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Why Fire Detection Systems are Paramount in industrial Environments

Posted on the 25th of Aug 2014

Fire is one of the most devastating events that anyone could possibly experience. It’s paramount that commercial premises protect themselves against any potential devastation.

Industrial premises are consistently under threat of fire. There is a wealth of hazards that must be effectively managed in order to protect your premises. If not, the risk to human life is increased drastically.

Such premises should have adequate fire protection and mitigation plans, designed to protect employees. Here is a brief overview of what should be implemented to protect the premises and its occupants.

Smoke Detectors

In basic terms, smoke detectors should be placed throughout the premises. They will detect smoke at the earliest opportunity. Common in homes and offices, smoke detectors are employed to a lesser extent in environments. They are inexpensive yet are integral for protecting your premises – and yourself.

Types of Smoke Detectors

There are two distinct types of smoke detectors that are employed in industrial environments, photoelectric and ionisation.

Photoelectric relies on light to activate the alarm. To prevent the alarm sounding without there being an emergency, photoelectric alarms wait for smoke particles scatter light. This device is highly effective in detecting smouldering fires and ionisation of rapid flames.

Ionisation devices are described as an americium-241 (radioactive metal) that ionises the oxygen and nitrogen present in the air inside a chamber. The current is generated by the negative electrons.

Both photoelectric and ionisation systems are effective. Photoelectric smoke detectors can detect fire quicker.

Heat Detectors

For optimal efficiency, it’s advised that smoke detectors are employed with heat detectors. When employed together, the chances of detecting fire at the earliest possible opportunity are enhanced.

As with smoke detectors, there are different types of heat detectors. Pneumatic systems rely on changes in tube temperatures to sound alarms. Such systems are highly effective when employed close to engines and turbines.

Fixed heat detectors will sound an alarm when the temperature reaches a certain degree. A metal alloy acts as the trigger. Once it begins to melt an alarm will sound.

The third type of heat detectors is called a rise detector. This can be programmed to detect either a slow rise in temperature or abrupt changes. Unlike fixed heat systems they can be reset and re-used.

Having an appropriate fire detection method in your industrial environment is paramount, just as selecting the right fire protection system is. Affording you peace of mind safety and security, it’s paramount that smoke and heat detectors are installed in your industrial premises.