Fire, generally safety standards

Underwriters Laboratory fire-resistance index A summary of classified fire-resistance products and building construction-design fire resistance ratings published for general distribution. See test, fire cone and lift. Underwriters Laboratory Standard UL-544 A general safety standard. See safety. 

The use of flame-retardants has played a significant role in making homes, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, offices, automobiles, and public transportation safer. They have no doubt helped to save countless lives.1 While fire continues to be an ever-present threat to society and improvements in fire safety standards appear to be stalled, flame-retardants, and generally all chemicals, have been coming under tremendous environmental attack.2 3 The attacks stem from the fact that low levels of particular flame-retardants have been detected in the environment and, in some cases, in animals and humans.4 5... 

M52 FUZE. General. This standard fuze, (fig. 12), a super-quick type, is identified by PDF (point detonating fuze) M52 stamped on the body. This fuze is designed to function before any penetration occurs, permitting the maximum surface elTect of fragmentation of the shell. For use in the field, it is issued assembled to the shell as a part of the complete round. To prepare for firing it is only necessary to remove the safety wire. 

Rules of procedure designed to secure uniformity and protection of life and property having the force of law in certain jurisdictions. Examples include Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards (29 CFR 1910) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes. See also General Industry Safety Standards. 

In addition to fire safety legislation, health and safety at work legislation also covers the elimination or minimization of fire risks. As well as the particular and main general duties under the HSW Act, fire risks are also covered by specific rules, such as for dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres, work equipment, electricity and other hazards. Thus, environmental health officers or HSE inspectors may enforce health and safety standards for the assessment and removal or control of process-related fire risks, where it is necessary, for the protection of workers and others. 

As there is no electrical legislation for domestic premises, the safety criteria have to be the requirements of the non-statutory BS 7671 2001 (see Chapter 10). This is the recognised safety standard observed by all reputable electrical contractors and as such is generally accepted by the courts as the benchmark standard. Compliance with the standard is invariably a requirement in specifications for electrical installation projects. Non-compliance usually means that the installation is likely to be unsafe, with the attendant risks of electric shock and/or burn or fire. However, it should be borne in mind that amendments to standards such as BS 7671 are not meant to be applied retrospectively. So the fact that an installation completed, say, 20 years ago does not comply with the latest edition of the standard should not be taken as an indication that the installation is unsafe if it complies with the edition of the standard extant at the time the installation was completed. The acid test is not so much whether the installation complies with a standard but whether or not it is safe, and professional judgement will frequently be needed to determine this. Non-compliances with the current edition of the standard should be recorded, but the safety consequences of the non-compliances should also be considered and noted. 

GOST 12.1.004-91 1992. Occupational safety standards system. Fire safety. General requirements. Safety standarts. Moscow IPK State committee of standards. 

In the process industries, consensus standards are published by bodies such as the American Petroleum Institute (API), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). Generally, the standards are written by industry experts who pool their knowledge and experience while working together on a committee. 

National Fire Protection Association has the objective of developing, publishing, and disseminating standards intended to minimize the possibility and effect of fire and explosion. NFPA s membership consists of individuals from business and industry, fire service, health care, insurance, educational, and government institutions. NFPA conducts fire safety education programs for the general public and provides information on fire protection and prevention. Also provided by the association is the field service by specialists on flammable liquids, electricity, gases, and marine problems. 

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