Fire Safety Program

The primary objectives of a fire loss control program is the prevention of fires (pro-active measures) but despite all efforts fire incidents do still occur. Programs should therefore also provide for minimizing losses and injuries when fire incidents occur.

Having a knowledge of the nature of fire- why it burns, why it grows and why it spreads – enables one to know how to identify fire risks, and how to control, extinguish and prevent it.

The definition for good housekeeping: a place for every thing and every thing in his place at all times.

No one factor has more ultimate effect on a fire safety program than its training component. The effective training of personnel in a fire safety program can be defined as the pro-active measures taken to ensure that the value of fire safety is understood and those personnel is equipped to handle a fire safety strategy.

The following aspects apply to the appointment of Fire Co-ordinators:

Most major fires occur during unoccupied periods and it is therefore of vital importance that a close-down procedure specifically aimed at fire prevention be adopted. This standard covers procedures and checks to be used for normal close-down at the end of a working day and must not be confused with emergency close-downs, witch may require different action. Also, were shift work is involved, care must be taken to incorporate applicable procedures/checks between shifts as well as at end of day or week.

HOT WORK PROCEDURES (In-House and contractors)

WAREHOUSE AND INTERNAL STORAGE

In industry, gases may be encountered in the following areas:- Compressed in drawn steel cylinders (e.g. Oxygen and Hydrogen). Liquefied under pressure in welded steel cylinders (e.g. Propane, Butane and Chlorine). In a free state, mixed with the surrounding air (eg. Resulting from a leak).

To assist in the selection of the correct type of extinguishers, fires are classified according to type. Fires which involve combustible materials that require the same extinguishing media or which involve similar hazards are grouped together. These groups are A to E.

There are many statutory regulations with regard fire safety features in buildings.

It is essential to train those workers involved in the burning operation in the correct procedures to be adopted. This is particularly important with newly engaged workers