There are a wide range of fire suppression systems available for use within buildings.

Sprinkler systems are one of the most widely used systems and can be highly effective in controlling or extinguishing fires. This can have major benefits in relation to fire safety, as well as reducing the potential damage to the building in the event of a fire (insurance premiums are also reduced).

However, they are expensive to install and there is also the risk of false alarms causing damage (although in practice water damage due to false alarms is rare).

Other systems are also available such as:

• water mist/fog
• gas suppression
• oxygen reduction
• foam
• chemical extinguishant

Each type of system has their own advantages and disadvantages. Before specifying a system it is therefore essential to review what the purpose of the extinguishing system is, what are the priorities and then to identify the most appropriate solution.
Fire engineering can sometimes provide an alternative way to design a building that avoids the need for automatic suppression. 

ASEC have the expertise to review the fire safety requirements for the building, recommend the most appropriate fire safety system and assist in the design and specification of that system.