Describe written plans, procedures, and work practices for fire detection and alarm systems.
Assignment Content
For this assignment, you will submit a scenario-based case study course project. Look at fire protection technology in a holistic way that is significantly different from what was previously designed by thinking in isolation. You will evaluate and develop recommendations to resolve potential fires in the future.
Section I
Section I will address the ethical dilemma of using the foreign-made fire pump, as described in the Points to Ponder Scenario within this unit, as a right versus right action or a right versus wrong action. As we saw in the Unit I lesson, Kidder (1995) described four basic paradigms that deal with most ethical dilemmas of right versus right choices. He believed ethical decisions often involve choices of the individual versus community, truth versus loyalty, short-term versus long-term, and justice versus mercy. Pick one of the paradigms below, and answer the question.
Is it right to use the foreign-made fire pump because others were not available in order to provide fire protection so the warehouse could reopen, and the workers could go back to work? OR
Do you believe using the fire pump dilemma was a right versus wrong action based on your own values, professional ethics, and institutional values?
Section II
Prepare a well-organized narrative addressing the existing fire protection, detection, and suppression systems for the warehouse in the Points to Ponder Scenario. Your discussion will consist of your evaluation of the previous fire protection, detection, and suppression systems. In addition, your recommendations for the rebuild of the warehouse should include the advantages that these systems have on life safety and loss prevention. Make sure to include emerging technologies related to fire protection systems that you recommend, and differentiate between the types of fire protection systems you believe would protect employees and visitors.As you make suggestions to improve life, safety, and fire protection, refer to the background information, if needed, to provide you with the necessary material to identify the basic components common to fire protection for the City of Washington Distribution Warehouse.Building upon the background information, as firefighters entered the structure, they had to wade through large amounts of product debris falling from the high-rack storage, and smaller debris was floating out of the loading dock doors. The products piled in the high racks hindered the operation of the in-rack sprinkler heads, allowing the products on the lower shelves to continue burning.Note: On the fire scene, in order for the firefighters to understand where the fire is located, sides and quadrant designations have been identified as A, B, C, D. The structure faces the street (i.e., the address side), which is normally the front door; this is referred to as Side A. Facing the front door going clockwise, each side then has a letter designation of B, C, D. This means that Side B is on the left, Side C is the rear, and Side D is the right.
Section III
It is critical for fire protection design engineers to understand the dynamics of fire and fire behavior. In this section, you should address the areas listed below.
Briefly describe the stages of fire from the ignition phase through decay.
Discuss heat, fuel, oxygen, and a chemical chain reaction (fire tetrahedron) and how it produces flaming (visible fire).
Summarize the benefits of fire protection systems in different types of structures based on fire behavior.
Section IV
As you make suggestions to improve fire detection and alarm systems, refer to the background information of the scenario, if needed, to provide you with the necessary material to identify the basic components common to fire protection for the City of Washington Distribution Warehouse.This assignment is not looking for compliance with building codes nor expecting you to be a fire protection system designer. However, the purpose of this assignment is for you to apply the concepts and knowledge you learned in this unit, which will cover protection systems that will detect, contain, control, and extinguish a fire. This assignment provides you with the opportunity to use your skills, expertise, and experience to enrich your response.Prepare a well-organized narrative addressing the fire detection and alarm system, and provide your recommendations after reviewing the background information and information above. Your discussion will consist of your evaluation of the previous fire detection and alarm system. In addition, from reading the textbook chapters and any additional research you conduct about detection and alarm systems, discuss your recommendations for the rebuild of the warehouse. Be sure to include the information below.
Briefly explain the function of a fire alarm control unit.
Categorize the types of audible notification appliances.
Discuss the three types of specialty signals.
For this assignment, you will write a four-page narrative (one page per section) supporting your position. Use APA-Style level one headings for each section. The heading should be indicative of the major section to follow. You must have a title page and references page. You may use information from reputable, reliable journal articles; case studies; scholarly papers; and other sources that you feel are pertinent. You should use at least three sources, of which one must be your textbook. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations following proper APA Style.
Requirements: four-page narrative (one page per section)
FIR 5301, Fire Protection Technology 1 Course Learning Outcomes for Unit III Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to: 1. Recommend appropriate fire protection systems for protecting life and property. 1.1 Describe written plans, procedures, and work practices for fire detection and alarm systems. 5. Examine emerging technologies related to fire protection. 5.1 Explain the function of a fire alarm control unit. 6. Evaluate design specifications for fire alarm systems. 6.1 Categorize the types of audible notification appliances. 6.2 Discuss the three types of specialty signals. Required Unit Resources Chapter 2: Fire Detection and Alarm Systems In order to access the following resource, click the link below. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2001). How to plan for workplace emergencies and evacuations (OSHA Publication No. 3088). https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3088.pdf Unit Lesson In the previous lesson, we learned that the components of fire protection, detection, and suppression are critical to ensure life safety and the protection of property. In addition, we learned the myth of pulling a manual fire alarm and activating the entire sprinkler system was found to be false. The fire alarm notification system is tied to the manual pull station, and pulling the alarm will initiate a signal notifying the monitoring company as to the type and location of the alarm. There are a variety of simple and complex fire alarm systems, and the optimal performance detection is the first defense against the spread of fire. According to Brakhage et al. (2016), fire alarm detection systems range from simple in nature to advanced detection systems with microprocessor-based software. Fire detection and fire alarm systems utilize fire alarm control units (FACU) that receive the signal from the initiating device, whether it is a smoke, heat, light, or gas detection or even water flow. FACUs monitor and control the devices and transmit a signal to a fire alarm monitoring company where the fire department is notified of the location and type of alarm. In addition, upon activation, the FACU initiates an audible alarm to evacuate the structure. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72 outlines the notification requirements for fire alarm appliances. What notification signaling appliance alerts occupants in a timely manner? Is it bells, buzzers, horns, speakers, strobe, or lights? What is the reliability of notification signaling appliances? Notification signaling appliances provide audible, visual, and textual signals. According to Gagnon (2008), of the different types of notification signaling appliances, a three-pulse temporal pattern allows individuals to recognize the alarm signal in a timely manner. Whether bells, buzzers, or horns, if it is a constant alarm sounding, it becomes ambient sound or white noise. The constant alarm is similar to a car alarm where many have become numb to the sound and, in many cases, not even respond to the sounding alarm even when there is an emergency. It happens so often that it has become a nuisance alarm to many believing it to be a false activation. Gagnon (2008) suggested that alarms are ignored because of the failure to recognize the sound, because it is a UNIT III STUDY GUIDE Fire Alarm Notification Systems
FIR 5301, Fire Protection Technology 2 UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title nuisance alarm, or because one cannot hear the alarm. As a result of numerous false alarms in some facilities, many have been conditioned to the sound. In addition, fire alarm system activation should not impact other zones being evacuated within the same structure and must be separated by a 2-hour rated wall, and the cabling that carries the notification signal must be rated for 2 hours (Gagnon, 2008). Points to Ponder Scenario At 1:17 p.m., the fire alarm monitoring company received a report of a water flow alarm at 44614 Mays Street West. The FACU-initiating devices did not sense the presence of the products of combustion and smoke conditions through the multi-criteria devices throughout the warehouse. The only notification received was the signal for a water flow-initiating device in the warehouse. A few minutes later, the monitoring company received notification of a pull station activation in the warehouse near the loading docks. The monitoring company notified the City of Washington Fire Department, and a first-alarm assignment was dispatched. The first company arrived shortly thereafter and reported seeing the dense black smoke issuing from the roof area of the City of Washington Distribution Warehouse. Workers stated that after pulling the manual pull stations, there was no audible alarm notification. Those in the office area and other parts of the warehouse were unaware of the fire and were not evacuated until the fire department arrived. After investigating, it was found that the alarm notification system on the older part of the warehouse and office was a pre-signal service with an integral delay, and someone in the office concerned about another false alarm cleared the notification. However, the sprinkler system and manual pull station were tied to a newer FACU and sent a signal to the monitoring company. The audible notification of the fire alarm pull station and the water flow detection-initiating device were wired into the pre-signal system, and when the system was silenced, the audible notification did not sound. The pre-signal was allowed by the previous business because they had written plans, procedures, and work practices concerning fire and evacuation as well as a trained fire brigade for a quick response until the fire department could arrive. Why was there only a water flow alarm and not a smoke or heat detection alarm in the scenario? Why was there a pre-signal system in the warehouse? What is a pre-signal system? Gagnon (2008) described a pre-signal system as a fire alarm system that sends a signal to a control room, front desk, or security workstation. The signal has a delay, and someone must manually activate a public alarm. Pre-signal systems are undesirable in many locations and must be approved by the authority having jurisdiction before installation. Most pre-signal systems have 24-hour supervision. Written Plans, Procedures, and Work Practices Is it important to have written plans, procedures, work practices, or even an emergency action plan with the advanced fire detection and fire alarms that we have today? Are these a thing of the past when systems were simple? Should workplace emergency be identified in advance? How do you protect employees and visitors in the workplace? Written plans, procedures, and work practices are needed in any organization, no matter how large or small they may be. Written plans and procedures point out unforeseen hazards or emergencies to the organization, employees, or even the public. These written plans and procedures identify multiple hazards or emergencies ranging from natural events to manmade. Even the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, 2001) suggests that these events were unforeseen threats and listed them as “floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, toxic gas releases, chemical spills, radiological accidents, explosions, and workplace violence resulting in bodily harm and trauma” (p. 1). The best time to prepare for an event is before Examples of fire alarm notification system
FIR 5301, Fire Protection Technology 3 UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title it happens, and the emergency action plan must be comprehensive and deal with specific hazards found in the workplace. Not all workplaces are the same, and each workplace has its unique hazards. Every emergency action plan consists of the following components: • a way to report fires and other emergencies; • strategies and processes for evacuation; • emergency procedures for escape and assigned routes, such as maps of floor plans and designated safe areas; • contact information of individuals inside and outside the company who know the details of the duties and responsibilities of individuals during the emergency plan; • measures for employees who stay to perform or shut down crucial company operations or maintain services that cannot be shut down for every emergency alarm; and • rescue and medical responsibilities for workers (OSHA, 2001). Without clear and concise written plans, procedures, and work practices during an emergency, confusion and chaos can result in injury, damage to property, and possibly death. These written documents need to identify someone who will be the incident commander or person in charge who can follow procedures using some type of command structure. Someone needs to be familiar with the procedure who can determine if the written plan needs to be activated; evacuate personnel; know the exact location and any known hazards present to communicate to emergency medical services, fire services, or both; and terminate plant operations when needed. Written plans, procedures, and work practices are aimed at minimizing the causes of fire and prevent injury and the loss of life to employees and visitors through written guidelines. These guidelines should identify potential fire hazards as well as address the proper storage and handling of combustible or hazardous materials. In addition, they should identify persons or positions responsible for the housekeeping procedures and the segregation and separation of combustible materials. The written plans should address training of employees for any hazards that they may be exposed to during their daily activities. Conclusion Fire detection and fire alarm systems are the first defense against the spread of fire through detection, whether by simple or complex systems. Fire detection and fire alarm systems utilize FACUs to receive the activation signal from the initiating device and transmit a signal to the monitoring company in order to reduce fire damage or the loss of life. Systems have transitioned from bells, buzzers, or horns to a more complex electronic alerting system that does not blend into the background. In addition to an audible notification to save lives and reduce damage, written plans, procedures, and work practices are needed to ensure the risk of fire has been reduced or eliminated as much as possible. References Brakhage, C., Abrams, A., & Fortney, J. (Eds.). (2016). Fire protection, detection, and suppression systems (5th ed.). Fire Protection Publications. Gagnon, R. M. (2008). Design of special hazard and fire alarm systems (2nd ed.). Delmar Learning. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2001). How to plan for workplace emergencies and evacuations (OSHA Publication No. 3088). https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3088.pdf Suggested Unit Resources In order to access the following resources, click the links below. You are encouraged to read about how you can create a written program for your facility to reduce hazards, establish safety rules, and enforce procedures to ensure employee and visitor safety. The article below
FIR 5301, Fire Protection Technology 4 UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title discusses the importance of having a written program that addresses work-related injuries and workplace safety. Caccavale, S. (2002, July). How to create your facility’s written program. Safety Management, 472, 1, 3, 6–7. https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=6964598&site=ehost-live&scope=site Although the document below was written about a concrete plant emergency plan, it covers the three parts needed for written safety plans: emergency action plan; fire prevention plan; and spill prevention plan for environmental spills of oils, fuels, and chemicals. Eckhardt, B. (1998, February). Written emergency plans-part I. Concrete Products, 101(2), 12–17. https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=317432&site=ehost-live&scope=site The video below discusses the importance of pre-signal alarms. S.E.R. Safety. (2016, November 12). System test 19: LED & pre-signal! [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGuifXK86bE Click here for a copy of the video transcript. Learning Activities (Nongraded) Nongraded Learning Activities are provided to aid students in their course of study. You do not have to submit them. If you have questions, contact your instructor for further guidance and information. Reflect on the concepts you have learned during your readings. What do you understand completely? What did not quite make sense? The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with the opportunity to reflect on the material you have read and to expand on it. If you are unclear about a concept, either review it in the textbook or ask your professor. Can you apply what you have learned to your career? How? This is not a summary. A reflection paper is an opportunity for you to express your thoughts about the material you are studying by writing about it. Reflection writing is a great way to study because it gives you a chance to process what you have learned and increases your ability to remember it. Use the following guidelines as you reflect on the course material. • List and compare the different types of manually operated fire alarm devices. • What are the types of audible notification appliances for fire alarm systems? • Explain the effectiveness of audible notification appliances given ambient sound or white noise. Write at least two pages, using APA style writing. This is a nongraded activity, so you do not have to submit it. If you have any difficulties with the unit content, contact your instructor for additional explanation and discussion.
Welcome to MOS 5301 Fire Protection Technology
Fire Protection Technology•Syllabus•Review course•Discussion post•Unit course project assignments
Course Layout •Units I through VIII•Discussions •Journal assignments•Unit Assignments•Live lectures
Discussion Post•Thought provoking and thorough•Work to advance the discussion•If you are having trouble with content, use research to support your response•Respond to one other student
Unit III Assignment •For this assignment, you will write a four-page narrative (one page per section) supporting your position. Use APA-Style level one headings for each section. The heading should be indicative of the major section to follow. You must have a title page and references page. You may use information from reputable, reliable journal articles; case studies; scholarly papers; and other sources that you feel are pertinent. You should use at least three sources, of which one must be your textbook. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations following proper APA Style.
Assignment III•Cover page•A page for each section (titled by subject or topic using level headings)•Reference page•Adhere to APA•References•Apply key course concepts
Unit III Assignment•Four sections (one page per section): •Section I will address the ethical dilemma of using the foreign-made fire pump. •Section II, address the existing fire protection, detection, and suppression systems for the warehouse in the Points to Ponder Scenario. Your discussion will consist of your evaluation of the previous fire protection, detection, and suppression systems. In addition, your recommendations for the rebuild of the warehouse should include the advantages that these systems have on life safety and loss prevention.
Unit III Assignment•For Section III, briefy describe the stages of fire from the ignition phase through decay, discuss heat, fuel, oxygen, and a chemical chain reaction (fire tetrahedron) and how it produces faming (visible fire), and summarize the benefits of fire protection systems in diferent types of structures based on fire behavior.•For Section IV, you are to prepare a well-organized narrative addressing the fire detection and alarm system, and provide your recommendations after reviewing the background information and information above. This discussion will consist of your evaluation of the previous fire detection and alarm system.
Journal Assignments•Unit IV •Unit VIII
Unit VII Assignment •Four sections (One page each): •Section I: Prepare a well-organized narrative that addresses foam- and water-based fire sprinkler systems and includes your recommendations after reviewing the background information and the information above.•Section II: Prepare a well-organized narrative addressing fire pumps and including your recommendations after reviewing the background information
Unit VII Assignment•For Section III: Describe the benefits that surge protection devices provide for fire pump components and systems against the damages of voltage surges.•For Section IV: prepare a well-organized and thoughtful summary of your recommendations for the fire protection system for the scenario-based case study
Unit VII Assignment•Use information from reputable, reliable journal articles, case studies, scholarly papers, and other sources that you feel are pertinent. You should use at least three sources, one of which must be your textbook. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations following proper APA Style.
Assignment Success•Read the instructions•Adhere to APA•Review the rubric•Contact the writing center for assistance•I provide thorough feedback in the feedback section as well as on the assignment.
The course text•Refer to the syllabus•Brakhage, C., Abrams, A., & Fortney, J. (Eds.). (2016). Fire protection, detection, and suppression systems (5th ed.). Fire Protection Publications.https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780879396015
Late Assignments•Assignments not turned in by the deadline will be penalized as follows:o One day late – 10 points deductiono Two days late – 20 points deductiono Three days late – 30 points deductionAssignments will not be accepted after the third day. The student will earn a zero on assignments not turned in by the third day after the deadline unless otherwise approved by the course professor, per the Assignment Make-Up Policy.o Students earn zero points if Discussion Board assignments are submitted late.
Questions
Increase water supply pressure available from public/private water systems and gravity tanksTransfer water from nonpotable static water sourcesProvide adequate water volume and pressure to private fire hydrants and water-based fire suppression systemsFire pumps play a critical role in the fire suppression system.6–17
Main function — Increase pressure of water that fows through itUsually needed to supply sprinkler or standpipe system because available water source cannot supply needed pressureShould be installed within two-hour rated enclosureA fire pump is a fixed pump that supplies water to a fire suppression system.6–18
Positive-displacement pumpWhen pressure is applied to confined liquid, the same pressure is equally transmitted in all directionsCaptures specific volume of fuid per pump revolutionMay be rotary lobe, rotary vane, or piston plungerSome modern fire pumps are the positive-displacement type.6–19
Uses impeller or turbine to create pressure by centrifugal force actionMay be installed in horizontal or vertical caseThe most common type of fire pump is the centrifugal type pump.6–20
Components•Driver to operate the pump •Controller to control the driverCriteria•Every pump must be installed in a system of piping and valves•NFPA® 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection•NFPA® 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection SystemsFire pumps have a common set of components and criteria for inspection, testing, and maintenance.6–21
Casing for shaft and impeller is split in the middle and can be separatedExposes shaft, bearing, and impeller to make it easy to repairThree types of fire pumps are commonly installed in all occupancy types.6–22(Cont.)Horizontal split-case centrifugal pump
Vertically mounted split-case centrifugal pump•Split-case can be mounted vertically or horizontallyVertical-shaft turbine pump•Used when water supply is from nonpressurized sourceThree types of fire pumps are commonly installed in all occupancy types.6–23
•Single impeller•Most horizontal split-case centrifugal pumps are single-stageSingle-stage•More than one impeller•Can deliver higher pressures•Commonly used to supply water to standpipes in high-rise buildingsMultiple-stageFire pumps are referred to as single-stage or multiple-stage.6–24
•Electric motors•Diesel enginesCommon types•Acceptable for use by NFPA® 20•Not commonly foundSteam-driven pumps•Still found in older installations•Not permitted for new installationsGasoline and propane Pump drivers are engines or motors used to turn the fire pump.6–25
Electric motors have long been a dependable source of power for driving fire pumps.6–26
Required pump hp determined byPump capacityNet pressurePump eficiencyAn electric motor must have adequate power output to drive the fire pump.6–27
Storms, fires, or accidents involving power lines, transformers, or substations can leave motors without power and fire pumps uselessWiring installations providing power for electric motors and controllers are required to comply with NFPA® 70, National Electrical Code®One disadvantage of electric motors involves reliability.6–28
Usually more expensive than electric driversDo not rely on external powerProven to be most dependable of all internal combustion enginesCurrently only kind of combustion engine considered acceptable for fire protection applicationsListed by UL and approved by FM Global if they are to be used for fire protectionNot all are acceptable for driving fire pumpsDiesel engines are a common and reliable means of powering fire pumps.6–29
Interruptions may be caused by•Explosion•Fire•Flood•Earthquake•Windstorms•Freezing•Vandalism•Other adverse conditionsFire pumps, drivers, and controllers are required to be protected against possible interruption of service.6–30(Cont.)
Must be equipped with•Overspeed shutdown services•Tachometers•Oil pressure gauges•Temperature gaugesAspects to consider when looking at applicability to fire pump use•Engine power•Engine requirements•Cooling•Fuel storageDiesel engines must have certain components and features if they are used for a fire pump application.6–31Courtesy of Sand Springs (OK) Fire Department
Equipment outside the building•At minimum, should be shielded by a roof or deck•Must be located at least 50 feet (15 m) away from the protected buildingIndoor equipment•Must be separated from all other areas of the building by fire-rated constructionFire pumps, drivers, and controllers are required to be protected against possible interruption of service.6–32(Cont.)
Fire Protection, Detection, and Suppression Systems
Passive fire protection can be part of building construction.1–34•Firewalls, fire doors, or sprayed-on structural fire protection•Passive–perform with no outside intervention or mechanical support•Passive cannot warn occupants of the dangers of an unwanted fire or suppress a growing fire
Active fire protection systems are fire protection, detection, and suppression systems.1–35•Require outside intervention or mechanical support •Activate and operate automatically or manually•Alert occupants to smoke or fire•Designed to change the course and outcome of a building fire•Work to benefit building owner, occupants, and responding fire department personnel
Active fire protection systems can be divided into two broad categories.1–36•Alert occupants to hazardous conditions by automatic and/or manual fire alarm equipment•Early detection and alarms remain the most significant factors in preventing large fire lossesFire Detection•Control and contain hazardous conditions until manual suppression can be achieved•Many water-basedFire Suppression(Cont.)
Active fire protection systems can be divided into two broad categories.1–37Fire detection systemsFire suppression systemsSave lives and decrease property loss by notification, early mitigation, and control of the fire
Prompted more restrictive requirements on assembly occupanciesEvents became benchmarks in history of fire protection, detection, and suppression systems providing much evidence of lifesaving benefits of these systemsMany events prompted changes in codes, regulations for design, installation, maintenance of fire protection systems.1–38
Historic catastrophic fires have increased the promotion and use of fire detection and suppression systems.1–39Fire LocationYearFatalitiesIroquois Theater, Chicago, IL1903602Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, New York City, NY1911145Cocoanut Grove Nightclub, Boston, MA1942492Winecof Hotel, Atlanta, GA1946119Katie Jane Memorial Home, Warrenton, MO195772Our Lady of Angels School, Chicago, IL195895Beverly Hills Supper Club, Southgate, KY1977165MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, NV198087Station Nightclub, West Warwick, RI2003100
Historic catastrophic fires have increased the promotion and use of fire detection and suppression systems.1–40(Cont.)Iroquois Theater Fire, 1903 •Scenery made of canvas painted in highly fammable oil paints•No automatic sprinklers •Stage fire curtain did not close properly•No emergency lighting•Smoke/heat vents not functional•Many exit doors locked/did not open in the outward direction
Historic catastrophic fires have increased the promotion and use of fire detection and suppression systems.1–41(Cont.)Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, 1911 •Company located on 8th-10th foors in high-rise building•Cigarette tossed in scrap bin•8th, 10th foors evacuated; 250 employees on 9th foor not informed of fire until 8th foor well involved•Occurred at closing time, one of two exit doors were locked on 9th foor•Unlocked exit and doors inaccessible•Doors not locked were blocked•Fire escape failed during use
Historic catastrophic fires have increased the promotion and use of fire detection and suppression systems.1–42(Cont.)Cocoanut Grove Nightclub, 1942•One account is that fire was started by a busboy’s match while changing a light bulb in an artificial palm tree•Cause deemed to be of “unknown origin” •Nightclub filled to twice its capacity•No automatic sprinklers•Exit doors swung in the wrong direction•Doors/windows sealed shut•Primary exit was a revolving door
Historic catastrophic fires have increased the promotion and use of fire detection and suppression systems.1–43(Cont.)Winecof Hotel, 1946•Deadliest hotel fire in U.S. history•One exit stairway, which became impassable early•Doors propped open•No fire suppression or alarm system•No way to notify hotel occupants•Occurred in the early morning
Historic catastrophic fires have increased the promotion and use of fire detection and suppression systems.1–44(Cont.)Katie Jane Memorial Home, 1957•One of deadliest nursing home fires in U.S. history•Believed to have started due to faulty wiring in the ceiling/wall•No sprinkler or alarm system•Only means of escape was unenclosed interior stairways that emptied into the main building•No outside fire stairs or slides
Historic catastrophic fires have increased the promotion and use of fire detection and suppression systems.1–45(Cont.)Our Lady of Angels School, 1958•Deadliest school fire in U.S. history•Started in basement trash can in stairwell•Structure’s wooden staircase was quickly engulfed in fames and location of fire blocked escape route for occupants of second foor•Exit corridors had combustible walls, ceilings•No sprinkler or alarm system•Stairwell was not enclosed•Delay in notification of fire department occurred
Historic catastrophic fires have increased the promotion and use of fire detection and suppression systems.1–46(Cont.)Beverly Hills Supper Club, 1977•Memorial Day weekend and building was packed with over 3,000 patrons•Inadequate egress and exit identification•No fire suppression or fire alarm systems•Began in unoccupied room•Believed to be electrical in nature•Fire burned for some time before discovery and quickly spread to other parts of building•Employees fought fire prior to notifying fire department or occupants
Historic catastrophic fires have increased the promotion and use of fire detection and suppression systems.1–47(Cont.)MGM Grand Hotel, 1980•Hotel had sprinkler system, casino did not•Hotel had many unprotected vertical shafts with openings that allowed smoke to enter and fill exit stairwells•Occupants entering the stairwells were unable to return to their room or foors due to automatic locking doors
Historic catastrophic fires have increased the promotion and use of fire detection and suppression systems.1–48Station Nightclub, 2003•Pyrotechnics during a band performance ignited soundproofing foam at back of stage•No automatic sprinklers•Individuals panicked and failed to use secondary exit routes•People rushed for the front door, which became jammed•Most victims died trying to exit at the front of the club
The necessity of fire protection, detection, and suppression systems is obvious from these historic events.1–49Resulted in codes and regulations being adopted, modified, or more strictly enforcedLarge loss of lifeNeed for early notification of occupants and fire department
There are four basic categories of fire protection, detection, and suppression systems.1–50Automatic Fire Protection, Detection, and Alarm Systems•Activated by smoke, high temperatures, radiant heat, or fame •Alert occupants and/or the fire department•Do not slow the growth of the fire or reduce the amount of smokeAutomatic Fire Suppression Systems•Suppress fire hazard by applying a fire-suppressing medium •Human intervention is not needed •Reduces the hazard to occupants, building, and firefighters(Cont.)
There are four categories of fire protection, detection, and suppression systems.1–51 Manual Fire Alarm Systems•Require activation by individuals•Manual pull stations are common components Manual Fire Suppression Systems•Standpipes, fire hoses, and fire extinguishers•Require an individual to operate
Standards and codes have been developed and adopted in response to tragic events.1–52Minimum requirements for design, construction, and use of buildings, structures and facilitiesDetermine type and extent of detection and suppression systemsEstablish minimum level of safety in a structureOrganizations that specialize in the development of standards and codes often create themIn order to be enforceable by law, the AHJ must adopt standards and codes
The infuence of fire protection, detection and suppression systems on life safety cannot be overstated.1–53•U.S. home usage of smoke alarms rose from less than 10 percent in 1975 to 94 percent in 2000•Number of home fire deaths cut nearly in half during this time Smoke Alarms•Reduce average property loss from fire by 50 percent or more •Property losses 85 percent less in buildings with sprinklersAutomatic Sprinkler Systems•Could reduce injuries, loss of life, and property damage by at least 50 percentSmoke Alarms and Sprinklers
Fire Protection Technology•Additional Collaborate session •Contacting me•Questions
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