Contents of presentation:

Fire and Life Safety

Combustion and flammabilityFire protection and life safety

Combustion and flammability

Introduction Each year, workplaces experience a serious fire which

caused property losses from workplace.

Fire safety becomes everyone’s job at site.

Employers should train workers about fire hazards in the workplace and about what to do in a fire emergency.

This course provides valuable reference materials for prevention of fire-related injuries in all workplaces.

Fire Hazards

Fires involving flammable and combustible liquids are especially dangerous because they release heat quickly, causing the fire to spread rapidly.

The handling and use of these products present the most significance single source of fire hazard.

Misuse or improper storage threatens not only the employee and the entire building, but all fellow employees, students and guests.

Controlling hazards

It’s important in an effective Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) that fire hazards are identified and controlled.

Employees must be educated on the workplace fire hazards and the procedures to follow to prevent and control fire hazards.

They must also learn how to respond to the fires those hazards might cause.

Types of hazards

a) Electrical Hazards-Electrical system failures and the misuse of electrical equipment are leading causes of workplace fires.- Fires can result from loose ground connections, wiring with frayed insulation or overloaded fuses, circuits, motors or outlets.

To prevent electrical fires, employees should:1. Make sure that worn wires are replaced.2. Use only appropriately rated fuses.3. Never use extension cords as substitutes for wiring improvements.4. Check wiring in hazardous locations where the risk of fire is especially high.5. Check electrical equipment to ensure that it is either properly grounded or

doubled insulated.

b) Office Fire Hazards- Fire risks are not limited to industrial facilities. - Fires in offices have become more likely because of the increased use of

electrical equipments (computer and fax machine).

To prevent office fires, employees should:1. Avoid overloading circuits with office equipment.2. Turn off nonessential electrical equipment at the end of each workday.3. Keep storage areas clear of rubbish.4. Ensure that extension cords are not placed under carpets.5. Ensure that trash and paper set aside for recycling is not allowed to

accumulate.

c) Cutting, Welding and Open Flame Work- Cutting, welding and open flame work are naturally quite hazards.- Welding processes may use oxy-acetylene gas, electrical current, lasers,

electron beams, friction, ultrasonic sound, chemical reactions, heat from fuel gas and robots.

- It’s important that the highest level of attention be given to these processes to prevent fires in your workplace.

The Plan Administrator and affected employees should ensure the following:

1. All necessary hot work permits have been obtained prior to work beginning.

2. Cutting and welding are done by authorized personnel in designated cutting and welding areas whenever possible.

3. Adequate ventilation is provided.4. Fire watch has been established.

d) Flammable and Combustible Materials- If your workplace contains flammable and combustible materials, the

Plan Administrator should regularly evaluate the presence of those materials.

- Certain types of substances can ignite at relatively low temperatures or pose a risk of catastrophic explosion if ignited.

Class A CombustiblesInclude common combustible materials (wood, paper, cloth, rubber and

plastic) that can act as fuel and are found in non-specialized areas such as offices.

To handle Class A combustibles safely:1. Dispose of waste daily.2. Keep work areas clean and free of fuels paths that could allow a fire to

spread.3. Make frequent inspections to anticipate fires before they start.4. Store paper stock in metal cabinets.5. Store rags in metal bins with self-closing lids.

*Water, multi-purpose dry chemical (ABC), and halon 1211 are approved fire extinguishing agents for Class A combustibles.

Class B CombustiblesInclude flammable and combustible liquids (oils, greases, tars, oil-based paints

and lacquers), flammable gases and flammable aerosols.

To handle Class B combustibles safely:1. Store, handle and use Class B combustible only in approved locations where

vapors are prevented from reaching ignition sources such as heating or electric equipment, open flames or mechanical or electric sparks.

2. Do not use a flammable liquid as a cleaning agent inside a building.3. Do not generate heat, allow an open flame or smoke near Class B

combustibles.4. Know the location of and how to use the nearest portable fire extinguisher

rated for Class B fire.

*Water should not be used to extinguish Class B fires caused by flammable liquids. The following fire-extinguishing agents are approved for Class B combustibles: carbon dioxide, multi-purpose dry chemical (ABC) and halon 1211.

e) Smoking in the Workplace-In an effective FPP, smoking is prohibited in all buildings.- Certain outdoor areas may also be designated as no smoking areas.- The areas in which smoking is prohibited outdoors should be identified

by NO SMOKING signs.

Fire protection and life safety

Developing a Preparedness Plan

Fire is only one type of emergency that happens at work.

Large and small workplaces alike experience fires, explosions, medical emergencies, chemical spills, toxic releases, and a variety of other incidents.

To protect employees from fire and other emergencies and to prevent property loss, whether large or small, companies use preparedness plans (also called pre-fire plans or pre-incident plans).

The two essential components of a fire preparedness plan are the following:

An emergency action plan, which details what to do when a fire occurs

A fire prevention plan, which describes what to do to prevent a fire from occurring

OSHA Regulations

Emergency planning and training directly influence the outcome of an emergency situation.

Facilities with well-prepared employees and well-developed preparedness plans are likely to incur less structural damage and fewer or less severe employee injuries.

The following OSHA regulations provide guidance to employers as they create preparedness plans and work towards making workplaces safe.

1. Emergency Action Plan

OSHA states that the emergency action plan covers the “designated actions that employers and employees must take to ensure safety from fire and other emergencies.”

OSHA requires that employers record emergency action plans in writing unless there are 10 or fewer employees.

If there are 10 or fewer employees, the employer may verbally communicate the plan.

The employer is required to review the emergency action plan with each employee at the following times:

i) When the plan is developed

ii) When the employee’s responsibilities or designated actions under the plan change - Employees who are assigned additional or increased

responsibilities must review the plan at each change to see how the change affects their actions.

iii)Whenever the plan changes- The plan changes to reflect new processes or equipment.

An OSHA-based emergency action plan includes the following regulations:

a) Emergency Escape Procedures and Emergency Escape Route Assignments. - The plan must document procedures, such as equipment to shut down or suppression efforts, and the escape route to be followed by each specific facility location.

b) Procedures for Employees Who Remain on Site after the Alarm Sounds.-An employer might assign employees to shut down various process equipment to limit further damage to the equipment or to reduce potential hazards such as those from flowing liquids or gases under pressure.

c) Procedures to Account for Employees - The emergency action plan should include procedures for accounting

for all employees after an emergency evacuation.

d) Rescue and Medical Duties - Emergency action plans should indicate which employees are

responsible for rescue and medical duties, and the plan should define what those duties are.

e) Procedures for Reporting Emergencies - The emergency action plan should outline the preferred means of

reporting fires and other emergencies.

f) Contacts for Further Information - The emergency action plan should include the names of employees

who can be contacted for further information or for an explanation of duties under the plan.

g) Alarm Systems- The employer should establish an alarm system.

h) Evacuating the Premises - The emergency action plan should indicate the types of evacuation that

employees are to use during an emergency.

i) Training Personnel - OSHA requires that employers designate and train certain personnel to

assist in safely evacuating employees during an emergency.

2. Fire Prevention Plan

OSHA requires that a written copy of the facility’s fire prevention plan be kept in the workplace and be made available for employees to review.

For organizations with 10 or fewer employees, a written plan is not required; the employer can communicate the plan verbally to employees.

The employer is required to review with each employee the parts of the plan that are specific to that employee’s ability to protect himself or herself in an emergency.

OSHA’s fire prevention plans includes the following components:

a) List of Major Workplace Hazards - The fire prevention plan should include a list of the major workplace

fire hazards and their proper handling and storage procedures, potential ignition sources and their control procedures and the type of fire protection equipment or systems that can control a fire involving them.

b) Personnel Responsible for Maintenance - Included in the plan should be the names or regular job titles of the

personnel who are responsible for the maintenance of equipment and systems installed to prevent or control ignitions or fires.

c) Personnel Responsible for Fuel Source Hazards - The fire prevention plan should include the names or regular job titles

of the personnel who are responsible for the control of fuel source hazards.

d) Housekeeping - The OSHA-based fire prevention plan requires employers to control the

accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials and residues so that they do not contribute to a fire emergency.

e) Training - Employers must make employees aware of the fire hazards of the

materials and processes with which they work.

f) Maintenance - The employer must regularly and properly maintain the equipment and systems installed on heat-producing equipment to prevent the accidental ignition of combustible materials.

Management and employee FPP responsibilities

Management- Determine fire prevention and protection policies.- Manager provide adequate hazard controls to provide a safe workplace.- Manager provide adequate resources and training to employees to

encourage fire prevention.

Plan Administrator- Maintains all record pertaining to the plan.- Develop and administer the company name fire prevention training program.- Ensure the fire control equipment and systems are appropriate and properly

maintained.- Control fuel source hazards in the workplace.- Conduct fire risk surveys and make recommendations for improvement.

Supervisors- Ensure that employees receive appropriate fire safety training.- Notify the Plan Administrator when changes in operation increase the risk

of fire.- Responsible for enforcing fire prevention and protection policies.

Employees - Should complete all required training before working without supervision.- Able to conduct operation safely to limit the risk of fire.- Report potential fire hazards to their supervisors.- Follow fire emergency procedures.

How to make sure the FPP works?

Everyone should be trained and plan should be exercised regularly. Make sure FPP equipment is properly maintained.

Ensure everyone complies with the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes for specific equipment.

The following equipment is subject to the maintenance, inspection and testing procedures:1. equipment installed to defect fuel leaks, control heating and control pressurized systems2. portable fire extinguishers, automatic sprinkler systems and fixed extinguishing systems3. detection systems for smoke, heat or flame4. fire alarm systems5. emergency backup systems and the equipment they support

Fixed extinguishing systems

Commonly used systems to protect areas containing valuable or critical equipment.

The main function is to quickly extinguish a developing fire and alert occupants before extensive damage occurs by filling the protected area with a gas or chemical extinguishing agent.

System design and application

A fire extinguishing systems is an engineered set of components that work together to quickly detect a fire, alert occupants and extinguish the fire before extensive damage can occur.

All systems components must be:

- Designed and approved for use on the specific fire hazards they are expected to control or extinguish.- Protected against corrosion or either made or coated with a non-corrosive material if it may be exposed to a corrosive environment.- Designed for the climate and temperature extremes to which they will be exposed.

Components of a fixed system

Typical elements and components include:

1. Discharge Nozzle – disperse extinguishing agent into protected area2. Piping – transport the extinguishing agent from its storage container to

discharge nozzle3. Control Panel – operational status and condition4. Warning Alarm – provide audible or visual alarm when detected5. Warning and Caution Signs – posted at the entrance to and inside areas

protected6. Fire Detector – sense the smoke, heat or flame from a fire and initiate an

alarm7. Full Station - a way to manually discharge the fire extinguishing system8. Agent Storage Containers – storage system discharges agent into the

piping

Alarm system

The purpose of an alarm system:

- To reduce the severity of workplace accidents and injuries by ensuring that alarm systems operate properly and procedures are in place to alert employees to workplace emergencies.

Requirements for alarm devices To provide warning for necessary emergency actions as called for in the

emergency action plan or for reaction for safe escape of employees from the workplace.

To inform employees that an emergency exists or to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent attention.

Must be capable of being perceived above ambient noise or light levels by all employees in the affected portions of the workplace.

Tactile devices may be used to alert those employees who would not otherwise be able to recognize the audible or visual alarm.

Two most common types of alarms are audible and visual devices.

Audible alarms- Include bells, horns, sirens, voice announcement systems and

other devices that can be distinguished above and apart from the normal sound level within the workplace.

- Workplace announcement system. Speakers can be used to play a live or recorded voice message.

- Often ideally suited for large workplaces where phased or guided evacuations are needed.

Visual alarms- Use steady, flashing or strobe lights to alert workers to an

emergency situation in areas where noise levels are high (especially where ear protection must be worn and audible signals may not be heard or may be understood).

- Provide an effective way to alert workers with hearing loss about an emergency.

- Provide visible signals in restrooms, in other general and common use areas and in hallways and lobbies.

Protection alarmTo make sure devices stay operable, follow these guidelines:

Alarm system components that may be exposed to corrosive environments should be either made or coated with a non-corrosive material.

Position alarm devices away from or out of contact with materials or equipment which may cause physical damage.

Alarm that are installed outdoors and need to be shielded from the weather to work properly must be protected with a canopy, hood or other suitable device.

All devices should be securely mounted to a solid surface.

Portable fire extinguishers

Fire extinguisher operation- A fire is a rapid chemical reaction between oxygen and a

combustible material, which results in the release of heat, light, flames and smoke.

- Fire Triangle:1. Enough oxygen to sustain combustion2. Enough heat to raise the material to its ignition temperature3. Some sort of fuel or combustible material

How a fire extinguisher works?

Apply an extinguishing agent that will either cool burning fuel, displace or remove oxygen or stop the chemical reaction, so a fire cannot continue to burn.

When the handle of an extinguishers is compressed, agent is expelled out the nozzle.

Must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to verify compliance with applicable standards.

Fire extinguisher ratingsi) Class A extinguishers – put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper.ii) Class B extinguishers – should be used on fires involving flammable liquids such as grease, gasoline, oil and etc.iii) Class C extinguishers – are suitable for use on electrically energized fires.iv) Class D extinguishers – are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question.v) Class K extinguisher – wet chemical, fire extinguishers are designed specifically for use in restaurant kitchens.

Types of fire extinguishersi) Dry chemical extinguishers – contain an extinguishing agent

and use a compressed, non-flammable gas as a propellant.

ii) Halon extinguishers - contain a gas that interrupts the chemical reaction that takes place when fuels burn.

iii) Water extinguishers – contain water and compressed gas and should only be used on Class A fires.

iv) Carbon Dioxide extinguishers – carbon dioxide is stored as a compressed liquid in the extinguishers; as it expands, it cools the surrounding air.

Requirements for exit routes

An exit route is a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a safety place.

An exit route consists of three parts:1. Exit access2. Exit 3. Exit discharge

Exit route capacity

The capacity of an exit route should be adequate

Exit routes must support the maximum permitted occupant load for each floor served.

The capacity of an exit route may not decrease in the direction of exit route travel to the exit discharge.