Fire Protection - Research Paper Example

Fire Protection Beattie, Walter S. Handling Impairments to Fire Protection Systems. Professional safety, Vol. 53(10), 2008, pp. 60-63. Beattie (60) explains that most occurrences of industrial fires have been noted to happen when systems are impaired or out of use. Hence facilities that detect and protect fires always have to be installed so that in case of any occurrence, the fire will be easily contained. Though these facilities have been installed in a number of industrial places, disaster management bodies have recommended that the installation to be extended to residential apartments. It is also very important to train individuals to know how to use them in order to reduce damage in case of a fire emergence (Beattie 62). It will be of no use to train individuals how to use the gadgets without giving them maintenance tips. This article tries to explain to us the importance of being prepared for fire emergencies since it is the most effective way to minimize damages. This article proposes that facilities that deal with fire protection should be installed in all apartments to make the issue of fire protection easier (Beattie 63). By so doing, possible damages that can be caused by occurrences of fire are likely to be reduced. On the other side, Ashmore contends that training is one of the best approaches to the issue of fire protection. In fact it will be of no use to install gadgets which people have no idea on how to use them. The two articles though, seem to approach the issue fully through the suggestions they propose to the practice of fire protection (Beattie 63). Both can prove very effective if implemented appropriately. Spiker, Joseph E., and Daniel Della-Giustina. Fire Protection in Underground Coal Mines. Professional safety, Vol. 42(9), 2000, pp. 20-23. According to Spiker & Daniel (20) fires that affect coals, have posed a major threat to the mining industry. A lot of government revenue has been lost through coal fires hence there is a great need to come up with solutions to the problem. Some of the problems associated with these fires include closing of mines and loss of personnel. To overcome this challenge adequate training has to done to the mining industries (Spiker & Daniel 22). Consequently, industrial managers should advice their manpower on the activities to avoid when in the sites that may be contributing most to such fires. Studies done on the causes of these fires indicated that most of them happen due to the ignorance of the people working there. From this article one can understand the loss caused by coal fires, hence the need to prevent the fires. Spiker & Daniel (23) is specific in his approach to the issue as he focuses on coal fires. He takes a deep study into what the possible causes of the fires can be and the damage they can cause. While Spiker & Daniel study coal fires, Beattie, studies fire protection in general. He asserts that fires are generally very destructive and can cause great damages if one had no preparedness. According to him companies should install fire extinguishers in every apartment to be in a position to fight the fires in case of any occurrence. Two articles though have the same overall goal of preventing and reducing fires (Spiker & Daniel, 23). They both aim at empowering individuals so that they can be in a position of knowing what to do in fire emergencies. Messner, Michael. Fundamentals of Fire Protection for the Safety Professional. Professional safety, Vol. 51(3), 2006, pp. 40-45. Under this article the basis of protecting fires ranging from chemistry to physics are discussed. Messner (40) explain what fire protection is, what it entails and the challenges associated with the practice. In fact it is very important for one to understand what it means by fire protection since the practice demands more than the title suggest. Company owners should have all the OSHA regulation rules on their tips so as to know how to handle issues related to fires (Messner, 42). This is because they are required to provide a safe working environment for their employees. The recommended fire protective clothing such as what to use to protect eyes and ears are also discussed. In trying to understand something, one has to dig dipper into the root cause of that issue and that is exactly what this article presents. Understanding the very basis of fire protection is important when dealing with protection fire. Individuals should have knowledge related to how to prevent occurrences of fire in order to know how to avoid it (Messner 43). On the other hand, Spiker & Daniel (23) specifically looks at coal fires. He tries to analyze them according to what causes them, losses associated to them and finally recommends on what to be done in preventing them. As much as the two articles differ greatly, their overall objective seems to be similar. Both address the issue fire protection though from different perspectives (Messner 43). Furthermore, they both are unique in their approaches but generally propose that people should make deeper studies to the issue in order to fully understand it. Wainwright, Charles, Albert Leung, and Raymond Leonard. An Integrated Estimation and Design System for Fire Protection Equipment. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 8(6), 2001, pp. 388-395. Wainwright, Albert and Raymond (388) take another approach to fire protection based on the employment of computer system. They try to explain how computer-based systems can be integrated into the practice of fire protection. It is the best approach especially in the fire detection department. Computer systems are very sensitive thus can sense danger comparatively faster. A presentation suggesting development of a software system meant to deal with the issue is done, and its issues and management results and gains discussed. Systems based on computer technology can be developed based on a technology that is object-oriented meant to be used in specific environments (Wainwright, Albert and Raymond 390). This can be the best approach to fire protection since it will be designed to tackle specific problems. It presents an optimal fire protection design that can provide effective methods of fire protection. Wainwright, Albert and Raymond (392) generally present a computer-based system of fire protection needs a specific development strategy. He does not put much emphasis on the practice but rather suggests a way forward. A contrasting view to that is put forth by Messner who puts his focus on the fundamentals of protecting fire. Messner asserts that by individuals understanding the basis of fire protection, they will be a better position to prevent and protect fires in cases of occurrence. However, the general point put forth by the two articles is the essence of coming up with strategies that can curb problems associated to fires (Wainwright, Albert and Raymond 395). They both suggest very reliable ways that can be employed in the management of fire. Donahue, Amy K. "Managerial Perceptions and the Production of Fire Protection." Administration & Society, 35(6) 2004, pp. 717-746. According to Donahue (717) precisely discuss the role of public managers in the provision of fire protection within public environments. The performance local government can be measured by looking at how public managers understand their role in fire protection. Most managers working in public environments have been found to be ignorant about issues related to protection of fire. From such a study one can conclude that the local government is performing poorly since it has not ensured that all managers are knowledgeable on the issue. Public managers play a very important role in a country’s economy, thus they have to be incorporated into the practice of fire protection (Donahue 725). Without such type of engagement managers may expose their employees to risks fire. This article analyses the stakeholders linked to fire protection, which is very important since it assigns responsibilities accordingly. Donahue (740) discusses the role of local government in fire protection practice. He says that the local government should ensure public managers have the necessary skills used in the protection of fire. On the other hand Wainwright, Albert and Raymond give general suggestions on the development of software to be employed in fire protection. The suggestion seems to be very effective if well developed. Moreover in the two articles, the arguments are skewed towards fire protection. They discuss what measures to be put in place in order to avoid fire occurrences, how and who should do so (Donahue 746). From both articles one can conclude that fire protection is a very important issue of discussion which should be handled with much concern. Fred Ashmore International Fire Investigators,and Consultants, and Gerald Ondrey. An Exercise in Fire Protection. Chemical Engineering, 105(3), 2000: P74-80. Fred Ashmore, a consultant firm dealing with fire investigation (74) recommends that every company has to carry out a fire protection exercise to train individuals on how to avoid fires and in case of a fire, what to do. According to the firm, many industries have suffered great losses arising from fires due to ignorant of employee. During the seminars, employees will have a chance to ask questions related to fire protection (Ashmore 78). The possible causes of fire will be discussed in order for the employees to identify what to avoid. Even “practical” exercises can be arranged within the company In order to determine what can happen in case of a fire occurrence. This places individuals responsible as they observe fire safety measures. This approach is very effective as the manpower to handle fire cases will be increased hence, reducing the possible fire damages in case of fire emergencies. While Ashmore (80) focuses on both the management department and the employees of a company, Donahue generally focus on the role management in fire protection. However, the two play a very important role in the practice of protecting fire. Employees have to understand what fire protection entails, consequently managers have to install fire-fighting equipment in readiness for fire emergencies. Both articles have their focus based on industrial fires and what to do in case a fire occurs (Ashmore 75). They both suggest ways in which either management or staff can employ to prevent fire. Both articles discuss the loss which can be experienced in fire cases, hence recommend companies to take preventive measures. Barry, Thomas, and Theresa Stone. "Risk-Informed Fire Protection: Moving Beyond the Educated Guess." Professional safety 49.10 (2004): 58-. ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 30 Mar. 2012. According to Barry, Thomas and Theresa (58), in the modern days, fire safety specialists have encountered a severe problem of downsizing and restructuring of the fire protection cooperates. Downsizing is a new way of looking at the risk associated with fire explosion. The innovation has necessitated very realistic prediction of potential fire outbreaks. The new approach has eased the process of identifying the systems which are at risk of fire in an industrial setting (Barry, Thomas and Theresa 58). ‘The approach is performance based’. (Barry, Thomas, and Theresa 58). The performance is based on the approach outcome. The approach is examines the likelihood of fire explosions. Although there is a variation in the methods used in examining the performance and likelihood of a risk, the approach has developed a systematic methodology of evaluating performance and detecting the likelihood of fire explosion. In general, fire protection sector have proved it full commitment to its core mandate of reducing fire related risk. The new invention in the fire protection sector is quite systematic and productive. Thorough training on the requirement of the approach is very fetal to reduce the challenges faced by fire technicians. The article has a unique contribution. It has exposed the technology advancement in the fire protection sector. On the other hand, the article has thoroughly analyzed the appropriate steps in detecting the outbreak of a fire. The information in the article is similar with the content in Beattie, Walter article. According to Bettie, fire detectors are a very essential invention in protecting fire outbreak. Legislation is necessary to ensure extensive installation of the invention in all business premises. There is a contradiction between the authors of these articles ideas and Torok, the author of “making your warehouse ready for material handling”. According to Torok, human beings are purely responsible of frequent fire incidences. New inventions are not the ultimate solution. Nunez, Ron. "Fire in the Workplace: Fundamental Elements of Prevention & Protection." Professional safety 52.3 (2007): 46-8. ABI/INFORM Complete. Retrieved 30 Mar. 2012. According to Nunez (46), United States of America has memorable remarks on workplace fires. The most recent is the September 11 2001, territory attract on the world trade center. The history of United States of America has witnessed several fire incidences. The various incidences have portrayed the impact of fire outbreak to any country’s economy. Out of these experiences “The united states of America fire department must base their initiative from their past occurrences”. (Nunez 46). They should introduce sincere strategies for protecting future fire occurrences (Nunez 46). Fire protection program in the country is very necessary and needed. The program should incorporate constitutes such as fire exit, portable fire extinguishers, fire protection plan, fire suppression, and emergency evacuation plan (Nunez 48). Taking into consideration the impact of fire incidences in United States of America, the country’s fire department have an obligation of introducing productive measures and programs to protect future fire incidences. The fire department should implant more comprehensive measures to protect future fire incidences. The government has the responsibility of sourcing the department with the required resources. The article has given a real life situation of some of the very strategic fire occurrences in the world most developed country. It has emphasized on the need for the provision of concrete measures to reduce future fire incidences. The article contents compares with the article by Seward, Donald and Thomas. Both articles analyses case studies in United States of America. They explain and analyses the scenarios which have been occurring in United States of America. The method of collecting data in this article contradicts with the method adopted by Spiker, Joseph, and Daniel Della-Giustina. The latter used the questionnaire method in collecting their data while the former analyzed data collected from past happenings. Seward, Samuel, Donald Plane, and Thomas, Hendricks. "Municipal Resource Allocation: Minimizing the Cost of Fire Protection." Management Science (pre-1986) 24.16 (1978): 1740. ABI/INFORM Complete. Retrieved 30 Mar. 2012. Seward, Donald, and Thomas (16), observed the confusion that existed between the various municipal council in United States of America over the resources required in the department of fire services. The confusion affects both the insurance class and the total expenses in fire protection. “Total fire protection cost is the sum of the tax dollars spent for fire department service” (Seward, Donald, and Thomas 16). There is a suggestion in the United States of American municipal councils for an integrated program which incorporates the cost of property lost and the outcomes of loss of life and injuries. The integrated program recognizes the important of protecting human life from fire incidences (Seward, Donald, and Thomas 18). Human life is more important than any other asset in the universe. Fires have claimed very many lives in the world especially in less developed country. On the other hand, the integrated program for protecting human life against fire is a profound invention. The article has emphasized on the important of human life. It has also analyzed the need and important of protecting human life from fire incidences. It has expounded the role of municipal council in detecting and protecting fire outbreaks in their outreach. The article contents compares with the article on “fire in the work place” by Nunez Ron. The two articles have suggested various programs which are important in reducing the effects and magnitude of fire to human life. Additionally, the authors of the two articles have based their argument on real situations in the United States of America. On the other hand, the ideas on the article contradict with the ideas in the article authored by Dieken, Dominique. According to Dieken, fire protection insurance industries are closing down. The existing complicated policies are deterring their effort. According to the article under study, many companies have shown interest to invest in fire policies. Donahue, Amy. "The Influence of Management on the Cost of Fire Protection." Journal of Policy Analysis and Management 23.1 (2004): 71-92. ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 30 Mar. 2012. Donahue (71) provided an analysis of the fire department expenditure in the public production system. The author has integrated the theoretical cost model in public management with the real life situation in the fire department. The regression analysis is also used to examine the fire protection cases. In the analysis, it is clear that, “the managerial practices and decisions influence the cost of public service”. (Donahue 71) The activities, legal structures, and other external factors in the department of fire influence the cost of fire protection. The analysis explains the impact of management in the allocation of resources in the department of fire. Additionally, the various activities in the department determine the expenses in the department. The involved management needs to provide appropriate and adequate resources in the department of fire to necessitate its functions. On the other hand, the department has the responsibility of eliminating the unnecessary activities to reduce expenses cost. The article has proved how an analytical theory can be used to analyze the reality. It has also exposed the reader to the relevant management theory in the fire department. The article contents are similar to “municipal resources allocation” article by Seward, Samuel, Donald Plane, and Thomas, Hendricks. The two articles talks about the politics in resources in the department of fire. According to Nunez, Ron (46), theories cannot solve fire problem. This idea contradicts with the idea in the article under study. According to Nunez (46), physical effort is the only remedy to modern fire incidences. Forgue, Joseph. "Respiratory Protection for Fire Fighters." Professional safety 37.11 (1992): 37-. ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 30. March. 2012. Forgue (37) observed that, exposure to toxic products of combustion and asbestos increases the risk of cancer and other related diseases. These risks have been accelerated by production of synthetic materials. Forgue stated that “while the risk awareness is high, the written policies of the fire department lack vital information about the use of self-contained breathing apparatus”. (Forgue 37) According to Forgue (37), consistence use of protection material when putting off fires is very important. There is need for comprehensive training programs and frequent testing for the installed fire extinguisher. Exposure to toxic wastes increases the cancer risks among fire specialists. The relevant authorities have the responsibility of creating practical measures for protecting fire extinguishers from risk associated with their responsibilities. The article has analyzed the risks associated with fire protection. It has provided consistence recommendations for reducing the complication associated with exposure to toxic products. As observed by Donahue (74), appropriate legislation is missing in the fire department. Policy makers have underrated the effect of the fire outbreak to the world economy. With appropriate policies and regulation, fire incidences are manageable. The article has talked about human aspect in fire incidences. It has expounded on the policies necessary in protecting human life. The article content compares with the article “guideline for nursing home”. The two articles emphasis on the need for life protection. In reference to the two articles, human life requires maximum protection from fire incidences. On contrary, Torok stated that, individual effort is the best way of addressing the fire menace. According to Torok, attractive policies are irrelevant if not properly utilized. Beattie, Walter. "Handling Impairments to Fire Protection Systems." Professional safety 53.10 (2008): 60-3. ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 30 Mar. 2012. According to Beattie (60), in most cases, fire occurs when the system are not functioning. To counter this problem, fire detection and protection systems have been installed in all business premises in United States of America. There are regulations which require installation of protection gadget to all newly constructed buildings. The installed fire protection must be properly managed and maintained. According to Bettie (60) “there is a code and regulation which requires, inspection, testing, and maintenance of water based fire protection systems” Installation of fire protection and detection system is a very productive initiative. Less developed and developing countries should follow the United States of America ideology and inventions. Installation of fire detective is very concrete invention. Civic education on the important and relevant of this invention is very crucial. The uniqueness of the article is its ability to expose the alternative ways of addressing fire incidences in United States of America. It has addressed on the important of fire detection gadgets. Barry, Thomas and Theresa Stone (58), talked about innovation which has the capacity of detecting fire. This idea limes with Betties suggestions and ideologies. All this authors believe on new innovation as the solution to the current fire problem. Use of modern improved technology has proved very effective in compacting fire incidences. Torok (61) contradict with the ideas contained in this article. According to Torok, invention is irrelevant. Implementation of the innovation is more relevant than the innovation itself. Human effort is the most comprehensive mean of eradicating fire related consequences. Dieken, Dominique. "Insurance Carriers Put Less of a Premium on Fire Protection Engineering." Consulting - Specifying Engineer 31.5 (2002): 15-22. ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 30 Mar. 2012. Dieken talks about sudden reduction of fire protection insurance industries. According to Dieken (15) “the insurance industries involved in fire protection design and specification has been decreasing over time”. This is as a result of the suggestion to reduce fire related premiums. The idea of elimination of segregated loss control service for insurance indemnity has also reduced insurance company desire to invest in fire related policies (Dieken 19). The article also talks about the contribution of architects and engineers in promoting the value of fire protection (Dieken 19). The architects designing on buildings have reduced tremendous fire incidences in developed countries (Dieken 19). Taking into consideration the magnitude of fire related calamities, more fire insurance companies are required. Reduction of insurance company is disappointing and tolerable. Measures to address the premium disagreements between the insurance companies and other involved stakeholders are necessary and appropriate. Premium should accommodate the interest of all involved players. The article has given us an overview of the real situation in the insurance sector. It has expounded on the measures necessary in addressing the problem in the insurance market. The need for insurance cover is also discussed in this article. The ideas of insurance policies in this article are similar with the ideas of Donahue (92). The two authors talks about the important of insurance policies to human life and other valuable properties. The article’s component contradicts with the contents of the articles authored by Seward, Samuel, Donald Plane, and Thomas, Hendricks. According to Seward, Samuel, Donald and Thomas more industries are showing the desire and interest to invest in fire related policies. This is contrary with the observation of this article. "Fire Protection Guidelines for Nursing Homes." Long-Term Living 53.5 (2004): 40-2. ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 30 Mar. 2012. The article talks about the suggestions by the president of the national fire protection association. He said that “All new nursing homes have been required to have automatic sprinklers’’. The number of sprinkler will depend on the nature and number of structures in as nursing home. The chief executive officer further advised that “installing sprinkler when the building is new is much easier and convenience’’. The other most important time for installing sprinkler is during the renovation of the nursing home structures. The maintenance is very important after installation. Nursing home is very sensitive areas. Nursing homes accommodate a large number of weak and vulnerable people. Their protection against fire occurrences is very crucial. The chief executive officer advice is very necessary and called for. The article analyses the advice of one of the fire experts in United States of America. This increases the credibility of the article. His advice is based on his real life experiences. The contents in this article are similar to the ideas compounded by Barry, Thomas and Theresa (58). All this authors prefer installation of appropriate gadget to reduce the impact of fire outbreaks. They are also advocating for innovation of more productive innovations in the fire sector. The two articles also talks about the important of proper management and maintenance of the installed gadgets. The continents in this article contradict with Torok (62). Torok is against the installation of gadget and advocates for concrete human effort. Spiker, Joseph, and Daniel Della-Giustina. "Fire Protection in Underground Coal Mines." Professional safety 42.9 (1997): 20-3. ABI/INFORM Complete. Retrieved on. 30 Mar. 2012. In this article, Spiker and Daniel address the issue of fire incidences in coal mines. According to them, the underground fire is a threat to the safety of miners (Spiker and Daniel 20). Frequent fires have been paralyzing miner activities in mines sites. Spiker and Daniel said that “major mines fires have disastrous consequences to both miners and the affected country economy’’. The authors further emphasizes on the need for concrete programs and strategies to reduce frequent fire occurrences in ground mines. The article relied on finding from many questionnaires submitted to all mining sites in Virginia and Illinois. Fire in core mines has very irritating outcome. However, there are very limited researches and studies on this field. Perfect programs are therefore call for to minimize frequent fire out breaks in coal mines. The article is based on the research findings from mines which are frequently affected by fire incidences in United States of America. The author of the article have based his argument on one specific setting (the mine). The same approach has been used on fire protection guideline in nursing home article (40). The areas covered by the two articles are very sensitive and prone to fire out breaks. The article used the questionnaire to collect and analyze data. The method contradicts with the method used in the article authored by Nunez, Ron who relied on the passes happenings. The ideas in the article also contradict with the ideas of Forgue. Forgue believed appropriate policy is the solution to the fire problem in the universe. This is contrary to the ideas in the article under study. Torok, Douglas. "Making Your Warehouse Ready for Material Handling - Fire Protection: Managing Change is the Key." Material Handling & Logistics 47.3 (1992): 61-. ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 30 March. 2012. According to Torok, fire protection, well structured floor and enough light are some of the basic requirements in a warehouse. “Fight fire by preventing fire’’ was his guiding principle in the article (Torok 612). The article also emphasized on important of protecting the warehouse employees from fire. On the other hand, employees hold the responsibility of protecting fire emergences in warehouses. Sprinkling systems is very important in warehouses. The most effective sprinklers in warehouses are automatic sprinkler control valves.Proper arrangement in warehouses minimizes frequent spread of fire. Inflammable materials should not be stored in congested warehouses. In modern days, frequent fire in warehouses has facilitated the down fall of many countries economy. The article is unique in addressing the impacts of fire in warehouses. Warehouses are prone to fire outbreaks. The article has intensively expounded and analyzed the most appropriate fire preventive measures in warehouses. Torok take on the important of protecting employees from fire incidences limes with Seward, Samuel, Donald Plane, and Thomas, Hendricks (58) perceptions. These entire authors have similar perception on the need to protect human life from fire incidences. Bettie (60) emphasized on the important of policies and ideologies in lighting off fire. Bettie (60) insists on the relevance of installing effective gadgets to address the menace of fire. She also analyses the appropriate policies in addressing outbreak of fire in the industrial sector. This article contradicts with Bettie’s perception on fire outbreaks. The author of the article under study emphasizes on important of individual commitment. According to Torok, the most effective way of eradicating fire incidences is through sensitizing the public on the important of effective fire protection. Read More