Fire protection standards

In a laboratory, fire hazard may vary from minimal to severe. Proper protective measures, though costly, are worth the price. A laboratory must meet local fire protection standards for industry, which are usually more restrictive than those for a home. While a fire department official is not a chemist, given the proper input he will come up with good suggestions. Providing him with the necessary information is an important job for the laboratory planner. 

The key parameters to be considered for structural protection include the usual fire protection standards and the specific authorities governing fire regulations the nature, the location, and the critical temperature of the substrate protected are also essential parameters. Finally, the conditions that the protection is required to resist during its service life have also to be considered. 

NFPA 302, Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. 

Before initial delivery, each waste must be examined as to its relevant physical and chemical data. The purpose of this analysis is to make certain that the emission limits as well as occupational health and safety and fire-protection standards are not violated upon combustion. The results of this investigation make it possible to classify wastes, that is, to group them with respect to the combustion process and thus achieve optimal furnace conditions. 

As a result of their three-dimensional crosslinked stmctures, thermosets do not soften or flow when burning. The tendency to form gaseous decomposition products is also less than with thermoplastics. Heat may cause surface charring that can prevent ignition. Unsaturated polyester resins and epoxy resin systems require flame retardants to meet the fire protection standards in the constmction, transport and electrical industries where such resins are mainly used. The flammability of epoxy resins is greater than comparable thermosets since they have a reduced tendency to carbonise. After removal of an ignition source, once alight they continue to bum on their own. 

Engineering of water supplies for fire protection is critical. Designs must consider the total amount available, the rate of supply at various locations, and the distribution system. Fire protection standards detail water supply requirements for fire protection in communities and special facilities. Standards also cover hydrants, pumps, fire hose, nozzles, and other components of water supply systems. 

A US test measures the time for the induced charge produced by 5000 volts DC to disappear on groimding. Electroitic packaging requires 99% dissipation in less than two seconds at 12% relative humidity, whereas fire protection standards stipulate 90% discharge in less than half a second at 50% RH. 

Fire protection standard updated and mles established for fire brigades responsible for putting out nearly 95% of worksite fires. 

Heat detectors are usually used inside buildings. They are located according to the manufacturer s directions and the pertinent fire protection standards. Response times depend on the amount of heat transferred from the fire to the detector therefore, the positioning of detectors should take the following into account ... 

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 37 is a fire protection standard but recognizes the explosion hazard and recommends the provision of explosion relief for turbine enclosures, or the provision of ventilation adequate to prevent a hazardous accumulation of flammable vapours or gases..Adequate ventilation is not defined farther. In the case of an engine handling hazardous material other than its own fiiel supply, i.e., a gas turbine-driven gas compressor, there is no alternative to the recommendation of explosion relief. The scope of this code is limited to engines and turbines not exceeding 7500 hp, i.e., 5.6 MW. 

The Fire Tests for Flame Resistant Textiles and Films, issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) ia 1989, is the method most used by iadustrial fire-retardant finishers (ca 1993) (50). It has been approved by the American National Standards Institute. 

Large volumes of LPG are stored to meet peak demand during cold seasons. LPGs are both volatile and flammable and must be stored and handled in special equipment. Standards for storing and handling LPG are pubHshed by the National Fire Protection Association (5) and API (6). 

Underwriters Laboratories 333 Pfingsten Road Northbrook, Id. 60062 Standards for Safety is ahst of more than 200 standards that provide specifications and requirements for constmetion and performance under test and in actual use of a broad range of electrical apparatus and equipment, including household appHances, fire-extinguishing and fire protection devices and equipment, and many other nongenerady classifiable items, eg, ladders, sweeping compounds, waste cans, and roof jacks for trader coaches. 

Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems NFPA 69, National Fire Protection Association, Quiacy, Mass., 1986. 

Standards for Storage Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, National Fire Code, Sect. 5, No. 58, National Fire Protection Assn., Boston, Mass., 1977. 

Included ia the OSHA regulations are standards for safe work practices such as lock-out/tag-out and confined space entry, personal protective equipment, storage of hazardous materials, welding process, forklift operation, and requirements for fire protection. Basically, all activities within a chemical facihty are covered by OSHA standards. 

Standard on Explosion Frevention Sjstems, NFFM 69, and Static Electricity, NFFM 77, National Fire Protection Association, Quiucy, Me., 1984. 

National Fire Codes N Compilation o/NFPA Codes, Standards, Kecommended Practices, Manuals, and Guides, Vol. II, National Fire Protection Association, Md., 1987. 

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 58, Standard for the Storage and Handhng of Liquefied Petroleum Gases... 

NFPA Standard System for Identification of Health, Flammability, Reactivity, and Related Hazards (NFPA 704, Chaps. 2-5, 1990. This printed material is not the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection Association on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.)... 

These markings provide a general idea of the hazards of a material and the severity of these hazards as they relate to handling, fire protection, exposure, and control. This standard is not applicable to transportation or to use by the general public. It is also not applicable to chronic exposure. For a full description of this standard, refer to NFPA 704. The system identifies the hazards of a material in four principal categories health, flammability, reactivity, and unusual hazards such as reactivity with water. 

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