Commitment to environmental protection has been a growing trend in the corporate responsibility realm. In that case, environmentally friendly fire suppression is something that companies looking to have a greener footprint might consider. There are a few ways that you can make this required safety standard customized to your green initiatives. Environmentally friendly fire suppression systems might include cleaner fire suppression agents or more conservative water practices.

Clean Agents

Sometimes, your fire protection system may use suppressing agents other than water. Similarly, they work by depriving the fire of oxygen. However, these systems use gases that do not linger in the atmosphere long. Gases commonly used are nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide, which are naturally occurring.

Additionally, a special hazard fire protection system is useful in areas with different fire hazards in which water is not the best option. A clean agent generally does not conduct electricity, is not corrosive, and does not leave a residue when it evaporates. These are good for areas that contain valuables, where water might cause damage and are still an environmentally friendly fire suppression option.

Fluorine-Free Foams (F3)

Unlike some foam fire suppression agents, fluorine-Free foams do not contain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances that the EPA has linked to negative health effects in humans. It can move through the soil, drinking water, and substances like concrete. Ideally, fluorine-Free Foams do not contain these substances and can biodegrade over time. Still, the performance of the environmentally friendly fire suppression alternative is comparable to systems that do use per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, making F3 foams the greener option.

Efficient Water Use

Comparatively, if you do not require special hazard suppression systems that use gas or foam in your facility, there are still ways to have an environmentally friendly fire suppression system. Using water more efficiently is a good place to start. A mist fire protection system uses less water when activated and is highly effective depending on the application. It uses high pressure and small water droplets to control the oxygen and temperature of a fire. However, these systems work best in smaller confined spaces where fine water dispersal and steam will be more effective.

Finally, Valley Fire Protection & Plumbing can help you design, install, repair, and inspect your fire sprinkler system and meet your buildings needs.

Related Topics: Special hazard suppression

By: Matt Clegg

As an executive at Valley Fire Protection, Matt’s desire is to provide the best fire protection and engineering experience for Valley Fire customers. By thinking outside the box, and by educating and equipping clients with the information they need to help them properly protect their buildings, Matt and his team have contributed to a long list of successful projects.