Fire Protection Systems

1. Introduction to Fire
 Fire is defined as a self-sustaining process of rapid oxidation, generating heat and light.
 It is an exothermic chemical reaction involving oxygen and fuel at a specific temperature.

2. Fire Prevention
 Fire prevention is a proactive approach to minimize the risk of fire incidents and their
consequences.
 It involves educating the public about fire safety, promoting precautionary measures, and
establishing effective emergency response plans.

3. Fire Safety Measures

Fire-Proofing: Materials and structures are treated to withstand high temperatures (up to 177°C or
350°F) and prevent fire spread.
Fire Evacuation Plan: Businesses and institutions should have clearly defined primary and secondary
escape routes marked with visible signs for safe evacuation.
Smoke Detectors: These devices respond to visible and invisible combustion products, providing early
warning of fire. Two main types are combustion products and photoelectric detectors.
Fire Escape Ladders: These provide an alternative escape route in case of fire.
Fire Emergency Kit: This essential kit includes:
 Portable radio with spare batteries
 Torch with spare batteries
 First aid kit
 Candles and waterproof matches
 Important papers with emergency contacts
 Waterproof bag for valuables
 Food and water for 72 hours
Fire Extinguishers: These devices are used to extinguish fires by interrupting the fire triangle.
Control System : The diagram shows a fire alarm system. It starts with fire detection (manual pull
station, smoke detector, sprinkler flow switch), which sends signals to a central control panel. The
panel then triggers alarms (horns, strobes) and alerts emergency services. A secondary panel
(annunciator) indicates the alarm’s location.
Fire Doors: These doors have a fire-resistance rating, preventing fire and smoke spread between
compartments and ensuring safe egress.
Fire Hydrants: These pipes connect to water mains and provide a controlled water source for
firefighting. Fire hydrant protection systems are designed for large-scale fire suppression.
Fire Triangle: This concept emphasizes the three essential elements for fire: oxygen, heat, and fuel.
Removing any one element can extinguish the fire.
 4. Classification of Fires

 Class A: Ordinary materials like paper, wood, and cloth.

 Class B: Flammable and combustible liquids like gasoline, paint, propane, and kerosene.
 Class C: Electrical equipment fires involving appliances, switches, and panels.
 Class D: Certain metals like magnesium, sodium, potassium, titanium, and aluminum.
 Class K: Fires involving commercial cooking appliances with vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats
at high temperatures.

Types of fire extinguishers

Air-pressurized water fire extinguisher - It’s only effective on Class A fires (ordinary
combustibles like wood and paper) by cooling them with water. It has a 30-foot range and a
discharge time of 30-50 seconds.
Dry chemical (multipurpose) fire extinguisher – It uses monoammonium phosphate to
extinguish Class A, B, and C fires by breaking the chemical chain reaction. It has a 10-foot range
and a discharge time of 10-30 seconds.
Regular dry chemical fire extinguisher- It uses sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate to
put out Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires by disrupting the chemical chain
reaction. It has a 10-foot range and lasts 10-30 seconds.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) fire extinguisher- It uses CO₂ to extinguish Class B (flammable liquids)
and Class C (electrical) fires by displacing the oxygen needed for combustion. It has a 5-foot range
and a discharge time of 10-20 seconds.
Halogenated agent (clean agent) fire extinguisher- It uses a combination of halogens, carbon,
and hydrogen to extinguish Class A, B, and C fires by breaking the chemical chain reaction. It has
a 10-foot range and a discharge time of 10-15 seconds. The “clean agent” designation means it
leaves little residue after use.
Dry powder fire extinguisher- It uses powdered graphite, sodium chloride, or copper to extinguish
only Class D fires (combustible metals) by absorbing heat and forming an occlusive crust. It has a
5-foot range and a discharge time of 20 seconds.
Wet chemical fire extinguisher- It uses potassium-based alkaline solutions to extinguish only
Class K fires (cooking oils and fats) by cooling and suppressing grease-laden vapors. It has a 5-
foot range and a discharge time of 50 seconds.
Fire extinguisher selection chart – It shows which types of fire extinguishers are suitable, limited,
or unsuitable for different classes of fire (A, B, C, D, E, F). The chart also includes color codes and
important safety notes for each extinguisher type. It’s a helpful guide for choosing the right
extinguisher for a specific fire situation

5. Critical Hazard Management System

 This system addresses specific hazards that can increase the risk of fire or explosion.
Key Hazards:
1. Liquid hydrocarbons and flammable liquids lower the energy required for ignition.
2. H₂S lowers the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) and creates pyrophoric iron sulphides.
3. Oil-based work over fluids can absorb oxygen.
4. Mixing chemicals can have unforeseen reactions.
5. High pressures and temperatures can cause auto-ignition.
6. Rapid pressure or temperature changes can trigger explosive events.
7. Flowing explosive mixtures into closed systems can lead to pressure buildup.
8. Trapped air can complicate safe operations.

6. Hazard Control Measures

 Fuel Controls: Purging, proper containment, and alternative fluid selection.
 Oxygen Control: Isolation equipment, warning systems, proper storage of chemicals, and
knowledge of LEL.
 Energy Control: Reduction of voltage, pressure, temperature, and agitation; use of water
mists.

7. Hazard Management Procedure

Hazard Identification: This is the initial step, involving workplace inspections, incident reporting, injury
registers, employee consultations, and feedback.
Risk Assessment: Once hazards are identified, their likelihood of causing injury and the severity of
potential injury need to be assessed.
Hazard Control: Eliminate or control hazards to prevent injuries.
Evaluate, Monitor, and Review: Regularly assess the completeness and accuracy of risk
assessments and ensure new hazards are identified and addressed.
Keep Records: Maintaining records of assessments and control actions is crucial for compliance and
future reference.

8. Prevention & Protective Management from Fires & Explosions

Electricity Passivation: Electrical hazards are a common cause of fires. Measures include:
 Avoiding overloading circuits
 Using approved electrical devices
 Maintaining wiring in good condition
Ventilation: This involves removing combustion products to protect firefighters and prevent smoke and
heat buildup.
Sprinkling: Fire sprinkler systems are active fire protection measures that activate independently when
a predetermined heat level is reached.
Proofing: Fireproofing makes materials and structures more resistant to fire. Fireproof construction
involves using non-combustible materials like steel, terra-cotta, plaster, and concrete.
Fire Walls: These walls separate buildings or subdivide them to prevent fire spread.
Bunds (Bund Walls): These are erected to contain flammable liquids and prevent fire spread.
Relief Systems: These systems manage pressure surges and prevent potential explosions.
Relief Valves: Control pressure by directing water back into the pump intake.
Flares (Signal Flares): Used for distress signaling, illumination, and defensive countermeasures.
Scrubbers: Remove or neutralize harmful substances emitted from combustion or chemical storage.

Conclusion
This report provides a comprehensive overview of fire protection systems, highlighting the importance
of prevention, hazard management, and effective safety measures. By implementing these strategies,
businesses and institutions can significantly reduce the risk of fire incidents and ensure the safety of
their employees and assets.