Kitchens, Labs Require Fire Suppression Systems
Fire suppression systems are mandated by NFPA standards in “special hazard situations” containing flammable and combustible materials, such as kitchens, cafeterias and science labs. Campus safety personnel should check with fire officials to ensure that their campuses’ fire design meets these situations.
When hazardous conditions exist, suppression systems are the first line of defense against fire since they are pre-engineered to activate quickly, automatically and precisely. Suppression systems are designed and pre-tested to extinguish “special hazard” fires within known parameters by eliminating the fuel source.
For example, many campuses are evaluating suppression systems for high-traffic, single-use kitchens in dormitories and Greek houses, where distractions during cooking can easily occur. In the event of an appliance fire, suppression systems are interconnected to shut off the fuel source feeding the fire, while also ¬suppressing flames.
But Wait, There’s More to Fire Safety
These solutions are just the beginning of an effective campus fire safety strategy.
Part 2 of this article, which will appear in the March/April issue, will discuss ¬call-to-action plans, training, fire safety awareness and K-12 fire facts.
Joe Beranek is president of the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association. For more information on fire safety, visit www.femalifesafety.org. or call (216) 241-7333.
Click here to view part 2 of this series.
