Thursday, June 24, 2010 Last week one of our crews responded to a sprinkler flow alarm at 7240 W Custer Avenue. Upon investigation they found an activated sprinkler head in a 4th floor apartment. During the attempt to stop the sprinkler flow with a wedge, they were exposed to the flowing water. The crew experienced a burning sensation in their eyes and on their skin. Further investigation revealed that the fire sprinkler system had an antimicrobial chemical system installed to prevent corrosion in the pipes. The system was designed to continuously infuse a chemical even during activation. The MSDS sheets and manufacturer’s instructions advise that the FPS Chemical is toxic and to avoid contact with the chemical and the chemically treated water. This system is only one of many types of anti-microbial systems available for fire protection.
Recommendations:
1) Preplan your buildings to identify which ones have this type of system installed
2) Avoid contact with water flowing from sprinkler systems
3) Shutdown activated systems with zone or main control valves to avoid the use of sprinkle wedges
4) Wear full PPE including SCBA mask to avoid aerosolized exposures
5) If exposed, perform decon, report exposure, seek treatment as needed, and launder uniforms / PPE