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Document ID (ISN)54690
CIS number 90-1665
ISSN - Serial title 0746-9586 - Fire Command
Year 1988
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Christ R.J.
Title Computers and fire: A hazardous combination
Bibliographic information Sep. 1988, Vol.55, No.9, p.14-19. Illus.
Abstract This paper looks at the special hazards associated with fire fighting in installations involving electronic data processing equipment and how to deal with them. Such hazards include the presence of high voltage cables which are often concealed under raised floors or above dropped ceilings. Many computers are fitted with battery devices which provide temporary power when the regular power fails. Thus even after disconnecting the main supply, high voltages may still be present in some equipment. A further hazard may be caused by automatic fire protection systems such as water sprinklers or chemical systems. Fire fighters are advised to wear breathing apparatus when entering rooms where halon systems have been installed. In view of the importance of computer equipment to a company's business, damage to all equipment should be kept to a minimum. Other hazards include the presence of large amounts of combustible material, elaborate security systems which may delay access, and the presence of large air conditioning systems.
Descriptors (primary) fire fighting; computers; fire hazards
Descriptors (secondary) cables; automatic fire protection; damage control; electronic equipment
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceUSA
Subject(s) Fire and explosions
Broad subject area(s) Fires, explosions and major hazards
Browse category(ies) Office work
Fires