DET-FIRE ENGINEERING PTE LTD

Fire Detection and Protection System
The first step toward halting a fire is to properly identify the incident, raise the occupant alarm, and then notify emergency response professionals. This is often the function of the fire detection and alarm system. Several system types and options are available, depending on the specific characteristics of the protected space. Fire protection experts generally agree that automatic sprinklers represent one of the single, most significant aspects of a fire management program. Properly designed, installed, and maintained, these systems can overcome deficiencies in risk management, building construction, and emergency response. They may also provide enhanced flexibility of building design and increase the overall level of fire safety.

Fire Growth and Behaviour
Before attempting to understand fire detection systems and automatic sprinklers, it is beneficial to possess a basic knowledge of fire development and behavior. With this information, the role and interaction of these supplemental fire safety systems in the protection process can then be better realized.

Basically, a fire is a chemical reaction in which a carbon based material (fuel), mixes with oxygen (usually as a component of air), and is heated to a point where flammable vapors are produced. These vapors can then come in contact with something that is hot enough to cause vapor ignition, and a resulting fire. In simple terms, something that can burn touches something that is hot, and a fire is produced.

When the ignition source contacts the fuel, a fire can start. Following this contact, the typical accidental fire begins as a slow growth, smoldering process which may last from a few minutes to several hours. The duration of this "incipient" period is dependent on a variety of factors including fuel type, its physical arrangement, and quantity of available oxygen. During this period heat generation increases, producing light to moderate volumes of smoke. The characteristic smell of smoke is usually the first indication that an incipient fire is underway. It is during this stage that early detection (either human or automatic), followed by a timely response by qualified fire emergency professionals, can control the fire before significant losses occur.

Successful fire suppression is dependent on extinguishing flames before, or immediately upon, flaming combustion. Otherwise, the resulting damage may be too severe to recover from. During the incipient period, a trained person with portable fire extinguishers may be an effective first line of defense. However, should an immediate response fail or the fire grow rapidly, extinguisher capabilities can be surpassed within the first minute. More powerful suppression methods, either fire department hoses or automatic systems, then become essential.

A fire general consequences may include:
* Collections damage : Fire generated heat and smoke can severely damage or totally destroy these items beyond repair
* Operations and mission damage : A fire can shut your businessdown with adverse impact on the organization's mission and its clientele
* Structure damage : A fire can destroy walls, floors, ceiling/roof assemblies and structural support
* Knowledge loss : Books, manuscripts, photographs, films and other archival collections contain a vast wealth of information that can be destroyed by fire.
* Injury or loss of life : The lives of staff and visitors can be endangered
* Public relations impact : Staff and visitors expect safe conditions in heritage buildings.
* Building security : A fire represents the single greatest security threat

To minimize fire risk and its impact, we should develop and implement comprehensive and objective fire protection programs.
Program elements should include fire prevention efforts, building construction improvements, methods to detect a developing fire and alert emergency personnel, and means to effectively extinguish a fire. Each component is important toward overall accomplishment of the institution's fire safety goal.
It is important for management to outline desired protection objectives during a fire and establish a program that addresses these goals.
Therefore, the basic question to be asked by the property's managers is, "What maximum fire size and loss can the institution accept?"
With this information, goal oriented protection can be implemented.