamless network can contain
up to 200 panels, with the capa-
bility to add new buildings or extensions after installation.

In common with Nano and Vigilon Compact, the Vigilon's
loop supports a range of devices, and each loop is capable of
supporting up to 200 devices with a maximum of 512 detection
devices on each panel.

Available with 24 or 72-hour standby facilities, its flexible
loop architecture makes it suitable for any type of building. The
Vigilon architecture offers soft addressing that can minimise
installation time and remove potential for manual addressing
errors. A specifiable option is SAFE (Soft Addressed Fireware
Encoded) that makes management simpler post installation and
commissioning.

For more information go to www.gent.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE ALARM PANEL BUYERS' GUIDE

Conventional Panel
Offers Eight-zone
Coverage

HBI

The option from Gent
by Honeywell for
small building premises
requiring coverage for
up to eight zones is
the Xenex panel that is
compliant with EN54
part 2 & 4 and con-
tains integral power
supply and battery
support to drive up to
eight alarm sounder circuits, two auxiliary relay contacts, a zone
disablement facility and a one-man test and commissioning
feature.

Designed to achieve ease to installation, use and main-
tenance, the system supports up to eight sounder circuits, allow-
ing fire detection and sounder circuits to be connected in one
four-core cable. Its compatibility with a range of low current
devices also means the system can support greater numbers
added to the loop if required. The Xenex panel has a 72 hour
standby provision, guaranteeing a functioning system for up to
72 hours following a mains power fault.

Analogue and
Conventional Options

The Syncro AS single or
two-loop analogue
addressable fire control
panel from KENTEC
supports open protocol
communications, includ-
ing Apollo, Argus Vega
and Hochiki, and uses
microprocessor-based
electronics to provide
what the company
describes as a flexible
control system with
high reliability and
integrity. It is aimed at
small to medium sized
fire detection systems.

Utilising the two-
wire technology of Apollo's AlarmSense®, Kentec's new fast-setup
Sigma CP-A two, four and eight-zone fire alarm control and indi-
cating panels permit rapid system configuration of compatible
devices. These include smoke and heat detectors, call points, base
sounders, base sounder/beacons and relay units, which can be
wired to the same pair of cables, for common, zonal or two-stage
alarm using simple menu options on the panel.

For more information go to www.gent.co.uk

For more information go to www.kentec.co.uk

Panels for all Building Types

DX Range

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Z X Range

The open protocol fire alarm control
panels from MORLEY-IAS support five
industry-leading detection device proto-
cols. The current offering includes Horizon,
Dimension and ZX panels.

The Horizon non-addressable control
panel is designed for small shop or ware-
house units, nursery schools and doctors'
surgeries, while the Dimension analogue
addressable control panels provide what is
described as an "out of the box, onto the
wall" solution for such applications as
larger shops, offices and banks.

The Morley-IAS ZX range of one, two
and five-loop modular, intelligent fire
alarm control panels is suitable for protect-
ing all types of property. The panels'
power and flexibility is said to make them
capable of even the most complex installa-
tion or multi-site network. With up to 99
panels on a single network, and a choice
of networking configurations, the ZX
Series is suited to a broad range of appli-
cations, from schools and universities to
shopping centres, cinemas, hospitals and
airports.

For more information go to
www.morleyias.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

By Rick Love

Notifier by Honeywell

The Crowing
Role Of voice in
Fire Safety

Research shows that more people respond to spoken message alarms than either
alarm bells or text messages.

S ome years ago, a survey found that, in the
event of a fire, only 13 percent of people
responded to a bell warning: by contrast, 45
percent reacted to a written text message display
and some 75 percent to a spoken message.

The results of this earlier study may not perhaps
be very surprising. However, as the latest research
undertaken on behalf of Notifier has confirmed,
the overwhelming majority of the general public
and industry specialists alike believe that over the
past five years the world around us has since
become even noisier.

And this is especially worrying, as the new
research also identified that fewer than ten per-
cent of the general public always think about how
to get out of a building, whether or not they use it
regularly. In the event of a fire alarm, a common
response is first to assume that it is a false alarm
and then "follow other people around me" rather
than adhere to the safety instructions.

Bells and sounders can only provide a warning
that there is some kind of emergency, but it is not
always obvious what kind of emergency it is. By
contrast, a clear spoken message and a VA/PA
system provide the information needed to direct the
public or employees away from danger and out of
the building in the most efficient way possible.

Fighting to be heard

The recent surveys, which enabled a comparison
of the views of fire safety professionals attending a
Construction CPD seminar with those of the
general public, found some interesting similarities
in how each group would react in an emergency
situation. The overwhelming majority of the public
(86 percent) and industry specialists (74 percent)
believe that the world is a noisier place than five
years ago.

Yet this is taking some time to feed through to
expectations regarding the provision of appropriate

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

A | A D M C

THE GROWING ROLE OF VOICE IN FIRE SAFETY

ALAKIVI j

fire safety messaging. In the event of a fire alarm,
89 percent of the public, and 77 percent of indus-
try experts expect to hear a bell or other audible
sounder, with only 12 percent and 20 percent
respectively anticipating a standard or more
detailed kind of loudspeaker announcement. Yet
well over half (57 percent) of the public are already
certain that they would respond more quickly to a
voice alarm in evacuating a building, with a further
32 percent as yet not sure how they would react.

This lack of directional information is critical, as
only six percent of the public always think about
how to get out a building in an emergency in
which they are regular occupants and only three
percent in those buildings where they are occa-
sional visitors. Equally worryingly, two-thirds rarely,
if at all, think about evacuation procedures as reg-
ular occupants. This rises to almost 90 percent in
buildings they use infrequently.

Although professionally more aware of the
risks, more than 40 per cent of industry experts
also rarely or never think about how to get out
of any building, whether or not they use such
facilities regularly.

In the event of a fire alarm, 40 percent of the
public (and 26 percent of industry experts) would
instinctively follow the people around them and
only 29 percent would use the nearest exit. In the
case of both the public and industry experts, more
than one quarter (26 percent) would assume it is a
false alarm until advised otherwise.

As a result, it has become more important than
ever to ensure that staff, residents and visitors
alike are able to respond quickly and correctly to a

fire warning. In response, sophisticated and intu-
itive voice alarm systems have evolved to form a
key part of comprehensive fire detection and
alarm systems, designed for complex environments
in which individuals will respond to warnings in
different ways.

These integrated solutions benefit both building
users and firefighters called to deal with the emer-
gency, as they are able easily to take over the
Voice Alarm/Public Address (VA/PA) system to
broadcast individualised messages, in order to
ensure a rapid yet controlled evacuation from any
part of the premises at risk.

An integrated response

In the 1980s, early voice alarm systems in the UK
and Europe were typically message generators
bolted onto an existing PA system, with a simple
trigger mechanism from the fire alarm to play a
pre-set message over the loudspeakers.

However, over the past two decades its capabil-
ity has been extended, replacing earlier sounder
circuits with the development of an integrated and
monitored VA/PA approach. This enables messag-
ing such as paging, information announcements,
advertisements and the provision of background
music in public access areas such as shopping cen-
tres, railway stations and sports stadia. It maximis-
es the value of their investment and provides
customers and visitors with a more comprehensive
service and in the safest possible environment.

Technical developments, especially in the area
of digital signal processing, have made it much
easier to manage VA/PA systems. PC-controlled
site-configurable routing and set-ups have
replaced the costly and high-maintenance hard
wiring and relays previously required and the
resulting audio quality is also much improved.

Today's advanced VA/PA solutions are much
more cost-effective in that they require fewer
amplifiers. They are much easier for operators to
use, as the microphone stations use the latest
LCD-type screen technology to direct and control
announcements. For larger implementations, the
best network systems can carry up to 32 audio
channels on a fibre channel interface up to two
kilometres between stations. This means that a
single integrated VA/PA system managing multiple
channels of music, general announcements and
fire safety information makes it easy to manage
large multi-purpose premises and public arenas.

Continuous development

With the emergence of voice over IP (VoIP)
networks, work is also underway to enhance the

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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www.kac.co.uk

A 1 A D M C

THE GROWING ROLE OF VOICE IN FIRE SAFETY

ALAKIVI j

ability to link multiple buildings together across
large sites in an integrated, cost effective and
easy-to-use VA/PA solution. This forms part of a
broader drive towards greater networkability,
designed to improve system implementation and
maintenance and ensure greater security in linking
locations with a single integrated solution.

However, an area of historic concern that is
receiving much attention is that of intelligibility, as
there is no point in having a VA/PA system in
which messages being transmitted cannot be
understood. The reason for this problem is that
the sound that is sent from a traditional speaker is
essentially undirected. As a result, it bounces off
the floor, walls and is reflected off other surfaces,
each of which reaches the ear at slightly different
times, so leading to aural confusion.

anticipated to come into effect in the next two to
three years. As with the UK's Equality Act, October
2010, the driver here is to protect those who
cannot hear a sounder or alarm or who work in
areas where there are significant ambient noise
levels such as workshops or manufacturing
environments.

In line with the current US standards - which,
for example, require lights in a hotel environment
to be bright enough to wake people from a light
sleep - the impending regulation will determine
how bright visual devices should be. This presents a
major technical challenge in getting sufficient
power to the device and may promote a change of
thinking. Instead of looking simply at improve-
ments to the light or sound-based warning device,
with improvements in wireless technology, an
alternative may lie in the direction of personal
alarm devices such as pager or vibrator solutions.

Other compliance demands

Though awareness as to the importance of voice is
growing, the uptake of such products is still rela-
tively slow. VA/PA solutions are principally used
only as directed by the fire authority, or where the
provision of a PA system to meet other needs
makes the incremental cost significantly lower
than where a simple upgrade from sounders is
being considered.

Having said that, though budgets may be under
extreme pressure, compliance demands have
increased in requiring safe and environmentally-
friendly public venues. As a result, almost without
exception today in buildings requiring phased
evacuation, any fire safety solution is likely to
include an element of voice as part of a compre-
hensive detection and response strategy.

And, as the Notifier survey confirmed, most of
the public are certain that they would respond
more quickly to a voice alarm in evacuating a

With the emergence of voice over IP (VoIP) networks, work is
also underway to enhance the ability to link multiple buildings
together across large sites in an integrated, cost effective
and easy-to-use va/pa solution.

Rick Love is Senior Product
Manager, Notifier by
Honeywell

For more information go to
www.notifier.com

Speaker technology has remained essentially
unchanged for many decades. However, "intelli-
gent" speakers are now available to meet
specialist applications such as large facilities with
acoustic problems, including noisy railway stations
or swimming pools. The intelligent line array
speaker, for example, is a tall column which splits
the sound beam in three different lobes. From a
single speaker therefore, it has become possible to
direct the sound where required with real
precision. Such solutions are also cost-effective.
For though an individual line array speaker is more
expensive, fewer are required within an installation
due to their more targeted performance. This also
impacts positively on the cost of installation and
on-going maintenance.

Regulatory changes

One area of fire safety regulation likely to be
subject to change in the near future is that of
visual alarm devices under EN54 Part 23,

building, so endorsing the effectiveness of this
approach to enabling faster, safer evacuation.

On a day-to-day basis, the latest VA/PA
solutions operate just like an advanced PA system.
Individual microphones with touch screen displays
allow the broadcasting of background music and
announcements. However, in an emergency the
system will react, delivering spoken messages
appropriate to the event and the occupants of
each location within the premises. For situations
that demand more specific responses, an emer-
gency microphone can be controlled simply and
easily.

The life safety industry continues to place a high
development priority on the addition of voice to its
armoury of fire detection and response solutions.
As a result, from a technology viewpoint this is no
longer a mysterious "dark art", as cost-effective
VA/PA solutions are now available which enhance
the user experience, in providing a wide range of
safety and other information messages. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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WATERMIST

HI-FOG pop-out
sprinkler

By Graham Collins

For more information go to
www.marioff.com or
www.aquasys.at

Watermist Systems B

Watermist installations are growing apace. However, when we talk about
land-based system we inevitably refer to systems that are protecting buildings.
So here we look at two other land-based applications - rail rolling stock and
tunnels, for which at least two of the leading suppliers have recently introduced
new solutions.

R ail safety is attracting considerable attention,
as is tunnel safety. Both seem to be the sub-
ject of a number of recent conferences and
seminars. So perhaps now is a good time to take a
closer look at the latest offerings from the leading
watermist specialists in these particular sectors.

As far as rail safety is concerned, there are two
fire risks that need to be addressed. The first is the
protection of engines, motors, generators, control
systems and under-carriage areas; the other is the
protection of passenger carriages that, due to the
number of passengers being carried, represents
the greater life threatening challenge. Both make
considerable demands in terms of the fire, emer-
gency response and evacuation strategies, having
to take into account the frequent lack of access to
the location of the emergency, the escape chal-
lenges faced by passengers, and the possible time
delay before the emergency services can intervene
to prevent a major catastrophe.

Rail protection systems

Two of the leading watermist companies have
recently devised solutions specifically for these
applications - Finnish company, Marrioff and
Austrian watermist specialist, Aquasys Technik.

At the recent Innotrans exhibition in Berlin,
Marioff launched and demonstrated its new
HI-FOG® high-pressure water mist system pop-out
sprinklers for rolling stock. They feature horizontal
heat bulbs that minimise the height of the
sprinkler, making them easy to install and unobtru-
sive. Additionally, the sprinkler is concealed under
a protective plate that cuts the risk of vandalism.

After the new Marioff system is activated, heat-
sensitive sprinklers are designed to react only near
the actual fire, which helps reduce the discharge
area and increase pressure on the sprinklers,
improving the firefighting performance. This smaller
discharge area also results in better visibility and
less water damage, and space and weight
demands are minimised because less water is
required.

According to Marioff, one of the key drivers
behind this development is the Italian legislation
Decreto Gallerie, which requires active fire protec-
tion for all new rolling stock after April 2011.
Existing rolling stock must be retro-fitted to com-
ply with the legislation by April 2019. Marioff's
Italy-based Key Account Manager, Rolling Stock,
Francesco Capuzzi, believes that the call for water-
mist fire protection in rolling stock is growing

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

WATERMIST SYSTEMS BOOST TRAVELLER SAFETY

Ifll ATE D M 1 CT

VVAI tKIVII J 1

oost Traveller safety

Rome station

steadily and he expects current demand to double
within the next five years.

The Aquasys railway fire protection system sets
out to fulfil a number of key objectives alongside
those of predictable reliability, speed and efficiency.
These are to provide a solution that is completely
harmless to rolling stock passengers and fire-
fighters, and have the lowest possible weight
while taking up the minimum amount of space.
The low water demand of these systems means
that they can be easily installed undercarriage, on
the roof and even in the intermediate ceilings of
passenger compartments.

Tunnel safety solution

Aquasys has also developed an effective watermist
system for firefighting in tunnels. Upon detection
of a fire, watermist is produced in the affected
section of the tunnel. The small water droplets
evaporate, which creates an enormous cooling
effect. Additionally, the watermist acts like a
countless number of reflectors that drastically
minimise heat flux radiation. As it uses pure
water, it is harmless for tunnel occupants and
firefighters alike and the environment, so can be
activated throughout the evacuation stage of the
emergency.

The system sets out to achieve three key
objectives: prevent the fire from spreading to other
vehicles; enable the fire and rescue service to
safely access the scene of the fire; and protect the
tunnel structure.

The structure of a tunnel leads to a rapid
increase in temperature and the production of
large volumes of smoke that cannot escape. These

challenges can be difficult to overcome using con-
ventional methods; increasing the risk to travellers
trapped in the tunnel, and increasing the threat to
vehicles and the very structure of the tunnel itself.
These challenges have to be quickly overcome.

The Aquasys solution is what the company calls
Rapid Fire Control (RFC), whereby specially formu-
lated water forms a mist that contains the fire by
extracting energy and displacing oxygen in the
shortest possible time. Cleansing of the smoke
gases aids in the preservation of the oxygen con-
tent in the tunnel.

The first road tunnel with an Aquasys system
was the 800-metre Mona Lisa Tunnel in Austria; a
two-lane road tunnel with bi-directional traffic.
Other tunnel project to use the system included
the 5300-metre Felbertauerntunnel in the Alps.
This bi-directional tunnel is constructed with an
intermediate ceiling above the traffic lanes that
accommodates exhaust and fresh air ducts. The
fresh air duct is also used as an escape route in
case of an incident.

In the Netherlands, two new road tunnels have
been recently equipped with Aquasys watermist
firefighting systems. Both, the 2000-metre Roer-
tunnel in Roermond - currently the longest land
tunnel for road traffic in the Netherlands - and the
400-metre Swalmen tunnel are constructed with
two bores, each having two lanes, operating
uni-directional traffic. In both of these projects a
particular focus was placed on protecting the
building structure, so aqueous foam forming addi-
tives (AFFA) were added to the water to enhance
the watermist system's effectiveness suppressing
incidents that involve combustible liquids. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

SUPPRESSION

By Kurt Werner

Environmental Affairs
Manager, 3M

Clouds in The Fore

For users of HFC-based fire protection systems, the future is anything but clear.

T here is a lot of confusion within the fire
protection industry about the ultimate impact
of global policy, legislative and regulatory
initiatives on HFCs [hydrofluorocarbons]. Although
it is quite clear there will be restrictions on, or
added costs for, the continued use of HFCs in fire
protection, the exact nature of the restrictions or
the magnitude of the cost increases are difficult to
predict.

Compared with the phase-out of ozone-deplet-
ing substances in the 1990s under the Montreal
Protocol, predicting the fate of HFCs is proving
to be more complex. For one thing, it appears
that not all HFC markets will be affected in the
same way. Substantial applications within the air
conditioning, refrigeration and foam blowing
sectors have no viable alternatives at this time,
while others, such as fire protection, do. Either
through market dynamics governed by the
proposed HFC phase-down under the Montreal
Protocol, in the US via Congress, or through direct
regulatory measures, the fate of HFCs in fire
protection is unclear. This is creating an entirely
uncertain timetable for the designers, manufac-
turers, installers and owners of fire protection
systems.

If you are using a suppression agent such as
3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid in your
fixed system, you have already made a sustainable
choice, and the phase-down of HFCs will not
directly affect you. If not, let us take a look at

some of the issues likely to impact the fire protec-
tion industry in the years to come.

Environmental concerns are at the heart of the
matter, just like they were 16 years ago when
HFCs were accepted as an alternative to halons
and other ozone-depleting substances. Today, the
widespread and growing use of HFCs as ozone
depleting substance replacements, coupled with
their high global warming potentials, has them
targeted as a potentially significant future contrib-
utor to global warming and climate change. HFC
emissions in 2050 are projected to be between
nine and 19 percent of projected global C0 2
emissions in business-as-usual scenarios.

Concerns are also growing about the future
impact of emissions from banked HFCs stored in
equipment such as fire protection systems. It is
important to note that the HFCs used as fire
suppressants have higher global warming
potentials than the HFCs used in other industries.

The impact of proposed climate- protection legis-
lation on the fire protection industry is a topic of
much debate. The U.S. House of Representatives
last year passed the American Clean Energy and
Security Act of 2009. This legislation included HFC
provisions that would, through allocation and
auction, phase-down the production and import
of HFCs by 85 percent between 2010 and 2032. A
concurrent proposal by the US, Canada, and
Mexico would add HFCs to the Montreal Protocol
and phase-down their production internationally

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

CLOUDS IN THE FORECAST

CIIDDDCCCinM

jUrrKtjjIUN

cast

by 85 percent by 2033 in developed countries and
by 2043 in developing nations.

This phase-down will, over time, lead to sub-
stantially higher costs for HFCs. One concern is
that the mechanisms through which HFC pro-
duction allowances would be auctioned may be
disproportionately unfavourable to HFCs sold into
fire protection. As already noted, these HFCs
have higher global worming potentials than HFCs
sold into other sectors, and ultra-low global
warming potential replacements are already
available - unlike in many other HFC sectors. In
effect, this disparity would add a higher tax at the
national level on the production of HFCs for fire
protection.

It is also likely that HFC auction costs will be
driven far off the legislated minimums before the
large commodity markets move to the substitutes.
And, as the market is intended to encourage the
most effective reductions to occur first, it is possible
that the fire protection market, where substitution
costs are far more modest, may be the first to
move. It is important to consider the possibility that
the HFC phase-down supported by HFC producers
may turn their commodity HFC markets back into
specialty markets, but this may not be favourable
for HFCs sold into fire protection.

Another potential path to HFC regulation was
revealed in May, 2010 when the US's Environmental
Protection Agency received a petition to selectively

The widespread and growing use of HFCs as ozone depleting
substance replacements, coupled with their high global warming
potentials, has them targeted as a potentially significant future
contributor to global warming and climate change.

Not everyone agrees, however. Some suggest
that market mechanisms might work in favour of
HFCs produced for fire protection. They argue that
low global worming potential materials will enter
the commodity markets and replace hydrofluoro-
carbon refrigerants, which may free up lower cost
production allowances for producing HFC fire
suppressants.

But, arguably, the most important considera-
tions remain the availability of HFC substitutes
in large commodity sectors - relative to the
proposed phase-down schedule - and their costs.
Substitutes in fire protection come at a very
modest premium to HFCs and already have a
substantial market share. Alternatives currently
being developed for other HFC sectors are likely to
enter the market at costs measured in multiples
rather than percentages.

remove an HFC from the list of acceptable substi-
tutes under its Significant New Alternatives Policy
Program (SNAP), based on the availability of low
global worming potential substitutes. This perhaps
is a more expedient route to the regulation of
HFCs, and may have a dramatic impact on HFCs
sold into the fire protection sector where alterna-
tives are also readily available for the vast majority
of applications.

As the old saying goes, the only certainty is
uncertainty, especially given that today's fire
protection systems are intended to last well into a
most uncertain future. The good news is that
available alternatives to HFCs, such as Novec
1230, offer a favourable environmental profile and
much greater sustainability. And choosing a
sustainable alternative today could help make your
future a lot less cloudy. D33

Kurt Werner is 3M
Environmental Affairs
Manager.

For further information go to
www.3m.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

TUNNEL SAFETY

Deluge Protection
For Spain's lfielha
Tunnel

The Vielha Tunnel was once identified by the European Commission as one of
Europe's most unsafe tunnels. Today, it is the first tunnel in Spain to be protected
by a deluge fire protection system.

By Pedro Valcarcel

Fire Protection Market
Manager, Victaulic

Pedro Valcarcel is Fire
Protection Market Manager
for Victaulic in Spain

For more information go to
www.victaulic.com

T he five-kilometre Vielha Tunnel in the munici-
pality of Vielha e Mijaran links France to
Catalonia and was once identified by the
European Commission as one of Europe's most
unsafe tunnels. In 2002 the Spanish Government
decided to make a major investment in safety with
the roll-out of a €300 million improvement plan; a
project that involved the creation of a totally new
tunnel close to the original site and the implemen-
tation of a new deluge fire safety system - the first
of its kind in Spain.

The main advantages of deluge systems are
their ability to rapidly lower temperatures, to cut
the advance of fires, and to protect structures
against potential collapse. So they are used
principally in locations where the spread of fire can
be very rapid, or where the consequences of fires
can be devastating. This includes airport hangars,
refineries, chemical plants and armaments fac-
tories ... and tunnels.

In Japan, deluge systems have been used for
the past four decades, while in the United States
there are six tunnels equipped with such systems.
European installations include the Mona Lisa
Tunnel in Austria - a deluge system using water-
mist -while in Germany, France and Italy feasibility
studies are being undertaken.

Safety first

Since the completion of the installation of the
deluge system, the Vielha tunnel received a
EuroTAP ++ rating (excellent) and has been
assessed as being an example of how a deluge
system installation should be carried out.

Now one of the safest tunnels in the world, it
features evacuation galleries every 400 metres,
safety recesses every 200 metres, semi-transversal
ventilation, and a fire prevention network for
water along the tunnel, with hydrants and a
deluge system with spray nozzles. Emergency
beacons, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), smoke
detection and automatic incident detection were
also implemented. During construction, to min-
imise the use of welding, and reduce associated
risks from toxic fumes and fire hazards, a grooved
mechanical piping system was used.

The high altitude tunnel posed a number of
unusual challenges - not least of which was its
corrosive environment. Damage was reduced by
using stainless steel for exposed piping and the
burying of ductile iron pipe.

The Victaulic FireLock® fire protection system
was selected because it delivered a reduction in
installation time of over 70 percent. Victaulic stain-

less steel rigid and flexible couplings were used for
sections exposed to the fierce elements, and all
sprinkler system joints used Victaulic grooved
mechanical couplings that were made in accor-
dance with the NFPA 13.

Deluge in action

The Vielha fire extinguishing system feeds nozzles
that are over 100 metres from the municipal
reservoirs. There are three pumps - two electrical
and one diesel - each capable of supplying 50
percent of the total requirement, and pressure
maintenance is ensured through a jockey pump.

There is a height difference of more than 200
metres between the north and south entrances so,
to prevent pressure exceeding 16 bars, there are a
series of pressure reduction stations. Deluge valves
also function as pressure reducing turn valves,
adjusted to around five bars, while hydrants and fire
hose cabinets also act as valve pressure regulators.

The Vielha system is equipped with a detection
line and an extinction line. This uses nozzles and
is kept empty; deluge valves are opened only by
manual activation. When the deluge valves are
opened, the water discharges from all of the
nozzles. Systems can be activated locally at a manual
pull station, or from the control centre. An electrically-
activated deluge valve with a pressure control is
used, and there is a deluge station positioned every
50 metres so, in total, the project called for the
installation of more than 100 independent systems.

A range of triple-nozzles is fitted every five
metres in the tunnel to protect against fire, and the
pressure is maintained at five bars. The ventilation
system is semi-transversal with vents on the ceil-
ing, the main objectives being to maintain air
quality and guarantee control of smoke in the
event of a fire. m

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

The

VENTILATION

Smoke Screen:
Smoke

By James Lane

Principal Fire
Consultant, Hilson
Moran

Fire safety and compliance with statutory regulations have a major influence
on building form and design. Although the subject is universally referred to
as fire safety, should it really be considered as fire and smoke safety?

F or millennia, the human race has used the
controlled production of smoke from the
combustion of known fuels to its advantage;
from a rudimentary signalling system to a means
of preserving food or even fumigating our living
space.

But when the production of smoke is accidental
and the amount and composition is not controlled,
smoke very quickly becomes one of the greatest
hazards in the built environment. We have
probably all experienced an unfavourable wind
direction blowing bonfire smoke at us; a cough or
two and maybe some streaming eyes. So when
we hear about a casualty suffering from smoke
inhalation it never strikes us as particularly serious.
In the open air, our bonfire smoke will be relatively
cool. Smoke that is produced by an intense fire
within a building could be extremely hot and
contain toxic gases causing burns to the skin and
possibly to the pulmonary system. According to
the 2007 fire statistic for the UK:

• 64 percent of all fire fatalities involved some
contribution from the effects of smoke.

• 44 percent of all fire fatalities were attributed
to the effects of smoke alone.

The statistics on fire deaths and injuries indicate
that it is the presence of smoke that will herald the
onset of untenable conditions. So how might we
avoid exposure to fire smoke and extend the ASET
value beyond the RSET?

Know your enemy

Before we can effectively manage smoke, we
should understand first what it is and what governs
its behaviour. Smoke is produced by the chemical
breakdown of a fuel. Pyrolysis releases chemicals
into the flame where rapid oxidation liberates:

• Waste gases (often toxic and noxious, causing
irritation to the skin, eyes, nose and throat
and containing cyanide and oxides of carbon
inducing asphyxiation).

• Solid particles (in the form of soot, which is
mainly unburned fuel and pyrolised carbon that
has not been fully oxidised).

• Liquids (significantly water, but may include
condensed forms of the gases above).

And, of course, potentially large quantities of
heat. In fact, approximately two-thirds of the heat
produced in a fire is transferred by convection into
the smoke plume.

in 2007 in the UK, 64 percent of all fire fatalities involved
some contribution from the effects of smoke, while
44 percent of all fire fatalities were attributed to the
effects of smoke alone.

• 29 percent of non-fatal fire injuries were from
the effects of smoke.

• 16 percent of non-fatal fire injuries were from
burns (which include combined smoke and
burns injuries).

If we consider that 44 percent of non-fatal
injuries were for people admitted to hospital for a
check-up but with no serious injury, then it
becomes apparent that smoke is responsible for a
majority of deaths and injuries in fires, more than
the direct effects of burns from the fire itself.

The underlying concept for fire engineering is to
design the means of escape so that occupants will
be able to escape to a place of safety before
untenable conditions are reached. This can be
expressed as RSET<ASET, where:

RSET = Required Safe Egress Time (time taken
to reach a safe place).

ASET = Available Safe Egress Time (time taken
for conditions to become untenable).

The heat contained in the smoke gives the
plume buoyancy over the surrounding air, which is
the driving force behind the spread of smoke
around the building. As the smoke plume rises,
cooler air is entrained, which leads to a dilution of
the smoke, an increase in the volume produced
and a decrease in temperature and buoyancy. If
the smoke encounters a feature that increases
this mixing then the effects of the dilution
are increased. The most significant of these is
generally when a flowing layer of smoke meets a
void edge (a balcony or interface with an atrium)
where the surface area of the plume is increased
and a very general rule-of-thumb is that the rate
of air entrainment will be approximately doubled.

There are various tools used to understand, or
better still predict, the behaviour of smoke and its
properties. A relatively simple method is the
application of zone model equations. Empirical
formulae, developed from plume theory, which
give a reasonable approximation of the smoke

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

SMOKE SCREEN: THE REAL IMPACT OF SMOKE

i/CMTII ATiniVI

V t N II LA 1 1 U IM

Real impact Of

Rate of Heat
Release from
the Fire

Geometry of
the Space

Rate of
Smoke Mass
Production

=T>

Plume

Temperature

Size of
Natural Vent

Volume of
Smoke

Mechanical
Extract Rate

Figure 1

layer properties and separating the space under
investigation into two zones: the smoke layer and
the clear layer.

Related to the size of the fire, plume and smoke
layer temperature, smoke density (visibility) and
the volume of smoke produced can be calculated
for varying heights. But, where a more accurate
vision of the likely conditions is required a more
sophisticated approach is needed. This may be the
case where a complex arrangement is being
considered or where greater detail is called for at
various time steps throughout the scenario being
modelled. For this we might enter the world of
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

This technique takes the zone model above and
divides the volume of the space into a series of
discrete parcels or cells. Each of the cells is given a
set of conditions that relate to various environ-
mental aspects and the relationship of changes in
these conditions. Equations that govern the related
effects of all these conditions and how each is
influenced by the other are then applied to every
cell and minute changes recorded over small time
steps. This gives a high resolution to the output
and detailed images of the predicted flow of heat
and smoke density throughout the compartment.

Taming the dragon

The need to deal with smoke will depend upon
what is being achieved. In the UK, where a build-
ing is designed in accordance with the guidance,
there will generally be no requirement to provide a
fully engineered smoke control system. The time
to reach a place of safety is assumed to be within
acceptable limits.

In which case smoke ventilation may be neces-
sary for basements, car parks, fire fighting shafts,
certain atria or tall buildings (especially in London).
However, this will be governed by standard
provisions as a minimum vent area or air change
rate using mechanical extract, and are largely
related to firefighting operations.

Where the design of means of escape or some
other aspect of the fire strategy involves departure
from the standard guidance, a fire engineered
solution is required. This may involve a more
detailed consideration of the movement and
effects of smoke. Diversion of the plume from its
natural course or exploitation of its natural

properties to achieve a particular aim is smoke
control.

The equations that have been developed to
estimate the required features of a smoke control
system may initially look complex and the iterations
of calculations needed to resolve the interrelated
properties are at times dizzying. But we should
remember that the coefficients and universal con-
stants are all subtle adjustments to a reasonably
simple process that could be represented by the
model shown in figure 1 .

The initiating features that govern the principal
characteristics of the smoke plume are the size of
the fire and the geometry of the space. Fire size is
quoted as the rate at which heat is released during
combustion. This can be calculated by assuming a
fire load density (amount of fuel distributed over
unit floor area - kg/m 2 - converted into energy -
kJ/m 2 ) and a fire duration, which gives a burn rate
in kJ/s; or kW.

There is data from survey information on typical
(70th, 80th and 90th fractile) fire load densities
according to building use. Alternatively unit heat
release rates may be adopted such as those given
in the CIBSE Guide E:

Occupancy

Unit heat release rate (kW/m 2 )

Offices

290

Shops

550

Industrial

260

Hotel rooms

249

Where the building is sprinkler protected it is
commonly assumed that the fire will increase in heat
release rate up until the point when the sprinklers
operate, at which point the fire size remains con-
stant. A standard fire size often quoted for sprinkler
controlled fires is 5MW or 2.5MW (convective)
where fast response heads are installed. However,
this relates specifically to retail fires and, while most
smoke control system designs will be approved on
this basis, the fire design consultant should consider
whether this is appropriate or if there are any special
circumstances that would result in a higher or, of
course, lower heat release rate.

Geometry refers to the physical constraints
that shape the smoke plume. Two fundamental
parameters are whether it will be an axisymmetric
(conical) or spill plume. Conical plumes tend to

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

i/CMTII ATIAM

SMOKE SCREEN: THE REAL IMPACT OF SMOKE

V t IM 1 1 LA 1 1 U N

James Lane is Principal Fire
Consultant at Hilson Moran

For more information go to
www.hilsonmoran.com

produce less smoke volume, but much higher
temperature. Whereas a smoke plume that
spreads beneath a horizontal surface before
"spilling" into the larger void, such as might be
the case in an atrium or shopping mall, will pro-
duce a higher volume of smoke (approximately
twice as much) but at a lower temperature.

The other governing factor is at what height
the base of the design smoke layer will be. This is
commonly set as a minimum height to achieve the
purpose of the smoke control system (e.g. 2.5
metres above escape balcony height or maybe
equivalent to the smoke screen downstands).

Axisymmetric Plume

Spill Plume

Avoiding the pitfalls

Once the volume and temperature of the smoke
plume have been determined it is straightforward
to specify the area of the vents required to allow
the smoke to escape, or the fan extract rate to
remove sufficient volume.

But beware; it is important to bear the follow-
ing in mind when specifying the requirements to
the client:

• The calculated vent area will likely be the "aero-
dynamic area" required to vent sufficient smoke.
Vent design will incorporate a coefficient of dis-
charge (a kind of efficiency rating) that could be
as low as 0.6. In other words the actual vent size
could be almost twice the calculated area.

• There is a maximum critical flow rate for a single
mechanical extract point. The value will depend
upon the depth of the smoke layer below the
extract point. If the critical rate is exceeded this
could lead to "plug-holing", which reduces the
efficiency of the system. To remedy this more
extract points can be introduced.

As mentioned previously, natural smoke venting
relies on the buoyancy of the hot gases in the
plume to provide a driving force. With increasing
height, the smoke plume temperature falls. In an
atrium hot air may accumulate beneath the roof at
high level. If smoke is vented into this atrium a
phenomenon called temperature inversion (where
the accumulated air is hotter than the rising
smoke plume) could lead to stratification of the
smoke and the vent system will not work. It is
common to specify that the temperature of the
smoke should be at least 10°C higher than the
estimated ambient temperature to overcome this
effect.

The air is hotter and
therefore more buoyant
than the smoke

Conclusion

The impact of smoke from fires is often underesti-
mated when assessing risk, and the scientific
investigations and derived equations are complex
and may therefore not be fully employed.

But we should make the effort to treat smoke
with the respect it deserves and design our smoke
control systems to operate in a robust manner
accounting for the various influencing factors. In
doing so we can reduce the overwhelming contri-
bution that smoke makes to fatalities and injuries
in fire statistics. m

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OPINION

The Business Case
Protection

By lain Cox

Chairman, Business
Sprinkler Alliance

Despite a reduction in the number of fires in the UK, losses to
businesses incurred by fire are on the increase. If this trend
continues, it is anticipated that by 2020 the UK could lose as
much as £10 billion to commercial and industrial fires. The UK
would be better placed to mitigate the impact of future losses
through the increased acceptance of fire sprinklers in
commercial and industrial premises.

A ccording to recent data from the Association
/ \ of British Insurers (ABI), losses in Britain from
/ \ commercial and industrial property fire

reached a record £865 million in 2008 - a 15 per-
cent increase from 2007. In an era when business
is already suffering the aftershock of the worst
recession in living memory, these mounting and
completely unnecessary losses are unjustified and
wholly preventable.

Fire losses are felt across the real economy. They
impact production downtime in a challenging and
competitive commercial environment. They force
closures of UK manufacturing sites and encourage
the relocation of these facilities to countries where
costs are likely to be cheaper. Fires also cost jobs.
Estimates of job losses in the UK as a result of
commercial and industrial fires have run into the
thousands over the past decade.

Fires affect wider stakeholder groups - the local
businesses feeding into and from a major facility
and the local communities that rely on a manu-
facturing plant to sustain the immediate economy.
Fire causes incalculable damage to both the
broader and local environment and these losses
are rarely factored into official statistics. Further-
more, and tragically, the human cost as measured
by lives lost and injuries from fires is on the rise too.

Unless a step change in the adoption of fire
suppression technology, such as sprinklers, is
encouraged, these rising costs to business, society
and the environment are predicted to continue,
with increasingly devastating results. Yet, despite
these mounting losses, at the moment less than
one percent of commercial and industrial premises
in England and Wales are covered by government
regulations making fire sprinkler installation
mandatory.

At present, in England and Wales, warehouses
with a floor surface area over 20,000 square
metres must have fire sprinkler protection. This
means only around 800 out of over 204,000
commercial premises classified as warehouses in
England and Wales might be, depending on where
and when constructed, protected against fire.

In Scotland, warehouses with a floor surface
area greater than 14,000 square metres must
have fire sprinkler protection. This figure is still
way too high, and neither code includes factories
in this requirement, which means that only a
fraction of the UK's entire commercial building
stock is protected.

However, the situation in Europe is completely
different. Many other European countries have
adopted and implemented a much more pro-

Many European countries have adopted and
implemented a much more pro-active and robust
approach to fire safety than the UK. in Germany, it is
mandatory for fire sprinklers to be installed in
commercial properties of 1,200 square metres and
over. This has resulted in losses of under £400 million
in 2008; less than half that of the UK’s losses of
£865 million in the same period.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR FIRE SPRINKLER PROTECTION

For Fire sprinkler

OPINION

active and robust approach to fire safety. In the
majority of the largest EU countries, fire sprinklers
must be installed in commercial and industrial
premises with an average floor space of 2,300
square metres.

These proactive regulations mean countries in
Europe suffer fewer business losses compared with
the UK. For example, in Germany, a nation with a
population some 50 percent greater and with a
broader industrial base, where it is mandatory for
fire sprinklers to be installed in commercial proper-
ties of 1,200 square metres and over, these regula-
tions have resulted in losses of under £400 million
in 2008; less than half that of the UK's losses of
£865 million in the same period.

such as alcohol, without any discernable
difference to the measures taken to prevent a
disaster.

• There is a growing risk-averse culture where
firefighters are restricted in their activities by an
increased emphasis placed on safety-at-work
regulations. Whether real or perceived, this is
inevitably leading incident commanders to
become increasingly reluctant to commit to
entering and fighting fires in industrial and
commercial premises. This means larger
facilities are more likely to be left to burn.

• Government now wants green buildings. How-
ever, the consequences of "going green", such
as the increased fire risk associated with greater

To put things into perspective, if England and Wales were
to adopt a more European approach, approximately only
ten percent of the industrial and commercial building
stock would be affected. Yet imagine the benefits to the
UK were it to look more in line with the rest of the
continent with regards to fire sprinklers.

To put things into perspective, if England and
Wales were to adopt a more European approach,
approximately only ten percent of the industrial
and commercial building stock would be affected.
Yet imagine the benefits to the UK were it to look
more in line with the rest of the continent with
regards to fire sprinklers.

The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) believes a
new set of factors have emerged in recent years
that have a material impact on the UK and prove
the need for urgent action. These are:

• Commercial and industrial fire losses are get-
ting worse - while overall the number of fires is
declining, the losses are mounting. Recent data
from the ABI showed a 1 5 percent year-on-year
increase in commercial fire damage in 2008. If
this trend were to continue UK, business could
stand to lose approximately £10 billion by 2020.

• Post-recessionary times mean we must do the
most we can to secure the value of the UK.
Further unnecessary losses to the UK economy
brought on by fire damage will inhibit
economic growth and further set-back the UK's
emergence from the worst recession in living
memory.

• The UK no longer accurately tracks what is
stored in its buildings. All goods stored,
regardless of their flammability/combustibility
or hazard level, are subject to the same
"loose" risk management requirements. For
instance, a container full of harmless fruits and
vegetables could be stored next to a container
full of highly flammable and costly materials

use of wood and synthetic thermal insulation,
will require an even more measured approach
to maintaining the longevity and sustainability
of these structures.

• The polluter now pays. Picking up the tab for
the environmental damage caused by a fire will
have a significant impact on a company's ability
to remain competitive. Companies are now
being held liable and they will have to pay
heavily for the damage they incur to the
environment and pay for the losses incurred to
the immediate communities.

• Sprinkler technology does not stand still - fire
sprinkler technology continues to innovate
and improve. Although the concept is over a
hundred years old, innovation is happening
today faster than ever before, bringing costs
down while systems become even more
effective in fighting fires - they use less piping,
less water and fewer sprinkler heads. These
efficiencies translate directly into cost savings
both in the installation of a fire sprinkler system
(when compared to previous systems) as well as
helping minimise the loss incurred, should a fire
break out.

The UK simply cannot afford to wait any longer.
There are valid reasons that call for immediate
action and I would encourage us all to ask our-
selves: can we afford to lose more firefighters?
Can UK businesses afford to lose £10 billion to
commercial fire damage? Can we all afford to
waste valuable resources and let our environment
suffer? D33

lain Cox is chairman of the
Business Sprinkler Alliance

For more information go to

www.business-sprinkler-

alliance.org/

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PORTABLES

By Graham Collins

Portable Score 9

The debate as to whether portable extinguishers should be used or not is sure to
continue, but a recent report from the FIA came down firmly in their favour.

A recent survey by the Fire Industry Association
(FIA) has possibly added fuel to the have-or-
L not-have debate about portable extinguish-
ers that goes on, particularly in the UK. The report
highlights that rather than declining in impor-
tance, portable fire extinguishers have an even
more vital role to play as a first aid response to
fire, with 88 percent of fires that are tackled with
portables actually being extinguished.

According to the report, this is an increase on
the figure from a similar survey conducted back in
2003 that came to the conclusion that in 80
percent of fires where extinguishers were
employed, the fires were successfully put out.

On publishing the report, the FIA stated: "There
has been much discussion over the past couple of
years regarding the role of fire extinguishers. In a
world where political correctness and health and
safety excesses sometimes override the application
of common sense, some quarters have suggested
that extinguishers should not be used under any
circumstance."

Apparently against this background, the FIA
decided to conduct the new survey to see how

the role of extinguishers in 2010 compared
with the position in 2003. The data collected in
the new survey, although a smaller sample than
in 2003, showed the same percentage - 75 per-
cent of fires - were extinguished by a portable
without the fire and rescue services being called.
In terms of the total incidents, there was an
eight percent increase in the number of fires
successfully extinguished by portables - 88 percent
in the 2010 survey compared with 80 percent in
2003.

Extrapolation of the figures from the 2003
report equated this to a cost saving by employing
extinguishers of over £500 million to the UK
economy and £5.1 million in terms of fire service
resource savings. In life safety terms, they were
estimated to have prevented the loss of 24 lives
and some 1,629 injuries.

Martin Duggan, FIA General Manager, com-
mented: "We have seen cases recently where
portable extinguishers have been removed or
people are encouraged to ignore them completely
and evacuate a building immediately, irrespective
of the size of the fire. We work closely with

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

PORTABLE SCORE 9 OUT OF 10

DHDTA DICC

r UK IAdLC j

out of 10

the fire and rescue services on many initiatives, so
are only too aware of the dangers of fire, but
it cannot make any sense to walk past a small
fire that could be easily put out with an
extinguisher to let it grow into one that can cause
significant damage or even the complete loss of a
building."

danger, people should be encouraged to extin-
guish the fire before it spreads." His conclusion?
"If there is no extinguisher available because some
over-zealous official has decreed they should be
removed, then that opportunity is lost. The
new survey clearly shows how fire extinguishers
continue to be an important line of defence in
reducing fire losses."

A full copy of the 2010 report is available on
the FIA website at www.fia.uk.com.

The main point of contention appears to be the
size of the fire that can be safely tackled, along
with the need for appropriate training. Regarding
the first point, although not clearly defined,
convention says that extinguishers should be used
on fires "not larger than a waste paper bin size".
However, the test fires used to certify the fire
ratings on extinguishers are very significant -
certainly much larger than a typical waste paper
bin size - to ensure a considerable safety margin in
calculating the rating.

It is important, says the FIA, to recognise that
those conducting fire ratings tests are, quite natu-
rally, skilled in extinguishing the fires, which leads
us onto the second point. Training is important,
and the lack of it is a reason cited by those who
argue against the use of portable extinguishers.
However, people certainly do not need to be
trained to the level of those whose job is to
extinguish fires as part of the fire rating process.
Lack of training is a poor excuse since it is readily
available and relatively simple.

In the UK, for example, the Fire Safety
Order states that: "Where necessary in order to
safeguard the safety of relevant persons, the
responsible person must ensure that the premises
are equipped with appropriate fire-fighting equip-
ment that is simple to use and indicated by signs.
The responsible person must take measures for
fire-fighting in the premises and nominate com-
petent persons to implement those measures and
ensure that the number of such persons, their
training and the equipment available to them are
adequate."

It is important, says the FIA, to recognise that those
conducting fire ratings tests are, quite naturally, skilled in
extinguishing the fires, which leads us onto the second
point. Training is important, and the lack of it is a
reason cited by those who argue against the use
of portable extinguishers.

He continued: "Of course, life safety must come
first, but the analogy I would draw is that if you
drop a lit match onto a carpet, you calmly tread on
it to extinguish the flame. You certainly do not
immediately evacuate the building. Common
sense has to be applied, but if it is a small fire that
can be readily tackled without putting yourself in

Through schemes such as the SP1 01/ST 1 04
from BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment),
third-party assurance is given that registered
companies are competent to supply the correct
extinguisher for a given application, in the right
place and with the right - and easy to understand
- operating instructions and signage. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

DETECTION

Beam Smoke Detectors
are available for
Hazardous Areas

By Jon Ben

Fire Fighting Enterprises
Ltd.

Getting The Best Fr

Large, expansive indoor areas can present a challenge to traditional fire safety
systems where, in order to effectively detect smoke, complex networks of
multiple overlapping sensors are required. Optical beam smoke detectors, on
the other hand, are designed exactly for such situations.

A single optical beam detector installed on a
/ Y wall can detect smoke over an area of up to
#1 1500 square metres, resulting in fewer
detectors, faster installation reduced installation
and wiring cost, and less aesthetic intrusion.
Mounting on the wall - as opposed to the ceiling
- can allow more convenient access for mainte-
nance, and a low-level controller further speeds
and eases the process. A space that might need as
many as 15 point detectors could, therefore, be
maintained from one single low-level controller,
as opposed to organising height access to 15
different detector locations.

There is already a lively debate about the
relative merits and drawbacks of different detec-
tion systems, with a common theme being that
beam detection may not be as reliable or trouble-
free as other methods. However, this is almost
always due to incorrect installation and beams,
in fact, can be much more suitable for some
situations than other detection systems.

How beam detection works

An optical beam smoke detector works on the
principle of smoke particles interfering with the
transmission and reception of a beam of infra-red
(IR) light. A transmitter sends out a beam of IR
light, and a receiver a set distance away measures
the amount of IR light received. When smoke
enters the beam's path, the intensity of IR received

is reduced; when this reduction reaches a
pre-defined limit the alarm signal is triggered
and sent to a fire control panel.

Most beam detector systems consist of a trans-
mitter, receiver and control unit. The transmitter
projects the beam; the receiver at the "end" of
the beam measures its intensity with a photosensi-
tive sensor; and the control unit analyses and
interprets the signal before communicating the
detector's status to a fire control panel. These
three elements can either be entirely separate
or completely integrated, depending on the
system chosen. When the transmitter and receiver
are in the same unit, a prismatic panel is fitted
to the opposite wall where the receiver would
normally be positioned, reflecting the beam
back to the source - further reducing wiring
requirements.

A good visual analogy is a torch beam of visible
light, where the beam expands outwards in a
cone, its intensity dropping with distance from the
central axis. Beam detectors essentially detect how
much "darker" the end of the beam has become
due to smoke interference. In a torch light, as with
IR, beams can cross without scattering, which is
what allows reflective beam systems to function.
IR light is used, as it is significantly affected by
both smoke particles and the heat haze of a fire,
and is invisible to the human eye - somewhat less
intrusive than an actual torch beam.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

GETTING THE BEST FROM BEAM DETECTION

ncTcrTin m

U t 1 t L 1 1 U IM

om Beam Detection

Overcoming common
problems

A minor, gradual increase in
obscuration is not typical of
smoke interference, but might
well be due to dust and dirt
build-up on the active surfaces.

Software in more advanced beam
detectors can detect this slow
change, and increase the gain (a
form of signal amplification) to
automatically compensate for
this. By contrast, sudden and very
high beam obscuration is almost
certainly a solid object in the
beam's path, and will trigger a
"Fault" status, so the path can be
cleared. In this way, "intelligent"
beam detector systems are
able to perform accurately and
effectively over a long period of
time and with minimal manual
maintenance.

Detector types

There are two fundamental types
of beam detectors. End-to-end
systems have the transmitter and
receiver on opposite sides of the area to be pro-
tected. They can be up to 100 metres apart, and
the receiver can be connected to a control unit
installed at ground level for easy maintenance.
Reflective systems have the beam transmitter and
receiver in the same housing (a transceiver), with a
reflective plate on the opposite wall. This can still
be up to 100 metres away, and the plate is
prismatic so it will reflect the beam straight back,
even if it is not mounted perpendicular to the
transmission path.

End-to-end systems are relatively unaffected by
stray reflections from surrounding surfaces and
obstructions near the beam path. A reflective
system, although potentially susceptible to objects
near its line of sight, is easier to install and requires
less wiring as power is only needed by the single
transceiver unit. Essentially, end-to-end beam
detectors can operate effectively through narrower
"gaps", and will often be more suitable in more
confined areas or those with numerous obstruc-
tions such as cluttered roof spaces. In spaces
where this is not an issue, reflective systems will
usually be more convenient.

Very recently, technology was also developed
that allows the use of multiple transceiver heads
running on one single controller. This delivers cost-
effective protection for larger areas, and improved
coverage options for unorthodox indoor spaces.

Motorised and manual adjustment

New developments in beam detection technology
have led to a choice between inexpensive simplicity
and intelligent automation.

Traditionally, adjusting the beam's power and
direction had to be performed manually at the
time of installation, and then maintained over time

to compensate for dust build-up and "building
shift". This is where building elements can gradu-
ally move in very slight increments, affecting the
beam's aim and effectiveness. Recently, the option
has become available to choose automated,
motorised beam adjustment. This technology uses
data from the unit over time to automatically
adjust its direction and sensitivity to keep the
beam accurately aligned and the signal at an
optimum level. This is fast, reliable, and eases
installation, as well as reducing both the need and
time taken for continued maintenance.

As already mentioned, by their nature beam
detectors cover a huge area, and so require fewer
units and wiring than other detector types; but
there are other things to consider as well. Beams
are less affected than other types of detector by
high ceilings, harsh environments and airflow
blowing smoke away. As a smoke plume rises it
becomes less dense, which leads to a maximum
operating height for point detectors since the par-
ticle density can fall below the alarm threshold.
Since a beam operates over a linear path, the
density of the plume has no effect - only the total
number of smoke particles in the beam path. As
the plume widens, it involves more of the
beam, making beam detectors more effective as
height increases compared with other detectors.

Blowing smoke

Similarly, airflows that might blow smoke away
from point detectors' tiny sensor chambers are
going to have less effect on the long, wide
detection pattern of a beam system. Dust and dirt
build-up is taken care of by automatic beam signal
strength compensation, and extreme temperatures
have relatively little effect on the technology -

Prismatic reflectors are
installed on the opposite
wall when the beam
transmitter and receiver
are in the same unit

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nCTCTTin M

GETTING THE BEST FROM BEAM DETECTION

U 1 1 t L 1 1 U IM

there are even beam detectors suitable for use in
explosive atmospheres.

A related, but separate, problem can occur
when a rising smoke plume draws in surrounding
air and cools rapidly as it rises, sometimes actually
becoming colder than the air above it. In this situa-
tion, most commonly seen in high-ceilinged spaces,
the smoke spreads out below the layer of warm air,
as though trapped under an "invisible ceiling" of
its own. This is known as stratification, and it can
render ceiling-mounted detectors ineffective due to
the lack of smoke particles reaching them. A typical
solution to this problem involves installing supple-
mentary detection at lower levels to detect the
stratified layer or even the plume itself. Beam
detectors are wall-mounted, typically up to 600mm
below ceiling level, thereby giving them a significant
advantage in detecting stratification layers.

Breathe easy

High Sensitivity Smoke Detection (HSSD) or aspi-
rating systems are another option for large indoor
spaces, however they suffer from their complexity
and installation requirements. A network of end-
caps, sampling pipes, brackets, elbows and labels
must be designed, fitted and maintained, which
can be costly and inconvenient. The aspirating
pipe itself can also be quite obtrusive, and hiding
it requires yet further cost and complexity due to
the need to install capillary tubes and drilling into
the ceiling.

Getting the best out of beams

As with almost all technology, an optical beam
detector will work much better if it is properly
installed and maintained. Most reported and
"common knowledge" problems with beam
detection actually stem from improper installation
and usage, but can be easily avoided by following
some basic rules coupled with common sense.

A stable base

Beam detector elements must be mounted on
rigid, stable surfaces to limit the risk of misalign-
ment; as with a torch, a tiny change in the trans-
mitter's angle will cause a large movement at the
other end of the beam.

Common problems come from mounting
beams on potentially flexible building surfaces
such as cladded walls or on free-hanging assem-

A good stable fixing surface

blies. Even building purlins can move as they are
particularly subject to ambient temperature
changes causing contractions and expansions, so
are not recommended as stable fixing points. So,
if direct mounting onto brick or block walls is
not possible, it is recommended that beam
components be installed onto secure, rigid metal
frame assemblies suspended from rigid steel joists.

Reflection perfection

Reflective optical beam detectors can be affected
by objects or surfaces close to the line-of-sight
between the beam and reflector. Obstructions will
not only interfere with the received signal, cutting

Obstructions can impair reflective beam
systems

the IR intensity, but could leave areas hidden by
their "shadow". If an obstructive surface was
mistakenly used for alignment during initial instal-
lation, it would leave the area behind it completely
unprotected. Confirming correct alignment is
therefore vital, with cover-up tests of the reflector
a sound method for ensuring that the whole area
is properly protected.

IR interference

Beam receivers should always be positioned to
avoid other sources of IR light. In the first instance,
where multiple beam detectors are in effect, each
receiver should only have its associated transmit-
ter's beam falling on it. If it is within the beam of

Correct ' back-to-back ' transmitter placement

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FIRE

Optical Beam Smoke Detectors

Low cost, field-proven fire protection
for large open areas

With over 650,000 beams installed worldwide, including in some
of the world's most prestigious buildings, it is clear that the
FIRERAY® series is the choice for both installers and specifiers.

FIGHTING

tNTctpftnes

T +44 (0) 1462 444 740 F +44 (0) 1462 444 789 E sales@ffeuk.com W www.ffeuk.com

FIRERAY 9 - The leading
light in smoke detectors

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GETTING THE BEST FROM BEAM DETECTION

U 1 1 t L 1 1 U IM

Multi-head transceivers
can operate from a
single controller

another detector system, "crosstalk" can occur
producing false "Fire" and "Fault" conditions. If
two systems must be daisy-chained to cover a long
distance, the transmitters should be mounted
back-to-back rather than the reflectors or
receivers, to minimise interference. Other strong IR
light sources, such as direct sunlight, can cause IR
saturation whereby - much as with the human eye
- it will be too "bright" to function properly.
Normal fluorescent lights emit very little IR light,
though incandescent bulbs, sodium lamps and

Creatures of the night

One last, occasional concern is that various "crea-
tures of the night" - usually bats and owls - might
set off false alarms by flying along the apex of a
gabled or pitched roof. Although this could
conceivably be a problem, some beam detection
systems can have a delay timing set. This would
then send a fault or fire signal only after that con-
dition had been registered for a certain time -
long enough for any flying trespassers to flit away
again.

Beam detectors are an excellent option for
wide-area smoke detection, covering much larger areas
than point-type smoke detectors and with minimal
wiring requirements when compared with smoke
aspirating systems.

Jon Ben is Technical Director
at Fire Fighting Enterprises
Ltd.

For more information go to
www.ffeuk.com

camera flashes emit more and beams should be
positioned to avoid such stray light falling directly
onto the receiver.

Spacing

Standards such as EN54-12 dictate the design
and construction of optical beam smoke detectors.
It is important to note, however, that beam
installation is governed by the relevant national
Code of Practice. Codes can vary by territory in
their definition of the accepted width of coverage
of a beam, and its allowable height from the
ceiling. The operating range (linear distance) for a
beam is dictated by the manufacturer's design and
the approval gained for each beam detector
product.

Conclusion

In short, beam detectors are an excellent option
for wide-area smoke detection, covering much
larger areas than point-type smoke detectors and
with minimal wiring requirements when compared
with smoke aspirating systems. Different beam
systems are available to suit different projects,
depending on issues of cost, wiring and space.
Possibly the most important point though is that,
even the best technology in the world, it is worth
nothing if it is not used correctly. So, following the
golden rules for installation is vital for safety and
success. Bearing this information in mind, optical
beam smoke detection can - and should - be con-
sidered a leading light in fire protection systems
for large indoor areas. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

resistant glass is now
also produced in the

Visit www.vetrotech.com to learn more about our comprehensive product range.

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> Works in challenging environments.

For VESDA ECO videos, whitepaper and application
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by xtralis

Car Parks

Underground Utility Tunnels Manufacturing Facilities

Transportation Centres

Battery-charging Rooms

Warehouses

By Peter

Massingberd-Mundy

Technology and Expert
Practices Manager,
Xtralis

CODES

EN54-20: Smoke

Detection's
Essential
Building Block

Following the introduction EN54 Part 20, since June 2009 all Aspirating Smoke
Detection (ASD) systems installed in Europe need to be designed using products
which comply with this harmonised product standard.

As a foundation, EN54 Part 20 - the European
/ \ product standard for aspirating smoke
/ V detection (ASD) systems - provides an
essential springboard for specifying, designing and
installing reliable and truly effective smoke
detection systems.

The standard, first published in June 2006,
defines the performance capability of an ASD
system in terms of both sensitivity and "fitness for
purpose". It introduced three classes of sensitivity;
Class A being very high, Class B enhanced and
Class C normal sensitivity. ASD systems in the
Class C category provide the hole equivalent to
traditional point detection. As the standard
encompasses the core fire performance tests for
EN54-7 for point detectors, ASD systems must be
capable of detecting smoke from the standard test
fires while set up in a "worst case" configuration.
Essentially, when smoke from the standard test
fires in EN54-7 enters a single hole, the ASD
system must signal an alarm.

A class above

Meanwhile, Class A and Class B systems offer
better sensitivity for earlier and more reliable
detection. ASD systems in these classes provide
much earlier smoke detection for more critical and
demanding applications, with EN54-20 going
beyond EN54-7 with the introduction of additional
fire tests in these two classes.

A Class B system must detect a series of fires
that produce significantly less smoke than the
EN54-7 standard fires. In fact, for smouldering
fires of wood block and cotton wick, the smoke
concentration is 13 times less. Class A systems
must detect a series of test fires that produce even
less smoke - about 40 times less smoke in the
case of the smouldering fires. As with Class C
systems, this relates to the sensitivity of a single
hole.

The classes allow designers and installers to clearly
specify the sensitivity they require for a particular
application. Indeed, it is often the case that a Class
A and/or Class B alarm signal is specified in con-
junction with a Class C alarm - all from the same
ASD system. The intention being that the Class A
and/or Class B signals are used to trigger a very
early warning or pre-alarm condition (respectively)

and a full evacuation "fire" alarm is not signalled
until a Class C threshold is exceeded.

In other cases, a Class B "enhanced" system is
specified to provide confidence that smoke will be
detected in areas where it is likely to become
diluted, for example in areas with ceilings over
eight metres or in voids or shafts where airflows
are present, or where the protected area contains
artefacts that would be particularly susceptible to
smoke damage. Examples include heritage build-
ings, museums and document banks.

Guidelines for the design, installation, commis-
sioning and maintenance of ASD Systems are set
out in the Fire Industry Association's (FIA) Code of
Practice that incorporates the EN54-20 sensitivity
classes and provides recommendations not only as
to where to use each class and how to install the
system, but moreover how to test them using a set
of standard field-based test fires.

Class A - very high sensitivity

An ASD system with very high sensitivity that is
capable of providing very early warning of a
potential fire condition. Such systems are
particularly relevant for high-risk areas where
staged responses to the multi-stage alarm
conditions are justified to ensure minimum
down time of the protected area that may
result from any fire related incident.

Class B - enhanced sensitivity

An ASD system with enhanced sensitivity for
applications where an additional degree of
confidence is required for the protection of a
particular risk. The enhanced capability of such
systems is often required to compensate for
other risk factors in the protected area, such as
unusually high ceilings or significant air flows.

Class C - normal sensitivity

An ASD system designed to give equivalent
performance to standard point detection
systems meeting the requirements of EN54-7.

Source: Fire Industry Association Code of Practice for
Design, Installation, Commissioning & Maintenance of
Aspirating Smoke Detector (ASD) Systems.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

CODES

Photo courtesy of BRE

Across Europe installation rules are beginning to
emerge with reference to ASD class, and most
recently it was adopted as an international
standard, ISO 7240-20, also leading to a tightening
up of ASD labelling.

The cumulative effect

While the principle of ASD is simple - smoke
samples are drawn into a central detector through
sampling pipes and holes - by their very nature
ASD systems have a natural advantage when
compared with point-type detectors as they are
sampling from many different points in a space.

The conservative approach to ensuring that an
ASD system matches the detection performance of
a standard EN54-7 point detector means that (as
stated previously) when smoke from standard test
fires in EN54-7 enters a single hole, the ASD must
signal an alarm. Imagine a system with 20 holes, if

smoke enters only one hole then it is mixed with
clean samples from the other 19 holes before it
reaches the detector. As such, the detector in a
multi-hole ASD must be many times more sensitive
than a standard point detector in order to detect
the standard test fires required by EN54-7.

While this "dilution effect" does not need to be
considered for point type detectors, it has a
distinct advantage in practice. In any real fire
scenario, it is highly unlikely the smoke will only
enter one hole. ASD systems therefore have a
natural ability to detect "diluted" smoke in the
space. As smoke naturally disperses and diffuses in
volumes, the more sampling holes it enters, the
higher the effective sensitivity of the ASD becomes.

This cumulative effect, where smoke enters more
than one ASD sampling hole simultaneously, is par-
ticularly useful in high-airflow environments or areas
where high levels of smoke dilution is anticipated.

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EN54-20: SMOKE DETECTION'S ESSENTIAL BUILDING BLOCK

CODES

ASD applications

Traditionally ASD systems have been used for
applications where early warning of fire is needed,
and protection of property assets is key; for
instance business-critical computer server or
telecoms installations, where it is crucial that a fire
is identified before it can cause disruption and
jeopardise business continuity. Of course, early
warning also allows additional time for safe
evacuation.

The FIA highlights three key reasons for using
ASD; very early warning, enhanced smoke sensitiv-
ity and as an alternative to point or beam type
smoke detectors. Common motivators include
extreme environments, restricted/difficult access,
exceptional ceiling heights and heat barriers,
aesthetics, risk of mechanical damage, anti-vandal
systems and hazardous environments.

Class B applications, including large, open
spaces such as warehouses, cold-storage facilities,
manufacturing environments, and cable tunnels all
benefit from the inherently higher sensitivity at
each sampling hole and from the cumulative
effect. Thus ASD provides a double advantage to
provide reliable very early warning fire detection
in situations that would present a challenge to
conventional detection methods.

The FIA highlights three key
reasons for using ASD; very
early warning, enhanced
smoke sensitivity and as an
alternative to point or beam
type smoke detectors.

At this juncture, we must address a common
misconception that ASD systems are prone to false
alarms. This is strictly not true. Ignorance of the
nature of ASD's cumulative effect underlies many
misconceptions about false or unwanted alarms
from high sensitivity systems. Our field experience
with extremely stable, fixed calibration VESDA
technology shows that ever more environments
tolerate stable Class B detection, with filters to
reduce nuisance alarms. In fact, early warning
technology avoids false alarms and unnecessary
evacuations, though by its very nature if a fire is
detected early it is not really a "fire" - and unfor-
tunately there are no statistics collected on "near
misses" in the fire industry.

BRE is soon to publish research on the perfor-
mance of detectors in high ceilings, where
ASDs were tested alongside beam detectors in a
43.5m high warehouse We eagerly await publica-
tion of the findings as they provide important
evidence that will influence changes to several
European Installation codes (including BS5839-1)
which currently give very conservative ceiling
height limitations for ASD systems. The findings
also provide further guidance for the detection
capabilities of beam detectors in high ceiling
spaces

Other applications where ASD is commonly
used include where building aesthetics are of
concern or where the environment presents

challenges with respect to maintenance access
or harshness, or areas where high airflows are
present.

While Class A and Class B sensitivity and the
cumulative effect are trade marks for the advan-
tages of the ASD technique, there are some
applications where normal sensitivity Class C
detection - using only one or a few holes and
a normal sensitivity (EN54-7) point detector -
has advantages. Such "point in a box" type
systems invariably demonstrate improved perfor-
mance when compared with the un-aspirated
point detector, because the smoke entry character-
istic is improved significantly by using forced
aspiration as opposed to passive diffusion or local
"drafts" to transport smoke into the detection
chamber.

There is therefore space in the ASD marketplace
for Class C products, notably those that use a
point-type detector with a nominally normal
sensitivity detector, in those areas where there is
not the cumulative effect. Most importantly, the
consequence of a Class C approval to EN54-20 is a
confidence that the particular system is at least as
reactive to fire as any EN54-7 point detector. And
the advantages of ASD technique still apply;
aesthetic or concealed detection, ease of access
for maintenance, plus the opportunity for sample
conditioning or filtering for challenging or dirty
environments.

The impact of EN54-20

Looking at the ASD sector today, it is clear that
the establishment of EN54-20 has improved the
quality of products in the marketplace. Tighter
flow monitoring requirements have led to
improvements and, where necessary, the
withdrawal of non-conforming products from the
market.

As a result of EN54-20 becoming the mandatory
standard, people are specifying ASD, but still not
as much as they might. There is still plenty of room
for enlightenment among specifiers and installers
as to the many advantages of ASD, as well as
dispelling some of the misconceptions that stem
from the unrivalled sensitivity that can be provided
by ASD.

In the UK, ASD is a well-accepted method of
smoke detection and fire prevention, and accounts
for approximately 13 percent of smoke detection
spend. Elsewhere in Europe, ASD counts for
approximately seven percent, but as a result of a
harmonised European standard it is becoming
more widely accepted, so we can expect this
percentage to rise.

When first introduced over 20 years ago, ASD
systems were frequently specified alongside point
detection systems. Under approvals to ad-hoc
product standards (prior to EN54-20) it became
increasingly recognised that ASD systems are
reliable and can provide "equivalence" to point
detection - thereby negating the need for point
detectors.

With the publication of EN54-20 in 2006, the
clear definition of three sensitivity Classes made it
clear that ASD systems are able to detector lower
concentrations of smoke than a normal point
detector. In 2010, a year after EN54-20 became
mandatory across most of Europe, the benefits of
correctly specified ASD are being exploited in more
and more applications. D33

Peter Massingberd-Mundy

is Technology and Expert
Practices Manager at Xtralis

For more information go to
www.xtralis.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

VISUAL ALARMS

By Mark Thomson

KAC Alarm Company

EN54-23: Rising To

Regulations and legislation such as the UK's Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
make service providers and employers responsible for ensuring that disabled
people do not receive less favourable treatment than the able bodied. The fire
alarm industry has responded by providing detection systems that generate both
audible and visual warnings when a fire is detected.

N ormally, a visual alarm is only used in a fire
alarm system to reinforce a warning from
the primary audible warning device such as
a bell, siren or voice alarm, but it is never the
primary method of raising the alarm. However, in
a building in which deaf and hard of hearing
people are present, a risk assessment may indicate
that a visual alarm will have to become as impor-
tant as the normal audible alarm in attracting
their attention. In such cases, the strobe units or
beacons must produce a sufficiently high light
output to achieve the objective. By definition, as a
life safety industry, anything that improves the
effectiveness of an automatic fire system is an
advance to be welcomed, particularly if it provides
enhanced protection for all occupants of the
protected building. Until now, however, there
has been no product standard specifying the per-
formance requirements of visual alarm devices.

BS EN54-23

The product standard BS EN54-23:2010 (Fire
detection and fire alarm systems. Fire alarm
devices. Visual alarm devices) defines the perfor-
mance requirement of visual alarm devices and
was published by BSI in June 2010. Typically, for
fire detection and alarm product standards pro-
duced to satisfy the EU Construction Products
Directive (Harmonised Standards), there is a

36-month transition period from the time the
standard becomes available to national standards
bodies. At the end of this transition period, pro-
ducts that do not satisfy the harmonised standard
(indicated by a CE Mark), will no longer be able to
be put on the European market. In the case of
EN54-23 the date by which national conflicting
standards must be withdrawn is March 2013.

The standard specifies the requirements, test
methods and performance criteria for visual alarm
devices in a fixed installation, intended to signal a
visual warning of a fire initiated by the fire detec-
tion and alarm system. It covers only those devices
that derive their operating power by means of a
physical electrical connection to an external
source, such as a fire alarm system, and it applies
only to pulsing or flashing visual alarm devices -
for example Xenon or rotating beacons and
devices that rely on software for their operation.

The introduction of a mandated harmonised
standard sets a base level for product perfor-
mance. Fire system engineers can therefore be
reassured that when approved strobes are installed
in accordance with the manufacturer's recommen-
dations, they will provide the defined level of
illumination in the protected premises. Under the
specification, manufacturers have to classify their
products as C, ceiling mounted, W, wall mounted,
or 0, open class devices. In a fire system, both

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

EN54-23: RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

\l 1 C 1 1 A 1 A 1 A D M C

VISUAL ALAI r; 3

The Challenge

Stanton) Smoke Detector Spacing

C and W devices will be the primary types used,
with some specialised applications having type 0
devices as well. The C class units often take the
form of a detector base sounder-strobe, fitted
between a multi-sensor, smoke or heat detector
and its base. W class devices will be either stand-
alone strobes or combined sounder-strobes. The
key performance indicators are that the output of
the device must be greater than two candela (cd)
and less than 500cd, and the flash rate must be
between 0.5 and 2.0Hz.

The critical requirement from a manufacturer's
point of view is that each model must be tested to
demonstrate compliance with the Standard's
requirements. For ceiling-mounted devices, the
manufacturer must define the maximum height at
which it can be installed, set at a standard three
metres, six metres or nine metres. A wall-mounted
device must be installed at a minimum of 2.4
metres from the floor. The coverage volume,
defined by the manufacturer, in which the output

meets the minimum required illumination of 0.4
lumens/m 2 (lux) on a surface perpendicular to the
direction of the light emitted from the device is
the key performance measure.

Further relevant documents are BS 8300:2009+
A1 :201 0 (Design of buildings and their approaches
to meet the needs of disabled people. Code of
practice) and LPS1652 ( Code of Practice for Visual
Alarm Devices used for Fire Warning) currently
at Draft 1.0 status and published by LPCB Loss
Prevention Certification Board).

Implications for the fire detection
industry

Clearly the industry welcomes a new product
standard that will ensure that alarm signals are as
consistent and effective as possible throughout
the areas in which they are installed. However, it
is apparent that almost no visual alarm device on
the market today will meet the requirements
of EN54-23 in a manner that will allow the

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

\l 1 C 1 1 A 1 A 1 A D M C

EN54-23: RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

VISUAL ALAKIVI j

Mark Thomson is Marketing
Manager at KAC Alarm
Company

For more information go to
www.kac.co.uk

established custom and practice on spacing of
devices within protected premises to be main-
tained. The issue arises because current products,
designed to reinforce an audible warning, are
often not bright enough to attract attention by
themselves at any meaningful distance, unless
they are in the direct line of sight.

It would appear to be a relatively simple problem
to design and manufacture higher output visual
alarm devices. However, there is considerable
concern as to whether existing technology - par-
ticularly in respect of loop-powered addressable
beacons - is able to meet the performance
requirements. The limitations arise as the result of
the zone current available from the control panel,
the inefficiencies converting the incident electrical
energy into light, and lenses and reflectors that are
not necessarily designed to maximise the light
transmission generated by the source. When the
use of coloured lenses is added into the equation,
the problem is exacerbated

The issue that these deficiencies raise is quite
simple: fire system engineers and installers will
want to maintain existing spacing when fitting
compliant strobes in order to keep cost and com-
plexity under control. However, initial experiments
suggest that using existing technology and
designs, the alarm current for a loop-powered
strobe is likely to have to rise from the typical
value of 2 to 3mA to 30-40mA, the non-linear
increase resulting from efficiency reductions in
converting the incident electrical energy into light
rather than heat. With a loop typically able to
provide around 400mA, this will severely restrict
the number of devices, leading to significant
system design issues.

Alternative approaches

Accordingly, there are two possible alternative
options. Conventional visual alarm devices, inter-
facing with the loop via modules, could be used.
The strobes could be powered from separate
power supplies to overcome the current limitation

issues, and there are many high output conven-
tional strobes already available that would give
the required levels of illumination at a realistic
distance. Of course, there are drawbacks. Individual
control and management of any particular strobe
is lost and installation and equipments costs will
increase with the need for interface modules for
each bank of strobes.

The second option is to take the introduction of
the new standard as a challenge, and develop
addressable strobes that will generate sufficient
output to enable the established customs and
practices in system design to be preserved. The
size of this task should not be underestimated; it is
one that the industry has to overcome in order to
improve the protection given to building occu-
pants, particularly those who suffer from total or
partial deafness. They should not be placed in
greater danger in the event of fire purely because
of potential technological difficulties; it is the job
of the industry leaders to harness the resources
available to provide a workable solution.

In order to improve the conversion efficiency,
the new generation of addressable strobes will
almost certainly have to use either a Xenon strobe
or high output LEDs. Both have potential problems
in terms of current draw and heat generation, but
they are the most likely contenders in the quest to
produce a light output at least an order of magni-
tude greater than current devices. New designs of
reflectors and lenses will be needed to ensure that
as much as possible of the generated light is
concentrated where it is needed - forwards and
down in the case of a wall-mounted device.
Almost certainly, white light strobes will become
the norm because the greater range of frequencies
enables more light energy to be produced.

Time is short. It will not be very long until
approval to EN54-23 will become mandatory
under the CPD in March 2013, and KAC, for
one, is well on the road to meeting this new
challenge to benefit the industry and the people it
protects. D33

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DETECTION

Protecting
High-Risk
Plant

The protection of high-risk,
high-value assets and personnel has
never been more vital. Such installations
include onshore and offshore oil and gas
plant, petrochemical plant and hazardous
material handling and storage.

European Manager at
Spectrex Inc.

Figure 1

I n many situations, high-risk plant is classified as
hazardous due to the presence of potentially
flammable or combustible materials and require
that all potential sources of ignition be protected
by suitably designed and approved housings, for
example flameproof Exd, to standards such as
lECEx, ATEX, FM and CSA. Many installations also
require to be assessed against IEC 61508 for
functional safety integrity (SIL).

A key element is the fire detection and protec-
tion systems that include a wide variety of detector
types and controls to rapidly identify a fire hazard
and prevent or extinguish the fire before it
becomes a danger to plant and personnel.

For high-risk areas and outdoors, optical flame
detectors, like that shown in fig 1, are the
favoured solution for this critical role, as smoke
and heat detectors are not effective outdoors.
Unlike smoke and heat detectors, the fire and
products of fire - smoke and heat - do not have
to reach the optical detector to be recognised, as
it "sees" the radiation from the flames from a
distance of up to 65 metres over a 100 degree
cone of vision in all directions.

Optical flame detectors provide the fastest
detection of a fuel fire in the early ignition stage.
Their fast response capability, adjustable field of
view and programmability make them extremely
well suited for this role. Flame detection, with high
sensitivity and immunity to false alarms, is an
essential determining factor when designing
systems for this application.

They operate by sensing one or more wave

being burned (the

lengths of electromag-
netic radiation emitted
by the fuel flames. The
precise wavelengths vary
depending on the fuel
chemical reactions that generate energy in the
form of electromagnetic radiation), the oxygen
supply to the flames, and environmental condi-
tions that affect the radiation transmission in the
atmosphere.

Many combustible materials include hydro-
carbons that typically generate hot carbon dioxide
(see figure 2). In the presence of an actual fire, the
radiation intensity in the carbon dioxide peak
band is usually high, while little or no radiation is
received in the side bands. Thus, high radiation
intensity in the peak band, as compared with that
in the non-peak side bands, is used to determine
whether a flame is present.

In addition to the two major fire products (C0 2
and H 2 0), other intermediate radicals and ions and
by-products created in the fire process (such as
CO, CHOH, COOH, CH 3 and OH) emit electro-
magnetic radiation that can be detected either in
the UV solar blind spectrum or in the wide IR
bands.

Developing technology

Flame detection has come a long way from the
early days when a simple UV sensor was used.
Whilst the UV method was a very good and fast
fire detector, it was also a good detector for all
sorts of other radiation sources that were not fires,
for example, the sun and arc welding. These false
alarms led to a lowering in confidence in such
detectors. They also had a limited detection
distance - usually 1 5 metres at best.

Over the years, other types and combinations
of sensor types were invented, including single
infrared (IR), combined double IR, combined UV/IR.
All were tried and found deficient in one way or
another, mainly due to false alarms and/or low
sensitivity due to short range detection.

Today, the most respected and widely used
method is Triple Infrared (IR3) technology using
three different IR wavelengths. This type of
spectral analysis ensures no false alarm to any
continuous, modulated or pulsating radiation
sources other than fire (including sources like black

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

ncTcrTin m

PROTECTING HIGH-RISK PLANT

U t 1 t L 1 1 U IM

Figure 2

For more information go to
www.spectrex-inc.com

Wavelenght

Detection of the flame s characteristic CO? emission doe
by the use of three wavelenght bands

or gray body radiation). The high sensitivity of the
Triple IR technology coupled with its inherent
immunity to false alarms enables substantially
longer detection ranges than previously obtained
with standard detectors.

This detection approach offers:

• Fast response - less than five seconds.

• Long range detection - up to 65 metres from

fire.

• High sensitivity to small fires.

• Highest immunity to false alarms.

• High reliability and availability (IEC 61 508-SIL2

TUV approved).

Latest solutions

These benefits are combined in the Spectrex
40/401 IR3 flame detector with additional features
to ensure unattended, reliable operation such as
automatic integral self-test (every 15 minutes);
heated optics to ensure continued operation in
extreme weather conditions; a wide variety of
interfaces (relays, milliamp, ModBus, HART); a
long warranty period of five years; along with
independent third-party performance approvals
(EN54-10, FM 3260 etc).

These types of detector are used to detect fire
from hydrocarbon fuels, gases and materials,
mainly focusing on the resultant carbon dioxide
(C0 2 ) produced from such fires. However, until
now, "invisible" hydrogen fires were detected by
UV type detectors, as the products of the hydro-
gen fire were different (no C0 2 product from the
fire) thus detection distance was very limited. Now,
the Spectrex 40/40M Multi IR flame detector,
incorporating four IR sensors, allows simultaneous
detection of hydrogen flames at distances of 30
metres as well as detecting hydrocarbon fires up
to 65 metres distant.

The Triple/Multi IR detection technology over-
comes the long-time problem of false alarms. One
of the problems in detecting small fires in the
high-risk oil and gas industries, particularly at long
ranges, was the potential for a high false alarm
rate. False alarms could be generated by other
electromagnetic radiation sources that are either
termed as "friendly fires"( like flares in the petro-
chemical industry) or by spurious radiation sources,
such as direct and reflected sunlight, artificial light,
welding, electrical heaters, ovens, and other
sources of "noise".

A false alarm could result in a costly discharge

of the fire extinguishant, and
if the fire extinguishant is of
the type requiring replace-
ment before reuse, the false
alarm may disable the fire
suppression system until it
has been replaced or
recharged and cause facility
shut-down.

Several generations of
optical flame detectors have
been developed to address
the various fire and explosion
hazards, particularly in mod-
ern oil and gas exploration,
processing storage, loading
and shipping facilities. The
Spectrex 40/40 Series is the
most durable and weather
resistant range of flame
detectors currently on the market. Its features
include a heated window, to eliminate condensa-
tion and icing; HART capabilities for digital com-
munications; lower power requirements and a
compact, lightweight design.

These detectors are fully tested to withstand
harsh environmental conditions, including strong
vibration, elevated temperatures in excess of 85°C,
as well as deep freezing conditions of -55°C, high
density fog, rain, snow and other extreme environ-
mental conditions. This makes them ideal for
installation in isolated and often difficult to reach
industrial facilities located in Alaska, Siberia or on
offshore oil rigs.

Due to the detectors' increased reliability and
durability, the SharpEye 40/40 Series warranty
period has been extended to five years and
approved by TUV to SIL2. Performance approvals
(EN54-10, FM3260, DNV) and Ex approvals (ATEX,
lECEx, FM, CSA, GOST-R) are also essential require-
ments to prove, via third-party testing, that
manufacturers' claims are justified.

It is also important to mention the testing
of flame detectors. The internal self-test will
check the sensors but, necessarily, will not check
the outputs. Therefore, the Spectrex range of
flame simulators provide an in-situ means to
fully end-to-end loop test flame detector, including
the wiring connections and control system
reaction. The main advantages are that the
simulators can be used in Ex hazardous areas
and can test the detector from up to nine metres
away. This avoids the high cost of scaffolding and
other access equipment and encourages testing
when it may otherwise have been deemed too
difficult.

Summary

Flame detection technologies have come a long
way since the first phototube (UV) detected the
photons emitted by flames. This has been driven
primarily by the ever growing requirements of
today's industries that demand high reliability and
availability combined with cost effectiveness in
their detection equipment for its expensive high-
risk facilities and processes. Smaller in size, larger
in brains with their miniature microprocessors,
modern optical flame detectors provide industry
with enhanced flame detection capability and
reliability, with much longer detection ranges and
minimal or no false alarms. m3

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

40/40 Series Flame Detectors

The new SharpEye 40/40 Series Flame Detectors are designed for long-term, reliable operation in severe,
high-risk environments. All 40/40 Series detectors offer enhanced reliability and durability with a full 5-year warranty.
A heated window, fully SIL2 [TUV] certified and EN54-10, FM3260 and DNV performance approved, along with Ex
hazardous area approvals [ATEX, IECEx, FM, CSA] ensure your peace of mind. Interfacing is also easy - we provide a
choice of relay contacts, analogue mA, RS485 Modbus and HART. All of this combined in a compact, lightweight but
rugged package makes the 40/40 Flame Detector the one to choose!

5 YEAR WARRAN'I’Y

Headquarters NJ (USA): +1 (973) 239-8398
Houston Office: +1 (281) 463-6772
Europe: +44 (141) 578-0693
E-mail: spectrex@spectrex-inc.com
Web: www.spectrex-inc.com

SPECTRE X INC.

CONTROL LOGIC
Spark
detector

designed for
dust collectio
systems
to protect

ri .

of fire.

201 37 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - Italy

Tel.: + 39 02 541 0 081 8 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764

E-mail: controllogic@controllogic.it - Web: www.controllogic.it

The

Sparks fly
at high speed*

They travel at a hundred kilometres
per hour along the ducts of the dust
collection system and reach the silo
in less than three seconds

CONTROL LOGIC
SPARK DETECTOR

is faster than
the sparks themselves.
It detects them with its highly
sensitive infrared sensor,
intercepts and extinguishes
them in a flash,
no periodic inspection.

CONTROL LOGIC system

is designed for "total supervision".
It verifies that sparks have been
extinguished, gives prompt warning of
any malfunction and, if needed,
cuts off the duct and stops the fan.

SO 9001

CONTROL LOGIC

BETTER TO KNOW IT BEFORE

Eye is faster than nose.

In the event of live fire
the IR FLAME DETECTOR
responds immediately

IR FLAME DETECTOR
RIV-601/FA
EXPL0SI0NPR00F
ENCLOSURE

CONTROL LOGIC

IR FLAME DETECTOR

the fastest and most effective fire alarm device
for industrial applications

■j -t ^

IR FLAME DETECTOR
RIV-601/F
WATERTIGHT
IP 65 ENCLOSURE

For industrial applications indoors
or outdoors where is a risk of explosion
and where the explosionproof
protection is required.

One detector can monitor a vast area
and responds immediately
to the fire, yet of small size.

Also for

RS485 two-wire serial line

201 37 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - Italy

Tel.: + 39 02 541 0 081 8 - Fax + 39 02 541 0 0764

E-mail: controllogic@controllogic.it - Web: www.controllogic.it

By David Spicer

Crown Paints

COATINGS

Buying valuable
Time

Flame retardant coatings buy valuable time to evacuate a building if fire
breaks out.

E vacuating people from a burning building as
quickly and efficiently as possible is a serious
business and anything that can be done to
slow down the spread of flame will, in effect, buy
time for the building occupants.

According to independent fire testing establish-
ment, Exova warringtonfire, the approach to
flammability testing for internal building lining
materials differs around the world. There has been
harmonisation in Europe with the introduction of
EN 13501-1 and the associated test standards.
However, a global supplier is still likely to have to
conduct several tests in order to comply with
various national regulations.

Crown Paints has focused its testing for the UK,
where a new fire scenario was introduced in 2006,
whereby all employers owners or managers of
buildings (other than single occupancy private

dwellings) have a duty of care to achieve and
maintain conditions in buildings that reduce
the risk of injury, risk to life and damage to
property.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (Eng-
land and Wales) and the Fire (Scotland) Act require
the identification of a "responsible person" - such
as an owner, property manager or an employee -
who has a duty to ensure that a fire risk assess-
ment of the building as a whole is undertaken.
The EnglishAA/elsh and Scottish governments have
made available a series of advisory guides relating
to different industry sectors that provide details of
what to look for and how to carry out such a risk
assessment. Each of these guides refers to the
potential hazards of flame spread over painted
walls and ceilings and the need to achieve a Class
0 fire rating in circulation areas and escape routes.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

rn ATI MflQ

BUYING VALUABLE TIME

V* Vr 1 1 !M \J wl

Crown Trade Ti monox is
a range of flame
retardant coatings

Paints - even water-based emulsions - contain
resins or binders that may be flammable. Although
a single coat of emulsion on a bare plasterboard
surface is unlikely to form a hazard, over many
years a build up of multiple layers of conventional
paint over any surface can become a significant
fire risk, particularly in corridors, stairwells and
other areas forming part of a fire escape route.

In the UK, wall and ceiling lining materials are
classified from Class 0 to Class 4 according to their
level of resistance to flame spread and heat
release, with Class 0 being the best performing

0 rating on plasterboard may give a Class 3 rating
when applied to wood - so our fire performance
claims cover the paint and substrate in combina-
tion. Studies have shown that the Class 0 surface
of plasterboard, even when painted for the first
time, can be downgraded to Class 2 or worse as
subsequent layers of conventional paint are
applied.

This is a serious concern for organisations such
as local authorities and housing associations,
which have a duty of care to minimise fire risk and
guard against potential loss of life, injury and

Over many years a build up of multiple layers of conventional
paint over any surface can become a significant fire risk,
particularly in corridors, stairwells and other areas forming
part of a fire escape route.

material and Class 4 the worst. In many situations,
UK fire regulations demand Class 0 wall and
ceiling linings although Class 0 is not a term
defined in specific British Standards, but is defined
in Appendices to Approved Document B to the
Building Regulations or equivalent in Scotland.

A Class 0 performance is generally specified
where it is necessary to restrict the use of products
that ignite easily and that have a high rate of heat
release and could therefore reduce the time to
flashover.

It is not possible to test the performance of
paint in isolation - a system able to provide a Class

property damage. Furthermore, paint build up in
communal areas within office blocks, flats,
hospitals and old people's homes - in fact most
types of buildings - is of particular concern,
creating a significant risk of fire spreading
throughout a building.

The following example illustrates the potential
consequences of failing to maintain a Class 0 fire
protection rating.

An outbreak of fire in an English hospital saw a
50-metre corridor engulfed in flames within three
minutes following a bed being set on fire by a
patient. On hearing the fire alarm, a nurse located

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the fire and evacuated the ward, closing the fire
doors before making for the fire exit. However,
before the nurse could reach the end of the
corridor, an explosion of hot air blew open the fire
doors, allowing the fire to spread rapidly down the
corridor. Fortunately, in this case, all the occupants
of the building escaped without injury, although
this incident could easily have resulted in loss of
life.

A subsequent investigation into the spread of
the fire at the hospital showed that there was a
build up of more than 18 layers of paint on the
walls, which resulted in the hospital's original Class
0 fire protection rating being reduced to Class 4
spread of flame, despite all the products that had
been used having had a Class 0 rating on bare
plasterboard.

Commercial flame retardant surface coatings
such as Crown Trade Timonox are designed to
improve fire performance rating. They are capable
of improving a rating from Class 4 to Class 0 and,
while they are unable to prevent a fire from
starting, as paint is not normally the first thing to
be ignited, may provide valuable additional time
for a building to be safely evacuated.

with a wall where multiple layers of old paint had
been covered with the flame retardant coating.

The test, commonly known as the "Warrington-
fire Blue Board Test", features a multi-layer
cocktail of ten coats of conventional paint - as
might be found on the walls of a building of, say,
30 years of age - applied to a plasterboard
substrate which is then tested to BS 476: Part 7.
This involves mounting a specimen of specific size
of the surface to be tested, at right angles to a
high intensity radiant panel. For the first minute of
the test a small pilot flame is applied to the
surface of the specimen in the hotter region. The
test is conducted for a total of ten minutes and
the flame spread over the surface is recorded
throughout the period.

The test rated this Blue Board surface as Class
4, yet, when it was later treated with the flame
retardant paint system, the classification improved
to Class 1 . A similar panel, subject to BS 476: Part
6 produces heat release indices well in excess of
the 6 & 12 required by UK legislation when a Class
0 rating is required. The same Timonox systems
then limited the heat release indices below the
limits, and hence, combing the two results, met

The spread of the fire at the hospital showed that there was a
build up of more than 18 layers of paint on the walls, which
resulted in the hospital's original Class 0 fire protection
rating being reduced to Class 4 spread of flame, despite all
the products that had been used having had a Class 0 rating

on bare plasterboard.

David Spicer, Specialist
Products Manager at Crown
Paints

For more information go to
www.crowntrade.co.uk

During investigation, samples of painted
plasterboard walls, identical to those damaged in
the fire, were taken from the hospital. When test-
ed, the panels achieved a Class 4 rating. When
subsequently over-coated with Timonox Eggshell
the result was a much improved Class 1 fire rating.

The importance of using flame retardant coat-
ings is further illustrated in the case of a fire in a
tower block, again in England, which caused
extensive damage to the flat in which it started.
However, in this case, a flame retardant coating
had been applied to all communal areas of the
tower block as part of the local authority's planned
maintenance programme and, although heat in
the corridor outside the flat was enough to melt
the light fittings, there was no evidence of flame
spread beyond the affected apartment.

Generally, flame retardant coatings work by
limiting the oxygen around the flames through the
release of non-combustible gases, and by using a
formulation that provides a barrier to the flam-
mable paint layers beneath. In some cases, an
intumescent layer may be used, which produces a
foamed insulating carbon char on burning,
restricting heat rise in the surface beneath.

Tests carried out by Crown Paints at Exova
warringtonfire, showed a marked difference
between the spread of flame on a surface
intended to demonstrate a worst case scenario of
a painted wall or ceiling surface when compared

the requirements for a Class 0 rating.

An independent report, produced by
Warringtonfire some years ago confirmed that
multiple layers of paint in communal areas can
represent a significant fire hazard. The report
determined that it was not generally necessary to
remove previous layers of paint - this was only
needed when the original coatings had poor
adhesion.

It is recommended that property owners or
managers wishing to specify application of flame
retardant coatings should call on the services of
the paint manufacturer that should first make an
assessment of the age and condition of the
existing painted surfaces. The specialist may want
to take a sample of the existing paint covering
away for analysis, as this will show what coating
system needs to be applied to offer the optimum
protection.

Those using flame retardant coatings need not
compromise the aesthetic appearance of their
interior decoration. Paint-based systems are often
available in a wide range of colours and finishes
including matt and silk vinyl and acrylic eggshell,
with the option of anti-graffiti protection. A
conventional application of two coats of a flame
retardant finish over several layers of paint may be
sufficient to restore the required Class 0 rating, or
a higher performing system can be specified if the
existing risk is greater. D33

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

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to see why Firetrace is the right solution for your fire protection needs.

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® @ <™> r £

LISTED LISTED APP " ovto ^ ^

Firetrace® is a registered trademark of Firetrace USA, LLC / Firetrace Ltd. All unauthorized uses of the Firetrace trademark
shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by the law.

t Listings and Approvals vary by system and agent.

omzec

Fire Fighting Foams & Equipment

Dafo FomtecAB P.O Box 683 SE-135 26Tyreso Sweden
Phone: +46 8 506 405 66 Fax: +46 8 506 405 29
E-mail: info@fomtec.com Web: www.fomtec.com

“The independent alternative”

Foam Concentrates

and Foam Systems

mi • 'Xu/i *f i • *„

— 1 mm 1 ■ ■ 9

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r,yr imm mm i

Niall Rowan

Association for
Specialist Fire Protection

The Changing
Face Of Fire
Safety Design

The move away from prescriptive regulations and the adoption of fire
engineering techniques is not without its challenges, particularly when it
comes to passive fire protection.

T raditionally, fire safety design for buildings
has been based on compliance with a set of
regulations, prescriptive design guides or
codes of practice. However, it has become increas-
ingly recognised that these do not always provide
owners and developers with the most cost-
effective solutions, particularly for innovative
developments involving more complex structures,
unusual spaces, or new building materials. The
safety codes depend on assumptions and over-
simplifications, resulting in buildings that are often
over-engineered in some areas and misunderstood
in others.

Changes have been occurring over the last few
years to reflect this. In the UK, Approved
Document B was often referred to as "the Building

Regulations" as if that was all there was when, in
fact, it is only guidance to support and comply
with the building regulations - you do not have to
follow it. Consequently, the use of fire safety
engineering is increasing as trends in buildings
change. Architects want iconic buildings and these
often do not fit within the framework of con-
ventional codes and regulations, which might
require the installation of fire protection measures
that do not fit well with the building's design or its
function.

The role of fire-designed buildings

Most fire safety practitioners realise the value of
and the role that fire safety engineering has to
play. I always give the example of building a bridge

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE ENGINEERING

across a river. The bridge designer is told the load
the bridge has to take, the width of the river, the
soil conditions, etc and he or she designs a bridge.
The designer is not told, for example, that the
bridge must be constructed using brick arches
with a maximum ten metre span.

Yet that is exactly what prescriptive legislation
for fire safety does. It restricts the designer's free-
dom and, if our bridge analogy is used, would
lead to several identical bridges across a river
instead of the wide variety we see today. The
freedom to design a bridge using engineering
principles allows the designer to choose from
many different kinds of bridge. The same argu-
ment can be used for fire protection. The fire
safety designer can use a range of constructional
practices and fire protection techniques to ensure
the basics, namely that the building stays up long
enough for the occupants to escape and for the
fire service to intervene appropriately.

Think Linear. . .

Think Protectowire.

For over 70 years, people have relied on our products for
complete fire protection whether historic, high-tech or high risk.
Contact us for the ideal solution for any size application.

Protectowire, the/irst name in linear heat detection.

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# HreSystems

The Protectowire Company, Inc.

40 Grissom Road, Plymouth, MA 02360-7205 U.S.A.
781-826-3878; www.protectowire.com
An ISO 9001 Registered Company

Increase in fire-designed buildings

Consequently, we have seen an increase in the use
of a more flexible approach to designing fire safety
into buildings. Such an approach is embodied
in BS 9999 (Code of practice for fire safety in
the design, management and use of buildings).
BS 9999 is a kind of "half way house" between
Approved Document B and fire safety engineering
using BS 7974. It is a prescriptive code of practice
for fire safety design beyond the limits of
Approved Document B. It is not a fire engineering
guide, although it uses fire engineering principles
to formulate the guidance provided. It replaces
most of the BS 5588 codes of practice for fire
safety design of buildings.

BS 9999 provides the designer with guidance
on how to design a building taking into account
many factors including:

• Risk profiles (building risk category, fire load
density, and fire growth potential).

• Designing means of escape (travel distance,
occupant number, etc).

• Access and facilities for fire fighting.

• Designing the building structure (load bearing
and non load bearing elements, effects of
ventilation, fire suppression systems, etc).

• Protection of special risks.

• Managing occupied buildings.

There are concerns that in the
rush to take advantages of
the freedom that fire-
designed buildings give us,
we are not taking into
account the problems of
existing buildings and how
those problems, if transferred
to the fire-designed
buildings, may lead to
an unacceptable risk.

But, on the other hand, there are concerns that
in the rush to take advantages of all the freedoms
that fire-designed buildings give us, we are not
taking into account the problems of existing build-
ings and how those problems, if transferred - as
they will be - to the fire-designed buildings, may
lead to an unacceptable risk. Existing buildings
may be over engineered, but they have pitfalls and
problems that compensate for this.

Problems with existing buildings include:

• Badly specified fire protection (wrong type and
or number of products, use of products where
performance has not been adequately verified
by test, assessment or preferably third-party
product certification).

• Improperly installed fire protection (missing or
wrongly installed products and systems, use of
unskilled labour, installations not checked by
Building Control, etc).

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

THE CHANGING FACE OF FIRE SAFETY DESIGN

FIRE ENGINEERING

• Actions taken by occupants to disable or
render ineffective any fire protection measures
(fire alarms switched off, fire doors wedged
open, vandalism and subsequent installation
of services through compartment walls or
floors without reinstating the fire resisting
construction).

So some existing buildings might be over engi-
neered, but the robustness of the regulations
copes, or counteracts, many of the problems listed
above. What we are doing now is removing the
over engineering (or the robustness, if you like)
and not replacing it with anything. So the fire
engineered building may well be a problem if
much of the reduced fire protection that was
specified is not functioning, or is not installed
properly, or has been vandalised.

Is there evidence to support such fears? In the
absence of a significant number of fires in fire-
designed buildings, because they are still relatively
new and there are not enough of them, there
cannot be much evidence. However, recent events
have shown us the tragic effects of reduced fire
protection in traditional buildings. To have a
reduction of designed-in fire protection must give
rise for concern unless mitigating actions are put
in place.

Best practice guide

The publication of the Association for Specialist
Fire Protection (ASFP) best practice document was
preceded by a detailed three-year government-
funded project, where independent research on
fire safety provisions was collected on a wide
variety of buildings. The research repeatedly
showed that the misplaced reliability on fire
compartment walls and barriers is a real problem.
In some complex buildings, detailed drawings
were missing and occupants had no knowledge of
the location of essential defences, such as
compartment walls. A high percentage of
compartment walls were either defective through
poorly installed fire stopping of penetrating
service systems, or invalidated by incompetent
maintenance.

Lakanal House

Last year, the UK government's chief fire and
rescue adviser, Sir Ken Knight, published his initial
report on the emerging issues arising from the
fatal fire at Lakanal House, Camberwell in London.
The report reminds us of the fundamental
principles intended for the construction of larger
buildings stating: "There is a long established
principle that the design and construction of
high-rise buildings enable the occupants adjacent
to the immediate fire area to make their way to a
place of safety, while other occupants can remain
safely in their homes. These principles do require
that a satisfactory level of passive and active fire
safety systems are installed and maintained." It
went on to state: "The protection incorporated
into the design and fabric of the building is the
fundamental basis for reducing the spread of fire
and loss of life...." "In undertaking major changes
and refurbishment work in such buildings, the
significance of the passive fire protection is
required to be clearly specified and understood by
the main contractor for the work, as well as those
installing or altering the protection."

So it is quite clear that designers are responsible

for making safe designs of buildings and those
buildings must be maintained properly - including
the installation or refurbishment of active and
passive fire protection measures - by suitably com-
petent people who recognise the significance of
the work they are doing. However, the best prac-
tice guide research has shown us that this is simply
not occurring, and the response of architects,
building designers and some fire safety consultants
is to further water down fire safety measures.

Am I missing something here? How about
doing what is supposed to be done properly first,
then engineer out the fire protection in the
knowledge that it will be properly installed,
inspected and maintained?

Regulatory reform (fire safety) order

2005

There is a clear duty under the UK's Regulatory
Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that a fire risk

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE ENGINEERING

THE CHANGING FACE OF FIRE SAFETY DESIGN

assessment must be made by a "responsible
person", normally the building owner, landlord or
person operating the business on the premises.

Investigations made by the BBC in the wake of
the Lakanal House fire, however, revealed that
hundreds of tower blocks had not been assessed
for fire safety and that the local authority, which
seemed to be the worst offender, had only carried
out risk assessments on two of its 112 tower
blocks. The situation is much better now, but only
because of the adverse publicity surrounding the
fire.

Subsequently, the fire risk assessment at Lakanal
House was acknowledged to be deficient. Perhaps
this is because there are no qualifications or
requirements to be a fire risk assessor. We know
from fire risk assessments that are carried out that
many of the assessors (referred to in the Fire
Safety Order as the "competent persons") are not
sufficiently knowledgeable on passive fire
protection measures. The ASFP is in the process of
drafting guidance for fire risk assessors to ensure
that they thoroughly, but realistically, evaluate the
passive fire protection measures when undertaking
fire risk assessments.

Niall Rowan is Technical
Officer at the Association for
Specialist Fire Protection.

For more information go to
www.asfp.org.uk

What needs to be done?

Fire-designed buildings, whether fully engineered
using BS 7974 or BS 9999, are not going to go
away and it is not for the ASFP to advocate that
position. The benefits of fire-designed buildings
are recognised for what they are. However, the
increasing use of such building design techniques,
which will lead to a reduction of designed-in
passive fire protection, is of concern unless

suitable mitigating or compensatory measures are
taken.

These should include:

• The mandatory use of third-party certificated
products installed by third-party certificated
installers, or . . .

• The mandatory inspection of all installed
passive fire protection.

• No introduction of a so called "competent
persons" schemes for installers of passive fire
protection, unless such schemes are either
personnel certification schemes with individuals
certificated against EN 17024 or company
schemes certificated against EN 45011. In
either case, any schemes should be accredited
by UKAS.

• A register of fire risk assessors that includes
evaluation of their competence in the area of
installed passive fire protection.

• Fire risk assessors to be members of either
personnel certification schemes with individuals
certificated against EN 17024, or company
schemes certificated against EN 45011. In
either case, any schemes should be accredited
by UKAS

The number of fire-designed buildings is
increasing across the world, but those taking over
such buildings often have very little knowledge in
this area. It is imperative that if we are to increas-
ingly use engineering techniques to provide fire
safety, we must have total confidence that the
passive fire protection measures specified are
installed and maintained correctly. Changing
approaches to fire safety design should not mean
lowering fire safety. IlMil

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

DEAF MESSAGING

Deaf To The warni

Imagine being caught up in a fire, yet being completely unaware that an alarm
has been raised. For the deaf or hearing challenged it is risk they face every time
they enter a public building.

Fireco Ltd.

T ry putting yourself in the shoes of a pro-
foundly deaf young woman whose ordeal
while out shopping was recently reported in
the news media. "I was in the changing room of a
clothes store," she explains. "After 15 minutes I
came out and found the whole shop completely
deserted. I put down the clothes and walked out,
to be met by embarrassed shop assistants explain-
ing the fire alarm had gone off and they had
assumed everyone had heard it because they had
not realised I was deaf."

This frightening experience highlights the
vulnerability of the deaf, particularly in public
places, who everyday live with the threat of a
fire alarm sounding an emergency warning they
cannot hear.

Deaf demographics

Deafness is often regarded as a "hidden disability"
because it is frequently not immediately obvious
that someone is deaf. This false assumption can
lead to an acceptance by management that a deaf
person is somehow capable of coping unaided - a
dangerous misconception when you consider that
worldwide deaf demographics show the problem
of hearing loss is growing at a surprising rate.

It is estimated that the number of hearing-
impaired people in the developed world alone will

reach 215 million by 2015. Of these, some 90
million will be Europeans, where about 71 million
adults aged between 18 and 80 years have a hear-
ing loss greater than 25 dB (the definition of
hearing impairment). Reportedly, one in six adult
Europeans suffers from hearing loss great enough
to adversely affect their daily life.

In North America, more than 25 million people
are estimated to be hearing impaired, while in the
UK, the number of people with severe hearing loss
is predicted to rise to a million within the next
twenty years. Worldwide, more than 900 million
people will suffer from hearing loss of more than
25 dB by 2025.

With such growing numbers of sufferers, then,
more and more people are destined to be isolated
from the hearing population and, in consequence,
threatened by shortcomings in fire safety pre-
cautions designed for the "audible world".

Potential deaf trap

Recent behavioural studies of fire evacuations
demonstrate just how especially vulnerable deaf
people are in fire evacuations from public buildings,
revealing that two-thirds of the public occasionally
or never think about evacuation procedures from
buildings they regularly occupy; a figure that rises
to 89 percent in buildings they use infrequently.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

DEAF MESSAGING

DEAF TO THE WARNINGS

ngs

Even more worrying, in the
event of a fire alarm sounding, 40
percent of the public would instinc-
tively follow people in their vicinity
- even into danger. And only 29
percent would use the nearest exit.

Clearly, these behavioural respons-
es represent a herd mentality and
have serious implications for deaf
and hard of hearing people.

As the deaf young woman says,
when recalling her own experience
of fire safety failures: 'If a fire alarm
goes off in a big supermarket how
is the deaf person supposed to
know? True, if the store is busy,
then obviously everyone else run-
ning for the exit would prompt
them. But, if it is quiet, they might
not be aware until it is too late."

Even visual alarms can go unno-
ticed. "Ironically, it is easy for a
deaf person to have blind spot. A
deaf person has to have eyes in the
back of their head to compensate
for their ears not functioning as
they should. A profoundly deaf
person's neck hurts from constantly looking
around to make sure they are out of harm's way."

There are however new products becoming
available that use text messaging (SMS) to auto-
matically inform a deaf person when the fire alarm
sounds in a public place such as a supermarket or
shopping centre, giving deaf and hard of hearing
people the freedom to move around buildings

Worldwide, more than 900
million people will suffer
from hearing loss of more
than 25 dB by 2025.

without the worry of missing an emergency situa-
tion. Significantly, these are obligations to deaf
building occupants that are enshrined in national
policies and legislation to prevent disability
discrimination. These require compliance, such as
the provision of auxiliary aids or services to
improve communication for people with sensory
impairments, including those affecting hearing.

A quiet revolution

The dramatic growth of mobile phone technology
has profoundly changed the lives of millions of
deaf people. For the first time, a generation of
deaf people can communicate with the world on
the same terms as the hearing population, using
mobile phones, of which there are now some five
billion worldwide.

For this new generation of deaf people, mobile
texting has provided a lifeline that helps bridge the
gap between the hearing-impaired communities
and the hearing world. "I do not have to depend

on hearing people," is a typical comment by a
deaf user. "It makes me so much more indepen-
dent. And text messaging is less work. I can com-
municate any time I want to. Texting is very fast
and very efficient."

Take note of the deaf consumer

In response to these trends, international
supermarket chains are recognising that one in
every six people is a lot of spending power that
their businesses should not ignore. By removing
communication barriers, forward-looking com-
panies are aware that the secret to better
bottom-line performance is to empower con-
sumers and make the purchase of products a
trouble-free experience, and this empowerment
should embrace their deaf customers. Business
strategists also know that consumers respond
positively to the added value of services that cater
to special needs.

As one deaf consumer confirms: "Deaf people
are active members of society, with jobs, families
and disposable incomes to spend. So it is only
right that businesses should provide for all their
special needs, particularly by ensuring that they
are safe and secure against fire while on their
premises. Deaf messaging technology is obviously
attractive because texting is the medium the deaf
community uses all the time."

This readily available technology has now been
harnessed by Fireco, a designer and manufacturer
of Deaf Message Service (DMS), a new product
that uses text messaging to automatically inform a
deaf person when the fire alarm sounds in a public
place. It puts the deaf and hard of hearing on the
same level of those without the disability and pro-
vides them with the freedom to move around
buildings without the worry of falling prey to what
to them is a silent enemy - fire. D33

Wesley Kent is Sales
Director Fireco Ltd.

For more information go to
www.deafmessageservice.com

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

TESTING

Non-approved product

The increasing volume of non-approved, low quality products being imported
into some markets only highlights the benefits to be gained from third-party
testing and certification by independent accredited bodies.

Warrington Certification,
part of the Exova group

T he issue at the core of this growing dilemma
is quite simple. How can we say with convic-
tion that any product - whether mechanical,
electrical or other - will do what it says it will do,
and is fit for purpose? The proliferation of non-
approved, low quality products being imported
into some countries places a further responsibility
on the supply chain, whether you are a specifier,
distributor or installer. How can you be sure that a
product assures performance?

The questions around the quality and safety of
passive fire protection products and systems
comes at a time of increasing pressure on manu-
facturers and the whole supply chain in terms of
legislation and compliance.

For manufacturers looking for market differen-
tial, the real value of product certification is that it
is issued by an accredited third party. This means
there is genuine independent endorsement, and
that experts have tested and verified that the par-
ticular product in question performs to the quality
and safety levels required or beyond. In the event
of a failure, the fact that you can demonstrate that

you have made all reasonable efforts to ensure the
quality of a certificated product or system - and
that there is a certificate that says so - will help to
mitigate any accusation of possible negligence.

Even CE marking is no guarantee of perfor-
mance or origin, but is merely a declaration by the
manufacturer that this product meets the minimum
requirements of the applicable European Directive.
Credible third-party schemes have to go far beyond
the requirements of CE marking, typically involving
in-depth inspection and surveillance regimes to
monitor the manufacturer's quality management
system and factory production control systems.
They will also cover initial type-testing on indepen-
dently sampled production, design appraisal
against a technical schedule, assessment of a
defined application and ongoing audit testing.

The product must be fit-for-purpose and, in
addition to the fire performance and quality
aspects, the third-party also assesses all other
relevant essential performance characteristics,
for example, durability, thermal and acoustic
performance.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

UNDERSTANDING FIRE STOPPING

TCCTI M fl

1 1 3 1 1 IM 13

s - why take the risk?

If everyone involved in a project takes respon-
sibility for their duty-of-care, there will be no com-
promise on specifying and installing third-party
certificated products and systems from the start.
Ideally, this should start with the architect or
designer, who can build-in the requirement for
certified products into the specification. For many
manufacturers, whether it is fire doors, fire-
stopping systems or cabling, the testing of a
product or system should be important for safety
reasons to make sure it meets the relevant British
Standard (BS) or European standard (EN). The
further rigorous inspection of the manufacturer's
processes and systems that lead to certification
provides transparent evidence of a product's
quality.

The contractor is responsible for a professional
installation using the specified products for the
project. He should be checking that the specified
products are delivered to site by the distributor
and fully installed in accordance with the manu-
facturer's instructions. For the end user, it is also
recommended to check that what has been
specified by the architect has been installed by the
contractor.

The real value of product
certification is that it is
issued by an accredited third
party. This means there is
genuine independent
endorsement, and that
experts have tested and
verified that the particular
product in question
performs to the quality and
safety levels required.

Indeed, there is no legal obligation on manufac-
turers to test to levels of certification, but the
benefits - especially with the increasing volumes
of non-approved products on the market and sub-
sequent legal action - speak for themselves. If
something goes wrong with a fire performance
system there is usually life and property at stake. In
the UK, this can result in legal action against the
architect, specifier, main contractor or building
owner as the "responsible person" under the
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

According to figures from Britain's Department
for Communities and Local Government (DCLG),
there were 61,000 building fires in England during
the 12 months from March 2009 to April 2010,

including 22,000 fires in commercial premises. Of
the 328 deaths from fires, a third occurred in
commercial buildings. The cost of these fires to
business runs into millions of pounds and cannot
be accurately counted, as many insurance claims
and legal proceedings are still running.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Fire
Safety Order applies to you if you are responsible
for business premises, an employer or self-
employed with business premises, responsible for
a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used
for business purposes, a charity or voluntary
organisation, a contractor with a degree of control
over any premises or providing accommodation for
paying guests. Under the legislation, the respon-
sible person must maintain a current fire safety risk
assessment and implement and maintain a fire
management plan.

This should consider some key issues including
identifying fire hazards, considering the people
who may be at risk, evaluating and reducing any
risks, recording what is in the plan and reviewing
your risk assessment to ensure it remains up to
date and reflects any changes that may have
occurred. If there is any doubt about fire risk
assessment or third-party certification, advice
should be sought from recognised certification
bodies.

So, why take the risk?

With the expert rigour and testing associated
with a third-party certification scheme the archi-
tect - and the others in the supply chain - can say
truly that they have specified a product that is fit-
for-purpose when installed correctly. They can also
have peace of mind that they have fulfilled their
own duty of care. tS2

Leigh Hill is business
development manager at
Warrington Certification, part
of the Exova group providing
laboratory testing, advising
and assuring services to
companies worldwide

For more information go to
www.warringtonfire.net

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