It is true that every building contains something which will easily catch fir and it is practically impossible to eliminate completely the chances of fire in a building . As a matter of fact, it is estimated that a fire breaks out every 37 seconds each day in America a nation fully advanced in technology of building construction. It is equally true the no building material is fully fir-proof, Considering these facts, the International Fire Prevention Congress passed a resolution in 1903 recommending the use of term fir-resisting in place of fir-proof as applied to the building materials and constructions.
Thus, a fully fire-resistant building is fully protected against any fire which may occur in its contents.
Following facts in connection with the fire protection in buildings should be remembered:
1) It is too expensive to make all the buildings fully protected against fire. As a matter of fact, the amount spent on fire-resisting construction should be in relation to the reduction in loss in case fir breaks out. The preventive measures include suitable planning’s, proper method of construction and The preventive reduction in loss in case fire breaks out. The preventive measures include suitable planning’s, proper method of construction and satisfactory means of escape.
2) It does not necessarily follow that a non-combustible material possesses more power to resist fire. For instance, a timber post would resist fire in a better way than an unprotected R.S. joist.
3) It does not necessarily follow that a non-combustible material possesses more The main purpose of making a building fire-resistant is the protection of life, goods an activities within the building.
4) The degree of fire resistance required will largely depend on the use of building. For instance, a theatre or a town hall will demand greater degree of fire resistant resistance required will largely depend on the use of building . For instance, a theatre or a town hall will demand greater degree of fire resistant construction than a warehouse or a go down.
5) In case of fire-resistance required will largely depend on the use of building. For instance, a of consuming and destroying and the tragic part of it is that nothing is left to rise from the ashes except the fumes of smoke. The survivors of fire are left to carry terribly the impact and impression of fire, both psychologically and physically. The provision of suitable means of escape from fire should be made in relation to these dangers and the number of persons to be affected in fire-hazard. In order to reduce the chances of damage due to panic, the means of escape from fir afire should be located in such a way that they remain unobstructed by smoke or fumes. Reduce the chances of damage due to panic, the means of escape from fire should be locate d in such a way panic, the means of escape from fire should be located in such a way that they remain unobstructed by smoke or fumes. In other words, the means of escape from fire should be easily accessible, unobstructed and clearly defined.
6) It is estimated that nearly 15000 people are killed by fire every year in our country. The direct and indirect losses are estimated as more than 1000 cores and yet, there is no comprehensive regulation to insure fir prevention.
7) The experience the world over had shown that if escape from a tall building is not effected within 10 minutes or 15 minutes of the outbreak of fir, the temperatures as high as and dense poisonous smoke fatally trap the people within the building.
8) It has also been seen that the fire-fighting equipment, normally available, like snorkel, cannot go beyond 10 floors the highest of the turntable ladder reaches only up to within the building
9) It had also been seen that the fire-fighting equipment, normally available, like snorkel, cannot go beyond 10 floors the highest of the turntable ladder reaches only up to 13 the floor.
In this chapter, some of the important aspects of fire protection in the building will be discussed.
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF FIRE
Following are the chief causes of fire in order of the toll or victims taken:
1) Smoking in unauthorized places ad disregarding carelessly the lighted ends. Of cigarettes and matches;
2) Faulty workmanship with respect to the electrical wiring;
3) Heating and cooking equipment;
4) Children playing with matches;
5) Open flames and sparks;
6) Flammable liquids;
7) Suspected arson;
8) Suspected arson;
9) Lighting; and
10) Spontaneous combustion.
The home contains various different materials and they produce different gasses when ignited by fire. The effects of these gases are s follows ;;
1) Carbon monoxide : The gas hampers oxygen from reaching the brain. It is the most abundant of fire gases. It is invisible and odorless.
2) Carbon dioxide : This gas affects the nervous system and it causes dioxins and pain in the respiratory system.
3) Nitrogen dioxide : This gas in extremely toxic and it numbs oar deadens the throat.
The human body can withstand temperatures of only between and The smoke hampers vision and gases impair rational thought. In many cases, a fire victim loses consciousness before he had a chance to plan out an effective route to safety and thus, many people have been killed by lack of clear thought rather than flames.
The content of oxygen is normally 21 per cent in air. If falls below 17 per cent during a fire, rational thought and muscle control become extremely difficult.
When the oxygen level falls below 6 per cent, the breathing stops and after about 4 minutes to minutes without oxygen, the brain death occurs.
Following are some of the precautionary measures which can be taken to avoid or to minimize the dangers of a fire;
1) Be sure that the cigarettes and matches are thoroughly extinguished before throwing them in rubbish.
2) Entrust the work of wiring and electrical installations to an expert.
3) Evacuate your home as soon as possible . Do not allow toxic fumes to take control of your mind.
4) Feel each door before you open it. If the handle of door is hot or if smoke is seen coming from its bottom or sides, do not open the door. There are all the chances of meeting with a blast of fire in such cases.
5) If there is smoke, crawl on your hands and knees to safety. Heat rises to the ceiling and there is roughly a safety zone between 3000 mm off the floor and approximately height of the door knob.
6) If your clothes catch on fire, drop to the floor and roll to extinguish the flames.
7) Never smoke in bed. A cigarette will continue to burn for about 24 minutes, if it is ignited and left alone. It takes only 10 minutes or 12 minutes, however with your evacuation plan, close every door behind you.
8) Train your family members of staff members for fighting a fire and acquaint them with the fire preventive measures.
FIRE HAZARDS
The fire hazards are fo the following three types :
1. Exposure hazard
2. Internal hazard
3. Internal hazard
4. Personal hazard.
Each of the above type of fire hazard will now be briefly described.
1 Exposure hazard : Sometimes a fire spreads into a building through the open air from fire in other adjacent buildings or from across a road or other divisions of the same building. The risk involved in such fire spreading is known as the exposure hazard.
2) Internal hazard : This type f hazard concerns damage or destruction of the building itself and it si directly related to the fire-load which, in turn, enables the building to be graded when considered along with the duration of fire.
3) Personal hazard : The possibility of loss or damage to the life is referred to as the personal hazard and naturally it is of permanent importance. The fire safety provision sshoudl be liberally provided for this type of hazard and safe fire proof exits should be suitably accommodated in the design of building having more than one storey.
FIRE-LOAD
The term fire-load is used to indicate the amount of heat liberated in kilojoules per squaremetre of floor area of any compartment by the combustion of the content o the building and any combustible part of the building itself.
The fire-load is determined by multiplying the weights of all combustible materials by their respective calorific values and dividing by the floor area under consideration. For instance, suppose a section of building had the floor area of and let in contain N of combustible material having calorific value of
The fire-load is used for the grading of occupancies and as per the fire-load divided into the following three classes :
1. Low fire-load
2. Moderate fir-load
3. High fire-load .
Table shows the grading of occupancies by the fire-load . It may be noted that different materials having the same weight and the same calorific value may present different hazards on account of their other properties such as speed of burning rate . different hazards on account of their other properties such as speed of burning, rate of ignition and liberation of dangerous fumes. For assessing the fire grading, the materials are classified as non-hazardous and extra hazardous by considering their following characteristics :
1. Difficulty ot extinguish,
2. Explosive tendencies,
3. Generation of intense heat when burning, high inflammability,
4. Liability to extend the fire zone,
5. Liability ot intensify a fire and
6. Spontaneous combustion tendencies.
In order to limit fire spread, the following factors factors are to be carefully be carefully considered:
Extinguishing and warning of fire should be made in the building. These equipments should be located at such places that they are easily accessible and readily visible.
2) Materials of construction: The structural elements of the building such as floors, partitions, roofs, walls should be constructed of fire-resisting materials. In relation ot fire, the building materials are classified as be constructed of fire-materials. IN relation of building such as floors, partitions, roofs, walls, etc. Should be constructed materials. iN relation to fire building materials are classified as combustible materials and non combustible materials. During fire, the combustible materials combine exothermically with oxygen resulting in evolution of lot of heat and giving rise to flame. The materials. On the other hand, the noncombustible materials, during fire, are decomposed wood and wood
Combustible materials and non with oxygen resulting in evolution of lot of heat and giving are decomposed by heat with absorption of heat endothermically or oxidized fire, are decomposed by heat These materials are therefore damaged and decomposed when high temperatures are reached, but they do not contribute to the growth or spread of fire. The stones, bricks, concrete, metal, do not contribute ot the growth or spread of fire. The stones, bricks, concrete, metal, glass, clay products, during fire, are decomposed by heat with absorption of heat heat endothermic ally or oxidized with negligible evolution of heat. These materials are therefore damaged and oxidized with negligible evolution of heat. These materials are therefore damaged and decomposed when high temperatures are reached, but they do not contribute to the growth or spread of fire. The stones, bricks, concrete, metal, glass, clay products, tec. Are the example of non-combustible materials.
Means of escape : The building should be provided with suitable means of escape when fire occurs. This is of paramount consideration in the design of theatres. Cinemas, town halls , factories ad similar either public buildings. In the design of theatres, cinemas, town halls, factories and similar other public buildings. Such means of escape will serve as easy access to the fire-men.
The above issue had also special attention to the modern day multi-storied buildings. In case there is a fire in a particular storey, the exit provisions should be such that the occupants of the floor immediately above and below that storey must find suitable safe exit in reasonable time. For this purpose, the size of corridor, width of staircase and location of staircase should be suitably decided by keeping in view the safety requirements.
The National Building Code had covered the topic of the fire protection in detail and some of the important provisions are s follows :
1. A separate fire lift should be provided for use of fire brigade in the event of a fire.
2. Every tall building should have a minimums of two staircases.
3. No revolving door should be have a minimum of two staircases.
4. No revolving door should be treated as exits except in residential and mercantile occupancies.
5. The lifts and escalators should not of buildings should be as follows:
6. Residential , education institutional ad hazardous
7. Business The openings such as doors and windows I n the sufficiently protected by suitable measures so as limit fire spread,
8. It is desirable to subdivide large buildings into small compartments or blocks so as to reduce the chances of fire spread to the whole of building.
GRADING OF STARUCTURAL ELEMENTS AND BUILDINGS
The fire –load is determined by multiplying weights off all combustible materials by their respective calorific values and and dividing by the floor area under consideration, For instance, suppose a section of building had the floor area of and let it contain of combustible material having calorific value contain combustible material having calorific value of
The fire-load is used for the grading of occupancies and as per the fire-load is divided into the following three classes:
1) Low fire-load
2) Moderate fire-load
3) High fir-load.
Table shows the grading of occupancies by the fire –load , It may be noted that different materials having the dame weight and the same calorific value may present for assessing the fire grading, the materials are dangerous fumes. For assessing the fire grading, the materials are classified as non-hazardous hazardous and extra hazardous by considering their following characteristics:
1 difficulty to extinguish,
1) Explosive tendencies,
2) Generation of intense heat when burning,
3) High inflammability,
4) Liability to extend the fire zone,
5) Liability to intensify a fire, and
6) Spontaneous combustion tendencies.
In order to limit fire spread, the following factors are to be carefully considered:
Fire fighting equipment : The provision of suitable equipment for edetecting, extinguishing and warning fo fire should be made in the building. These equipments should be located at such places that they ar easily accessibly and readily visible.
4) Materials of construction : The structural elements of the building such as floors, partitions, roofs, walls, etc. Should be constructed of fire-resisting materials. In relation t fie, the building materials are classified as combustible materials and non combustible materials. During fire, the combustible materials combine exothermincally with oxygen resulting I evolution of lot fo heat ad giving rise to flame. The wood and wood products, fibreboards, strawboards, etc. Are the examples of combustible materials. On the other hand, the non-combustible materials, during fie, ar decomposed by heat with absorption of heat endothermically or oxidized with negligible evolution of heat. These materials are therefore damaged and decomposed when high temperatures are reached, are therefore damlaged and decomposed when high temperatures are reched, but they do not contribute to the growth or spread of fire. The stones, bricks,, co0ncrete, metal, glass, clay products, etc. Are the examples of non-co0mbustible materials.
5) Means of escape : The building should be provided with suitable means of cse there is fire in modern day multi-storeyed buildings. The occupants of the floor immediately above the the exit provisions should be such that the occupants of the floor immediately above and below that storey
6) Corridor, width of staircase and location of staircase should be suitably decided by keeping in view the safety requirements.
7) The National Building Code had covered the topic of the fire protection in detail suitably decidd by keeping in view the safety requirements.
Thus, a fully fire-resistant building is fully protected against any fire which may occur in its contents.
Following facts in connection with the fire protection in buildings should be remembered:
1) It is too expensive to make all the buildings fully protected against fire. As a matter of fact, the amount spent on fire-resisting construction should be in relation to the reduction in loss in case fir breaks out. The preventive measures include suitable planning’s, proper method of construction and The preventive reduction in loss in case fire breaks out. The preventive measures include suitable planning’s, proper method of construction and satisfactory means of escape.
2) It does not necessarily follow that a non-combustible material possesses more power to resist fire. For instance, a timber post would resist fire in a better way than an unprotected R.S. joist.
3) It does not necessarily follow that a non-combustible material possesses more The main purpose of making a building fire-resistant is the protection of life, goods an activities within the building.
4) The degree of fire resistance required will largely depend on the use of building. For instance, a theatre or a town hall will demand greater degree of fire resistant resistance required will largely depend on the use of building . For instance, a theatre or a town hall will demand greater degree of fire resistant construction than a warehouse or a go down.
5) In case of fire-resistance required will largely depend on the use of building. For instance, a of consuming and destroying and the tragic part of it is that nothing is left to rise from the ashes except the fumes of smoke. The survivors of fire are left to carry terribly the impact and impression of fire, both psychologically and physically. The provision of suitable means of escape from fire should be made in relation to these dangers and the number of persons to be affected in fire-hazard. In order to reduce the chances of damage due to panic, the means of escape from fir afire should be located in such a way that they remain unobstructed by smoke or fumes. Reduce the chances of damage due to panic, the means of escape from fire should be locate d in such a way panic, the means of escape from fire should be located in such a way that they remain unobstructed by smoke or fumes. In other words, the means of escape from fire should be easily accessible, unobstructed and clearly defined.
6) It is estimated that nearly 15000 people are killed by fire every year in our country. The direct and indirect losses are estimated as more than 1000 cores and yet, there is no comprehensive regulation to insure fir prevention.
7) The experience the world over had shown that if escape from a tall building is not effected within 10 minutes or 15 minutes of the outbreak of fir, the temperatures as high as and dense poisonous smoke fatally trap the people within the building.
8) It has also been seen that the fire-fighting equipment, normally available, like snorkel, cannot go beyond 10 floors the highest of the turntable ladder reaches only up to within the building
9) It had also been seen that the fire-fighting equipment, normally available, like snorkel, cannot go beyond 10 floors the highest of the turntable ladder reaches only up to 13 the floor.
In this chapter, some of the important aspects of fire protection in the building will be discussed.
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF FIRE
Following are the chief causes of fire in order of the toll or victims taken:
1) Smoking in unauthorized places ad disregarding carelessly the lighted ends. Of cigarettes and matches;
2) Faulty workmanship with respect to the electrical wiring;
3) Heating and cooking equipment;
4) Children playing with matches;
5) Open flames and sparks;
6) Flammable liquids;
7) Suspected arson;
8) Suspected arson;
9) Lighting; and
10) Spontaneous combustion.
The home contains various different materials and they produce different gasses when ignited by fire. The effects of these gases are s follows ;;
1) Carbon monoxide : The gas hampers oxygen from reaching the brain. It is the most abundant of fire gases. It is invisible and odorless.
2) Carbon dioxide : This gas affects the nervous system and it causes dioxins and pain in the respiratory system.
3) Nitrogen dioxide : This gas in extremely toxic and it numbs oar deadens the throat.
The human body can withstand temperatures of only between and The smoke hampers vision and gases impair rational thought. In many cases, a fire victim loses consciousness before he had a chance to plan out an effective route to safety and thus, many people have been killed by lack of clear thought rather than flames.
The content of oxygen is normally 21 per cent in air. If falls below 17 per cent during a fire, rational thought and muscle control become extremely difficult.
When the oxygen level falls below 6 per cent, the breathing stops and after about 4 minutes to minutes without oxygen, the brain death occurs.
Following are some of the precautionary measures which can be taken to avoid or to minimize the dangers of a fire;
1) Be sure that the cigarettes and matches are thoroughly extinguished before throwing them in rubbish.
2) Entrust the work of wiring and electrical installations to an expert.
3) Evacuate your home as soon as possible . Do not allow toxic fumes to take control of your mind.
4) Feel each door before you open it. If the handle of door is hot or if smoke is seen coming from its bottom or sides, do not open the door. There are all the chances of meeting with a blast of fire in such cases.
5) If there is smoke, crawl on your hands and knees to safety. Heat rises to the ceiling and there is roughly a safety zone between 3000 mm off the floor and approximately height of the door knob.
6) If your clothes catch on fire, drop to the floor and roll to extinguish the flames.
7) Never smoke in bed. A cigarette will continue to burn for about 24 minutes, if it is ignited and left alone. It takes only 10 minutes or 12 minutes, however with your evacuation plan, close every door behind you.
8) Train your family members of staff members for fighting a fire and acquaint them with the fire preventive measures.
FIRE HAZARDS
The fire hazards are fo the following three types :
1. Exposure hazard
2. Internal hazard
3. Internal hazard
4. Personal hazard.
Each of the above type of fire hazard will now be briefly described.
1 Exposure hazard : Sometimes a fire spreads into a building through the open air from fire in other adjacent buildings or from across a road or other divisions of the same building. The risk involved in such fire spreading is known as the exposure hazard.
2) Internal hazard : This type f hazard concerns damage or destruction of the building itself and it si directly related to the fire-load which, in turn, enables the building to be graded when considered along with the duration of fire.
3) Personal hazard : The possibility of loss or damage to the life is referred to as the personal hazard and naturally it is of permanent importance. The fire safety provision sshoudl be liberally provided for this type of hazard and safe fire proof exits should be suitably accommodated in the design of building having more than one storey.
FIRE-LOAD
The term fire-load is used to indicate the amount of heat liberated in kilojoules per squaremetre of floor area of any compartment by the combustion of the content o the building and any combustible part of the building itself.
The fire-load is determined by multiplying the weights of all combustible materials by their respective calorific values and dividing by the floor area under consideration. For instance, suppose a section of building had the floor area of and let in contain N of combustible material having calorific value of
The fire-load is used for the grading of occupancies and as per the fire-load divided into the following three classes :
1. Low fire-load
2. Moderate fir-load
3. High fire-load .
Table shows the grading of occupancies by the fire-load . It may be noted that different materials having the same weight and the same calorific value may present different hazards on account of their other properties such as speed of burning rate . different hazards on account of their other properties such as speed of burning, rate of ignition and liberation of dangerous fumes. For assessing the fire grading, the materials are classified as non-hazardous and extra hazardous by considering their following characteristics :
1. Difficulty ot extinguish,
2. Explosive tendencies,
3. Generation of intense heat when burning, high inflammability,
4. Liability to extend the fire zone,
5. Liability ot intensify a fire and
6. Spontaneous combustion tendencies.
In order to limit fire spread, the following factors factors are to be carefully be carefully considered:
Extinguishing and warning of fire should be made in the building. These equipments should be located at such places that they are easily accessible and readily visible.
2) Materials of construction: The structural elements of the building such as floors, partitions, roofs, walls should be constructed of fire-resisting materials. In relation ot fire, the building materials are classified as be constructed of fire-materials. IN relation of building such as floors, partitions, roofs, walls, etc. Should be constructed materials. iN relation to fire building materials are classified as combustible materials and non combustible materials. During fire, the combustible materials combine exothermically with oxygen resulting in evolution of lot of heat and giving rise to flame. The materials. On the other hand, the noncombustible materials, during fire, are decomposed wood and wood
Combustible materials and non with oxygen resulting in evolution of lot of heat and giving are decomposed by heat with absorption of heat endothermically or oxidized fire, are decomposed by heat These materials are therefore damaged and decomposed when high temperatures are reached, but they do not contribute to the growth or spread of fire. The stones, bricks, concrete, metal, do not contribute ot the growth or spread of fire. The stones, bricks, concrete, metal, glass, clay products, during fire, are decomposed by heat with absorption of heat heat endothermic ally or oxidized with negligible evolution of heat. These materials are therefore damaged and oxidized with negligible evolution of heat. These materials are therefore damaged and decomposed when high temperatures are reached, but they do not contribute to the growth or spread of fire. The stones, bricks, concrete, metal, glass, clay products, tec. Are the example of non-combustible materials.
Means of escape : The building should be provided with suitable means of escape when fire occurs. This is of paramount consideration in the design of theatres. Cinemas, town halls , factories ad similar either public buildings. In the design of theatres, cinemas, town halls, factories and similar other public buildings. Such means of escape will serve as easy access to the fire-men.
The above issue had also special attention to the modern day multi-storied buildings. In case there is a fire in a particular storey, the exit provisions should be such that the occupants of the floor immediately above and below that storey must find suitable safe exit in reasonable time. For this purpose, the size of corridor, width of staircase and location of staircase should be suitably decided by keeping in view the safety requirements.
The National Building Code had covered the topic of the fire protection in detail and some of the important provisions are s follows :
1. A separate fire lift should be provided for use of fire brigade in the event of a fire.
2. Every tall building should have a minimums of two staircases.
3. No revolving door should be have a minimum of two staircases.
4. No revolving door should be treated as exits except in residential and mercantile occupancies.
5. The lifts and escalators should not of buildings should be as follows:
6. Residential , education institutional ad hazardous
7. Business The openings such as doors and windows I n the sufficiently protected by suitable measures so as limit fire spread,
8. It is desirable to subdivide large buildings into small compartments or blocks so as to reduce the chances of fire spread to the whole of building.
GRADING OF STARUCTURAL ELEMENTS AND BUILDINGS
The fire –load is determined by multiplying weights off all combustible materials by their respective calorific values and and dividing by the floor area under consideration, For instance, suppose a section of building had the floor area of and let it contain of combustible material having calorific value contain combustible material having calorific value of
The fire-load is used for the grading of occupancies and as per the fire-load is divided into the following three classes:
1) Low fire-load
2) Moderate fire-load
3) High fir-load.
Table shows the grading of occupancies by the fire –load , It may be noted that different materials having the dame weight and the same calorific value may present for assessing the fire grading, the materials are dangerous fumes. For assessing the fire grading, the materials are classified as non-hazardous hazardous and extra hazardous by considering their following characteristics:
1 difficulty to extinguish,
1) Explosive tendencies,
2) Generation of intense heat when burning,
3) High inflammability,
4) Liability to extend the fire zone,
5) Liability to intensify a fire, and
6) Spontaneous combustion tendencies.
In order to limit fire spread, the following factors are to be carefully considered:
Fire fighting equipment : The provision of suitable equipment for edetecting, extinguishing and warning fo fire should be made in the building. These equipments should be located at such places that they ar easily accessibly and readily visible.
4) Materials of construction : The structural elements of the building such as floors, partitions, roofs, walls, etc. Should be constructed of fire-resisting materials. In relation t fie, the building materials are classified as combustible materials and non combustible materials. During fire, the combustible materials combine exothermincally with oxygen resulting I evolution of lot fo heat ad giving rise to flame. The wood and wood products, fibreboards, strawboards, etc. Are the examples of combustible materials. On the other hand, the non-combustible materials, during fie, ar decomposed by heat with absorption of heat endothermically or oxidized with negligible evolution of heat. These materials are therefore damaged and decomposed when high temperatures are reached, are therefore damlaged and decomposed when high temperatures are reched, but they do not contribute to the growth or spread of fire. The stones, bricks,, co0ncrete, metal, glass, clay products, etc. Are the examples of non-co0mbustible materials.
5) Means of escape : The building should be provided with suitable means of cse there is fire in modern day multi-storeyed buildings. The occupants of the floor immediately above the the exit provisions should be such that the occupants of the floor immediately above and below that storey
6) Corridor, width of staircase and location of staircase should be suitably decided by keeping in view the safety requirements.
7) The National Building Code had covered the topic of the fire protection in detail suitably decidd by keeping in view the safety requirements.
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