Hypoxic air technology for fire prevention

The exact oxygen level to retain in the protected volumes is determined after a careful assessment of materials, configurations, and hazards.

Alternatively, the ignition-limiting threshold is determined by performing a proper ignition test described in BSI PAS 95:2011 Hypoxic air fire prevention systems specification.

[4] Smoke detectors are installed in protected volumes because, similar to gas suppression systems, hypoxic air does not prevent smoldering and pyrolyzing processes.

[5] Air with low oxygen concentration is transported to the protected volumes through dedicated pipes or, more simply, via an existing ventilation system.

Fire-prevention systems which result in the oxygen content being less than 19.5% are not permitted for occupied spaces without providing employees supplemental respirators by federal regulation (OSHA) in the United States.

Angerer and Novak's conclusion is that "working environments with low oxygen concentrations to a minimum of 13% and normal barometric pressure do not impose a health hazard, provided that precautions are observed, comprising medical examinations and limitation of exposure time.

Information relating access to the protected areas i.e. oxygen-reduced atmosphere are illustrated: Inspection body accreditation criteria are established according to ISO/IEC 17010 for third party verification of hypoxic air fire prevention system conformance to BSI PAS 95:2011 and VdS 3527en:2007 [12]