Fire Safety in Lebanon: Extinguishers, Alarms, and Sprinkler Systems

Fire safety in Lebanon is regulated by Civil Defence and municipal authorities. Residential buildings need extinguishers and alarms; commercial and industrial sites need automatic systems. Costs vary widely, but cutting corners on fire safety has been the cause of major Lebanese fires.

Extinguishers

• ABC dry powder: general purpose — common in shops and offices.
• CO2: electrical panels, server rooms, kitchens.
• Foam (AFFF): flammable liquids, garages, fuel stations.
• Wet chemical (K-class): commercial kitchens with deep fryers.
• Sizes: 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 kg/L; annual inspection mandatory; recharge every 5 years.

Detection and alarms

• Conventional alarm: zones, suitable for small buildings.
• Addressable alarm: each device identified — used in hotels, malls.
• Smoke detectors: photoelectric for general use, ionisation for fast-flame.
• Heat detectors: kitchens and dusty areas where smoke detectors false-alarm.
• Manual call points: red boxes at exits.

Sprinkler systems

• Wet pipe: standard for offices, schools, malls.
• Dry pipe: for unheated spaces (parking, warehouses).
• Deluge: high-hazard areas like fuel pumping stations.
• Designed to NFPA 13 standards; pump room with diesel backup is common.

Maintenance

• Monthly visual check of extinguishers (pressure gauge, seal).
• Quarterly alarm test.
• Annual third-party certification.
• Sprinkler flow test every 5 years.