On September 15, 2021 at 13:31 warren@kumari.net (Warren Kumari) wrote:
Well, there is the EPO button, which generally does that, and the (variously labeled) HALON/FM-200/GAS FIRE SUPPRESSION/GAS DISCHARGE button, which does the flashy lights and klangly bell and similar. This is fairly much always required by code, to give people time to evacuate before the gas dumps and they suffocate.
People don't suffocate from Halon dumps, I've been thru a couple (not me personally but staff, I was in my office but arrived quickly.) What is somewhat dangerous about Halon (or likely more modern) fire suppression dumps is they create like 90mph winds so you're in some danger from something like a pencil nearby. Hence, cover your face with your arms or a coat or similar if one is imminent. It makes a truly impressive mess of a machine room, piles of paper for example basically tossed out to the walls etc. But better than a fire. Same for people, better than being roasted alive or having to breathe burning plastics etc. People who complain about these systems always seem to pose it like if it wasn't for the fire suppression system we'd all be much better off, like if not for these damn lifeboats we could just stay on the ship. Granted in those two cases nothing very dangerous was going on. Once it was caused by a nearby security person's walkie-talkie -- yeah, we proved that by reproducing it tho w/ the hold button pressed so it wasn't a theory. -- -Barry Shein Software Tool & Die | bzs@TheWorld.com | http://www.TheWorld.com Purveyors to the Trade | Voice: +1 617-STD-WRLD | 800-THE-WRLD The World: Since 1989 | A Public Information Utility | *oo*