Is Inergen Gas Considered Harmful?

Considering fire safety within a residential or domestic property should be on a list of the highest priorities you put in place when managing a building full of either family, friends and staff members. 

In today’s era, fire suppression systems are by far the most favoured and effective methods of detecting and extinguishing a fire when an outbreak occurs. However, even though they’re practical, are they safe for humans? 

During this article, we’re going to discuss a few popular fire suppression methods for health and in particular Inergen. Is Inergen Gas considered harmful for people in the midst of fire suppression? Find out more here by reading on below!

What Fire Suppression Systems Aren’t Safe For Humans?

Regarding what fire suppression systems aren’t safe for humans, the only clear answer is CO2 fire suppression systems. With the need for 34% carbon dioxide, the human body would not be able to endure this type of exposure for long before experiencing unconsciousness or even death.

Why Are CO2 Systems Dangerous to Humans?

Assessing the dangers of CO2 when thinking of investing in a fire extinguishing system may be something you may want to consider. If there isn’t a clear path to evacuation, this system shouldn’t be on your list of desired systems to choose from.

Although this suppressing agent does an excellent job of reducing the oxygen level of the fire, if a human stays in the building with this amount of carbon dioxide flowing in the air - the lungs won’t be able to withstand the sheer amount of gas going into the body. 

These systems replace oxygen with carbon dioxide, meaning asphyxiation (suffocation) within a confined area can be extremely likely. Using C02 systems within a large area with lots of space and an easy path to leaving the building can be particularly effective, however.

What Fire Suppression Systems Are Safe For Humans?

The most common fire suppression systems that you will find safe for humans are water mist, clean agent (chemical agent and inert gas) and fire sprinkler suppression systems. All of these systems contain fluids and extinguishing agents that will not cause any damage to your long-term health.

To get a better insight into each of the fire suppression models that you could potentially install in your workplace or home, we’re going to break down each secure fire suppression system and how it works to keep you safe during evacuation - whilst still performing at a high level.

Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems

As a building occupant, you want to ensure that during a fire, you have a system in place that will prevent an outburst of flames that damages your expensive equipment and endangers other people. 

Water mist fire suppression systems are highly-pressurised designs with small droplets of water. Due to it being pressurised and water-based, this attacks both the oxygen level of the fire and cooling element too - with zero chemicals that could cause harm to humans… apart from getting a bit wet.

Fire Sprinkler Suppression Systems

Fire sprinkler models are similar to water mist systems but have bigger droplets of water, meaning there is a possibility of total flooding and your equipment being damaged. 

Yet, for human consumption, these designs will cause no harm to an individual apart from being drenched in water. We would not recommend these systems for high-quality fire suppression, however.

Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems

Lastly, clean agent fire suppression systems are highly-effective in protecting humans from any short and long-term health implications. Whether this is a chemical gas agent such as Novec 1230, FM-200 or an inert gas fire suppression method such as Inergen - these fire suppressant agents are not only safe for humans but excellent for our environment. 

Choosing a clean agent fire suppression method is the most prominent technique of keeping our planet safe, keeping others inside your building safe and furnishing an effective job when clearing the flames and leaving no residue. Thus, if you’re looking to tick all the boxes, we would recommend looking into these approaches.

Is Inergen Gas Harmful to You During Fire Suppression?

In regards to is Inergen gas harmful to you during fire suppression, the simple answer is no. Although it has 8% of carbon dioxide upon extinguishing, it is filled with non-toxic, naturally occurring gases - meaning the oxygen level will still be at a safe level for you to breathe efficiently. 

Even after the fire has been extinguished, this inert gas system leaves no residue behind. Therefore, if you were to touch or move any equipment - there would be no proceeding health implications. This fast-acting inert gas extinguishes a fire in under 60 seconds and leaves no toxic liquids behind. 

Inergen, along with other clean agent fire suppression systems that use naturally occurring gases such as Novec 1230 and FM-200 are the safest for human consumption during the event of a fire due to a number of factors.

Why Are Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems Safest For Humans?

Once you explore your options within clean agents, you will notice that all of the systems use naturally occurring gases, meaning that the gases are non-toxic. Although Inergen and FM-200 contain carbon dioxide, there are extremely minimal amounts disposed of during an outburst of flames. 

Inergen has a split of 52% nitrogen, 40% argon and only 8% carbon dioxide while FM-200 contains small amounts of carbon within its chemical makeup. These clean agents, although they may contain little or no carbon dioxide will allow humans to breathe properly whilst evacuating the building. 

Whilst you’re evacuating the property, these environmentally-friendly substances will be working against the combustion process and reducing the oxygen level of the fire.

Choosing the Correct Fire Suppression System Provider

If you have a building full of hard-working staff and are looking to implement optimal fire safety within the establishment while protecting our planet - we would certainly recommend these cost-effective clean agent fire suppression systems.

MEP Fire is your nationwide product and service provider for all your fire suppression needs. Hence, if you want to speak to an expert about what fire suppression system will suit your building - book a site survey with our team and we’ll be more than happy to help you provide peace of mind within your residential or domestic property, today!