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 The
information explosion brought about by modern technologies
such as telecommunications and computers has created a massive
increase in the total volume of records that are generated.
This increase has intensified the problems involved in protecting
records from fire. Many of these vital or important records
are either irreplaceable or can only be reproduced at considerable
expense or loss of time.
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New methods of records storage have been developed that use the
maximum cubic capacity of the area assigned to record storage. Some
of these storage arrangements not only place the records at risk,
but also contain sufficient fire potential to be a danger to the
structure and all other operations housed in it.
A well designed Fire Detection System
can give an advanced warning before heat-responsive devices, such
as automatic sprinklers operate. In many facilities, Air
Sampling Smoke Detection may be appropriate due to high ceilings,
rack storage configurations and other influences that prevent or
delay conventional smoke detection from operating.
Additional means of protection for consideration in Record Storage
areas may consist of automatic suppression systems such as FM200,
Water Mist and Carbon
Dioxide (Special precautions should be taken to ensure personnel
safety whenever there is opportunity for exposure to Carbon Dioxide).
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