User Manual

Fire Safety
39
Building Technologies 049_Archives_and_Libraries_A6
V10271399_a_en.doc
Fire Safety & Security Products 03.2009
4.2.9 Steps to be taken in the event of a fire
Experience has shown that fires are most frequently caused by:
– Overloaded components developing excessive heat
– Fires outside the archive area
– Negligence of safety regulations, e.g. working with heating object or naked
flames
Preventive
The off-site storage of all not directly necessary items and an emergency plan for
the fire brigade intervention should be in place. In addition an actual list of trained
staff with mobile number needs to be established.
All electrical equipments, that are not required to be in operation, are switched off
when no staff is present in the archive.
During
During the emergency, the intervention route should be opened. All related doors
should be automatically opened immediately or delayed by the time necessary for
the fire brigade to be on site.
Emergency measures after a damage
Immediate consultation of a company that specializes in emergency measures af-
ter damage by fire, water (in case of non controlled fire brigade intervention) or
other causes. The reduction of the air humidity to a value below 40% is the most
urgent measure in order to stop the corrosion by hydrochloric acid. The name, ad-
dress, and procedure from a local company to rent or acquire services dehumidifi-
ers should be kept handy.
4.2.10 Installation of a fire detection system
The installation of the fire detection system must be planned in accordance with
the local guidelines.
In order to preclude electromagnetic influences, Siemens recommends using only
cables containing twisted pairs without shield.
However, the monitoring of archives and libraries with a fire detection system is
very difficult due to the room configuration. In addition valuable painting on wall
and ceiling in libraries reduces the possibility of cabling.
The early and reliable detection of incipient fire in archives and libraries and in the
related utility installations is used for the safety of personnel, to limit damage, and
minimize the loss of valuable and irreplaceable assets.
This detection concept will provide knowledge of the special air handling aspects of
archives and libraries using examples, present possible solutions for early fire de-
tection.