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718 Fire Prevention Plans
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Components of a Fixed System

Typical elements and components include:

Fixed fire extinguishing systems work to detect and extinguish fires, and alert occupants.
  • Discharge Nozzle: Discharge nozzles are used to disperse the extinguishing agent into the protected area.
  • Piping: The piping system is used to transport the extinguishing agent (carbon dioxide, halon, argon, etc) from its storage container to the discharge nozzle.
  • Control Panel: The control panel integrates all devices and displays their operational status and condition.
  • Warning Alarm: Electronic devices that provide an audible or visual alarm when detected. Each area protected by a fixed extinguishing system must have a distinctive alarm or signal which complies with 29 CFR 1910.165 to alert occupants that the system is discharging.
  • Warning and Caution Signs: Hazard warning signs must be posted at the entrance to, and inside areas protected by fixed extinguishing systems.
  • Fire Detectors: A device that detects fire and causes an alarm signal to be generated. Automatic detection devices sense the smoke, heat, or flames from a fire and initiate an alarm.
  • Pull Station: A device that provides a way to manually discharge the fire extinguishing system. A manual discharge station is a device usually mounted on a wall near the emergency exit(s) which will automatically sound an alarm and release the extinguishing agent.
  • Agent Storage Containers: The storage system discharges agent into the piping and through the discharge nozzles when activated by a manual or automatic device.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-4. What is used to transport the fixed system extinguishing agent from its storage container to the discharge nozzle?