Legislation fire safety

Room fire growth on combustible linings has been a problem of concern to the legislators and authorities since the advent of building fire safety regulations. Work in this area has included... 

The environmental impact of waste disposal and of chemical use in Europe has led to three legislative actions that, in today s global economy, greatly affect flame-retardant use and research. These actions go by the acronyms of RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances), WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemical substances). These actions are discussed in detail in Chapter 22, but need to be mentioned here as they are clear examples of how changing regulations affect flame-retardant use, selection, and new fire-safety developments. The first one, RoHS, refers to how new items are manufactured, and specifically bans chemicals and elements of environmental and toxicological concern in Europe. One fall-out item of RoHS is the move from a lead-based solder on circuit... 

Fire safety of mine conveyor belts is covered by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), subsidiary to the Department of Labor (responsible for the safety of miners). It has instituted some requirements, in accordance with a 1969 Act, which then became the 1977 Federal Mine Safety and Health Act. This regulation mandates the use of flame-resistant conveyor belts. The follow-up legislation was introduced in 2007. 

In Washington State, HB 1024 provides definitions and establishes a process under which the State of Washington can identify, analyze, and approve alternative flame-retardants that could come into use in Washington to replace the use of deca-BDE.100 The Departments of Ecology and Health, as well as a newly created fire safety committee, will have to determine that any proposed alternative flame-retardant is safer and technically feasible and meets applicable fire safety standards as a replacement for deca-BDE in televisions, computers, and domestic upholstered furniture. No prohibition on the use of deca-BDE in these applications can go into effect prior to January 1, 2011, provided suitable alternative flame-retardants are available. The bill places a prohibition on the use of deca-BDE in mattresses beginning January 1, 2008 however, this has no practical impact, since deca-BDE is not actually used in residential mattresses. All uses of deca-BDE not specifically mentioned in the legislation are exempt. 

Fire testing is discussed in Chapter 8 with fire safety, environmental issues and legislation covered... 

The key driver for future growth will be fire safety and environmental regulations, which will demand the use of these chemicals in many more industries than before. This new legislation will also result in end-users changing the t3q)e of FR they buy to meet the latest specifications. This in turn will have a knock-on effect for the producers who will be forced to develop new products to keep pace and to serve the new markets and applications that will then be covered. 

The influence of new legislation is essential for increasing the fire safety level in many fields. One striking example is the introduction of the UK regulations for flame retarded upholstered furniture in 1988. It shows a drop of fires and a dramatic fall in deaths caused by such furniture. Compare the figures for 1988 of 4818 recorded fires and 247 deaths to 1993 when there were 3746 fires and 146 deaths. 

DecaBDE is widely used to protect furniture textiles from fire sources in accordance with UK and Irish furniture fire safety legislation, which provides the consumer with the highest levels of fire safety in the world. An estimated 3,160 lives have been saved by the UK legislation alone in the period 1988-2000. 

The legislation, although directed at equipment used in Europe, has international implications, given the high levels of imports, especially from Asia, of products like personal computers and small appliances. Indeed, the feeling at the infiuential US Association of State Fire Marshals is such that it has complained to Brussels that moves to ban BFRs would compromise fire safety. There are even indications that it could try to block importation of any E E equipment whose fire safety is reduced as a result of the WEEE proposals. 

This section summarizes the main requirements of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 as amended by various legislation including the Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987. The Act requires that premises that meet certain criteria must have a Fire Certificate. The premises involved include ... 

Fire Safety Main provisions of the Fire Precautions Act 1971. Responsibilities of Fire Authorities. Fire Certificates. Responsibilities concerning fire hazards which remain with HSE (Fire Certificates (Special Premises) Regulations 1976). Fire prevention legislation. (See also Module D, Safety Technology Fire)... 

In 2000 the Fire Safety Advisory Board was established to reform the fire legislation to simplify, rationalize and consolidate existing legislation. It would provide for a risk based approach to fire safety allowing more efficient, effective enforcement by the fire and rescue service and other enforcing authorities. 

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. 

The posting of fire safety signs has been a legislative requirement for many years. Their primary purpose is to ensure that the occupants and users of buildings are aware, not only, of escape routes and exits but also of any hazards and dangers that may be present. 

Whereas the current fire safety in buildings legislation must be implemented for any new construction, rehabilitation projects may fall under any of the following situations ... 

Legislative control over fire safety matters in the UK was rationalised in 2006 with the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The Order sets out in detail the roles and responsibilities of those charged with managing fire safety within organisations (the responsible person ) and that an assessment of fire risk has been undertaken. The order is enforced by iocai fire authorities (see section 1.4 below). 

The RRFSO 2005 came into effect on 1 October 2006, at which time over 100 separate pieces of fire-related legislation have been revoked or amended. The RRFSO covers, with very few exceptions, all non-domestic premises and stands as the primary legislation for fire safety in England and Wales, with Scotland and Northern Ireland being responsible for their own fire safety legislation. Scotland s fire safety legislation is enacted by the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. 

The legislation refers to a responsible person , who is defined as a specified individual who is responsible for fire safety. 

In terms of the principal legislation that has an impact on the management of fire safety the list includes ... 

Identifying and meeting the requirements of relevant legislation and regulations dealing with fire safety management issues... 

Regular reviews also enable organisations to take into account changes in legislation and guidance, particularly with regard to any standards that affect fire safety... 

Changes to legislation that have or will affect the organisation s fire safety management system > Findings of the insurers when considering insurance premiums or claims... 

Every employer is required to appoint one or more competent persons to assist them to comply with their legal obligations under both health and safety and fire safety legislation. 

Employees also have rights and responsibilities under the RRFSO broadly similar to those found in current health and safety legislation. The responsible person must consult employees on fire safety matters and provide information to them and ensure that they have been suitably trained to fulfil their role. 

Our approach to fire safety is twofold to prevent fires occurring and to protect the building, its contents and inhabitants if fire does occur. The protection of human life is the primary objective of fire legislation, whereas the protection of property is the concern of fire insurance companies. Legislative and insurance standards and requirements may differ in emphasis, but museum management should consider... 

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