Special hazards protection

Special hazards fire protection refers to advanced fire suppression and detection systems designed for environments where standard sprinkler systems are ineffective or inappropriate. These environments typically house high-value assets, critical infrastructure, or unique risks, such as data centres, power generation facilities, chemical storage areas, and industrial processing plants. At Omnii, we design and specify special hazards fire protection systems that address the specific fuel types, ignition risks, and operational constraints of complex facilities across Australia.

Facilities that require special hazards fire protection include data centres and server rooms, power generation and transformer stations, chemical processing and storage facilities, telecommunications exchanges, museums and archives, aviation hangars, marine vessels, and critical manufacturing environments. These facilities often contain sensitive electronic equipment, hazardous materials, or irreplaceable assets where water-based suppression could cause more damage than the fire itself.

Omnii designs and specifies a range of gaseous fire suppression systems suitable for Australian special hazards applications. These include clean agent systems such as Novec 1230, FM-200, and inert gas systems (IG-541, IG-55, IG-100). Gaseous fire suppression is ideal for protecting occupied spaces, electronic equipment, and high-value assets where residue-free extinguishment is critical.

Data centre fire protection requires a multi-layered approach combining very early smoke detection (VESDA), gaseous fire suppression, and compartmentation strategies. Omnii designs special hazards fire protection systems for data centers that minimise downtime risk and protect sensitive server equipment. Our solutions address airflow management, cable penetration sealing, and integration with building management systems, all compliant with Australian Standards AS 1668 and AS 1851.

For industrial fire protection involving flammable liquids and chemical storage, Omnii specifies foam-based suppression systems including low-expansion foam, high-expansion foam, and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) or fluorine-free foam alternatives. These systems are designed for tank farms, loading facilities, aircraft hangars, and chemical processing areas. Our designs comply with AS 1940, AS 2118, and NFPA 11 where applicable.

Special hazards fire protection in Australia is governed by multiple standards depending on the application. Key standards include AS 1851 (maintenance), AS 2118 (automatic sprinklers), AS 4214 (gaseous fire extinguishing systems), AS 5062 (mobile and transportable equipment), and AS 1940 (flammable and combustible liquids). Omnii ensures all designs meet or exceed these relevant Australian Standards and WHS regulatory requirements.

Yes. Omnii has extensive experience in industrial fire protection for power generation, substation, and transformer facilities. These environments present unique challenges including high-voltage equipment and flammable insulating oils. We design specialised detection and suppression systems, including water mist, foam, and gaseous solutions, tailored to the specific hazards of electrical infrastructure.

Water mist fire suppression uses fine water droplets to suppress fire through cooling, oxygen displacement, and radiant heat attenuation. It is particularly effective in special hazards environments where water damage must be minimised but gaseous systems are not suitable, such as machinery spaces, heritage buildings, tunnels, and certain industrial applications.

Integration is a critical component of special hazards fire protection design. Omnii supports the seamless integration of detection, suppression and alarm systems with existing building fire safety systems, emergency warning and intercommunication systems (EWIS), and building management systems (BMS). We coordinate with fire services interfaces and shutdown protocols to create a unified fire safety response.

Yes. Omnii provides comprehensive assessment and upgrade services for existing special hazards fire protection systems. Our consultants conduct performance audits against current Australian Standards, identify obsolescence issues, and recommend cost-effective upgrades, such as transitioning to environmentally compliant suppression agents.

A consultation begins with a detailed hazard analysis of your facility, including identification of fuel types, ignition sources, and operational constraints. Our consultants then develop a fire protection strategy encompassing detection, suppression, compartmentation, and emergency response. We produce technical specifications and system design documentation to support installation and certification.

Omnii is a leading fire protection professional services firm with deep expertise in complex and high-risk environments across Australasia. Our special hazards consultants combine fire engineering knowledge with practical industry experience in data centres, power generation, and critical infrastructure. We deliver independent, standards-compliant fire protection designs that balance safety, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance.