Fire Response Procedure for an Industrial Setting PDF

,Sr Chapter 15 • Fire Protection Systems OBJECTIVE 9 Describe a typical fire response procedure for an industrial setting. FIRE RESPONSE PROCEDURE FOR AN INDUSTRIAL SETTING There is always a risk of an emergency, no matter how complete the safety program. Emergency preparedness means having plans...

,Sr Chapter 15 • Fire Protection Systems OBJECTIVE 9 Describe a typical fire response procedure for an industrial setting. FIRE RESPONSE PROCEDURE FOR AN INDUSTRIAL SETTING There is always a risk of an emergency, no matter how complete the safety program. Emergency preparedness means having plans in place in the event of an emergency. Industrial plants are required to have an environment, health, and safety program in place. Among other areas, this program covers training in safe work procedures and emergency response procedures. Emergency response procedures are written procedures that are established to ensure the immediate and competent handling of emergencies involving any unplanned occurrences, such as accidents or property-threatening events like fires. In large industrial settings, workers on shift will be trained in specific assignments to follow in the event of an emergency, including fire. All employees must be familiar with the specific emergency plan for their work location. An overview of the plan is usually provided as part of the safety orientation and reinforced at regularly scheduled safety meetings. Employees are trained in the use of emergency equipment, including the use of fire extinguishers. Employees also practice preparedness through regularly documented emergency drills and evacuations. Emergency routes and response procedures are located at each worksite. These documents outline personnel responsibilities, evacuation procedures, medical attention, the location of emergency equipment, and shutdown procedures. Emergency contact numbers are located by all telephones. Emergency equipment, such as firefighting, respiratory, first aid, and rescue equipment, is located on each site and regularly inspected and documented. Emergency response procedures are developed to instruct those who are first on scene in the event of a fire. A typical procedure would consist of the following steps: 1. Sound the fire alarm. This alarm may be an in-plant only alarm or it may also connect to the local fire department. 2. Complete a risk assessment of the situation. a) Are there any other hazards? b) Can you control the fire? c) Do you need and/or have help available? d) Do you have an escape route? 3. Attempt to extinguish or control the fire if reasonable to do so. If the fire escalates, back away and evacuate the area or building according to the procedures for that location. Never turn your back on a fire. 812 3rd Class Edition 3 • Part A2 Fire Protection Systems • Chapter 15 Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems In areas where flammable and combustible liquids are processed, stored, or handled, a water discharge may be ineffective for controlling or extinguishing fires. The foam-making sprinklers (aspirating-type) and deluge or spray nozzles that use AFFF foams have successfully replaced water sprinkler nozzles for such systems, so that fires in these occupancies are controlled and property is safeguarded. When supplied with a foam solution, sprinkler system piping grids that are equipped with foam-water nozzles generate air-foam in essentially the same sprinkler pattern as when water is discharged from the same nozzle. This dual capability affords the system with class A and B extinguishment ability. Fbced sprinkler systems that use these nozzles require foam concentrate tanks, proportioners, and suitable pumps in order to supply the system with foam solution and water. Detection devices may also be used to activate the system, or the system may be activated manually. Closed-head sprinklers may also be used and are now recognized in the NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. 3rd Class Edition 3 • Part A2 811 Fire Protection Systems • Chapter 15 fS SUMMARY OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS Fire protection systems for industrial installations are as varied and complex as the installations themselves. This chapter provided a basic overview of some of the systems employed in industry. Codes developed by the National Fire Protection Association ensure uniformity in the selection and installation of fire systems. Each process and power plant deploys a unique system to provide the protection to fit the circumstances presented. 3rd Class Edition 3 ' Part A2 813 Chapter 15 • Fire Protection Systems CHAPTER QUESTIONS Objective 1 1. The development of a second-generation dry chemical fire extinguishing agent is based on potassium bicarbonate, rather than sodium bicarbonate. This material is commonly referred to as: a) Special-K b) Purple-Y c) Special-Y d) Purple-K 2. What does multi-purpose dry chemical mean? In your explanation, include where it is used and how it functions as an extinguishing agent. Objective 2 3. Which of the following applies when two metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion are bonded together and then heated? a) The metals bend away from the force of gravity. b) Differential expansion causes bending toward the metal with the lower expansion rate. c) Differential expansion causes bending toward the metal with the higher expansion rate. d) The metals bend towards the force of gravity. 4. Explain the operating principle of rate compensation detectors. 5. Explain the operation of an obscuration smoke detector. Objective 3 6. Class I standpipe systems provide hose and connections. a) 45 mm b) 55 mm c) 65 mm d) 88mm 7. Using a simple sketch, describe the operation of a two-zone standpipe system. 3rd Class Edition 3 • Part A2