Fire Suppression Primary Means

Today, each major object of the residential or industrial use must take into account the requirements for fire protection. Most of the objects are equipped with modern fire protection systems - in particular, with a reliable fire alarm system or automatic fire suppression system.

This is sufficient for rapid informing of fire services in the event of a fire source occurrence, and retention of fire from rapid spread before the arrival of a fire rescue team. However, this is usually not enough to fully protect people and tangible property located in flammable facilities. That is why the mandatory fire protection requirements include the requirement to equip each such premises with fire suppression primary means.

Fire suppression primary means - are the devices, materials and tools for isolation of fire sources at the initial stage of fire, they should be located at any public facilities, and people should know how to use them. The fire inspection constantly monitors the availability and readiness of the fire suppression primary means for use.

They usually cannot resist a major fire; however, they are able to provide protection and isolation of the fire before the arrival of professional fire team.

Fire suppression primary means include:

• Water - is the best way to suppress the fire. However, it must not be used to suppress electrical or flammable liquids (gasoline).
• Sand and earth (in fire box) to suppress fire of electric circuit wiring and combustible liquids. They should normally be in the fire box with a capacity of no less than 0.5 m3, together with a bucket and spade.
• Fire-fighting equipment stand with bars, spades, hooks, axes and buckets. It should be located near the box with sand and a barrel of water (no less than 200 litres).
• Fire blanket - is a non-flammable fabric that can block the access of air to the small fire source.
• Internal hydrant in a special sealed cabinet, equipped with a fire hose. It not used to suppress flammable liquids and electric plants under voltage.

Using the fire suppression primary means may help suppress a small source of fire or evacuate from a burning building. When fire spreads to furniture and big smoke spreads in the premises, to suppress fire with the primary means is not recommended - it is necessary to leave the room!