7.4 | Fire |
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| No fire detection device or system should be considered 100% foolproof. |
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This fire alarm system can provide early warning of a developing fire. Such a system, however, does not ensure protection against property damage or loss of life resulting from a fire. Any fire alarm system may fail to warn for any number of reasons (e.g. smoke not reaching a detector that is behind a closed door).
When considering detectors for residential applications, refer to NFPA Standard 72, “The National Fire Alarm Code.” This standard is available at a nominal cost from: The National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
7.4.1 If Installed in Family Residences
Adherence to the NFPA Standard 72 can lead to reasonable fire safety when the following items are practiced:
•Minimize hazards: Avoid the three traditional fire killers: smoking in bed, leaving children home alone, and cleaning with flammable liquids.
•Providing a fire warning system: Most fire deaths occur in the home, the majority, during sleeping hours. The minimum level of protection requires smoke detectors to be installed outside of each separate sleeping area and on each additional story of the dwelling.
For added early warning protection, it is recommended that detectors be installed in all separated areas including the basement, bedrooms, dining room, utility room, furnace room, and hallways.
7.4.2 Having and Practicing an Escape Plan
A fire warning may be wasted unless the family has planned in advance for a rapid and safe exit from the building.
•Draw a floor plan of the entire house showing two exits from each bedroom and two from the house. Since stairwells and hallways may be blocked during a fire, the plan should provide
exits from bedroom windows.
Make copies of the plan and practice it with all family members.
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•Provide a barricade between family members and fire, smoke, and toxic gases (e.g. close all bedroom doors before retiring).
•Children should be instructed on opening their bedroom windows and exiting safely from the building. If exiting is not possible, they should be taught to stay at the open window and shout for help until it arrives.
•In the event of a fire alarm after retiring, wake the children by shouting to them from behind your closed door. Tell them to keep their bedroom doors closed.
•If the top of your bedroom door is uncomfortably hot, do not open it. There is most likely fire, intolerable heat, or smoke on the other side. Shout to all family members to keep their bedroom doors closed and to exit the building via alternate routes.
•If the top of the door is not uncomfortably hot, brace the bottom of the door with your foot, and the top with one hand, then open the door about one inch. Be prepared to slam the door shut if there is any pressure against the door or if any hot air rushes in.
•If there is no evidence of excessive heat or pressure, leave the room and close the door behind you. Shout appropriate instructions to all family members and immediately leave the building via the
7.4.3 Installation Considerations
Proper location of detection devices is one of the most critical factors in a fire alarm system.
The following are some general considerations:
•Smoke detectors should not be installed in “dead air” spaces or close to ventilating or air conditioning outlets because smoke may be circulated away from the detector. Locations near air inlets should be favored.
•Avoid areas subject to normal smoke concentrations such as kitchens, garages, or near fireplaces.
•Do not install smoke detectors where normal area tempera- tures are above 100° F (38° C) or below 32° F (0° C).
•Areas of high humidity and dust concentrations should be avoid- ed.
•The edge of ceiling mounted detectors should be no closer than 4 inches (10 cm) from any wall.
•Place the top edge of wall mounted detectors between 4 and 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) from the ceiling.
DS7400Xi ( 4+) Reference Guide | Copyright © 2007 Bosch Security Systems, Inc. | P/N: |
