by

Eva Hoffman

It's no secret that halon has proven effective for a wide range of fire hazards with the added bonus of being safe for spaces occupied by humans. What's more, halon will not damage computers and other electronic systems found in today's workplaces. But in addition to protection of modern technology, halon also can safely protect historical artifacts and documents. This article discusses how some NAFED members tapped into this market, what problems they encountered during installation and which solutions worked for each specific situation.

Aside from loss of life from fire, there is nothing more devastating than the loss of precious artifacts. While damage to modern-day computer systems can be costly, this equipment can be replaced. Fire damage to ancient artifacts and documents can destroy them completely. But with the addition of a good fire detection and/or suppression system, rare books, artifacts and memorabilia can be saved from both fire and elements often used to extinguish that fire.

Since the late '70s and early '80s, most museums have had custom-designed, early-detection halon systems installed. Before that, most facilities were protected by sprinklers and/or fire extinguishers. News about the costly extinguishment of fires in various institutions prompted many museums to research and install halon systems. The concern for safe fire protection of museums and libraries opened a new market for halon systems. A number of NAFED members have been able to take advantage of this market by installing systems in some renowned historical institutions.

When Curators of the Smithsonian Institution realized the African artifacts housed in its storage unit were not properly protected, The Fireline Corporation in Baltimore provided a solution. "The sprinkler system that was protecting the African artifacts was improper and outdated for protecting that type of material," said Steve Waters, Fireline president. "The storage unit needed a halon protection system.

"Before we could design and install this system, we had to stop and think," said Waters. "The system would be unlike any computer room system we'd ever installed. We had to accommodate 15-foot ceilings in a room much more confined than a standard computer room. We changed the detection layout and placement of nozzles for the discharge. Most lay people don't realize halon is emitted as a liquid that quickly heats to its familiar gaseous state. We didn't want any of the artifacts to be accosted with a direct hit of halon."

After the system was installed, a door-fan test was conducted to satisfy both Fireline and the Smithsonian as to its effectiveness.

"Museums and libraries are great markets for halon protection systems," said Waters. "I urge all NAFED members to learn more about these types of facilities in their area."

In April of 1991, Hartford Fire Equipment, Hartford, Conn., installed a halon fire protection system at the Allen Memorial Library, one of the Health Sciences Libraries at Case Western University in Cleveland. The library houses such rare collections as the complete works of both Charles Darwin and Sigmund Freud, as well as volumes dating back to medieval times. Until Hartford Fire stepped in, this priceless collection was protected solely by fire extinguishers. "Although we never had a problem in the past, we had learned of fires occurring at libraries in Leningrad and Los Angeles, which caused us to reevaluate our fire protection system," said Robert Chesire, Director of the Health Sciences Libraries. "After careful consideration we chose to install the halon protection system."

According to Allen Dorn, systems ar Hartford Fire, the halon system installed in the Allen Memorial Library is very different from the standard computer room system. "We needed to reduce the area of coverage per nozzle. Two photo detectors were installed in each aisle between the book shelves. By increasing the number of nozzles and the flow rate per nozzle, the turbulence from the discharge was greatly reduced while continuing proper mixing. Finally, the discharge time was increased to approximately 15 seconds," said Dorn. "Aside from these alterations, the system's electrical and mechanical installation was standard."

"We are extremely pleased with the new fire protection system," said Chesire. "Knowing that these priceless pieces of literature are protected makes our job that much easier."

Another collection now safely protected from the effects of fire is housed in the rare books section of the William Allan Neilson Library at Smith College, Northampton, Mass. On October 21, 1975, a fire of electrical origin damaged the reference room of the Neilson Library. Damage to the interior finish, furnishings, and the loss of a considerable number of books was estimated at $342,000. Though some areas of the library were equipped with automatic sprinklers and smoke detection systems, there was no fire protection or detection equipment in the burned area.

"I was here at the time of the fire," said Ruth Mortimer, curator for the library's rare books section. "My collection was protected because the soot did not get through the air conditioning system. But I saw the damage, which was extraordinary."

The decision to install a halon system two years ago did not result from Smith's 1975 fire. "Our air conditioning equipment was wearing out, and we were concerned about that hazards," said Mortimer. "In addition, we were acquiring several large manuscript collections and felt we needed the extra protection."

The Smith College library collection dates from 2000 B.C. to 1990 A.D., and contains about 60 books printed in the 15th century. Some pieces are printed on cuneiform (clay) tablet, one of the earliest printing mediums, circa 2000 B.C. However, most of the literature is printed on paper, including the most famous piece in the library's collection a single leaf page from the Guttenberg Bible, the first book ever printed.

"If we had sprinkler systems to protect us from fire, the water damage would do more harm than the fire damage," said Mortimer. "A fire will take spines off the books it goes along the shelves, but you can retain the separate leaves. If you have water damage, you can't really dry out the pages. Mold follows, so the book is destroyed.

"In addition, coated paper will just form into a solid mass when it gets wet, and you can't separate pages," said Mortimer.

Rick Maddox was project manager at New England Fire, Lowell, Mass., when the company installed the halon system for the Neilson Library's rare books section two years ago. The installation was more complicated than first expected. Because of the compact arrangement of the books, a soft discharge was required, which meant installing more nozzles. Because of all the stacks of books and paper, the rare books section was considered a Class A hazard.

The halon soak time had to be increased from the NFPA standard requirement of 10 minutes to a more desirable 20 minutes, so as not to cause any damage to the delicate pages. To achieve this, the room had to be sealed as tightly as possible.

Maddox and his crew also learned that many seemingly harmless particles can cause serious damage to books printed on ancient paper and clay. During the system installation, Smith College required that everything be covered with drop cloths. Then, while one technician drilled holes for the system, another followed him to vacuum the dust. "Smith College requested we do this because dust particles, oil and metal shavings can destroy books," said Steve Healy, systems manager for New England Fire. Healy was not with the company at the time of this particular installation, but he is well-versed in this special installation process.

"It's important to obtain as much information as possible from the curator before starting the job," said Healy. "This protects you from a liability situation and helps you in determining the number of man-hours needed to get the job done."

A job well done in this case means the difference between preservation and annihilation. Knowing that something priceless- whether it be a life, a home, a book or a memory - is safe from the effects of fire instills a sense of pride in those responsible for providing the protection. NAFED members know this feeling well.

Fire protection professionals today can put their expertise to use protecting the old as well as the new. Halon systems need not be confined to computer rooms. In essential use situations where sprinkler, carbon dioxide or foam systems may not be appropriate to the property being protected, halon remains the logical alternative. A safe fire protection system, installed and tested within sensible environmental parameters, can ensure that precious documents like the Guttenberg Bible and Charles Darwin's works will be around to inspire and educate for generations to come.