Equipment-mounted automatic fire suppression systems and systems for fire-suppressed rooms typically use a compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide to quickly smother flames.
If you’re standing next to a production machine that’s protected by such a system, you almost certainly have plenty of time to step back into oxygenated air as soon as you hear the siren and/or see the flashing light. You may even hear the release of the gas. You have this time because the area is not enclosed. The gas will quickly dissipate, even if you are overcome by it.
In a fire-suppressed room, that is not the case. Such a room usually has automatic doors that close to prevent oxygen from entering. And if you are overcome by the CO2 and fall to the floor, you’re going to fall into a blanket of heavier-than air gas that smothers you along with the fire.
Equipment-mounted systems essentially take the place of a person with a hand-carried CO2 bottle extinguisher. The idea is to douse the flames on a relatively small fuel source. This is insufficient for something like a backup generator room — otherwise the whole room is outfitted with fire suppression. Warehouses that contain high levels of combustibles are often outfitted this way as well. IT rooms get outfitted this way primarily to try to preserve the data and equipment.
Most fire-suppressed rooms have controlled access. Sometimes, it not because the room is fire-suppressed but because of what’s in the room (e.g., IT room). If a room has controlled access, assume it is fire-suppressed unless you have verified it’s not.
Before entering such a room:
- Notify the appropriate authority. For example, the shift operator must be informed before you enter the back-up generator room.
- Follow the protocols. For example, you may be assigned an attendant or be required to radio in at specific intervals.
- Check the door. If it’s been blocked open, notify the shift operator immediately, and wait for further instructions.
- If an access card is used, be sure to swipe in.
Upon entering such a room:
- Visually scan for the exits. There may be only one.
- Visually locate where you will be working. If you would not be readily visible from the door or a window (for example, IT rooms often have glass panels for walls), provide a means of notifying a first responder the room is occupied. For example, tape a note saying “Occupied by Tim Smith” (or whatever you name is) where it will readily be seen from the outside.
- Identify anything that would impede your exit, and assume you must exit in the dark. This assumption is important, because it’s common for these rooms to go into lockdown upon power loss (with a short delay for the occupants to get out).
Before leaving such a room:
- Ensure you have restored/closed all covers you have removed or opened.
- Clean up any spills or scrap.
- Perform a tool count.
- Remove any ladders, carts, fixtures, etc., you brought in with you.
Before leaving such a room:
- Remove any notes you have taped up.
- Ensure the door(s) has properly closed. If an access card is used, be sure to swipe out.
- Notify the shift operator or designate that you have left the room.
- Report any observed anomalies.
If the fire suppression triggers while you are in the room, don’t take the time to collect your things or go through the standard room exit procedure. Grab what’s immediately within arm’s reach and get out of there. Once you are clear of the room, report your status and location to the shift supervisor and wait for further instructions.
