Responding to Fires

In contrast to flammable liquids, an emergency situation that involves a combustible liquid will have a much different behavior. The expected behavior of a combustible product would be for  

Most combustible liquids do not present a vapor problem if accidentally released into the atmosphere. The probability of a fire, therefore, is considerably less than it would be if the spill was of a flammable material. If, however, the combustible liquid is at a temperature higher than its flashpoint, then it can be expected to behave in the identical manner a flammable liquid. One major difference between the two in a fire situation is that the potential exists for cooling the combustible liquid below its flash point by the proper application of water (generally applied in the form of water spray). In the event the liquid is burning, and if the fire forces are successful in achieving the required reduction in liquid temperature, then vapor production will cease and the fire will be extinguished because of a lack of vapor fuel. Unless this reduction in liquid temperature can be brought about, the fire will necessitate the same control considerations a low-flash liquid fire would. 

Fire and Explosion Hazards Handbook of Industrial Chemicals 

Another phenomenon associated with a crude oil fire is stopover. Basically, die same principles that are responsible for a boilover are the cause of a stopover. The fundamental difference is that in a stopover the reaction is from water that has entered the tank since the start of the fire. Usually this introduction is die result of firefighting activities. A slopover will occur at some point after the heat wave lias been formed. Eidier the water from the hose streams or, after the bubbles collapse, the water in the foam will sink into the oil, contacting the heat wave, where it is converted to steam, and die agitation of the liquid surface spills some amount of oil over the tank rim. 

With storage tanks or processing equipment exposed to fire or radiant heat, the cooling of any metal above tire liquid level inside the vessel is critical. Metal surfaces that have a constant film of water flowing over them will not reach a surface temperature above the boiling point of water. This temperature is well below that which would subject the metal to loss of integrity because of softening. 

In an emergency situation involving a flammable liquid, the product can be expected to behave as follows  

In contrast to flammable liquids, an emergency situation that involves a combustible liquid 1 have a much different behavior. The expected behavior of a combustible product would be for the liquid to present no significant vapor problem, a fire to be readily extinguished by cooling the liquid with water, and the atmosphere above the liquid level to be below the LEL of any confined product. 

When liquids of this type burn, creating a heat wave which is comprised of the higher boiling point components plus whatever impurities may be present in the product, radiant heat from the flame heats the liquid surface, the light products boil-off, thus 

---

Personal Protective Equipment — The items are those recommended by (a) manufacturers, either in technical bulletins or in Material Safety Data Sheets, (b) the Manufacturing Chemists Association, or (c) the National Safety Council, for use by personnel while responding to fire or accidental discharge of the chemical. They are intended to protect the lungs, eyes, and skin. 

This rapid statistical response in reducing mattress smoldering fire losses is gratifying. Yet there is controversy about whether the improvements were caused by the standard or by public education. "Learn Not to Burn" and other educational programs developed by the National Fire Protection Association and the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPl) seem to have been instrumental in increasing public awareness of fire hazards. These should be recognized as effective tools to help the general public prevent and respond to fires. 

The items are those recommended by (a) manufacturers, either in technical bulletins or in Material Safety Data Sheets, (b) the Manufacturing Chemists Association, or (c) the National Safety Coxmcil, for use by personnel while responding to fire or accidental discharge of the chemical. They are intended to protect the lungs, eyes, and skin. There are many plastics and rubber compounding ingredients, as well as the monomers themselves, which are toxic and pose fire and explosion hazards. The user must consult a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the specific properties and safety hazards associated with the chemicals handled. An MSDS will provide specific recommendations on the required personal protective equipment that should be used when handling a certain chemical. 

A fully trained and fully equipped firefighting team that is developed by a facility, utilizing employees whose full-time job may or may not be as firefighters. The brigade typically does not respond to fire beyond the limits of its employer s property. Industrial Hygiene (IH)... 

If applicable, you will find out how to use, inspect, repair, and replace emergency and monitoring equipment. You will understand communications or alarm systems and be able to properly respond to fires or explosions and groundwater contamination incidents. And you will be able to shutdown operations. 

The most likely laboratory emergencies, although rare, are fires, chemical spills, or common injuries such as minor burns and cuts. Section 2.1.4 will deal with the first aid responses to minor injuries, and what to do for more serious injuries. This section is about responding to fires and chemical spills. 

Rate of Rise Rate-of-rise detectors respond to fires that flame up quickly. They do not react well to slower changes in ambient temperature expected for slow developing fires. They typically respond to temperature changes on the order of 12°F/min. 

In the United States, public fire departments, whether paid or voluntary, provide most fire protection services. Fire departments play important roles in the prevention of fires and by enforcing fire codes. They address the training and education of fire fighters and the community. They handle communication for fire alarms and other emergencies. They respond to fires and handle reporting and administration activities. Today fire departments are hkely to respond more often to non-fire than fire emergencies. Hazardous materials and emergency medical responses are important parts of fire department operations. 

If an emergency is declared, the Emergency Response Team (ERT) will take control of operations. There must be one person, the Incident Commander, who is in charge of the team— usually the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM). He or she has total control over all operations and activities on the facility. The ERT will consist of selected employees who are specially trained to respond to fires, explosions, helicopter crashes, and other potential disasters. 

Policy requirements - the policy for responding to fires and other incidents should include a statement of intent from the most senior management, the identification of those persons responsible for implementing the policy and detailed organisational arrangements relating to ... 

Members of the Emergency Response Team are required to wear safety footwear when responding to fire emergency situations. Safety footwear is provided by the company for those associates who do not work in the designated work areas within the company. All supervisors and managers are responsible for ensuring their associates are in compliance with this policy. 

---