Fire prevention protection and equipments

Fire Prevention, Protection and Equipment’s

Regular inspection can prevent occupational fires. Fire safety is a concern for business, schools and hospitals. Depending on the level of activity, each environment requires safety protocols to minimize fire risks. Varying factors contribute to fire hazards and as results have one too many ways to implementing effective use of fire prevention, protection and equipment. Special equipment need to be used by employees working in areas with potential fire risks. Although fire departments are entitled with the protection and safety of citizens from fire hazards, prevention is a responsibility of every entity operating in varying conditions. While some school playgrounds still make use of the buckets filled with sand to put out fire, modern equipment allows room for quicker and less strenuous ways of avoiding damage caused by fires. Here are some examples of fire safety equipment used in standard industries.

The crucial thing to consider is the categories of fire. Thorough knowledge in the kinds of fires can give you an idea on what kind of equipment you want to use.

Types of Fire Safety Equipment Many types of fire safety equipment as used depending on the requirements of any given environment.

Each device is specifically designed targeting different classes of fire in a range of conditions. If you are seeking knowledge regarding the kinds of equipment you need for your workplace or just figuring out information, here are a few tips.

The first step in the process of taking precautionary measures is to assess the situations forehand. This process involves a risk assessment study of the entire building or locality to determine what equipment and safety measures would best be applicable.

Once an idea of the fire measures of the locality is obtained, dedicate significant research to finding out the types of equipment and learning more about their uses. Of course, every locality will require a

different kind of fire safety equipment and risk assessment measures. Regardless of the fire classes, here are a few widely used fire safety equipment.

1. Fire Extinguishers Most buildings contain a selection of hand-held fire fighting equipment, some large and some small. This range of equipment is designed to help contain fires before they become too large and go out of control.

Portable equipment such as fire extinguishers is available in the market with numerous different fire extinguishing agents to help combat flames. A portable extinguisher usually contains the following substances.

Most buildings contain a selection of hand-held fire fighting equipment. This range of equipment is designed to help contain small fires before they spread and become too large to control. Portable fire extinguishers are available with a number of different extinguishing agents to help you combat a flame.

A portable extinguisher may contain the following substances.     

Water Foam Dry powder CO2 Wet chemical

If you would like to know what kind of fire extinguisher is used for what class of fire, check out our other blog post.

2. Fire Blankets Fire blankets are used against class F fires, meaning that flame that’s fuelled by cooking oils and fats.

Fire blankets are installed in kitchen environments, where the chance of a class F fire is more likely.

3. Fire Hose Reels Fire hose reels are the idea extinguishing method for class A fires. Class A fires are fuelled by paper, rubber, wood and other non-conductive materials. When fire hose reels discharge water, they cannot be used to combat electrical fires. There are other kinds of fire safety equipment designed to deal with electrical fires include CO2 extinguishers.

4. Signage All fire equipment should necessarily be accompanied by signage which is assurance of industry standard and validation. With the help of this, users can recognize the location and equipment type essential to access during emergency situations. There is a range of different regulations applicable to fire safety signage. Such equipment is accompanied by a standard trademark for maintenance and installation, crucial in regulation of such equipment.

5. Sprinklers Sprinklers are traditional for lawns, a way of watering the ground with ease. Sprinklers also act as the safety switch in case of unexpected fires. In buildings and industries the sprinklers have become more appreciated to its ease with which they can be used during fire hazards. Depending on the governing locality regulations, there are a set of standards applicable to buildings and its use of sprinklers. Specially designed sprinklers help neutralize significant situations. These are a few examples of following standards that influence the implementation of fire sprinklers in your space:    

AS 2118.6:2012 Standard for Automatic fire sprinkler systems Combined sprinkler and hydrant systems in multi-storey buildings AS 2118.1:2017 Standard for Automatic fire sprinkler systems General systems AS 1905.1:2005 Standard for Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistant walls Fire-resistant door sets AS 1760:2105 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems – System design, installation and commissioning Fire

6. First Aid Kits Not only is it a matter of compliance as a business owner or overseer to provide employees with first aid, it is also the most important step in case of any hazard, fire safety being a prime situation. They might not strike as the first thought in case of fire hazards, however are needed to ensure that the aftermath of a fire has as little harm on affected people. First aid kits can help with minor injuries sustained during a fire, this reducing the risk of aggravating the situations. It is a given that the loss to life is the most fatal consequences of poor fire safety management and first aid kits in many cases, are a life saver, be it in automobiles or hospitals.

7. Emergency & Exit Signs Evacuation strategies are often practiced as a fire and safety procedure to prepare all people in said vicinity to be aware of their surroundings better during a fire hazard. While fire fighting equipment is always the first call in any emergency situation, an uncontrollable fire hazard requires you to evacuate the building instantly. This is why theatres and malls have clear descriptions and signs, indicating the exits and emergency vents. Airplanes have their own set of safety procedures that go along the same lines. Emergency and exit signs act as indications that pave a clear path to an evacuation during fire. A lot of the times, lights and clear signage reduce a lot of stress during tense situations. Emergency and exit lights are to be maintained in accordance with the AS 2293:2005 (Set) typical for Emergency escape lighting and exit signs.

8. Smoke Alarms Detection is an important fire and safety measure, probably the most effective signal of any threat during busy hours at work or at home. Smoke detectors and smoke alarms are extremely popular and

effective, used regularly as a perfect precaution, awareness and prevention of loss. Smoke alarms must be installed in all commercial and domestic buildings. Strict regulations have incited that the need for smoke alarms are due to the immense impact they have during a fire hazard in preventing excessive damage and alerting authorities instantly. Legislations for smoke alarm installations and smoke detectors vary from place to place, although, the regulations are equally applicable to all spaces.

With each passing day, improvements in occupational health and safety are reassuring people of safer environments and better maintenance. The newly developed techniques and measures, the strict legal legislations and government regulations in many places have helped prevent and protect fire hazard prone environments from grave dangers. Since fire fighters are specially trained to face such challenging situations, unlike the average Joe, it is always best to leave the tough work to them. However, prevention and precaution are a shared responsibility. Our natural survival instinct should make us more aware of our surroundings and better adapted to face each moment while minimizing risks. This is where fire prevention, protection and fire safety equipment have taken a huge part of our burden in facing challenging fire hazards. Ensure that you are always aware of your actions and share a responsibility of the mishaps that could occur at any time in minimizing fire hazard damages to you, the person next to you or the place. Safety first.