Hazards in a Building

M.Vinod Kumar

09011BB047

FIRE HAZARD:

A fi re hazard is any situation in which there is a greater than normal risk of harm to people or property due to fire

For a fire to start- 3 things needed

Any of the above things missing, fire cannot start

Taking steps to avoid the three coming together will therefore reduce the chance of a fire occurring

Once a fire starts it can grow quickly and spread and this can cause other fuels to self-ignite

Fire is the third leading cause of accidental deaths, yet most people ignore it.

Scrap, waste materials, dust, trash

When these items are allowed to accumulate, the risk of fire is increased.

Under the right conditions, the buildup of dust from wood, plastic, or certain metal operations can lead to a fire or explosion.

FIRES ARE CLASSIFIED AS:

Combustible materials

Ordinary combustible materials, like paper, cardboard, wood, and products made from these materials

Foam or plastic cups, utensils, materials close to heat sources burn rapidly and give off dense, toxic, black smoke.

Oily rags or other materials soaked in oil can spontaneously combust if placed in areas where the air does not circulate.

materials

The unsafe use, storage, dispensing, or disposal of flammable materials can be a prime source of fires and explosions.

Read labels of all spray cans to identify those with flammable gas-propellants.

Butane and propane are the most common and should never be exposed to heat or flames.

Electrical issues

Extension cords and multiple plug adapters may only be used for temporary operations.

Overloaded circuits, damaged wiring, and defective switches and outlets can all lead to electrical fires.

Placing space heaters near, or in contact with, combustible materials poses a fire hazard.

Fire Accident in ‘D’’Block, A.P. Secretariat, Hyd On 07.05.2009.

Electrical issues

Small portable fans can pose a fire

Damaged wiring on portable fans, and mounting portable fans in walls also increase fire risk.

Hot work

Any operation involving heated materials or open flames can present a fire hazard.

Hot work procedures have been developed and are part of this program.

Machines and equipment

Machines that are not lubricated properly can overheat and start a fire.

Electrical problems and equipment defects can lead to a fire.

HISTORY OF FIRE SERVICES:

• 321 BC - In Kautilya’s Arthashastra there were chapters about Fire Preventive Rules • 27-14 BC - Fire Station concept of Augustus Caesar in Roman Empire. • 1027 A.D - Fire Preventive Codes by King William-I • 1666 A.D - Great London Fire. • Modern Fire and Rescue Services.

FIRE FIGHTING:FIRE EXTINGUISHER

FIRE EXTINGUISHER SHOULD BE INSTALLED AS PER THE INDIAN STANDARDS CODE(IS:2190-1971)

PORTABLE EXTINGUISHERS ARE FITTED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE COMMON AREA TO FIGHT DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIRE:

DRY POWDER TYPE :IS:2171-1962

FIRE BUCKETS :AS PER ISI

CARBON DI OXIDE: IS:2878/1976

WATER CARBONDI OXIDE: IS:940/1976

MECH FOAM TYPE: IS:10204

HOW TO USE A PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

FIRE DETECTION & FIGHTING SYSTEM

IT INCLUDES THE SMOKE DETECTION AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDIAN STANDARDS AND NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

IS-2175 : HEAT SENSITIVE FIRE DETECTORS FOR USE IN AUTOMATIC FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

IS-2189 : CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SELECTION,INSTALLATION AND MAINTAINENCE OF AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM

IS-11360 : FOR SMOKE DETECTORS USED IN AUTOMATIC ELECTRICAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

BS-5839 : FOR MANUAL CALL POINTS

Other equipment and materials that we use to fight fires include:

Fire hoses(63mm/IS-636)

Buckets of water

Sprinkler systems

Fire blankets and

Sand in buckets

SAFE WORK PRACTICES

Workers can significantly reduce fire hazards by following some basic precautions:

Ground all electrical equipment and the workpiece.

Use the correct cable size.

Make sure all electrical connections are tight, clean, and dry.

Keep dry.

Keep cables and connectors in good condition.

Keep the eletronic wires/devices away from children

Proper use and maintenance of gas stoves

Housekeeping Store materials at

least 18” from the ceiling in rooms that have sprinkler systems.

Store materials at least 24” from the ceiling in rooms that do not have sprinkler systems.

Exceptions are allowed for attached wall shelving not located directly under a sprinkler head.

Flammable and Combustible Materials

Where possible, substitute flammable materials with safer, less/non flammable, non-toxic materials.

Store flammable liquids properly.

At least one fire extinguisher in the area.

Large storage areas should have a fire protection system installed.

Use flammable liquid storage cabinets where greater quantities of liquids are needed. Contrary to popular belief, these cabinets

are not designed to contain a fire, but to prevent an outside fire from reaching the contents for a period of 10 minutes.

Miscellaneous Requirements

For automotive and industrial shops, at the end of the work day or as necessary:

Clean all work areas of oil to prevent buildup

Return all oils and flammables to their proper storage cabinet/area

Turn off all power equipment or unplug

Turn off all fuel valves and power to such systems

BASIC DRAW-BACKS OF FIRE FIGHTING IN INDIA

70% of India, mostly rural and semi urban areas, not covered by fire fighting.

Almost total dependence on Govt to provide fire fighting services.

Fire Fighting subject does not come under Centre or State but under the Local Govt, like Municipal Corporation jurisdiction. Local Govt, invariably short of funds and hence little allocation for fire fighting.

High rise buildings of earlier vintage do not have requisite fire safety norms.

Fire & Emergency Services not empowered to carry out checks of violations to safety norms.

Shortage of manpower & modern fire fighting equipment with Fire & Emergency Services.

WAY OUT Fire Fighting subject in concurrent list.

Planning Commission allocated Rs200 cr in XI Plan Period for strengthening Fire & Emergency Services in the country

Strengthening scheme envisages introduction of modern technology such as AFT, high pressure pumps and water mist technology and emergency rescue hand held tools.

Awareness campaigns & fire risk & analysis of buildings by qualified & experienced experts/organizations.

Formulation of DM Plans a must for schools, all high rise & heritage buildings.

Training of trainers of Fire Services personnel.

Fire Fighting teams even in schools being advocated.

NDMA conducted 16 mock exercises on fire in high rise buildings, all over India, to train the first responders & to sensitize the community.

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