Description of Project
During the latter part of 2022, we received an enquiry through our info email for the upgrade of their existing fire protection.
It is the world’s largest cosmetics company and has developed activities in the field concentrating on hair color, skin care, sun protection, make-up, perfume, and hair care. Their manufacturing plant in Midrand is responsible for the production and distribution of specific products/brands that are exported throughout Africa.
Elite Fire Protection is currently responsible for the design, supply, fabrication and installation of a fire protection system.
| Project | Fire Protection Systems |
| Size | 5000m2 |
| Year of completion | 2023 |
| Scope | Design, supply, fabrication & installation |
| Discipline | Fire Protection |
Project Scope
Fire Protection System
- Upgrade of in-rack sprinkler protection
Process Outline
Upgrade of in-rack sprinkler protection
The company has an existing fire sprinkler protection within the in-racks but are not up to any regulatory standards in South Africa. Elite Fire Protection will be required to remove the existing sprinklers and upgrade the system. The client has multiple rows of racks to suit a category 3 installation. A total of 1680 fire sprinkler head will be installed in this plant. 1520 of the sprinklers that will be installed are 15mm brass pendent 68oC quick response with water shield and sprinkler guard. The picking shelf will have 160 20mm brass pendent 68oC quick response.
Installation of a sprinkler system around the generators and diesel bowser
The generator and the diesel bowser are currently outside the warehouse without any protection. Elite Fire Protection will be installing fire sprinklers at the canopy to provide protection in the event of a fire. 12 sprinkler heads of 15mm brass conventional 141 oC will be installed.
Alterations to the fire sprinkler system in the canteen area
The current sprinkler heads were painted, and Elite Fire will be removing all these and replacing them with new sprinkler heads.
Upgrade of the gas suppression and detection in the server room
The current gas suppression will remove and replaced a new suppression and detection system. This will be protecting the void and ceiling area. The gas being used for this purpose is FM200. FM200 is a clean agent non-flammable gas used for fire suppression. It doesn’t damage electronic products and can be used in an enclosed or occupied space, making it ideal for server rooms. FM-200 works by removing heat from a fire so that combustion cannot be sustained.
Challenges
- Prior to commencing design work, we needed to gain approval from the relevant authorities due to the fence in the middle of the racks.
- Due to the number of people in the warehouse during working hours, there will be too much traffic to operate the forklift without creating chaos. We are therefore choosing to work at night-time.
