FIRE SOLUTION TECHNOLOGY - Accra, Ghana

A fire alarm system is a building system designed to detect, alert occupants, and alert emergency forces of the presence of fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, or other fire-related emergencies. Fire alarm systems are required in most commercial buildings. They may include smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual fire alarm activation devices (pull stations). All components of a fire alarm system are connected to a fire alarm control panel. Fire alarm control panels are usually found in an electrical or panel room. Fire alarm systems generally use visual and audio signalization to warn the occupants of the building. Some fire alarm systems may also disable elevators, which are unsafe to use during a fire under most circumstances.

FM-200™, also commonly known as HFC-227ea, is a clean agent fire suppressant for Class A, B, and C fires and meets NFPA Standard 2001 Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. Clean agents are fast and effective in suppressing fires, are safe in occupied spaces, and do not leave a residue.

The different classes of fire extinguisher rating are listed below together with the some of the most suitable types of fire extinguisher for use on each class of fire:

Class A - Suitable for paper, wood & textiles.
Type of fire extinguisher - Water, Foam, Dry Powder, Wet Chemical

Class B - Suitable for flammable liquids.
Type of fire extinguisher - Foam, Dry Powder, Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Class C - Suitable for flammable gasses.
Type of fire extinguisher - Dry Powder

Class F - Suitable for cooking oil and fat.
Type of fire extinguisher - Wet Chemical

Electrical Risk - Suitable for electrical equipment.
Type of fire extinguisher - Dry Powder, Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Fire Extinguisher Colour Coding or Colour Bands
Current fire extinguishers in the UK are subject to strict standards and that includes their colour coding or colour bands.

Fire extinguishers that meet the BS EN3 standard are manufactured with a red body and have a zone band of a second colour, covering up to 10% of the surface, that indicate the extinguisher’s contents. Each type of fire extinguisher has a particular zone of colour making it easier for the user to identify the contents of the fire extinguisher.

Older fire extinguishers that pre-dated the current standard are still found. These extinguishers were in colours other than the now predominantly red colour required to conform to BS EN3 and may still be legal. However, if they need to be replaced because they are unserviceable or damaged, the new extinguisher needs to comply with the new requirements if it is to meet the BS EN3 standard.