Protect Your Business with a Fire Suppression System

March 26, 2019 By admin

No business wants to experience a fire and most owners take the necessary steps to prevent a fire, and minimize the potential damage of a fire. One of the first lines of defense against a fire is a fire suppression system. Fire suppression systems can prevent severe loses in higher-risk environments, such as commercial kitchens, and are vital in protecting spaces with valuable and sensitive equipment, such as computer rooms.

There are many different types of fire suppression systems and you will want to discuss what system is best for you and your business with an expert. Systems may be water-based, chemical-based and/or gas-based. For example, while fire sprinklers and other water-based systems save lives and minimize fire damage, they may not be the best system if water damage can ruin your business. Valuable electronics or priceless antiques, for example, would be better suited to having a fire suppression system in place that is chemical and gas-based, with a clean-agent system that does not leave residue behind.

One of the most important parts of any fire suppression system is efficient fire detection. An alarm should sound if any substantial sources of heat are sensed. In most businesses, emergency lights will come on to help people exit the building. Sensing the fire and sounding the alarm is your first line of defence, but it should be followed by your second line of defence – fire suppression. Some systems require living beings to empty a space before ejecting a fire suppressant, while other systems allow for enough oxygen to remain for humans to breathe even if the suppressant discharges before people have fully cleared the building.

Some business owners will focus on protecting specific areas of their business from fire with a chemical or gas-based fire suppression system. For example, water-based systems would destroy paper or damage electronics, so a business owner may want to set up a chemical and gas-based suppression system for their computer room or paper records room. Having a system that protects assets from both fire and fire-fighting harm can be essential for future business success.

If you have a business, be sure to protect it with an appropriate fire suppression system. The professionals at APNA Fire and Electrical have over 20 years of fire systems experience and can design and install a system best suited to your unique needs, taking into account various risk factors and building specifications. They know which systems meet current codes and regulations and how to choose the best fire suppression system for your individual business.