What is the difference between conventional and addressable fire alarms?

The biggest difference between conventional and addressable fire alarms is customizability. Conventional fire alarms sit on the wall or ceiling and go off individually when they detect smoke or fire, making them perfect for small buildings such as individual offices or retail shops. Addressable fire alarms, on the other hand, provide specific information about individual detectors that are invaluable if your office is part of a larger building or building complex. Addressable fire alarm systems can be customized to where different devices have different alarm thresholds based on their locations. Addressable fire alarm systems are typically more expensive than conventional alarms, but the extra information they provide to firefighters and building managers is invaluable.

How does a standard response fire sprinkler work?

Standard response (SR) sprinkler heads are best suited for commercial or industrial buildings, including factories and warehouses. They activate individually to prevent causing water damage where there is no fire present. SR sprinklers take longer to activate than quick response sprinklers, requiring the heat from a fire below to reach a higher temperature before the liquid inside the bulb expands, the glass breaks, and water flows through the sprinkler head. SR sprinklers contain 5 mm glass bulbs that take longer for the expanding liquid inside to burst them. That said, these sprinkler heads still react within seconds, quickly dousing any fire.

How does a quick response fire sprinkler work?

Quick response (QR) sprinkler heads are typical in high-density, light-hazard environments, including hospitals, assisted living facilities, office buildings, and schools. They are also often installed in residences. QR sprinkler heads respond faster to the flames below by activating at a lower temperature than SR sprinklers. They have 3 mm bulbs that allow the liquid inside to expand and break the glass quickly. It’s only appropriate to install QR sprinkler heads in applications that are unlikely to have high ambient temperatures that could trigger a sprinkler head without a fire present.

Which type of building require Fire Hydrant System?

All buildings above 15 meter, Irrespective of height Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals, Assembly, Business Centers, Industrial Properties, Mercantile need fire hydrant system.

Fire Safety and How To Exit/Escape Building During Fire Incident

on February 6, 2020

In simple words, fire is the visible effect of the process of combustion. If a fire incident occurs one must know how to escape safely to ensure no loss of life.

A fire incident generally produces a scenario of panic and unrest among the occupants. Hence it is important to have preset guidelines of necessary action during such a situation. Below are mentioned certain common guidelines for escape during a fire incident. Please note each building and its corresponding exit strategy will be different, these are a general guideline.

How to Exit/Escape a Fire

Never Ignore Fire Alarm
Act Immediately but try and stay calm
Alert People Around yourself and start moving towards the safest and nearest exit
Stay Low in case there is smoke or fumes
If you are in bed roll off the bed and crawl to the door
Don’t waste time getting dressed or searching for valuables
Do not attempt to extinguish a fire unless you are trained to do so
Awaken any persons sleeping nearby
Open closed doors slowly as there may be fire on the other side
Close doors behind you as you move ahead
Use Fire staircase only, avoid using elevators
Fire door maybe hot, check before opening
If you are unable to exit building due to fire on lower floors, wait on the Refuge area for help
After exiting building move to an assembly point or an open area away from building, power line, trees, etc.

All the above points are equally important for residents to escape a building affected by fire, one must take care in following the same, also once certain of your won safety it is advisable to assist elderly or handicapped occupants. Panic is common during such a situation, hence it is important to take control of the situation and move ahead in an organized and calm manner. Do not ignore any fire alarm, always get up from your seat reach the nearest alarm and check why it has been triggered. In case it is a false alarm, verify the same and reset the fire alarm panel. It is observed that smoke inhalation leads to occupants losing consciousness and even death in many cases if there is a large amount of smoke, it is advisable to stay low, or cover your mouth with a towel/wet towel if possible. Priority has to be given to your own life and safety, any thoughts of collecting valuables must be sidelined. Do not wait and attempt to douse the fire unless you are a trained firefighter. Instead, you can exit the building safely and then alert the fire department at the soonest. Use of Fire staircase is essential as the area is guarded by Fire Resistant Doors and also care has been taken not to keep any flame-able items within this area. Each building above 24 meters has a mandatory Fire Refuge area, in case you are unable to exit the building, wait for help in this area and contact the fire department once you reach the refuge area safely.

Helping Fire Brigade Personnel

Provide Correct address During Phone Call
Once Fire Fighting Personnel Reaches Site, guide them on the location of fire
Show location of Fire Fighting System, Pump Room, and Staircase
Alert them of any person stuck within the building

Once you have safely exited the affected building it is always helpful to guide the Fire Brigade personnel for the benefit of stranded occupants. Inform them about persons stuck up and their tentative location if available. As the firefighters are not well known to the affected premises, it is advisable to guide them to the affected area and also inform them of available entry and exit points. One must also show the firefighters the available fire protection system and location of the pump room.

Small steps help a long way in fire safety, hence we at Sujay Fire have dedicated our team towards improving existing systems and innovating towards a safer tomorrow.