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Showing posts with label Fire Safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fire Safety. Show all posts

Saturday, 1 November 2025

Stability of Fire Hydrant Line Foundation

Saturday, 29 March 2025

Safety Procedure - Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedure For Commercial Premises.

Sunday, 14 April 2024

Fire Safety : Don't give fire a chance


Don't give fire a chance

There is plenty of air, fuel and ignition sources at every workplace. So we have all got to be on our toes to prevent fire.

Heat Protection:
Heat protection refers to measures designed to prevent or minimize heat transfer from a fire to adjacent areas or structures. The primary goal of heat protection is to:
  • Prevent ignition: Prevent the ignition of combustible materials in adjacent areas.
  • Reduce heat damage: Minimize heat damage to structures, equipment, and personnel.
Examples of heat protection measures include:
  • Fire-resistant materials: Using materials with high fire-resistance ratings, such as fire-resistant glass or ceramic.
  • Insulation: Installing insulation to reduce heat transfer.
  • Fire-stopping: Sealing gaps and joints with fire-stopping materials.

Smoke Protection:
Smoke protection refers to measures designed to prevent or minimize the spread of smoke from a fire to adjacent areas. The primary goal of smoke protection is to:
  • Prevent smoke migration: Prevent smoke from spreading to adjacent areas, including escape routes and safe zones.
  • Maintain tenable conditions: Maintain conditions that allow people to safely evacuate or occupy a space.
Examples of smoke protection measures include:
  • Smoke barriers: Installing smoke barriers, such as smoke curtains or smoke doors.
  • Smoke dampers: Installing smoke dampers in HVAC systems to prevent smoke spread.
  • Pressurization systems: Using pressurization systems to maintain a positive pressure in safe zones.

Key differences:
  • Purpose: Heat protection focuses on preventing heat transfer, while smoke protection focuses on preventing smoke spread.
  • Design: Heat protection measures often involve materials and designs that provide thermal insulation, while smoke protection measures involve designs and materials that prevent smoke migration.
  • Consequences: Heat protection failures can lead to ignition and heat damage, while smoke protection failures can lead to smoke inhalation and reduced visibility.

Here are some ways.

  • Store all combustibles away from ignition source.  
  • Protect the equipment from falling hot metal while overhead flame cutting or welding is carried out.   
  • Use fire resistant blanket for covering the equipment and fire watch is made available with fire extinguisher.  
  • Do not smoke near flammables materials or in “NO SMOKING” area.  
  • Report any possible fire hazard you notice.      
  • Help protect temporary electric wiring from possible damage.  
  • Ensure the distribution is NOT OVERLOADED  In case of fire in or near live electrical equipment, use dry chemical extinguisher, not water.  
  • In hot work jobs, be sure combustibles are safe from ignition. Have a FIRE EXTINGUISHER handy for welding and cutting operations or when open flame equipment is used.  
  • Know where the closest fire extinguisher is located. Know how to use it. Check to see that fire extinguisher is in clear, in proper condition and ready for instant use.  
  • We do everything we can to try to keep our workplaces fire –safe-but it takes your help, all the time.

What will you do when there is fire?

Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station, call plant emergency no and report the exact location of the fire. Do not hesitate in activating the fire alarm pull station upon detection of fore and/or smoke.

Close all doors in the fire area to confine fire and smoke.

Evacuate: When the alarm sounds, immediately evacuate the site by the nearest Assembly point or stairwell or exit; DO NOT use elevators. Once outside, report to your supervisor

NOTE. if you are in home or office then open the windows slightly at the top and bottom if possible. This will allow heat and smoke to vent out at the top, while letting in fresh air in from the bottom

Fire Safety : Fire Rating Clothing

Fire Rating Clothing

Understanding the ins and outs of FR clothing can go a long way toward protecting oil and gas workers from burn injuries and fatalities. There’s a lot to learn when it comes to implementing an effective FR clothing program, but the following A-to-Z glossary of FR protection is a great place to start. 

Arc Rating–Value describing a fabric’s performance in electrical arc discharge tests that determine how much energy can pass through the fabric before there is a 50 percent probability of second-degree burns.

Base Layer–Clothing worn underneath primary FR clothing should also be flame-resistant for added safety.

Char Length –A measurement used to assess FR clothing performance based on the amount of damaged fabric when a Vertical Flame Test (ASTM D6413) is performed.

Denim –Contrary to common misconceptions, regular denim does not offer sufficient protection against hazards such as arc flash and flash fire — but comfortable FR options are now available in a variety of popular styles.

Energy Break-Open Threshold (EBT)–The amount of incident energy required for a fabric to break open; one of two ways to express arc rating (the other way is ATPV).

Flame Resistant (FR)–A fabric or product that resists ignition and self-extinguishes after removal of the ignition source.

General Duty Clause–OSHA section 5(a)(1), a clause under the Occupational Health and Safety Act that requires employers to furnish each employee with a place of employment free from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

Heat Stress–Choosing FR clothing made from lightweight, breathable fabrics can help reduce heat stress.

Inherent Flame Resistance–Describes FR fabrics that are flame resistant due to the chemical structure of the fibers.

Jackets–All jackets and other outerwear worn over an FR uniform should also be flame resistant.

Knits – FR knit fabrics are known to offer an exceptional level of comfort.

Lightweight–Lightweight fabrics, especially those that also offer good breathability, are often more comfortable than other options — but before choosing a garment made from lightweight fabric, it is important to ensure that it still offers the necessary levels of FR protection and durability.

Multi-Hazard Protection–FR products that offer improved safety and convenience by simultaneously protecting against more than one hazard (e.g., combined protection against flash fire, arc flash and molten metal splatter; FR protection mixed with high visibility; or FR protection combined with chemical-splash protection).

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)–Publishes standards related to protection against various hazards, such as NFPA 2112 for flash fire and NFPA 70E for electric arc flash.

Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)–Sets and enforces safety regulations, including several related to FR clothing, in an effort to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.

PPE Category–Under NFPA 70E, personal protective equipment (PPE) like FR clothing is assigned to one of four categories based on the level of electric arc flash energy exposure it protects against.

Quality Management System–A quality assurance program that monitors product quality through well-documented inspection and testing procedures, and includes criteria for acceptance, rejection, handling of nonconforming materials and material recalls throughout the manufacturing process (e.g., an ISO 9001 certified quality management system).

Repair–When repairing FR clothing, always use FR thread, FR components (e.g., buttons and zippers) and repair patches made from the same FR fabric as the original garment—and if the garment is excessively worn or has rips to large to be patched, replace it instead.

Safety Standards–Organizations such as OSHA, NFPA, ASTM International and others publish regulations and standards that outline best practices related to FR clothing; adhering to these best practices helps promote safety and prevent costly fines.

Thermal Protective Performance (TPP)–A fabric’s TPP is determined by the amount of heat it takes to pass through the fabric and cause a second-degree burn.

UL Certified–UL is a third-party organization that offers certification for FR garments that meet or exceed key standards, such as NFPA 2112.

Vertical Flame Test–Also known as ASTM D6413, this is a standard test method for measuring the flame resistance of textiles based on after-flame time, after-glow time and char length.

Wear Trials–Every workplace has different needs, and perceptions of FR clothing comfort and functionality can vary from person to person, so it is often a good idea to do a wear trial before purchasing FR workwear.

XS, XL, 2XL, 3XL, etc.–FR clothing must fit properly to provide the best protection, so be sure to order the right size garment for each worker and, if necessary, work with a manufacturer to get custom garments made in non-stock sizes.

Yoke–In FR clothing (and non-FR clothing), a yoke is a shaped section of fabric that forms part of a garment (often around the neck and shoulders or the hips) and provides support and structure for the rest of the garment, influencing fit and appearance.

Zippers–Zippers, as well as buttons, snaps and other components, should always be made from FR or high-temperature resistant materials, and FR garments should be constructed in a way that keeps any metal components from coming into contact with the skin.

While this A to Z list is a strong foundation, there is plenty more you should know about FR clothing. For additional information, consult the NFPA standards and OSHA regulations relevant to your workplace. You may also wish to collaborate with a knowledgeable workwear manufacturer to identify the types of FR clothing best suited for your needs.

Fire Safety : Fire Prevention - A Study Hand Book


Fire Prevention  - A Study Hand Book

Fire Safety : Fire Prevention - Construction Site



Fire Prevention - Construction Site
                                                                                                                This may sound like a contradiction, but the problem with fire prevention on a construction site is the absence of a problem. Fires do not occur with frequency or regularity and therefore workers are not particularly concerned about them. Another word for this is complacency, an environment in which danger grows and thrives. It is extremely difficult to motivate some one to take an active interest in fire prevention when the person has never been involved in a serious fire and when they face other, imminent hazards on a daily basis. This leads to the common misconception that fire prevention is someone else's problem.

Almost every construction worker has at one time or another seen someone injured by a fall or being struck by an object. Very few have seen a person burned in a fire, or seen valuable property and months of work reduced to smoke and ashes.


We need to be reminded regularly of the ever-present danger of fire. We need to know the different types of fires and extinguishers. Briefly, electrical or flammable liquid fires require an extinguisher rated BC. Use a water extinguisher only for Class A fires (wood, paper etc.).
A dry chemical extinguisher rated ABC is for all classes of fire. Aim at the base of the fire and move the nozzle from side to side in a sweeping motion. If the fire continues, evacuate everyone from the area and call the fire department.
Observe all 'NO SMOKING' signs, especially near flammables. Make sure the area is free from all combustibles when burning or welding. Place all construction debris in the proper area for disposal . Know where fire extinguishers are located.
A fire today could mean loss of life, loss of a job, personal injury or property damage. Are you doing your part to prevent one? Check both your job and your home for fire hazards.

Fire Safety : Office Fire Safety Plan


Office Fire Safety Plan 

(Reference/Sample Use only)


This policy addresses:
  1. Develop a policy to minimize the risks associated with fire
  2. Reduce the risk of an outbreak and spread of fire
  3. Provide a means of escape
  4. Demonstrate preventive action
  5. Maintain documentation and records in respect of fire safety management
A. The Responsible Person

A ‘responsible person’ who is the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the staff and visitors who may legally come onto our office and of anyone not on the premises but who may be affected. The responsible person called as WARDEN and he must be carry out preventive action, Fire Safety drills and Risk Assessments training.

B. Fire Wardens

Wardens are caretakers of the concern office premises.

The Wardens:
  1. Provide the preventive trainings to the branch staffs.
  2.  Assist the staffs in the evacuations
C. Fire Marshal (Competent Persons)

Fire Marshal regional wise to carry out the following duties:
  1. Carry out risk assessments
  2. Advise Fire Wardens
  3. Assist with fire drills
A Fire Marshal have the appropriate level of training, experience, and knowledge. Training and supervision will be provided for nominated Fire Marshal by company.

D. Documentation & Records on safety.

The following records will be kept in good order, up to date and available for scrutiny at any time
  1. This fire safety policy (this will also be lodged with all heads of department)
  2. Fire evacuation procedures
  3. Copies of all risk assessments
  4. Records of all fire training
  5. A record of all fire drills (at least four per year) listing all attendees, evacuation times and any comments.
  6. Records of quarterly tests of fire alarms, final fire exits.
  7. Record of annual inspection and testing of all fire fighting equipment
  8. Records of periodic tests of emergency lighting
  9. Records of all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems
  10. Records of inspection, risk assessment and maintenance of workplace and electrical equipment, Storage of hazardous substances and other hazards identified with fire safety
  11. Plan of the office premises in the region.

E. Duties of the Staff.

(‘Staff’ includes all employees and visitors of the office, Warehouse and site)

All staff have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure that they do not place themselves or others at risk of harm. They are also expected to co-operate fully in complying with any procedures that the company may introduce as a measure to protect the safety and well-being of all staff and visitors.


F. Communication

The company will ensure that any person it employs (directly or indirectly) is provided with all information related to fire safety and consult with our employees on all matters of fire safety policy and arrangements. We will keep staff informed of any changes that are made to our fire safety procedures and fire risk assessment. A fire safety briefing will form part of the induction training for new members of staff. We will also ensure that all visitors to our premises are briefed in the evacuation procedures and not left alone unless they are aware of, and familiar with, all available escape routes.

G. Procedures

The company has introduced the following procedures in order to maintain high standards of fire safety:
  1. The fire evacuation procedures will be practiced at least four times annually.
  2. All staff will be given training, including a fire safety briefing as part of the induction process, and will receive refresher training as appropriate. Further training would be required if there were any change that may affect fire safety. All training will be provided during normal working hours as far as reasonably possible.
  3. Key staffs, will be trained in the use of fire extinguishers whether or not they have been given specific fire fighting duties.
  4. All escape routes will be established, kept in good working order and free from obstruction and combustible materials at all times. Operation of fire exit doors will be tested and recorded in their log on a quarterly basis.
  5. Fire fighting equipment will be provided. In general this means fire extinguishers but additional provision of fire blankets or hoses may be made where deemed appropriate by the findings of a risk assessment.
  6. All fire related equipment will be regularly serviced and maintained by a competent person or contractor.
  7. An appropriate fire detection and alarm system will be provided. The type and extent of the alarm system provided will be based on the findings of the relevant risk assessment. Alarm systems will be tested regularly. Staff will be told when a test is scheduled.
  8. The risk of fire spread will be controlled by the provision of fire resisting construction.
  9. Appropriate signs and notices will be displayed, giving clear instructions to staff and others in the event of a fire. In addition signs will be provided to indicate the position of fire extinguishers, fire alarm call points and, to indicate the emergency exit routes.

Fire Safety : Workplace Fire Safety and Emergency Response


Workplace Fire Safety Training Emergency Response


Workplace Fire Safety


Fire safety training at work is everyone’s business. Each year , there are many workplace fires reporting. Of these most of incident many have injury and end in death. Fortunately, most workplace fires can be prevented — only 15 percent of them are a result of circumstances outside of human control.

The key is training, knowledge, and preventative measures. It’s important that businesses establish and implement fire safety programs and that all employees are involved. Fire safety training kits should cover all vital elements such as hazard recognition, prevention, and response. Use these fire safety basics to get you started.

Hazard Recognition and Prevention

First of all in order to eliminate fire hazards, you have to know what to look for. Take the time to perform a workplace hazard assessment where you can search for and document known hazards. Once hazards have been identified, you’ll then be able to either control them if they are unavoidable or eliminate them altogether. Consider the following:

  • Always practice good housekeeping. Keep work areas free of clutter and combustible waste.
  • Make sure any heat-producing equipment (including office equipment like copiers or coffee makers) are kept away from materials that could burn.
  • Most of workplace fires are electrical. Ensure electrical cords are in good condition. Remove equipment from service if wires are found exposed or damaged until they have been repaired or replaced.
  • Check that power outlets are not overloaded and that outlets and extension cords are capable of handling the voltage of connected equipment.
  • Be on the lookout for equipment that overheats or gives off a burning odor.
  • When plugging equipment into an outlet, the plug should correspond with the outlet; that is to say, do not plug a two-prong plug into a three-slot outlet.
  • Store flammable work materials and chemicals in a safe location away from any ignition sources.
  • Make sure there are unobstructed emergency exits and escape routes. Routes and evacuation instructions should be posted in locations visible to employees on every floor.
  • Inspect fire response equipment regularly, including smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers. Items not in working order need to be replaced right away.
  • Fire extinguishers must be current on their inspections. Tags will indicate the most recent inspection.
  • Communicate to all employees the hazards of smoking on site. Designate smoking areas outside and away from building entrances.
  • Part of a preventative strategy includes written and practiced evacuation procedures. Your business should conduct regular fire drills where alarm recognition, safe evacuation, designated meeting location, and roll calls are performed. Use drills as an opportunity to identify flaws in your program and make any necessary changes.

Fire Response


  • If you see a fire break out, immediately sound the nearest alarm to alert other employees in the building and then determine your next step.
  • If the fire is small and controllable and you are trained in the use of a fire extinguisher, you may attempt to extinguish the fire. Be sure to leave yourself a clear escape route and know how to recognize when the fire grows out of your control. Instruct a nearby employee to dial 911 if your alarm system is not equipped to automatically communicate with local emergency responders.
  • If it’s clear the fire cannot be controlled by a fire extinguisher, evacuate immediately. Do not wait around or attempt to manage the fire on your own. Follow established evacuation procedures and assist fellow employees along the way.


Tips to Elevate Safety During Fire Response

Choose the correct fire extinguisher for the job. Certain fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish particular types of fires. For example, an extinguisher designed to put out grease fires is not effective against fires caused by ordinary combustibles such as paper and cardboard.

While nothing is an equal substitute for training on and familiarization with the use of fire extinguishers, the basics can be remembered with one simple acronym: PASS.

  • P: Pull the pin
  • A: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire where the source is, not at the flames themselves
  • S: Squeeze the handle
  • S: Sweep the nozzle back and forth from left to right until the fire has been extinguished
When evacuating the building, close doors behind you. This will help limit the spread of fire and smoke throughout the building.
  • Never Use an Elevator During a Fire
  • Especially relevant for three reasons:
  • Depending on the severity of the fire, electrical damage may shut elevators down mid-transit
  • Elevator shafts may fill up with smoke
  • Emergency responders and firefighters may need access to the elevators to address fires on upper levels.
Furthermore, all employees should be trained in basic first aid skills. After evacuation, attend to any employees who may have been injured either by the flames or smoke inhalation while you wait for emergency responders.

Fire Extinguishers

PASS: When using a fire extinguisher, follow this common acronym to maximize its effectiveness.

  • Pull the pin.
  • Aim at the base of the fire (often, users are tempted to spray the fire itself instead of its fuel source).
  • Squeeze the handle.
  • Sweep from side to side.

Fire extinguishers are composed of a variety of materials depending on the type of fire they are designed to eliminate. All extinguishers will contain contents under high pressure.

Water: Water-type extinguishers contain water under air pressure. They are not always the most desirable option, such as in the event of an electrical fire where water would escalate the situation. The cylinder of the extinguisher is often recognizable by being silver in color.

Dry Chemicals: These types of extinguishers contain dry chemicals, ordinarily a bicarbonate derivative (such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), in foam or powder form. The purpose is to smother the fire source with a chemical that breaks down into carbon dioxide. CO2 removes and/or displaces oxygen, which is the active fuel behind a fire.  Dry chemical extinguishers are generally red in color and have a pressure gauge at the top near the lever.

Carbon Dioxide: Highly-pressurized carbon dioxide. Under such high pressure, it is released at a very low temperature, addressing the fire by not only displacing the oxygen but freezing temperatures. You may typically recognize a CO2 extinguisher by a horn at the end of the hose and a lack of pressure gauge. Below is a table which will describe the uses for which individually-rated fire extinguishers are designed. Fire extinguishers are required by law to display clear rating labels on the cylinder as well as inspection tags which must reflect a maintenance inspection date on an annual (at minimum) basis.

Not all fire extinguishers are manufactured exactly alike. Variations may include operating instructions or distance the user should stand from the fire when dispersing contents. Required cylinder labeling will inform you of the specifics.


First Aid for Burns

Burns are common injuries at the workplace daily. Several different things can cause burns, and can result in varying levels of injury. Identifying the type and severity of the burn is the first step to administering first aid. When treating a burn, follow these steps:

  • Assess the Situation
  • Determine the cause of the injury and eliminate any hazards that may affect you or the victim
  • Put on any necessary PPE, such as latex gloves for protection from bloodborne pathogens
  • If the victim isn’t in any danger, don’t move them
  • Treat life-threatening situations first, such as severe bleeding, cardiac arrest, or if the victim has stopped breathing
  • Don’t become a victim yourself; leave rescue to trained personnel
  • Call for Help: If you are alone, treat any life threatening injuries first, and then go for help. If you are not alone, send someone for help immediately.

Classifications of Burns

1st Degree: 1st Degree burns are identified by redness of skin and are generally uncomfortable. 1st Degree burns are generally caused by overexposure to the sun, scalding by moderately hot water, or touching hot material. 

2nd Degree: 2nd Degree burns are generally identified by blistering and extreme redness of skin. 

3rd Degree: 3rd Degree burns may cause charring, whiteness, and permanent discoloration of skin. 3rd Degree burns can be considered life threatening.

Burns Due to Fire

Fires generally cause second and third degree burns. Second degree burns show redness, swelling, and blistering. Third degree burns have a white or charred appearance. Treat 2nd and 3rd degree burns as follows:

  • Cover all burned skin with a dry, sterile dressing or cloth
  • Elevate the burned arm or leg above the heart to reduce pain
  • Don’t attempt to remove any clothing or jewelry that may be melted to the skin
  • Don’t attempt to “pull apart” fingers that may be fused together
  • Seek immediate Emergency Medical attention

Burns Due to Electricity

  • Contact with electricity usually results in second and third degree burns. If someone has been burned by electricity, take the following steps:
  • Make sure that all electrical current has been turned off
  • Check for breathing and do CPR if necessary
  • Cover all burned skin with a dry, sterile dressing or cloth
  • Elevate the burned limb above the level of the heart to reduce pain and relieve shock

Burns Due to Chemicals

  • Chemical burns often cause damage long after the chemical has made contact with the skin.
  • If the victim’s eyes have been splashed with a chemical, flush the eyes with water until medical personnel arrive.
  • Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for proper first aid treatment, and when appropriate, rinse with water.
  • If appropriate, seek Emergency Medical attention (always take the Safety Data Sheet and chemical with you).

In conclusion, serious burns of any type cause nerve damage that disables the healing process. To help reduce future complications, always take extra care to avoid contaminating a burn that could result in an infection. Always remember, fires are nearly always avoidable. Knowledge, training, and a solid fire safety training topics can save you and your company from injuries, death, and property damage.

 


Fire Safety : FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

When considering fire sprinkler design for any building, it's important to follow the following steps:

1. Determine the fire hazard level in the building

Every building should be classified for fire risk under the following categories: light hazard, ordinary hazard group 1, ordinary hazard group 2, extra hazard group 1, or extra hazard group 2. Factors involved in classifying a building's hazard level include the material used in construction, the occupancy level, the materials stored in the building, the processes performed in the building (and whether these processes include flammable liquids), ceiling heights, ease of egress, and the amount of floors and rooms.

2. Determine the design area and design density

The design area is a theoretical space within the building that's designated as the worst possible place where a fire can break out. Once determined as the highest risk area in the building, this area's risk level is usually applied to the entire building. Once that's done, determine the amount of water per square meter would be needed to put a fire out in the design area. The calculations should be done in liters of water per minute. This will help you determine the type of sprinkler heads, fire sprinkler design, and amount of water pressure you'll need.

3. Determine which fire sprinkler design will best meet your needs

You'll need to find a fire sprinkler design that can deliver the amount of water per square foot required to put out a fire in your design area. Doing this entails complex calculations that account for the initial water pressure, as well as reductions or elevations to it due to friction in the pipes, momentum from the speed the water travels, and the difference in elevation between the water pump and the sprinkler heads. Nowadays, these calculations are often performed by computer software-although fire sprinkler installation professionals are still required to learn to do them by hand as part of their when designing your fire sprinkler system, you have a lot of choices. Here are a few of the more common ones. The hazard levels they are appropriate for can vary, depending on the height and size of the building and other factors that can affect water pressure, but this list includes some examples of building types these fire sprinkler designs are generally appropriate for.

Control Mode Sprinklers are the standard fire sprinkler design. These stop a fire from spreading by dumping water directly on the fire when it starts, lowering its core temperature to the point where the fire can no longer sustain its heat. This fire sprinkler design also "pre-wets" flammable material adjacent to the fire.

Suppression Sprinklers are specially suited to work quickly and handle fast-growing and challenging fires. Instead of pre-wetting the area as the control mode fire sprinkler design does, the suppression sprinklers release a deluge of water directly on the core of the fire-lowering the temperature quickly and efficiently. This fire sprinkler design is often preferred in buildings containing highly flammable materials, as they quickly stop an already-severe fire from growing.

Fast-Response Sprinklers work more quickly than other designs. In some areas, this is the required fire sprinkler design for light-hazard occupancies.

Water Mist Sprinklers are often used on offshore oil drilling rigs and ships, as well as in areas where water damage is a special concern. Unlike many fire sprinkler designs which extinguish solely by removing the heat from a fire, the water mist fire sprinkler design attacks a fire on two fronts: its warmth and its oxygen supply. It does not douse the area, which is better for rooms containing water-sensitive equipment.
Instead of spraying water, water mist sprinklers spray high-pressure mist, which is converted to steam when it encounters the heat from the fire. When converting to steam, the mist water droplets deplete the oxygen supply in the room, effectively suffocating the fire. In addition, the water mist is a powerful cooling agent and blocks the fire's radiant heat, dropping its temperature and keeping it from spreading.
Residential sprinklers are specially designed to protect people in the room of origin from being injured by a fire. This fire sprinkler design is often the best choice for residential developers and landlords.

Decorator Sprinklers sometimes called concealed sprinklers, can be designed to blend in with the ceiling so as not to be visible. This fire sprinkler design can come in custom colors, and the sprinkler head is typically recessed. A cap is placed over the recess and colored to match the ceiling. The glue used to attach it will dissolve in case of a fire, dropping off and exposing the sprinkler head. These are often the fire sprinkler design of choice in homes.

Extended Coverage Sprinklers are designed so that each sprinkler head covers a wide area-and limits the amount of sprinkler heads needed to protect a building. This fire sprinkler design is also useful in areas with lots of flammable material, as the wide footprint for each sprinkler head will "pre-wet" surrounding materials in case of a fire. These can be installed with a residential, quick-response, or standard design.

Low-Pressure Sprinklers are designed to handle fire protection needs in tall buildings where water pressure may be reduced in the upper floors. This fire sprinkler design is often used in skyscrapers and tall tenement buildings. Using this fire sprinkler design can be more cost-effective than other designs. It will also reduce pipe size and reduce the need for a fire pump.

Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) Sprinklers are designed to control fires that start in storage areas piled high with flammable materials. They are typically used in high-risk storage facilities.

Wet-Pipe or Dry-Pipe are two versions of fire sprinkler design you can install. With a wet-pipe system, the water is constantly running through the pipes. This is the most common type of system, and is most typically found in residential buildings that are constantly heated. With a dry-pipe fire sprinkler design, the pipes are filled with compressed air, and hooked up to the water source via a pump or valve. When a sprinkler head is activated, the valve is tripped and water floods the pipes. This system is more difficult to maintain than a wet-pipe fire sprinkler design, but it is ideal for buildings that are not constantly heated, as they protect pipes from bursting.


Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler System

A dry pipe sprinkler system is one in which pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen, rather than water. This air holds a remote valve, known as a dry pipe valve, in a closed position. Located in a heated space, the dry-pipe valve prevents water from entering the pipe until a fire causes one or more sprinklers to operate. Once this happens, the air escapes and the dry pipe valve releases. Water then enters the pipe, flowing through open sprinklers onto the fire.


Advantages of using dry pipe fire sprinkler systems include:

  • Dry pipe sprinkler systems provide automatic protection in spaces where freezing is possible. 
  • Typical dry pipe installations include unheated warehouses and attics, outside exposed loading docks and within commercial freezers.

Many people view dry pipe sprinklers as advantageous for protection of collections and other water sensitive areas. This perceived benefit is due to a fear that a physically damaged wet pipe system will leak while dry pipe systems will not. In these situations, however, dry pipe systems will generally not offer any advantage over wet pipe systems. Should impact damage happen, there will only be a mild discharge delay, i.e. 1 minute, while air in the piping is released before water flow.

Disadvantages of using dry pipe fire sprinkler systems include:

  • Increased complexity - Dry pipe systems require additional control equipment and air pressure supply components which increases system complexity. Without proper maintenance this equipment may be less reliable than a comparable wet pipe system.
  • Higher installation and maintenance costs - The added complexity impacts the overall dry-pipe installation cost. This complexity also increases maintenance expenditure, primarily due to added service labor costs.
  • Lower design flexibility - There are strict requirements regarding the maximum permitted size (typically 750 gallons) of individual dry-pipe systems. These limitations may impact the ability of an owner to make system additions.
  • Increased fire response time - Up to 60 seconds may pass from the time a sprinkler opens until water is discharged onto the fire. This will delay fire extinguishing actions, which may produce increased content damage.
  • Increased corrosion potential - Following operation, dry-pipe sprinkler systems must be completely drained and dried. Otherwise remaining water may cause pipe corrosion and premature failure. This is not a problem with wet pipe systems where water is constantly maintained in piping.

With the exception of unheated building spaces and freezer rooms, dry pipe systems do not offer any significant advantages over wet pipe systems.

Fire Safety - Key Requirements

Fire Safety - Key Requirements 


Not only do your employees need to know how to respond to workplace fires, they also have to understand how to help prevent them. That's a lot of information to communicate about fire safety, and no better time than the present.
All employees should know the essentials for responding effectively in the event of a fire. For example, when they hear a fire alarm, they should:
  • Evacuate immediately using their assigned evacuation route. If that route is blocked, they should use their alternate.
  • Close doors behind them as they leave.
  • Help others evacuate if they can do so safely.
  • If they encounter smoke, crawl low under the smoke.
  • Outside the building, move away from exits.
  • Go directly to their assigned assembly area and report to the person who is taking a head count.
  • Remain outside until they are told it is safe to reenter the building.

If employees discover a fire, they should:
  • Activate the nearest fire alarm.
  • Call 101 (India) —don't assume that someone else has already done this.
  • Evacuate the building.
If they are unable to get out of the building, they should:
  1. Create an area of refuge in a room with windows, and use wet cloth to seal cracks under doors and seal vents against smoke.
  2. Not break windows. They can open the window just a crack if they need air.
  3. Stay low under smoke, and cover their nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
  4. Signal for help by using a phone or hanging something in the window.
Fire Extinguishers
If you expect employees to use fire extinguishers, make sure they're properly trained. Make sure they know which extinguisher to use for the different types of fires and they should also be trained to use a fire extinguisher properly:
  1. Pull the pin on the extinguisher.
  2. Aim at the base of the fire.
  3. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
  4. Sweep back and forth until the fire goes out.
At the same time you teach employees how to use an extinguisher, make sure they know when to use one and when not to. Portable fire extinguishers are made for small fires only. Employees should understand that if a fire is big or spreading, they should not try to fight it but instead call 108, activate the fire alarm, and evacuate the building.
Fire Prevention
Of course, preventing workplace fires is always better than fighting them. So don't forget to teach your employees some basic fire prevention strategies, too. For example:
  1. Keep a clean work area, and don't allow trash and other combustible materials to collect.
  2. Take proper precautions with flammable substances, always using and storing them safely.
  3. Use and maintain electrical equipment properly, and report any problems immediately.
  4. Avoid exposing flammable and combustible materials to ignition sources.
  5. Don't mix chemicals that could react or store them near one another.

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