Computers are notoriously bad at surviving fires. If the flames don’t cause your system’s case and circuit boards to ignite, the heat might melt your hard drive and all the solder holding the electronic components in place. Your computer might even survive the fire, only to be destroyed by the water used to fight the flames.
You can increase the chances that your computer will survive a fire by making sure that there is good fire-extinguishing equipment nearby.
In the late 1980s, Halon fire extinguishers were exceedingly popular for large corporate computer rooms. Halon is a chemical that works by “asphyxiating” the fire’s chemical reaction. Unlike water, Halon does not conduct electricity and leaves no residue, so it will not damage expensive computer systems.
Unfortunately, Halon may also asphyxiate humans in the area. For this reason, all automatic Halon systems have loud alarms that sound before the Halon is discharged. Halon has another problem as well: after it is released into the environment, it slowly diffuses into the stratosphere, where it acts as a potent greenhouse gas and contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer. Halon is therefore being phased out and replaced with systems that are based on carbon dioxide (CO2), which still asphyxiate fires (and possibly humans), but which do not cause as much environmental degradation.
Here are some guidelines for fire control:
- Make sure that you have a hand-held fire extinguisher by the doorway of your computer room or office. Train your computer operators in the proper use of the fire extinguisher. Repeat the training at least once a year. One good way to do this is to have your employees practice with extinguishers that need to be recharged (usually once every year or two). However, don’t practice indoors!
- Check the recharge state of each extinguisher every month. Extinguishers with gauges will show if they need recharging. All extinguishers should be recharged and examined by a professional on a periodic basis (sometimes those gauges stick in the “full” position!).
- If you have a Halon or CO2 system, make sure everyone who enters the computer room knows what to do when the alarm sounds. Post warning signs in appropriate places.
- If you have an automatic fire-alarm system, make sure you can override it in the event of a false alarm.
- Ensure that there is telephone access for your operators and users who may discover a fire or a false alarm.
Many modern computers will not be damaged by automatic sprinkler systems, provided that the computer’s power is turned off before the water starts to flow (although disks, tapes, and printouts out in the open may suffer). Consequently, you should have your computer’s power automatically cut if the water sprinkler triggers. Be sure that the computer has completely dried out before the power is restored. If your water has a very high mineral content, you may find it necessary to have the computer’s circuit boards professionally cleaned before attempting to power up. Remember, getting sensitive electronics wet is never a good idea.
If you have an uninterruptible power supply, be sure that it is automatically disconnected, too.
Because many computers can now survive exposure to water, many fire-protection experts now suggest that a water sprinkler system may be as good as (or better) than a CO2 system. In particular, a water system will continue to run long after a CO2 system is exhausted, so it’s more likely to work against major fires. They also are less expensive to maintain, and less hazardous to humans.
If you choose to have a water-based sprinkler system installed, be sure it is a “dry-pipe” system. This keeps water out of the pipes until an alarm is actually triggered, rather than having the sprinkler heads pressurized all the time. This may save your system from leaks or misfortune.
We know of one instance where a maintenance man accidentally knocked the sprinkler head off with a stepladder. The water came out in such quantity that the panels for the raised floor were floating before the water was shut off. The mess took more than a week to clean up.
Be sure that your wiring, in addition to your computers, is protected. Be certain that smoke detectors and sprinkler heads are appropriately positioned to cover wires in wiring trays (often above your suspended ceilings), and in wiring closets.
3.2.1 CLASSES OF FIRE
Fires can be divided into broad classifications for ease of extinguishing them. This will assist in selecting the best extinguishing agent to be used, on the most appropriate type of fire. Lets now look at them.
Class A
Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials: wood, paper, trash, plastic and cloth. Class A fires are usually relatively slow in their initial development and growth, and because these materials are solids, they are somewhat easier to contain. Class A fires leave an ash after the material has been consumed.
Class B
Class B fires involve flammable and combustible liquids and flammable gases such as Gasoline, Fuel oil, Paint, Butane and Propane. These fires usually develop and grow very rapidly. Class B materials are fluid in nature, which allows them to flow and move. This makes dealing with them somewhat more difficult than Class A materials. These materials are common in many settings. These fires typically do not leave an ash.
Class C
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment such as motors, appliances, and machinery. This is the only classification of the five that is not directly related to the type of fuel. The fact that a live electrical circuit is involved is the determining factor. Remove the power and the burning materials may actually fall into one or more of the four other classes. If the electric power is disconnected, the fire is no longer considered class C. Whether the device being considered is turned on or not is unimportant in this classification. Power to the device makes it Class C even if the device is turned off.
Below is a summary of all classes;
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