Unit VII Course Project

.pdf

School

Columbia Southern University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

5301

Subject

Information Systems

Date

Jun 19, 2024

Type

pdf

Pages

7

Uploaded by BrigadierLapwingMaster1413

1 Unit VII Course Project Scott R. Groover Columbia Southern University FIR 5301: Fire Protection Technology Dr. Justin Heim
2 The purpose of fire sprinkler systems is not only to protect human life, but also structural property. There are many different types of fire sprinkler systems that have been established and have evolved over time as fire technology has advanced. Many sprinkler systems work not to entirely extinguish fires, but to control the fire until it can be extinguished by firefighters with the proper equipment. Water-based sprinkler systems can help extinguish fires, while also reducing the amount of heat being given off by fires and combustible materials. In order for water-based sprinkler systems to work, a minimum temperature must be reached to break and activate the fusible link so that water can be released from the sprinkler. Wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge systems are the different types of water-based sprinkler systems that can be utilized in different structural buildings. Other types of sprinkler systems include water mist systems and foam-based sprinkler systems. Each of these works to extinguish or control fires until fire response teams are able to respond. Though they work to achieve the same goal, it is important to consider which would work most effectively in different structures depending on the types of flammable and combustible materials that are stored or housed within them. When considering the City of Washington Distribution Warehouse fire, it is important to note that the items and materials being stored within the warehouse changed over time. Initially, the materials in the distribution warehouse were coded as light hazards, but over time this changed to materials that were considered Group A commodities. According to the National Fire Protection Association (2022), Class A commodities are the most hazardous, as this group includes plastics that can be divided into the expanded or nonexpanded subgroups (NFPA, 2022). The NFPA (2022) explains how expanded plastics include materials that have a density that is reduced by air pockets that are distributed throughout their overall concentration, while nonexpanded plastics include all other materials that do not fit this description (NFPA, 2022).
3 Group A plastics have both a higher heat of combustion and higher burning rate of other plastic materials, which makes them very hazardous if fire emergencies were to occur (IFSTA, 2016). Based on the scenario presented and all of the details included, it is very apparent that the fire extinguishing resources and systems put into place within the distribution warehouse were not sufficient to extinguish or control fires based on the materials that were being stored. When rebuilding the warehouse, there are many changes that need to be made to ensure that fire emergencies can be contained and loss of property is decreased. No matter the type of sprinkler system being utilized, it is imperative that the sprinklers are installed and spaced according to guidelines outlined in the standards aligned with the National Fire Protection Association (IFSTA, 2016). The types of items being stored in the distribution warehouse also need to be considered because in the scenario, the materials started out as light hazards, but then moved into higher combustible materials. According to IFSTA (2016), if higher hazardous materials need to be protected, then the sprinkler system needs to be designed based on a greater design density (IFSTA, 2016). Even if the distribution warehouse doesn’t initially store highly hazardous items, it is better to prepare for a higher classification of combustible materials should they be housed in the warehouse in the future (IFSTA, 2016). Water-Based Fire Sprinkler Systems There are many different types of water-based fire sprinkler systems, including wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge systems (IFSTA, 2016). Wet pipes are very inexpensive, but reliable, because water is always present in the distribution pipes (IFSTA, 2016). Though this is a reliable system, one disadvantage to this type is that it freezes very easily (IFSTA, 2016). In comparison, dry pipes use nitrogen or compressed air under pressure, and once the sprinkler is in use, the nitrogen or compressed air is released and water is able to flow (IFSTA, 2016).
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help