Preventing the Occurrence of Fires through Controlling the Fire Hazards in JB Firth - Term Paper Example

Fire safety management and legislation Name Institution Subject Instructor Date Abstract Fire can cause immense dangers and losses whenever it occurs. It usually leads to loss of life, injuries, loss of property and reputation on an organization in its wake. In this regard, all institution have developed fire management plans to try and minimize the potential losses which might occur. This paper elucidates the management plan to give guidelines on what the users of JB Firth should do in case of a fire outbreak, the fire prevention and protection procedures. This building is found in the university and consists of analytical chemical suites, research offices, lecture halls and the laboratories used in the learning process. Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 1 Introduction 6 1.1 General building information 7 1.1.1 Emergency Exits 7 1.1.2 Emergency Lighting 7 1.2. 3 Air Conditioning 8 2 Fire Safety policy statement 8 3 Objectives of the fire safety management plan 9 3.1 Fire Alarm 9 3.2 Firefighting equipment 9 3.3 Fire Extinguishers 9 3.4 Fire Hose Reels 10 4 The Emmergency Evacuation Concept 10 4.1The Evacuation procedure 11 5 Emergency response procedures 12 6.1 Fire safety Director 13 7 The fire Detection and alarm Systems 14 7.1 The Automatic Sprinkler System 15 7.2 Portable fire extinguishers 15 7.3 Buildings 15 7.4 Wet Automatic sprinkler system 16 7.5 Dry Automatic Sprinkler System 16 8 Building description, safety features & operation of fire systems 17 8.1 Building Construction and Occupancy 17 8.2 Fire Detection & Alarm System 17 8.3 Exiting 18 9 Rationale 19 10 Conclusions 19 Building Information Building name: JB Firth Address: UCLAN University Building Owner: UCLAN University Owner Address: Phone Email: People responsible for administration of JB Firths Fire Management Plan The fire management in Jb Firth is under Dr. XXX- the Fire safety advisor of JB firth Building IDENMITY The Emergency control organsation of JB firth is indemnified by UCLAN University against any civil liabilities which might arise in the event of evacuation if the action was done in good faith and in any other course of their duties. It is also worth noting that the main role of the Emergency Control organization is to ensure practical evacuation of the inhabitants of the building including the staff, students, researchers and other support staff from the building in case of a fire outbreak and not to combat fire emergencies. The users of JB firth buildings are herein warned that their safety lies in their hands and it’s paramount therefore, they should not engage in any risk activity. 1 Introduction The purpose of formulating the Fire Management Plan is to familiarize all the Emergency Control Organization and the occupants of JB firth with the necessary fire safety information and to use it for the formulation of an emergency procedures so as to enhance safe, orderly and timely evacuation in case of a fire outbreak. This plan is written reflecting the requirements of BSS 2005. Six labaroties are used for teaching purpose while two are used as fire laboratories, two for teaching chemistry and one chemical and analytical research. It consist of the offices (JBF001-JBF012) that are used by staff, (JBF014) used as an analytical chemistry suite. These offices are found on the ground floor. First floor has (JB101 and JBF110) which are the research offices. Additional, it houses, (JBF103-JBF110) which are the staff offices and (JBF112) which serves as a forensic chemistry laboratory. The second floor of this building houses (JBF201) as a reception room, (JBF 09) as another forensic laboratory, (JBF212) as an archive room and (JBF 213) as a research office. The third floor house (JBF301) as a research office,(JB303 and JBF309) as the chemistry laboratory lab and (JBF04, and JB05) as fire laboratories. Even though fire risk is the mostly known reason for the implementation of this evacuation plan, there are other instances which can necessitate an evacuation plan. These are bomb scares, Gas leak or extreme climatic conditions. It is required that the Emergency Control Organization gets well versed with the evacuation procedures and incase they find any part unclear, then they should contact the UCLAN Fire Officer (UCLAN., 2007). 1.1 General building information 1.1.1 Emergency Exits The building should have continuously laminated exit signs which will lead directly or indirectly to an open space. These signs are installed at corridors leading to level 3 which leads to Maudland Building and the other links leading to the access bridge. 1.1.2 Emergency Lighting The emergency lighting is installed at nearly all the areas. The main areas which must have continuous supply of power include the research laboratory, the offices and some of the classrooms. This is made to ensure that the building is not interrupted by power outages and should last for approximately 1 to 2 hours. Figure 1lighting system (UCLAN., 2007) 1.2. 3 Air Conditioning JB Firth’s ducted air conditioning system will shut down once the Fire alarm is operated. This is to avoid exacerbating the condition (UCLAN., 2007). The stand alone air conditioning systems are not connected to the Fire Alarm systems and will however continue to operate. 2 Fire Safety policy statement The fire system components should remain unhindered at all times. The activation of the alarm is such that: It will sound the alarm throughout JB Firth building. It will close fire doors. It will operate smoke exhaust systems. It will initiate shut down of the air conditioning system It will summon the University Fire Service. 3 Objectives of the fire safety management plan The safety planning, management and legislation for JB Firth is intended for three objectives, namely fire hazard control, fire protection system maintenance and emergency evacuation. 3.1 Fire Alarm JB Firth is installed with an automatic fire detection and alarm unit which is connected to the University Fire and Rescue Service. We also have Smoke and thermal detectors positioned at strategic points throughout the facility. We also have manual call points located throughout JB firth building. 3.2 Firefighting equipment In the building, we have portable fire extinguishers and hose reels located at easily identifiable locations throughout the facility (Avillo, 2002). The locations have been made known to the occupants of the building and their application on different types of fires e.g. for electrical fault, flammable liquids from the chemistry laboratory and other combustibles and explosives. Fire extinguishers are known to work perfectly at the inception stages. 3.3 Fire Extinguishers Before one starts using a fire extinguisher, it is required to first understand the type of fuel burning, the type of extinguisher suitable and how to operate it. Type Category To be used on fires caused by; 1. water Class A (combustible Solids) Wood, clothes, plastics and paper 2. Foam Class B ( Flammable Liquids) Paints, petrol, Oil 3. CO2 Class C ( Flammable Gases) Methane, Propane, Butane and Electrical Equipments. 4.Dry Chemicals Class D( COMBUSTIBLE metals) Aluminum, magnesium 5.dry chemicals Class E (electrical energized, flammable liquids and combustible solids) All class A, B and C fires. Table 1 Categories of fire extinguishers (Law and Gillie, 2011). It is good to be noted that the operating instructions are usually given on the side of the extinguisher. In operating an extinguisher one needs to pull the pin, aim the extinguisher to the base of the flame, squeeze the handle so as to discharge the extinguishing medium and then sweep the extinguisher sideways over and around the fire (BSI., 2008). 3.4 Fire Hose Reels These are usually located near exits and are preferable for use in class A fires. They must be given to cover the floor of JB Firth. Should be approximately 36 meters long and be operated by a trained member. 4 The Emmergency Evacuation Concept It’s necessary for the building to have adequate trained staff to be used in directing and ensuring an orderly movement of people in case there is a fire outbreak, and help in controlling the fire until the national Fire control Unit arrives (UCLAN., 2007). The evacuation procedures relying on supervisory staff are complex and therefore call for continued training, drilling and encouraging them to be around JB Firth building always to ensure any emergency which might occur is well handled. Similarly, the time required to train them should be enough. This has been enhanced by provision of necessary equipments to aid in the evacuation process. For instance, w heel chair has been located in the first floor to aid those who are incapacitated with movements. Figure 2 Wheel chair used for evacuation process (UCLAN, 2007) Figure Wheelchair for evacuation (UCLAN., 2007) 4.1The Evacuation procedure In case of a fire outbreak, the fire alarm will be initiated and sound and all the occupants are supposed to evacuate JB firth through the safe exits. The persons with disabilities should leave through their set exit points. The university Fire safety Director is required to be available always to respond to the premise once contacted by the ECO staff. Figure 3 Exit sign (UCLAN., 2007) The occupants of the building should be aware of the information provided on the ‘’incase of fire’’ list provided outside the building. This gives a brief of what should be done to allow a systematic method of evacuation. 5 Emergency response procedures For the university to initiate an elaborate and effective fire safety and evacuation procedure, it’s desirable to have an elaborate ‘Building Emergency Response Procedure’’. These procedures are written together with EPC (emergency planning committee) and it’s desirable for the university ECO members to consider; 1) Actions which are to be taken at different events. That is during first aid, fires, power blackouts, earthquakes, bomb scare, hazardous materials, and in event of violent armed persons (NFPA101, 2009). 2) Considerations for persons with disabilities. 3) Emergency and resources available 4) The lift procedures 5) The plant requirements 6) The evacuation routes and assembly lines clearly illustrated on the floor plans or maps. 7) The reporting and communication procedures in case of an accident. 6 Personnel staff training and fire drills. 6.1 Fire safety Director This is appointed in writing by UCLAN. He/she may not be in the premises always but must be available to respond to the building in case there is a fire emergency (Ferguson, 2006) The duty of the FSD can be done by the deputy. It is required that the building’s fire protection and other life safety systems receive regular inspections, servicing and maintenance (BSI., 2008). Majority of the inspections should entail quick checks to ensure that the systems are operational. Some of the inspections are simple and entail little technical knowledge therefore the FSD can perform them. However, annual inspections, testing and maintenance will require the use of highly qualified individual and their recommendations will be followed to the letter. Responsibilities of the Fire safety Director 1) Administration and maintenance of the fire safety plan 2) Record of information about training periods, minutes of fire safety meetings, fire Incidents 3) Ensure that the fire protection systems are inspected, maintained and serviced in accordance with the set fire codes. He is also responsible to arrange for qualified inspection and maintenance. 4) Ensure that maintenance on the building does not expose the occupants to fire hazards. 5) Ensure that the supervisory staff is available to respond to the premise in the event of fire. The procedure to be followed in case of fire encompass; Activation of a fire alarm, call the Emergency office or 911, fight the fire incase its small and this should not be done alone, evacuate the building through the nearest safe exit, the lift should be avoided in the event of fire, any disabled person should be assisted to evacuate the premise (UCLAN., 2007). 7 The fire Detection and alarm Systems In case it has been realized that the systems cannot be repaired or restored to full operation, then the fire department should be notified immediately and persons appointed to remain in the premises until the system becomes operational (Foley, 2003). This may be effected by placing of emergency alarms. Figure 4 Emergenceny door release (UCLAN., 2007) 7.1 The Automatic Sprinkler System Sprinkler contractor is responsible for testing them in accordance with the B.C Fire code during interruptions of the sprinklers through shut down, portable fire extinguishers and emergency hose reels will be provided. Extra watch service will be put on duty and temporary water connections availed to the sprinkler system. 7.2 Portable fire extinguishers In the event that the company removes fire extinguishers from JB Firth Building for considerably long time, a similar fire extinguisher should be provided at the same place (British Standards, 2004). 7.3 Buildings In the event of alterations on the building, repair should be carried out such that the occupants in JB Firth are not exposed to fire hazards brought in by contractors or other supplies. It is suggested that frequent inspections be carried out in the suggested areas to ensure that; 1) All exits are freed from obstructions. 2) Careful handling and storage of flammable and combustible is done with extreme care. 3) The heat producing equipments like welding and cutting equipments are carefully used. 4) All dangerous work areas are protected from the occupants of JB firth. Procedure after a fire safety Equipment has operated In case of a false alarm, this should not be taken lightly, but the occupants of the building should: Ensure that the fire department has been notified The alarm should not be silenced Once the fire department has been convinced that it was a false alarm, the system should be restored and reset. Complete the incidence report. 7.4 Wet Automatic sprinkler system In the event that the sprinkler has been activated by either mechanical damage or fire, it is required that it will be restored immediately (UCLAN., 2007). This should be done by a qualified contractor. In case a contractor is not available, then the occupants should; Inform the fire department. Close the main shut off valve Open up the drainage serving the floor Replace damaged sprinkler with a new one Inspect the main drain tests Reset the system alarm 7.5 Dry Automatic Sprinkler System In case the system has been destroyed either by fire incidence or mechanical damage, the following should be done by the EC0; Inform the fire department The shut off valve should be closed Switch off the air compressor Open the two inch main system drain Replace the damaged sprinkler Perform main drain test Leave the compressor off as the water gets fully charged. This should be allowed to remain until it is replaced by a qualified technician. The fire alarm system should be left silenced until its repaired by a technician 8 Building description, safety features & operation of fire systems 8.1 Building Construction and Occupancy JB Firth is located on a sloppy ground near Mudland Building. The building is classified as a non-combustible structure with respect to the building code; it has 4 levels and 2 parking areas. It is constructed using concrete with tiled floors. The building has a combustible roof and houses combustible elements contained in the chemistry laboratory. 8.2 Fire Detection & Alarm System Manufacturer……………………………….. Model…………………………………. Monitored ……………………………………… supervised:…………………………………. Heat detector location: located at each level near the most prone areas including the power backup generator, the roof of the chemistry lab and the electrical control room. Smoke detector location: located at the roof of the chemistry lab, and different locations on the other levels of the building Smoke alarm locations: located in the classrooms, the corridor leading to the staff offices on all the four levels of the building. Manual pull station locations: these are located adjacent to the exterior doors and the gates to stair shafts. 8.3 Exiting No. of exits: 6 Exit signs: located at all corridors leading to the exits. Emergency power and lighting Emergency generator: …………………………… Fuel: Diesel Location: At the basement of the building Automatic Battery Charger: Available. Elevators Type: electric Capacity: 12500N Location: located at the extreme left of the building Serves: all those accessing level 1, 2 and 3. 9 Rationale It is prudent to have a strict fire management planning and legislation since each year thousands of fires are witnessed causing damage of property worth millions, loss of lives, injuries and dent on the government expenditure. By 1995, in British Columbia, there were approximately 3,809 fires which led to property loss of $124,492,632, thirty four deaths and 368 injuries (British Standards, 2004). It’s clear that this could have been prevented if we practiced proper fire safety management, planning and legislation. 10 Conclusions Prudent fire safety management and legislation should be operated in all the buildings as it will help prevent the occurrence of fires thus reducing the damages caused by fire outbreaks .institution of proper guidelines to be followed and a fire management committee will help alleviate the problem. Fire safety management planning will prevent the occurrence of fires through controlling the fire hazards in JB Firth, ensure proper operation of fire protection by establishing elaborate maintenance procedures, and provide an orderly system of evacuation of persons entrapped in the building in case of an outbreak. References Avillo, A., 2002. Fire ground strategies: Fire Engineering. Tulsa, OK: PennWell.Washburn, R. 2003. Using Modeing and Simuklation to Graphically Display the Interaction of Fire and the Extinguishing Agent. Ft Belvoir: Defense techical Information Centre. British Standards, 2004. PD7974-6:2004 The application of fire safety engineering principles to fire safety design of buildings Part 6: Humanfactors: Life Safety strategies – Occupant evacuation, behaviour and condition British Standards, 2004. PD7974-6:2004 The application of fire safety engineering principles to fire safety design of buildings Part 6: Humanfactors: Life Safety strategies – Occupant evacuation, behaviour and condition. BSI., 2008. Code of practice for fire safetyin the design, managementand use of buildings. BSI British Standards. BSI. Ferguson, A., 2006. BS7974 and the International Fire Engineering Guidelines. London: Arup Fire Ove Arup & Partners Ltd . Fire Safety Engineering CIBSE Guide, 2010. London: Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers. Foley, S. N., 2003. Resources for fire department occupational safety and health. Quincy, Mass, National Fire Protection Association. Law, S, and Gillie, M., 2011. "Structural engineering and fire dynamics: Advances at the interface." fire safety science. 10(2), pp.1563-1576. MacCollum, V., and Richard, H., 2005. Building design and construction hazards. Tucson, Az.: Lawyers & Judges Pub. NFPA101, 2009. Life Safety Code, 2009 Edition. National Fire Protection Association. UCLAN., 2007. UCLAN fire safety strategy. Preston: University of Central Lancashire Appendices Building arrangement Ground floor First floor Second floor Third floor . Read More