fire safety evaluation at workplace

7/28/2019 Fire Safety Evaluation at Workplace

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Fire Safety Audit

By Dato Haji Badaruding Haji Mat Isa.Objectives

To ensure building is safe from fire. For the safety of life and properties.

Work continuity for staff andworkers.


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Strategies

Negotiate / meeting with owner, CEO of building orcompany who require fire safety audit on fees, timeschedules, report and presentation.

Study building plans- floor plans, M& E plans, siteplans, elevation plans and specific plans such as kitchen,assembly hall, theatres, etc. quickly.

What benchmark, building regulation standard and

codes to be used. Representative of building (technician) to accompany

the inspection and testing.


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Methodology

Prepare scheduling for inspection. Duration of instpection. Understand building regulation and familiarity with fire safety engineering,

fire science and human factors including standards, codes to be used. Read through the plan and ask owners representatives on unclear matters.

Understand symbols such as fire door, compartment, fire lift, rated materials

etc. (depending on purpose group of building) Determine where to begin. (Division of work amongst the team mate). Methodology of inspectionobservation, questionnaires, recording, physical

testing, video taping, camera, jotting points into record book. Measuring oflength and width may be required. May need to inspect roof. Meeting anddiscussion with team mates after the inspection possibly at night to prepare

preliminary report. Methodology in report writing ( identifying problems and suggest how to

solve the problems). Preparation for final representationpresentation should not be more than

1.5 hours..


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Tools

Note book to record observation. Video camera. Torch light. Rubber glove.

Wear appropriate garment. Measuring tape. Walkie-talkie. Equipment for testing of heat /smoke detectors

Identity Pressure gauge Scaling ladder (Be polite and diplomatic during inspection)


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What items, variable and sub-

variables to look for during the

inspection. Means of escape.

Means of alarm.

Means of fire extinguishment (manual or automatic .

Emergency communication facilities. Condition of compartments.

Ventilation systems.

Possible causes of firefire load, and arrangement.

Standard of management of fire safety in the building. Entry into the building if staircases are obstructed.

Condition of road, bridges, canopy & surrounding building

Application of building regulation, standard and codes.


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Fire scienceBy Dato Haji Badarudin Haji Mat Isa.

Fire Science is important to study the reaction or

behavior of building materials, fire spread etc. Matterelements (about 104 known), atoms, molecules, molecules of

identical atoms, molecules of different atoms (compound and mixtures). Matter can be solid, liquid and gas (vapor). Mattercomprises of combustible and not-combustible.

Fire trianglefuel, ignition temperature, oxygen and the ability of fire tosustain until full growth. Limit of flammability (upper and lower). Smoldering, fire and explosion. Terminologiesflash point, fire point, explosive range, vapor density,

specific gravity, conduction, radiation, convection, miscibility, poisonous

vapor, expension. Fire loadv. heavy, heavy, medium, and low. Atom - electron, proton, neutron , nucleus(electrical charge). Radioactivityunstable elements.


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Causes of fire

Electricityshort circuit, arching and overloading.

Mechanical faultoverheating, friction, breakdown ofmoving parts, boil over etc.

Chemical reactionchemical and physicalcharacteristic of materials and substances.

Human factorscarelessness, ignorance, enemy attack,

or deliberate (arson)(special study on arson). Natural causeslightening , earthquake, sagging or

cracks due to movement of earth,


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How to extinguish fire

Remove one of the ingredients in the fire triangle : cooling, blockoxygen from entering, break /remove combustibles into smallerparts.

Fire graph for normal fire and fast developing fire,

Remove oxygen by covering entry of oxygen, Use foam (light, medium and heavy foam) Use water for ordinary combustible substances. Fine spray (fog) may be use on liquid fire. Dry powder (the A,B, C type) Special extinguisher for mettle fires. Inert gas, Carbon dioxide, FM200, etc. Design of fire fighting systems must be according to the risk.


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Items variables and sub-variables to

be inspect or observe.6. ITEMS TO BE EVALUATED IN FIRE SAFETY

Benchmark in building construction, which involves the

knowledge on UBBL. This may also include the knowledge

on the perfomance based fire engineering concept solution

Evaluate possible causes of fire

Evaluate condition of means of escape Evaluate condition of means of alarm

Evaluate fire safety management standard and its

implementation

Evaluate fire load at work place

Adequacy in fire protection (equipment and its maintenace)

Evaluate condition of compartments or prevention of fire

spread

Evaluate condition of ventilation system including the

study of possible fire spread in bulding

Evaluate condition of emergency of emergency

communications

Evaluate condition of means of entry during emergency

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7. EVALUATION OF POSSIBLE CAUSES OF FIRE

Electricityshort circuiting, arching and overloading

Mechanicals originationfriction, lack of maintenance Chemicalsreactivity, explosiveness of substances,

corrosiveness, toxicity, radioactivity

Human factorscarelessness, ignorant and deliberate

Spreading from other buildings, floors or compartment or

from outside sources

Self ignition or spontaneous comnustion

8. EVALUATION ON THE STATUS OF FIRE LOAD

Light: 1 to 100,000 BTU/lb. per sq. floor or 231,375 kJ/kg

per sq. meter floor (one hour fire protection)

Moderate: 100,001 to 200,000 BTU/lb per sq. feet of floor

area or 471,658 kJ/m sq. of floor (2 hours fire protection)

Heavy: 200,001 to 300,000 Moderate: 100,001 BTU/lb. per

sq. feet of floor area of above 471,658kJ/m sq. floor area (4

hours fire protection)


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The effect of heat on building

materials

Raise the temperature.

Expension of materials.

Change in physical shape / constituents. Change in chemical constituents.

Conduction, radiation and convection (fire

spread).


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APPLICATION

Building design (fire protection)means of escape,mean of fire detection, means of alarm, emergencycommunication, compartments, ventilation system,signage, entry into the building for rescue & firefighting.

Fire suppressionfire extinguishers, fixed installations,

Fire preventionmanagement of fire safety, fire safety

policy, maintenance, inspection and supervision,evaluation of risk, training of staffs, fire instruction,reports, budget for maintenance, preparedness.


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Formulation of building by-laws

Fire safety to various types of premises

(purpose groups of building).

Derivatives of building regulationsengineering (structural, civil,mechanical, electrical , soil) ,

administration, fire safety engineering,

fire science and human factors.


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Uniform Building by-laws

Contain 9 parts including 10 schedules (258 provisions).

Part 2submission of plans for approval.

Part 3Space, light and ventilation.

Part 4 - Temporary works in connection with buildingoperations.

Part 5Structural requirements

Part 6Constructional requirements.

Part 7 - Fire requirements.

Part 8 - Fire alarm, fire detection, fire extinguishment and firefighting access,

Part 9 - Miscellaneous including the 10 schedules.


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The ten schedules of the UBBL

1st ScheduleFees.

2nd ScheduleForms A, B, C, D, and E

3rd Schedule - Ventilation for health requirement

4th ScheduleWeight of materials & use of loads.

5th Schedule - Designation of purpose group.

6th ScheduleCalculated of permitted limit of unprotected areas.

7th Schedule - Travel distances and dead ends.

8th Schedule - Restriction of flame spread.

9th Schedule - Limit of compartment and minimum periods offire resistance of building materials.

10th ScheduleFire equipment and fire alarm requirements.


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9. EVALUATION ON THE CONDITION OF MEANS OF ESCAPE

Horizontal escape (direct and indirect travel distance and dead ends)variables and sub-variables. Escape for large factory, flated factory,

single staircase building. Vertical escapevariables and sub variables (staircasae design,

enclosure, lighting and ventilation of vertical escape)

Final exitvariables and sub-variables, atrium, escalators, key to finalexit, ventilation (obstruction, grills etc.),

Escape from basement to the groud floor.

Standard time for escape to a safe area inside or outside the building(sleeping risk, non sleeping risk and escape for the disable people.

Staircase designs: Fire fighting staircase, internal and externalstaircases, staircase enclosures, fire fighting lobby, ventilation, treads,risers, hand rails, anti slip, free from obstruction, indicators, emergencylighting, grills, fire fighting lobby, fire equipment control.

Staircase distribution.


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Evaluation on emergency control

centre (in large & high-rise bldg). Location of the centre. Who is in charge of the control centre?. Panelsfor sprinkler, lifts, detectors, manual fire alarm, bulk Co2, Energen,

FM 200 etc. Plans of various floors and M &E for systems including elevation plan.

Central Monitoring System to fire brigade. Other emergency telephonesto police, fire department, security, LLN.,

waterworks, CEO, Chief Administrator etc. Intercom system, public address system, loud hailer. Occurrence book, clock, computer recorder, etc. Operational toolslift door key, breaking in tools, cutter, axes, breathing

apparatus, torch light, rescue tools, helmets with visors, Important lists - location of disabled persons, fire extinguishers, important

valves, storage of dangerous goods, important inventory. Special instruction board / notices/ inspection reportimportant info.


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11. EVALUATION ON OCCUPANCY LOAD

This is assoiated with means of escape to determine size of fire door, corridors and

staircase including waiting area for halls, theatres etc.

Scale of areas for various usage as mentioned inthe UBBL 1984 To justify overcrowding

Discharge rate and evacuation time

Corridors (crossand non crossed ventilation corridors)

Smoke barriers

Fire doors, smoke stop doors, magnetic fire doors

Exit signs, signage and other indicators

Ventilation: pressurization, motorize dampers, windows opening for ventilation, smoke

exhaust

Fire fighting excess level ( entry building by fire fighters and final escape for occupants)

Emergency communicationfire telephone, public adress system, panels etc.

Single staircase building

Refuge area or smoke lobbies

Means of escape fo the disabled

Staircases for basements

Fire lifts and passenger lifts


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12. EVALUATION ON THE ADEQUACY AND CONDITION OF FIRE EQUIPMENT

Refer Schedule 10 of the UBBL 1984 as regard to fire requirement on fire equipment

There are numerous types of fire fighting equipment, and the evluator is expected to

understand each type , its construction, standard specification, usage and placement Equipment are:

Fire extinguishers

Trolly type of fire extinguishers

First aid hose reels

Dry risers

Wet risers

Automatic sprinker

Drencher system

Foam base injection system

Foam pourers

CO2 system

Water fog system

Water canon

FM200

Energen

Fire Hydrants (public main or pressurized) etc.

Understand concept of the system

Testing and reports


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13. EVALUATION ON COMPARTMENTS

Refer UBBL 1984 Schedule 7 in connection to compartment size

Party walls

Compartment walls

Compartment floors

Fire walls, enclosure walls

Separating walls

Fire doors (function)

Comparmetal sizes (refer UBBL)

14. EVALUATION ON SMOKE VENTILATION (ie. possible smoke and heat movement)

Open concept

Cross ventilation

Pressurization

Jack roof type

Special fan systems for intake of fresh air and exhaust of smoke

Special exhaust fan on roof and fresh air intake

Smoke curtain , possition of fire / smoke dampers


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15. EVALUATION ON MEANS OF ENTRY INTO THE BUILDING AND COMPOUND

FOR RESCUE AND FIRE FIGHTING OPERATION

Bridges Road elevation

Fire engine entry

Road stability

Canopy and projection on walls

Road sizes and system and traffic flow (including island approach and access road of the

building etc. Turning circles

Provision for building with glass walling

Car park arrangement

Fire hydrants position and conditionoutput and flow of water supply.

Exposure hazard - distance between building (refer Schedule Six)

Position of control center and entry into building / designated floor.

Position of inlet connections for dry riser


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Evaluation on management of fire

safety in the building.

Is there creation of fire safety policy.

Is there any planning on the implementation of thepolicy - training, checking, formation of fire warden,

maintenance, maintenance schedule? Are there documents indicating responsibilities.

Distribution of responsibilities. Who is to do what?

Coordination in the implementation of policy. Record or special circulation file.

Evaluation on the 5 subjects above.


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16. EVALUATION ON POSSIBLE ARSON

Staff, visitors, enemy agents etc

Reduce arson riskproper building designs (doors, windows, grills etc.)

Building locationcrime area etc.

Security checknight rounds, cctv etc.

Possible easy entry force

Lighting and alarm system

Human factorjealousy, quarrel, removal of evident, fraud, unhappy with employer,sabotage, mentally disordered person etc.

Lack of good housekeepingthrowing cigarette end etc.

Set-up arson control strategiesawareness of vulnerability of arson, security measures(prevent intruders, detection of intruders, control of ignition sources, division of areas byfire brickwall, detection of fire at early stage, installation of appropriate fire extinguishingsystems, division of segregration of high value stock, general competent of staffs, sincerityof staffs etc.)

Building security system

bomb threat, terrorism etc.


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17. EVALUATION ON THE SAFETY OFTHE DISABLED PERSONS

Catergoriesdeaf, blind, unable to walk, infant,injured person, pregnancy, very old person etc.

Placement or office room / working areashouldpossibly not far from the main staircase

Special training for staff assigned to assist the

disabled persons during emergency Establiishment of the buddy system for the disabled

persons

Hospital buildings - the wards must be speciallydesigned (for easy evacuation during emergency)

Formulate an emergency procedure for the disabledpersons


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Entry into the building if the

staircases are not passable.

Special entry using high-rise fire brigade ladder.

In glass curtain high-rise building, to havebreakable glass window at specific points for

firefighter to enter for rescue, ventilation & firefighting.

Alternative means of entry into the building

during emergencypossible fixing of special catladder, special external lift, etc.

Air drop or hovering of helicopter.


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All the above elements can be transformed into checklist for the purpose of checkingoffire safety elements at work place. It is important to understand all theseelements to ensure fire safety in the building is intact. This evaluation process must be

carried out at intervals, and should be an on going process throughout the life span of thebuilding.

THANK YOU

Risk e al ation


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Risk evaluation(Accessing fire load, risk and

hazard) Colorific value is the amount of heat given out by agiven weight of combustible materials when it iscompletely burnt. Each combustible material has it owncolorific value (or heat energy) examples:

Oak wood- 7,180 Btu per lb (16,70l kJ / kg) Pine wood- 8,080 Btu / lb ( 18,794 kJ/kg) Asphalt - 17,160 Btu /lb (39914 kJ/kg) Coke 12,810 Btu/ lb ( 29,796 kJ / kg ) Wrapping paper 7,103 Btu /lb (16,522 kJ/kg) Polyurethane 16,500 Btu/ lb Polyvinyl chloride9,250 Btu / lb Nylon - 10,000 Btu /lb Rubber - 17,000 Btu / lb. Coal - 14,000 Btu /lb


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Fire load

Fire load = total amount of heat (in Btu or kJ)given out by the burning combustible compareto the area it occupies i.e. use formula amount

of combustible (mass) in lb X its colorific valuein Btu / lb divide by total floor area occupied insq feet. = average Btu /sq feet, or

Amount of combustible (mass) in kg. X colorificvalue in kg divide by floor area it occupies in sqmeters = kJ/sq meters


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Categories of fire load.

Low fire load = below 100,000 Btu / sq feet(1,129,686 kJ/ sq meter)Need one hour fireprotection.

Moderate fire load = 100,001 to 200,000 Btu/sqfeet (less than 2,258,927 kJ/sq meter) needstwo hours fire protection.

High fire loadexceeding 200,001 Btu/sq feetor above 2,258,972 kJ/ Sq meter - need 4 hoursfire rating.


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Simple quantification of fire load

Question : Part of a single storey shop house is usedas a paper store. The area assigned for the storage is 20feet by 15 feet. The partition for the store is made up ofplywood. The paper with the colorific value of 7,200

Btu per lb is stacked on a raised wooden floor and atsome point the stacking is up to 6 feet in height, with asmall passage way at the center of the storage area. Thetotal volume of paper in the store at the time ofinspection is 900 cubic feet. If the weight of one cubic

feet of paper is 10 lbs, what would you consider be thestatus of the store, i.e. low, medium or heavy fire load ?

What would be your fire protection recommendation?


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CULCULATION (ANSWER)

Total area of the store = 20 x 15 feet = 300sq feet

Amount of paper stacked = 900 cu feet

One cu feet of paper weight 10 lbs.

Therefore the total weight of paper = 900 x 10 lbs =9000 lbs

Formula = amount of combustible in lbs x colorificvalue (Btu in lbs) divide by floor area

= 9,000 x 7,200 Btu /sq feet divide by 300 sq feet =216, 000 Btu/ sq feet (excluding raised wooden floor,partition and ceiling).


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Answer / recommendation.

216,000 Btu /sq feet is heavy fire load. Additional fireload will come from raised wooden floor and plywood.

May not be economical to sprinkler the building.

Alternatively to add more fire extinguishers, installationof hose reel, fire hydrant close to store and in goodcondition and in readiness for use, including installationof smoke alarm system.

Trained workers, how to handle fire extinguishers, hosereel and fire hydrant. Good house-keeping and ensuresafety before leaving store. Worker or guard to stay in.


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The 6 steps method of fire rating

1. Identify the fire hazard

2. Identify the people at risk

3. Remove or reduce the fire hazard 4. Assign the risk category.

5. Decide if the existing fire safety arrangement

are satisfactory or need improvement. 6. Record the finding


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The risk factor matrix method (6 X 6

matrix) in term of harm to people.

Severity Harm caused

Negligible Minor bruises/ discomfort

Slight Some minor injuries

Moderate Many minor injuries

Severe Some major injuries

Very severe Many major injuries and

lower than 5 death Catastrophes Five or more deaths


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Fire hazard - damage or loss of

properties.

Severity Damage/ loss

Negligible Slight smoke damage

Slight Loss/damage to some equipment Moderate Loss of one floor of building.

Severe Whole building damage.

Very severe Total loss of the whole building Catastrophic Loss of whole site.


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Severity of fire hazard in term of

business interruption

Severity Duration of interruption

Negligible A few hours.

Slight One day. Moderate One week.

Severe One month

Very severe Up to six month. Catastrophic Six month to one year.


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Severity of the fire hazard in term of

financial loss.

Severity Financial loss

Negligible RM 1000 or less

Slight RM 1,001 to RM 5,000 Moderate RM 5,001 to RM20,000

Severe RM 20,001to RM100,000

V. severe RM100,001 to RM 500,000 Catastrophic RM 500,001 to RM 1,000,000


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Severity of fire hazard industrial

method classification table

Frequency Value Harm Value

Uncommon 1 Trivial injury 1

Infrequent 2 Minor injury 2 Occasional 3 One major injury 3

Frequent 4 Several major injuries 4

Regular 5 One death 5 Common 6 Multiple death 6


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Risk categories corresponding to

calculated risk rating

RISK RATING RISK CATEGORY

Less than 15% Low

15% to 50% Normal Greater than 50% High


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The sum of risk factor, the average risk factor,

and rating for each of the two buildings

Building A Building B

(X x Y) (X x Y)

6 X 5 = 30 2 X 2 = 4

5 X 6 = 30 3 X 3 = 9

5 X 5 = 25 2 X 3 = 6

6 X 5 = 30 1 X 2 = 2

4 X 5 = 20

Total (XY) = 135. Total (XY) = 21

Average (XY)= 135/5 =27 Average XY = 21/4=5.25

Risk rating = 27x2.8=75.6% Risk rating 5.25 x 2.8=14.7 %


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Other methods of risk rating

Using the 5 or 7 columns rating evaluation i.e. bad tobest : 17 columns or 1 to 5 columns (based on skillsand experience) .

Using algorithm (based on skills and experience) . Using the calculation of method of colorific value of

combustible.

Calculation on possible smoke emission and speed.

Other mathematical method.

fire safety evaluation at workplace

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