Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of a fire alarm system?
What is the primary purpose of a fire alarm system?
- To initiate firefighting efforts.
- To protect lives. (correct)
- To prevent fires from starting.
- To minimize property damage.
Which of the following is NOT considered a stage of fire protection?
Which of the following is NOT considered a stage of fire protection?
- Fire Containment and Extinguishment
- Fire Detection and Alarm
- Fire Investigation (correct)
- Fire Prevention
What is the most common method of fire extinction mentioned in the text?
What is the most common method of fire extinction mentioned in the text?
- Smothering
- Cooling (correct)
- Interrupting the chain reaction
- Starvation
How does the principle of 'smothering' work to extinguish a fire?
How does the principle of 'smothering' work to extinguish a fire?
Which of the following techniques is NOT described as a method of fire extinction in the text?
Which of the following techniques is NOT described as a method of fire extinction in the text?
What is the best way to fight a fire, according to the text?
What is the best way to fight a fire, according to the text?
Which of the following is an example of 'starvation' as a fire extinction principle?
Which of the following is an example of 'starvation' as a fire extinction principle?
What is the role of heat in the chain reaction of fire?
What is the role of heat in the chain reaction of fire?
What is the first stage of combustion where decomposition occurs at the surface of the fuel?
What is the first stage of combustion where decomposition occurs at the surface of the fuel?
Which element is NOT required for a fire to occur?
Which element is NOT required for a fire to occur?
During which stage of combustion are fumes primarily invisible to the eye?
During which stage of combustion are fumes primarily invisible to the eye?
In the Flaming Stage, what has occurred with vapors from the fuel?
In the Flaming Stage, what has occurred with vapors from the fuel?
What is a characteristic feature of the Smoldering Stage of combustion?
What is a characteristic feature of the Smoldering Stage of combustion?
What is a reason for using a two-stage alarm system in fire safety?
What is a reason for using a two-stage alarm system in fire safety?
In what scenario is a voice communication system necessary according to the regulations?
In what scenario is a voice communication system necessary according to the regulations?
Which type of fire alarm system can be used in a high-rise office tower?
Which type of fire alarm system can be used in a high-rise office tower?
What is a potential consequence of poorly trained supervisory staff regarding fire alarm systems?
What is a potential consequence of poorly trained supervisory staff regarding fire alarm systems?
Which occupancy type is suitable for a single-stage fire alarm system?
Which occupancy type is suitable for a single-stage fire alarm system?
What is the primary purpose of a fire extinguisher?
What is the primary purpose of a fire extinguisher?
Which type of fire extinguisher is specifically effective against burning liquid fires?
Which type of fire extinguisher is specifically effective against burning liquid fires?
How do fire extinguishers primarily function to put out a fire?
How do fire extinguishers primarily function to put out a fire?
What mechanism is used in a fire extinguisher when the handle is compressed?
What mechanism is used in a fire extinguisher when the handle is compressed?
What characteristic differentiates a two-stage fire alarm system from a one-stage system?
What characteristic differentiates a two-stage fire alarm system from a one-stage system?
What is the main function of a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher?
What is the main function of a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher?
In a two-stage fire alarm system, what occurs if the alert signal is not acknowledged?
In a two-stage fire alarm system, what occurs if the alert signal is not acknowledged?
What type of personnel is a two-stage fire alarm system designed for?
What type of personnel is a two-stage fire alarm system designed for?
What primary role do fire extinguishers serve?
What primary role do fire extinguishers serve?
Which organization is responsible for creating fire safety standards in Canada?
Which organization is responsible for creating fire safety standards in Canada?
Which code is specifically related to electrical safety in Ontario?
Which code is specifically related to electrical safety in Ontario?
What does the National Fire Code (NFC) address?
What does the National Fire Code (NFC) address?
Which of the following is NOT a component of the fire safety standards landscape in Canada?
Which of the following is NOT a component of the fire safety standards landscape in Canada?
What does the acronym NFPA stand for?
What does the acronym NFPA stand for?
Which agency is involved in fire safety research in Canada?
Which agency is involved in fire safety research in Canada?
What intended use do fire extinguishers have according to the content?
What intended use do fire extinguishers have according to the content?
What does the Ontario Building Code (OBC) specifically aim to regulate?
What does the Ontario Building Code (OBC) specifically aim to regulate?
Which organization focuses on the education and training of fire safety professionals?
Which organization focuses on the education and training of fire safety professionals?
Flashcards
Purpose of Fire Alarm Systems
Purpose of Fire Alarm Systems
To protect lives and property, initiate firefighting.
Fire Protection
Fire Protection
A process to prevent and confine fires, with three stages.
Fire Prevention
Fire Prevention
Measures taken to prevent the outbreak of fire.
Fire Detection and Alarm
Fire Detection and Alarm
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Fire Containment
Fire Containment
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Cooling in Fire Extinction
Cooling in Fire Extinction
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Smothering in Fire Extinction
Smothering in Fire Extinction
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Starvation in Fire Extinction
Starvation in Fire Extinction
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Single-stage fire alarm system
Single-stage fire alarm system
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Two-stage fire alarm system
Two-stage fire alarm system
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High-rise voice communication systems
High-rise voice communication systems
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Training for supervisory staff
Training for supervisory staff
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Impact of false alarms
Impact of false alarms
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Fire Triangle
Fire Triangle
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Incipient Stage
Incipient Stage
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Smoldering Stage
Smoldering Stage
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Flaming Stage
Flaming Stage
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Heat Stage
Heat Stage
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Fire Classifications
Fire Classifications
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How Fire Extinguishers Work
How Fire Extinguishers Work
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Pressurized Water Extinguisher
Pressurized Water Extinguisher
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Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher
Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher
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Multipurpose Dry Chemical Extinguisher
Multipurpose Dry Chemical Extinguisher
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Single Stage Fire Alarm
Single Stage Fire Alarm
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Two Stage Fire Alarm
Two Stage Fire Alarm
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Purpose of Two Stage System
Purpose of Two Stage System
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Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers
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Fire Classes
Fire Classes
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Combination Methods
Combination Methods
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Standards Council of Canada
Standards Council of Canada
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National Fire Code (NFC)
National Fire Code (NFC)
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Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC)
Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC)
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Canadian Electric Code (CEC)
Canadian Electric Code (CEC)
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Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
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Fire Safety Research Council (FSR)
Fire Safety Research Council (FSR)
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National Research Council (NRC)
National Research Council (NRC)
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Study Notes
Course Information
- Course code: ECME-214
- Course title: Instrumentation 2 & Monitoring Systems
- School: School of Engineering Technology & Applied Science (SETAS)
- Week: 1
- Topic: Course Overview and Fire Alarm Introduction
Fire Alarm Introduction
- Objectives:
- Examine basic fire alarm concepts, components, fire anatomy, and fire group classifications.
- Identify the codes, standards, and regulations pertaining to fire alarm systems.
- Identify one and two-stage fire alarm systems.
Fires to Exist
- Four elements:
- Enough oxygen to sustain combustion.
- Enough heat to raise material to its ignition temperature.
- Some sort of fuel or combustible material.
- The chemical, exothermic reaction that is fire.
The Four Stages of Combustion
- Four stages, excluding explosions:
- Incipient Stage: Decomposition occurring at the fuel surface due to heat. Products are invisible.
- Smoldering Stage: Up to 10% of decomposing products visible at the fuel surface.
- Flaming Stage: Vapors ignited, self-propagating flames.
- Heat Stage: Burning progresses, sufficient heat warms surrounding air, sending warm combustion products upwards by convection.
Historical Fire Protection
- Videos: Two videos of significant historical fires are referenced.
Purpose of Fire Alarm Systems
- Primary purpose: Protect lives.
- Secondary purpose: Protect property and initiate fire-fighting in the event of a fire.
Fire Protection Stages
- A three-stage process:
- Fire Prevention
- Fire Detection and Alarm
- Fire Containment and Extinguishment
Fire Protection Summary (1992-2001)
- Table includes data on estimated population, number of fires, $ losses, deaths, and injuries for each year.
- Data shows trends in fire incidents over the period.
Chemistry of Fire Extinction
- Principles: Elimination or removal of one or more of the four fire elements.
- Cooling: Water absorbs heat, cooling the fuel until it no longer produces flammable vapors.
- Smothering: Removing oxygen to extinguish the fire.
- Starvation: Removal of the fuel burning in the fire, such as by shutting off gas valves or fuel flows.
- Stop Chain Reaction: Stopping or interrupting the chain reaction between fuel, heat, and oxygen.
Government Agencies and Organizations in Fire Alarm Industry
- Diagram shows a network of organizations involved in fire safety codes and standards.
Codes & Standards in Canada (Central and Eastern Canada)
- Diagram shows the different fire codes and standards used by provinces and territories in Canada.
Fire Extinguishers and Fire Classes
- Fire extinguishers are designed to control small fires.
- Important to equip facilities with appropriate extinguishers.
Four Classes of Fires
- Class A: Wood-based fuels (paper, wood, cloth).
- Class B: Flammable liquids (petroleum products, greases, oils).
- Class C: Energized electrical equipment.
- Class D: Combustible metals (sodium, potassium, magnesium).
How Fire Extinguishers Work
- Portable extinguishers apply an extinguishing agent to cool, displace, or remove oxygen, or stop the chemical reaction.
- A pressure gas forces the extinguishing agent from the main cylinder to the nozzle.
Fire Extinguisher Summary
- Table showing extinguisher types, their method of working, and what type of fire they are effective against.
- Pressurized Water: Cooling.
- Carbon Dioxide: Smothering.
- Multipurpose Dry Chemical: Smothering.
One Stage Fire Alarm Systems
- Any manual station, waterflow detection device, or fire detector trigger an alarm signal on all audible devices in the system.
Two Stage Fire Alarm Systems
- Alerts upon the trigger of any manual station, waterflow device, or fire sensor.
- Automatic alarm if not acknowledged within five minutes.
- Manual stations with key switches trigger alarms on activation.
Two Stage Fire Alarm Systems (cont)
- Two-stage systems are intended for use in specific situations such as multi-story buildings or health care facilities.
Types of Fire Alarm Systems
- Single-stage systems in specific occupancies.
- Two-stage systems in different occupancies.
Types of Fire Alarm Systems (cont)
- Specific criteria for single- and two-stage systems related to occupancy group, division, and building height are noted.
Types of Evacuations
- Total Evacuation: Single-stage evacuation affecting all building occupants.
- Staged Evacuation: Two-stage, where the initial alarm is sent to the affected floor or area, and others receive notification during evacuation.
Voice Communication
- Voice systems are required in specified high-rises.
Problem with Supervisory Staff Training and Availability
- Supervisory staff may lack adequate training or confidence in using the system.
- This issue can negatively impact the credibility of the alarm system and response time.
Human Behavior During Fire
- Confidence in emergency procedures through clear communication from supervisory staff improves occupant confidence in, and response to, overall alarm systems.
- Voice communications improve alarm recognition time by providing reinforcing queues.
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