Fixed Extinguishing Systems

There are several types of fixed extinguishing systems, as follows:

• Dry chemical fixed extinguishing systems
• Gaseous agent fixed extinguishing systems
• Water spray and foam fixed extinguishing systems

General Requirements for Fixed Extinguishing Systems

Fixed extinguishing system components and agents must be designed and approved for use on the specific fire hazards they are expected to control or extinguish.

Employers must provide an emergency action plan for areas within a workplace that are protected by total flooding systems which provide agent concentrations that exceed the maximum safe levels outlined by OSHA.

Dry Chemical Fixed Extinguishing Systems

Dry chemical fixed extinguishing systems must be compatible with any foams or wetting agents with which they are used. This type of extinguishing system is best for workplace environments likely to encounter electrical fires, as well as fires that burn paper, wood, rubber, cloth, and plastics, or flammable liquids, including grease, oil, gasoline, and oil based paints.

Some types of fixed fire extinguishing systems are better suited for specific work environments.

Gaseous Agent Fixed Extinguishing Systems

Gaseous agent fixed extinguishing systems must use approved agents. Carbon dioxide obtained by converting dry ice to liquid is not acceptable unless it is processed to remove excess water and oil. This type of extinguishing system is referred to as a clean agent system because it does not leave any residue after discharge which is ideal for protecting work environments where extinguishing systems could damage sensitive electronics, such as on an aircraft, in armored vehicles, in archival storage, and in museums where there are valuable documents.

Water Spray and Foam Fixed Extinguishing Systems

Foam and water spray fixed extinguishing systems must be effective in at least controlling fire in the protected area or on protected equipment, with water draining away from areas where employees are working and with no emergency exit permitted through the drainage path. This type of extinguishing system is best for workplace environments likely to encounter fires that burn paper, wood, rubber, cloth, and plastics, as well as flammable liquids including grease, oil, gasoline, and oil based paints.

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