How to Ensure Your Business Has Proper Fire Safety Equipment
You may not think about it, but every time you enter a space like an office, retail store, industrial manufacturing facility, or school, there is an expectation that the appropriate fire safety systems are properly installed and functioning. Whether it is a simple fire alarm system, sprinkler system, or advanced chemical suppression system for special hazard fires – keeping your business protected from any potential fire danger is a critical and necessary part of running any facility. Depending on what industry you are in, there are a number of fire safety systems that could work for you. Getz Fire is the leading fire safety equipment supplier for businesses in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri, with an assortment of models built for unique application needs. Looking for clean agent fire suppression systems for a library or museum? A restaurant system for your commercial kitchen? No matter your unique application needs, our staff of industry professionals can help you find the perfect selection for years of reliable use. Since we offer an abundent selection of fire safety equipment, here are some of the main types of commercial fire systems, and tips on how to best match a system with your specific application needs.
Fire Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems are one of the most fundamental safety systems for any commerical space. Providing the base function for any fire safety equipment, an alarm system will help immediately notify all occupants of fire danger, and can even alert local fire, EMS, and police for immediate response. From a small regional sales office, to a 200,000 square foot chemical processing facility – having an advanced fire alarm system is a must for any business application.
Sprinkler Systems
Along with fire alarm systems, one of the most prevalent types of fire suppression systems in use today is the sprinkler system. Using water as a fire suppressant, these systems offer great whole-building protection for almost any type of applciation with conventional fire hazards. Additionally, specialized activation technology allows these systems to selectively activate when they reach a temperature threshhold, and only activate their spray mechanism in areas affected by the flames. This helps minimize any potential water damage in areas unaffected by the flames, and prevents the system from prematurely activating during a small fire that could otherwise be put out by a fire extinguisher. The most common types of sprinkler systems are wet systems and dry systems. Wet systems are constantly functioning with water in the pipes, while dry systems rely on pressurized air to fill the pipe and hold back any flow until the temperature threshold is met. If your facilities run at temperatures below freezing, it is best to have a dry system to prevent any damage from ice build up in the pipes. Various commercial, retail, residential, educational, and industrial facilities all rely on sprinkler systems for peak fire safety.
Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems
While water-based sprinkler systems are ideal for many business applications, facilities that operate with unique materials and hazards may require specialized chemical agents to protect their business from a fire. Commonly referred to as “special hazard” applications, companies involved in industries like chemical processing, oil and gas production, nuclear power generation, advanced computerized machinery, and large archives/museum collections may all require a specialized chemical agent as an alternative to water. If you were to use a standard water-based sprinkler system in these applications, there is the possibility of splatter and spread of the flames, or even permanent damage to artifacts that would have otherwise been unaffected by the fire. For each of these unique applications, there are 5 types of specialized fire suppression systems: Clean agent systems, CO2 systems, dry chemical systems, foam-based systems, and drymist systems. Use this helpful chart below for a quick reference:
Clean Agent
- A variety of chemical liquid and gaseous agents
- Leaves zero residue
- Ideal for museums, server rooms, and archives
Co2 Systems
- Leaves no residue
- Applications include turbine generators, machine enclosures, and printing presses
- Ideal for applications that cannot have any chemical or water exposure
Dry Chemical/Foam Systems
- Best for liquid fires like oils, gas, and paints
- Smothers flames without possibility of spread
Watermist Systems
- Recent innovation – comparable to Co2 systems
- Minimal to no water residue
- Applications like industrial ovens, turbine generators, and hydraulic presses
Getz Fire Equipment is committed to providing advanced fire safety equipment to all industries throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. We make great efforts to ensure we have the very best selection of brands and system types to meet a variety of application needs. Since our founding in 1957, our team and capabilities have grown substantially. Getz Fire not only sells fire safety equipment, but also offers installation, maintainence, and repair services for all existing and past customers. Our staff is happy to go above and beyond for your fire safety needs. Call us today at 800-747-3473, or check out our website to browse our impressive inventory.