Question

a) Identify key FIRE SAFETY hazards in a high building and mention suitable controls required including firefighting equipment.

b) Comment on the key points for safe usage of fire extinguishers in any workplace.

Answer 1

a) Identify key FIRE SAFETY hazards in a high building and mention suitable controls required including firefighting equipment.

Fire hazard is the most common hazard, which is present in all areas of life. Most combustible materials are stored in a normal atmosphere, which contains oxygen, and so the risk of fire is then due to the possibility of an ignition source. Combustible liquids can vaporise and so form an oxygen–air mixture at their surface that can be ignited. The temperature at which a liquid fuel vapour can ignite is called its flashpoint. The heat needed for combustion to take place depends on the flashpoint if it is a liquid. Solids need a much higher temperature to ignite.

Major Fire Safety hazards in a high buildings

Waste and combustible material being stored on site

In many buildings, in particular offices, there can be a build-up of waste such as paper, cardboard and other combustible materials. If this is not disposed of regularly, it provides plenty of fuel for any potential fires should they break out. All it takes is a source of ignition, for example a discarded cigarette to set this alight and it could result in a fire that burns rapidly.

Flammable liquids and vapours

This may be more of a threat in some types of workplace than others. Those particularly at risk include industrial warehouses and factories where there may be large amounts of flammable liquids and vapours stored. This can also cover anywhere that these materials are present such as garages, hotels and kitchens. Flammable liquids can ignite instantly when they come into contact with a spark or naked flame. Vapours are also particularly dangerous as they spread out, carrying the risk of an explosion with devastating consequences.

Dust build-up

Dust slowly builds on surfaces like wood, metal and plastic, often in hard-to-see places, and can become a fire hazard if left unmonitored. Machines that heat up such as computers, microwaves and cords should be maintained and kept clean of dust particles.

Objects that generate heat

Heat is one of the vital ingredients of fire. Some electrical equipment and machinery warms up when used providing the potential for a fire to start. Make sure you keep combustible materials such as paper away from heat sources and remember to unplug any equipment that is not being used if possible. Never leave any electrical equipment or machinery on overnight unless it is necessary.

Faulty electrical equipment

Fires caused by electrical equipment are one of the most common types of fire in the workplace. Look out for any signs of loose cabling, damaged plugs and replace any faulty equipment. All electrical equipment should be regularly checked and PAT tested by an expert.

Overloading power sockets

This is a fairly common cause of electrical fires but it is one that is easily avoided. If too many appliances are plugged into the same socket or if faulty extension cords are used, this can result in overheating and potentially a fire. Always make sure that you use one plug in each socket and don’t use appliances that total more than 13amps or 3000 watts across the whole socket.

Smoking

Discarded cigarettes can cause fires if not put out and disposed of properly. Smoking can be especially hazardous if it is allowed to take place near areas where flammable materials are present. Therefore a designated smoking area should be allocated in your workplace away from main buildings and flammables. Staff should also be encouraged to make sure that any cigarettes are put out properly and to use specially provided bins for their cigarettes.

Human error and negligence

It has to be said that one of the most common causes of fires in the workplace is human error. Fires can occur as a result of negligence in a variety of different ways including improper use of equipment, accidents, drinks being spilt over electrical equipment and leaving cooking unattended.

Although you cannot completely remove the human error factor, through proper training you can take steps to reduce it by providing effective training and guidance for your staff advising on best fire safety practice.

Fire safety is a major issue for any high-rise buildings, and it is very important that builders take the necessary steps to control all fire risks in the building. A fire in the high-rise buildings has the potential to disrupt your entire future as well as impact the lives of you and your families. Firefighting systems and equipment vary depending on the age, size, use and type of building construction.

Following are suitable controls:

Identify Fire Hazards in Your Workplace
Identifying the fire hazards in your workplace should be your first step. These hazards may be areas or equipment which can be sources of excessive gas or ignition. If there are such areas or equipment in the workplace, then it is recommended that you take note of these so you can determine how to fix the problem later. Electrical equipment, lamps, engines, heaters, etc. are the usual sources of ignition. Apart from these, faulty wiring and electric switches or contacts may also be sources for fire.

Install Smoke Detectors
Install smoke detectors and make sure that your business is in compliance with their locations. Smoke detectors can warn everyone in the building that there is a fire and the evacuation is needed. Reliable smoke detectors and a fire alarm system will help getting everyone out of the area unharmed. It will also give you time to put out the fire early with the help of fire extinguishers instead of dealing with a full-blown fire scenario.

Have Fire Extinguishers on Each Floor
It is recommended that you have a fire extinguisher on each floor for every 200 square feet. It will allow you to fight any small fires that occur within the building. It is also recommended that you test the fire extinguishers regularly because the last thing you would want is to have a malfunctioning equipment at your disposal at the time of an emergency.

Hire Professionals for Fire Risk Assessment
Hire the services of a professional company to come in and do a thorough fire risk assessment. Bringing a new set of eyes to assess the situation works best. These professionals are trained to know what to look for and they might see things that you overlook. They will give you a detailed list of any potential hazards they identify. Furthermore, they will also help you create a plan of action to help reduce fire hazards at your business. Professional fire risk assessment should be done on an annual basis.

Have an Evacuation Plan
Last but not least, having an evacuation plan in place is crucial no matter how minimal the risk may seem. Your building must have more than one exit and you should have a backup plan in case of a fire emergency. Make sure that the exists are marked, aren’t blocked, and they remain unlocked from the inside.

Fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are provided for a 'first attack’ firefighting measure, generally undertaken by the occupants of the building before the fire service arrives. It is important that occupants are familiar with which extinguisher type to use on which fire.

Most fires start as a small fire and may be extinguished if the correct type and amount of extinguishing agent is applied whilst the fire is small and controllable.

Fire hose reels

Fire hose reels are provided for use by occupants as a 'first attack' firefighting measure but may, in some instances, also be used by firefighters.

When stowing a fire hose reel, it is important to first attach the nozzle end to the hose reel valve, then close the hose reel valve, then open the nozzle to relieve any pressure in the wound hose, then close the nozzle. This achieves two principle objectives:

• A depressurised hose and hose reel seal will last longer than if permanently pressurised.
• When the hose reel is next used, the operator will be forced to turn on the isolating valve, thus charging the hose reel with pressurised water supply, before being able to drag the hose to the fire. A potential danger exists if the operator reaches the fire and finds no water is available because the hose reel valve is still closed.

Fire hydrant systems

Fire hydrant systems are installed in buildings to help firefighters quickly attack the fire. Essentially, a hydrant system is a water reticulation system used to transport water in order to limit the amount of hose that firefighters have to lay, thus speeding up the firefighting process.

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Time is essential in the control of fire. Automatic sprinkler systems are one of the most reliable methods available for controlling fires. Today's automatic fire sprinkler systems offer state of the art protection of life and property from the effects of fire. Sprinkler heads are now available which are twenty times more sensitive to fire than they were ten years ago.

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b) Comment on the key points for safe usage of fire extinguishers in any workplace.

A fire can cause devastating damage to a building, not to mention the danger of death. So, learning how to safely use a fire extinguisher along with the related training is pertinent in keeping your business, property, and life safe from the consequences of a fire.

Fire extinguishers should not be used by people who have not been trained. Before tackling a fire with a fire extinguisher make sure you or someone else has raised the fire alarm and that you have a safe evacuation route.

Using the correct type of extinguisher for the fire, use the four-step PASS technique.

1. Pull: Pull the pin, this will break the tamper seal.
2. Aim: Aim low, pointing the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. Do not touch the horn on a CO2 extinguisher, it gets very cold and can damage the skin.
3. Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
4. Sweep: Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire, the fuel source, until the fire is out.

When used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or controlling it until the fire department arrives. Portable extinguishers, intended for the home, are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. However, even against small fires, they are useful only under certain conditions:

·     The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is no time     to read directions during an emergency.

·     The extinguisher must be within easy reach and in working order, fully charged.

·     Some models are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires.

Select Your Extinguisher

Choose your extinguisher carefully. A fire extinguisher should bear the seal of an independent testing laboratory. It should also be labelled as to the type of fire it is intended to extinguish.

The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Most portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight seconds.

Classes of fires: There are three basic classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labelled with standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. A red slash through any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class fire. A missing symbol tells you only that the extinguisher has not been tested for use on a given class of fire.

Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.

Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas.

Class C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.

Many fire extinguishers are "multipurpose" A-B-C models, labelled for use on all three classes of fire. If you are ever faced with a Class A fire, and you don't have an extinguisher with an "A" symbol, don't hesitate to use one with the "B:C" symbols.

Training and informing staff of fire risks, ensuring that the appropriate equipment is used and awareness about prevention tactics are essential for effective and safe usage of fire extinguishers in workplace.