RR <& alli INTERNATIONAL RRC Study Text NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety Units FSC1 and FSC2 2 PGNING NN ais @ scanned with OKEN ScannerNEBOSH FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE UNIT FSC1: FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE UNIT FSC2: PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT Element 1: Managing Fire Safety Element 2: Principles of Fire and Explosion Element 3: Fuel, Oxygen and Ignition Sources and Control Measures | Element 4: Fire Protection in Buildings | Element 5: Safety of People in the Event of Fire Element 6: Fire Safety Risk Assessment Unit FSC2: Practical Assessment @ scanned with OKEN ScannerIntroduction Element 1: Managing Fire Safety ‘Moral and Financial Reasons for Managing Fire Safety 13, Consequences of Inadequate Fire Safety Management 13 Financial Implications of False Alarms “4 Size of the Fire Safety Problem 14 Roles and Responsibilities of the Occupier of a Building a Costs of Inadequate Management of Fire Safety ue The Role of National Governments and International Bodies in Developing Frameworks for the Regulation of Fire Safety 17 UK Legal Framework 7 Employers’ and Workers’ Responsibilities mH Role of Enforcement Agencies and Other External Agencies including Consequences for Non-Compliance 1-12 Sources of Information on National Standards 3 Summary 114 Exam Skills 115 Element 2: Principles of Fire and Explosion “The Principles of Combustion, Fire Growth and Fire Spread 23 Fire Tiangle 23 Chemistry of Combustion 23 ‘Methods of Heat Transfer 25 Stages of Fire 27 Factors that Influence Fire Growth Rates and Smoke Movement 28 ‘The Conditions in which Flashover and Backdraught May Occur tt Ignition of Solids, Liquids and Gases 212 Definitions 2-12 Ignition of Solids, Liquids and Gases 24 Preventing or Controlling Ignition 245 Principles of Explosion and Explosive Combustion 247 Mechanism of Explosion 27 Materials Commonly Involved in Explosions 218 “Types of Explosions 248 Summary 2:20 Exam Skills 221 @ scanned with OKEN ScannerElement 3: Fuel, Oxygen and Ignition Sources and Control Measures Fuel, Oxygen and Ignition Sources 33 Introduction to Causes of Fires and Explosions in Typical Work Activities a Accidental Fires 33 Sources of Fuel a Sources of Oxygen 3 ves 35 Fite and Explosion Risks from Flammable Materials Fire Load ee Fire Risks in Construction and Maintenance Worle ae Control of Fire Risk in Construetion and Maintenance Work 38 ‘Arson Attacks 38 Appropriate Control Measures to Minimise Fire and Explosion Risks aa Introduction to Appropriate Control Measures to Minimise Fie and Explosion Risks aa Control of Sources of ignition oie Control of Sources of Fuel ie Properties and Safe Storage of LPG ae Properties of LPG ie Control of Sources of Oxygen a Management of Control Measures zs Mitigating the Consequences of Explosions sie 3.27 28 Exam Skills 32 rn @ scanned with OKEN Scannera eee eae Element 4: Fire Protection of Bi ‘The Means of Fire Protection and Prevention 43 Elements of Structure 43 Requirements for Fire Resistance for Structural Elements of Buildings +4 Means of Preventing Internal Fire and Smoke Spread a4 Fire-Resisting Dampers 47 Internal Fire Growth 47 Fire-Resisting Walls, Floors and Ceilings 48 Alarm Systems Linked to Ventilation Systems 49 Means of Preventing External Fire Spread 49 Means of Escape an Principles of Means of Escape and General Requirements 412 Means of Escape for People at Greater Risk +24 Evacuation of Vulnerable People 4-25 Methods and Systems for Early Warning of Fire 427 Fire Alarm and Fire Detection Systems 427 ‘Types of Automatic Detection 428 ‘Types of Alarm and Detection Systems 429 Fire Alarm Zoning 430 ‘Alarm Signalling 430 Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) Systems 43 ‘Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCS) 431 Manual Systems 431 Selection of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems 432 Maintenance and Testing of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems 434 Classification of Fires, Extinguishing Media and Portable Fire-fighting Equipment 436, Classification of Fires 436 Extinguishing Media and Mode of Action 436 Portable Fire-ighting Equipment 438 Method of Operation and Maintenance for Fixed Installations Systems 441 Fixed Insalations 441 Requirements for Ensuring Access for the Fire Service is Provided and Maintained 44 Fire-Fighting Vehicle Access 484 ‘Access to Buildings fr Fire-Fighting Personnel 445 Fire-Fighting Shafts /Starwells 446 Liaison with the Fire Authority 446 Summary, 4-48 Exam skills 4-49 @ scanned with OKEN ScannerElement 5: Safety of People in the Event of Fire Fire Emergency Plan - Purpose ofa Fre Emagen Pan Sa Content of a Fire Emergency Plan e lsc Premises 56 ‘Why Business Continuity Planning is Required Mitigation Measures to Minimise the Environmental Impact ofa Fire zs Legal Obligations Related to Environmental Protection = Pre-Planning the Minimisation of Environmental Impact a Site and Damaged Area Clean-Up Considerations Fire Evacuation 5-10 | Evacuation Procedures 28 Evacuating Members of the Public oi | Behaviours of People in the Event of a Fire 5:16 Principles of Sensory Perception BS | ‘The Effect of Time Pressure and Stress on the Decision-Making Process ay | Likely Behaviour of Individuals Responsible for Others 5 How Heat and Smoke Could Affect Human Behaviour During an Evacuation 5-20 Crowd Movement (individual and in Groups) 5-20 ‘Appropriate Training Requirements 5.23 | Fire Safety Training 5-23 Roles and Responsibilities in an Emergency 5.24 ‘Workers with Management/ Supervisory Roles 5.25 Summary 5.27 Exam Skill 5.28 @ scanned with OKEN ScannerElement 6: Fire Safety Risk Assessment Objectives of Fire Safety Risk Assessments $3 Hazard and Risk 63 Objectives of Fire Risk Assessments be! Different Types of Fire Incidents 66 ‘Competent Persons 66 Principles and Practice of Fire Safety Risk Assessments 68 Legal Requirements for Fire Safety Risk Assessment ss Fire Safety Risk Assessment Process 2 Risk Assessment of Substances Capable of Forming a Flammable or Explosive Atmosphere 6-20 Risk Assessment of Dangerous Substances a Summary 6-22 © Exam Skis 623 Unit FSC1: Final Reminders Unit FSC2: Fire Safety Practical Application Suggested Answers @ scanned with OKEN Scannerfata Managing Fire Safety Learning Objectives ‘Once you've studied this element, you should be able to: @ Outline the moral and financial benefits of good management of fire safety. @ Explain the role of national governments and international bodies in formulating a framework for the regulation of fire safety. @ scanned with OKEN Scanner——— 43 ‘Moral and Financial Reasons for Managing Fire Safety 13 Consequences of Inadequate Fire Safety Management ae Financial Implications of False Alarms a Size of the Fire Safety Problem Hes Roles and Responsibilities of the Occupier of a Building a Costs of Inadequate Management of Fire Safety The Role of National Governments and International Bodies in Developing | Frameworks for aa the Regulation of Fire Safety UK Legal Framework. ee Employers’ and Workers’ Responsibilities 2 Role of Enforcement Agencies and Other External Agencies including Consequences for Non-Compliance ie Sources of Information on National Standards oe ‘Summary a4 Exam Skills Ac15. Ria eer ese oe @ scanned with OKEN ScannerIRE GY aneurin cia eterna kot 14 | Moral and Financial Reasons for Managing Fire Safety IN THIS SECTION... +The three main reasons why an organisation has to maintain good standards of fire safety are moral, social and economic. The costs of fire incidents can be substantial, ranging from repair replacement and investigation cost, to defending legal actions. Many ofthe large number of fire incidents that occur, resulting in human and financial loss are preventable + An occupier ofa building has a responsibilty for ll visitors to the premises, Consequences of Inadequate Fire Safety Management Fire safety at work is primarily the responsibilty of the employer. Inadequate management of fire safety can have serious consequences for employers and occupiers of buildings. There may be aneed to comply with egal requirements and employers have a moral responsibilty to ensure appropriate working conditions, where risks are minimised. There are also compelling financial reasons for implementing and ‘maintaining high standards of fire safety in the workplace. The stakeholders of an organisation, such as shareholders, employees, clients, suppliers and ‘neighbours’, may all be adversely affected by the negative publicity and loss of ‘corporate image’ which may follow a major fire. Employee morale and motivation could be affected by disruption ‘caused by a major fire or explosion incident. We can summarise the reasons why an organisation has to maintain good standards of fre safety as + Moral- relating tothe need to: ~ Reduce injuries, pain and suffering Promote a positive fire safety culture to help improve morale, ~ Contribute to the reduction of fire-related fatalities injuries and environmental damage. ‘+ Social - relating to the need to: = Comply with legal requirements. ~ Avoid enforcement action or possible prosecution before the courts Costs of inadequate management of fire safety Meet the social expectations of society regarding responsibilities of employers and occupiers of buildings Financial - relating to = Avoiding ~ Costs of repairing or replacing damaged buildings and plant. Uninsured costs of cleaning-up operations after a fire ~ Costs arising from damage to the environment. Costs associated withthe investigation ofa fire. ~ Legal costs. = Financial implications of false alarms @ scanned with OKEN ScannerPee cod ta a la a confident and motivated workforce = improving levels of production and quality from anisations the community and other ore Enhancing the organisation's reputation and relationship with Financial Implications of False Alarms Fale alarms can aie from the use of automatic fire detection systems and may inc costs by: «Reducing the avalabilty ofthe Fie and Rescue Service (FRS) for real fires. tuations. ly increasing evacuation time in real fires the possibilty of financial «Causing lost production time and ultimate mn being taken against repeat offenders, with © Increasing the risk of enforcement actios penalties being imposed. False alarms may be: «Unwanted alarms, triggered by fumes from cooking processes, steam from bathrooms ‘and showers, tobacco smoke, dust, insects, and aerosol sprays «Equipment false alarms, generated by faits within the system equipment «Malicious false alarms, triggered when there is no fire 1+ False alarms with good intent, triggered when theres no fire. Size of the Fire Safety Problem In the absence of meaningful and comprehensive international data, the following recent UK statistics give an ilustration of the extent ofthe fre safety problem. In Britain FRSs attended 573,221 incidents in the year ending June 2019. ‘This was a 2% inerease compared with the previous year (559,347) but a 20% decrease compared with ten years ago (717,805 in 2008/09) “The number of fre-elated fatalities has been on a general downward trend since 1981 /82 when there were 755 fire-related fatalities. In the year ending June 2019, however, there were 268 fire-related Fire incident fatalities compared with 23 in the previous year (an increase of 6%). “The tote numberof incidents was ona downward tend for around a decade, though they have increased in recent sons mainly dven by ncreasesn none incidents attended by FS However the increase this year was mainly ‘ren by an increas in enue es attended. il the numberof maious fale alarms has gone up (by 1% on 2017/18) to roughly 229,805 in 2018/19. (Source: Fire and Rescue Incident Statistics: England, year ending June 2019) “The general trend is for the number of incidents to steadily decrease, but the stati e steadily decrease, but the statistics are still unacceptably high. © RRC International @ scanned with OKEN ScannerMC GIRO AU CODEN aa CRTs ja | DEFINITIONS ‘The UK classification for fie statistics eifferentiates: PRIMARY FIRE Ay fire involving: © Casualties, # Rescue or escape, + Property, + Attendance of at least fe fre appliances, SECONDARY FIRE Reportable fires thats +" Did not involve property, casualties or rescues, [i ¢, Weve attended by four or fever fir appliances ‘further impact of fire incidents isthe effect on the environment that can arise from pollution. This includes: + Disposal/run-off of water - contaminated with fire extinguishing agents or decontamination of fire-fighters’ personal protective equipment, particularly following chemical incidents. ‘+ Disposal of contaminated waste materials and debris - such as degradation products arising from combustion ‘of building materials and specific hazardous substances, eg lead and asbestos ‘+ Smoke pollution - consisting of tiny particles of soot, highly toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, and smoke from chemical fires »=Roles and Responsibilities of the Occupier of a Building 0 ~ The occupier of a building has a responsibility for the safety of visitors to the premises, in relation to the purposes for \which they are invited or permitted to be there, An occupier should be prepared for children to be less careful than adults and should pay special attention to any other vulnerable persons © lf the occupier of the building is also an employer, there will be a responsibilty to provide a safe workplace for ‘employees, including the control of fire risks. Costs of Inadequate Management of Fire Safety “Losses due to fire ean cost countries a significant percentage (1% upwards) of Gross Domestic Product, We listed several financial impacts earlier, but there can also be significant disruption toa business due tr + Loss of production. + Injury and loss of life. 1 © Loss of business continuity with subsequent effects on sales and profits. ity for fines and for payment of damages in respect of fire-related injuries and losses at work @ scanned with OKEN Scannern= HINTS AND TIPS When you answer NEBOSH examination questions, itis permissible to refer to the legislation appropriate for the relevant national country, eg, Scotland or Northern Ireland. However, make sure that you clearly state: “In Scotland.” or “in Northern Ireland... Use of conventions or codes of practice from the ILO are also acceptable, STUDY QUESTIONS 1. (a) What are the three main arguments for maintaining good standards of fire safety? { (0) Whatis the potential impact on an organisation that fais to maintain good standards of fire safety? 2. How may false alarms incur cost? 3. What are the responsibilities of the occupier of a building? f (Suggested Answers are at the end.) a. ses @ scanned with OKEN ScannerThe Role of National Governments and International Bodies in Developing re cme Cedi The Role of National Governments and International Bodies in Developing Frameworks for the Regulation of Fire Safety IN THIS SECTION... Inthe UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) sets out the broad statutory provisions relating to fire safety n England and Wales. The corresponding legal frameworks in Scotland and Northern Ireland take a similar approach, The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the world’s largest developer of international standards, with ISO Technical Cornmittee 92 responsible for developing fire safety standards. The International Labour Organization (ILO) i responsible for drawing up and overseeing international labour standards, and ILO Recommendation R14 identifies obligations that might be placed on employers and employees in order to achieve the basic goal of a safe and healthy place of work, making specific reference to prevention and control of fires and explosions. International frameworks forthe regulation of fire safety seek to ensure the safety, in the event of fire, of persons (whether they are employees, residents visitors or others) by setting out the rights and responsibilities of persons in respect offre safety, n particular employers and workers. Enforcement systems for fire safety vary between countries, but common practice is a fire authority with a role in enforcing fire safety legislation and/ar advising employers. UK Legal Framework fie adel “The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) simplified and reformed much ofthe previous legislation relating to fire safety in non-domestic premises. It places a greater emphasis on fre prevention and relates only to England and Wales. = inst werlting, Wena Wome Provision for fire safety in non-domestic premises in Scotland is contained in Part 3 of the Fire Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006, These regulations were made under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and require Fire Risk Assessments tobe carried out {0 remove or reduce the risk of ie. ln Northern Ireland, the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 were introduced to simplify existing fire safety legislation in non-domestic premises and Teinforce a similar risk-based approach to fire prevention Each legal framework takes a similar approach requiring Fire risk assessment. * Identification offre hazards and rs, and persons at rsk Removal and reduction of rss as far as reasonably possible. Fire precautions to deal with any remaining risks, including emergency procedures. Recording and review of the risk assessment. @ scanned with OKEN ScannerUT are on eue aca eT Pere 4 Re eee ed _ TOPIC FOCUS ‘The RRFSO introduces two important terms: ‘+ Responsible person -in a workplace, thisis the employer ifthe workplace is to any extent under his control, and any other person who may have control of any part ofthe premises, eg. the occupier or ‘owner. In all other premises, the person or people in control ofthe premises will be responsible. If there is more than one responsible person in any type of premises, all must take all reasonable steps to work with each other Relevant persons - any person who is, or may be, lawfully on the premises, and anyone in the immediate Vicinity who is at risk from a fire on the premises. (Note: This does not include fire-fighters when carrying ‘out fire-fighting or other emergency duties) Fire Safety Regulations Regulations provide the detailed requirements in respect of the general duties set out in Acts of Parliament. The RRFSO was made under the Regulatory Reform Act 2001, and Article 24 of the Order allows for the making of regulations about fire precautions ‘The Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 are very similar to the RRFSO, bringing fire safety legislation in Scotland under one regime and affecting all non-domestic premises, their occupants and responsible persons. The legislation is risk-assessment-based and enforced by the fire Communities and Local Government Fire Safety Guidance MORE... Home Office: wowigovuk/government /collections /fire-safety-law-and-guidance-documents-for-business Scottish Government: wonwscotland govuk Health and Safety Executive: vawwhse goviuk ‘Aseres offre safety guides appropriate to different types of premises has been produced by the former Department for:Communities and Local Government to help employers, and others in control of premises, to comply with fire safety legislation The information contained in these various guidance materials is purely advisory an has no legal significance ‘Uni F5C1 Element 3: Managing ire Sefey ‘© RRC International @ scanned with OKEN ScannerToo nae Sear ac Paes a Gee ACR uae Duties of the Responsible Person “The RRFSO introduced the concept of the responsible person whose duties are to: Carry outa riskassessment to identify the general fire precautions that are required, and review this when necessary. ‘Take general fire precautions to ensure that the premises are safe, including. = Reducing the rsk of fire and the risk of spread of fire. Providing adequate means of escape. Ensuring that the means of escape can be safely and effectively used atall times Providing means of fighting fire. Providing means for detecting fire and warning in case of fire. ‘Action to be taken in the event of fire, including: Instruction and training of employees. Measures to mitigate the effects of fire. jppoint one or more competent persons to assist in the implementation of appropriate preventive and rotective measures. Implement appropriate arrangements for the effective: planning, organisation, control, monitoring, and p. review f preventive and protective measures. iéSe arrangements must be recorded if five or more people are employed, or fan alterations (or licence) notice isin force. +. Apply the following principles of prevention when implementing any preventive and protective measures = Avoid risks. = Evaluate risks that cannot be avoided Combat risks at source. ‘Adapt to technical progress. — Replace the dangerous with the non-dangerous or less dangerous. ~ Develop a coherent overall prevention policy. ~ Give priority to collective protective measures, over individual protective measures. ~ Give appropriate instructions to employees. * Provide employees with information on the fire risks, the preventive and protective measures, and emergency procedures. @ scanned with OKEN ScanneraL SOT U Ao uc cen an cen ioe em Pee Frameworks for the Regulation of Fire Safety risks, the provide the employer of any ther persons working on the premises with information onthe fi preventive and protective measures, and emergency procedures. Ensure thatthe premises and any faites or equipment provided i relation to fire safety are maintained. Eliminate or reduce risks from dangerous substances. Ensure that appropriate equipment for detecting fre, raking the alarm and fighting fires provided Ensure that emergency routes and exis: — Ave kept clear at all times. Lead as directly as possible to a place of safety. — Areadequate for the use and size of the premises, and also the maximum number of persons who may be present at any one time. Have doors that open in the direction of escape. Do not involve sliding or revolving doors. Have doors that are capable of being easily and immediately ‘opened by any person in an emergency. = Areindicated by appropriate signs. = Are provided with adequate emergency escape lighting, Fire Safety Checklist Ensure that employees are provided with adequate safety training, Establish appropriate procedures to be followed inthe event of serious and imminent danger including competent people to implement evacuation procedures. Ensure that additional emergency measures in respect of dangerous substances are in place. TOPIC FOCUS ‘A sample workplace Fire Safty Checklist fora responsible person under the RRFSO might be: itroutes and fangways cleat + Necessary signage in place and visible. ‘© Fife doors working correctly, not damaged or blocked. ‘8 Fire extinguishers full charged and in their correct places. +. Call points accessible. + Assembly points clearly identified and unebstructed(es rj to Access) * Goods appropriately stored so as not to impede fire-fighting. © Hot-work permits used where required. © Electrical equipment used safely. ‘Fire safety training provided for staf «Evidence of regular testing and maintenance offre safety provision, such as eme . detection and alarms. gE CAN Lente gency escape lighting, deer Ne $: egies © RRC Intemational @ scanned with OKEN ScannerROUSE an cn ead ucen ete oa need Frameworks for the Regulation of Fire Safety International Standards ‘The International Organization for Standardiza standards, n (150) is the world’s largest developer of international 150 Technical Committee 92 (ISO/TC 92) is responsible for developing fire safety standards in areas such as: Fire safety engineering, design and evaluation, ‘© Performance under fire conditions of materials, products, elements of structure, structures and systems and theit contents. + Application of fire safety management. “The International Labour Organization (ILO) isthe international organisation responsible for drawing up and overseeing international labour standards. The ILO brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers to devise programmes to improve workplace health and safety, including fire safety. “The two primary outputs ofthe ILO are ‘Conventions’ and ‘Recommendations’. These set international standards ‘and can form the basis of detailed legislation in each member country. The Occupational Safety and Health = Convention (No. 155) describes a basic policy for health and safety at both the national level and the level of the "individual undertaking, The Occupational Safety and Health Recommendation, 1981 (No. 164) supplements (C185, providing more detailed guidance on how to comply with the policies of C155, n particular by: 1 «Identifying obligations that might be placed on employers and employees in order to achieve the basic goal of a safe and healthy place of work. © Making specific reference to prevention of fires and explosions and the need for measures to be taken in the “ event of fire or explosion. Employers’ and Workers’ Responsibilities There are no truly global legal standards governing workplace health and safety. However, while countries may have their own laws to tackle their own issues and concerns, they often have similar basic approaches to protect against hazards such a fire. “The ILO Recommendation R164 identifies obligations that might be placed on employers and workers inorder to “achieve the basic goal ofa safe and healthy place of work which includes fre safety Topicrocus + = Pjeide workplaces and work equipment and use werk methods hich are safe and of no sk io heath [Provide propriate suction’ and traning rovide necessary supervision, Putin place health and safety arrangements adapted to suit the size and nature of the undertaking. Provide afiy necessary personal protective clothing and equipment free of charge, | Ensue that the hours of work do not adversely affect employees’ safety and health, Remove any extreme physical and mental fatigue } tay up-to-date with knowledge in order to comply with the above. @ scanned with OKEN ScannerTOPICFOCUS 4 ) | iets anigeraayo | A / Take reasonable care oftheir own safety and of other people who might be affected by the things that they do, and the things that the fail to do. + Comply with safety instructions and procedures, + Use all safety equipment properly and not tamper with it. ‘Report any situation which they believe could be a hazard and which they cannot themselves correct. Report any work-related accident or ill health. |n general, international frameworks for the regulation offre safety will seek to ensure the safety in the event of fire, of persons (whether they are employees, residents, visitors or others) by setting out the rights and responsibilities of Persons in respect of fire safety Anyone who has, to any extent, control of the premises (which may be the employer), will have some responsibilities for ensuring that those occupying the premises are safe from harm caused by fie. These responsibilities may be discharged by: + Carrying outa fre safety risk assessment ofthe premises + Identifying the control measures necessary asa result of the fire safety ris assessment. + Implementing these fire safety measures. + Putting in place fre safety arrangements forthe ongoing control and review of the fire safety measures + Complying with any specific requirements of ay fire safety leilation + Keeping the fire safety risk assessment and outcome under review. + Keeping appropriate records Similarly, workers may be required to: 4+ Take reasonable care to ensure the workplace is safe from harm caused by fir and do nothing that wil increase the risk ‘Inform the employer of anything relating to the premises which could representa serious and immediate fire safety danger or any shortcoming in the employer’ fire safety protection arrangements. ‘© Co-operate with the employer so far ass necessary, to allow them to comply with their ire safety responsibilities. Role of Enforcement Agencies and Other External Agencies including Consequences for Non-Compliance Enforcement systems for fre safety vary between countries but common practice i a fir authority with a role in enforcing fie safety legislation and/or advising employers Fallur to meet legal standards might ead to: “+ Formal enforcement action. An enforcement agency might force an employer to: = Make an improvernent to fie safe. yg out heh risk activites, Faure to comply with formal enforcement action i usualy considered tobe an offence intel, @ scanned with OKEN ScannerThe Role of National Governments and International Bodies in Developing | 4 aC Uso Rates + Prosecution of the organi: ation with punishment in the form of a fine. + Prosecution of individuals with punishmentin the form ofa fine and/or imprisonment. Inthe UK, an enforcement officer acting under the RRFSO has the following formal enforcement options if fire standard has been contravened: ‘© Informal verbel advice. ‘+ Informal written notice of deficiencies. |. Formal alterations notice ifthe premises present a serious risk * Formal - enforcement notice issued where there isa failure to comply with legislation. ‘© Formal - prohibition notice where the risk isso serious the use of the premises must be prohibited. Court action ~ prosecutions /imprisonment because of failure to comply with an alteration, enforcement or prohibition notice, sources of Information on Nat nal Standards 12 = Information on standards for fire safety can often be obtained from national bodies who serve to co-ordinate the ae y ‘approach of emergency services and the codes to which they operate. ih the UK, the UK Fire Service Resources provides information for ll who work within the UK Fire and Rescue Service ‘ind those who have an interest in the service at: ‘winfreservce couk ‘The London Fire Brigade routinely publish a large variety and volume of information which can be accessed at: -wwnutlondon-fire govuk /SafetyAtWorkasp Inthe USA, the US Fire Administration (USFA), part of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency |/-) = Management Agency, aims to provide national leadership for the fire and emergency services in prevention, 1 preparedness, and response. USFA provides information resources in many formats at swwrmusfa.fema gov/data/lbrary © ranagement and emergency service organisations in Australia and New Zealand. The organisation promotes an Integrated approach to emergency service operations by sharing knowledge, collaborating and optimising the use of resources tits website: wawafaccomau/home =A Explain the following terms, as defined inthe RRFSO: (2) Responsible person. °(b) Relevant persons. ‘Outline the duties of the ‘responsible person’ under the RRFSO. ‘Whats the role of international bodies in formulating standards for the regulation of fre safety? What are the ways in which a fire authority might regulate fire safety? (Suggested Answers are at the end) RRC Incemationl Unit FSC1 Element 1: Managing Fire Safety @ @ scanned with OKEN ScannerSummary “This element has dealt with the consequences of inadequate fire safety management. In particular this element has: + iplained the moral, social and financial benefits of good management of fire safety and, In particular, the | consequences of inadequate management of fre safety «Considered te sizeof the ire safety ‘problem and established the ols and responsibilities ofthe occupier of building, «Noted the roe of national governments and international bodies in formulating a framework fr the regulation of fire safety. | # Considered various sources of external fire safety information and the principles of their application. BB wc ‘| eS on ~ © RRC Intemational @ scanned with OKEN ScannerExam Skills Introduction ‘To pass the NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate, you need to perform well during your ‘open-book’ exam. An ‘open- book’ exam means exactly what the name suggests: you can access your study text and other materials during the exam. However it wll require more than simply copying text to answer the exam questions; you will need to demonstrate that you understand the subject matter and can apply the topics appropriately — these need preparing E for Here we will consider some practical guidelines that can be used to increase success in your ‘open book’ exam. The NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate ‘open-book’ exam differs from the traditional question-and-answer-type format and ‘ill instead consist ofa realistic workplace scenario which may describe a developing situation such as an incident or safety intervention, and you may be asked to assume a particular role, for example a safety manager. You will then be asked to carry out some tasks, Each task will consist of one or more questions, where your answers will be relevant to _ the scenario. During the ‘open-book’ exam you are allowed to access many different types of resources such as RRC study text and “Tevision guides, professional journals, digital resources on the Internet such as HSE guidance, bilingual dictionaries, etc. “Remember though that ths is not a substitute for thorough study of your course materials and specific preparation in the form of revision to ensure that you are familiar wth all the topic areas included in the syllabus. NEBOSH “will not be fooking for anything from your answers that has not been covered in the Unit syllabus". NEBOSH has designed the ‘open-book’ exam "to assess the same learning outcomes to the same level” as the “previous method of examination It wl measure depth of understanding” and require you to apply your knowledgs {10 the scenario given rather than simpy rcaling memorised information, Ie is therefore “very important that you prepare and revise" forthe assessment. ider Reading and Research As part of your preparation, NEBOSH recommends that you should: "Complete wider reading so you don't have to do this during the examination.” +. Conduct “wider research to understand how your studies relate to the real world”. “To help with this you should make use of the MORE... boxes included in your course material, These highlight ‘additional resources related to the topics you've been studying, Reading them wil assist you in increasing the depth of your understanding and applying it to real lif situations, © “The links in MORE... boxes are current atthe time of publication of your materials but may have changed since, eg == due to an item being moved elsewhere, being replaced or perhaps withdrawn from publication altogether, HINTS AND TIPS Ef the link in a MORE... box no longer works, you can search for the item in question by entering its title in a Search engine such as Google or Bing. This should lead you to its current location if it's stil avallable on the {Web. In the event that it's no longer available, your tutor may be able to suggest a replacement. fa link toa section of the HSE website no longer works, you may be able to find a current link by searching ES © the HSE website. (The A-Z topic list atthe foot of the screen isa useful starting point) @ scanned with OKEN ScannerYor ‘wider reading may also include research using other resources mentioned in your course materials or resources thatyu've found youre perhaps by ereringa topicrame ina seach engine Alvaybe are hough © We Ont authoritative sources for your research, such as Government or offical websites, and to safeguard the security of your personal information, Making Use of Your Resources NEBOSH states that “You are expected to offer your own analysis and presentation of information gained from your research", So you need to: + Organise your notes in advance so that you can find things quickly. ‘+ Use your own words to express what you've learned and apply the knowledge you've gained. You are permitted though to make reference to sources, ideas or work of other people or organisations. Where You do 50, it’s important to acknowledge where that information comes from because your open-book exam response ‘must be your own work and you don’t want to be guilty of plagiarism and subject to investigation by NEBOSH. + DEFINITION PLAGIARISE “To steal ideas or writings from another person and present them as one's own”. (Source: The Chambers Dictionary) References Direct Citations You may want to quote specifically from a publication you've accessed, Here you should put the quote in inverted commas and make it clear where it’s from. (See also Reference List below.) Example: HSE guidance INDG163 states that “A rsk assessment s not about creating huge amounts of paperwork, but rather about identifying sensible measures to control the risks in your workplace”. Indirect Citations ‘You may just want to refer to information that you've read without quoting from tect. In ths case, express itn ‘your own words but making sue that you identify the source (See aso Reference List below.) Example: HSE guidance (INDG163) identifies five steps to risk assessment. Reference List ‘Your exam answers should include lst ofthe materials you've referred to ~ those you've quoted from , those you've wesntioned and any other materials that you looked a during the exam, This doesn’t count towards the word mit for your answers and it would be est to make thelist as you write your answers to ensure that the list is complete. \We don't recommend using the Harvard (or any other) referencing system for this purpose because NEBOSH has indicated that a simple lst i all that is required. fe Unit £SC1 Element 1: Managing Fre Sefety © RAC Internationa! @ scanned with OKEN ScannerYour list should include: «the title of the publication /document, © the author, othe year of issue, and # aWeb address (for Internet publications). Example: HSG65 Managing for health and safery, HSE, 2013, (hetps:/ Ammuhse.gov.uk/pubns/priced /hsg65.pdf) INDG163 Risk asessment —A brief guide to controling rss inthe workplace, HSE, 2014 (https://wwwhse gov.uk/pubns/indg163.pdf) (in the above Example: © 6 INDG163 is included because quoted from and referred to in the text. '* HSGE6S is inckided because consulted during the exam.) ‘Note: if you use the NEBOSH answer sheet, there isa place there for your references Exam Technique The ‘oper-book’ exam will test you on your ability to “demonstrate analytical, evaluation and creative skils as well as critical thinking” and how you apply your learning to your answers. In other words, you will need to show what ‘you can do with your knowledge to solve the problems presented to you ~ and this may take practice. To assist you in showing your knowledge, let us look ata step-by-step approach that you can adopt when answering your exam questions. |+ Step 1 Read the scenario - the first step i to read the scenario carefully. Take care wit this as itis very easy 0 misread words in the rush to get writing. I's likely you will read the scenario more than once. ‘Step 2 Look at the first task - a task isan activity or piece of work that willbe part ofa larger project. The task may be spit up into several sub-tasks. The tasks used to indicate the questions. Read each question carefully. ‘This is what your knowledge is being tested on -so your answer must address the question. Demonstrating knowledge alone will not gan marks - your knowledge has to be applied to the task -so you need to clearly understand the question being asked. Step 3 Look at the marks- each task or sub-task, question or part of a question will have the maximum number ‘of marks indicated in brackets. For each mark to be awarded, the examiner will expecta piece of information that demonstrates an analytical evaluation ofthe task that has been set. The marks available give an indication of how much you will need to write and, to a lesser extent, how long you should spend on ths part of each question, Step 4 Re-read the scenario and task question - to check that you have properly interpreted them and understood them. There are no marks available for answering the task question that you think you see rather ‘than the one that the examiner asked you. Step 5 Draw up a plan- this can take the form of alist or a mind map that helps you unload information quickly and make sure you have enough factors (or things) in your answer to gain the available marks. Jotting down 2 plan can help you remember key points. The plan is also your aide-mémoire to keep you on track as you start to ‘write your ful answer. Your plan can use information from the scenario to support your answer @ scanned with OKEN ScannerNEBOSH has sid that “You can expect to see questions that ask What Could? How? Why? and Where?” but "Whatever format the question, it will relate to the sylabus and learning outcomes of your qualification”. \When writing your answer you must ensure thatthe structure of the task appears inthe structure of your answer 52, for example, ifthe task question has apart (a) anda part (b), your answer must fllow the same structure, AnSWet part (2) and label t clearly for the examiner as the answer to part (a) Then leave agep (one line will do) and answer pert (b) and label it clear. The examiner must be abe to see the two separate parts of your answer andit must be thea to them which parts ae the answer to which questions, One long paragraph of text that contaneall parts ofthe answer jumbled up together cannot gain full marks, even if ll ofthe relevant information is there. “The above exam technique i tried and tested andi the best way to approach each exam task.‘Open-book’ exams are 2 new approach for NEBOSH but the education sector has used ‘open-book’ exams for along time NEBOSH gives 2 24-hour window of time forthe exam to reflect diferent time zones learners work ad ve with You are not expected to spend 24 hours completing the exam. You wil, however, need to monitor your progress OF completing al the task and youshould plan for drafting answers, reflection and amending answers, building in time for breaks Remember, t00, that there will be an overall word count forthe exam. t'simportant not to exceed the recommended total by more than 10% so do allow time to check this. Practice Exam Questions ‘Atthe end of each Element there isa practice exam question for you to attempt. The practice exam questions rl eats toa scenario that we have included inthis section, In addition tothe question you willbe provided with guidance on howto answer in addition toa suggested answer outline. This includes a Suggested Anse: Outline - sof the point ated in this would aac marks and you wil see mest of them developed in the suggested answer itself Remember that when answering exam questions, information from additonal reading and personal experience can be included, Examining bodies encourage this and it will enhance your answers “Te study text provides some useful inks to externa sources ook ut forthe’ More. boxes within the materials= these contain useful inks to relevant topics, Please feel free to contact your tutor if you have any queries or need any additional guidance, © RRC ternational Unit FSCA Element 1: Managing Fre Safety @ scanned with OKEN ScannerExam Skills Practice Scenario Youare the safety officer for a two-storey food factory that is operating from an industrial park. Neighbouring businesses are adjacent in a row of terraced shops, including car repair workshops. The factory was built in | the early 1970s with a limited fie protection system, and no fire alarm installed. Fire procedures are limited. "| Manufacturing of food products occurs on the ground floor with the first-floor accommodating torerooms for the raw materials, canteen area, offices and meeting rooms. Adjacent to the factory entrance isa medium-sized 100-tonne flour silo feeding into the factory. Approximately 10 staf occupy the first-floor office space and around 20 workers ae present on the ground floor during any one of the two 12-hour shifts, Refer to the Site Plan. ‘Access to the building is via the main entrance access door, which leads toa lobbied reception area. This area is enclosed in a fire-esisting construction and manned by a receptionist on weekdays from 08:00 ~ 11:00. itis regular practice to leave delivery items and postal all atthe reception area. The lobby leads to the factory area and the front staircase to the upper floor. Both front and rear staircases are accommodation staircases (an open Stair with no fire doors offering protection) from the factory area. Office staff usually use the rear exit door to access the rear accommodation staircase to the upper floor. (One of the main ingredients in the food factory is flour, used ina few production lines, Workers have complained, to management on numerous occasions thatthe flour dustis intense, especially when staf sweep them up atthe tend of each shift. Management have not considered a solution for this issue nor several other fire-related issues. They have been promising to move to a new location, but there have been no significant developments regarding relocation. Consequently, the building has had very minimal investment for the last decade. Any suggestions for improving fire standards have always been rejected by management, affirming that its not worth spending money on this building as they will soon be relocating to anew site (One afternoon last week, during the day shift, an electrical fault caused a fire in the lobby area. A while later, @ factory worker sensed heat radiating from the door facing the factory and decided to find the supervisor and report this, The supervisor tuned up an hour later and found the lobby area and beth fie doors thoroughly charred, The fire had extinguished itseif. ur javestigation of the fire incident concluded that an electrical short circuit resulted in an electrical wire ‘ouldering. This went unnoticed as the factory did not have a fire alarm system. Subsequently this smouldering electrical wire started afire that grew intensely within the lobby area but fortunately extinguished itself without any other extensive damage to the building. As part of the investigation, you aso found out that the previous Safety Officer undertook a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA). Management did not consider the recommendations from that FRA which focused primarily on risk to life, protecting the people affected by a fire and explosion. Most ofthe recommendations related ta the provision of safe escape stairs, passageways, and doors to protect staff on the fist floor. It did not consider the protection of property, its contents, the environment, or the business, the processes or activities against interruptions. ORRC Intemational Unit FSC1 Element 1: Managing Fie Safety ERE @ scanned with OKEN Scannerdiscuss the recent fire investigation Question jing with an agenda itern tO You are now attending the Safety Cormick meeting wit : nee Fdings What. jestcations would you give the Safety Communes for investing ina fire alarm syste ulin? Your justifications should be based on: A (5 marks (@) Financial arguments a (Total: 10 marks) (6) Moral arguments. vote: Youshoul support your answer where applicable WE relevant information from the scenario Approaching the Question ‘Asyou plan your answer, consider te following lear that management is improving ire standards have alas been ding as they wil soon be relocating us Fire Risk Assessment 1 provide justification to the Safety iemnot keen to invest in fire safety, You im system for the building «read and understand the scenario, Remember the scenar® makes it cl ‘The scenario states that “Any suggestion o hat its not worth spending money on this bul ‘dered the recommendations from the previo\ The first step ist not keen to invest in resources. rejected by management, ffiring new site". They had not even consi a Thenext step isto read the question carefully. The question asking you t Committe, represented by both employers and workers. AS management fave to persuade them with a convineing justification for installing 8 fire alan qual marks. The question has two parts with e give: a) financial and 8) moral reasons + Qutline the key justifications intend to «Ensure your responses cover several areas rather than just one, 8 financial reasons should cover the direct, indirect, insured and uninsured cost. OR positive context and could relate to savings or costs. ast as many answers a there are marks and ideally more than the should provide at least § distinct answers, and ideally 6 ~ 7 if + Answers could be in the negative + Asageneral rule, you should aim to provide atl allocated marks. Each partis worth 5 marks, 30 you possible 1s Remember that you don't get any marks for questions you don’t at fanan y get ary marks for questions you don't attempt. Make sure that every question is © RRC International @ scanned with OKEN Scanner|S Suggested Answer Outline = (a) Financial Business continuity, (Cost offre can be more expensive than installing a fire alarm system, Cott of getting specialist consutants legal advisers Increased cost of re-traning staff after an incident Medical costs/hospital charges. Cost of clearing-up operations, Court and legal cost from evi and criminal actions Costs from repairs to bullding/plant/equipment. Increased insurance premiums, Financial impact from bad publicity Society expects companies to take reasonable care ofall workers and neighbours. Allcompanies are expected to provide a safe place of work and safe system of work Workers and neighbouring businesses should not be hurt/affected Safe place of work improves staff morale, Company has a moral obligation to follow Safety Committee recommendations “Taking care of others can be proven by carrying outa full and comprehensive Fire Rsk Assessment a Now havea go atthe question youre ag ~ Example of How the Question Could be Answered * Spending money on fire safety is vital for business continuity. fire can cause damage to material including raw material inthe storeroom. This may sulin delays restarting the busines. Such delays/production downtine can pact the business, as clients may look for alternative suppliers to fulfil their orders Ifthe worker who noticed heat radiating from the door opened i, they could have been seriously injured, and the fire could hhave spread into the factory. This could lead tothe total loss ofthe factory and loss of life. Such serious incidents wl cost ‘more than the cost of installing the fire alarm system. There would be reduced production during the investigation into the fre’ cause and the cost of getting specialist. consultants and legal advisers Unsafe working conditions may result in high staff turnover therfore increased cost of recruitment and training, However, ‘safe working conditions help in worker retention avoiding the costs as mentioned earlier. Expensive medical costs, such as hospital charges in the event of injuries. Compensation in case of fatalities or fe-changing injuries to workers or third partis. ‘Significant cost from resolving damage to buildng/plant/equipment. Damage tothe environment and clearing up ‘operations can be substantia. This includes the cost of cleaning up after the fie, especialy ft mpacts the neighbours as well © RRC International Unit FSC Element 1: Managing Fire Safety @ scanned with OKEN Scanner© Lega costs, including fines initiate by boles such os the fire authority, Environment Agency and HSE Potential ‘compensation claims from adjacent businesses + lnereased insurance premiums in subsequent years o certain insurance companies refusing to provide cover. + Bad publity can havea financial impact when customers get nervous and tae their business elsewhere, consequent y leading to loss of sales, (b) Moral Reasons + There is asocetal expectation that companies should take reasonable core of their workers, vitors and neighbours, There wl be an outer if anyone gets injured especialy te press can be unforgiving + Moral duty needs tobe fulfilled by providing a safe place of work, safe systems of work, emergency arrangements, taining and continuous monitoring of standards. ‘+ Workers and neighbouring businesses should not be hurt. It isnt just the physic! hurt to neighbours but also from possible los of busines, + Having a safe ploce of work improves staff merale es people prefer to work in an organisation tha thes cae oft staff. Good morale enhances productivity. ‘© Stoff should be able to raise concerns through the sfety Commitee, which the company has a moral obligation follow through, ‘© Taking care of others can be proved by carrying outa Fire Risk Assessment and actoning any follow up recommendations which wil includ installing a firearm ste Reasons for Poor Marks Achieved by Candidates in Exam Not relating to the scenario. Candidates should always refer back to the scenario. + Providing answers that don't relate to the questions. Candidates should net be listing any legal arguments, when the question is specifically asking for moral and financial reasons. + Sometimes candidates have great dificult listing moral reasons. A simple way to look at thsi: any justification for management to follow which does not al under legl or financial can be construed as moral reasons. + Exceeding the word count. Do not exceed the overall word count forthe whole exam by more than 10%. The ‘examiner may not read excessively fong explanations. + Not providing an answer tothe tsk question at all. fyou do notatempt al tasks, you cannot get any marks for the questions you omit. Une Ct Element 1 Merging Fre Safety ‘© RRC Internacional @ scanned with OKEN Scanner| Element 2 Principles of Fire and Explosion Learning Objectives Once you've studied this element, you should be able to: @ Explain the principles of the combustion process in relation to fire safety. © Explain the principles and conditions for the ignition of solids, liquids and gases. © Describe the principles of fire growth and fire spread, © Cutline the principles of explosion and. explosive combustion. @ scanned with OKEN ScannerThe Principles of Combustion, Fire Growth and Fire Spread ee Fire Tangle 2S, Chemistry of Combustion 28 Methods of Heat Transfer ee Stages of Fire Zl Factors that Influence Fire Growth Rates and Smoke Movement 28 ‘The Conditions in which Flashover and Backdraught May Occur 2 Ignition of Solids, Liquids and Gases a Definitions 22 Ignition of Solids, Liquids and Gases a Preventing oF Controling grtion 215 Principles of Explosion and Explosive Combustion 247 ‘Mechanism of Explosion 247 Materials Commonly Involved in Explosions 248 “Types of Explosions 28 ‘Summary 2:20 Exam Skills 201 Unit C1 Eemant 2: Princes of re and Explosion © RRC Inernationa @ scanned with OKEN Scanner. RUA seal aA Wale ce The Principles of Combustion, Fire Growth and Fire Spread | INTHIS SECTION... ‘The combustion process | © Canbeillustrated by the fire triangle, which requices fuel heat and oxygen to initiate and sustain a fire + Isa chemical reaction whereby volatile molecules of fuel react with oxygen, either completely or partially to generate combustion products ‘© Generates heat and is termed ‘exothermic. [= © Progresses through the stages of induction, ignition, fre growth, steady state, and decay. Ee Fire Triangle E To initiate and sustain a fire, three things need to be present at the same 5 time: ‘+ Fuel-such as wood, paper plastic petro. ‘© Oxygen - usually from the air, but also from gas olinders or oxidising agents. © «Heat from ignition sources such as open flames, friction, chemical ‘ reactions, sparks from electrical equipment we remove one element from the triangle ire will not be initiated or sustained: + If fuel is not available or removed, the fre wll not start or an existing fire will go out. ‘= foxygen is absent or removed, the combustion process will not proceed. The fire triangle + If heat from ignition sources isnot available, the fre will not start and if heat is emoved by cooling, the fire will _ be extinguished. Chemistry of Combustion DEFINITION ‘COMBUSTION ‘A typeof chemical reaction - a rapid, self-sustaining gas-phase oxidation process which produces heat and light. When combustion takes place in solids or liquids itis the vapours given off that ignite, rather than the solid or liquid itself Put simply, volatile (vaporised) molecules ofthe fuel are combined with oxygen to produce new compounds {combustion products) @ scanned with OKEN ScannerEI ‘The Principles of Combustion, Fire Growth and Fire Spread For the combustion process to proceed and be maintained: ‘= Energy (heat) is required to vaporise sufficient fuel molecules and to initiate the reaction. Once initiated, the heat produced by the reaction itself wil sustain further vaporisation and combustion of fuel without an external heat source. + Acontinued supply of fuel and oxygen is required to replace that consumed by the reaction. j n Reaction Conditions Combustion Products in Relation to Combus' In complete combustion - fuel reacts with oxygen and both are completely consumed in the reaction to form new products ‘+ Methane burns in air: CH, +20, -» CO, +2H,0 to produce carbon dioxide and water only. © Hydrogen burns in air: 2H, +O, > 2H,0(8) to produce water vapour only Inincomplete combustion -fuel reacts with limited oxygen so the combustion of the fuel is not complete: ‘+ Methane burns in limited ar ACH, + 60, > CO, +2CO+C+8H,0 to produce carbon dioxide and water, but also carbon monoxide and pure carbon (soot or ash) due to the reduced oxygen supply and the inability or full oxidation to carbon dioxide and water Exothermic Reaction “The combustion process generates heat as it progresses so ths type of chemical reaction is called exothermic, “exo” (give out ‘thermic’ (heat) tis ako posible for chemical reactions to require an input of heat to progres and these are called endothermic, ‘endo’ (take in) ‘thermic’ (heat) reaction. @ scanned with OKEN Scanneri The Principles of Combustion, Fire Growth and Fire Spread TOPIC Focus ‘Chemical reactions can be either exothermic or endothermic: ‘+ Exothermic reactions: ~ Release energy in the form of heat, ight or sound. (Cause an increase in temperature. — Can occur spontaneously = May produce heat quickly and can cause explosions. Endothermic reactions: — _ Absorb energy from the surroundings to proceed == Cause a drop in temperature Cannot occur spontaneously - Oxidising Agents /Materials Combustion requires the presence of oxygen, so the higher the concentration of oxygen in an atmosphere, the more rapidly burning will proceed. ‘Whilst the most common source of oxygen is obviously the air in some workplaces there may also be additional sources which can provide a fire with oxygen and so help it burn. These include: © Osygen cylinders. © + Oxidising agents, eg. chlorates, chromates, hypochlorites, nitrates, nitric acid, peroxides and peroxyacids. Methods of Heat Transfer =A fire will initially spread by direct burning, where there is direct contact between the burning material and the new fuel source. “Once established, conduction may allow heat transfer through conducting materials to ignite fuel that i remote from th I fire he original Conduction @ scanned with OKEN Scanner © RRC InternationalBata asic ema Acie UT std Convection currents, generated by heated gases expanding, becoming less dense and rising, will transfer heat £0 surfaces above the fire, such as ceilings and ductwork. Convection currents “The heated material in afr will diate heat (thermal radiation o infrared) which can be absorbed by surfaces near ids Gee Radiant heat 4 @ scanned with OKEN Scanner— = TOPICFOCUS “The FOUR methods by which heat may be transferred during fre are: + Conduction ~ “Molecule-to-molecule transfer of heat through conducting solids uch as metal beams or pipes. — Heat is transferred to other parts of the building and can ignite combustible or flammable materials. Convection ~ Hot gases rise and become trapped beneath aceling or travel through voids and ducts to other parts of abuilding = The hot gases ignite combustible or flammable materials. Radiation = "Heat is emitted in the form of infrared radiation tad at nn ie the temperature facet mate oat igrton temperatures or flash points. 2 ¢ Direct Burning 3 eis 2 ns ry « Heat comes in direct contact with combustible materials Direct contact causes ignition. < i Stages of Fire ‘You can see the combustion process ilustrated in the following figure Stoady state Tine Inductich period The stages of combustion F Induction - heat produces sufficient vapour which can rix with air above the fuel and generate a flammable . mixture. ic [© Agnition initiates the reaction and, iit becomes self-sustaining (and no fonger requires an external heat source), c ‘combustion develops very quickly and there is a dramatic increase in temperature. ‘+ Fire growth -the fre may spread through ~ Direc burning = Typical mechanisms of heat transmission (convection, conduction or radiation). © RAC Imeretonal Uni FSC1 Bement 2: Principe of Fire and Explosion ere @ scanned with OKEN ScannerThe Principles of Combustion, Fire Growth and Fire Spread “The rate, scale and pattern of growth depend on a number of factors, such as: = Nature, form and amount of fuel = Availabilty of oxygen (open, ventilated versus sealed containment). = Amount of heat produced by the reaction + Steady state - the temperature stabilises and the combustion process reaches a steady state (the reaction between the fuel and oxygen is balanced unt all the fuel is consumed). + Decay begins when ether the fuel or oxygen has been consumed; the ire wil then extinguish and gradually cool down, TOPIC FOCUS ‘The three basic stages of the combustion process are: INDUCTION _ # Eany stages, evidence of combustion starting. + Maybe slow process, smouldering. “FIRE GROWTH "'s Rapid development of fre as burning materials act as igrition. «Level of burning and growth depend on levels of oxygen and fuel present. + Large volumes of smoke and heat generated and possibly spontaneous combustion. + Growth rate and temperature wil eventually reach a plateau. DECAY + Room starved of oxygen and uel + Heat output decreases and fire dies down. Factors that Influence Fire Growth Rates and Smoke Movement “There are also speeifc factors that influence fre growth rates and smoke movement related to the structure and contents ofthe particular building: 1+ Building design - where smoke generated from a fre may: = Escape through gaps in doorways, ceilings and walls = Spread: = Through vents, if shafts, staircases, ucts and ceiling voids Horizontally by convective currents under the ceiling. — Vertically between storeys by convective transfer of hot gases and smoke. @ scanned with OKEN ScannerBisa ee eter pila Ache Prt usircct culation) - in some cases the insulation material ‘causes a collapse of the panel. 1e spread of fire and its rate of thane in Insulated core panels (containing fire-rated rigid wre foam insulation degrades, used gives off toxic gases when heated and, when the E Internal linings - materials on the surfaces of walls and ceilings significantly affect th growth Particularly the potential for fire spread on internal linings in escaPe Fo ‘occupants from escaping). utes (rapid fire spread could prevent Materials use should reduce the potential for the development of fre and smoke from the surfaces of walls and ceilings. { toric FOCUS pread of ir andits rte of growth on the surface of walls and cellings: Properties of ining materials that might Inerease the risk of ire spread and its giowth: Ignitabiy Rate of surface ame spread and heat release © Amount of smoke produced when ignited. Tendency to produce flaming droplets : Properties that ning ater should have t it th spread of re aid maximise the ine avalable for «escape Resistance to igition Low rate of surface flame spread and heat release limiting: i oS ‘Spread of fire. Production of sioke pate offre groveh coe Examples of such materials include: * Exposed brickwork. Exposed blockwork Mineral fre board. ‘Woodwool slabs. : Plasterboard and skim. = tntumescent linings: = Concrete, stone or ceramic tiles. & k DEFINITION © INTUMESCENTUINING © A materi | A material that expands when heated to form an insulating fire-retardant barrier that protects the underlying © RRC Inerrational UUnic FSC! Element 2: Principles of Fre and Explosion BR @ scanned with OKEN Scanner