Accidents happen
The majority of automatic sprinkler systems installed today are classified as wet systems. This means that the piping system that attaches the sprinkler head to the water source is already full of water. This water essentially is trapped in the system by control valves and status sensors at the water source. Since water is trapped in the pipe, it will tend to develop a life of its own  the water in the pipe will react with the pipe and any impurities to develop microbiological growths. The same type of buildup also is possible in so-called dry systems if the piping is not allowed to properly dry and drain after system testing or any other periodic discharges.

The microbial growths are of little concern to building occupants during normal conditions because the sprinkler pipe is a closed system and the organisms are trapped. However, once released from the piping system, the water may produce a strong odor because of the contaminants in the pipe, and the color of the initial flow may be black. The odor and color are dispersed quickly, and the eventual flow from the head is the same quality and content as that obtained from the local water mains or other water source.

The sprinkler head will continue to flow for a number of minutes. Most fire departments do not allow sprinklers to be turned off until they arrive on scene and authorize the property owner to close the valve and stop the flow. This means that hundreds of gallons of water will flow from a single head in as little as 15 minutes (a typical response time). This amount of water will be sufficient to purge the system of contaminants and provide a clean flow from the head.

Initially, most fire departments will assist the property owner in much of cleaning the area by removing the sprinkler water using typical salvage techniques. The remaining water will need to be removed by facility personnel. The cleaning staff should initiate drying, delineate the extent of water damage, discard unsalvageable material, and apply disinfectant. The staff should be aware of the types of cleaning and disinfecting materials available to them, and instructed in the proper use of each prior to cleanup.

In addition, local facility managers may want to considerprofessional cleaning services that specialize in fire- restoration services. Wet vacuum equipment and mops can be used to collect water, which can then be discharged to local sanitary lines or storm drains. Salvageable soaked materials can be washed with appropriate detergents, dried and returned to service. Damaged material that cannot be salvaged can be disposed of through normal solid-waste-disposal means. Final cleaning should be accomplished with disinfectant cleaners. A scent-masking or scented cleaner often is used to combat offensive odors.

Particular attention should be paid to damaged surfaces that can absorb water and become a source of potential mold growth  material such as wallboard, carpeting or wood flooring. Pay special attention to areas not readily visible, such as subfloor areas, behind walls, carpets under equipment, and areas behind cove bases. You may need to remove sections of walls and insulation, and apply large volumes of air to dry the surfaces. Effectively drying these hidden cavities is critical to remove any potential conditions for mold to develop and thrive.

Tremblay is senior associate and McCarthy, Sc.D., CIH, is president of Environmental Health & Engineering Inc., Newton, Mass. A booklet, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, is available from the EPA www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/index.html. The publication number is EPA 402-K-01-00.


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NOTABLE

▪1 IN 16 MILLION
Odds of a sprinkler opening due to a manufacturing defect.

▪ 4
Average number of sprinklers that will open when exposed to the heat of a fire.

▪ 25 to 35
Average gallons of water per minute the average sprinkler head discharges.

▪ 100 to 250
Average gallons of water per minute discharged from a fire department hose stream.



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