Fire Protection - Fire Risk Measures Lowry Building Has - Coursework Example

Running Header: Fire Protection Student’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Course Code: Date of Submission: Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Passive and Active fire Protection systems 3 Fire extinguishers 5 Emergency light 7 Automatic Fire alarm system 7 Emergency exit 8 Pressurized stairwells 8 Fire sprinkler system 9 Dry riser 10 Effects of a fire on the building materials 11 Fire codes and approved 12 Conclusion 13 Introduction In the current world, fire safety has put in the forefront when designing major buildings. Fire engineering solutions and risk assessments are adequately carried out in order to satisfy authorities that the building is safe against any form of fire hazard. One such building where fire safety should be put into consideration is the Lowry building in order to satisfy the authorities. Lowry building is a large triangular plaza with a Lifting Footbridge that leads to Trafford Wharfside. It has a high-tech business center that provides quality and serviced premises. Lowry building triangular in shape with its size of being 5 football pitches. The Lowry stands on 803 concrete piles that have been sunk down into the bedrock. It has approximately 48000tons of concrete, 5263metres squared of glass and 2466tons of steel (The Lowry 2010). This is one of the buildings that require an extensive fire risk assessment as well as installation of fire protective systems. Lowry building has several fire risk measures that will be assessed within the report. It has passive and active fire protection systems. Other aspects that will be assessed include fixed fire fighting installations used in the Lowry. This comprises of the ‘Sprinkler system’, dry risers, and an Automatic suppression systems. The report will also evaluate fire effects on various building materials including timber, concrete, glass, masonry, and steel used in the premises. Passive and Active fire Protection systems According to Arthur (2004), they are two main fire protection systems that include passive and active protection systems. In case of fire within a building, occupants and fire responder’s safety as well as property protection is accomplished through passive and active fire protection systems. They reduce the spread of fire either directly or indirectly. Passive fire protection tries to contain the spread of fire by slowing it from spreading. Passive fire protection measures should be provided when a new building is at its planning stage. It can also be undertaken when there is modification of the existing building. This is by use of fire resistance doors, floors, and walls among others. It is crucial to ensure that passive fire protection complies with the associated listing and approval use and compliance so as to provide building codes expectations. Passive fire protection systems slow fire spread for its origin to other areas of the building thus limiting the damage while providing time for the occupants to evacuate the premises. It also gives them enough time to get to the fire spot or area of refuge. Walls, floors, roof, insulation materials, and linings are non-combustible construction materials that do not burn. Therefore, in case of the fire outbreak, they slow down the spread of fire. Stones and metals do not burn hence when the fire gets into them it stops; they act as barriers to the spread of fire hence it does not move from one area to another. Other passive fire protection measures include fire dampers in air distribution ducts. This is particularly where there is passing through compartment walls or floors. These assists when fire is trying to spread in well-ventilated areas that may enhance the spread of fire. These dampers reduce fire spread by closing hence preventing fire spread across the barrier. Fire resistance cables usually resist high temperatures hence used in fire resistance management circuits. They are important in conveying the messages in case of fire break out hence the need for them to have high temperatures resistance cables. Fire barriers in ducts, cavities, roof spaces, and voids are other passive fire protection measures. In most instances, unseen spread of flames and smoke occurs in the ducts, cavities, voids, and roof spaces. Therefore, there is need to reduce the unseen smoke and flame spread through such spaces, cavities, and ducts. This can be achieved by fixing tight-fitting barriers in those spaces as argued by David, (2005). Large capacity buildings are usually compartmented into smaller sections utilizing firebreak walls. These confines the spread of fire, smoke, toxic gases, combustion products, and heat. This restricts the growth and size of fire in order to allow people escape. Any spread and penetration of fire into other rooms is protected adequately from spreading to other areas. Escape routes and exits are other passive fire protection systems that allows people to get a way of moving away from the fire risk. Separation of building also assists in reducing the spread of fire from one building to another. This protects other properties from catching fire. Active fire protection systems include facilities and systems that are designed purposely to react in case of fire outbreak. They control the spread of smoke while detecting and communicating the fire outbreak. It triggers counteraction in ensuring fire is extinguished appropriately. Fire extinguishers Active fire protection systems include fire extinguishers and portable facilities. A fire extinguisher is a device that actively extinguishes or controls small fires especially during emergencies. However, it is not advisable to use it when the fire is out of control as it may endanger user’s life. They are several types of fire extinguishers including dry chemical extinguishers, foams extinguishers, and water extinguishers. Chemical/Powder-based agent prevents the chemical reaction that occurs when there is a reaction between fuel, oxygen, and heat hence fire stopping fire sustaining free radicals resulting to fire extinguish. Some of the chemicals used include potassium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, monoammonium phosphate, and MET-L-KYL/PYROKYL according to Frank, Steven & International Code Council (2007). Foam-based extinguishers are usually applied as aspirated and non-aspirated form. They form a frothy blanket or seal over the fuel preventing oxygen or air from reaching it. They are various types that includes AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) which is used on A and B fires as well as vapor suppression. Alcohol-resistant aqueous forming foams (AR-AFFF) are used on fuels with alcohol. Arctic fire is a fire-extinguishing agent. It emulsifies and cools materials heated more quickly compared to water. It is useful on A, B, and D type of fires. Other types include FireAde that emulsifies burning liquids. Water extinguishers cool burning materials. They include APW (Air pressurized water) that cools burning materials through absorption of heat according to Frank, Steven & International Code Council (2007). Fig. 1 A stored-pressure fire extinguisher Fig. 2 Two and half AFFF foam fire extinguisher Emergency light Another active fire protection system is emergency light that comprises of a battery-backed lighting device. It automatically lights on in case of power outage. There is need to install them in high occupancy residential buildings. The lights consist of one or more incandescent bulbs with high-intensity LED(light-emitting diodes). Fig. 3 Emergency light Automatic Fire alarm system An automatic alarm system is manufactured to detect presence of fire by monitoring any changes in the environment that is related to combustion. Alarm system can be divided into manually, automatically, or both. It notifies those occupying the building to evacuate immediately while preparing fire systems and facilities in order to control smoke and fire. It also notifies the concerned people on the need to initiate an emergency plan for the building that includes evacuation. Automatic smoke alarm is one of the automatic systems that are used to determine when the fire incidents occur. It is advisable to use fire detection systems that are of OSHA standards and designed to ensure the safety of premises occupants is taken into consideration. A flame detector is the best system that high ceilings or open spaced premises including warehouses or theaters (Norman, 2002). Emergency exit Emergency exit is a special exit in case of fire and other emergencies. It plays a great role of ensuring quick evacuation as well as providing an alternative in case the main routes are inaccessible due to fire. It usually has various signs to indicate the directions. Exits must lead to an open area. All the signs and posters should be clear and simple for everyone to see what is written without the need of an interpreter. They should be visible from a distance. Fig. 4 Fire exit posters Pressurized stairwells They are two main ways of smoke control in premises as a way of preventing it getting or contaminating escape routes. This is through ventilation and pressurization. Through pressurization, fire induced forces creates a difference in pressure making smoke flow any available spaces. Ventilation allows smoke to move one region a low-pressure areas hence limiting the accumulation of smoke all over the building (Norman, 2002). Fig. 5 Elements of pressurized system Fire sprinkler system This is an active fire protection measure that comprises of water supply system. It provides enough pressure and flow rate to the piping distribution system connected to fire sprinklers. Fig. 6 Fire sprinkler system A sprinkler has a heat-sensitive glass bulb as well as a two-part metal link held together by a fusible alloy. A glass bulb or link usually puts pressure to a pip cap acting as a plug preventing water from flowing in such a time when temperature around the sprinkler gets up to a design activation temperature of every sprinkler head. This triggers water spray that slows fire burning after showering the water. In a wet-pipe sprinkler system, every sprinkler is independently activated when a certain level of heat is attained. This limits the sprinklers to operate only in areas where there is fire hence increased water pressure at the point of fire as illustrated by David (2005). They are several types of fire sprinkler systems that include wet pipe system, dry pipe system, deluge system, pre action system, and foam water sprinkler system. Wet pipe system is widely used because it is easy to run. It has automatic sprinkler that supplies pressured water to pipes connected to it. It contains an automatic alarm check valve indicating the fire ranges. It has the capability of dealing with fires of varying temperatures. Dry pipe system is usually used in refrigerated coolers and unheated buildings. It usually supplies the air to the pipes by pressurizing it. Deluge systems are open sprinklers usually connected to the piping system. It usually a deluge valve in the water supply connection. Pre-action system is in most instances used in museums for antiques, books etc. this system combines features of deluge valve system, dry pipe, and wet pipe. Foam water sprinkler system uses foam and water that allows foam spray from the sprinkler. It is usually used in airports, petrol bunks among other places (Norman, 2002). Dry riser Dry risers are pipe work and valves system that enables Firefighters deliver water into upper floors of buildings. This is especially if the building is over 18meters above the ground. The dry riser is usually maintained empty of water. The dry risers are usually in fire resistant shaft especially within the fire escape staircase enclosures of the building. A dry standpipe has a fire department connection with an external access point within ground level where water is pumped from by fire engine pump to attachments on every floor. After water is pumped, it flows to several valves installed in various rooms in the buildings where fire is burning. The valves release water at a pressure spraying throughout the room extinguishing the fire. Effects of a fire on the building materials Various construction materials including wood, concrete, and steel react differently when exposed to fire. Wood and its related materials like chipboards and block boards usually burn completely to charcoals. They are greatly affected by fire hence they can cause a building to become destroyed. Concrete on the other hand cracks making it lose its strength. This is likely to make the building to collapse. Masonry blocks are also greatly affected by fire where they expand and crack. Plastics are the worst affected materials by fire. This is because it is easily affected by small amounts of temperature. It usually loses shape that leads to its eventual melting. However, thermosets types of plastics are able to withstand higher temperatures compared to thermoplastics. Steel is one of the building materials that are not affected greatly by the fire. However, high temperatures makes it expand and finally losing its molecular strength. Materials like plastics and wood enhances the spread of fire within the buildings as they burn very easily. On the other hand, materials like concrete and steel significantly reduces the effects of fire on the buildings as they do not contribute to the spread of fire as illustrated by David (2005). Fire codes and approved National Fire Protection Association that oversees fire safety in buildings has a number of codes established for the safety purpose of building. Such include NFPA 1 (fire code); it includes inspection of temporary and permanent buildings including hazardous materials, and other life related safety conditions as illustrated by National Fire Protection Association (2011). It also reviews construction plans, drawing and specification for life safety systems and fire protection systems. Another code is NFPA 10(standard for portable fire extinguishers); it applies to selection, installation as well as testing and maintaining portable extinguishing equipment. Another code is NFPA30 (flammable and combustible liquids code). This code applies to the storage, handling and even the use of combustible and flammable liquids such as waste liquids. Other codes include NFPA2 (hydrogen technologies code), NFPA11C (standard for mobile foam apparatus), and NFPA 13 (standard for the installation of sprinkler systems) among others. These codes must be used in all buildings to ensure safety is maintained while fire risks are reduced. These documents are used together with already established documents for buildings. They include electric safety document, the ventilation documents, and fire safety for buildings. These documents are used during designing, planning, and building of premises. They must also be approved by building regulatory boards to ensure they are up to standards. The building Act 1984 and its building regulations 2000 are used in England and Wales where they apply to new building work. They are used during erection, material extension, erection or even material change on already build premises. Conclusion Fire safety in premises and other working areas has been put into consideration in the recent past. This is due to high deaths and destruction of properties that is occurring as a result of fire. It is crucial to reduce fire risks and hazards to possible minimum levels. Fire safety and related emergencies can be reduced if appropriate building regulations are taken into consideration at the initial stages of designing and building houses. Appropriate fire control measures including use of suitable fire extinguishers should as well be taken into consideration. All set building regulation and codes should be followed with the government and local authority undertaking necessary inspections on all the building. Passive and active fire protective factors should be considered in all the areas of the buildings. There must be clear escape routes with posters and signs showing clearly the direction that should be followed in case of emergency. Automatic fire systems should be put in all areas of the buildings in order to notify people accordingly in case of any fire breakout. Various smoke control measures should also be considered as they cause people to lose their visibility inside the building as well as bringing difficulties in breathing. Therefore, there is need to take it into consideration about various ways that should be utilized including pressurized systems. Adequate fire alarms should be installed in all areas in order to make occupants of the building become aware quickly when fire incidents occur. References Arthur, E 2004, Fundamentals of Fire Protection, NFPA, Massachusetts. David, D 2005, Principles of Fire Prevention, Thomson Learning, New York. Frank, C., Steven, R & International Code Council 2007, Building codes illustrated, John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey. National Fire protection Association 2004, National fire codes: a compilation of NFPA codes, standards, recommended practices and guides, volume 7, National Fire Protection Association, Virginia. National Fire Protection Association 2011, Codes & Standards, viewed 5 April, 2011, http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=124&URL=Codes%20&%20Standard s&cookie_test=1 Norman, T 2002, Fire Hazards in Industry, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford. The Lowry 2010, The building, viewed 5 April 2011, http://www.thelowry.com/about-the- lowry/the-lowry-building/ Read More