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Fire protection and storage: what is the right type of automatic fire extinguisher to choose?
Jul 24, 2007

The right type of fire suppression equipment depends on the type of product stored...

 

  • Most warehouses have sprinkler systems. In the event of fire, the sprinklers near the fire zones start up and spray water,
    • either containing the fire while awaiting the arrival of the fire brigade – the traditional system –,
    • or completely extinguishing the fire – the ESFR system.
       
  • For premises where high-value goods are stored, gas extinguishers may be preferred over water, so as not to cause water damage to the stored goods. The oxygen in the air is replaced by a non-combustible gas. This system requires perfect insulation and can only be implemented over fairly small areas, generally less than 1,500 m².
     
  • For premises housing inflammable liquids or highly toxic products, water cannot be used, and the choice turns to foam – a mixture of water, emulsifier and air. In the event of fire, the premises fill with this foam and the goods are entirely covered with foam. In France, such a system is not approved by the insurers’ APSAD rules.