London Fire Brigade equipment

Fire Protection Devices

As technology moves forward fire protection devices are being developed and installed to immediately detect combustion and deliver a warning or initiate automatic suppression. Many systems have been in use for almost a century. However, new technology is ever improving the capability of these types of systems.

The spiraling costs of construction, replacement, insurance and fire suppression coupled with the costs of business interruption have created a cost effective atmosphere for the installation of fire protection and detection systems. The fire department in its roles of educator, consultant, inspector and user must be totally familiar with many systems not only installed within its jurisdiction, but also available.

Sprinkler systems were designed, in their basic form, over 100 years ago and prevalent fire losses made their perfection necessary. Today the automatic sprinkler system is an unsurpassed fire protection device. These systems are very effective – 96 percent of all fires were controlled or extinguished by these systems.

Standpipe systems are designed to provide a quick and convenient means for operating fire streams on all stories of buildings. Depending on the type installed, the standpipe system may be used by firefighters, by occupants, or both and should be ready for use at all times.

Carbon dioxide systems can be used to extinguish or control fires in either flammable liquids or gases and electrical equipment.

Halogenated-agent fixed systems can be used on fires in Class A, B, or C materials.

Dry-chemical fixed systems are primarily for use on flammable liquid fires and electrical equipment, especially where flammable liquids are contained in electrical equipment such as an oil-filled transformer.

Foam-water extinguishing systems provide basically the same general protection as the standard deluge-type automatic sprinkler system. This system has the foam’s fast smothering action, it is commonly used in facilities which store and process flammable liquids, such as chemical plants, distillation plants and refineries.

The most common of all private fire protection is the portable fire extinguisher. Fire prevention and suppression personnel and maintenance personnel must have an intimate knowledge of the characteristics and applicability of each type, as well as the classification and distribution requirements.

The London Fire Brigade operates a large and diverse fleet of appliances, all carrying a variety of specialized equipment and apparatus.

Дата добавления: 2014-12-27