When you manage or own a warehouse, factory, or any type of manufacturing or industrial facility, you'll need to be concerned with the right fire suppression method for that building and all areas inside. Standard sprinklers can be good in many areas, but you may be concerned about the potential for water damage to raw materials, and water may not actually extinguish certain types of fires. Note a few tips for choosing the best fire suppression method for your facility so you know the right one for protecting your business.

Foam suppression

Foam suppression methods are very eco-friendly and easy to clean up after the fire has been extinguished. They're best for areas where water could actually cause damage to the building or anything stored inside; this might include data processing rooms or computer storage areas, clean rooms, and rooms used to store any type of liquid. Foam suppression is also the better choice for areas that hold delicate fabrics that can suffer water damage, such as clothing production facilities or upholstery warehouses. Note, too, that water easily conducts electricity, so foam may be the better choice in any room with lots of wiring, such as a telecommunications space.

Gaseous suppression

One advantage to gaseous suppression technology is that there is no physical cleanup of the gas needed after a fire has been extinguished. Also, gasses used for suppression are designed to absorb the heat of fires, to help extinguish flames. This can make them a good choice for any area where fires may tend to burn hotter than normal, such as a fuel storage area. Gas can also easily penetrate areas of a space that are harder for water or foam to reach; for oddly shaped rooms, such as areas that store small packages versus large containers or rooms with exposed walls with nooks and crannies where a fire could spread, gas may be the best choice.

Water suppression

Water suppression systems or sprinklers are not all alike; many systems allow you to choose a mist size for when the sprinklers engage. You can then opt for a torrent of water in large drops in a room that may see a large fire break out suddenly, such as where welding equipment is used or fuel is stored. A fine mist can be good if the risk of fire is minimal and the area is not likely to see a large blaze, such as in a small commercial kitchen or office area.

For more information about fire protection services and suppression methods, contact a fire security center.