The problem: Second escape route
Many existing buildings offer potential for an extension of living space, e.g. by adding a storey to the building or by extending the attic. Particularly due to limited building land in urban areas, the expansion of existing buildings is of ever-increasing relevance in urban development.
However, the building extension requires a second escape and rescue route. Consequently, a second escape stairwell or a rescue option via fire brigade equipment is necessary. This poses a significant problem, especially for taller buildings in densely built-up city centres (e.g. due to narrow streets or trees).
Thus, the turntable ladder of the fire brigade often cannot be used. As a result, a safety stairwell or a second (external) escape stairwell is necessary.
The latter often presents building owners with an unsolvable problem. For example, the location of the building often does not allow for a second stairwell in accordance with fire protection requirements. Consequently, the expansion of existing buildings is slowed down.
Safe escape route with water mist
As compensation for a second escape and rescue route, a low-pressure water mist extinguishing system can be installed in the building. It facilitates the extension of living space in existing buildings without major structural measures such as a second escape staircase.
In addition, the system enables the safe use of the stairwell in case of fire for all occupants of the building. Thus, water mist extinguishing systems are already recognised as a verified solution on the part of the authority for urban development and housing of a German city with over a million inhabitants.
The advantages at a glance
- Facilitated creation of living space without a second escape and rescue route
- Quick installation and thus little disturbance to residents
- Simple retrofitting without emergency power supply
- Safe escape staircase for at least 10 minutes and compliance with fire protection requirements
- Cost advantage compared to the installation of a second escape & rescue route
- Combination with further fire protection equipment
Low pressure water mist extinguishing systems from CWS
CWS offers a sustainable and economical alternative for a second escape and rescue route by means of a low-pressure water mist extinguishing system. In this way, additional living space can be created in a building and the requirements for fire protection in the stairwell can be met. In addition, safety is increased for all occupants of the building.
How water mist extinguishing systems work
Low-pressure water mist extinguishing systems atomise the water so finely that an enormously enlarged water surface is created. The result is a cooling and smothering effect with very effective fire fighting. In this way, the fire is fought on two sides of the fire triangle:
- Cooling of the fire and the surrounding area
- Absorption of the radiant heat and oxygen
Find out more about water mist extinguishing systems from CWS now.
We exclusively plan and install low-pressure water mist extinguishing systems from the Danish manufacturer VID Fire-Kill. Our systems comply with the current DIN EN 14972-1:2020 standard. The experts in the competence centre for low-pressure water mist extinguishing systems will be happy to advise you.
Our solution in detail
The low-pressure water mist extinguishing system from CWS as an alternative to the second escape and rescue route can be easily and economically installed in a building. For this purpose, a water mist nozzle is installed on both sides in front of each flat entrance door.
The nozzles have thermal triggering elements that trigger automatically when a specific rated value is reached. In addition, the water is stored in modular extinguishing agent bottles with nitrogen as the propellant. Consequently, the self-sufficient extinguishing system does not require a conventional pump and separate power supply. The safety power supply is provided by a rechargeable battery. The low-pressure water mist extinguishing system is able to prevent a flat fire from spreading to the adjacent stairwell for at least 10 minutes. In this way, our system sustainably improves fire protection in the stairwell and the entire building.
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We advise you with no obligations
You want to expand the living space in your building and need a second escape route?
Contact our experts at the Competence Centre in Cloppenburg. We plan and install low-pressure water mist extinguishing systems throughout Germany.