Condensed Aerosol Generators in Fire Safety of Buildings. Part 2 – Selected Issues Related to Design, Installation and Maintenance

Aim: The purpose of this paper is to review selected requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of fixed fire extinguishing systems based on condensed aerosol generators, which are the most important component of aerosol fire extinguishing systems. Particular attention was paid to the hazards associated with the pH and corrosiveness of aerosol deposits on electronics, as well as the equally important hazards to humans associated with the size of the extinguishing aerosol particles. Introduction: Fixed aerosol fire extinguishing devices and aerosol fire extinguishing kits, whose basic component is a condensed aerosol generator, are one example of specific solutions related to ensuring the safety of buildings. However, their design and operation differ from extinguishing systems that use extinguishing agents such as gases (e.g., CO2, N2, fluoroketones) or water-based agents (water, foam, or water mist). Therefore, the design, installation, and maintenance of such systems require special expertise and knowledge of potential hazards, including, for example, the entrapment of users or facility personnel in the extinguishing zone where aerosol discharge may occur. Methodology: The article draws on theoretical research, such as: analysis of literature and legal documents, synthesis, generalization, inference, comparison, and analogy. Conclusions: Condensed aerosol generators, which are an important component of aerosol fire extinguishing systems alongside other fire safety systems, have an impact on both the safety of buildings and the safety of users staying in the building. Considering the risks associated with aerosol discharge – reduced visibility, toxicity, thermal hazards – the competence of entities that declare to provide services in this area is very important in the design, installation, and maintenance of such systems. At later stages of the work, it will be crucial to determine the methods and possibilities for efficient and rapid removal of residues after the discharge of fire extinguishing aerosol in the protected extinguishing zone, so that the protected room can be restored to use as quickly as possible. It will be equally important to determine methods for removing aerosol residues from equipment, including, in particular, broadly understood electronics. The effective and safe use of SUG-A technologies requires not only knowledge of their physicochemical properties, but also a thorough risk assessment, knowledge of applicable regulations and standards, and appropriate qualifications of those involved in the design and maintenance of the installation.