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Early warning fire detection for clean rooms

Business operations need controlled environments because strict and often highly sensitive manufacturing processes and goods stored in these facilities require the right ambient conditions. Risk management, business continuity and life safety are all paramount in the operation of such facilities.

The use and storage of hazardous materials and dangerous manufacturing processes in industrial facilities result in an estimated average of over 37 900 fires at industrial or manufacturing properties each year in the USA, with annual losses from these fires estimated at $1,2 billion for direct property damage^[1].

Although healthcare facilities and hospitals are generally perceived as safe places, an estimated average of 5700 medical facility fires are reported to fire departments in the USA each year, with nearly a fifth of these (1100 fires) in hospitals^[2].

Leading causes of fires in industrial and manufacturing properties are faults in electrical distribution, heating and lighting equipment. In healthcare facilities and hospitals, cooking equipment also contributes to a high percentage of fires. Another major cause of fires is the use and storage of highly flammable substances (e.g. disinfectants, solvents, etc.) in business operations and production processes.

Business continuity and orderly evacuation rely on early warning fire detection to ensure safe evacuation, and avoiding interruptions and potential losses due to fire damage.

Challenges

A wide range of manufacturing, storage and business operations require ISO grade clean rooms. Compared to conventional occupancies, the key differences in clean room HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) include increased air supply to eliminate particulate settling and dilute contamination as well as the use of high-efficiency filters and room pressurisation.

Securiton SecuriSmoke ASD 53x series aspirating smoke detectors address all the key challenges and deliver early and reliable fire detection in clean rooms and associated controlled environments.

An early warning fire detection solution based on Securiton SecuriSmoke ASD is beneficial for the operator because:

• Fires are detected at an early stage.

• Staff stay alert and react skilfully to any alarms signalled.

• Fire alarms are reacted upon professionally before they become a major fire incident.

• Loss prevention is at a maximum while the risk of business interruption is at a minimum.

• Cost for maintenance is low.

For more information go to www.securiton.com

^[1]Campbell R., NFPA Research (March 2018), Fires in Industrial and Manufacturing Properties, Quincy, MA, USA

^[2]Campbell R., NFPA Research (March 2017), Structure Fires in Health Care Facilities, Quincy, MA, USA

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