How to Put Out Electrical Fires

How to Put Out Electrical Fires 

A school must always understand the Importance of Fire Prevention and be a fire-safe place for our children. School fire safety measures, fire devices, fire drills, fire exits, fire escapes fire alarms are just components of good school fire safety measures. Fire safety reduces the risk of injury and building damage that fires can cause. Electrical fires can happen at any time and can be caused by a wide range of problems, including faulty wiring or overloaded appliances. If you see an electrical fire, you should call emergency services right away. If you think you can fight the fire safely, begin by disconnecting the electricity, if possible, and smothering the flames. Knowing how to put out an electrical fire effectively, including when to call in firefighters to do the job, could save not just your life, but also the life of your friends or family.

1.1 Call emergency services. If a fire is developing and you cannot get the electricity turned off or it is growing rapidly, call the fire department. Even after you call you may be able to get it out yourself, but it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to a fire.

·        In general, firefighters will be better equipped to fight a fire that has live electricity in the mix than you will be.

·        Tell the person you talk to that you are dealing with an electrical fire, so that the firefighters know what they are getting into.

·        Even if a fire is small, calling the fire department will ensure that if the fire grows, you will have help on the way.

1.2 Make sure you can safely evacuate. Before attempting to put out an electrical fire yourself, it's important to know you can get out of the area safely. If you can see 2 paths to safety from where you would be located to fight the fire, then it's reasonable to stay and fight the fire. If you can only see 1 escape route, you should take it and let the fire department fight the fire. It is better to stay safe than risk getting trapped in a fire.

·        Having 2 escape routes allows you to fight the fire until it is out or until 1 of the escape routes is blocked by fire or debris. Once 1 of the 2 is blocked, it is time to evacuate.

·        Escape routes typically include doors and windows that you can easily pass through to the outside. A window that is many stories above the ground would not be a great escape route, while a first-floor window would.

1.3 Evacuate, if necessary. If at any time you begin to feel unsafe, an exit gets blocked, you get burned, you start to breathe in smoke, or your fire-fighting techniques are not working, abandon your efforts and get out of the building. Your safety is more important than belongings or buildings.

·        Close doors behind you as you leave. This will help keep the fire as contained as possible.

Method 2: Disconnecting the Electricity

2.1 Unplug appliances that are on fire. If you have an electrical fire that has started in an appliance that plugs in, such as a toaster, you should immediately unplug it. Make sure that you can get to the wall socket or extension cord safely and then disconnect it from the outlet.

·        Unplugging an appliance that is on fire will reduce the risk of the fire spreading beyond the appliance.

·        Many electrical fires start at overloaded appliances. For instance, if there is a short in your toaster, it can produce enough heat to start a fire. Another example is when too many Christmas lights are plugged into each other, it can create enough heat to start a fire.

2.2 Turn off the electricity. If you have an electrical fire that is in a wall or in an appliance that you can't get to to unplug, focus on getting the power turned off. If you can safely get to the electrical switch or the electrical panel, go there and kill the power. Disconnecting the power will eliminate the risk of electrocution, will eliminate the heat source that started the fire, and will allow you to fight the fire with a wider array of fire-fighting techniques.

·        If you cannot get to a location to shut off the power safely, don't attempt it. It is better to stay safe and fight the fire with the power on than to risk getting burned or electrocuted trying to turn the power off.

2.3 Be certain that the electrical disconnect is out of reach. Once a fire has started, electricity can continue to create heat that will encourage the fire to continue. Electricity will also make the fire harder to fight, because you have to be careful not to get shocked, in addition to avoiding getting burned. With this in mind, make sure there is no safe way to get to the electrical disconnect before giving up and fighting the fire while it is still electrified.

·        If you have an appliance fire where the appliance can't be unplugged, go turn off the power at the breaker box. Whatever you can do safely to remove the electricity from the situation, do it.

Method 3: Putting Out an Electrical Fire With the Power Still On

3.1 Never use water on an electrical fire. If you cannot turn off the electricity and the area that is on fire is still energized, the last thing you want to do it pour water on it. Water will conduct the electricity that caused the fire, creating an electrocution hazard in addition to the fire hazard.

·        If you are unsure whether a fire has been caused by live electricity or something else, err on the side of caution and don't use water.

3.2 Smother a small fire with baking soda. If you can't disconnect an appliance or cord that is smoldering, cover the whole area in baking soda. This will block the oxygen that the fire needs to keep burning while not creating an electrocution hazard like water would.

·        Do not use flammable items to smother an electrical fire, such as a blanket. With live electricity involved, flammable items you use could easily start burning.

3.3 Use only a class C or ABC fire extinguisher. The type of fire extinguisher you can use on a live electrical fire is very specific. An electrical fire is known as a Class C fire, and so requires a Class C fire extinguisher. A fire extinguisher marked ABC is also acceptable, as it's capable of stopping fires caused by wood/trash, liquids, and electrical equipment.

·        Many fire extinguishers made for home use are ABC extinguishers.

·        Other types of extinguishers could create an electrocution hazard if used on an electrical fire because they contain liquids or chemicals that conduct electricity.

3.4 Use the fire extinguisher properly. In the moment of an emergency, it can be hard to remember how to operate a fire extinguisher. To make that easier, remember the term PASS and what each letter stands for:

·        P - PULL the silver safety pin on the handle of the extinguisher.

·        A - AIM the hose and nozzle of the extinguisher at the fire.

·        S - SQUEEZE the handle of the fire extinguisher slowly.

·        S - SWEEP from left to right, making sure to get every part of the fire.

3.5 Disconnect the electricity when possible. Once the fire is under control enough to safely get to the electrical panel or the outlet, disconnect the power. This will help ensure that the fire is not reignited by electricity and that the risk of electrocution is eliminated.

Method 4: Putting Out an Electrical Fire Once the Power is Off

4.1 Use a fire extinguisher if you have one available. If you have turned off the electricity and there is a fire extinguisher nearby, spray it on the fire. It doesn't matter what kind of extinguisher you use on a fire that has no live electricity around it.

4.2 Use a fire blanket or other thick blanket to smother the fire. If you don't have an extinguisher but you do have a fire blanket, use it to smother the fire. By covering a small fire you are eliminating much of the oxygen the fire needs to keep going. With quick action, a fire blanket or other thick blanket can be used to put a small fire out completely.

4.3 Douse the fire with water. You need to be absolutely sure that the electricity is turned off before putting water on a fire. If you are sure, spray or dump water on the fire and nearby areas that are likely to become ignited. The moisture will put out active flames and will reduce the risk of the fire growing.

·        Water on an electrified fire can create an electrocution hazard, in addition to the fire hazard.

·        If the fuel for the fire you are fighting is kerosene, oil, or another liquid fuel, be careful putting water on it. The water can pick up the fuel and move it to another area where it can then ignite and spread the fire.

 

 REF:
1.     http://trip.ustia.org/safety/tips/
2.     https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/Fire-Sprinkler-Initiative/Blog-Posts/
3.     http://www.com.ohio.gov/documents/fire_getoutalive.pdf
4.     http://scoutingmagazine.org/
5.     https://www.ready.gov/wildfires

Functional Testing of Smoke, Heat & CO Detectors

Functional Testing of Smoke, Heat & CO Detectors

Functional testing of detectors has long been required by both detector manufacturers and international codes and standards. Leading fire codes and standards such as BS: 5839 and NFPA 72, clearly describe the frequency at which testing must be carried out and the type of tools that should be used.

This methodology should be applied in accord with IS2189 and relevant International, National and State standards, as well as the National Building Code.

1. Functional Testing of Smoke Detectors

1.1 Every detector must be functionally tested within a 1 year period.

1.2 Every detector must be tested using equipment and products approved by the detector manufacturer to ensure compatibility with the detector and in accord with the manufacturer maintenance recommendations/instructions.

1.3 The equipment and products used in the testing must not involve the use of naked flames, flammable oils or toxic substances, to avoid additional fire risk and compromise of the fire detection system.

1.4 The testing equipment used should include lightweight, non-conductive, extendable access poles, which allow the testing to be carried out from a safe position, without the need for additional access equipment, such as ladders, platforms, scaffolding, etc.

1.5 Every smoke detector must be functionally tested by a method which confirms that smoke can enter the detector chamber from an external source and produce a fire alarm signal (e.g. by use of apparatus which generates simulated smoke or suitable aerosols around the detector). It must be ensured that the material used does not caused damage to, or affect the subsequent performance of, the detector.

1.6 Products containing substances of an adhesive nature, such as silicones must not be used.

2. Functional Testing of Heat Detectors

2.1 Every detector must be functionally tested within a 1 year period.

2.2 Every detector must be tested using equipment and products approved by the detector manufacturer to ensure compatibility with the detector and in accord with the manufacturer maintenance recommendations/instructions.

2.3 The equipment and products used in the testing must not involve the use of naked flames, flammable oils or toxic substances, to avoid additional fire risk and compromise of the fire detection system.

2.4 The testing equipment used should include lightweight, non-conductive, extendable access poles, which allow the testing to be carried out from a safe position, without the need for additional access equipment, such as ladders, platforms, scaffolding, etc.

2.5 Every heat detector must be functionally tested to demonstrate that heat can enter the detector chamber from an external source and produce a fire alarm signal.

2.6 The equipment/product used for the functional heat detector test must use a controlled and directed heat source to avoid compromising the functionality of the sensor and ensuring no damage to the detector casing.

3. Functional Testing of Carbon Monoxide Fire Detectors

3.1 Every detector must be functionally tested within a 1 year period.

3.2 Every detector must be tested using equipment and products approved by the detector manufacturer to ensure compatibility with the detector and in accord with the manufacturer maintenance recommendations/instructions.

3.3 The equipment and products used in the testing must not involve the use of naked flames, flammable oils or toxic substances to avoid additional fire risk and compromise of the fire detection system.

3.4 The testing equipment used should include lightweight, non-conductive, extendable access poles, which allow the testing to be carried out from a safe position, without the need for additional access equipment, such as ladders, platforms, scaffolding, etc.

3.5 Every carbon monoxide fire detector must be functionally tested to demonstrate that carbon monoxide can enter the detector chamber from an external source and produce a fire alarm signal (e.g. by use of apparatus which generates carbon monoxide or a gas which has a similar effect on the electro-chemical cell as carbon monoxide). It must be ensured that the material used does not cause damage to, or affect the subsequent performance of, the detector

3.6 The equipment/product used must not produce concentrations of carbon monoxide that exceed the international, national or state standards for safety and protection of life

METHOD STATEMENT FOR SPRINKLER PIPING SYSTEM

METHOD STATEMENT FOR SPRINKLER PIPING SYSTEM 

Wet sprinkler systems may dominate the fire safety market, but there’s a better solution for certain environments prone to freezing: dry sprinkler systems. Dry sprinklers provide the coverage you need in areas where the temperature drops to 40°F or below, without the fear of blocked or burst pipes. And because they don’t always have water running through most of the pipe network, they’re also used for structures with sensitive or expensive contents.

NFPA 5000: Building Construction and Safety Code, the International Building Code (IBC), local ordinances, and NFPA 101: Life Safety Code – mandate the use of some type of automatic sprinkler system in buildings based on factors such as the height and size of the building, its occupancy group, and its occupant load. They are required in most new commercial buildings that exceed 5,000 square feet and existing structures that expand to over 12,000 square feet. 

1.          Scope:

The scope of this method statement is to describe the method of installation of sprinkler piping system. It applicable for Towers, East and West Podiums and Villas. According to NFPA 13, Pipe Schedule System is defined as sprinkler system in which the pipe sizing is selected from a schedule that is determined by the occupancy classification and in which a given number of sprinklers are allowed to be supplied from specific sizes of pipe.

 2.          Material

2.1 Sprinkler pipes to ASTM A536 GR `B’
2.2 Zone Control Valve
2.3 Test and Drain Valves
2.4 Alarm valves
2.5 Pressure gauges
2.6 Flow switches
2.7  Pressure reducing valves
2.8 Water motor gong
2.9 Other associated materials

 3.          General Equipment & Tools

The equipment that will be engaged for Installation of Fire Fighting works will be
Tool Box
Welding Machine
Drilling Machine with various Bits
Grinding Machine
Cutting Machine
Threading Machine
Chain Block
Pipe Wrench
Hand Tools-gloves.
Hammer
Portable Lights
Manual Excavation Tools
Removable Barricades
Scaffolding / Mobile scaffold
Ladder
Spirit Level
Screwdriver, Pliers, Spanner.
Marker
Pressure gauge
Level gauge / Spirit level.
Measuring tape
Pressure test pump.

4.          Storage

4.1 All material while unloading shall be lowered to the ground either manually or with mechanical aid like crane depending on the quantity of the pipe and should not be dropped to the ground.

4.2 For pipes, timber supports shall be placed beneath at equal distance.

4.3 Pipes shall be stacked on a flat surface with adequate supports.

4.4 End caps of pipes shall be in place until removed for installation.

4.5 While stacking, it shall be ensured that pipes of bigger sizes are placed below and smaller sizes on top.

4.6 The pipes will be stacked in the site store on a proper stand on wooden loft on a flat surface at a height not exceeding 1.7m. From the bottom layer.

4.7 All pipes shall be covered and shall not be exposed to direct sunlight.

4.8 All other items such as valves, gauges, switches shall be kept on racks within site stores and shall be segregated as per size, model, type etc. for easy retrieval.

4.9 Any items found damaged or not suitable as per project requirements shall be removed from site. If required to store temporarily, they shall be clearly marked and stored separately to prevent any inadvertent use.

5.          Preparation

5.1 Check and ensure all drawings used for installation are latest and approved for construction.

5.2 Check the coordination of piping layout with other services and reflected ceiling and resolve problems, if any.

5.3 Check Type of Material, Size of Material, Make of Material as per approved makelist.

5.4 Mark the pipe routing on the ceiling as per approved drawings.

5.5 After checking in case of any damages observed during inspection, the concern report will be issued and Material shall be returned to the supplier for replacement.

5.6 The sprinkler pipe size from the water supply source to a sprinkler shall be not less than 3/4 of an inch (20 mm) in diameter. Threaded adapter fittings at the point where sprinklers are attached to the piping shall be not less than 1/2 of an inch (15 mm) in diameter.

6.          Installation

6.1 Fix supports and hangers with approved material, as per approved layout drawings.

6.2 Cut all excess hanger rods to leave only 25mm lengths below the support for final adjustment of levels, if required.

6.3 Machine cut the pipes square to required length and ream the pipes to remove burrs and clean thoroughly before installation.

6.4 Pipe work upto 50mm shall have threaded joints and pipes 765mm and above shall be with grooved coupling joints. The pipe work shall be grooved and installed as per coupling manufacturers instruction and grooving equipment as supplied by manufacturer shall be used.

6.5 Install pipe work at heights and to gradients shown on approved drawings, in a neat and tidy manner. The Pipe route should be min 500mm away from wall.

6.6 Holesaw cutter shall be used to cut holes in the pipe work where required for fixing mechanical Tees etc.

6.7 PVC Sleeves of suitable sizes shall be provided at wall crossings and fire stopping with approved material shall be completed.

6.8 Only standard fittings shall be used for changes in directions, reduction in pipe sizes, Tee joints, etc. Only long radius bends shall be used where required.

6.9 Expansion couplers shall be installed at location where piping crosses the building expansion joints (Refer Annexure-I for manufacturer’s recommendations).

6.10 All vertical pipes shall be installed plumb with at least 25mm clearance from the wall / surface.

6.11 Install valves, supervisory switches, flow switches, pressure gauges etc. as per approved drawings and manufacturer’s instruction.

6.12 Install drain valves at all low points as shown on approved drawings and ensure that water can be drained from all sections of pipe work.

6.14 Inspectors test drain valves of suitable size shall be provided at the farthest point in the system in each zone as per approved drawings.

6.15 Check and ensure easy access is available for maintenance and removal of all components such as valves, switches etc.

6.16 The droppers for sprinkler heads are installed at location as per approved layout / coordinated drawings.

6.17 Plug or cap-off all open ends in the piping during the installation phase.

6.18 Flush and clean the entire piping with clean water until the system is clean.

6.19 Install correct type of sprinkler heads as per approved drawings and manufacturers instruction.

6.20 Clean the pipe work thoroughly to remove all dirt, soil, oil, etc. and apply one coat of primer.

6.21 Provide identification and flow directional arrows to the pipe work, valves and other components as per approved submittals / details.

6.22 The entire installation shall be supervised, checked and certified prior to testing and commissioning of the system.

6.23 The details of the entire installation of the system shall be inspected and approved by the Authority or any good foundation.

7.          Testing & Commissioning

7.1 The entire pipe work shall be hydrostatically pressure tested as per method statement Ref. ETA/MS/P-011.

7.2 The final testing and commissioning of the system shall be carried out as per Method Statement Ref. ETA/MS/P-014.

8.          Water Supply Treatment

8.1 NFPA 13-9-1.5 states “In areas with water supplies known to have contributed to micro biologically influenced corrosion (MIC), water supplies shall be tested and appropriately treated prior to filling or testing of metallic piping systems”.

8.2 But, the chemical composition of DEWA water clearly shows that there is no microbiologically influenced corrosion. As water from DEWA is filled in the fire protection system, water treatment is not required for the wet system (Annexure-V).

9.          Safety

9.1 Warning signs shall be placed at required location during pressure testing of the pipe work and barriers where required to protect other services.
9.2 All precautions shall be followed as per established project safety procedures.

10.       Records

10.1 Work Inspection Request (WIR) duly signed by Consultants.
10.2 Installation check lists signed by QA/QC.
10.3 Installation report / certification by specialist fire protection contractor.
10.4 Test Certificate for Piping System

Daily HSE Preparedness Checklist

Daily HSE Preparedness Checklist 

One of the common processes that is a part of every Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management plan for construction projects is the Daily HSE Inspection Checklist. The inspection checklist, which needs to be performed by the safety team, will include HSE inspection categories and what items to be inspected under each category.

To ensure that the Daily HSE Inspection Checklists are formally submitted and reviewed by the HSE Manager and Project Manager, a workflow will be assigned to the form. The workflow will also serve the purpose of distributing the completed Daily HSE Inspection Checklist to other project stakeholders who need to be made aware of the inspection results. Email notifications will be sent to all team members who are assigned workflow tasks depending on when they should receive the notification which will be based on the sequence of those tasks in the workflow.

1.      Permit to work

·        Correct permit for the task being planned and valid

·        Quality of JSA -Activity covered in the JSA and controls put in place good enough based on worksite condition.

·        Safety controls as per JSA visible and followed

2.      Any work inside Confined space

·        CSE permits obtained.

·        Illumination checked and sufficient prior to start working.

·        Ventilation and circulation of air good enough to maintain safe work.

·        Atmospheric test done and records maintained with Hole watcher/ Permit pack

·        Hole watcher trained and available at work location and having briefed for Emergency responses

3.      Work at height

·        WAH checks are completed after physically verifying the work locations.

·        Drop Zone identified and barricaded and sign boards placed

·        Floor openings are protected from fall of materials / personnel

·        Tools lanyards are used and secured

·        Lifting bags used for shifting materials

4.      Lifting operation using crane

·        Daily checks are recorded by the operator and copy maintained.

·        Safety devices are operational and equipment is free from defects

·        TPI certificate valid and copy available with equipment including chain block used

·        Equipment completed with P&M inspections and stickers valid

·        Fire extinguisher within the equipment are inspected and good to use

·        Area barricaded and signage provided

5.      Hot work locations

·        Trained Fire warden assigned.

·        Sufficient Fire extinguishers provided

·        Provided fire extinguishers are inspected and good to use

·        Flammable materials are removed /or protected

·        Hot work safety awareness training completed by the personnel engaged with grinding/ welding/ using open flame etc

·        Dead man switch provided in all portable electrical hand tools

·        Cables are protected from damages/ routed to avoid trip hazards / etc

·        Earthing provided

6.      STOP work authority

•        Any unsafe work practices having potential to hurt personnel / or damage asset MUST be stopped immediately and reported to Site management/ HSE Manager.

7.      General points

·        Housekeeping maintained at work locations

·        Access and Egress to worksite is good enough for Emergency rescue

·        Mobile Equipment are provided with trained Flagman

·        UA/UC observed are corrected and recorded in employee’s passport.

·        NMI if any investigated and necessary corrective actions initiated. Report all NMI.

·        Grievance from employees are shared with HSE Manager / Site Management.

8.      Earthquake safety precautions

·        When an earthquake starts, remember, Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

·        Get down on the ground under a table or desk. Keep your emergency preparedness kit nearby so you'll have the supplies you need.

·        Keep clear of windows—glass may shatter from the shaking.

·        Never stand under objects that can fall on top of you like a large bookcase.

·        If you’re outside, move away from buildings which can collapse. Stay in an open area where there are no trees, buildings or power lines.

Reports can be created to consolidate the inspection results from the different Daily HSE Inspection Checklists done by the different inspectors at different project locations. In addition, there also the option to report on the inspection results for different time periods as well as comparing the inspection results across the different projects that the organization might be responsible for.