JB Firth - Fire Safety Management and Legislation - Term Paper Example

Fire safety management and legislation Name of student Name of institution Subject name Name of instructor Date Abstract This fire management plan is developed to give a guideline on the activities involved in fire management. These activities include the suppression of fires in the building at UCLAN University. The plan lays more emphasis on the protection of human life and the university property and provides a clear guideline for the university safety management on the protection of the two. This paper discusses the fire management plan in JB firth building and the legislation processes that are involved. This building consists of laboratories and their respective offices. Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 1 Introduction 4 1.1JB Firth description 5 1.2 Air conditioning System 6 1.3 Emergency Lighting 6 2 Fire safety policy statement 7 2.1 The Alarm 7 3 Fire fighting management objective plan 7 3.1 Fire extinguishers 8 4 JB Firth emergency response procedure 9 4.1 Purpose and scope of the plan 10 4.2 The procedures for adoption of the fire management plan 10 4.3 Fire potential 10 4.4 Potential damage 11 5 The evacuation procedures in case of an emergency 11 5.1 Disabled persons evacuation 12 6 Routine procedures 12 6.1Strategies to protect life and property 12 6.2 Strategies for management of fire 12 6.3 Performance indicators 13 7.1 Strategies for fire management 14 7.1.1Suppression 14 8 Situation of fire risk management 14 8.1 Management Zones of Fire 14 9.1The Director 15 9.2 Assistant Director 15 9.3The Ranger. 15 9.4The Deputy Ranger 15 9.5 The Emergency Operations Manager 15 10 Conclusions 16 1 Introduction The JB Firth building houses several departments including the department of investigative and forensic sciences including classrooms, staff offices and laboratories. Building fires have occurred in several institutions across United Kingdom over the last decade. Fires in institutions have been occasioned by electric faults, explosives in laboratories and arsons. Schools in American universities, several universities have been exposed to major fires while, others have experienced frequent small fires. This has threatened the life of students and staff in the universities thus necessitating this management plan. According to The Building Regulations (2000), the strategies to be utilized in fire management will consider the reduction of predisposing actions including proper legislation on handling of electricity, operations in the explosive laboratories, management of the school confined spaces, control of combustible wastes like papers and the side effects of smoke to the inhabitants of JB Firth and the building It is necessary to note that incorporation of the community around UCLAN University is paramount for the success of the plan. The community around the University needs to manage fires near their assets to match the work taken by the university on JB Firth. Every detail in the plan has been carefully analyzed to ensure accuracy but it is advisable that it be reviewed after every 5 years. 1.1JB Firth description This building consists of three storied building. The ground floor consists of offices for the members of staff as well as the chemistry suite. The first floor consists of research offices and the staff offices. It also has a laboratory used for forensic chemistry. The second floor consists of a forensic laboratory, a reception room, a research office and an archive room. The third floor consists of; a chemistry laboratory, a research office and the fire laboratory offices. The building has continuously illuminated signs on the corridors leading to the emergency exits. The exits lead through the connecting bridge to the open grounds. 1.2 Air conditioning System This is achieved by aid of standalone circuit that enables JB Firth open duct AC system automatically shut down once the fire alarm is operated 1.3 Emergency Lighting These are installed at strategic locations in the building. They are expected to activate immediately incase the main power fails and last for a period of one to two hours. As indicated in the figure below, sufficient lighting is provided at all critical locations. Figure 1 lighting systems (UCLAN., 2007) 2 Fire safety policy statement All the fire fighting measures should be accessible by all persons in the building. All the exit points must be clearly indicated using signs. 2.1 The Alarm There is an automatic fire detection fire alarm in the building which is again connected directly to the UCLAN Fire and Rescue Centre. Still the building has thermal and smoke detectors positioned in the fuel rich areas like the classrooms, the generator, the electric control centre and the chemistry lab. It is recommended that these remain unobstructed always (BSI, 2008). The activation of the alarm will sound the entire alarm in JB Firth, shut the fire doors, shut the air conditioning system and alert the Fire service department. 3 Fire fighting management objective plan This ensures that, the firefighting procedures are well articulated and made clear to all members. Pursuant to the BS 9999:2008 on fires in buildings, and in accordance with the Universities and colleges Act, the main objective of carrying out fire management plan are: Prevention of fire incidence in JB firth. Suppress any fire which might occur in JB Firth. Reduce the potential of spread of fire whenever it occurs in JB firth. Protect the people in and around the building in case of fire. Maintain the fires which occur to avoid extreme loss of property and deaths. Figure 2 Alarm for enhaning mergency door release (UCLAN., 2007) 3.1 Fire extinguishers One should be familiar with the operation of the fire extinguisher before using it (Beard, 2005). Establish the type of fuel burning Be able to operate it Establish the type of fire and the required extinguisher Fire type Category Extinguisher type Oils, paints and petroleum Class B- flammable liquids Foam Class A,B and C fires Flammable solids Dry chemical Propane, methane, butane Flammable gases- class C Carbon dioxide Aluminum and Mg Flammable metals Dry chemical Clothes, papers, plastics and wood Combustible solids –class A water Table 1 Indicates type of fires and the extinguisher type. 3.2Fire hose reels Are suitable for class A fires and located close to the exits. They are sited to ensure they fully cover the floor. 4 JB Firth emergency response procedure To ensure an efficient and an orderly evacuation, the building has these procedures in reference to the required standards for structures, buildings and workplaces. It considers: Actions taken at different incidents such as; the lift procedures, fire, blackouts and earthquakes, the resources and equipments available for emergency and consideration for the disabled in evacuation. The sign for exit has to be properly located so as to ensure that the occupants he building safely using the correct emergency door. Figure 3 Emergency exit sign (UCLAN., 2007) 4.1 Purpose and scope of the plan Under the BS 9999:2008, plans for management of fire are developed for each UCLAN building. This fire management plan is developed using fire history in university and colleges buildings, fire thresholds and known asset locations (BSI, 2008). It is worth noting that a lot of effort has been dedicated to ensure that the details provided are as accurate as possible. Since management plans are constantly evolving, the plan is constantly kept under review to take into account the changes taking place and ensure it doesn’t remain irrelevant. 4.2 The procedures for adoption of the fire management plan All the UCLAN fire management plans are kept in the respective buildings and the administration block of the university. Here the government, local government and the local community are allowed to comment. Before a plan is adopted, A notification is given to the public that a fire management plan has been developed and comments from public and stakeholders accepted within three-months since notice. All the submissions and contributions done during the tree month exhibition are reviewed and any recommendation for changes forwarded to the university fire safety management committee. Recommendations done by the committee and forwarded to the Director, Fire Safety. Adoption of the recommended plan by Director or refer for further amendments. Once plan finalized, it’s adopted by the Director. 4.3 Fire potential The building; JB Firth, is located on a flat ground next to Maudland Bank and accessed through the bank. It contains a laboratory containing explosives meaning that it is prone to fire emanating from the laboratory. It also has classrooms and staff offices, in these, we have papers which can act as fuel and ignite fire (Johnson, 2006). The electric wiring also presents a fire threat since incase of an electric fault, the building might catch fire. Similarly, the power backup generator poses as a potential cause of fire in the building. 4.4 Potential damage The potential damage which can occur in JB Firth can be classified into: life and property and economic activities. In case of afire, the students, staff and neighboring community volunteer to protect the life of those affected and property including the scholarly materials and the building (UCLAN., 2007). In the event of a fire, JB Firth will be cordoned and all people advised and if necessary, evacuation will commence immediately. In JB Firth, we have the investigative and forensic sciences laboratory which in addition to providing services to the department students; it’s also outsourced for various activities. 5 The evacuation procedures in case of an emergency Call the Fire service and police Don’t switch off the lights. Leave as fast as possible through the nearest exit quickly but do not run. Keep clear off the building until its declared clear. Report to the Fire safety service department. switch off any process or machinery fast and safely The staff is instructed to operate the alarm nearest on suspicion of a fire. On hearing an alarm, it is recommended that the occupants; Check if the floor is free of other occupants Leave the place immediately via the nearest emergency exit. Call the Fire department and security Report to the Warden. 5.1 Disabled persons evacuation It is advised that the disabled be placed on the landing in fire stairs or in a lift but with a fire fighter to give assurance and comfort (BSI, 2008). In case there are no wardens, other occupants should volunteer to help them. In this building, the wheel chair for the disabled is attached on the wall so as to aid the disabled during fire outbreaks. Figure Wheel chair for thedisabled 6 Routine procedures 6.1Strategies to protect life and property Fast suppression of building fire. Fuel reduction through maintaining clean environment free of papers, explosives etc. Promotion of Fireguard skills to the users of the building. 6.2 Strategies for management of fire It is worthwhile to note that fires may be managed through: The suppression of fire in a way that decrease the threat to humans and property and minimize the adverse it might have on the environment (Craighead, 2009). The management of locations as asset protection areas with highly reduced fuels around the assets like generators and gas cylinders. Management of various areas as the strategic zones to limit extend of fire. Close monitoring of fuel levels within the prone zones yearly. Cooperation with the local authorities and fire authorities to plan and implement management of fire. 6.3 Performance indicators Progressive reduction of the unplanned fire ignitions in the university caused by humans. Suppression of fires occurring in the university premises within the control lines, with minimal effect to the environment and done cost effectively. No loss of human life and injuries or any destruction to the environment caused by fire in the university building during the planning period. Fire thresholds maintained to the required levels during the planning period. 7 Maintenance and testing of fire safety systems. Inherently, this enables the university fire management team to guide the university on the most appropriate ways that are required to avoid occurrence of fires in buildings. This may be obtained from the past cases and the probable likelihood of such scenarios occurring 7.1 Strategies for fire management The UCLAN JB Firth fire management plan has identified 3 integrated strategies to manage fires in the university building. 7.1.1Suppression These are all the actions made to limit the growth the spread of fire in the university premise. The fire in question here is a free burning fire which is unwanted therefore requiring being suppressed (Lataille, 2003). At this time, the fire needs to be suppressed with the minimum costs possible by either confining it, controlling or by containing it. This calls for the best ways of suppressing fires. 8 Situation of fire risk management 8.1 Management Zones of Fire The JB Firth fire management has three sections that deal with fires. These are the prescribed zones, the suppression and the conditional zones. The first zone which is the suppression zone ensures matters that concerns safety and protection and greatly considered. The conditional zone ensures that life and property in the building are protected in a given prescribed condition. Additionally, various signs have been put to prohibit smoking at areas where flammable materials may be found. 9 Fire Management and Responsibilities of staff This section discusses the various roles and responsibilities of the staff members in Fire safety Department for the implementation of the management plan. 9.1The Director The fire management of JB Firth is managed by the director of fire in the department. Their roles include; ensuring there is a comprehensive plan that would oversee the fire management program. The director also ensures there is coordination while suppressing fire. The director also comes up with the analysis of the fire incident and ascertains ways of mitigating it 9.2 Assistant Director The responsibility of the assistant is to deputize the Director and may perform any of the duty that has been assigned by the director. 9.3The Ranger. The ranger acts as the chairperson of the Fire management committee and has a crucial role in preparing approved recommendations to the Director. The ranger is the one with the jurisdiction of ensuring that all aspects of Fire Management plan are implemented to the latter. 9.4The Deputy Ranger In case the chief ranger is absent, all other decision making process band accompanying responsibilities are delegated to the deputy ranger. He also serves a member of the Fire Management Committee and an advisor to the chief ranger on planning and decision roles as it regards fire management. 9.5 The Emergency Operations Manager Plays the role as member in the Fire Management and planning committee. Supervise junior staff like the structural Fire chief and the FM officer. Represents the UCLAN fire department in committees that provide guidelines and directions for management of fire in school buildings. Also briefs and gives updates to the ranger on fire management activities. 10 Conclusions In conclusion, management and legislation of fire management in building forms an important basis in which, various institutions and departments may prevent or control fire. In this JB firth building, proper guidelines have been set up that would ensure that, proper safety measures are followed in case there is fire outbreak. The legislations permit all buildings to adhere to the safety measures and ensure that, the safety of the occupants in a given building is enhanced. This also enables the entire users to be aware of the emergency plans that may be conducted and enable safe evacuation in the event that there is a fire outbreak. All these strategies ensure that life is protected and avert any cases of injuries or loss of properties that may arise due to fire related cases. References Beard, A., 2005. The handbook of tunnel fire safety. London, Telford. British qualifications., 2006.: a complete guide to professional, vocational and academic qualifications in the United Kingdom. London, Kogan Page. 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. Craighead, G., 2009. High-rise security and fire life safety. Amsterdam, Butterworth-Heinemann/Elsevier. Davies, J. M., 2008. Lightweight Sandwich Construction. Chichester, John Wiley & Sons. Johnson, V. B.,2006. Laxton's building price book 2007. Oxford, UK, Butterworth-Heinemann. Lataille, J. I., 2003. Fire protection engineering in building design. Amsterdam, Butterworth-Heinemann. The Building Regulations., 2000. Fire safety. Approved document B. London, TSO. UCLAN., 2007. UCLAN fire safety strategy. 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