Fire Protection

Questions 1

Instructions

Have you ever had a surge protector short out or even catch fire? Is it critical that fire protection systems have surge protection on all electrical fire protection equipment and appliances? Is surge protection real or just an illusion? Why do you think that?

Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.

Question 2

Instructions

Part 7: Scenario-Based Case Study

For this assignment, you will submit Part 7 of the scenario-based case study course project, which is due in Unit VIII. You should evaluate and revise the recommendations, as needed, during the process for each previous unit as you learn more during the progression of this course. Please continue to draw upon your imagination to think creatively on potential concerns with fire and explosive hazards, fire controls, and fire and emergency management. Look at fire protection technology in a holistic way that is significantly different from what was previously designed by thinking in isolation. You will evaluate and develop recommendations to resolve potential fires in the future.

Section I

As you make suggestions to improve the fire protection system, identify the components and accessories common to fire pump installations needed for the rebuild of the warehouse. Refer back to the background information, if needed, to provide you with the necessary material to identify the basic components common to fire protection for the City of Washington Distribution Warehouse. In addition, review the Points to Ponder Scenario in the Unit VII Lesson for additional information as well as Chapter 6 in the textbook.

This assignment is not looking for compliance with building codes nor expecting you to be a fire protection system designer. However, the purpose of this assignment is for you to apply the concepts and knowledge you learned in this unit as you begin writing your final project covering protection systems that will detect, contain, control, and extinguish a fire. In addition, this assignment provides you with the opportunity to use your skills, expertise, and experience to enrich your response.

Prepare a well-organized narrative addressing fire pumps and including your recommendations after reviewing the background information and the information above. Your discussion will consist of your evaluation of the previous fire pump and recommendations for the rebuild of the warehouse, based on information from the textbook and any additional research.

Section II

As we saw in the Points to Ponder Scenario in the unit lesson, electrical surge protection devices could have mitigated damage or even loss to the pump driver. Describe the benefits that surge protection devices provide for fire pump components and systems against the damages of voltage surges.

For this assignment, you will write a two-page narrative (one page per section) supporting your position. You must have a title page and references page. An abstract is not required. You may use information from reputable, reliable journal articles, case studies, scholarly papers, and other sources that you feel are pertinent. You should use at least three sources, one of which must be your textbook. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations following proper APA style.

Question 3

Instructions

How will this course enhance your professional success?

Optional: Have you ever been in a situation where smoke was present, or do you know someone who has experience this? Recall the discussion about the hazards associated with smoke and the products of combustion as they spread throughout structures. What are your thoughts on the need for smoke management? Should smoke be controlled? Do you think the strategies of controlling smoke have any implication on occupants or even firefighters responding to a fire? Why, or why not?

Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.

Question 4

Instructions

Part 8: Scenario-Based Case Study

You have completed seven parts on your recommendations for the scenario-based case study and are now completing the final assignment for your project, which is your final submission. Be sure to apply any of the professor’s recommended corrections to the previous sections before submitting the final report in this unit.

Section I (Executive Summary)

In this section, you will prepare a well-organized and thoughtful summary of your recommendations for the fire protection system for the scenario-based case study course project on the City of Washington Distribution Warehouse fire. This summary should expound on what you have learned during the different parts covered in each unit, so you can understand issues that exist within the fire protection technology field. Place the summary after the title page, and follow it with each unit’s recommendations.

The purpose of the executive summary is to provide a narrative about the project with sufficient detail to allow readers to be able to accurately describe your recommendations to resolve potential fires in the future. Explain how your recommendations for the scenario-based case study relate to the methodology you chose and to the project outcome and conclusions. In other words, your summary must be clear, logical, and demonstrate alignment among the goals, methods, and outcomes.

The executive summary should be at least one page in length.

Section II

As you make suggestions to improve the fire protection system, identify the components and accessories common to smoke management and smoke control systems needed for the rebuild of the warehouse. Refer back to the background information, if needed, to provide you with the necessary material to identify the basic components common to fire protection for the City of Washington Distribution Warehouse. In addition, review the Points to Ponder Scenario in the Unit VIII Lesson for additional information.

As with the other assignments, this assignment is not looking for compliance with building codes nor expecting you to be a fire protection system designer. However, the purpose of this assignment is for you to apply the concepts and knowledge you learned in this unit as you finish writing your final project covering protection systems that will detect, contain, control, and extinguish a fire. In addition, this assignment provides you with the opportunity to use your skills, expertise, and experience to enrich your response.

For this section, prepare a well-organized narrative addressing smoke management and smoke control systems with your recommendations after reviewing the background information and the Points to Ponder Scenario. Your discussion will consist of your evaluation of information about smoke management and smoke control systems from the textbook as well as from additional research.

Section II should be at least one page in length.

Remember, you may use information from reputable, reliable journal articles, case studies, scholarly papers, and other sources that you feel are pertinent. You should use at least three sources, one of which must be your textbook. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations following proper APA style.

Final Assignment—Bringing It All Together

Compile the entire scenario-based case study recommendation into one cohesive report, and write the conclusion. Each unit assignment that was previously submitted should be edited or corrected based on you professor’s feedback.

Your final report must use APA style guidelines and include the components listed below.

§Include a title page. (An abstract is not required.)

§Provide an executive summary, which should be placed as the first section of the report. The summary should not only contain background information; it should also clearly state the recommendations. Use paragraph format for the summary.

§The body should include each unit’s recommendations using level one, level two, or level three headings to separate and organize your paper’s sections.

§Include a concluding paragraph that recaps and summarizes your key improvements for the warehouse. Focus on the expected results of your recommendations and not the background of the scenario-based case study.

Questions 1 &2
Unit VII Announcement
Students:
Welcome to Unit VII. This unit looks at accessory components of fire suppression systems. Surge
suppression at the fire pump and other electrical components can prevent fires from starting in the first
place. Surge suppressor have a useful life (just like sprinkler heads) and must be maintenance and
replaced on a regular schedule. Generators and UPS provide emergency power during loss of power to
keep the pumps up and running. Some fire pumps use alternate fuel sources such as diesel engines to
prevent reliance on the electrical grid.
Unit VI Summary:
This unit looks at built in fire suppression systems that include standpipes and hose systems. I can
remember the rolled up fire hose attached to columns in the old cotton mills in the south. The workers
would use them to fight the fire prior to our arrival. These systems typically were pipe thread and were
not compatible with our fire hose that utilized National Hose Thread. We had to carry adapters to make
them work. We recently reviewed new fully sprinklered high school plans that included 600 feet
hallways. The length of the hallways prohibit the use of our 200 ft. pre-connects, so we required 2.5”
standpipes to be installed in the hallways to facilitate our high-rise packs. Built in fire protection comes
in many forms and must be practical to the facility and your fire department operations.
Thoughts for you to ponder:
What accessory components are used to keep the fire suppression system safe and operating during
emergency events?
What is the difference between a jockey pump and a fire pump?
What are the maintenance and testing requirements for fire pumps?
These points to ponder are critical for you as a leader to identify and prepare strategically as all of these
challenges can potentially affect your agency or you.
UNIT VII STUDY GUIDE
Fire Pumps
Course Learning Outcomes for Unit VII
Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:
5. Examine emerging technologies related to fire protection.
5.1 Discuss the characteristics of stationary fire pumps.
5.2 Identify pump drivers, components, and accessories common to the installation of fire pumps.
5.3 Describe considerations of surge protection for the installation of fire pumps.
Course/Unit
Learning Outcomes
5.1
5.2
5.3
Learning Activity
Unit VII Lesson
Unit VII Course Project
Unit VII Lesson
Unit VII Course Project
Unit VII Lesson
Report: Data Assessment for Electrical Surge Protection Devices: Phase 1
Final Report
Unit VII Course Project
Reading Assignment
In order to access the following resource, click the link below.
Read Chapter 2 of the report titled Data Assessment for Electrical Surge Protection Devices: Phase 1 Final
Report.
Davis, E., Kooiman, N., & Viswanathan, K. (2014). Data assessment for electrical surge protection devices:
Phase 1 final report (Project No. 1ELD62001.001). Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org//media/Files/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-andreports/Electrical/RFDataAssessmentforElectricalSurgeProtectionDevices.ashx?la=en
Unit Lesson
Fire Pumps
Fire pumps are a critical and vital component of numerous water-based fire protection systems. Over several
decades, fire pumps have been providing water flow and pressure for water-based fire protection systems. In
the Crosby-Fiske-Forster Handbook of Fire Protection (8th ed.), Crosby, Fiske, Forster, and Moulton (1935)
noted that fire pumps are used to supply water for automatic sprinklers, standpipes, and hydrants.
Fire pumps have not changed much over the decades of delivering water flow and pressure to water-based
fire protection systems. Fire pumps use the same sources of water today as they did in 1935. Drivers, control
devices, and jockey pumps were part of the components of fire pumps in 1935, as well as today. Crosby et al.
(1935) listed fire pumps as centrifugal fire pumps, rotary fire pumps, and steam fire pumps (piston driven by
steam). Today, steam fire pumps are no longer utilized. In 1935, there was a strong emphasis stating that fire
pumps must be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Factory Mutual Laboratories, and this remains
the same today.
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One of the most critical and vital components for fire pumps then and today isUNIT
adequate
waterGUIDE
and power
x STUDY
supply. Today, the fundamentals of fire pump design remain relatively unchanged,
Title taking water and boosting
the pressure to meet the pressure and water flow demands of the water-based fire protection system. The
drawback to this is if the public or private water system cannot deliver adequate water to the fire pump. The
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 20: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fire Pumps for Fire
Protection states that all fire pumps must be tested weekly or monthly based on the type of driver used in the
system (Klaus, 2013). Testing of fire pumps is critical to ensure they are ready to provide the needed water
flow and pressure in the event of a fire.
Fire pump assembly components: A stationary fire pump has several significant components that perform
as a unit. In addition to the fire pump, there are drivers; control devices; jockey pumps; and additional
components, such as fittings, valves, and devices.
Drivers (pump drivers): A driver connects to the fire pump and provides the mechanical power to turn the
pump. Today, the first choice during the design phase of fire protection systems is an electric motor. Fire
pump drivers must be listed and meet the performance characteristics determined by UL and the National
Electrical Manufacturers Association.
Control devices: A control device senses the loss of pressure in the system and sends an electric signal
engaging the driver. In the control panel, there are two positions: manual and automatic. The manual position
allows the fire pump to be operated in the event that the automatic pump-start failed.
Jockey pump: Pressure fluctuation and loss is common to any water-based fire protection system, and these
fluctuations or loss of pressure could cause the pump to unnecessarily start and stop. In order to manage the
pressure loss, a smaller pump, which is called the jockey pump, is installed to maintain the pressure. Jockey
pumps are a small electric motor that boosts and maintains the system. When the demand for water flow is
beyond the capabilities of the jockey pump, the main fire pump will then activate.
Points to Ponder Scenario
In the distribution warehouse, the fire pump was located in an area that was out of the way and most workers
did not even know there was a fire pump. The fire pump was a foreign-made fire pump that was not part of
the specifications listed in the design of the fire protection system. The fire pump complied with foreign
regulations and international codes of practice similar to the NFPA. In addition, the fire pump met International
Organization for Standardization’s ISO 9001: 2008 specifically for centrifugal pumps and jockey pumps used
in automatic water-based sprinkler installations. However, the foreign-made fire pump was not UL approved.
The pump met compliance with the engineer’s design specifications and calculations outlined on the shop
drawings. However, once the fire pump was installed, the inlets for the water lines on the suction side
required elbows to connect to the potable water source. In addition, butterfly valves and pressure regulating
devices were used 10 feet from the fire pump suction flange. The control values were not properly labeled
and none of the values were clearly identified. In addition, the relief valve was eliminated during installation.
After the fire, investigators noted that the fire pump had not been tested since installation, and there were no
records of any maintenance being performed. When power was restored to test the fire pump, an electrical
surge from the power distribution grid occurred damaging the electric motor. In addition, the electric motor for
the fire pump was not properly grounded, and the surge protector used did not comply with UL Standards nor
was it authorized to bear the UL mark, which is a UL holographic label.
Was the fire pump installation in accordance with the NFPA? Should an inspector have realized the elbows,
butterfly valves, and pressure regulating devices were an issue in performance? Should they have noted the
fire pump was not UL approved? According to Klaus (2013), NFPA 25 standards do not require inspectors to
understand the design and adequacy of fire protection systems to include the fire pump. Inspectors are
required to identify operational problems when inspecting the system. Klaus (2013) does state that if
inspectors have specific knowledge of a system and recognize a problem in design, then they must
recommend a hazard evaluation. In addition, butterfly valves and other devices within 50 feet of the suction
flange can decrease performance. The reason stated is these devices can create excessive turbulence,
leading to pump cavitation and the loss of pressure.
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Electrical Surge Damage
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
In the scenario, an electrical surge occurred and damaged the fire pump when the power was restored after
the power outage. Electrical surges can damage various electronics critical to fire protection systems like
computers, phones, phone lines, and fire alarm control units (FACUs). Some of the causes of electrical
surges could be the electrical distribution system is not grounded or surge protection devices are not installed
properly. In addition, surges could occur from lightning, utility switching, or other sources, so surge protection
devices should be used for residential and commercial/industrial structures. According to Klaus (2013), the
industry standards provide limited guidance on what is an acceptable level of protection. A study by the NFPA
Fire Protection Research Foundation concluded that 12% of the fire pumps tested had damage due to voltage
surges (Davis, Kooiman, & Viswanathan, 2014). The authors noted that surges damage motor windings in fire
pumps, shortening the motor’s life. Control devices are at risk for damage from surges, altering the capacity of
the system and making them ineffective during a fire. Davis et al. (2014) warn that surge protection must be
properly sized and installed in order to protect the device and that there are four types of surge protection
devices (SPD) listed in UL 1449. The types are dependent on the location within in the system and the type of
internal protection provided.




Type 1: SPDs are permanently connected between the secondary line and the line side of the
equipment.
Type 2: SPDs are permanently connected on the load side of the equipment and located at the
branch panel.
Type 3: SPDs are installed at the point of utilization that is at least 30 feet from the electrical service
panel.
Type 4: SPDs are components and assemblies that are factory installed into electrical distribution
equipment and require additional overcurrent protection (Davis et al., 2014).
NFPA 70, which is the National Electrical Code, covers electrical safety in residential, commercial, and
industrial occupancies. The code also covers safety involving electrical wiring, overcurrent protection,
grounding, and installation of equipment, as well as facilitates the safe installation of electrical wiring and
equipment. Brakhage, Abrams, and Fortney (2016) warn that a disadvantage with electrical pump drivers is
the reliability during power outages related to storms, transformer or substation failure, and power line
damage. Even with the disadvantage, electrical pump drivers are still used in most fire protection system
designs.
Conclusion
Although there are new and different types of fire pumps, over the decades, they have not changed in their
function of boosting pressure and supplying water. Since 1935 and before, fire pumps have been a critical
and a vital component of water-based fire protection systems. The selection, installation, and maintenance of
fire pumps are also critical and could mean the difference in a devastating fire for life safety and property as
seen in the scenario.
In many instances, electrical surge protection devices could have mitigated damage or even loss to
equipment. It is critical that surge protection devices are used on all electrical fire protection equipment and
appliances. NFPA 70: National Electrical Code covers the installation of SPDs and electrical distribution
equipment.
References
Brakhage, C., Abrams, A., & Fortney, J. (Eds.). (2016). Fire protection, detection, and suppression systems
(5th ed.). Stillwater, OK: Fire Protection Publications.
Crosby, E. U., Fiske, H. A., Forster, H. W., & Moulton, R. S. (1935). Crosby-Fiske-Forster handbook of fire
protection (8th ed.). Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association.
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Davis, E., Kooiman, N., & Viswanathan, K. (2014). Data assessment for electrical
protection
devices:
UNITsurge
x STUDY
GUIDE
Phase 1 final report (Project No. 1ELD62001.001). Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/Title
/media/Files/News-and-Research/Resources/Research-Foundation/Research-Foundationreports/Electrical/RFDataAssessmentforElectricalSurgeProtectionDevices.ashx?la=en&hash=F3B04
EB52D4235D7EC64F51F47378B14FB0A8B00
Klaus, M. J. (2013). Water-based fire protection systems handbook (4th ed.). Quincy, MA: National Fire
Protection Association.
Suggested Reading
In order to access the following resources, click the links below.
You are encouraged to review the standard for the installation of stationary pumps for fire protection including
the new rules that specifically address fire pumps.
Divine, T., & Semien, W. (2017). NFPA 20: Changes to the fire pump standard. Retrieved from
https://www.controleng.com/single-article/nfpa-20-changes-to-the-fire-pumpstandard/1ae4ce95f972bc9d47685427db8f1722.html
In order to view National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, each student must register for a free
account with the NFPA. Please review the video tutorial on gaining access to the NFPA website and how to
access the NFPA codes there.
Locating and Using NFPA Standards Tutorial: http://libguides.columbiasouthern.edu/nfpastandards
Click here to access the transcript for the tutorial above.
National Fire Protection Association. (n.d.). Standard for the installation of stationary pumps for fire protection
(NFPA Standard No. 20). Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-andstandards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=20
Pennel, G. (2012, April). Fire pump field data collection and analysis (Aon FPE Project No. 1811001-000).
Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Archivedreports/rffielddatacollection.ashx?la=en
MOS 5301, Fire Protection Technology
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Questions 3 and 4
Unit VIII Announcement
Students:
Welcome to the last unit of the class. It has had a lot of written assignments, journal
postings and case studies. A few notes for as you prepare to submit your final project: CSU
Writing Guidelines and APA Formatting are a must as course expectations addressed. If you
go to the link I provided in the first week announcements it will aid you in constructing
your research project for the potential for maximum amount of points available. For many
of you this is your last course, I want to wish everyone good luck with future endeavors and
courses. Regardless, if you are looking towards a master degree, or the Executive Fire
Officer Program, all of this course will pertain to the papers you will research and construct
in those programs. I have enjoyed reading all the work you have done so far, and look
forward to reading your research projects.
Unit VII Summary:
This unit looks at accessory components of fire suppression systems. Surge suppression at
the fire pump and other electrical components can prevent fires from starting in the first
place. Surge suppressor have a useful life (just like sprinkler heads) and must be
maintenance and replaced on a regular schedule. Generators and UPS provide emergency
power during loss of power to keep the pumps up and running. Some fire pumps use
alternate fuel sources such as diesel engines to prevent reliance on the electrical grid.
Thoughts for you to ponder:
•
•
Did the course have any positive or negative bearing on your thoughts about fire
suppression systems?
Looking back, what would you have done differently in writing any of your
assignments?
These points to ponder are critical for you as a leader to identify and prepare strategically
as all of these challenges can potentially affect your agency or you.
Project Requirements:
To clarify the writing of project responses please note the following in order to achieve the
highest possible score per essay response:
•
All responses must have properly formatted in-text and reference citations. If you
paraphrase than give proper citations. Failure to do so will result in a poor grade and
possible violation of the CSU Plagiarism Policy.
•
•
All responses must have a minimum of 200 words which does not include in-text citations;
anything less is not solid college level work. This means you will need to add content. You
are not to just copy from the text with a citation to answer the questions. I have already
read the textbook. I want you to add to the experience of the question.
Please use a Spell and/or Grammar Check function of your word processing software to
ensure proper spelling and grammar before copy and paste.
UNIT VIII STUDY GUIDE
Special Hazards and Smoke Control
and Management Systems
Course Learning Outcomes for Unit VIII
Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1. Recommend appropriate fire protection systems for protecting life and property.
2. Apply sound ethical principles as they relate to fire protection.
3. Explain how the properties of fire influence design and installation criteria.
4. Recommend appropriate procedures for applying different types of foam systems.
5. Examine emerging technologies related to fire protection.
5.1 Describe the components and accessories common to smoke management and smoke control
systems.
6. Evaluate design specifications for fire alarm systems.
Course/Unit
Learning Outcomes
Learning Activity
1
Unit VIII Course Project
2
Unit VIII Course Project
3
Unit VIII Course Project
4
Unit VIII Course Project
5.1
Unit VIII Lesson
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Unit VIII Course Project
6
Unit VIII Course Project
Reading Assignment
Chapter 7: Non-Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems
Chapter 8: Smoke Management Systems
Unit Lesson
Non-Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems
For some ordinary structures, sprinkler systems may not be enough to extinguish special hazard fires using
water only, as water damage may be detrimental to the contents of the occupancy. In these incidences,
specialized suppression systems are needed to extinguish the fire without unintentionally damaging the
contents. According to Gagnon (2008), non-water-based fire suppression systems protect a variety of hazards
with unique challenges that water-based suppression systems are not efficient at protecting. Brakhage,
MOS 5301, Fire Protection Technology
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Abrams, and Fortney (2016) categorize special hazards as large quantities of UNIT
flammable
liquids,
valuable or
x STUDY
GUIDE
irreplaceable commodities, metals reactive to water, high-tech research, and switching
equipment.
Title
Specialized or non-water-based fire suppression systems may include wet chemical, dry chemical, clean
agents, and carbon dioxide.
Wet chemical fire suppression systems use foam systems where two-dimensional fires occur, such as
cooking oils. At room temperature, cooking oils do not produce any flammable vapors to be concerned with
autoignition. However, when heated, cooking oils will ignite spontaneously. The appropriate type of foam
system to protect the hazard is a wet chemical that reacts with the cooking oil, producing saponification. In
addition, the wet chemical will cool and smother the flame (Gagnon, 2008). Wet chemical extinguishing
agents are applied through systems that may be fixed, semi-fixed, portable, or mobile. These systems
extinguish, prevent, and control fires in facilities that store flammable or combustible liquids.
Dry chemical suppression systems use a chemical residue, such as sodium bicarbonate and monoammonium
phosphate, to extinguish fires. Brakhage et al. (2016) suggest that after a dry chemical suppression system is
discharged, the residue left behind creates a cleanup problem and can corrode equipment and hinder the
operation.
Clean agent suppression systems use inert gases made from a mixture of helium, neon, argon, nitrogen, and
small amounts of carbon dioxide. This mixture of gases was developed to replace Halon 1301, due to the
environmental concerns and toxicity of halon. Clean agent systems protect computer, telecommunications,
data storage areas, document rooms, art galleries, museums, and other high-valued areas (Brakhage et al.,
2016). Clean agents interrupt the uninhibited chain reaction of the tetrahedron.
Carbon dioxide suppression systems use odorless, colorless, noncombustible, nonconductive gas to displace
oxygen to extinguish the fire. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and is dangerous to anyone entering the
room or area when it is discharged.
Points to Ponder Scenario
The warehouse fire involved high-pile rack storage of 275-gallon intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes
containing cooking oil that spread pools of fire igniting other IBC totes and combustible products. As the
workers attempted to extinguish the fire with water, the water hit the cooking oil, causing small explosions that
spread the burning oil even further. As the fire increased, the high temperature caused more totes to became
involved, producing thick black smoke, toxic substances, and asphyxiates, which flowed horizontally
throughout the warehouse under the roof. The flow of the smoke started gradually and began to turn more
turbulent near the heated gases. The smoke at the fire near the cooler metal walls of the warehouse began to
drop down, creating layers closer to the floor. In the heated areas, the high velocity driven smoke began to
stratify into layers because of its buoyancy remaining higher than the cooler smoke. Then, the sprinkler
system activated cooling some of the heated smoke near the fire, reducing its buoyancy. In other parts of the
warehouse, the smoke continued to build under the roof area. Once the entire area under the roof was
covered, the smoke started banking down and working its way into the ductwork and openings in the office
area, exposing workers. The smoke from the cooking oil and other products contained sufficient toxic
asphyxiates that began to overtake the workers within just a few minutes. During the investigation, it was
found the warehouse was not equipped with smoke management or smoke control systems.
Did the warehouse in the scenario require a specialized suppression system? Did the warehouse require
some type of smoke control or smoke management system? Warehouses unlike other structures are not
compartmentalized where shutting doors may control smoke and reduce the rapid growth of the fire.
Smoke Management Systems
Smoke management and smoke control systems limit the spread of smoke as though a door was shut in a
compartmentalized structure. Smoke management and smoke control systems use mechanical fans to
produce airflow and pressurize areas removing smoke or limiting the movement to control smoke inside highrise buildings, covered malls, and warehouses with high-piled rack storage. These methods of smoke control
are containment, extricate, or opposed airflow. Controlling smoke and its movement is critical for providing a
tenable environment for these same occupancies allowing safe evacuation and firefighters to be able to
MOS 5301, Fire Protection Technology
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mitigate the fire quickly. The design of smoke management and smoke controlUNIT
systems
takes GUIDE
into
x STUDY
consideration the buoyancy and stack effect that influence the spread of smoke
and the heat gases.
Title
Smoke management systems utilize mechanical fans, dampers, and other methods to remove smoke from
structures. Smoke management systems’ intended uses are roof hatch ventilation in high atrium spaces,
smoke exhaust fans in parking garages, pressurization fans in stairwells, pressurization fans in elevator
shafts, and smoke exhaust fans in large warehouses (Ventola, 2014). The National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) 92B: Standard for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas
describes methodologies for estimating the location of smoke within large-volume space or in an adjacent
space (Gagnon, 2008). Gagnon continues to promote that the standard assists fire protection design
professionals in determining if smoke will stratify or not by using the following formula.
Zm = (14.7) x (Qc1/4) x (∆T/∆z)3/8
Gagnon (2008) suggests the formula determines the heat release data for different commodities in the
equation of (Qc), and the temperature is measured by (∆T/∆z).
Smoke control systems operate mechanical fans and dampers to create and maintain a pressure difference
and smoke barrier. Smoke control systems are activated by electronic monitoring, and they control devices to
inhibit smoke from entering spaces that are a means of egress or areas of refuge (Ventola, 2014). Brakhage
et al. (2016) suggest that smoke control strategies utilize passive systems, pressurization systems, exhaust
method, opposed airflow method, dilution, and zone smoke control. NFPA 92A: Recommended Practice for
Smoke-Control Systems describes recommendations for smoke management using smoke barriers, airflows,
and pressure differences to confine smoke movement to the area of origin (Heskestad, 1997).
Large volume warehouse with no smoke control system
allows smoke to spread horizontally beneath the roof
until it reaches an opening.
Smoke removal for a large volume warehouse uses ventilator
fans at the roof line to extract the smoke and ventilator fans
to replenish the atmosphere with fresh air being channeled
by curtains containing the smoke.
Whether pressurization with mechanical ventilators or limiting smoke, control systems utilize two basic
principles through passive and active systems to accomplish the extraction of the heat gases and smoke.
Passive design utilizes smoke curtains and smoke ventilators found typically in warehouses with high-piled
rack storage. Smoke ventilators open allowing the smoke and heat to escape through high-level ventilators in
the roof and smoke curtains create a wall containing or channeling the smoke in one area allowing the smoke
to be extracted. Active design utilizes mechanical means to extract or force the smoke out when the fire
protection initiation device receives a signal activating the ventilators to extract the smoke and replace the air
being extracted with fresh air.
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Conclusion
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
Non-water-based fire suppression systems are required when water-based systems are not effective, react
with materials, or damage equipment. Non-water-based fire suppression systems protect a variety of special
hazards with unique challenges. In most cases, these water-based suppression systems are not efficient at
protecting these special hazards that may be irreplaceable or products that react with water alone.
Smoke management and smoke control systems limit the spread of smoke when the consequences can be
devastating. These systems create a tenable environment allowing occupants to exit the building more quickly
in a clear path of travel where the smoke is kept at a high level. Smoke management and control systems
ensure fires can be located and extinguished sooner, preventing more damage to the contents and structure.
References
Brakhage, C., Abrams, A., & Fortney, J. (Eds.). (2016). Fire protection, detection, and suppression systems
(5th ed.). Stillwater, OK: Fire Protection Publications.
Gagnon, R. M. (2008). Design of special hazard and fire alarm systems (2nd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar
Learning.
Heskestad, G. (1997). Venting practices. In A. Cote & J. Linville (Eds.), Fire protection handbook (18th ed.;
Section 18, Chapter 4). Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.
Ventola, M. (2014, November 10). Smoke control vs smoke management: An overview [Blog post]. Retrieved
from https://blog.1sae.com/2014/11/10/smoke-control-vs-smoke-management-an-overview/
Suggested Reading
In order to access the following resource, click the link below.
This video demonstrates a full-scale smoke control system conducted in a newly constructed 250,000 square
foot furniture warehouse. The system uses vents in the middle of the roof to control fire spread.
Overholt, K. (2008, February 20). Furniture warehouse smoke control and fire demo [Video file]. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE6uG-cPwts
Note that the video above does not contain dialogue.
Learning Activities (Nongraded)
Nongraded Learning Activities are provided to aid students in their course of study. You do not have to submit
them. If you have questions, contact your instructor for further guidance and information.
These are manufacturers’ websites that show the types of smoke management and smoke control systems
that could be used to find recommendations for the rebuild of the distribution warehouse assignment. Visit a
few of the websites to become familiar with what they offer.
http://www.airprodsales.com
http://www.ruskin.com
http://www.greenheck.com
http://www.prefco-hvac.com
http://www.ncamfg.com
http://www.unitedenertech.com
http://www.airbalance.com
http://www.arrowunited.com
http://www.louvers-dampers.com
MOS 5301, Fire Protection Technology
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MOS 5301, Fire Protection Technology
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
5
UNIT VIII STUDY GUIDE
Special Hazards and Smoke Control
and Management Systems
Course Learning Outcomes for Unit VIII
Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1. Recommend appropriate fire protection systems for protecting life and property.
2. Apply sound ethical principles as they relate to fire protection.
3. Explain how the properties of fire influence design and installation criteria.
4. Recommend appropriate procedures for applying different types of foam systems.
5. Examine emerging technologies related to fire protection.
5.1 Describe the components and accessories common to smoke management and smoke control
systems.
6. Evaluate design specifications for fire alarm systems.
Course/Unit
Learning Outcomes
Learning Activity
1
Unit VIII Course Project
2
Unit VIII Course Project
3
Unit VIII Course Project
4
Unit VIII Course Project
5.1
Unit VIII Lesson
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Unit VIII Course Project
6
Unit VIII Course Project
Reading Assignment
Chapter 7: Non-Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems
Chapter 8: Smoke Management Systems
Unit Lesson
Non-Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems
For some ordinary structures, sprinkler systems may not be enough to extinguish special hazard fires using
water only, as water damage may be detrimental to the contents of the occupancy. In these incidences,
specialized suppression systems are needed to extinguish the fire without unintentionally damaging the
contents. According to Gagnon (2008), non-water-based fire suppression systems protect a variety of hazards
with unique challenges that water-based suppression systems are not efficient at protecting. Brakhage,
MOS 5301, Fire Protection Technology
1
Abrams, and Fortney (2016) categorize special hazards as large quantities of UNIT
flammable
liquids,
valuable or
x STUDY
GUIDE
irreplaceable commodities, metals reactive to water, high-tech research, and switching
equipment.
Title
Specialized or non-water-based fire suppression systems may include wet chemical, dry chemical, clean
agents, and carbon dioxide.
Wet chemical fire suppression systems use foam systems where two-dimensional fires occur, such as
cooking oils. At room temperature, cooking oils do not produce any flammable vapors to be concerned with
autoignition. However, when heated, cooking oils will ignite spontaneously. The appropriate type of foam
system to protect the hazard is a wet chemical that reacts with the cooking oil, producing saponification. In
addition, the wet chemical will cool and smother the flame (Gagnon, 2008). Wet chemical extinguishing
agents are applied through systems that may be fixed, semi-fixed, portable, or mobile. These systems
extinguish, prevent, and control fires in facilities that store flammable or combustible liquids.
Dry chemical suppression systems use a chemical residue, such as sodium bicarbonate and monoammonium
phosphate, to extinguish fires. Brakhage et al. (2016) suggest that after a dry chemical suppression system is
discharged, the residue left behind creates a cleanup problem and can corrode equipment and hinder the
operation.
Clean agent suppression systems use inert gases made from a mixture of helium, neon, argon, nitrogen, and
small amounts of carbon dioxide. This mixture of gases was developed to replace Halon 1301, due to the
environmental concerns and toxicity of halon. Clean agent systems protect computer, telecommunications,
data storage areas, document rooms, art galleries, museums, and other high-valued areas (Brakhage et al.,
2016). Clean agents interrupt the uninhibited chain reaction of the tetrahedron.
Carbon dioxide suppression systems use odorless, colorless, noncombustible, nonconductive gas to displace
oxygen to extinguish the fire. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and is dangerous to anyone entering the
room or area when it is discharged.
Points to Ponder Scenario
The warehouse fire involved high-pile rack storage of 275-gallon intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes
containing cooking oil that spread pools of fire igniting other IBC totes and combustible products. As the
workers attempted to extinguish the fire with water, the water hit the cooking oil, causing small explosions that
spread the burning oil even further. As the fire increased, the high temperature caused more totes to became
involved, producing thick black smoke, toxic substances, and asphyxiates, which flowed horizontally
throughout the warehouse under the roof. The flow of the smoke started gradually and began to turn more
turbulent near the heated gases. The smoke at the fire near the cooler metal walls of the warehouse began to
drop down, creating layers closer to the floor. In the heated areas, the high velocity driven smoke began to
stratify into layers because of its buoyancy remaining higher than the cooler smoke. Then, the sprinkler
system activated cooling some of the heated smoke near the fire, reducing its buoyancy. In other parts of the
warehouse, the smoke continued to build under the roof area. Once the entire area under the roof was
covered, the smoke started banking down and working its way into the ductwork and openings in the office
area, exposing workers. The smoke from the cooking oil and other products contained sufficient toxic
asphyxiates that began to overtake the workers within just a few minutes. During the investigation, it was
found the warehouse was not equipped with smoke management or smoke control systems.
Did the warehouse in the scenario require a specialized suppression system? Did the warehouse require
some type of smoke control or smoke management system? Warehouses unlike other structures are not
compartmentalized where shutting doors may control smoke and reduce the rapid growth of the fire.
Smoke Management Systems
Smoke management and smoke control systems limit the spread of smoke as though a door was shut in a
compartmentalized structure. Smoke management and smoke control systems use mechanical fans to
produce airflow and pressurize areas removing smoke or limiting the movement to control smoke inside highrise buildings, covered malls, and warehouses with high-piled rack storage. These methods of smoke control
are containment, extricate, or opposed airflow. Controlling smoke and its movement is critical for providing a
tenable environment for these same occupancies allowing safe evacuation and firefighters to be able to
MOS 5301, Fire Protection Technology
2
mitigate the fire quickly. The design of smoke management and smoke controlUNIT
systems
takes GUIDE
into
x STUDY
consideration the buoyancy and stack effect that influence the spread of smoke
and the heat gases.
Title
Smoke management systems utilize mechanical fans, dampers, and other methods to remove smoke from
structures. Smoke management systems’ intended uses are roof hatch ventilation in high atrium spaces,
smoke exhaust fans in parking garages, pressurization fans in stairwells, pressurization fans in elevator
shafts, and smoke exhaust fans in large warehouses (Ventola, 2014). The National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) 92B: Standard for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas
describes methodologies for estimating the location of smoke within large-volume space or in an adjacent
space (Gagnon, 2008). Gagnon continues to promote that the standard assists fire protection design
professionals in determining if smoke will stratify or not by using the following formula.
Zm = (14.7) x (Qc1/4) x (∆T/∆z)3/8
Gagnon (2008) suggests the formula determines the heat release data for different commodities in the
equation of (Qc), and the temperature is measured by (∆T/∆z).
Smoke control systems operate mechanical fans and dampers to create and maintain a pressure difference
and smoke barrier. Smoke control systems are activated by electronic monitoring, and they control devices to
inhibit smoke from entering spaces that are a means of egress or areas of refuge (Ventola, 2014). Brakhage
et al. (2016) suggest that smoke control strategies utilize passive systems, pressurization systems, exhaust
method, opposed airflow method, dilution, and zone smoke control. NFPA 92A: Recommended Practice for
Smoke-Control Systems describes recommendations for smoke management using smoke barriers, airflows,
and pressure differences to confine smoke movement to the area of origin (Heskestad, 1997).
Large volume warehouse with no smoke control system
allows smoke to spread horizontally beneath the roof
until it reaches an opening.
Smoke removal for a large volume warehouse uses ventilator
fans at the roof line to extract the smoke and ventilator fans
to replenish the atmosphere with fresh air being channeled
by curtains containing the smoke.
Whether pressurization with mechanical ventilators or limiting smoke, control systems utilize two basic
principles through passive and active systems to accomplish the extraction of the heat gases and smoke.
Passive design utilizes smoke curtains and smoke ventilators found typically in warehouses with high-piled
rack storage. Smoke ventilators open allowing the smoke and heat to escape through high-level ventilators in
the roof and smoke curtains create a wall containing or channeling the smoke in one area allowing the smoke
to be extracted. Active design utilizes mechanical means to extract or force the smoke out when the fire
protection initiation device receives a signal activating the ventilators to extract the smoke and replace the air
being extracted with fresh air.
MOS 5301, Fire Protection Technology
3
Conclusion
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
Non-water-based fire suppression systems are required when water-based systems are not effective, react
with materials, or damage equipment. Non-water-based fire suppression systems protect a variety of special
hazards with unique challenges. In most cases, these water-based suppression systems are not efficient at
protecting these special hazards that may be irreplaceable or products that react with water alone.
Smoke management and smoke control systems limit the spread of smoke when the consequences can be
devastating. These systems create a tenable environment allowing occupants to exit the building more quickly
in a clear path of travel where the smoke is kept at a high level. Smoke management and control systems
ensure fires can be located and extinguished sooner, preventing more damage to the contents and structure.
References
Brakhage, C., Abrams, A., & Fortney, J. (Eds.). (2016). Fire protection, detection, and suppression systems
(5th ed.). Stillwater, OK: Fire Protection Publications.
Gagnon, R. M. (2008). Design of special hazard and fire alarm systems (2nd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar
Learning.
Heskestad, G. (1997). Venting practices. In A. Cote & J. Linville (Eds.), Fire protection handbook (18th ed.;
Section 18, Chapter 4). Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.
Ventola, M. (2014, November 10). Smoke control vs smoke management: An overview [Blog post]. Retrieved
from https://blog.1sae.com/2014/11/10/smoke-control-vs-smoke-management-an-overview/
Suggested Reading
In order to access the following resource, click the link below.
This video demonstrates a full-scale smoke control system conducted in a newly constructed 250,000 square
foot furniture warehouse. The system uses vents in the middle of the roof to control fire spread.
Overholt, K. (2008, February 20). Furniture warehouse smoke control and fire demo [Video file]. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE6uG-cPwts
Note that the video above does not contain dialogue.
Learning Activities (Nongraded)
Nongraded Learning Activities are provided to aid students in their course of study. You do not have to submit
them. If you have questions, contact your instructor for further guidance and information.
These are manufacturers’ websites that show the types of smoke management and smoke control systems
that could be used to find recommendations for the rebuild of the distribution warehouse assignment. Visit a
few of the websites to become familiar with what they offer.
http://www.airprodsales.com
http://www.ruskin.com
http://www.greenheck.com
http://www.prefco-hvac.com
http://www.ncamfg.com
http://www.unitedenertech.com
http://www.airbalance.com
http://www.arrowunited.com
http://www.louvers-dampers.com
MOS 5301, Fire Protection Technology
4

Home

http://www.leaderindustries.com
http://www.nailor.com
http://www.safeair-dowco.com
MOS 5301, Fire Protection Technology
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
5