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Questions and Answers
What percentage of fire-related deaths is attributed to smoke and toxic gases?
What percentage of fire-related deaths is attributed to smoke and toxic gases?
Which type of construction is characterized by masonry walls and heavy-timber structures?
Which type of construction is characterized by masonry walls and heavy-timber structures?
What is a required consideration for site planning regarding fire safety?
What is a required consideration for site planning regarding fire safety?
Which type of construction includes both noncombustible and limited-combustible materials?
Which type of construction includes both noncombustible and limited-combustible materials?
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What must be provided to prevent the spread of fire between subdivisions and stories?
What must be provided to prevent the spread of fire between subdivisions and stories?
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In wood-frame construction, what is the primary material used for exterior walls?
In wood-frame construction, what is the primary material used for exterior walls?
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Which of the following is NOT a type of interior finish material mentioned?
Which of the following is NOT a type of interior finish material mentioned?
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What is considered a key fire protection method in building design?
What is considered a key fire protection method in building design?
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What is NOT one of the objectives of fire protection programs?
What is NOT one of the objectives of fire protection programs?
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Which of the following is a method of detecting fires?
Which of the following is a method of detecting fires?
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What does fire suppression primarily involve?
What does fire suppression primarily involve?
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Which of the following factors should be assessed in a fire hazard analysis?
Which of the following factors should be assessed in a fire hazard analysis?
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How does the NFPA identification system categorize health hazards?
How does the NFPA identification system categorize health hazards?
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What is the correct action after a fire occurs?
What is the correct action after a fire occurs?
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What are fire-rated walls designed to do?
What are fire-rated walls designed to do?
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Which parameter is NOT part of hazardous material identification?
Which parameter is NOT part of hazardous material identification?
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Which class of fire is primarily associated with combustible metals?
Which class of fire is primarily associated with combustible metals?
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What is the primary objective of fire prevention in building construction?
What is the primary objective of fire prevention in building construction?
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Which type of fire would typically involve flammable liquids like gasoline or oil?
Which type of fire would typically involve flammable liquids like gasoline or oil?
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What should be considered high-risk areas for fire protection in a facility?
What should be considered high-risk areas for fire protection in a facility?
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How can extinguishing agents affect fire suppression?
How can extinguishing agents affect fire suppression?
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What is a crucial consideration for fire safety in building design?
What is a crucial consideration for fire safety in building design?
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Which class of fire is associated with cooking greases or oils?
Which class of fire is associated with cooking greases or oils?
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What percentage of fire-related deaths is attributed to heat and flames?
What percentage of fire-related deaths is attributed to heat and flames?
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Which type of thermal detector operates by detecting a fixed temperature?
Which type of thermal detector operates by detecting a fixed temperature?
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What is the primary danger posed by heat, smoke, and toxic gases during a fire?
What is the primary danger posed by heat, smoke, and toxic gases during a fire?
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What aspect of fire protection engineering is crucial for effective fire response?
What aspect of fire protection engineering is crucial for effective fire response?
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Which detector is designed to identify flame through the detection of infrared radiation?
Which detector is designed to identify flame through the detection of infrared radiation?
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What does a NFPA hazard rating of 0 indicate?
What does a NFPA hazard rating of 0 indicate?
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Which building management practice is essential for fire prevention and control?
Which building management practice is essential for fire prevention and control?
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What should be clearly marked and posted for fire safety in a facility?
What should be clearly marked and posted for fire safety in a facility?
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Which hazard rating indicators should be considered when evaluating fire hazards?
Which hazard rating indicators should be considered when evaluating fire hazards?
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What is NOT a component of the combustion process?
What is NOT a component of the combustion process?
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Which of the following types of detectors uses a dual-chamber design?
Which of the following types of detectors uses a dual-chamber design?
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How can heat energy be transmitted during a fire?
How can heat energy be transmitted during a fire?
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How can limiting oxygen help control a fire?
How can limiting oxygen help control a fire?
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Which of the following is true regarding the reactivity hazard rating?
Which of the following is true regarding the reactivity hazard rating?
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What is required to extinguish a fire by removing fuel?
What is required to extinguish a fire by removing fuel?
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Which method interrupts the chemical chain reaction in a fire?
Which method interrupts the chemical chain reaction in a fire?
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What should be evaluated regarding fire spread in a facility?
What should be evaluated regarding fire spread in a facility?
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What characterizes a wet-pipe system in automatic sprinklers?
What characterizes a wet-pipe system in automatic sprinklers?
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Which system releases water only at the location of a fire?
Which system releases water only at the location of a fire?
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What is a primary purpose of water-spray systems?
What is a primary purpose of water-spray systems?
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When are fire hydrants typically required?
When are fire hydrants typically required?
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What must hose nozzles provide to firefighters?
What must hose nozzles provide to firefighters?
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Which of the following is NOT a type of foam used in foam systems?
Which of the following is NOT a type of foam used in foam systems?
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What type of fire hazards are carbon dioxide extinguishing systems best suited for?
What type of fire hazards are carbon dioxide extinguishing systems best suited for?
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Which fire suppression system is commonly used in confined areas requiring rapid extinguishing?
Which fire suppression system is commonly used in confined areas requiring rapid extinguishing?
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Study Notes
Accident Prevention Manual for Business & Industry: Engineering & Technology
- This manual is for accident prevention in business and industry, specifically focusing on engineering and technology.
- The National Safety Council created this manual.
Fire Protection
- The objectives of fire protection programs are to protect employees, property, and facilitate business continuity.
- Four key objectives of fire protection programs include preventing fires, detecting fires, controlling and extinguishing fires, and recovering from fires.
- Fire prevention entails using non-combustible construction materials, appropriate fire separations, and considering building uses and overlaps with other objectives.
- Detecting and responding to fires involves using human observers, along with electrical and mechanical detection devices. Evacuation responses by occupants are also critical.
- Fire control and suppression activities include using physical barriers (fire-rated walls, doors, etc.), automatic sprinkler systems, and involvement of human resources such as fire brigades and fire extinguishers.
- Recovering from fires involves securing the scene, beginning investigations, and resuming normal operations wherever possible.
Fire Hazard Analysis
- Fire hazards need careful assessment before, during, and after facility construction.
- Key topics for analysis include the site, building construction, building content, management factors, people factors, and the fire protection system (if applicable).
- The analysis should consider the facility even after a fire has occurred.
Identification of Hazardous Materials
- Parameters for hazard identification include toxicity, flammability, and instability.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and NFPA 704 are crucial resources.
- NFPA Hazardous material identification system uses a diamond-shaped symbol with differently colored numerals and backgrounds, indicating health hazard (blue), flammability hazard (red), and instability hazard (yellow).
- Ratings range from 0 to 4, with higher values indicating a greater degree of hazard.
NFPA Identification System
- The NFPA Identification System is a quick method to identify hazardous properties of chemicals.
- Hazards use a rating system from 0-4, with 0 being no danger and 4 being extreme or high danger.
- This system uses hazard categories displayed by different colors and numbers on a diamond-shaped symbol.
NFPA Hazards
- Health hazards (blue) can result from contact, inhalation, or ingestion, causing direct or indirect injury.
- Fire or flammability hazards (red) indicate the flash point of a chemical.
- Reactivity hazards (yellow) signal the chemical's potential reaction to heat or vibrations.
Shipping Regulations
- The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates the shipping of hazardous materials.
- Regulation 49 CFR, Parts 170-180 is also relevant.
Evaluating Fire Hazards
- When altering production methods or constructing new facilities, a thorough evaluation of fire hazards is important.
- Questions to ask when evaluating fire hazards include: what materials are flammable, where are flammable materials located, what toxic gases might evolve in a fire, how long might it take for a fire to spread, and how many people are likely to be affected.
The Chemistry of Fire
- Combustion involves fuel, oxygen, and heat, triggering a chemical chain reaction.
- Heat energy is released through a self-catalyzed reaction, leading to rapid oxidation of fuel.
- Confinement can lead to explosions.
- Combustion produces heat and light.
Controlling Fires
- Cooling a fire reduces the size by lowering the heat.
- Removing fuel (no fuel supply) extinguishes a fire, though this can be difficult and dangerous.
- Limiting oxygen (e.g. smothering with non-combustible materials) can interrupt the combustion process.
- Fire extinguishers interrupt the chemical reaction by removing free radicals.
Classification of Fires
- Class A fires involve ordinary materials like wood, paper, rags, or rubbish.
- Class B fires involve flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, grease, or paints.
- Class C fires involve electrical equipment.
- Class D fires involve combustible metals.
- Class K fires involve cooking greases and oils.
Fire Prevention: Construction of Facilities
- The key objectives of fire prevention in facilities construction include planning, site analysis, material selection, and facility design.
- Building design should prioritize life safety.
- Planning and construction should be in accordance with safety codes.
Objectives of Fire Prevention
- In a building fire, the primary concern is protecting life and property, in that order.
- Building design and construction should consider a variety of fire safety features.
- Water supplies and fire department access are important aspects of fire prevention. Facility planning and construction must comply with local, state, and national codes.
Planning for Fire Protection
- Continuity of operations should be a key consideration, requiring designers to assess potential downtime from a fire.
- Facility design should prioritize the protection of areas or parts of the facility that are considered potentially high-risk from a fire. Assessing life safety, who will be in the facility, and what activities are occurring at the facility needs to be assessed during planning.
Planning for Fire Protection (Cont.)
- Thorough analysis of fire hazards should be conducted; how, when, and who could be affected during a fire.
- Heat and flames are a significant factor in facility fires, accounting for 34% of deaths.
- Smoke and toxic gases account for 66% of fire-related fatalities.
Site Planning
- When planning for fire safety, issues to consider include traffic and transportation of fire-fighting equipment to access the site and facility interior. Site location and access are significant.
- Availability of water supplies also needs to be verified.
Exposure Protection
- Adequate spacing is critical to prevent fire spread between buildings.
Construction Materials and Interior Furnishings
- Construction material types such as heavy timber, noncombustible and limited-combustible, ordinary, wood-frame, and interior finishes affect fire protection. Building materials should be resistant to fire.
Heavy-Timber Construction
- Heavy timber construction uses masonry walls, heavy timber columns and beams, and heavy plank floors.
Noncombustible and Limited Combustible Construction
- Exposed steel beams and columns, masonry, metal, and gypsum wallboard are common building materials, but are not resistant to fire.
Ordinary Construction
- Exterior bearing walls, or portions of exterior walls that are nonflammable materials form the basis of ordinary construction. Methods to prevent fire spread within the spaces of the facility need to be considered during construction.
Wood-Frame Construction
- Primarily composed of wooden exterior walls, partitions, floors, and roofs.
Interior Finish
- Interior finishes can include plastics, wood, steel, concrete, glass, gypsum, and masonry.
Fire Protection Methods and Concepts in Building Design
- Several methods and concepts are important for fire protection design in buildings. They include methods of fire confinement, control of smoke, clear exits and evacuation plans, ventilation systems, fire doors, and sprinkler system connections and standpipes.
Confining Fire
- Confining fires during the design phase, using stair enclosures, firewalls, separate units, and fire doors are important.
Controlling Smoke
- Ceiling heights and ventilation should be regulated to manage smoke during facility design and operation.
Exits
- Exits should be clearly marked and lit. Adequate numbers of exits is critical to ensure fast evacuation.
Evacuation
- Evacuation procedures should be practiced so that every occupant knows their role during a facility fire emergency.
Ventilation
- Ventilation systems are vital for removing smoke, toxic gases, and heat. The systems should include skylights, roof hatches, emergency escape exits and other devices that safely disperse smoke.
Fire Doors
- Fire doors need to be rated and properly maintained for effectiveness in case of a fire. Maintaining adequate housekeeping is critical.
Sprinklers & Standpipes
- Sprinkler and standpipe systems need careful placement and marking. Fire protection systems need proper design and volume/pressure of water supply.
Fire Protection in the Computer Room
- Fire suppression in computer rooms should prioritize protecting sensitive electronic hardware and software. Extinguishing fires promptly will help minimizing injury, damage, and downtime.
Fire Prevention: Maintaining Facilities
- Regular inspections of fire safety equipment and systems (e.g., control valves, hydrants, fire pumps, hose houses, sprinkler systems, fire doors, exits, control rooms, alarms, and communication equipment) are important.
- Proper procedures for hot work permits, staff training, and communication are necessary to prevent fire accidents and emergencies.
Facility Fire Protection Program
- The following guidelines are important in developing a successful fire protection program: objectives, engineering considerations, fire drills, and fire brigades.
Objectives of a Fire Protection Program
- No facility is completely fireproof and fire and flames can spread.
- Heat, smoke, and toxic gases are the greatest dangers during fires.
- Heat energy can be transmitted through convection, conduction, radiation, and direct contact.
Fire Protection Engineering
- Collaboration between fire protection engineers and other professionals is essential for the most effective fire protection measures.
- Well-planned and executed fire drills are critical.
- Clear and effective signage is essential.
Fire Drills
- Fire drills need careful planning and execution to ensure they are effective. Clear signage of exits and alternate routes ensures workers know how to evacuate the facility.
Fire Brigades
- Industries, when considering establishing a fire brigade, should ensure adherence to 29 CFR 1910.156 standards, and should consult with local fire departments.
Alarm Systems
- Protected premises/local alarm systems, auxiliary alarm systems, supervising station fire alarm systems (central station systems, proprietary systems, and remote supervising station systems), system spacing.
Local Alarm Systems
- Local alarm systems include bells, horns, lights, and sirens to alert occupants of a fire incident. These are generally used for immediate safety.
Auxiliary Alarm Systems
- Auxiliary alarm systems are triggered when a fire incident occurs, communicating with fire departments or other emergency services.
Supervising Station Fire Alarm System
- Central station systems are for hire monitoring companies that monitor a specific facility's fire alarm systems. These may contact local fire departments during emergencies.
- Proprietary systems are managed by the facility owner, ensuring continuing monitoring of facilities.
- Remote systems monitor aspects of specific places (one or more premises).
Spacing of Detectors
- The location and space/spacing/maintenance of fire detectors depends on building type, processes, and materials utilized in the facility.
Portable Fire Extinguishers
- Principles of use, selection of extinguishers, types of extinguishers, miscellaneous equipment, and maintenance/inspection are necessary for use of fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers should be accessible, but not so close that they can't be effectively deployed.
Principles of Use
- Classification of fire extinguishers, handling specific classes and sizes of fires, location (close to hazards, not too close), and distribution.
Selection of Extinguishers
- When choosing a portable extinguisher, know the types of fires that the facility might encounter. Multiple classes of fires need different types of extinguishers.
Types of Portable Extinguishers
- Several types of portable fire extinguishers are available. These include water solution, dry chemical, carbon dioxide and others.
Miscellaneous Equipment
- In addition to portable extinguishers, other related equipment is necessary, like wheeled units, vehicle-mounted equipment, and fire blankets for extinguishing fires in various contexts.
Maintenance and Inspection
- All extinguishers need consistent maintenance and inspection.
Sprinkler and Water-Spray Systems
- This study guide covers different categories of water-spray systems like water supply and storage, automatic sprinklers, water-spray systems, fire hydrants, fire hoses, and hose nozzles. Proper design/installation/maintenance/inspection of these systems is essential for safety.
Water Supply and Storage
- Water supply may come from underground mains, pumps, lakes, ponds, surface storage tanks, reservoirs, pressure tanks, and elevated tanks or reservoirs.
Automatic Sprinklers
- Wet-pipe systems, dry-pipe systems, pre-action systems, and deluge systems are different types of automatic sprinkler systems.
Water-Spray Systems
- Water-spray systems are relevant for situations where there are no hazardous chemical reactions between the burning materials and water. Their purpose is to extinguish fires, control fires in situations where other methods are not effective, and protect equipment from heat.
Fire Hydrants
- Fire hydrants are crucial in situations where a building is not directly connected or near public water hydrants.
Fire Hoses
- Fire hoses need to be readily accessible and clear of debris.
Hose Nozzles
- Nozzles are critical because they give firefighters the right amount of water pressure necessary for extinguishing different types of fires.
Special Systems and Agents
- This section discusses specialty systems and agents in fire safety, including foam systems, carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, dry chemical piped systems, wet chemical extinguishing systems, water spray and automatic sprinkler systems, preventing explosions, and suppressing explosions.
Foam Systems
- Foam systems are commonly used for protecting dip tanks, oil and paint storage rooms, and asphalt coating tanks. The foams come in varying expansion capacities.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems
- Carbon dioxide systems are beneficial for rooms housing electrical equipment, flammable liquids, and dry-cleaning machinery.
Dry-Chemical Piped Systems
- Dry chemical piped systems are used in situations requiring quick fire suppression, like confined areas.
Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems
- Wet chemical systems are effective for controlling cooking and restaurant fires by dispersing aerosol agents, preventing secondary fires from grease-related reactions.
Water Spray and Automatic Sprinkler Systems
- Water spray systems are frequently used in fires where chemical reactions between the burning materials and water are not hazardous. They prevent fire spread and cool down flammable materials.
Preventing Explosions
- Preventing explosions requires design measures in facilities, combined with maintaining and inspecting systems to prevent issues that could lead to explosions.
Suppressing Explosions
- Explosion suppression systems help in detecting and managing explosive situations in their initial stages. The systems attempt to suppress the explosion or vent the pressure to prevent major damages.
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Description
Test your knowledge on fire safety principles, construction types, and essential fire protection methods. This quiz covers various aspects of fire risk management and design considerations crucial for safeguarding buildings and their occupants. Perfect for students and professionals in fire safety and engineering fields.
