January 2025 - Pozhar.UZ

Maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing installations

Maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems is an important aspect of maintaining the safety of facilities and preventing fire damage. Systems such as automatic water, powder or gas extinguishing systems are designed to respond quickly and effectively to the onset of a fire, which significantly reduces risks and minimizes material losses. Proper maintenance of these systems contributes to their reliability and trouble-free operation in case of an emergency. In this article, we will look at the main aspects of the maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems, including the principles of their operation, types of systems, maintenance requirements and the importance of regular inspections.

Principles of operation of automatic fire extinguishing systems

Automatic fire extinguishing systems operate on the principle of detecting signs of fire, such as temperature rise, smoke or flame, and automatically activate the fire extinguishing system. There are various types of such systems, including:

1. Water fire extinguishing systems. They are among the most common and effective. Pressurized water is supplied through special sprayers that start working at a certain temperature. Water cools the fire source and prevents its further spread.
2. Powder installations. These systems use powdered substances that are suppressed into the fire zone, effectively extinguishing the flame. The powder system is particularly useful for protecting facilities with high safety requirements where water extinguishing may be ineffective or undesirable.
3. Gas installations. Such systems use an inert gas or a chemical that suppresses the flame, reducing the concentration of oxygen in the air. This allows you to prevent the spread of fire and nip it in the bud.

The importance of regular system maintenance

Proper and regular maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems is the key to their efficient operation. These systems work automatically, which means that they must always be ready for emergency intervention. Untimely or insufficient technical checks can cause the system to malfunction at the time of its necessary use, which can have serious consequences. For example, faulty sprayers or blocked pipelines may interfere with the normal supply of water or other extinguishing agent.

The main stages of maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing installations

Maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems includes several key steps, each of which is aimed at maintaining the system’s operability and preventing its malfunctions.

1. Verification and testing of systems

The first step is to check the condition of all system components, including sprayers, sensors, pipelines, and pumps. For this purpose, special equipment and tests are used that simulate various scenarios to make sure that the system will work when a real threat occurs. For example, the tightness of pipelines, the effectiveness of sprayers, the serviceability of valves and automatic mechanisms are checked.

2. Cleaning and replacement of consumables

Various contaminants can accumulate during the operation of the system, which can disrupt their operation. For example, pipes and filters may become clogged, which prevents the normal supply of water or extinguishing agent. Therefore, it is important to regularly clean all system elements. In addition, some components, such as sensors or sprayers, may wear out or lose their effectiveness, requiring replacement.

3. Checking the pressure and functionality of the pumps

For water-based fire extinguishing systems, regular pressure checking in the system is a necessary procedure. Insufficient pressure may cause the sprayers to be unable to supply water efficiently. Therefore, it is important to check the pressure in the pipelines and pumps and make sure that all pumps are working properly.

4. Checking the control system and sensors

The fire extinguishing control system must be configured in such a way that it can quickly respond to any changes in the condition of the facility. The verification of the control system includes testing sensors that must accurately respond to changes in temperature, smoke or flame. In addition, it should be ensured that the control system properly interacts with other safety systems such as emergency lighting and evacuation systems.

5. Inventory and spare parts inspection

It is also important to check the availability of all necessary spare parts and equipment. This includes checking for new cylinders with extinguishing agents, system elements such as valves and sprayers, as well as checking supplies.

Documentation and regulatory requirements

Maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems must be carried out in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements and standards established by fire safety authorities. Maintenance should be carried out by qualified specialists who have the appropriate certification. All work carried out must be recorded in special documentation, which confirms that the installation has been checked and is ready for operation. This may include inspection logs, certificates of completed work, as well as reports on completed technical inspections.

The importance of qualified professionals

Maintenance of fire extinguishing systems requires not only knowledge and experience, but also special skills for working with various types of equipment. Improper maintenance or diagnostics can lead to serious problems in the operation of the system and even to its failure at a critical moment. Therefore, it is important to trust the service only to professional companies and qualified specialists who have received appropriate training and have experience working with automatic fire extinguishing systems.

Conclusion

Maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems is an integral part of the safety system at any facility. Regular inspection and maintenance of these systems help to keep them operational and provide maximum protection from fires. Fire safety is not only the installation of modern systems, but also their timely maintenance, which guarantees efficiency in an emergency situation. An integrated approach to the maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems includes checking all system elements, replacing worn parts, testing sensors and pumps, as well as compliance with all regulatory requirements and standards.

 

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Fire-fighting water supply

Fire–fighting water supply is one of the key elements of the fire safety system, ensuring effective fire extinguishing and minimizing fire damage. This system includes a complex of structures, equipment and engineering solutions aimed at delivering water to the fire site in the required volume and under the required pressure. The organization of fire-fighting water supply requires careful design, compliance with regulatory requirements and regular maintenance.

Key elements of fire-fighting water supply

Fire-fighting water supply is divided into two main types: external and internal. Outdoor water supply includes hydrants and reservoirs located outside buildings. The internal water supply, in turn, is represented by systems installed directly inside buildings, including fire taps, pumps, and water mains.

Fire hydrants are widely used for effective outdoor fire-fighting water supply. These devices are placed along roads and on the territory of facilities in such a way that fire trucks can easily approach them. The distance between the hydrants is usually 100-150 meters, which allows you to cover the entire facility in case of fire. Hydrants are connected to urban or autonomous water supply networks and provide high-pressure water supply.

Fire-fighting reservoirs or natural reservoirs such as rivers and lakes are also an important element of outdoor water supply. They are used in cases where there is no centralized water supply or its volume is insufficient to extinguish a large fire. Such reservoirs should be equipped with access roads and water intake devices so that fire departments can quickly begin to eliminate the fire.

Internal fire-fighting water supply systems are usually installed in residential, administrative and industrial buildings. These systems include a network of pipelines through which water is supplied to fire fighting cranes located on each floor of the building. Pumping stations are used to ensure constant pressure in the system, which automatically turn on when a fire occurs. Plumbing systems must always be in working order, which requires regular inspections and maintenance.

Modern fire-fighting water supply systems are often equipped with automatic sprinkler systems. Sprinklers are devices that activate when a certain temperature is reached and begin to spray water onto the fire. They allow you to quickly respond to fires and prevent their spread even before the arrival of firefighters. This approach significantly reduces the risk of large fires and minimizes damage.

The design of fire-fighting water supply systems is carried out taking into account the specifics of the facility and regulatory requirements. The main parameters that are taken into account include the area of the building, the number of floors, the purpose of the premises, as well as the risk of fires. Additional solutions may be required for large industrial facilities, warehouses, and shopping malls, such as the creation of independent water storage tanks and the installation of powerful pumps.

The role of regular maintenance in the effective operation of systems

Maintenance of fire-fighting water supply systems is an integral part of ensuring their reliable operation. Regular inspections of hydrants, pumps, pipelines, and sprinklers make it possible to identify and fix malfunctions at an early stage. In addition, training of personnel and fire services should be conducted so that all participants in the system are ready to act promptly in case of an emergency.

Compliance with regulatory requirements plays an important role in the organization of fire-fighting water supply. In Uzbekistan, this area is regulated by a number of standards and regulations, including standards for the design and operation of systems. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines, and in the event of a fire, significant material and human losses.

Fire–fighting water supply is a vital system on which the safety of people and the safety of property depend. Its proper design, installation and maintenance make it possible to effectively fight fires, reducing the risk of their spread and minimizing the consequences. Each facility must be equipped with a system that meets its characteristics and legal requirements to ensure maximum protection in the event of an emergency.

 

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What to do when the fire alarm is triggered

The triggering of a fire alarm is a signal for immediate action aimed at ensuring the safety of people and minimizing damage from a possible fire. The right reaction in such a situation can prevent tragic consequences and save lives. To be prepared for such incidents, it is important to know the algorithm of actions when an alarm is triggered and strictly follow it.

First of all, you need to stay calm. Panic in such situations can lead to chaos, make evacuation difficult, and worsen the consequences. When you hear an alarm, make sure that you and others are ready to take the necessary measures.

The next step is to assess the situation. If you are in a room with an alarm system, listen carefully to the instructions. Many modern alarms are equipped with voice guidance that will help you understand exactly what happened and what actions need to be taken. If there is no voice notification, it is necessary to follow pre-developed evacuation plans.

Evacuation is a key step in responding to a fire alarm. If the alarm is triggered, it is important to leave the building immediately, following the established routes. Do not try to take large items with you or return for forgotten items – this may cost precious minutes that could have been spent on rescue. Escape exits should be free and accessible, so make sure you know their location in advance.

When evacuating, move calmly, without unnecessary haste, but quickly. Help other people, especially those who have difficulty moving. If the room is filled with smoke, move as low as possible as the smoke rises. Use a cloth soaked in water to cover your mouth and nose, which will help protect you from toxic combustion products. Gorenje

If you find a source of ignition, inform the security staff immediately or call the fire department. Do not try to extinguish a large fire yourself if it poses a threat to your life. Use primary fire extinguishing equipment, such as fire extinguishers, only if it is safe to do so and if you have been properly instructed.

After leaving the building, do not return inside until the fire department or representatives of the building administration announce that the danger has passed. Your return may interfere with the work of firefighters and endanger your safety.

Special attention should be paid to children and the elderly in the building. Make sure they know how to deal with a fire and help them evacuate. Conduct briefings and training sessions in advance so that everyone is prepared for an emergency.

The alarm may be false, but each case requires a serious approach. Never ignore alarms, even if you suspect that it is a mistake. It’s better to leave the room and make sure everything is in order than to risk your life.

Regular exercises and inspections of fire safety systems play an important role in preparing for possible emergencies. Every employee of an office or residential building should know the evacuation plan, be able to use fire extinguishers and be ready to act in case of fire.

Responding to a fire alarm is an important skill that can save lives. By following these recommendations and maintaining fire safety systems in good condition, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and minimize the consequences of fires.

 

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