Fire protection presentation

Fire protection presentation

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Introduction

Combustion can be described as the burning of fuel as well as oxidant so as to produce heat.

Fire is a special type of the oxidant that is popularly known as combustion.

Fire has a triangular characteristics involving high temperature, oxygen and fuel as indicated in the diagram.

Lack of oxygen is what causes fire to be extinguished. The presentation will highlight the type of hazards as well

as the protection systems needed in fighting fire outbreak.

Automotive Fires

Automotive fire is becoming a major concern to both the manufacturer as well as the owners of vehicles.

It is worth noting that fire can be considered as both a financial aspect and a safety aspect when the car is packed at home.

It is widely believed that automobile fires are caused by a default in the engine compartments.

Furthermore, others believe that automotive fires are as a result of poor maintenance of the cars.

Driver errors is also another cause of automotive fires. Dropping burning things in cars is also a cause of fires.

Automotive Fires

It is surprising that the Society of Automotive Engineers do not have published standards for informational purposes.

It is vital that there be a guide that recognizes incendiary factors and arson in automotive fires.

Most cases of automobile fire are said to be of small order where the vehicle malfunctions hence igniting the fire. On the other hand, most fire fighters pay attention to large order automobile

A small flare as well as copious amount of smoke can also be a cause of fire.

Automotive Fires

Tim Gilles notes that gasoline is a major cause of automotive fires.

The greatest threats of what catches fire during the process is the vapors.

The vapors released from gasoline are usually heavier than air.

An arc is a high temperature luminous electric discharge between polarity or induction gap.

An arson in automobile fire on the other hand is the act of deliberately starting a fire.

Automotive fires

Automotive fire have its origin from within the vehicle as well as in the garage where the vehicle is located.

Some of the causes highlighted include: Collision induced damage. Road hazards, conditions and environment Maintenance. Component design Actions by operators Arson Failed mechanical components

Types of Automotive Hazards

Fire is defined as a chemical process that rapidly takes place and which involves the combination of heat as well as oxygen.

This reaction is known as combustion. Fire can only start in automotives if oxygen, heat and

fuel are in plenty. On the other hand, fire is likely to be limited if one of

these components is removed from the triangle. This is what is known as the fire triangle.

Heat in automotive fire

Fire in vehicles can easily be started by anything that have the potential to generate heat.

Heat acts as an important source in the ignition of fire. The heat that is produced by a given source is what will

cause ignition and not the source itself. Smoking in a vehicle is dangerous for it is likely to

generate heat which might result in automotive fires. Overheating within an automotive cal also result in the

emission of heat in the process.

Heat in automotive fire

Friction in cars can also lead to the production of heat and as a result cause fire.

Friction in vehicles occurs as a result of pieces of metal in the car rubbing against each other.

Friction experienced between the road and the tyres as indicated in the diagram can also cause automotive fires.

Fuel in automotive fire

Automotive workshops offer a great risk in automotive fire as a result of gasoline or petrol.

Fuel vapor: Rapid vaporization of liquid fuel when it is split can easily ignite in an open environment.

Fuel vapor can easily spread within a wide environ due to its invisibility and heavier than air status.

For instance, a reckless smoker who lit a cigarette in this environs will trigger explosive fire.

The wide range of fuel vapor flammability makes it ignite in the ratio of 1.4%-7.5% of the mixture.

Fuel in automotive fire

Spillage Risks: Spillage usually occur when technicians remove the fuel tank sender unit without emptying the tank first.

Spills can also occur when the fuel lines have been damaged and replacement is taking place.

Draining fuel: Draining of fuel can also cause the fuel to be split. Furthermore, draining fuel from an inspection pit uplifts the occurrence of fire.

Technicians fail to use the fuel retriever when removing the fuel through the filler neck.

Oxygen in automotive fire

Oxygen that propels automotive fire is usually generated from the surrounding air.

Compressed air, pure oxygen in gas cylinders used for welding or combustion of nitrates, peroxides and similar chemicals can enhance the presence of oxygen.

These elements are usually referred to as the oxidizing agents.

All engineering materials as well as metals can react fast and burn in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere.

Oxygen in automotive fire

In an oxygen-enriched environment, it is not easy to turn off an oxygen system.

There is great risk of ignition as well as sustained combustion within the oxygen system.

Fire Protection and Control

Fire and explosion prevention control entails: Eliminating the potential ignition sources as well as fuel sources. One should minimize on the number of ignition sources that

might pose a threat. It is important to keep the potential ignition sources far from

potential sources. The amount of flammable materials taken from the ground

should be minimized. It is important to use fire resistant fluids as compared to mineral

oils.

Fire Protection and Control

Flammable waste as well as rubbish should be removed on a regular basis.

Oil filled electrical equipment, bitumen-filled electrical cable couplers & joints should progressively be replaced by safer alternatives.

Automotive industry should use ignition-protected electrical distribution systems.

There should be a close monitor of the oil filled electrical equipment.

Batter powered vehicles should be used as compared to internal combustion engines.

Fire protection and Control systems

Proper lubrications should be observed. It is important to remove ignition sources from the

equipments that are out of use for instance car batteries. Smoking should be controlled in vehicles as well as

below ground. The electrical equipments should be minimized in zones

that use flammable materials. The automobile industry should avoid using internal

combustion engines.

Fire protection and Control systems

Electric cables, fuels and hydraulic pipes should be separated from hot components in engine compartments in diesel vehicles.

This is usually done through the provision of physical barriers and routing system.

Diesel exhaust and space heaters which are hot components should be shrouded or even enclosed.

Installation of automatic fire suppression equipment. The invention of materials that are able to give off very

toxic fumes should be limited or even avoided.

NFPA Codes and Standards

It is the mandate of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to develop, publish as well as disseminate consensus codes as well as standards that limit the possibility of fire.

Installation, design and every building is affected by the NFPA regulations.

The standard codes are globally accepted as professional standards.

It is composed of representatives from several fire departments, insurance companies, unions as well as trade organizations.

NFPA Codes and Standards

National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) This code entails standards that are adoptable towards

safe installation of electrical wiring. The code is usually adapted so as to generate safe electrical practices.

NFPA 1901 This is the standard for automotive fire apparatus and

comprises of the standards of responding to firefighting mechanism.

Minimal standards are set by this code that guides all equipments associated with fire.

NFPA Codes and Standards

NFPA 1001 illustrates the requirements for all volunteer as well as career personnel who are involved in responding to fire outbreak.

Life Safety Code (NFPA 101 This code is used as a guide by those charged with the

design of vessels and vehicles. It is vital element in the determination of liability in case of

an accident. NFPA 101 is employed by insurance companies as they

respond to the set rates and risks.

NFPA Codes and Standards

NFPA 921 is a guide for fire and explosive investigations. Its objective is the establishment of guidelines in the

analysis of explosion or fire accident. Various fire investigation certificate examination are

based on passing NFPA 921. NFPA 72 The code illustrates the testing, performance,

maintenance and location of the fire alarm systems in vehicles and in buildings.

References

Barnett, J.G. (2004). Automotive Fire Analysis: An Engineering Approach. Arizona: Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company.

Gilles, T. (2011). Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair. Connecticut: Cengage Learning.

HSE. (n.d). Guidance on the prevention and control of fire and explosion at mines used for storage and other purposes. Retrieved 17th October 2011

from http://www.hse.gov.uk/mining/festorage.pdf NFPA. (2011). List of NFPA Codes and Standards. Retrieved 19th

October 2011 from http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/list_of_codes_and_standards.asp

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