Alarm systems, fire prevention

NFPA 45, 4.1-4.6 4.3.3 All laboratory units shall be provided with fire protection appropriate to the fire hazard, including automatic fire extinguishing systems, standpipe and hose systems, portable fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, fire prevention programs, and emergency plans. 

Wet or dry chemical fixed suppression systems are typically provided over the kitchen cooking appliances and in exhaust plenums and ducts. Activation means is afforded by fusible links located in the exhaust ducts/plenums usually rated at 232°C (450°F). Manual activation means should not be provided near the cooking area, but in the exit routes from the facility. The facility fire alarm should sound upon activation of the fixed suppression system and power or gas to the cooking appliances should be automatically shut off. The ventilation system should also be shut down by the activation of the fire alarm system. Protective caps should be provided on the suppression nozzles to prevent plugging from grease or cooking particulates. 

Alarm and surveillance systems are an important element of fire prevention. These alarm and surveillance systems ... 

Fire protection system impairment occurs when a fire alarm or supervisory system is shut-off, damaged, fails, or is otherwise taken out-of-service completely or in part. These out-of-service conditions are called impairments. While process monitoring, control, safety, and security-entry systems also provide protective functions, this element of the fire prevention program is only concerned with impairments to fire protection systems and equipment. An essential element of the fire prevention program is a procedure for fire protection impairment handling. 

Active for example, safety shutdown systems to prevent accidents (e.g., a high level alarm in a tank shuts automatic feed valves) or to mitigate the effects of accidents (e.g., a sprinkler system to extinguish a fire in a building). Active systems require detection of a hazardous condition and some kind of action to prevent or mitigate the accident. Multiple active elements involve typically a sensor (detect hazardous condition), a logic device (decide what to do) and a control element (implement action). 

The philosophy of fire protection is based fundamentally on the prevention of fire by choice of materials and by minimization of inventory of incendiary material. Once a fire occurs (going on in the scenario), the second measure is to prevent the spread of fire by the design of fire sectors and the use of fire-resistant barriers. Thirdly, one has to detect the fire, usually by means of a fire alarm system. Finally, no doubt, one needs organization, staff, and equipment for fire extinguishing by installed and mobile means. 

Losses from fires total billions of dollars per year. Fire, formally defined as a process during which rapid oxidimtion of a material occurs, gives off radiant energy that can not only be fidt but also seen. Fires can be caused by malfunctioning electrical systems, hot surfiices, and overheated materials. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 1896 to provide codes and standards to reduce the burden of fire. The NFPA publishes the National Electrical Code , the Life St ety Cod, the Fire Prevention Codd, the National Fuel Gas Code , and National Fire Alarm G>de . It also provides... 

A switch provided on a fire alarm system that is manually activated to indicate a fire event (see Figure M.2). The switch is configured to conspicuously identify it as a fire alarm device and is usually fitted with a tamper device (break glass, rod, or cover) to discourage or prevent false activation. It sends a signal to a central monitoring station for notification of location and activation of alarms. 

OSHA deals with fire protection from an employee safety standpoint, and many of the points covered in the OSHA standard are solid management practices for property safety as well. Subpart E, Means of Egress, is taken from NFPA 101-1970, the Life Safety Code. The emphasis of this subpart is on protecting the employee once a fire has started. It informs the employer what to do to protect workers during the fire by addressing egress methods, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarms, emergency action plans, and fire prevention plans. 

The local fire department must be well acquainted with your facility, its location, and specific hazards. The fire alarm system mnst be certified, as required, and tested at least annually. Interior standpipes must be inspected regularly. Outside private fire hydrants must be flushed at least once a year and on a routine preventive maintenance schedule. All fire doors and shutters must be in good operating condition, unobstructed, and protected against obstructions, including their counterweights. 

Fire prevention training courses include the causes of fire and fire spread, fire and smoke alarm systems, emergency lighting, the selection and use of fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems, evacuation procedures, high risk operations and good housekeeping principles. 

Every facility can benefit from a review of its infrastructure. This includes all utilities, entrances/exits, process and production equipment, telephone and data lines, water supply, backup power systans, process controls, hazardous material storage tanks and pits, fire alarm systems, and sprinkler systems. Making a list of all infrastructure details is helpful when evaluating security vulnerability, as well as such mundane tasks as budget analysis, routine and preventive maintenance, and personnel responsibilities. 

FM Global. Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 5-40, Fire alarm systems. Norwood, MA FM Global 2007. 

Ensure each staff member knows the identification and location of medical gas, ventilation, and electrical systems including controls. Educate staff on how to use the hospital s alarm system and contact the local fire department. Healthcare organizations can prevent fires by... 

Subpart L is concerned with fire protection and fire prevention. This subpart contains requirements for fire brigades, aU portable extinguishers, fixed fire suppression systems and fire detection systems, and alarm systans. It contains training requirements for the organization and personnel. It describes requirements for training and protective equipment for fire brigades. 

All components of a fire alarm system must receive regular inspection and testing. All systems should receive a visual inspection each quarter. Each automatic system should be tested and/ or inspected on an annual basis. Ensure inclusion of fire components and systems in an organizational preventive maintenance plan. Ensure the testing of all supervisory signal devices on a quarterly basis. Test valve tamper switches, water flow devices, duct detectors, electromechanical releasing devices, heat detectors, manual fire alarm boxes, and smoke detectors on a semiannual basis. Test occupant alarm notification devices to include audible and visible devices at least annually. Maintain appropriate testing documentation on all fire-related systems. 

Smoke dampers are used to prevent the spread of products of combustion within ventilation systems. They are usually activated by the fire alarm and detection system. Smoke dampers are specified on the leakage class, maximum pressure, maximum velocity, installation mode (horizontal or vertical) and degradation test temperature of the fire. 

A gas detection system monitors the most likely sources of releases and activates alarms or protective devices to prevent the ignition of a gas release and possibly mitigate the effects of a flash fire or explosion. 

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