Fire Protection Systems for Industrial Facilities

Industrial facilities — factories, processing plants, workshops, warehouses and utilities — present fire risks that differ significantly from offices or homes. A fire can spread quickly, endanger workers and halt operations for months.

Typical industrial fire hazards

• Flammable liquids and gases — fuels, solvents, LPG
• Combustible dusts — from wood, grain, sugar or plastics, which can explode in confined spaces
• Hot work — welding and cutting during production or maintenance
• Machinery — friction, overheating bearings and hot surfaces
• Electrical systems — motor control centres, switchgear and transformers
• High storage — racked goods that allow rapid vertical fire spread

Matching protection to the hazard

There is no standard industrial package. Protection should follow a site-specific assessment and may combine:

Water-based systems

• Hydrant systems with ring mains for site-wide coverage
• Sprinklers designed for the storage arrangement and commodity
• Fire monitors for open areas, fuel stores and loading bays
• Deluge systems for specific high hazards

Water supply

• Fire pumps — electric, diesel and jockey
• Water storage tanks sized for the design duration

Detection

• Flame detectors for fuel handling areas
• Heat detectors where smoke detection is unsuitable
• Beam or aspirating smoke detection for large spaces

Special hazard suppression

• Clean-agent or CO₂ systems for control rooms and electrical equipment, where suitable and permitted

Business continuity

Beyond life safety, industrial fire protection protects production. Consider how long the site could operate after a fire, and which assets are critical.

Maintenance and management

Industrial systems must be maintained, and good housekeeping, hot work permits and staff training are just as important as installed systems.

Omega supports industrial clients from assessment and design through installation and maintenance. Request a consultation.