Automatic Fire Detection Systems In The Workplace

Automatic fire detection systems combined with other emergency plans can significantly reduce injury and damage in the workplace. And more importantly an automatic fire detection system can save lives!

The main purpose of a fire detection system is to quickly identify the area where the fire is and then notify the occupants of that area. This is done with the aid of electronic sensors that can detect heat, flames, and smoke, and then provide an audible early warning signal that there is a fire.

Although you may have plenty of choices on how you install your home fire detection system, by law workplace fire detection systems must be OSHA standards which were designed to ensure the safety of the worker.

You fire suppression system works by detecting either flame, heat, or smoke. Most detectors are able to sense all three of these elements. There are several different styles of detectors on the market.

Ionization detectors have a small radioactive source that charges the air inside the chamber. The charged air allows a small current to cross the chamber to complete an electric circuit. When smoke enters the alarm the current is unable to complete the circuit which then triggers an audible alarm.

Photoelectric detectors use a light source combined with a light sensor. The light source is designed not to hit the sensor. But when smoke particle enter the light path it scatters the light causing the light sensor to connect with the light source and triggering an alarm.

A heat detector is commonly used in dirtier environments where dense smoke is produced. Although these detectives aren’t as sensitive they are more appropriate for the conditions and result in fewer false alarms. Heat detectors use thermistors to sense sharp heat increases which then causes contact to complete the current cycle and the alarm goes off.

A flame detector are sight devices that look for a specific type of light such as ultraviolet, infrared, or visible that are emitted by flames. When it recognizes the light as fire it sends a signal which triggers the alarm.

The correct fire detection system for your workplace will depend on the characteristics of the workplace and the types of materials that are present. Most areas will get adequate coverage using either an ionization or photoelectric smoke detector. Offices, buildings with low ceilings, washrooms, and closets are all places where these detectors will be adequate as long as the dust or dirt is minimal.

If your workplace deals with flammable liquids and gasses then a heat detectors is a better choice and it’s suitable for dusty or dirty environments, indoor areas, manufacturing areas where there may be large quantities of vapors or gases, and areas where there may be particle combustion.

A flame detector is the best choice for areas that have high ceilings or open spaces such as auditoriums, theaters, and warehouses, as well as outdoor areas or areas where draft may stop the heat from reaching the detector.

You should put a detector in each room and you should install them at no great distance than what the manufacture states for coverage. You should also place a detector close to the center of the ceiling, and put one in the elevator, closets, stairwells, at the top of the flight of stairs, and any other enclosed spaces. Place all your detectors at least 3 feet from any ceiling fans.

The best detectors are directly wired into the electrical system. However if you choose battery style detectors then be sure to check them regularly and replace batteries at least every three months.

An automatic fire detection system in the workplace is an integral part of keeping you safe at work.

Deon Melchior is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit ArticleClick.com. Article Click is a free content article directory. This means that as a publisher you may reprint the articles that are included in our site, as long as the article is unedited and the author box is included with it's live hyperlinks.