Fire extinguishers warehouses

All responsible organizations will have a fire protection program to protect their assets. For some, it may be fire extinguishers in the warehouse while for others it is a department of professionals supplementing numerous automatic fire detection and suppression systems. Due to the nature of the program, it is often necessary to involve several individuals, each having a specific, assigned responsibility. 

This section suggests some equipment that should be maintained at the warehouse for relatively small chemical spills, including personal protective equipment. Additionally, Chapter 7 provides information on the types of fire extinguishers that would be useful against incipient fires. 

Suzy learns through her audit the only protection for an infrequently used warehouse is provided by fire extinguishers. The contents of the warehouse are considered to be museum pieces and the owners are reluctant to part with them. Suzy makes a determination... 

A sprinkler system could have helped put out the fire at the initial stages, or at least cool down the warehouse stmctures. A heat- or smoke-activated chemical foam and fire alarm system could also have been installed in storage places. Materials for cleanup, self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing, and portable fire extinguishers should be available on-site. 

Prevent oxidation, fire and explosions (e.g. fire-prevention in warehouses and fire-extinguishing in waste-incineration bunkers) (see Example F)... 

Water can be used. Multipurpose dry chemical may be considered for some warehouse facilities and offices where lightweight fire extinguishers are desirable for easier handling. Extinguishers for Class A fires should be placed so that no point in the protected area is more than 25 meters from an extinguisher. 

Extinguishing a fire in a warehouse can be accomplished by fixed sprinkler systems, fire suppressant systems, or fire extinguishers. The chart in Table 5-1 identifies the fire classifications as well as means of extinguishing. 

Tips to follow for fire extinguisher safety in warehouses include the following ... 

When contractors are on warehouse property, it is important to maintain fire safety. Portable fire extinguishers should be taken onto the roof or to any other areas where work is being performed. Everyone within the building should know that contractors are in the building and prepare for any unusual circumstances. 

Bromoethane forms the same organometallics, which are inflammable with aluminium, zinc and also magnesium. There was a very serious industrial accident that caused a warehouse to be completely destroyed, and this was explained by the effect of bromoethane on an aluminium pipe. Methylaluminium bromide formed and combusted in contact with air, causing the fire. A red cloud formed due to the bromoethane combustion (this was used as an extinguishing agent before being prohibited). 

A smouldering bag in a pesticide warehouse, believed to be of this, led to an explosion, killing three firemen, and fire which took six days to extinguish (possibly because of caution concerning anti-cholinesterase toxicity). This is a moderately high energy compound by virtue of the triazene function. Other pesticides present were of less energetic structure. 

Impact damage occurred to one of 48 10 kg polypropylene tubs of calcium hypochlorite, each closed with a polythene lid, all supported on a wooden pallet and stretch-wrapped round the base with polyethylene film. The spilled material was swept up and discarded, and the pallet was moved to another part of the warehouse, and some 30 mins, later flames were seen at the base of the pallet [1]. Ignition was attributed to contact between residual solid hypochlorite on the pallet and lubricant drips on the concrete floor from fork lift traffic. Application of a dry powder extinguisher had little effect on the fire, but use of a 40 1 water extinguisher led to rapid escalation of the fire as contact between hypochlorite... 

Multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers (20-A 80B-C) should be provided in warehouses and shop buildings where wood, paper, plastics, and other flammable solids, as well as flammable liquids, may be stored. In grease manufacturing and compounding or similar operations where little or no wood, paper, and similar combustibles are stored, but where flammable liquids may be prevalent, potassium bicarbonate dry chemical extinguishers should be used. Extinguishers should be located not more than 75 ft (23 m) away from any potential Class A fire hazard and not more than 50 ft (15 m) from Class B fire hazards. 

A fire control, suppression, or extinguishing system can enhance life safety, minimize fire damage to a warehouse and its contents and prevent chemical releases that could potentially expose people and the environment. Chemical releases include the actual material stored, contaminated fire water run-off, and the products of combustion, decomposition or adverse reactions. 

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