Car parks and underground car parks are key elements of urban infrastructure, providing safe places to store vehicles in densely populated areas. Due to the enclosed nature of these spaces, the risk of fire is much higher than in open car parks. Fire protection in these facilities is essential to ensure user safety, protect vehicles and minimise property damage. The installation of advanced fire protection systems in car parks and underground car parks is crucial to ensure a quick and effective response to fire threats.
What fire hazards exist in indoor and underground car parks?
Indoor and underground car parks carry specific fire hazards resulting from their closed structure and specific use. Below we present the most important hazards:
Hazards related to flammable materials
Vehicles parked in covered and underground car parks contain fuels, oils, greases and other flammable substances. Leakage of these materials, caused by a technical failure or accident, can quickly lead to a fire.
Ventilation problems and limited evacuation
In enclosed spaces such as covered and underground car parks, ventilation is limited, which makes it difficult to quickly remove smoke and toxic gases. The lack of adequate ventilation increases the risk of smoke poisoning, which poses a serious threat to the life and health of users. In addition, limited evacuation options in underground car parks can lead to difficulties in quickly leaving the threatened area by people.
Potential ignition sources
In covered and underground car parks there are many potential ignition sources that can lead to a fire. The most common are:
- Electrical faults: Damaged electrical installations, short circuits, and faulty devices can cause sparking and ignition.
- Fuel Leaks: Even small fuel leaks from vehicles can pose a serious hazard if ignited.
- High temperature: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, for example due to hot weather, can increase the risk of fire in enclosed spaces.
Threats related to human activities
Human factors such as carelessness, improper storage of flammable materials or smoking in the car park can significantly increase the risk of fire. In addition, failure to comply with safety regulations and the lack of regular technical inspections can lead to conditions conducive to the outbreak of fire.
Electric vehicle fires
The growing number of electric vehicles on the road introduces new challenges related to fire protection. Lithium-ion batteries, used in electric cars, can spontaneously combust due to mechanical damage, overheating or electrical failure. Lithium-ion battery fires are difficult to extinguish and require specialist extinguishing methods.
In summary, fire hazards in indoor and underground car parks are complex and multi-faceted. Effective fire protection requires proper planning, installation of advanced fire extinguishing systems and regular monitoring and maintenance to minimise risks and ensure the safety of users and property.
What fire protection systems are used in parking lots and how?
In covered and underground car parks, various fire protection systems are used to provide effective protection against fires. Below are the main types of systems and how they are used:
Sprinkler systems
Sprinkler systems are one of the most commonly used fire protection systems in indoor and underground car parks.
- Characteristics and operating principle: Sprinklers are located on the ceiling or walls of the parking lot. When a high temperature (usually caused by a fire) is detected, the sprinklers release water, extinguishing the flames.
- Advantages: Fast and effective fire extinguishing, limiting the spread of fire, minimizing material damage.
- Application examples: Sprinkler systems are ideal for large spaces such as multi-storey and underground car parks, where rapid fire detection and extinguishing is crucial.
Fog systems
Fog systems offer advanced fire extinguishing technology that is particularly effective in confined spaces.
- Technology and operating principle: These systems produce fine droplets of water under high pressure, which cool the flames and reduce the oxygen concentration, which effectively extinguishes the fire.
- Advantages: Low water consumption, minimal property damage, effective in difficult conditions (e.g. low ventilation).
- Application examples: Fog systems are ideal for underground car parks where limited space requires effective and fast fire extinguishing.
Gas extinguishing systems
Gas extinguishing systems are used in areas where the use of water could cause additional damage, such as near electrical installations.
- Types of fire extinguishing gases: CO2, FM-200, Novec 1230. These gases effectively extinguish fires by reducing the oxygen concentration without damaging equipment and vehicles.
- Advantages: Effective extinguishing without the use of water, which protects against flooding and damage to vehicles.
- Application examples: Gas extinguishing systems are used in garages with a large amount of electrical equipment and in areas of high property value.
Foam Systems
Foam systems are particularly effective in extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids such as fuels.
- Technology and operating principle: Foam creates a barrier between fire and oxygen, limiting the access of oxygen to the flames and effectively extinguishing the fire.
- Advantages: Effective in extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids, limiting the spread of fire.
- Application examples: Foam systems are ideal for parking lots where there is a risk of fuel and other flammable substances leaking.
Installation process and customer cooperation during implementation
Risk analysis and needs assessment
The first step in installing fire protection systems in indoor and underground car parks is a detailed risk analysis and needs assessment. Specialists conduct a site inspection, identifying potential fire hazards and specific fire protection requirements. This analysis includes an assessment of the type and number of vehicles, the presence of flammable materials, the spatial layout and existing safety procedures.
System Design
Based on the results of the risk analysis, engineers create a comprehensive design of the fire protection system. The design includes the arrangement of sensors, sprinklers, sprinklers, mist systems, gas and foam systems, as well as fire control panels and control systems. Each element of the system is carefully thought out to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability of fire protection. The design also includes the integration of the system with existing building installations and compliance with legal regulations and safety standards.
Installation and configuration
Once the design has been approved, the installation phase begins. Specialists install all the elements of the fire protection system according to the developed plan, taking care of the precise placement of sensors, sprinklers, sprinklers and other devices. The system is then configured and tested to ensure that all components are working properly and are ready for use in the event of a fire. The installation also includes the integration of the system with the fire control panel and the building management system (BMS).
Testing and launching
Before starting the fire protection system, detailed tests are carried out to verify the correct operation of all components. The tests include fire simulations, checking the operation of sensors, valves, pumps and other system elements. After successful testing, the system is started and the users of the facility are informed about its operation and operating principles.
Staff training
The final stage of the implementation process is staff training. Car park or underground car park employees undergo detailed training that includes the operation of fire protection systems, alarm and evacuation procedures and the rules of conduct in the event of a fire. The training aims to ensure that staff are adequately prepared to respond to fire threats and can effectively use the installed fire protection systems in emergency situations.
Cooperation
Cooperation with our company in the field of fire protection in indoor and underground car parks is a guarantee of professionalism, the highest quality of services and full support at every stage of project implementation. We offer comprehensive solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client, including risk analysis, design, installation, testing and staff training. Our experience, modern technologies and a team of qualified specialists ensure effective property protection and user safety. Contact us to find out how we can jointly secure your facilities. Examples of successful implementations and positive customer opinions confirm our competence and commitment.