Kate Houghton is the manager of fire protection marketing for Kidde Fire Systems, based in Ashland, MA. She oversees the development of special hazard fire detection, control and suppression systems. For more information on the subject of fire protection for control rooms, and to obtain a free copy of the Kidde Fire Systems Protect Spec CD, call 1-800-872-6527, ext. 2606, or visit the Kidde Fire Systems Web site at www.kiddefiresystems.com.
What happens when a fire breaks out in a manufacturing facility? If the facility is code compliant, it is equipped with an integrated fire detection, alarm and sprinkler system. The detectors sense the presence of smoke, alarms sound and the fire department is summoned. In the meantime, building occupants are given instructions, and the sprinklers activate in the area where the fire is located. The water contains the fire and provides protection for the occupants until the fire department arrives and extinguishes the fire.