Manual of Fire Protection Engineering
150
AL17 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE MANUAL OF FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING (MFPE)
Transcript of Manual of Fire Protection Engineering
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
MANUAL OFFIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING
(MFPE)
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© Commonwealth of Australia 2000
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may bereproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Department of Defence.
Announcement statement— may be announced to the public.
Secondary release— may be released to the public.
All Defence information, whether classified or not, is protected from unauthorised disclosure under theCrimes Act 1914. Defence information may only be released in accordance with the Defence ProtectiveSecurity Manual (SECMAN 4) and/or Defence Instruction (General) OPS 13–4—Release of ClassifiedDefence Information to Other Countries, as appropriate.
Requests and inquiries should be addressed to the Director, Defence Publishing Service, CP3–1–102,Department of Defence, CANBERRA ACT 2600.
MFPE
First edition 1989
Sponsor
Estate Operations and Planning BranchDefence Estate
Publisher
Defence Publishing ServiceDepartment of DefenceCANBERRA ACT 2600
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FOREWORD
1. The Manual of Fire Protection Engineering (MFPE) is the primary policy document whendetermining fire safety requirements for Defence facilities and its provisions are mandatory.
2. This manual forms part of the Defence Estate Management Guide (DEMG) and can beaccessed from Estate Management Tools, part 5, chapter 1. The DEMG is available on the internet athttp://www.dod.gov.au/deodemg/4tools/b4p5/b4p5c1/default.htm.
3. The MFPE nominates the Building Code of Australia (BCA 96) as the minimum constructionstandard for Defence Facilities, but, recognising the unique nature of some Defence facilities andequipment housed in those facilities, the manual takes a risk assessment and risk managementapproach to fire safety and generally nominates higher levels of fire safety than those required byBCA 96.
4. All Defence new construction and refurbishment projects are required to be certified by anindependent accredited building surveyor, that they meet the fire safety measures detailed in thismanual.
R. BAINActing Head Defence EstateDefence Estate Organisation
4 October 2000
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AMENDMENT CERTIFICATE
Amendment Effected
No Date Signature Date
INCORPORATE’S AL’S 1 to 17
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CONTENTSPage
Foreword iiiAmendment Certificate v
Paragraph
CHAPTER 1 FIRE PROTECTION OF DEFENCE ASSETS
Introduction 1.1References 1.5Background 1.6Aim 1.7
DEFINITIONS AND CLASSIFICATION OF ASSETSDefinitions 1.8Asset Classification 1.9
FIRE PROTECTIONPrinciples 1.10Fire Detection 1.11Fire Suppression 1.14Fire Protection Equipment—Accredited Products Listing 1.16Termination of Alarms 1.17Advisory Bodies 1.18Reporting of Fires 1.19Dispensations 1.20
CHAPTER 2 FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Scope 2.1References 2.2Objectives 2.3Introduction 2.4
EMERGENCY ORGANISATIONChief Warden 2.9Deputy Chief Warden 2.12Floor Wardens 2.13Wardens 2.17Communications Officer 2.18Identification of Wardens 2.20Alerting of Wardens 2.21Typical Duties of Emergency Control Organisation 2.25Emergency Procedures 2.26Training 2.30Preventive Measures 2.37Bomb Threat 2.42
Annex:A. Bomb threats
CHAPTER 3 EMERGENCY WARNING AND INTERCOMMUNICATIONSSYSTEMS
Scope 3.1Aim 3.2References 3.3Requirements 3.4Organisation and Training 3.5Installation 3.6Warning Signals 3.8
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CHAPTER 4 INTERRUPTION TO NORMAL PUBLIC FIRE BRIGADESERVICES
Introduction 4.1References 4.2Definitions 4.3Pre-Planning 4.4Fire Service Impairments 4.5Introduction of Emergency Procedures 4.7
Annex:A. Emergency procedures during interruption to public fire
services
CHAPTER 5 FIRE PROTECTION PROVISIONS FOR DEFENCE LIVING-INACCOMMODATION
Scope 5.1References 5.3Fire Detection Requirements 5.5Upgrading Existing Accommodation 5.7
CHAPTER 6 FIRE MANAGEMENT IN DEFENCE TRAINING AREAS
SCOPE
AIM
BACKGROUND
OBJECTIVES
DEFINITIONS
STRATEGY FOR FIRE MANAGEMENT PLANNINGControl of Uncontrolled Fires 6.23
PRESCRIBED BURNINGAreas of Strategic Importance 6.26Non-strategic Areas 6.28Alternatives 6.30Prescribed Burning for Fire Prevention and Suppression 6.31Prescribed Burning for Environmental Management 6.38
MONITORING AND RESEARCH
EDUCATION
TRAINING
IMPLEMENTATION
CHAPTER 7 FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT—REGISTER OF ACCREDITEDPRODUCTS
Aim 7.1Reference 7.2Background 7.3Defence Application 7.4Defect Reporting Procedure 7.5Accredited Listing Availability 7.6Special Service Requirements 7.7Users Technical Advisory Committee to Scientific Services Laboratory 7.8
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CHAPTER 8 AIRCRAFT HANGARS—FIRE SAFETY
Scope 8.1References 8.2Introduction 8.3Definitions 8.4Fire Protection Selection Criteria 8.5Required Levels of Fire Protection for Hangars Housing Two or
More Aircraft 8.6The Fire Risk in Aircraft Hangars 8.8Objectives 8.9
PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION MEASURESHangar Construction and Separation 8.10Compartmentation 8.13Ventilation 8.14Floor Drainage 8.16Hangar Doors 8.17Separation of Aircraft 8.18Electrical Services 8.19Means of Egress and Access for Firefighting 8.20
ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION MEASURESFire Detection 8.21Critical Timings for Design Purposes 8.23Fire Suppression 8.24Aqueous Film Forming Foam 8.27Water supply 8.28Fire Points 8.30Commissioning and maintenance requirements 8.31Fire Hydrants 8.32Housekeeping 8.33Levels of Protection 8.34
Annex:A. Fire protection levels in aircraft hangars
CHAPTER 9 STORES BUILDINGS—FIRE SAFETY
Scope 9.1References 9.2Definitions 9.3Classification of Hazard 9.4Construction 9.5Building Separation 9.7Means of Egress/Distance of Travel 9.8Storage Arrangements 9.9Housekeeping 9.14Fire Protection 9.15Required signage 9.16Heat/Smoke Venting 9.17Power Supplies 9.18Design Limitations (storage in excess of) 9.19
CHAPTER 10 ENGINEERING WORKSHOPS—FIRE SAFETY
Scope 10.1References 10.2Aim 10.3Building Classification 10.4Fire Protection/Detection 10.5Means of Egress/Distances of Travel 10.6First Attack Firefighting Equipment 10.7Fire Hydrants External/Internal 10.8Smoke/Heat Venting 10.10Housekeeping 10.11Power Supplies 10.14
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CHAPTER 11 INSTALLATION OF PORTABLE FIRE EQUIPMENT
Scope 11.1References 11.2Introduction 11.4Selection of Extinguishers 11.5Distribution 11.6
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONSSubstations 11.8Switchrooms 11.10Switchboards 11.11Type of Installation 11.15Location of Extinguishers 11.18Service Housing 11.20Miscellaneous Risks 11.22Flammable Liquid Storage 11.23
CHAPTER 12 COMPUTING EQUIPMENT—FIRE PROTECTION
Introduction 12.1Background 12.2Aim 12.3Definitions 12.4References 12.5Design Briefs 12.7Fire Protection/Detection Levels Required 12.8Minor Computers 12.9Computing Facilities Generally 12.10
Annex:A. Existing building protection
CHAPTER 13 FIRE SAFETY SURVEYS—DEFENCE ASSETS
Introduction 13.1Background 13.2Responsible Authorities 13.3Authority to Conduct Fire Safety Surveys 13.4Aim 13.5Classification of Assets 13.6Frequency of Surveys 13.7Retention of Facilities Fire Safety Surveys 13.8Commonality of Reporting Format 13.9Security of Information 13.12Reporting of Fires 13.13Reporting Format 13.14Priority of Recommendations 13.15
Annex:A. Fire safety survey report
CHAPTER 14 FIRE SAFETY—PHYSICAL SECURITY ASPECTS
Introduction 14.1References 14.2Definitions 14.3Aim 14.4Physical Security/Means of Egress 14.5Internal Fire Resistant Doorsets 14.9Conflict of Interest 14.10
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CHAPTER 15 FIRE EQUIPMENT INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Introduction 15.1References 15.2Aim 15.3Contract Specifications 15.4Maintenance Levels 15.5Special Fixed Fire Installations 15.6
Annex:A. Guidelines for testing fixed aqueous film forming fire
supression systems
CHAPTER 16 MANUALLY OPERATED FIRE ALARM CALL POINTS
Introduction 16.1References 16.2Background 16.3Code Requirements 16.5Design Briefs 16.7
CHAPTER 17 EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE—FIRE SAFETY
Aim 17.1Scope 17.2Definitions 17.3References 17.4Facility Planning—Fire Safety Assessment 17.5
FACILITY FIREFIGHTING REQUIREMENTSWater Supplies 17.7Firefighting Vehicles 17.9Facility Fire Safety—Emergency Organisation 17.12
Annex:A. Firefighting procedures—explosive ordnance behaviour when
involved in a fire
CHAPTER 18 FIRE SAFETY—HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Aim 18.1Introduction 18.2References 18.3Definition 18.4Building Regulations—Application 18.5Notification to the Australian Heritage Commission 18.9State and Local Government Authorities—Notifications 18.11
CHAPTER 19 FIRE SAFETY—LIGHTING OF FIRES DURING PERIODS OFPROCLAIMED HIGH FIRE DANGER—DEFENCE FACILITIES
Scope 19.1Aim 19.2Definitions 19.3Background 19.4Defence Responsibilities 19.6Procedures 19.7
CHAPTER 20 CRITICAL EQUIPMENT—FIRE PROTECTION
Aim 20.1Scope 20.2General 20.3System Design and Commissioning 20.16
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CHAPTER 21 FACILITIES—ACCESS FOR FIREFIGHTING AND EMERGENCYVEHICLES
Introduction 21.1Scope 21.2Planning and Siting of Facilities 21.3Access Criteria 21.4Water Supplies/Fire Hydrants 21.6Airfield Fire/Emergency Vehicles 21.7
CHAPTER 22 FIRE PROTECTION POLICY FOR HEALTH CARE BUILDINGS
Introduction 22.1Scope 22.3Applications 22.4Requirements 22.5Fire Protection 22.6Fire Brigade Consultation 22.8Smoke Control 22.9Egress Requirements 22.10Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System 22.11Portable Firefighting Equipment 22.12
CHAPTER 23 THE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF FLAMMABLE ANDCOMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS—FIRE SAFETY
Introduction 23.1References 23.2Storage Practices 23.3Background 23.4Future Standards of Construction for Flammable/Combustible
Liquids Storage 23.5
CHAPTER 24 SAFETY IN WELDING AND ALLIED PROCESSES—FIREPRECAUTIONS
Introduction 24.1Reference 24.2Background 24.3Application of Hot Work Permits 24.4Responsible Issuing Officers 24.5Sample Hot Work Permit 24.6
Annex:A. (Sample) Hot work permit
CHAPTER 25 BUILDINGS FOR DISPOSAL—FIRE SAFETY
Introduction 25.1Aim 25.2References 25.3
CHAPTER 26 ALTERNATIVE DESIGN SOLUTIONS, DISPENSATIONS ANDCERTIFICATION FOR DEFENCE PROJECTS
Introduction 26.1Aim 26.3Areas of Non Compliance 26.4Required Construction Standard 26.5Certification 26.6Approval of Alternative Design Solutions and Dispensations 26.9
Annex:A. Sample request for dispensation
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CHAPTER 1
FIRE PROTECTION OF DEFENCE ASSETS 1
Introduction 1.1
1.1 The overall philosophy for fire protection of Defence components is to create fire safetysystems such that the sum of the through life costs of the safety systems and the expected losses ofDefence assets during the same time is minimised. The determination of requirements must include anyspecial Defence value of the assets.
1.2 The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is the Defence minimum construction standard.However, the fire protection measures specified in the BCA are primarily to ensure life safety, not assetprotection. In recognition of the fact that Defence does not insure its assets, and to adequately protectDefence assets and functions from fire, this manual generally specifies higher levels of fire protectionthan those required by the BCA. The individual chapters of this manual detail the minimum fire protectionrequirements for Defence facilities.
1.3 Designers utilising the performance provisions of the BCA shall (unless a dispensation isapproved in accordance with chapter 26—‘Alternative design solutions, dispensations and certificationfor defence projects’) incorporate the prescriptive suppression/detection requirements of this manual forthe appropriate class of occupancy, as part of the engineered solution. Engineered solutions shall alsoaddress the additional passive fire protection and smoke control requirements of this manual, which shallbe documented in accordance with paragraph 1.5d.
1.4 Fire safety arrangements are an integral part of physical security. Therefore, when fire safetyarrangements are planned, they should be coordinated with physical security arrangements to maximisethe security and safety of Defence assets and personnel.
References 1.5
1.5 Reference is necessary to current issues of the following documents:
a. The ‘Building Code of Australia’.
b. Australian Standards.
c. National Fire Protection Association Codes (USA).
d. Fire Code Reform—Fire Engineering Guidelines.
Background 1.6
1.6 The term ‘fire safety’ is a generic term used by the Department of Defence (including theServices) to cover three interrelated matters, namely:
a. Fire Protection. The design and construction of buildings and facilities to fire safetystandards, the provision of fire detection and suppression systems, and the provision offirst attack firefighting equipment.
b. Fire Prevention. The procedures adopted by occupants of facilities to reduce the riskof fire occurring, limit its spread, ensure that first attack firefighting equipment isavailable and serviceable, and to train occupants in evacuation procedures and theaction to be taken in the event of a fire.
c. Firefighting. The action taken by specialist and auxiliary firefighting personnel to rescuepersonnel, extinguish an outbreak of fire and limit damage to facilities and materiel.
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Aim 1.7
1.7 The aim of this manual is to assist those concerned in formulating requirements for fireprotection in new constructions and facilities, refurbishing of existing buildings and the leasing of facilitiesfor use or occupation by Defence. Where there is conflict between the Building Code of Australia (BCA)and this Manual, the contents of this manual shall take precedence.
DEFINITIONS AND CLASSIFICATION OF ASSETS 1.8
Definitions 1.8
1.8 The following terms are used in this manual:
a. Detection System. A system which detects the presence of a fire, initiates a local alarmand alerts the fire service.
b. Suppression System. A system which detects a fire, sounds a local alarm, alerts thefire service and discharges an extinguishing medium onto the fire.
c. Special Risk. Special risks are those where the processes within a facility involve therisk of explosion, the rapid propagation of fire or generation of noxious gases whichcould pose a significant life risk to occupants or destroy the asset before effectivefirefighting intervention. Examples of special risk Service facilities are explosives stores,paint spraying booths, flammable liquids stores, engine hydraulic and high pressure fueltest stands and missile maintenance facilities.
d. BCA. Building Code of Australia.
e. Class 3 Occupancy. A residential building, other than a building of Class 1 or 2, whichis a common place of long term or transient living for a number of unrelated personsincluding a boarding house, guesthouse, hostel, lodging house, backpackersaccommodation, or a residential part of a hotel or motel, or a residential part of a school,or accommodation for the aged, disabled or children, or a residential part of a healthcare building which accommodates members of staff.
f. ECO. Emergency Control Organisation.
g. First Attack Firefighting Appliances. Fire hose reels, fire-extinguishers and fireblankets.
h. Good Housekeeping. The minimisation of combustibles in the workplace, maintenanceof escape routes and unobstructed access to first attack firefighting equipment. Safework practises in relation to all forms of electrical apparatus is also included in thecategory of good housekeeping.
i. NFPA. National Fire Protection Association (USA).
j. Required. Required in the context of this manual, means required to comply withDefence policy or the Building Code of Australia.
k. Recommended. Desirable but not required.
l. School. Includes a primary or secondary school, college, university or similarestablishment for the purposes of education or instruction.
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Asset Classification 1.9
1.9 The level of fire protection required in a Defence installation depends on the life risk, defencevalue and the vulnerability of the asset and its contents to fire and explosion. The defence value is anaggregate of the replacement cost, the penalties of lead time and availability, the security classification,and the impact of the loss on the capabilities of the Services. Physical security policy categorises assetsas follows (Defence Protective Security Manual (SECMAN 4) refers):
a. Major Assets. A major asset is an item or group of items, facility, installation orclassified matter, the loss of which, because of its high cost, replacement lead time,impact on operational capability of the Services, or its security classification would be ofmajor concern to the national interest.
b. Important Assets. An important asset is an item or group of items, facility, installationor classified matter, the loss of which, whilst not significantly impairing overall capabilityof the Services would have a serious impact on the functioning of an important elementof the Services.
c. Sensitive or Attractive Assets. A sensitive or attractive asset is an item or group ofitems within a facility or installation which requires protection because of the dangersand embarrassment that could result if the asset were to fall into the hands of terroristsor criminal elements of society. Sensitive or attractive assets include weapons,ammunition, explosives and drugs.
d. Support Assets. A support asset is an item or group of items, facility or installation theloss of which would have little significance on the overall Service(s) capability, but wouldimpair the efficiency of the day-to-day administration of bases and units.
e. Domestic Assets. A domestic asset is a facility or installation of low strategicimportance requiring fire protection but no fixed security surveillance.
A facility assessed as a., b. or c. above, may require more complex fire protection requirements thanthose detailed in the individual chapters of this manual as generic minimum requirements for the variousclassifications of buildings, and shall be referred to the Chief Fire Safety Officer (CFSO) for comment.
FIRE PROTECTION 1.10
Principles 1.10
1.10 The following principles are to be adopted when considering fire protection provisions:
a. protection for a particular building shall be considered at the conceptual/briefing stage,be planned at the design stage and included in the building specifications;
b. protection of existing buildings shall be assessed in the light of current or future use,especially if and when any major remodelling or change in use is contemplated; and
c. the nature and type of protection to be installed shall be determined by projectproponents in accordance with the contents of this manual.
Fire Detection 1.11
1.11 Fire detection systems should be considered for installation in assets where a rapid responsefrom Service or civil fire brigades is anticipated, eg ten minutes, and where one or more of the followingaspects apply:
a. the fire risk within the asset is high;
b. there is a risk of loss of life;
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c. defence value is high, as determined by paragraph 1.9; and
d. exposure to probable financial loss is likely to make the system a cost-effectiveinvestment.
Generally these assets will have a low fire load.
1.12 Detection systems shall be smoke detection, unless the environment to be protected would beunsuitable for smoke detection, eg kitchens, plantrooms, shower rooms etc. Examples of assets wheredetection systems are required, unless a dispensation is granted in accordance with chapter 26, include:
a. messes;
b. administrative offices;
c. gymnasiums;
d. canteens, clubs and recreation centres;
e. lecture rooms;
f. guard houses;
g. theatres;
h. accommodation; and
i. Reserve Training Centres.
Reference should also be made to the BCA and the criteria detailed in paragraph 1.9.
1.13 Any building of low Defence value (paragraph 1.9 refers) or involving low hazard functionsneed not be fitted with detection systems unless otherwise specified.
Fire Suppression 1.14
1.14 Fire suppression systems should be considered for installation in assets where one or more ofthe following aspects apply:
a. the response time of the Service or civil fire brigade is in excess of ten minutes,
b. the fire risk within the asset is high,
c. there is a risk of loss of life,
d. defence value is high (see paragraph 1.9) and specific requirements are detailed in thefollowing chapters or the BCA),
e. exposure to probable financial loss is likely to make the system a cost-effectiveinvestment, or
f. the fire load is high.
1.15 Examples of assets where suppression systems are required, unless a dispensation is grantedin accordance with chapter 26, include:
a. large storehouses likely to contain expensive equipment or long lead time replacementitems;
b. aircraft hangars;
c. workshops;
d. special risks;
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e. refurbished buildings where compartmentation, egress distances, etc cannot meetcurrent BCA requirements; and
f. heritage buildings.
Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) and Residential sprinkler systems are approved suppressionsystems for the protection of Defence facilities and assets.
Fire Protection Equipment—Accredited Products Listing 1.16
1.16 To ensure that products of recognised quality are installed in Defence facilities, only productsregistered in the Accredited Products Listing should be installed. For further details see chapter 7—‘Fireprotection equipment—register of accredited products’.
Termination of Alarms 1.17
1.17 Where a permanently manned Service fire station is available, all fire alarms are to terminateat the fire alarm console of that station. Connection from the console to the local civil fire brigade toprovide automatic alerting is not necessarily required. However, mutual aid arrangements should bedeveloped so that support may be obtained from the civil fire brigade where available. If no permanentlymanned Service fire station is available, alarms are to terminate at a fire alarm console in anappropriately staffed duty room on the base or installation. This console is to be connected to the localcivil fire brigade station or Defence approved Monitoring Service to AS 1670.3—Monitoring NetworkPerformance to provide automatic alerting when an alarm is initiated. Where permanently mannedDefence/Service central monitoring stations are available, security and fire alarms systems should alsobe connected to that console.
Advisory Bodies 1.18
1.18 Recommendations of advisory bodies will be examined and where acceptable will berecommended for adoption as Defence policy. The bodies are:
a. Standards Association of Australia, Standards and Codes; and
b. National Fire Protection Association (US) Standards and Codes.
Reporting of Fires 1.19
1.19 All fires within Department of Defence owned or leased properties shall be reported to theDefence Chief Fire Safety Officer (CFSO), facsimile (02) 6265 3907, telephone (02) 6266 7837. Firesshould also be reported to the Manager Defence Estate and Manager Corporate Support, of the regionsin which the fire occurs. Each Regional Estate Centre is to provide a consolidated report of fire incidentsfor the previous financial year to the CFSO by 30 August each year. The report should include details offalse alarms in the region, including identified causes and any actions taken to minimise the number offalse alarms.
Dispensations 1.20
1.20 Dispensations from the requirements of this manual, and alternative design solutions shall beapproved in accordance with chapter 26.
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CHAPTER 2
FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 2
Scope 2.1
2.1 This chapter details emergency organisations and procedures to be adopted in Defenceoccupied buildings. Specific details relating to bomb threats are contained in annex A.
References 2.2
2.2 Reference is necessary to the following documents:
a. Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991.
b. Australian Standard (AS) 3745—Emergency Control Organisation and Procedures forBuildings.
Objectives 2.3
2.3 The aim of this chapter is to provide guidelines which occupiers of buildings should use toprepare procedures to be followed in case of an emergency.
Introduction 2.4
2.4 Although the principal threat to safety is from fire, other emergencies could arise from gasleaks, building structural or service failures, bomb threats, public disturbances, etc. An effectiveæemergency procedures' plan and organisation will be the best method of safeguarding personnel inthese circumstances.
2.5 The Department of Defence is responsible for ensuring that procedures for the protection ofoccupants against any emergency are arranged in buildings occupied solely or principally by thisDepartment.
EMERGENCY ORGANISATION 2.6
2.6 An Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) should be formed for each building, consisting ofrepresentatives from each branch or department. Where accommodation is leased and shared withprivate tenants, the building owners or representatives and the private tenants should be on theorganisation.
2.7 The EPC should propose the form and operation of the Emergency Control Organisation(ECO) and produce detailed emergency procedures. These procedures should be submitted to the localfire brigades for their comments, then to the responsible Chief Officer for approval. Emergencyprocedures should be reviewed periodically to ensure the most effective and up-to-date methods arebeing employed.
2.8 An ECO should be formed from selected occupants of the building. The ECO will comprise thefollowing members.
Chief Warden 2.9
2.9 Chief Wardens will respond immediately to alarms, determine what emergency procedures areto be invoked, and bring the emergency control organisation into action. They will assume control of theoccupants of the building from the time that the alarm is raised, until the arrival of the fire brigade andassumption of responsibility by the brigade's senior officer.
2.10 Chief Wardens should be relatively senior officers able to command attention and gain theconfidence of personnel. Their normal work station should be on or close to the ground floor and theirduties should not require them to be frequently absent from the building. Sufficient Deputy ChiefWardens should be appointed to ensure that the Chief Warden or a deputy is always available at timeswhen the building is normally occupied.
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2.11 The Chief Warden should arrange that an up-to-date list of all Wardens, together with theirlocations and telephone numbers, is maintained.
Deputy Chief Warden 2.12
2.12 The Deputy Chief Warden will understudy the Chief Warden and assume his or her dutieswhenever the Chief Warden is absent from the building.
Floor Wardens 2.13
2.13 Floor Wardens should be appointed for each floor to control the emergency procedures andevacuation arrangements for their floor, as directed by the Chief Warden.
2.14 Floor Wardens have the authority to evacuate their floor if they consider that there is anydanger to the occupants.
2.15 Floor Wardens should be mature and responsible employees. Sufficient Deputy FloorWardens should be appointed to act in the absence of floor wardens and assume their responsibilities.
2.16 Floor Wardens should:
a. familiarise themselves with the section and floor they represent;
b. know all means of egress;
c. be familiar with strongrooms, and dead-end areas, other obscure areas;
d. know the location and operation of alarm points, fire equipment and any emergencycommunications equipment;
e. be aware of incapacitated staff who may need assistance in proceeding to a place ofsafety; and
f. nominate persons for special duties, including staffing the Warden IntercommunicationsPoint (WIP) where installed.
Wardens 2.17
2.17 Wardens should be appointed to assist the floor wardens on the basis of at least one for everyforty persons on the floor, and sufficient to ensure that several will be available at all times.
Communications Officer 2.18
2.18 In multistorey and other buildings having emergency warning and intercommunicationssystems, Communications Officers should be appointed. They will be responsible for operating theMaster Emergency Control Point (MECP) of the communications equipment. The MECP Console is thefocal point of the Emergency Procedures plan and would be at the disposal of any emergency servicesattending a building emergency incident.
2.19 When Emergency Control Organisation personnel have been recruited, a list of their names,locations and telephone numbers should be published and circulated to all Emergency ControlOrganisation members and placed on notice boards.
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Identification of Wardens 2.20
2.20 Emergency Control Organisation personnel should be issued with helmets as an aid toidentification. Helmet colours should be:
a. Chief Warden—White.
b. Floor Warden—Yellow.
c. Warden—Red.
Helmets should be clearly labelled, at the front with the officer’s position in the organisation (ChiefWarden, etc) and all Floor Wardens helmets should be numbered on each side with the Wardens floornumber.
Note
Any existing helmet identification colour code already in use may be continued until it is convenient toimplement the change.)
Alerting of Wardens 2.21
2.21 There are four main methods of alerting Wardens. These are:
a. Emergency Warning and Intercommunications Systems, as described in AS 2220, andnormally found in high rise or large buildings of modern construction;
b. portable evacuation Alarm (PEAs) devices used in older high rise or large buildings nothaving the system described in a. above;
c. the ‘telephone tree’, where Wardens are individually alerted by normal telephones. Thissystem should be restricted to smaller occupancies than those described previously);and
d. oral warnings (eg in case of fire shout Fire Fire Fire), to be used in small offices, singlestorey small buildings, etc.
2.22 There may also be other warnings systems such as bells or horns, found in older buildings.
2.23 The primary duty of the Emergency Control Organisation is not to tackle the emergency, butto ensure the safety of occupants and their orderly evacuation from the danger zone, and secondly totackle the emergency.
2.24 Indemnification provided for Wardens by the Government in respect of any proceedings arisingfrom any incident relating to an emergency evacuation, is detailed in Finance Directions Section21/6–7—Incidents Involving Emergency Evacuation.
Typical Duties of Emergency Control Organisation 2.25
2.25 Typical duties of the Emergency Control Organisation when a report of a fire is received are:
a. Chief Warden. The Chief Warden, or in his or her absence the Deputy Chief Warden,will:
(1) assess the emergency and determine whether or not a general alarm within thebuilding should be given,
(2) contact floor wardens as appropriate and arrange for evacuation to the extent heor she judges necessary, and
(3) move to ground floor to oversee and superintend any evacuation until arrival ofthe fire brigade senior officer.
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b. Floor Warden. The Floor Warden will:
(1) advise the Chief Warden of any emergency on his or her floor and any actiontaken or proposed;
(2) check fire doors which give access to stairways to ensure that they are closed;
(3) post a watch to ensure that these fire doors remain closed except to facilitate theescape of occupants;
(4) ensure that access to stairways is not impaired;
(5) ensure that all occupants of the floor are aware that evacuation of the floor isnecessary, and to direct the occupants to the nearest accessible escape stairs orto an appropriate assembly location;
(6) ensure that evacuations from the floor is orderly and by means of stairs, lifts mustnot be used;
(7) make a thorough search of the whole floor to ensure that no persons, deaf,disabled or otherwise requiring assistance, remain; and
(8) advise Chief Warden when the evacuation is completed.
c. Communications Officer. The communications officer will:
(1) transmit and record information passing between the Chief Warden and floorwardens; and
(2) operate the ‘Alert’ and ‘Evacuate’ emergency warning signals, as directed by theChief Warden;
d. Telephone Switchboard Operator. When a fire report is received, the operator will:
(1) telephone the fire brigade to confirm that the alarm has been received;
(2) summon the Chief Warden or in his or her absence, the deputy Chief Warden.
Emergency Procedures 2.26
2.26 All emergency procedures should include the following information:
a. a description of the building and all means of exit, with reference to any specialcircumstances that may exist at the particular location, including the location of gasmeters, electricity substations, etc;
b. a simple plan line drawing of the building, showing all exits;
c. an explanation of the emergency control organisation and a list of the branches ordepartments and any non-government tenants serving on the committee;
d. the duties, responsibilities and procedures to be adopted by each of the following:
(1) Chief Warden, floor wardens, communications officers, telephonists;
(2) Australian Federal Police/Australian Protective Services and/or building security,as appropriate; and
(3) fire brigade;
e. a section covering different types of emergencies that may be encountered within thebuilding;
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f. clear instructions for all occupants to follow in the event of an alarm, includingevacuation procedures and the designation of assembly areas outside the building sothat following an evacuation personnel can be checked by floor wardens or sectionleaders. (It should be stressed to staff they report to such areas immediately); and
g. a summary of action in emergency, for ready reference.
2.27 Copies of the emergency procedures should be given to all wardens.
2.28 Consideration should be given to the allocation of special duties, eg providing assistance tophysically handicapped, safeguarding money, valuables, documents and other items.
2.29 Copies of instructions of action to be taken by a person detecting fire, name and telephonenumber of floor warden, and a plan showing exits should be displayed in key areas such as notice boardsand lift lobbies.
Training 2.30
2.30 In the event of an emergency the smooth operation of planned procedures can only beachieved if everyone is familiar with what is expected of him or her. In order to achieve this, a system ofeducation and evacuation drills should be instituted.
2.31 Every occupant of the building should be advised of the action to take in an emergency andeach should be given the names, locations and telephone numbers of wardens of the floor upon whichthey work. They should be encouraged to approach their wardens for information or clarification ofinstructions.
2.32 Floor wardens should ensure that all new occupants are issued with the relevant instructionsand shown the location of safety equipment and the means of egress. They should also be given a shortdemonstration of the various types of first-attack firefighting appliances, their uses and limitations.Suitably trained staff members may conduct this training or demonstrations may be arranged throughthe local fire brigade. Alternatively, managers may seek assistance from one of the private companiesspecialising in this type of training.
2.33 Selected staff should receive instruction and training in the use of portable fire equipment.Training may be given individually or in small groups. Supervisors and others with specialised duties inthe event of an emergency should be given more thorough training.
2.34 Evacuation drills form the most important part of staff training. This should not be attempteduntil wardens are familiar with the emergency procedures, otherwise staff confidence may be affected.
2.35 Evacuation drills, complete with alarm signals, should be carried out on a number of floors ata time so that in the subject building each floor will have at least one drill each year. When all floors inthe building have participated in a drill, a full evacuation drill should be conducted.
2.36 Following a drill, a meeting of all wardens and any observers should be held to considercomments, lessons learned, and any changes required in procedures.
Preventive Measures 2.37
2.37 Prevention of fires is as important as the development of efficient means of fighting them, andall occupants should be fully aware of precautions to be taken to minimise the chances of fires occurring.
2.38 Wardens should take note of and bring to the attention of the Chief Warden or Heads of theirrespective sections:
a. any accumulations of litter which might increase the danger of fire,
b. the placement of furniture which might impair free egress, and
c. any other identifiable hazards.
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2.39 Wardens should also check that:
a. fire and smoke doors are kept shut except during use, or when held open by automaticrelease devices;
b. passages are kept free of all obstructions; and
c. fire extinguishers are correctly mounted and maintained, and any accidental dischargeor damage is immediately reported.
2.40 The keeping of flammable liquids in office areas should be permitted only in specialcircumstances and then only in minimal quantities not exceeding the day's requirements. Bulk stocksshould be kept in a properly constructed flammable liquids store or flammable liquids cabinet. Inbuildings having car parking areas, notices should be posted prohibiting car owners from carrying outrepairs or handling fuel on the premises.
2.41 All occupants should observe the greatest care in the use of matches, portable heatingappliances and other possible sources of ignition and to keep their immediate surroundings neat andtidy.
Bomb Threat 2.42
2.42 Emergency procedures to be used in times of bomb theats are shown in annex A.
Annex:A. Bomb threats
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CHAPTER 2
BOMB THREATS A
Scope 1
1. This annex describes the emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a bomb beingdiscovered or suspected, or a warning given that one may be present within a building.
References 2.2
2. Reference is necessary to DI(G) OPS 04–1—Physical Security of Defence Force Assets.
Aim 2.3
3. The aim of this annex is to provide a basis on which an overall plan may be produced to dealwith bomb threats.
Introduction 2.4
4. A bomb threat could result in a panic reaction unless a planned and practical response hasbeen instituted. The bomb threat response must be based upon the assumption that threats are genuineuntil investigation proves otherwise.
5. All practical measures should be taken to safeguard life. Personnel should be aware of theirresponsibilities and the action they should take.
The Source of the Threat 2.6
6. The most likely source of a bomb threat is by telephone. Should a threat be received by mailthe letter should be isolated for forensic examination—the procedure from there is the same as for atelephone threat. The person receiving a telephone threat should:
a. record as accurately as possible the message received and pass the information to acolleague so that emergency procedures may be initiated;
b. remain calm and not terminate the conversation;
c. maintain the conversation for as long as possible (if the caller is informed that thebuilding is occupied and cannot be evacuated within the warning time he or she mayspecify the location of the bomb);
d. try to assess the caller’s mental state;
e. ask questions, but do not interrupt:
(1) where is the bomb?
(2) the building or site?
(3) the floor?
(4) the room?
(5) the type of bomb?
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(6) the type of explosive?
(7) the type of package?
(8) the time of detonation?
(9) the size of bomb?
(10) the reason for the bomb?
f. listen for and note background noises;
g. establish the sex and estimate the age of the caller; and
h. endeavour to establish the origin of the call and the ethnic origin of the caller.
7. Form A0 138—Telephone Bomb Threat has been introduced to record this information(see appendix 1), and consideration should be given to reproducing this on the outer covers of internaltelephone directories.
8. During or immediately after the telephone conversation is terminated the recipient must:
a. record the time and duration of the call;
b. notify the building warden, floor fire warden, Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre,Australian Federal Police, fire brigade and ambulance;
c. complete a written record of the conversation and the other details required byForm A0 138;
d. initiate the building emergency procedures, eg locking away records, cash, etc prior topossible evacuation.
Decision to Evacuate 2.9
9. The decision whether to evacuate or not rests with the Chief Warden who should consideradvice offered by the Federal Police, building management, etc. The decision will be based on theinformation gained from the caller, eg:
a. if the floor location of the bomb threat is given then partial evacuation may beconsidered; or
b. if the time the device is due to explode is stated, evacuation for a specific period may beprudent.
10. In most circumstances a search must be conducted while the occupants are still in the building.
Search Process 2.11
11. A search should be conducted by the floor wardens while the normal occupants are present toidentify which objects belong and which are foreign or suspect.
12. Special attention should be paid to search target, remote and unoccupied areas, eg computerand lift motor rooms, store and locker rooms, basements, etc. Ideally the search parties should includeindividuals familiar with such areas.
13. Searching must cease at a predetermined time when all searchers report the results of theiractivities to the search control centre.
14. Finding a suspect object is not grounds for calling off the search before the predeterminedtime, as this may not be a bomb or there may be more than one bomb.
15. Personnel should not smoke or operate radio transmitters during the search.
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Finding a Bomb or Suspect Object 2.16
16. A bomb or suspect object must not be touched or disturbed in any way, or covered or immersedin water. Only the police or explosives experts may examine a suspect object.
17. The immediate areas should be cleared of personnel and guides or a trail left to indicate theobject to the authorities.
18. All doors and windows in the vicinity should be opened to lessen the effects of blast.
Evacuation Process 2.19
19. Evacuation following a bomb threat may be complicated if personnel are required to passbomb placement points. Consideration should be given to ‘clearing’ evacuation routes, and theemergency control organisation may be used for this purpose.
20. The evacuated area should extend sufficiently to ensure the safety of all persons. The dangerfrom flying shrapnel should be borne in mind; overseas experience suggest that 300 metres distance ora substantial barrier is necessary from the point of possible explosion.
21. The officer in charge of police will arrange for isolation of the danger area until the bomb isrendered harmless or removed by the explosives expert.
After an Explosion 2.22
22. Caution must be exercised in entering the rescue area to avoid injury or death to victims andrescuers alike. It is also important to preserve the scene; disturbance contaminates evidence which maybe of value to the investigator and the forensic scientist.
23. Crowds and traffic control will normally be dealt with by the police. The area surrounding thescene should be kept clear and readily accessible to authorised personnel, roadways should bebarricaded and traffic diverted. The admittance of persons to the area is the responsibility of the police.
Conclusion 2.24
24. In summary the main points are:
a. Formulate a plan of action.
b. Ensure that participants in the plan are aware of their responsibilities.
c. Notify police of all the facts available when a threat is received.
d. Each threat should be taken seriously until proved otherwise as:
(1) It could be a genuine attack.
(2) It could be a hoax.
(3) It could be a diversionary tactic as a prelude to a robbery or similar offence.
e. DON'T TOUCH A SUSPECT OBJECT.
f. Employ the building emergency evacuation organisation and its procedures.
Appendix:1. Form AO 138—bomb threat check list
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ANNEX A TOCHAPTER 2
FORM AO 138—BOMB THREAT CHECK LIST 1
Was the callerfamiliar with the
area?
Why did you place the Bomb?
Time
Department of Defence
Bomb Threat Check List
AO 138Revised Sep 2000
Exact Wording of the Threat
Questions to AskWhen is the bomb going to explode?
Where did you put the Bomb?
When did you put it there?
What does the Bomb look like?
What kind of Bomb is it?
Did you place the Bomb?
What is your name?
Where are you?
What is your address?
Caller's Voice
Background Noises
Street Noises
Voices
Music
House Noises
Machinery
Local Call
Long Distance
Threat Language
Well Spoken
Other
Irrational
Incoherent
Taped
Message readby caller
Recipient
Number Called
Date
Printed Name
Phone Number
Action - Report Call Immediately To:
Duration of Call
Call Taken
Bomb Threat Check List
What will make the Bomb explode?
Your Emergency Controllor
Ph: Ph:
Ph: Ph:
Signature
Accent
Any impediment
Voice
Speech
Diction
Manner
Familiar Voice
Aircraft
Other
Abusive
(Specify)
(Loud, soft, etc)
(Specify)
(Fast, slow, etc)
(Calm, emotional, etc)
(Clear, muffled)
(Who do you think it was?)
(Specify)
Other Details of CallerEstimated Age Sex
Male Female
Place this card under your telephone
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Department of Defence
Bomb Threat - Room Search Card
Description of Suspected Item
Location of Suspected Item
Nearest Telephone in the Area
Room Search Details
Time Date
Conducted by
Searched
Not Searched
Nothing Found
Item Found
Room Search Card Bomb Threat Room Search Card
Upon completion of search, tape this page to the wallimmediately outside the door
Room
Building
Areas to be Searched
All areas and equipment within room(s)
Search Pattern
Start search from the doorway.
Move to the right continuously, searching around
the walls and floor until you return to the door.
Search the false ceiling last.
Key Search Points (tick off as completed)
All Packages, Boxes,
Briefcases, Bags identified
Bookcases
File Cabinets
Ductwork
Wastebaskets
Window Sills
Desks
Call your Emergency
Controller on
If a suspicious item is found
Extension
Report what you have found.
Do not touch or move it.
Follow instructions given by
your Emergency Controller.
Remember To:
Open all windows
Close all curtains
Secure all classified material
Stay off the phone unless making a report
Stay in your office and search your area
Don't turn on or off any electrical devices
Room Search Card Bomb Threat Room Search Card
Stock No 7530-66-142-8105
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CHAPTER 3
EMERGENCY WARNING AND INTERCOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS 3
Scope 3.1
3.1 This chapter provides guidance on the provision of and details the minimum acceptablestandard for emergency warning and intercommunications systems in Defence and Service buildingsand installations.
Aim 3.2
3.2 The aim of this chapter is to provide a system to alert building occupants in emergencysituations and to provide a means of communication to assist in control during an emergency.
References 3.3
3.3 Reference is necessary to current issue of the following documents:
a. Building Code of Australia.
b. Standards Association of Australia AS 2220—Emergency Warning andInter-communications System for Buildings.
Requirements 3.4
3.4 The complete emergency warning and intercommunications system (EWIS) will comprise:
a. A warning system to generate sounds and allow for manual control. It shall be aural oraural and visual and meet the requirements of references A and B.
b. An intercommunications system to provide for voice communications between themaster emergency control point and any or all of the warden intercommunicationspoints.
Organisation and Training 3.5
3.5 The effective use of these systems depends upon an efficiently organised and practicedemergency control organisation.
Installation 3.6
3.6 Emergency Warning and Intercommunications Systems (EWIS) shall be provided inaccordance with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA). EWIS may also be installedin facilities where, because of security or functional requirements, evacuation on receipt of anunconfirmed fire alarm would be inappropriate. EWIS design and installation shall be to AS 2220.
3.7 Isolated, unmanned buildings should be covered by an area emergency warning system.
Warning Signals 3.8
3.8 On the actuation of any alarm system, the selected warning signal (audible and or visual)should be automatically activated on at least those floors where the alert originated, where housewardens and deputies are normally located, and at the master emergency control point (MECP).
3.9 Provision shall be made to enable signals to be activated manually from the MECP.
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3.10 The audible warning signal shall be capable of being transmitted throughout the whole buildingor appropriate parts of the building by a system of loud speakers.
3.11 The number and disposition of visual signalling devices shall be such as to ensure visibility inthe required areas and the luminance of the visual signals shall be such as to ensure perception bypersons having slightly less than normal visual acuity.
3.12 EWIS for installation in hospital/health care facilities shall be designed in consultation with thehealth care staff who will occupy the facility. Special consideration shall be given to the provision of tonesor verbal messages to signify alert/evacuate, which will not cause distress to patients. The standardBeep Beep/Whoop Whoop or prerecorded messages may not be acceptable.
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CHAPTER 4
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES DURING INTERRUPTION TO PUBLICFIRE SERVICES A
EXAMPLE OF NOTICES TO BE GIVEN TO ECO MEMBERS, AND FOR DISPLAYUPON NOTICE BOARDS.(see subparagraph 4.9 a.).
.......................
1. Industrial action by members of the fire brigade is causing disruption to normal firefightingarrangements, and there is a possibility of a total failure of this service.
2. The fire brigade will no longer answer calls to automatic fire alarms, so it is important that allautomatic fire alarm activations are investigated, and if a fire is in progress the fire brigade must besummoned by telephone.
3. The following procedures are to be adopted for the duration of the dispute:
a. in case of fire:
(1) inform the fire brigade and police by telephone;
(2) commence emergency evacuation procedures;
(3) if the fire is small, tackle it with hose reels or extinguishers; or
(4) if the fire is large, try to confine it by closing doors around it.
b. Chief and floor wardens are to check the following daily:
(1) means of egress not obstructed (corridors, stairs, fire stairs);
(2) hose reels and extinguishers in position and unobstructed; and
(3) good housekeeping (no accumulations of combustibles, waste, etc).
c. All personnel are requested to be particularly conscious of fire prevention and goodhousekeeping. The most frequent causes of fires in offices are from smoking materialsand electrical apparatus and appliances.
4. Telephone numbers to be contacted during this current emergency are as follows:
a. Chief Warden:
b. Deputy Chief Warden:
c. Federal Police:
d. Fire Safety Officer:
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CHAPTER 4
INTERRUPTION TO NORMAL PUBLIC FIRE BRIGADE SERVICES 4
Introduction 4.1
4.1 This chapter advises on measures to be adopted by facilities relying upon public authority firebrigades, when normal firefighting services are disrupted.
References 4.2
4.2 Reference should be made to chapter 2—‘Fire and emergency procedures’.
Definitions 4.3
4.3 Interruption to normal fire brigade services occurs when their response to emergency calls, orother services provided, are disrupted, eg:
a. significant delays beyond the normal attendance time to fire or emergency calls,
b. selective action including non-attendance to automatic fire alarms, or
c. bans on maintenance of fire extinguishers or other equipment.
Pre-Planning 4.4
4.4 All buildings should have emergency procedures, with formal appointments made to theemergency control organisation. The written emergency procedures and emergency controlorganisation formed in accordance with chapter 2 must be capable of dealing with matters covered inthis chapter.
Fire Service Impairments 4.5
4.5 Experience has shown that no special notification is likely that fire brigade services are to beimpaired or halted; media reports are the most probable source of information. Because news reportsare couched in general terms, specific information should be sought from the fire authority.
4.6 Fire brigade disruption may range between an immediate and total withdrawal of services, topartial interruptions such as when no response is forthcoming to automatic fire alarms, or it may involvea progressive run-down of services such as occurs through the non-fuelling of fire appliances.
Introduction of Emergency Procedures 4.7
4.7 When the house warden becomes aware that public fire brigade services are impaired, he orshe should contact fire brigade headquarters to ascertain the extent and possible duration of thedislocation. An appropriate response can then be instituted.
4.8 When delays to firefighting attendances are anticipated, but an attendance can reasonably beexpected:
a. Advise the Head or Senior Officer of the establishment and inform him or her of thesituation, and action proposed.
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b. Inform all members of the emergency control organisation and instruct them to:
(1) check on their area's means of escape and fire-fighting equipment; and
(2) inform all staff in their areas of responsibility, and ask them to be particularlysafety conscious for the duration of the emergency.
c. Inform other appropriate people and organisations, including building maintenance staff,local security or police, and Service personnel.
4.9 A major interruption to fire brigade attendances, when a firefighting response may not beforthcoming, requires the above measures and in addition:
a. preparation of a written summary of the situation, for distribution to members of theemergency control organisation and for display upon notice boards; and
b. advice to members of the emergency control organisation that should a fire occur,following the evacuation of personnel from the area and without exposing themselves tounnecessary risk, they should be prepared to use first attack fire-fighting equipment ortake other action, they may be asked to advise the building's Head Officer on safety/salvage measures.
4.10 Annex A is an example of instructions prepared to meet the situation described insubparagraph 409a.
4.11 Service fire brigades will not be employed outside their normal boundaries of operation withoutMinisterial approval.
Annex:A. Emergency procedures during interruption to public fire services
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CHAPTER 4
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES DURING INTERRUPTION TO PUBLICFIRE SERVICES A
EXAMPLE OF NOTICES TO BE GIVEN TO ECO MEMBERS, AND FOR DISPLAYUPON NOTICE BOARDS.(see subparagraph 4.9 a.).
.......................
1. Industrial action by members of the fire brigade is causing disruption to normal firefightingarrangements, and there is a possibility of a total failure of this service.
2. The fire brigade will no longer answer calls to automatic fire alarms, so it is important that allautomatic fire alarm activations are investigated, and if a fire is in progress the fire brigade must besummoned by telephone.
3. The following procedures are to be adopted for the duration of the dispute:
a. in case of fire:
(1) inform the fire brigade and police by telephone;
(2) commence emergency evacuation procedures;
(3) if the fire is small, tackle it with hose reels or extinguishers; or
(4) if the fire is large, try to confine it by closing doors around it.
b. Chief and floor wardens are to check the following daily:
(1) means of egress not obstructed (corridors, stairs, fire stairs);
(2) hose reels and extinguishers in position and unobstructed; and
(3) good housekeeping (no accumulations of combustibles, waste, etc).
c. All personnel are requested to be particularly conscious of fire prevention and goodhousekeeping. The most frequent causes of fires in offices are from smoking materialsand electrical apparatus and appliances.
4. Telephone numbers to be contacted during this current emergency are as follows:
a. Chief Warden:
b. Deputy Chief Warden:
c. Federal Police:
d. Fire Safety Officer:
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CHAPTER 5
FIRE PROTECTION PROVISIONS FOR DEFENCE LIVING-INACCOMMODATION 5
Scope 5.1
5.1 This chapter is applicable to new accommodation and the upgrading of existingaccommodation.
5.2 Special consideration shall be given to any accommodation, new or existing, such as,combined accommodation and messing/recreational facilities and existing accommodation exceedingthree storeys.
References 5.3
5.3 Reference is necessary to current issue of the following documents:
a. Building Code of Australia.
b. Australian Standard (AS) 2444—Portable Fire Extinguishers—Selection and Location.
c. AS 2441—Installation—Fire Hose Reels.
d. AS 1670.1—Fire Detection, Warning Control and Intercom Systems—System Design,Installation and Commissioning, part 1.
e. AS 3000—Electrical Wiring Code.
f. AS 1657—Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders—Design, Constructionand Installation.
g. AS 3786—Self Contained Smoke Alarms.
h. DEMG Estate Management Tools, part 17, chapter 12.
5.4 Service personnel living-in accommodation shall be designed and constructed to meet therequirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) (Class 3) occupancy subject to the following:
a. The building should not exceed two storeys in height, unless real estate limitations deemsame to be necessary.
b. Fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with reference 5.3b.
Fire Detection Requirements 5.5
5.5 Where a Base has existing fire alarm systems connected to a responding fire station, or, for anew Base/Depot, where a suitable (appropriate to the risk) responding fire station can be identified, asmoke detection system to meet the requirements of BCA Specification E2.2a and designed andinstalled to the requirements of Reference H, shall be installed in all Defence living in accommodation.The systems shall be permanently connected to the fire station or other approved monitoring station viaa direct data link.
5.6 Where a suitable responding fire station cannot be identified, a hard wired smoke alarmsystem shall be installed in accordance with BCA Specification E2.2a and reference H.
Notes
Only smoke alarms approved in accordance with chapter 7—‘Fire protection equipment—register ofaccredited products’ shall be installed.
Cabinets containing rectifiers and batteries associated with hard wired systems shall be adequatelysecured to prevent unauthorised interference.
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Photoelectric type domestic smoke detectors are most suitable for installation in bedrooms whilstionisation type detectors are more suited to common room type applications.
Hard wired systems shall be wired in a manner such that when one detector operates, all detectors givean audible alarm (noting the requirements of reference H).
Domestic type smoke alarm systems are not approved for connection to civilian fire brigades. Whereconnection to a fire brigade is desirable, a manually operated fire alarm call point (MCP) (seechapter 16—‘Manually operated fire alarm call points’) may be installed in accordance with reference5.3d.
Upgrading Existing Accommodation 5.7
5.7 Where existing accommodation is being upgraded to provide separate bedrooms for Servicepersonnel, the upgrade shall be in accordance with the requirements of the BCA for Class 3 buildings.Where, because of heritage implications or the building’s structure, it is impossible to comply with theBCA requirements, alternative fire safety solutions should be referred to Director-General level forconcurrence, along with a request for written dispensation from the provisions of the BCA, so that thecontractor can meet his certification obligations imposed by the Defence Standard Forms of Contract.The letter of written dispensation is to be held on the project file so that when Fire Safety Surveys,Coronial Inquests etc are conducted, Defence has a ‘paper trail’ to show why the appropriate communitystandard was not complied with and what alternative measures were utilised to provide an equivalentlevel of occupant safety.
5.8 In existing accommodation where a detection system has been provided and it can be costeffectively upgraded, it shall be retained and upgraded to meet the requirements of paragraph 5.5.
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CHAPTER 6
FIRE MANAGEMENT IN DEFENCE TRAINING AREAS 6
SCOPE 6.1
6.1 The provisions of this chapter are to be applied to all rural tracts of land and training areasowned or leased by the Department of Defence.
AIM 6.2
6.2 The aim of this chapter is to give guidance to users in the formulation of land managementplans, as they relate to fire safety. Additional advice on the preparation of land management plans maybe gained by contacting the Defence Estate Organisation, Estate Operations and Planning Branch,Environmental Practice Section.
BACKGROUND 6.3
6.3 Fire has been an integral part of the development of Australia's unique flora and fauna.Lightning and the extensive use of fire by Aboriginals had made fire a common and widespreadoccurrence in most parts of Australia prior to European settlement. Some fire regimes applied sinceEuropean settlement have suppressed or eliminated fire sensitive species and altered the structure ofnative plant and animal communities, where combined with new factors such as sheep or rabbit grazing.Conversely, the elimination or suppression of fire has had a similar affect in some communities.
6.4 Since European settlement, high intensity uncontrolled fires have been a regular feature of theenvironment. They occur at different frequencies in different vegetation types and geographic locationsthroughout Australia depending on the occurrence of the particular combinations of weather and fuelconditions conducive to them.
6.5 In southern Australia weather conditions conducive to the spread of high intensity fires occuralmost every year. In the last 50 years dangerous combinations of weather, ignition sources andflammable fuels have resulted in large forest fires every 3–5 years at different locations in some regions.
6.6 Under conditions of extreme fire weather, which can persist for several days, and where thereare heavy fuel loads, fires can travel up to 10 km/h. These are impossible to control until weatherconditions moderate and in the past have resulted in very large areas being burnt with the followingconsequences:
a. 467 human lives have been lost since 1900 and property worth $1000m, including ruraltownships, farmhouses, stock and fencing, has been damaged or destroyed in the last20 years.
b. Commercial forests have been severely damaged or destroyed resulting in largeeconomic losses to the forest industries and severe disruption to timber supplies.
c. Soil erosion has increased and, where heavy rain followed the fire, there havesometimes been serious losses of topsoil and the nutrients essential to tree growth, andincreased siltation of streams and water storages.
d. There have been ecological effects such as changes in the species composition andabundance of plant and animal communities and the way they interact.
6.7 The magnitude of some of these effects will depend on the sensitivity of the plant and animalspecies to fire and the nature of the prevailing fire regime. Their importance will depend on managementpriorities for specific areas. However, the repeated effects of frequent high intensity fires in the samearea will result in major changes in the nature and condition of the ecosystem, including changes invegetation structure from a forest towards shrub, heath or grass dominated communities and a reductionin forest productivity, diversity and stability.
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6.8 In the prevention and suppression of uncontrolled fire, the main factors over which the landmanager can exert some physical control are those related to fuel. Prescribed burning has been used toreduce fuels to assist in fire control and minimise damage to the forest resource. Prescribed burning isalso needed in habitat management and forest regeneration practices, having due regard to themaintenance of site productivity and stability of the environment.
OBJECTIVES 6.9
6.9 The objectives of fire management in training areas are to:
a. protect human life, property and environmental assets from uncontrolled fire,
b. minimise the physical and environmental impact of uncontrolled fire, and
c. maintain natural environments where certain fire regimes are an integral part of theecological process.
DEFINITIONS 6.10
6.10 Fire management. The planning, conduct, monitoring and review of all aspects of fireprevention, fire suppression and use of fire in land and natural resource management.
6.11 Prescribed burning. The planned application of fire under selected weather and fuelconditions so that the fire is confined to a predetermined area and burns with the intensity and rate ofspread necessary to achieve the objectives of management.
6.12 Uncontrolled fire. Any unplanned fire.
6.13 Multistage burning. Prescribed burning carried out in several stages in order to remove fuelsfrom different aspects (and hence moisture content levels) at different times.
6.14 Public land/training areas. Any category of Crown land. This statement refers particularly topublic land carrying or potentially carrying native or planted vegetation.
6.15 Fire hazard. The condition of fuel and takes into consideration such factors as quantity,arrangement, current or potential flammability and in combination with fire weather variables determinesthe difficulty of suppression if fuel should be ignited.
6.16 Fire risk. The relative chance or probability of fires starting and is determined by the presenceor absence of causative agencies. The degree of risk in an area may be assessed by studying theprobable frequency of dry electrical storms and the many ways in which people can cause fires. As firescannot burn without fuel, risk must be studied in conjuction with hazard.
6.17 Fire danger. The difficulty in suppressing a fire, based on fuel hazard and weather variables.
STRATEGY FOR FIRE MANAGEMENT PLANNING 6.18
6.18 Planning should be on a cooperative basis on inter-State, State, regional and local levels asappropriate.
6.19 All areas of public land should be covered by a fire management plan. The plan shall includethe requirement for fire breaks, track plans, water points, approved hazard reduction methods for thesite, details of previous hazard reduction programs including areas of controlled and uncontrolled burns,locations of fire fighting equipment and details of call out procedures for available fire fighting resources.(Such plans should be integrated with those on private land).
Note
More detailed requirements for Fire Management Plans are contained in paragraphs 17.5 and 17.18.
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6.20 Fire management plans must be part of an overall public land management plan. Private andpublic land use planning should take into account the compatability of a land use with the fire risk andfire hazard of the area, so as not to generate or exacerbate fire management problems.
6.21 Specific reference to uncontrolled fire control should be made in fire management plans.
6.22 Opportunity should be given for public participation in the process of fire managementplanning.
Control of Uncontrolled Fires 6.23
6.23 Where uncontrolled fire threatens or has potential to threaten human life or property, or naturalassets, every effort should be made to control the fire as soon as possible.
6.24 On occasions when an uncontrolled fire does not represent a potential threat and is assistingto achieve other management objectives, the decision to burn out an area larger than necessary tocontrol the fire may be made; for example, an uncontrolled fire in a reference area1 may be left to burnto a buffer zone before it is controlled.
6.25 Suppression techniques should be in keeping with management objectives; for example, thesuppression efforts should not ultimately cause more damage than the fire itself. Appropriate restorationwork should be undertaken and be considered as an integral part of measures to bring uncontrolledoutbreaks of fire under control. For example, fire access tracks should be effectively drained and wherenecessary rehabilitated to minimise water erosion.
PRESCRIBED BURNING 6.26
Areas of Strategic Importance 6.26
6.26 Prescribed burning and other appropriate fuel modification or control measures should be usedto reduce or modify fuels in areas of strategic importance for the protection of life and property fromuncontrolled fire. Such areas should be shown in the fire management plans. While the protection of lifemust take precedence and may therefore dictate that the use of fire for fuel reduction in these areas isthe only viable option, the other requirements of this chapter and chapter 17 must be adequatelyaddressed and it should be documented why other fuel reduction methods were not consideredappropriate. Advice from local DEO Environmental Officers should be sought in determining appropriatefuel reduction methods.
6.27 Where strategic fire protection areas are forested, fine fuel (leaf, twig and flammable groundvegetation less than 60 mm thick) loads should be burnt when necessary to keep accumulations lessthan upper limits for fire suppression safety.
Non-strategic Areas 6.28
6.28 The use of prescribed fires for fuel reduction in non-strategic areas should give dueconsideration to environmental factors such as flora, fauna, habitat and conservation.
6.29 Wherever possible prescribed burning should serve the dual purpose of fuel reduction andenvironmental management.
Alternatives 6.30
6.30 Alternative methods of hazard reduction and risk reduction should be considered andcompared with fuel reduction burning as fire prevention measures, and the most appropriate methodused in each management area.
1 Reference areas are tracts of public land containing viable samples of one or more land types that are relativelyundisturbed by human activities and that are reserved in perpetuity.
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Prescribed Burning for Fire Prevention and Suppression 6.31
6.31 The speed at which an uncontrolled fire spreads, and its intensity, are directly related to thequantity of accumulated fine fuels. If the quantity of these fine fuels can be sufficiently reduced forestcrown fires are unlikely to occur even under extreme weather conditions. Fire suppression is thereforemore efficient, less dangerous and more effective in reducing the final size of the fire. In WesternAustralia, major fires have not occurred in State forests since the introduction of broad area fuelreduction burning, even though large uncontrolled fires have occurred in surrounding areas not sotreated.
6.32 The reduction of accumulated fine fuels will reduce the rate of spread and intensity ofuncontrolled fires, facilitate fire suppression and reduce the level of fire damage to both the natural andhuman environment. Prescribed burning is the only practical way of removing accumulated fibrous barkon tree stems and so reducing the spotfire potential of eucalypt forests, which is often the cause ofmassive uncontrollable conflagrations and a major fire control problem.
6.33 Prescibed burns for fuel reduction should be applied to dry forest and flammable non-foresttypes with a history of recurrent fires. Fuel reduction by burning will not generally be used in the wetterforest types with low rates of fuel accumulation and low natural fire frequencies.
6.34 Prescribed burning should be excluded from fire sensitive areas; for example, rainforest andstands of old vegetation with special commercial, aesthetic or natural values. For every fire dependentvegetation type, there should be an appropriate age series of burnt areas of a size comparable with pastuncontrolled fires.
6.35 The frequency of burning required to control fuel is related to the time it takes for the fuel toreach a critical level beyond which suppression is unlikely to succeed except under conditions of‘moderate' fire danger or less. Fuels should be burnt where necessary to keep accumulations less thanthe upper limits for fire suppression safety under conditions of high fire danger. A mosaic of burnt andunburnt areas should be aimed for within any single burn, at the same time ensuring that corridors ofunburnt fuel, which could negate the effectiveness of the burn as a fire control measure are not left.Multistage burning should be used in areas of heavy fuel accumulations and diverse fuel types toimprove the effectiveness of fuel reduction burning as a fire protection measure.
6.36 Slash burning following timber harvesting should continue to be practised where research hasshown it is needed to obtain adequate establishment from seed, vigorous growth of seedlings, andwhere it is desirable to reduce the fuel hazard in the area of developing fire sensitive forest regeneration.
6.37 The use of prescribed fire to reduce fine fuels to safe levels, on a sound ecological basis, isthe most economical way of controlling the fuel in dry forest types and flammable non-forest vegetation.This burning should be undertaken within the provisions of formal fire management plans and meet theprescribed conditions.
Prescribed Burning for Environmental Management 6.38
6.38 The primary objective of prescribed burning, for other than fire prevention and protection,should be to protect and maintain rare and endangered species, locally significant populations andmaintain all communities either directly or indirectly dependent on fire for their existence.
6.39 Prescribed burns of specified sizes, intensities, frequencies and seasons, can be used toachieve a wide range of management objectives, including management for natural values (eg speciesconservation). In some areas fuel reduction burning may safely be used without adverse ecologicaleffects. In other areas it is necessary to manage fire on the basis of a knowledge of the tolerance of keyplant and animal species to specific fire regimes and their environmental requirements.
MONITORING AND RESEARCH 6.40
6.40 Precise knowledge about the limits of tolerance to fire regimes and environmentalrequirements of species is lacking for many forest associations in which fuel reduction burning isundertaken as a fire control measure.
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6.41 Long term studies of the ecological effects of fire management regimes must be undertakenacross the broad range of forest types and associations where prescribed burning can be practised.Limited knowledge should not be a reason to stop prescribed burning, but fire management planningshould recognise these shortfalls of knowledge.
6.42 The standard and efficiency of fire research should be promoted and assisted by routinelypublishing research programs and results.
6.43 Research on fire behaviour and fire effects should be continued and information from suchresearch should be incorporated in land management plans. Past and current plans and practicesshould be regularly reviewed to determine whether stated management objectives are relevant andachievable.
6.44 Standardised records should be kept of all uncontrolled fires incidents and prescribed burns.These records should be combined with research information to develop management models andrefine fire management plans.
6.45 The Standing Committee to the Australian Forestry Council recently reviewed the currentstatus of fire research in the publication ‘Australian Bushfire Research: Background, Guidelines andDirectory'. This publication is supplementary to the Directory of Fire Research, which is being compiledby the CSIRO Division of Forestry and Forest Products.
EDUCATION 6.46
6.46 Public awareness of fire management and fire protection policies and practices should befostered through all appropriate channels.
6.47 Land managers should be made aware of their fire prevention and protection responsibilitiesand the role of prescribed burning in land management by appropriate authorities.
TRAINING 6.48
6.48 Professional fire managers and fire operations personnel should be regularly trained in thecurrent ‘state of the art' fire management practices and techniques.
IMPLEMENTATION 6.49
6.49 Managers should develop and implement fire management policies to effectively meet theneeds of communities and assets for which they have protection responsibility. This needs to beexercised in a manner consistent with State and Territory statutory fire management requirements.Inter-State coordination is necessary where States share borders. These policies should be reviewedperiodically to ensure that they continue to reflect the needs of fire managers and society.
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CHAPTER 7
FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT—REGISTER OF ACCREDITEDPRODUCTS 7
Aim 7.1
7.1 The aim of this chapter is to inform users that a listing of accredited fire protection equipmentis available which ensures, as far as is practicable, quality commercial products which meet the requiredspecification.
Reference 7.2
7.2 Scientific Services Laboratory (SSL), Australian Government Analytical Laboratories, Registerof Fire Protection Equipment ‘Accredited Products’.
Background 7.3
7.3 SSL in conjunction with the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA) has agreed that a‘National’ accreditation system for fire protection systems and equipment should be established. Thissystem is now in operation. Within the terms of the agreement SSL is permitted access, on an irregularbasis, to manufacturers premises to ensure required levels of quality assurance are being maintained.
Defence Application 7.4
7.4 To ensure that fire protection equipment of good quality is installed in Defence facilities, usersare to ensure that equipment provided by manufacturers is listed in the ‘Accredited Products’ listing. Astatement to this effect should be included in all facilities design briefs.
Defect Reporting Procedure 7.5
7.5 Where any item covered by the ‘Accredited Listing’ is found to be defective or suspected ofbeing defective, a report is to be forwarded to Defence Estate Organisation, Estate Operations andPlanning Branch, attention Chief Fire Safety Officer (CFSO) so that necessary action can be taken on aDefence wide basis.
Accredited Listing Availability 7.6
7.6 Copies of the ‘Accredited Products’ Listing and regular updating services are available fromScientific Services Laboratory, Australian Construction Services, 177 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne,Victoria, 3207, telephone (03) 9248 4900.
Special Service Requirements 7.7
7.7 The contents of this chapter are not applicable where the Services have equipmentrequirements that have unique operational applications.
Users Technical Advisory Committee to Scientific Services Laboratory 7.8
7.8 This Committee is comprised of representatives from Federal, State and Local GovernmentDepartments to advise SSL on matters of concern to major users of listed accredited equipment.Defence Estate Organisation, Estate Operations and Planning Branch has a representative on thiscommittee. Any matter which users may wish to have raised with the committee should be submitted toDefence Estate Organisation, Estate Operations and Planning Branch, attention CFSO.
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CHAPTER 8
AIRCRAFT HANGARS—FIRE SAFETY 8
Scope 8.1
8.1 This chapter details the Defence policy for construction and fixed fire protection for new aircrafthangars. When upgrading existing aircraft hangars, the fire safety requirements will need to be assessedseparately for each hangar, but as far as practicable, the requirements for new hangars shall be applied.Estate Technical Services, Chief Fire Safety Officer (CFSO) must be consulted when determining firesafety requirements for aircraft hangars.
References 8.2
8.2 Reference is necessary to the current issue of the following documents:
a. DRB 18—Building Code of Australia.
b. AS 2118—Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.
c. AS 1720.4—Fire Resistance of Structural Timber Members.
d. SECMAN 4—Defence Protective Security Manual.
e. SECMAN 7—Defence Security Design and Construction Guides.
f. AS 3000—SAA Wiring Rules.
g. AS 2430—Classification of Hazardous Areas.
h. AS 1670.1—Fire Detection, Warning, Control and Intercom Systems—System DesignInstallation and Commissioning.
i. AS 2419—Fire Hydrant Installations—System Design, Installation and Commissioning.
j. Chapter 1—‘Fire protection of Defence assets’.
Introduction 8.3
8.3 Fire Protection is a rapidly developing technology and there are often several options formeeting a requirement. Given the options that may be available, each hangar should be separatelyassessed to determine the optimum solution. Criteria to be used for selecting a level of fire protection foraircraft hangars has been developed and are detailed in the following paragraphs. The level of fireprotection selected and its method of operation should be referred to CFSO for concurrence.
Definitions 8.4
8.4 For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
a. Aircraft Area. Any part of a hangar where aircraft may be parked and any adjacent areanot divided from that area by fire walls or open space in which fuel vapours candissipate.
b. Annex. A building space containing servicing or repair facilities, building services andplant and accommodation associated with them and the aircraft area. The annex wouldnormally to be in a separate building.
c. Hangar. The whole complex including aircraft area and annex.
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Fire Protection Selection Criteria 8.5
8.5 The level of fixed fire protection for aircraft hangars is based on the following:
a. the assessed risk (multiple or single aircraft occupancy);
b. the Defence asset classification as defined in chapter 1, paragraph 1.9;
c. the level of physical security proposed in accordance with references d and e; and
d. the response time and capability of the responding fire brigade.
Required Levels of Fire Protection for Hangars Housing Two or More Aircraft 8.6
8.6 ADF policy requires that where two or more aircraft which may contain fuel are housed in ahangar, the hangar shall have passive fire separation (see paragraphs 8.10 and 8.12), or where foroperational reasons passive fire separation cannot be employed, shall have foam suppression (seeparagraph 8.22).
8.7 Hangars designed to house only defuelled aircraft are not required to have fire separation orfoam suppression but shall have Level 2 (see annex A) fire protection installed. These hangars shallhave signage prohibiting the storage of aircraft which are not defuelled.
The Fire Risk in Aircraft Hangars 8.8
8.8 The fire risks within an aircraft hangar are a function of hangar operation. Activities in thehangar during the normal work routine have historically resulted in the greatest incidence of fires orpotential fire situations. The presence of personnel trained in first attack fire fighting provides for firesituations during working hours being controlled early with little damage resulting. The risk of anaccidental fire outbreak is low during stand-down hours, but the damage risk is increased considerablybecause of the inherent delay in detection and suppression. The greatest potential fire risk within ahangar is that presented by a large fuel spill, which if ignited and not detected early could rapidly engulfan aircraft. The incidence of sabotage or arson can be equally devastating and appropriate securitymeasures should be incorporated during the design stage of any hangar facility.
Objectives 8.9
8.9 To meet the perceived risk, a hangar fire protection system should:
a. detect a fire in its incipient stage,
b. control a fire in the shortest possible time,
c. minimise damage to aircraft and equipment,
d. minimise disruption to hangar operations, and
e. minimise the incidence of false alarms.
Other criteria will apply, but may vary from hangar to hangar and hence the need to analyse fireprotection requirements for each hangar separately.
PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES 8.10
Hangar Construction and Separation 8.10
8.10 Where hangar facilities are required for more than one aircraft and real estate permits,consideration shall be given to housing aircraft separately to negate the requirement for fixed firesuppression systems. This may be achieved by providing fire compartmentation appropriate to thestructure (see paragraph 8.12) between each aircraft. This approach has been successfully applied to anumber of Defence hangar construction projects and is the Defence preferred design option.
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8.11 The complexity of fixed fire suppression systems is reflected in high installation and annualmaintenance costs. Disruption to hangar operations is often required to carry out the required annualtesting. Project Directors should challenge User Requirements specifying two or more highvalue/strategic aircraft in one hangar to ensure users are aware of these aspects and have addressedthem in the development of the User Requirement.
8.12 Type of construction required for hangars shall be as detailed at Table C2.2 of the BuildingCode of Australia (BCA). Particular care must be exercised where sprinkler protection is not beinginstalled, ie maximum size of a fire compartment in Type C construction (without sprinkler protection) is2000 m2 (BCA Part C2 refers).
Compartmentation 8.13
8.13 Wherever possible, annexes should be separated from the aircraft area to avoid the impositionof respective hazards from one area to another. Separation distances shall be in accordance with BCArequirements. Where an annex forms part of a hangar, it shall be fire isolated from the aircraft parkingarea by a fire wall with an FRL as required by the BCA for the appropriate type of construction, ie TypeC construction FRL 90/90/90, Type B construction FRL 240/240/240.
Ventilation 8.14
8.14 Smoke/heat vents and draught curtains shall be installed in hangars over 1500 m2 to minimisesmoke and heat damage to aircraft and the hangar structure. Smoke/heat venting systems (includingdraught curtains) shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of AS 2665—Smoke and HeatVenting Systems and vents shall comply with AS 2427—Smoke/Heat Release Vents. Automaticoperation of the vents shall be initiated by the detection system. All vents shall open as one.
8.15 Where manual control of vents is provided for environment control in hangars withconventional closed head sprinkler systems, the system shall be designed so that an alarm from the firedetection system shall override the manual control and close the vents so that sufficient heat build upwill occur to operate the sprinkler system. The vents shall reopen once the sprinkler system hasoperated.
Floor Drainage 8.16
8.16 Floor drainage is a critical aspect of hangar design and construction. A floor drainage systemincorporating flame traps is to be provided in the hangar area to control the flow of spilt fuel and otherflammables. The drainage system is also required to clear the hangar door tracks and hangar walls offlammable liquids. The drainage system shall be of sufficient capacity to remove the calculateddischarge of aerated foam liquid from any installed fixed foam suppression system. Discharged foam isto be contained and uncontrolled discharge to stormwater or sewerage systems must be avoided(annex A to chapter 15 of this manual refers). The floor gradient shall be not less than 0.5 per cent andshall incorporate the requirement for floor drainage away from hangared aircraft.
Hangar Doors 8.17
8.17 At least one leaf of any hangar door system is to be openable from the outside. The openableleaf is to be provided with a towing lug for emergency movement of the doors by vehicle or by hand.
Separation of Aircraft 8.18
8.18 A minimum separation distance between aircraft within a hangar shall be determined on a caseby case basis. The aim is to minimise the risk of radiated heat from one burning aircraft, damagingadjacent aircraft and to facilitate extraction of aircraft from a hangar if a fire occurs. The selection of anappropriate separation distance between aircraft is dependent on an evaluation of the following criteria:
a. the type of aircraft housed (rotary/fixed wing);
b. the configuration of the aircraft housed (stripped to air frame, with/without wings,wings/rotors extended/folded etc);
c. aircraft fuelled/defuelled;
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d. type of installed detection/suppression;
e. response time of fire brigade;
f. the ease with which aircraft can be extracted; and
g. the physical limitations imposed by existing hangars.
Although increased separation distances may be imposed on a case by case basis after considerationof the above factors, a minimum separation distance between aircraft of 4 metres should be maintained.
Electrical Services 8.19
8.19 The electrical wiring and fittings within the aircraft area of the hangar shall conform toreferences f. (section 9) and g.
Means of Egress and Access for Firefighting 8.20
8.20 Exits from aircraft areas should normally be provided at intervals not exceeding 60 metres, asrequired by the BCA. However, depending on the width of the hangar, distances between exit doors mayhave to be reduced to keep the maximum travel distance to a required exit as close as practicable to the40 metres required by the BCA for this class of occupancy.
ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES 8.21
Fire Detection 8.21
8.21 Early fire detection is to be provided by a system designed to detect any two of the followingfire symptoms: smoke, flame or heat. Currently, flame and smoke detectors offer faster detection thanavailable thermal detectors. The operation of a single detector shall activate a local alarm and transmitan alarm to the responding fire brigade. After hours and during periods when the hangar is unmanned,the receipt of an alarm from both detection systems shall activate the suppression system. When thehangar is manned, the automatic operation of the suppression system shall be isolated and manualoperation selected. This sequence must be incorporated into the security and operating procedures forthe hangar.
8.22 The utilisation of Closed Circuit Television for Design Purposes (CCTV) to improve theout-of-hours firefighting response has been established as suitable equipment for surveillance duringboth day and night. The availability of fire watch staff to man the CCTV monitor will be a deciding factor.
Critical Timings for Design Purposes 8.23
8.23 When CCTV is employed, a delay of 30 seconds shall be programmed into the systembetween detection of the fire and operation of the suppression system, to allow for manual interventionby fire brigade staff. Where CCTV is not installed, activation of the suppression system shall beimmediately on receipt of alarm from the second circuit detector. The design objective shall be to achievecontrol of the fire within the protected area within 30 seconds of system actuation and extinguishment ofthe fire within 60 seconds.
Fire Suppression 8.24
8.24 The fundamental purpose of hangar fire suppression systems is to achieve rapid knockdownof a fuel spill fire. This may be achieved by a combination of the following methods:
a. fire points with portable/mobile fire equipment such as fire extinguishers and foamproportioning devices attached to fire hose reels;
b. low level foam systems such as pop-up sprinklers and/or oscillating foam monitors; or
c. overhead high velocity foam deluge systems designed to operate in single module formor all modules operating simultaneously.
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8.25 When an overhead deluge system is specified, the following points must be considered:
a. the detrimental effects of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) on aircraft avionics andcomponents,
b. the down time required for clean up after a discharge,
c. the increased water storage requirement, and
d. the additional AFFF to be contained and disposed of after a discharge.
8.26 The control panels which comprise the foam suppression control system shall be secured insuch a manner that prevents unauthorised interference.
Aqueous Film Forming Foam 8.27
8.27 Only AFFF supplied under the current Defence contract to DEF(AUST) 5603D for 6 per centAFFF or DEF(AUST) 5639 for 3 per cent AFFF, shall be used in Defence foam suppression systems.
Water supply 8.28
8.28 Reliability. The water supply for a foam suppression system shall have the reliability of aGrade 1 supply, in accordance with the requirements of reference b.
8.29 Duration. The water supply shall be sufficient to operate the foam zone in alarm and allimmediately adjacent foam zones, for a minimum of 10 minutes. The water supply must then be able tosupply a further 20 minutes of water from those zones. The full 30 minutes must be at the pressure andflow to meet the requirements of the system design.
Fire Points 8.30
8.30 Fire points are to be established on the walls of the aircraft area within 4 metres of exits andshould incorporate the manual foam control panels for suppression systems. Fire points shall consist ofa small-bore hose reel, a foam liquid proportioner and hand held extinguishers. The floor area adjacentto each fire point should be marked to designate a clear area.
Commissioning and maintenance requirements 8.31
8.31 The commissioning of foam suppression systems shall include the physical testing of allpossible combinations of detection circuits (smoke and flame) to ensure that only the designed circuits(one smoke and one flame in foam zone of fire source) operate the automatic foam suppressionsequence. Care must be taken to ensure that two or more smoke detection circuits or two or more flamedetection circuits, do not initiate a foam discharge. Detailed commissioning requirements andmaintenance tests to confirm system design parameters are in chapter 15, annex A.
Fire Hydrants 8.32
8.32 An external hydrant system shall surround the hangar. The system shall be designed toprovide a minimum total output of 45 1/sec from the four hydrants in closest proximity to the hangar.Hydrant spacing shall be not more than 90 metres and hydrants shall not be within 6 metres of thebuilding being protected. External hydrants should normally be of the ground ball type and internalhydrants (where required) should be of the above ground type. Hydrant locations are to comply withAS 2419.
Housekeeping 8.33
8.33 A high standard of housekeeping forms an essential part of the overall hangar fire protectionmeasures. Typical housekeeping measures include:
a. minimising the storage of flammable and combustible goods in the hangar,
b. maintaining clear egress paths to fire escapes,
c. ensuring fire equipment is correctly maintained,
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d. maintaining aircraft separation distances, and
e. ensuring that only approved electrical equipment is employed in the zoned hazardousareas (reference g refers).
Levels of Protection 8.34
8.34 Four levels of protection are provided to meet the varying degrees of risk, asset classification,physical security and fire brigade response:
a. Level 1. Level 1 incorporates basic requirements such as necessary first attackappliances including small bore hose reels, foam liquid proportioners where necessary,and hand held extinguishers. Adequate means of egress and access for firefighting arealso to be provided. Level 1 is the minimum requirement for any hangar housing aircraft.
b. Level 2. Level 2 incorporates Level 1 protection plus a dual system fire detectionsystem, an Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS), smoke/heatvents and draught curtains. The opening of the smoke/heat vents shall be initiated bythe fire detection system and shall be capable of manual operation for testing.
c. Level 3. Level 3 incorporates Levels 1 and 2 protection plus the provision of a manuallyoperated foam suppression system.
d. Level 4. Level 4 incorporates Levels 1, 2 and 3 plus the automatic operation of the foamsuppression system. If the manning level of the base fire station is sufficient, Level 4may also incorporate the provision of a remotely monitored CCTV surveillance systemand remote manual control of foam suppression system.
Note
An EWIS system is not required if:
• it is not required by the BCA,
• the fire alarm can be heard throughout all areas of the hangar,
• hangar SOPs require evacuation on receipt of fire alarm, and
• the hangar contains no more than three storeys.
8.35 Annex A summarises the various components of a particular level of hangar fire protection.Information on the individual components is detailed in earlier paragraphs of this chapter. The fourindicative levels of fire protection represent the most practical staging of hangar fire protection. It isenvisaged that with each level of fire protection, corresponding physical security measures will beimplemented.
Annex:A. Fire protection levels in aircraft hangars
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CHAPTER 8
FIRE PROTECTION LEVELS IN AIRCRAFT HANGARS A
Note
(a) Items indicated by an asterisk may be selected individually or in combination depending on the contentsof the hangar and its asset classification.
FIRE PROTECTION LEVEL COMPONENTS LEVEL
1 2 3 4
Materials used in Hangar Construction X X X X
Compartmentation and Separation (FRL of fire wallsbetween annex and aircraft area to BCA requirements)
X X X X
Floor Drainage X X X X
Hangar Doors X X X X
Electrical Services X X X X
Adequate Escape Exits X X X X
Access for Firefighters X X X X
Hand Held Fire Extinguishers X X X X
Small Bore Hose Reels X X X X
Foam Liquid Proportioners X X X X
External Fire Hydrants X X X X
Flame Detectors X X X
Smoke Detectors X X X
Evacuation Alarm System (see note in paragraph 8.34) X X X
Draught Curtains X X X
Smoke/Heat Release Vents X X X
Overhead Suppression (water/foam) X X *
Low Level Suppression System (includes either pop-upfoam sprinklers or oscillating foam monitors)
X X *
Closed Circuit Television X *
Automatic Operation of Foam Suppression X *
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CHAPTER 9
STORES BUILDINGS—FIRE SAFETY 9
Scope 9.1
9.1 This chapter applies to new stores buildings and buildings converted to storage occupancy,but excludes specialised storages such as explosives, radioactive substances and flammable liquids.
References 9.2
9.2 Reference should be made to the following documents:
a. Building Code of Australia,
b. Chapter 1—‘Fire protection of Defence assets’ and chapter 14—‘Fire safety—physicalsecurity aspects’,
c. Australian Standard AS 2118—Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems,
d. AS 1670.1—Fire Detection, Warning, Control and Intercom Systems—System DesignInstallation and Commissioning,
e. AS 2665—Smoke and Heat Venting Systems, and
f. Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991.
Definitions 9.3
9.3 Stores buildings include all structures used primarily for storage. Buildings may be designedto incorporate vehicular access and electrical/mechanical or robotic retrieval systems.
Classification of Hazard 9.4
9.4 Stores buildings shall be classified on the basis of hazard classification, detailed inchapter 1—‘Fire protection of Defence assets’, AS 2118—Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems and asdetailed in the Building Code of Australia.
Construction 9.5
9.5 The type of fire-resistant construction shall be, as a minimum, in accordance with therequirements of the ‘Building Code of Australia'.
9.6 Compartmentation. Project Directors/Officers must be aware that specifying construction tothe Building Code of Australia (BCA) requirements may not meet the Defence requirement. The BCAallows a storage warehouse of any size to be a single fire compartment, if the facility has a sprinklersystem installed to AS 2118 or specific separation distances are achieved. This is the minimumcommunity standard and generally assumes that the warehouse owner and occupier will have insuranceto offset the risk. A Defence risk assessment may well determine that placing total reliance for fire controlon an active fire protection system is unacceptable, given the critical nature and/or the high value of thestores. A sprinkler system, may be prone to:
a. disruptions to water supply,
b. incorrect maintenance levels,
c. incorrect warehouse storage practices, or
d. long fire brigade response times (or a limited response).
Project staff should, in conjunction with the user, determine the criticality and cost of the stores to behoused and the anticipated size of the warehouse, when determining if there is a requirement for firerated compartmentation (fire walls) to supplement the sprinkler system. The Defence requirement forthese walls must be identified at the user requirement stage of the project to allow for MechanicalHandling Equipment (MHE) and warehouse operations requirements to be adequately addressed. The
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aim is to provide passive fire protection measures to restrict the spread of fire within the facility and toprovide a means for the warehouse user to segregate critical and/or high value stores. As a guide, recentDefence risk assessments for large purpose built warehouses have determined that fire compartmentsof approximately 5000 m2 to 7000 m2 are appropriate. This ensures that should the sprinkler system failto contain the fire, the fire will be contained within a single fire compartment and prevent the total loss offacility or contents.
Building Separation 9.7
9.7 Stores buildings shall be sited with consideration being given to exposures from adjoiningrisks. While the BCA determines the fire resistance rating of loadbearing external wall components, inrelation to minimum separation distances due consideration shall be given to separation distancesbetween buildings in excess of BCA requirements to increase the level of passive fire protection.
Means of Egress/Distance of Travel 9.8
9.8 The ‘Building Code of Australia' shall be the standard applied for means of egress anddistances of travel relating to stores buildings.
Storage Arrangements 9.9
9.9 Materials not hazardous by themselves but hazardous in combination with other stores shallbe stored with adequate separation from each other.
9.10 Storage Heights. Height of storage (rack or free standing) shall be in accordance withAS 2118 for the type of goods stored and the category of sprinkler system installed, eg Ordinary Hazard(OH), Extra High Hazard (EHH). Height of storage for Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR)systems shall be in accordance with Factory Mutual Loss Prevention Data Sheet 2–2—EarlySuppression Fast Response Sprinklers.
9.11 Storages shall have side and bottom clearances of one metre from unit heaters, blowersystems or other equipment capable of starting a fire. A clearance of 0.3 m from light fittings shall bemaintained to prevent breakages.
9.12 Stores susceptible to water damage shall be placed on pallets or racks to keep them clear ofthe floor.
9.13 Aisle widths shall be determined after due consideration of the following:
a. type and category of stores, including flammability;
b. height of storage;
c. fixed fire protection/detection proposed; and
d. method of storehouse operation proposed.
Housekeeping 9.14
9.14 Accumulations of combustibles are readily ignited and easily transmit fire into and aroundstorage areas. Clean aisles and proper storage containers reduce fire frequency and extent. Coveredmetal rubbish containers shall be provided and emptied on a regular basis to avoid overfilling andspillage. Loose hanging wrapping papers shall be removed or taped down to prevent easy ignition.Combustible dust and dirt deposits shall not be allowed to accumulate but shall be vacuumed or brushedinto containers. Dusts shall not be blown into the air possibly creating a dust explosion hazard.
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Fire Protection 9.15
9.15 Dependent upon the area of the building and the category of risk posed by the stores content,fixed fire protection may be required to be installed. The Building Code of Australia should be consultedin this regard. Should fixed protection/detection be required, AS 2118 and AS 1670 should be consulted.Additionally the following shall be considered:
a. Automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be installed in stores buildings where:
(1) maximum floor area limitations are exceeded as detailed in the BCA; or
(2) where the floor area limitations detailed in the BCA are not exceeded and thecontents are classified as major, important or sensitive assets as detailed inchapter 1.
Sprinkler systems shall be designed to accommodate future changes of storagecategories and storage heights, to allow maximum storage flexibility. It should beassumed, that regardless of current racking/storage requirements, future storagepractices may exceed the capabilities of a suppression system designed to meet currentrequirements, unless the system is designed to the physical limitations of the buildingand to the highest category possible with the existing water supply.
b. Fire detection systems of the following types should be considered for installation instores buildings where sprinkler systems, as required by subparagraph 9.15a. have notbeen installed:
(1) thermal detectors,
(2) smoke detectors, and
(3) beam detectors.
c. Fire hydrants shall be provided to meet the requirements of Part E1.3 of the BCA andexcept where superseded by the BCA, or a more stringent Defence requirement exists,hydrant installations must comply with AS 2419.1.
d. Hose reels shall be installed in buildings as listed in Part E1.4 of the BCA and shallcomply with AS 1221 and AS 2441. Hose reels are to be located not more than 4 m froma required exit on each floor and adjacent to any hydrant required within the building.
e. Fire points shall be established in positions readily accessible, but in locations whereequipment will not be damaged by vehicular machinery movements. These points shallbe established within 4 m of required exits. A fire point may comprise fire-extinguishers,fire hose reel and fire hydrants.
Required signage 9.16
9.16 A sign of durable construction (etched metal or similar) shall be mounted in a clearly visiblelocation, either inside the main entrance door or near the warehouse supervisor/managers office. Thesign shall clearly show the design parameters of the installed sprinkler system, including hazardcategory, pressure and flow requirements, design density and grade of water supply. If there is morethan one hazard category in the building, each area shall be clearly shown.
Heat/Smoke Venting 9.17
9.17 Smoke/heat vents and draft curtains shall be installed in storehouses over 1500 m2 to minimisesmoke and heat damage to stores and the storehouse structure. Smoke/heat venting systems (includingdraft curtains) shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of AS 2665 and vents shall complywith AS 2427 Smoke/heat Release Vents. Automatic operation of the vents shall be initiated by theinstalled detection/suppression system. All vents shall open as one.
Power Supplies 9.18
9.18 All power supplies shall be switched off at cessation of work, essential supplies for security,airhandling plant, battery chargers and computers, etc being exempted.
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Design Limitations (storage in excess of) 9.19
9.19 Buildings with Automatic Fire Sprinkler Protection. Strategic requirements or consolidation ofstores, pending storehouse refurbishment/rebuild, may require some storehouses to hold stores inexcess of their sprinkler system design limitations (Reference D refers). The most common methodsused to increase storage capacity are to reduce aisle widths and increase stack heights above thedesign limitations. Such actions may result in water from activated sprinkler heads not reaching the seatof the fire, allowing the fire to develop beyond the containment capability of the sprinkler system. Thisgreatly increases the risk of major losses of stores and serious damage to storehouses if a fire occurs.If it is considered necessary (for whatever reason) to exceed a storehouse sprinkler system designlimitations, the responsible Unit is to seek the issue of a waiver prior to exceeding those limitations.
Note
A waiver is an authorisation for an establishment to exceed the design limitations of the sprinkler system(by quantity or Hazard Classification of stores), in that storehouse so nominated, for the duration of thewaiver.
9.20 Fire Risk Analysis. Prior to a storehouse design limitation being exceeded, a fire risk analysisshall be conducted by the DEO Fire Safety Officer or Fire Engineering Consultant. This analysis is to:
a. determine design limitations;
b. where appropriate, assess cost options which do not exceed building design limitation,such as:
(1) outdoor storage,
(2) rearranged storage layouts,
(3) revised equipment and handling strategies.
c. assess the fire risk level in terms of probability and consequences given the goodsstored, the storehouse practices and building design limitations;
d. assess local fire brigade response, ie dedicated response, response times, vehicles andcrew size;
e. address fire brigade access requirements;
f. assess portable firefighting equipment provided;
g. provide indicative costs to upgrade the passive and active fire protection in thestorehouse to meet the requirements of this chapter;
h. make recommendations on changes to existing practices required to be introduced forthe duration of the waiver, to ensure ongoing departmental compliance with the ‘Duty ofCare’ provisions of reference h.; and
i. advise of any additional portable fire equipment required in the storehouse for theduration of the waiver.
9.21 Duration of Waiver. A waiver has a duration of 12 months. Consecutive waivers shall notexceed two (ie a maximum of 24 months). Approval of a second consecutive waiver shall be subject toconditions set out in paragraph 9.23.
9.22 Approval of Waiver. Regional Estate Managers are the Approving Officers for waivers.
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9.23 Applications for Waiver. Applications for waiver shall be in minute or letter format asappropriate, and shall be accompanied by the Fire Risk Analysis. In addition, if the stores are:
a. of strategic significance,
b. high value items, or
c. have long replacement lead times,
The concurrence of the applicant's next higher Headquarters is to be obtained. If additional storagerequirements continue after an initial waiver has expired, an application for a second consecutive waivershall not be approved unless endorsed by the applicant’s next higher Headquarters and accompaniedby a Works Submission to upgrade the fire protection to comply with this chapter.
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CHAPTER 10
ENGINEERING WORKSHOPS—FIRE SAFETY 10
Scope 10.1
10.1 This chapter details the class of occupancy, type of construction and fire safety featuresgenerally applicable to engineering workshops.
References 10.2
10.2 Reference is necessary to current issues of the following documents:
a. ‘Building Code of Australia’,
b. AS 2118—Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems,
c. AS 1670—Automatic Fire Alarm Installations,
d. AS 2441—Installation, Fire Hose Reels,
e. AS 2665—Smoke and Heat Venting, and
f. Chapter 1—‘Fire protection of Defence assets’ and chapter 11—‘Installation of portablefire equipment’.
Aim 10.3
10.3 The aim of this chapter is to detail the primary fire safety features of general engineeringworkshops, with a view to minimising both fire occurrences and damage resulting from fire incidents.
Building Classification 10.4
10.4 General engineering workshops shall be classified in accordance with the Building Code ofAustralia (BCA). However, further classification may be necessary depending on the assessed risk,determined from the buildings actual function.
Fire Protection/Detection 10.5
10.5 Depending on the floor area, and the assessed risk factor, a sprinkler system shall be installedin accordance with AS 2118 or a detection system in accordance with AS 1670 may be required, basedupon the following:
a. automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be installed in engineering workshops buildingswhere:
(1) maximum floor area limitations are exceeded as detailed in the BCA; or
(2) where the floor area limitations detailed in the BCA are not exceeded and thecontents are classified as major, important or sensitive assets, as detailed inchapter 1; or
b. where sprinkler protection is not required, an AS 1670 fire detection system appropriateto the risk shall be installed.
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Means of Egress/Distances of Travel 10.6
10.6 Means of egress and distances of travel shall comply with the requirements of the BCA.
First Attack Firefighting Equipment 10.7
10.7 First attack firefighting equipment shall be provided appropriate to the risk and may comprise:
a. water type extinguishers,
b. foam type extinguishers,
c. dry chemical type extinguishers,
d. NAF P III type extinguishers, and
e. fire hose reels fitted with foam making attachment.
Note
Where fire hose reels are installed and a reliable water supply exists, water type extinguishers arenot required to be installed.
Fire Hydrants External/Internal 10.8
10.8 Depending on the total floor area of the facility, external/internal fire hydrants may be required.
10.9 Fire points shall be established within four metres of required exits and may comprise any orall of those equipments detailed in paragraphs paragraphs 10.7 and 10.8.
Smoke/Heat Venting 10.10
10.10 Smoke/heat vents and draft curtains shall be installed in workshops over 1500 m2 to minimisesmoke and heat damage to contents and the workshop structure. Smoke/heat venting systems(including draft curtains) shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of AS 2665 and ventsshall comply with AS 2427—Smoke/heat Release Vents. Automatic operation of the vents shall beinitiated by the installed detection/suppression system. All vents shall open as one.
Housekeeping 10.11
10.11 Materials susceptible to self induced combustion, eg oily waste, oily rags, etc shall be placedin metal containers and disposed of on a daily basis.
10.12 Flammable liquids shall be restricted within the building to daily use quantities only.Receptacles used for flammables shall be of the ‘SAFETY’ design type. In workshops ofnon-combustible construction additional flammables may be stored in flammable liquid storage cabinetsnot exceeding 250 litres capacity.
10.13 Contaminated flammable liquids, oils and solvents shall be stored in ‘SAFETY’ typecontainers, within buildings and disposed of daily.
Power Supplies 10.14
10.14 Power supplies, other than essential supplies for security purposes, airhandling plant, batterychargers and computers, etc shall be switched off at cessation of work.
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CHAPTER 11
INSTALLATION OF PORTABLE FIRE EQUIPMENT 11
Scope 11.1
11.1 This chapter applies to the selection and installation of portable fire equipment in Defencebuildings and installations.
References 11.2
11.2 Reference is necessary to current issues of the following documents:
a. Chapter 1—‘Fire protection of Defence assets’.
b. Standards Association of Australia—Standards:
AS 1850—Classification Rating and Testing of Fire Extinguishers;
AS 2444—Portable Fire Extinguishers—Selection and Location;
AS 2441—Installation of Fire Hose Reels; and
AS 1221—Fire Hose Reels.
11.3 First attack firefighting appliances are defined as being fire hose reels, fire-extinguishers andfire blankets.
Introduction 11.4
11.4 Extinguishers are effective only when fires are in their incipient stages and when theextinguishing medium applied is appropriate to the material on fire. They are most effective when usedby skilled operators and for this reason all persons who may be called upon to use them should betrained in their identification, operation and use.
Selection of Extinguishers 11.5
11.5 Only portable fire equipment listed in the Scientific Services Laboratory Fire ProtectionEquipment Register of Accredited Products (see chapter 7—‘Fire protection equipment—register ofaccredited products’) are to be installed in Defence-owned buildings. In Class 3 to Class 9 buildingsinclusive, where the BCA does not require fire hose reels to be installed, fire hose reels are to be installedin lieu of water type fire extinguishers. Any requests to delete this requirement shall be submitted as aRequest for Dispensation in accordance with chapter 26—‘Alternative design solutions, dispensationsand certification for defence projects’.
Distribution 11.6
11.6 Where a building is equipped with fire hose reels installed in accordance with AS 1221 andAS 2441 and a reliable water supply exists, water type fire-extinguishers are not required to be installed.
11.7 Appropriate extinguishers will be provided as required to protect special hazards, eg electricalequipment, flammable liquids, etc. It is not necessary for each small piece of electrical apparatus or otherindividual hazard to be provided with its own extinguisher: one extinguisher may be located in one roomor to cover a hazard within travel distances as indicated in AS 2444.
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS 11.8
Substations 11.8
11.8 Extinguishers are not required in outdoor substations, but shall be provided in all substationswhere personnel are required to work in an indoor situation which is adjacent to an electrical installation.
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11.9 For substations of less than 50 m2 floor area, provide two CO2, NAF P III or Dry Chemical typeextinguishers mounted on the wall adjacent to the access door. For substations of floor area greater than50 m2 provide an additional extinguisher so that the travel distance to the nearest extinguisher does notexceed 10 m.
Switchrooms 11.10
11.10 A portable extinguisher shall be provided within the switchroom adjacent to the normal accessdoor. Additional extinguishers shall be installed within each switchroom so that the travel distance to thenearest extinguisher does not exceed 10 m.
Switchboards 11.11
11.11 Portable extinguisher(s) shall be mounted adjacent to any switchboard forming part of a plantroom or boiler room, so that the travel distance to the nearest extinguisher does not exceed 10 m.
11.12 The extinguisher shall be of a size commensurate with the risk. In determining size it is to benoted that the extinguisher may also serve as a first attack facility for adjacent risks.
11.13 Distribution boards forming part of a building service where the incoming mains to the boardare rated at 400A or more shall have a suitable extinguisher located as close as practicable to the board.The travel distance to the extinguisher shall not exceed 10 m.
11.14 For distribution boards with incoming mains rated less than 400A, the provision ofextinguishers is not mandatory, but is often desirable. In this case a CO2 or NAF P III extinguisher maybe located adjacent to the switchboard as part of the normal extinguisher installations.
Type of Installation 11.15
11.15 Water type fire-extinguishers shall not be supplied for use on fires in live electrical equipment(switchrooms or substations).
11.16 Extinguishers provided for use on fires in electrical installations shall be of the CO2 or NAF PIII dry chemical types.
11.17 Extinguishers exceeding 60 kg nett weight can be difficult to handle and are not readilymanoeuvred. If capacity greater than 60 kg is needed, two or more units each weighing less than 60 kgnett weight shall be installed.
Location of Extinguishers 11.18
11.18 Commonsense must prevail in the location of extinguishers. General guidelines are:
a. If only one extinguisher is to be provided it should be on the inside wall adjacent to thenormal access/egress door to the installation.
b. If more than one extinguisher is required they should be located, in order of preference:
(1) on an inside wall adjacent to normal access/egress door;
(2) on an inside wall adjacent to alternative access/exit doors;
(3) on inside walls to maintain the required travel distance; and
(4) on the wall outside the main entry door, where they should be suitably protectedagainst weather, theft and vandalism.
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11.19 The provision of a fixed automatic suppression system such as a gaseous total flooding systemdoes not reduce the requirement for portable extinguishers.
Service Housing 11.20
11.20 Provision of portable firefighting equipment in Service housing is now the responsibility of theDefence Housing Authority (DHA).
11.21 Reserved.
Miscellaneous Risks 11.22
11.22 The following general principles should be observed in selecting portable fire-extinguishers tocover specific risks:
a. Class A (wood, paper, textiles etc) risks should be protected by water extinguishers.
b. Class B (flammable liquids) risks should be protected by dry chemical powder or foamextinguishers or foam producing attachments to fire hose reels,
c. Class C (flammable gases) risks should be protected by dry chemical typeextinguishers.
d. Class D (combustible metals)—specialist advice should be sought for the protection ofsuch risks.
e. Class E (electrical hazards) should be protected by CO2, NAF P III or dry chemical typeextinguishers.
Flammable Liquid Storage 11.23
11.23 Flammable liquid storage cabinets and lockers are to be provided with one of the followingextinguishers positioned not closer than five metres from the cabinet or locker:
a. dry chemical powder,
b. CO2,
c. foam, and
d. fire hose reel with foam making attachment.
Powder and CO2 have little cooling ability, so personnel should be made aware of the risk of flashbackor reignition.
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CHAPTER 12
COMPUTING EQUIPMENT—FIRE PROTECTION 12
Introduction 12.1
12.1 This chapter defines the required levels of fire protection/detection for Defence computingequipments.
Background 12.2
12.2 Rapid advances in technology and changed work practises have brought about a proliferationof various types of computing equipment within the Department. Therefore, a requirement to clearlydefine levels of fire protection/detection systems in both owned and leased premises has been created.
Aim 12.3
12.3 The aim of this chapter is to define the various levels of fire protection/detection to be affordedto the various categories of computing equipment.
Definitions 12.4
12.4 The following definitions of computers applies within the context of this chapter:
a. Critical Computer. A computer whose function is a critical processing component of anetwork, whose loss would affect dependent facilities and have obvious unacceptableoperational implications in a Departmental/Service sense. A computer of this type wouldrepresent a concentration of considerable financial value, not be replaceable withintolerable time limits, and whose function could not be performed by other Departmentalequipment.
b. Primary Computer. A computer that functions as an important processing componentof a network, whose loss would affect dependent facilities. These would represent aconcentration of moderate to high value, not be replaceable within tolerable time limitsand whose function could not be performed by other Departmental equipment.
c. Secondary Computer. A computer that functions largely as a peripheral of the primary,whose loss would disrupt local activities but whose work could be performed in otherareas even if staff relocation/shift working was required. Equipment could be replacedwithin acceptable time limits.
d. Minor Computers. A computer commonly referred to as a mini computer, personalcomputer or desk top mounted computer. A computer performing localised functions, ofrelatively minor value, (less than $.25m) readily replaceable and whose function couldbe performed manually or by other Departmental equipment.
References 12.5
12.5 The following references should be read in conjunction with the details provided in this chapter:
a. chapter 1—‘Fire protection of Defence assets’.
b. chapter 14—‘Fire safety—physical security aspects’.
c. chapter 20—‘Critical equipment—fire protection’.
d. Australian Standard (AS) 2834—Computer Accommodation.
12.6 Should any conflict become apparent between AS 2834 and this chapter the contents of thischapter shall take precedence.
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Design Briefs 12.7
12.7 Project staff, when using this chapter to determine the level/s of fire protection/detection to beafforded a particular computing facility, shall indicate in the ‘Design Brief’ the category into which thecomputer is categorised in paragraph paragraph 12.4.
Fire Protection/Detection Levels Required 12.8
12.8 The following table indicates the fire safety measures that shall be applied to computingfacilities categorised as, critical, primary and secondary, utilising the existing protection/detectioninstalled within an existing building. Minor computing units are covered separately in paragraph 12.9.
Minor Computers 12.9
12.9 Minor computing facilities require no special additional fire protection other than that normallyprovided in the building in which they are housed. Because of possible physical security requirementsrestricting access to such areas, additional fire extinguishers may be needed in such areas.
Computing Facilities Generally 12.10
12.10 For details relating to environmental and electrical requirements, etc reference should bemade to AS 2834.
Annex:A. Existing building protection
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EXISTING BUILDING PROTECTION A
Note
(a) May not be required in all cases (see chapter 20—‘Critical equipment—fire protection’).
FIRE SAFETY PROVISIONS INTHE COMPUTER SUITE
CRITICALCOMPUTER
PRIMARYCOMPUTER
SECONDARYCOMPUTER
SP TH NO SP TH NO SP TH NO
Sprinklers throughout, includingfalse floor
YES NO NO YES NO NO YES NO NO
Air Sampling Smoke DetectionSystem
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
Gas Flooding—Above floors
NO YES(a) YES(a) NO YES(a) YES(a) NO NO NO
Below floors NO YES(a) YES(a) NO YES(a) YES(a) NO NO NO
Structural Fire Isolation FRL(Hours)
1 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1
Equipment/Support Tape storageFire Isolation FRL (Hours)
1 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1
Gas flooded area Fire IsolationFRL (Hours)
N/A 2 2 N/A 2 2 N/A N/A N/A
SP = sprinklersTH = thermalsNO = nothing
DEFINITIONS:
Equipment Zone: The control processing areas, disc area, safearea, safe vault area, communications area.
Support Zone: Data preparation and software, console,offices, rest and amenities rooms.
Service Zone: Airhandling and refrigeration plant,uninterruptable power supply (UPS), paperand consumables storage.
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CHAPTER 13
FIRE SAFETY SURVEYS—DEFENCE ASSETS 13
Introduction 13.1
13.1 This chapter details asset classifications, frequency of surveys and reporting procedures.
Background 13.2
13.2 Historically, fire safety surveys have been conducted by DAS (ACS) Fire Safety Officers on athree yearly cyclical basis. With the adoption of ‘cost recovery’ procedures by DAS (ACS) effective01 July 1989, responsibility for the surveys was devolved to selected Commonwealth departments(including Defence) where adequate in-house expertise is available.
Responsible Authorities 13.3
13.3 Regional Estate Managers are responsible to ensure that ongoing regular inspections offacilities are undertaken as described in this chapter.
Authority to Conduct Fire Safety Surveys 13.4
13.4 As a result of devolution of the responsibility detailed in paragraph 13.2, the followingpersonnel are authorised to conduct fire safety surveys for and on behalf of the Department of Defence:
a. DEO, Fire Safety Officers; and
b. suitably qualified consultants.
Aim 13.5
13.5 The aim of this chapter is to detail the administrative requirements for the conduct of fire safetysurveys on Defence facilities.
Classification of Assets 13.6
13.6 The level of fire protection required in a Defence installation depends upon the perceived liferisk posed, Defence value, and the vulnerability of the asset and its contents to fire and explosion, andBuilding Code requirements. The Defence value is an aggregate of the replacement cost, the penaltiesof lead time and availability, the security classification, and the impact of loss on the capabilities of theServices. Defence Protective Security Manual (SECMAN 4) categorises assets as follows:
a. Major Assets (MA). A major asset is an item or group of items, facility, installation orclassified matter, the loss of which, because of its high cost, replacement lead time,impact on operational capability of the Services, or its security classifications would beof major concern to the national interest.
b. Important Assets (IA). An important asset is an item or group of items, facility,installation or classified matter the loss of which, whilst not significantly impairing overallcapability of the Services would have a serious impact on the functioning of an importantelement of the Services.
c. Sensitive or Attractive Assets (SAA). A sensitive or attractive asset is an item orgroup of items within a facility or installation which requires protection because of thedangers and embarrassment that could result if the asset were to fall into the hands ofterrorists or criminal elements of society. Sensitive or attractive assets include weapons,ammunition, explosives and drugs.
d. Support Assets (SA). A support asset is an item or group of items, facility or installationthe loss of which would have little significance on the overall Service(s) capability, butwould impair the efficiency of the day-to-day administration of bases and units.
e. Domestic Assets (DA). A domestic asset is a facility or installation of low strategicimportance requiring fire protection but no fixed security surveillance.
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Frequency of Surveys 13.7
13.7 All Defence assets shall be inspected at least once in every three year period. However, thefollowing are recommended inspection frequency guidelines:
When determining the inspection frequency for a Defence facility, Fire Safety Officers should consultDefence Security personnel to assist in determining asset classification.
Retention of Facilities Fire Safety Surveys 13.8
13.8 Survey reports shall be retained so that at least the last three inspection reports on a facilityare available if required.
Commonality of Reporting Format 13.9
13.9 A standard reporting format shall be adopted by all personnel approved to conduct fire safetysurveys of Defence facilities. Buildings shall be identified by their ‘Register of Assets’ (Rof A) number.
13.10 There shall be two types of reports:
a. master or initial report, as detailed in annex A; and
b. a subsequent report, detailing only those deficiencies identified in relation to fire safetyaspects.
13.11 The master report shall be used when:
a. conducting initial inspections;
b. when major refurbishment occurs; and
c. when change in occupancy function/classification occurs.
The follow-up report may be used on all other occasions.
Security of Information 13.12
13.12 Security of information relating to defence establishment facilities, equipments and functionsmust be considered by authorised inspecting staff. Therefore, rather than giving a detailed descriptionof the contents of a facility the abbreviations as shown in paragraph 13.7 shall be used to describe thecontents in all cases. Where security implications are not of concern, a short description of the contentsor function of the facility may be used in addition to the abbreviations previously indicated.
Reporting of Fires 13.13
13.13 Fire incident reports, when forwarded to the Chief Fire Safety Officer, shall be accompaniedby the most recent fire safety report available relating to the asset in which the fire incident occurred.
a. Major Assets (MA) Annually
b. Important Assets (IA) )) Three yearly
c. Sensitive and Attractive Assets (SAA) )
d. Support Assets )) Three yearly
e. Domestic Assets )
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Reporting Format 13.14
13.14 The following are explanatory notes on the abbreviations detailed in annex A:
a. ‘Serial number’ refers to the corresponding serial on the survey summary sheet.
b. ‘Recommendations’ give a brief description of the observation and the method/sproposed to rectify the situation.
c. ‘Status’ refers to the inspection officer's opinion at the time of observation. This can be:
(1) (S) Satisfactory,
(2) (GS) Generally Satisfactory,
(3) (U) Unsatisfactory, or
(4) (XX) Unacceptably Dangerous.
Priority of Recommendations 13.15
13.15 Priority relates to the urgency of the recommendation. These are:
Annex:A. Fire safety survey report
Notes
1. The master or initial report detailed in annex A may be used for file use only with optional written reportssubmitted to the authority responsible for an inspected facility.
2. Married quarters, Class 1 occupancies and minor outbuildings are to be excluded from the reportingprocedures detailed in this chapter.
P1 Those matters that represent a serious direct threat to occupants or property. These mattersshould be rectified immediately.
P2 Those matters that represent a serious indirect threat to the safety of occupants should a fireoccur, or provides an unacceptable risk likely to aid in the development of fire, or a seriousthreat to adjoining property. These matters should be rectified as soon as possible.
P3 Those matters that represent actions required to minimise damage to property and contents,or provide direct protection to the building and contents, or improve the effectiveness offirefighting in/on the property. These matters are likely to require further assessment to decideon what action, if any, should be taken.
P4 Those matters that represent recommendations to upgrade the level of fire protection tocomply with current building regulations and standards. Normally, P4 recommendations wouldbe actioned when next the property has major alterations or refurbishment.
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FIRE SAFETY SURVEY REPORT A
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CHAPTER 14
FIRE SAFETY—PHYSICAL SECURITY ASPECTS 14
Introduction 14.1
14.1 Physical security of Defence assets is an important component of the total asset protectionpolicy. In the past conflict between the requirements for physical security and fire safety requirementshave occurred, particularly in the areas of means of egress and perimeter security.
References 14.2
14.2 Reference should be made to the following related publications:
a. SECMAN 4—Defence Protective Security Manual,
b. SECMAN 7—Defence Security Design and Construction Guides,
c. ‘Building Code of Australia’ (BCA), and
d. Australian Standard (AS) 1905(1)—Fire Resistant Doorsets.
Definitions 14.3
14.3 Within the context of this chapter ‘exit’ means:
a. an internal or external stairway;
b. a ramp;
c. a fire-isolated passageway;
d. a doorway opening to a road or open space; or any combination of the above providingegress from a storey to a road or open space; or
e. a horizontal exit or a fire-isolated passageway leading to a horizontal exit.
Security requirements are also often required on doors in the path of travel to exits and in such casesthe requirements for exit doors shall apply.
Aim 14.4
14.4 The aim of this chapter is to, as far as is possible, eliminate the possibility of conflict betweenfire safety and physical security requirements.
Physical Security/Means of Egress 14.5
14.5 Means of egress from Defence buildings shall be in accordance with the requirements of theBCA.
14.6 Perimeter security may involve the locking of all external doors at ground floor, basementlevels and possibly additional floor levels depending on the level of security required.
14.7 Required levels of security may be achieved by:
a. mechanical locks;
b. electromechanical locks; and
c. electromagnetic locks, in combination with mechanical locks.
14.8 Only those locks endorsed by the Commonwealth Security Hardware Committee shall be usedto achieve the required levels of physical security. Where electromechanical or electromagnetic locksare installed on ‘exit’ doors, they shall be accompanied by a break glass manual override release device,installed on the egress side adjacent the door.
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Internal Fire Resistant Doorsets 14.9
14.9 Door hardware, in the form of locksets installed on fire resistant doorsets, must previously havebeen subjected to tests on a prototype of the fire doorset. No cypher type lockset has been approved forinstallation on a fire resistant doorset, in accordance with the requirements of AS 1905—Part 1.
Conflict of Interest 14.10
14.10 Should conflict arise in determining compliance with both physical security and fire safetyrequirements the matter shall be forwarded to Defence Security Branch and Chief Fire Safety Officer forresolution.
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CHAPTER 15
FIRE EQUIPMENT INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE 15
Introduction 15.1
15.1 This chapter specifies the levels of inspection and maintenance required to be carried out onfirst attack firefighting equipment, installed fire detection/protection systems and associated equipment.
References 15.2
15.2 The following documents detail the minimum Defence standards of inspection andmaintenance for fire safety equipment:
a. Australian Standard (AS) 1851—Part 1—Maintenance, Portable Fire Extinguishers;
b. AS 1851—Part 2—Maintenance, Fire Hose Reels;
c. AS 1851—Part 3—Maintenance, Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems;
d. AS 1851—Part 4—Maintenance, Fire Hydrant Installations;
e. AS 1851—Part 5—Maintenance, Automatic Smoke/Heat Venting Systems;
f. AS 1851—Part 6—Maintenance, Fire Precaution Features of Airhandling Systems;
g. AS 1851—Part 7—Maintenance, Fire Resistant Doorsets;
h. AS 1851—Part 8—Maintenance—Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm Systems;
i. AS 2293—Part 2—Maintenance and Testing of Emergency Evacuation Lighting inBuildings;
j. AS 1851—Part 12—Maintenance, Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Systems; and
k. NFPA Code No 11—Low Expansion Foam and Combined AgentSystem—Maintenance.
Aim 15.3
15.3 The aim of this chapter is to detail levels of maintenance and indicate to users those areaswhere maintenance of a semi-technical nature may be carried out by suitably trained/qualified staff(services fire staff/base electrical staff, etc).
Contract Specifications 15.4
15.4 The maintenance of fire protection equipment and other fire related aspects of a building,directly effect the Certificate of Occupancy of a building and may result in a Certificate being withdrawn.The Defence minimum requirement for the maintenance of building essential services, shall be theappropriate Australian Standard requirement, or other level as specified by the Building Surveyor in thebuilding’s Certificate of Occupancy.
Maintenance Levels 15.5
15.5 The following tables indicate the levels of technical and semi-technical maintenance levelsrequired by Defence.
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Note
The letter (C) indicates maintenance required to be carried out by a suitably qualified contractor and (*)indicates that the inspection maintenance may be carried out by suitably trained/qualified departmentalor Services staff.
Table 15–1: Portable fire extinguishers—maintenance (AS 1851.1)
Table 15–2: Fire hose reel—maintenance (AS 1851.2)
Table 15–3: Maintenance of automatic fire sprinkler systems (AS 1851.3)
Extinguisher Type Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
Water (SP) C * C * C * C *
Foam (Gas Cont) C * C * C * C *
Foam (SP) C * C * C * C *
Powder (Gas Cont) C * C * C * C *
CO2 C * C C C
Halon C * C * C * C *
Type of Inspection/Test Carried Out By
6 Monthly C *
12 Monthly C *
Level of Inspection Carried Out By
Weekly (Level 1) C *
Quarterly (Level 2) C
Annually (Level 3) C
3 Yearly (Level 4) C
24 Yearly (Level 5) C
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MFPE15–3
Table 15–4: Maintenance of fire hydrant installations (AS 1851.4)
Table 15–5: Maintenance of automatic smoke/heat venting systems (AS 1851.5)
Table 15–6: Maintenance/management procedures for maintaining the fire protection features ofairhandling systems (AS 1851.6)
Note
(a) Repairs to and replacement of door hardware (locks, kickplates, etc) shall only be carried out by aregistered fire doorset installer.
Table 15–7: Maintenance of fire resistant doorsets
Level of Inspection Carried Out By
Weekly C *
Quarterly C *
Annual C
3 Yearly C
6 Yearly C
Type of Inspection/Test Carried Out By
Half Yearly C *
Annual Inspection C *
Frequency of Inspection Carried Out By
Monthly C
Quarterly C
Half Yearly C
Yearly C
Type of Inspection Carried Out
Monthly C *
Yearly C *
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MFPE15–4
Note
(a) The incidence of false alarms shall be recorded and promptly investigated. Recurring false alarms areboth costly in time and resources and diminish the effectiveness of the installation as a warning systemto occupants of a facility. Identified faulty detectors and faults generally shall be rectified as soon as ispracticable.
Table 15–8: Maintenance of automatic fire detection and alarm systems (AS 1851.8)
Table 15–9: Inspection and maintenance of emergency evacuation lighting in buildings(AS 2293.2)
Special Fixed Fire Installations 15.6
15.6 Gas Flooding Systems. These systems shall be maintained in accordance with AS 1851.12.
15.7 Specialist Foam Installations—Aircraft Hangars. These systems shall continue to bemaintained/tested in accordance with NFPA Code 11 and the guidelines contained in annex A.
Annex:A. Guidelines for testing fixed aqueous film forming fire supression systems
Type of Inspection/Test Carried Out By
Weekly C *
Monthly C
Yearly C
Type of Inspection/Test Carried Out By
Central Systems
Six Monthly C *
Twelve Montlhy C *
Single Point Systems
Six Monthly C *
Twelve Monthly C *
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MFPEANNEX A TOCHAPTER 15
GUIDELINES FOR TESTING FIXED AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FIRESUPRESSION SYSTEMS A
Introduction 1
1. These guidelines are for the testing of fixed aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) monitor,overhead deluge, and pop-up sprinkler fire suppression systems in Defence hangars. They cover thefollowing two distinct areas:
a. commissioning tests, and
b. periodic in-service testing.
2. The National Protection Association (NFPA) Standard No 11 ‘Low Expansion Foam andCombined Agent Systems' is the internationally and locally acknowledged standard relevant to the workconcerned. These guidelines endorse and supplement the general testing provisions included in NFPAStandard 11. In the event of conflict between the requirements of NFPA Standard 11 and those set outin these guidelines, the latter should prevail.
3. Appendix 1 provides background information on the nature of AFFF and its outstandingcapabilities as a liquid fuel fire suppressant. Appendix 2 gives information on significant factors adesigner should be aware of to maximise system reliability. Appendix 3 deals with the treatment anddisposal of AFFF.
General Requirements related to Testing 15.4
4. Where foam generation is necessary AFFF concentrate shall be used and be of the same typeand manufacture as that currently supplied to Defence on period contract. Different types and brands ofconcentrates may be incompatible and are not to be mixed. Substituting low-cost detergents for AFFFconcentrates is not acceptable.
5. For reasons of economy, the duration of foam generation in the course of testing should beminimised. However, before any samples of foam solution discharged from installations are collected forexamination, the concentration of the discharged AFFF solution should be allowed to stabilise.
Note
The time required for stabilisation will be influenced by system and equipment details, but can beexpected to be in the order of 5–10 seconds for sprinklers, again depending upon the proximity of thedischarge point to the inductor.
6. Full details of commissioning tests and periodic in-service testing, and of associated testingprocedures should be documented for each individual project according to the specific arrangement andfeatures of the particular system. The documentation should include the test requirements of NFPAStandard 11 of 1983, and should also comply with the provisions for commissioning test requirementsof NFPA Standard 11 of 1983, and should also comply with the provisions for commissioning tests andperiodic in-service testing set out in these Guidelines.
7. Following completion of tests involving generation and discharge of foam solution, eachmonitor or sprinkler zone should be flushed only with water to remove any foam solution residue.
8. Testing of monitors, sprinklers, and complete systems with water only and with foam shouldbe arranged and sequenced in full cognisance of the capacity of any waste disposal system to which thesite may be connected, and of the particular project site provisions for the disposal of waste AFFFsolutions.
Commissioning Tests 15.9
9. For the purpose of these guidelines, commissioning tests includes the final test of the completesystem to demonstrate its correct operation and performance prior to acceptance plus all componentchecks, adjustments, preliminary tests, etc necessary prior to the final test.
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MFPE15A–2
10. To ensure that the system is reliable and the possibility of false discharge is kept to a absoluteminimum, special attention should be given to checking individual mechanical and electrical componentsfor correct installation, connection and operation.
11. In addition, the system logic should be deliberately and extensively challenged to identify anyweaknesses which could result in inadvertant discharge or affect the reliability of the system to operatewhen required. A commissioning check list is in appendix 4.
12. Flow and pressure testing of individual monitors or sprinkler zones and of the complete systemshould be carried out with water only.
13. Coarse adjustment of the operation of monitors, including angle of elevation and angle ofoscillation, and testing for proper operation of pop-up sprinklers, spray distribution patterns anddischarge height, should also be done with water only.
14. Final performance testing of systems should be carried out with foam, and with the maximumnumber of monitors or sprinkler zones that would be required to operate simultaneously.
15. The duration of simultaneous final testing with foam should be sufficient for verification of theintegrated functioning and operational performance of the complete system including the foam deliverypattern, foam distribution and quality of the foam generated.
Note
Experience to date indicates that final testing with foam extending over a two-minute period is quitesufficient to prove system capability, and to deliver sufficient quantities of foam for a sample to berepresentative of average foam quality over the design discharge period.
16. The quality of foam produced by each system or zone should be checked by collectingrepresentative samples of foam during final testing with foam, to determine the:
a. percentage of AFFF concentrate in the foam solution,
b. foam expansion,
c. foam drainage rate, and
d. aqueous film forming capability.
17. In analysing the foam samples collected, the methods and apparatus described in appendix Aof NFPA Standard 11 should be used.
18. Where component testing is to form part of future periodic in-service testing (see paragraph 4.)flow and pressure readings should be taken for such components so that the through life performanceof the system can be compared with that at the time of commissioning.
Periodic In-Service Testing 15.19
19. Arrangements are made with the holder of the current Department of Defence AFFF periodcontract to perform laboratory testing of foam concentrate and foam solution samples taken as indicatedbelow.
20. Annually, samples of the contents of AFFF concentrate supply tanks should be checked forcontamination and deterioration of the concentrate. The normal procedure would be to forward theconcentrate samples to the supplier for laboratory tests to verify foam and film quality. Any AFFFconcentrate found deficient in quality should be replaced immediately.
21. Annual tests using water only should verify the hydraulic performance, integrity and operationof complete systems. Checks should include monitor oscillation and pop-up movement duringsimultaneous discharge from the maximum number of monitors, or correct distribution patterns from themaximum number of sprinkler zones, that are scheduled to work together. Note that foam distribution,expansion, drainage rate and film forming capability once established by initial tests are then a functionof the proportioning, there being no adjustments to what is essentially a static system.
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MFPE15A–3
22. Where complete system testing will cause major inconvenience to work programs, a means ofannual component testing to simulate total system operation should be devised.
Note
Component testing may be in the form of discharging water through the by-pass outlet, and inspection ofindividual components. Individual pop-up sprinklers may be tested annually with a spring balance,dismantled and cleaned. This procedure should be discussed in detail with the manufacturer.
23. Annual tests should also be carried out in order to verify correct foam proportioning. Whereactual discharge tests cannot be performed through the monitors or sprinklers then discharge of AFFFsolution through the test valve, bypassing the monitors or sprinklers would be acceptable. Samples ofthe solution should be collected for analysis.
24. Irrespective of arrangements made for annual testing, a full foam discharge test similar to finaltesting at commissioning should be performed at intervals not exceeding five years. An example of a fiveyear check list and report is in appendix 5.
25. The timing and sequencing of in-service testing with water only and with foam should becoordinated to suit operational requirements.
26. Results of periodic in-service tests should be recorded and compared with those taken duringcommissioning tests to determine if there has been any deterioration in system performance.
27. More frequent testing of some system components, such as pumpsets, may be required byrelevant Australian Standards or as recommended by the manufacturers.
Disposal of Waste AFFF Solutions 15.28
28. For every project, arrangements for adequate control of the disposal of waste AFFF solutionsgenerated in the course of commissioning tests and of periodic in-service testing, should be determinedto best suit the particular circumstances at the respective site.
29. All such disposal arrangements should be acceptable to the local regulatory authority.
30. AFFF waste water must be prevented from entering stormwater systems, ponds andgroundwater except in an emergency. Generally, dilution other than by waste streams is not anacceptable method of reducing the strength of AFFF waste water. The resultant waste water mustundergo biological treatment prior to ultimate discharge.
31. Discharge to sewer is the preferred method for disposal. The strength of the waste and the rateof discharge must be controlled to prevent foaming in sewers, and to limit the organic load on biologicalwaste water treatment plants. Pre-treatment may be required to satisfy prescribed limits.
32. Given suitable climate and soil conditions, irrigation may be used as a means of treating anddisposing of AFFF wastewaters. This technique will require detailed investigations, careful planning andgood management, including monitoring, to avoid pollution of streams and groundwater.
33. Evaporation of AFFF wastewater is also feasible during dry weather, although some residualwastes may need to be disposed of off-site.
Appendixes:1. Nature and use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam2. Significant design factors3. Treatment and disposal of AFFF4. Test Regime—Aqueous Film Forming Foam Dual Symptom5. Five Yearly Foam Test of Aqueous Film Forming Foam Pop-up Systems
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MFPEAPPENDIX 1 TO
ANNEX A TOCHAPTER 15
NATURE AND USE OF AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM 1
1. Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) agents were introduced as fire extinguishing media in thelate 1960s. These agents are water miscible, synthetic foaming liquids which can be used with freshwater, brackish water or sea water to form a low expansion type foam particularly suitable for thesuppression of flammable liquids fires.
2. The superior performance of AFFF as a liquid fuel fire suppressant is due to its outstandingfilm forming and film spreading capabilities. These capabilities, working in conjunction with theflame-smothering and cooling action of the foam blanket, are achieved by the low surface tension of theAFFF solution which enables an aqueous film to spread over the surface and prevent vaporisation.
3. AFFF agents are commonly available in concentrates known a ‘six per cent’ and ‘three percent’. The six per cent concentrate is designed to be mixed at 6 parts concentrate with 94 parts water,whereas the three per cent concentrate is designed for mixing 3 parts of concentrate with 97 parts ofwater.
4. Currently, six per cent AFFF concentrate to DEF(AUST) 5603D is supplied to Defence undera period contract. Foam fire suppression systems in Defence hangars use AFFF concentrateexclusively. It is also used in mobile firefighting appliances.
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MFPEAPPENDIX 2 TO
ANNEX A TOCHAPTER 15
SIGNIFICANT DESIGN FACTORS 2
1. This appendix describes some of the more important features which need to be taken intoaccount in the design and documentation of foam suppression systems for Defence hangars.
2. System design must comply with the requirements of chapter 8—‘Aircraft hangars—firesafety’and should aim at simplicity and inherent reliability with minimum needs for monitoring andperiodic testing/maintenance of components.
3. Selection of components needs to be critically examined to ensure their suitability for theparticular installation to provide an optimum level of reliability.
4. Where appropriate, components should meet the relevant requirements of Australianstandards and where such standards are not available, recognised overseas standards and/orauthorities (eg NFPA, Underwriters Laboratories Inc) should be nominated.
5. The foam system should be designed as an independent system capable of manual operation.Interconnection with fire indicator panels and/or central computerised systems should be restricted tomonitoring only except where automatic operation is required in which case the initiating signal wouldoriginate from the relevant Fire Indicator Panel (FIP).
6. Labelling and instruction should be simple and explicit to enable quick and sure response byoperators in an emergency.
7. Location of controls, main valves etc needs to be considered to provide maximum protectionfrom day-to-day activities, from the environment and effects of heat from a fire within the hangar whileat the same time maintaining ready access for operation.
8. Careful attention should be paid to the need for periodic in-service testing, eg where by passfacilities are necessary to provisions should be incorporated.
9. Containment and suitable treatment/disposal of discharged AFFF shall be in accordance withappendix 3.
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MFPEAPPENDIX 3 TO
ANNEX A TOCHAPTER 15
TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF AFFF 3
1. Limited information has been published on the treatment of AFFF or on its effects whenreleased to the environment, although much is available on its performance as a firefighting agent. Thepolluting nature of AFFF must be fully recognised, and appropriate measures taken to safely dispose ofit.
2. AFFF and its components are not considered to be dangerous substances, nor are theyharmful to the aquatic environment after proper treatment.
3. The potential pollution from AFFF wastewater is significant because of its foaming propertiesand its extremely high oxygen demand during biological degradation. Run-off must be prevented fromall areas where AFFF concentrate or wastewater is generated, stored or treated.
4. Because of the small proportion of fluorocarbons in AFFF and of the high degree of dilutionduring treatment and in receiving waters, fluorocarbons are not significant environmental pollutants.
5. The toxicity of AFFF can be reduced significantly by bacteria, which play an important role inbreaking down some of its components.
6. Laboratory and full-scale tests have demonstrated the feasibility of treating high-strength AFFFwastewater at a controlled rate in conventional sewage treatment plants.
7. Where practicable, AFFF wastewaters should be discharged to municipal sewers, afterappropriate pre-treatment to satisfy prescribed limits. Wastes should be collected and stored prior tobeing released to sewer at a controlled rate. Discharge should coincide with higher than average dailysewer flows, to take advantage of dilution within the sewer.
8. Dilution of wastes with fresh water is not acceptable to water supply authorities due to the largequantities required, and in any case would impose an additional hydraulic load on treatment facilities.However, blending or dilution with other approved trade wastes is acceptable.
9. Turbulence in sewers can reactivate foaming of AFFF when the concentration is greater than100 mg/l. In general, anti-foamants are not reliable.
10. AFFF wastewater should not be discharged into stormwater systems because it is exceedinglydifficult to meet allowable discharge requirements without extensive treatment.
11. In an emergency, large volumes of untreated AFFF and fuel may threaten to enter drainagepaths. Suitable measures and procedures must be introduced to control such events, eg by bunding.
12. The evaporation rate exceeds rainfall by a wide margin in many parts of Australia, and specialponds for the purpose can sometimes be utilised. They should be sized for zero discharge. Theconstituents of AFFF will be only marginally reduced by evaporation although the majority of volatile fuelswill be lost. The residue will require appropriate disposal. However, note that lagoons or ponds are notfavoured at airports because they attract birds.
13. Land treatment is an effective and inexpensive method of stabilising AFFF wastewater. Withproper design and management, irrigation provides a disposal route which does not adversely affect theenvironment. Tankers will provide a simple, flexible and effective method of irrigation, while problemswith foaming might be expected if fixed sprinklers were employed.
14. The use of chemicals to destabilise oil-water emulsions appears unwarranted because ofminimal emulsification of oil and limited biochemical oxygen demand reduction.
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MFPEAPPENDIX 4 TO
ANNEX A TOCHAPTER 15
TEST REGIME—AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM DUAL SYMPTOM 4
Notes
(a) Where VESDA reference detector is installed, test with other VESDA and IR detectors.
(b) Foam system enable/disable switch at FIP.
(c) Suppression system manual start switches located in control stations on hangar floor.
S = Smoke detector (Side A of Dual Symptom)
F = Flame detector (Side B of Dual Symptom)
Test 1: Smoke detectors operates dual symptom (a)
S1 + S2 + S3 +S4 = Foam Enable (b) = No Foam disable = No
then test with+ F1 = YES Foam Enable = YES Foam Disable = NO+ F2 = YES Foam Enable = YES Foam Disable = NO+ F3 = YES Foam Enable = YES Foam Disable = NO+ F4 = YES Foam Enable = YES Foam Disable = NO+ F5 = YES Foam Enable = YES Foam Disable = NO
Test 2: Flame detector operates dual symptom:
F1+ F2 + F3 + F4 = Foam Enable = No Foam disable = No
then test with+ S1= YES Foam Enable = YES Foam Disable = NO+ S2= YES Foam Enable = YES Foam Disable = NO+ S3= YES Foam Enable = YES Foam Disable = NO+ S4= YES Foam Enable = YES Foam Disable = NO
Test 3: Flame detector + smoke detector operates dual symptom:
F1 + S1 = YES F1 + S2 = YESF2 + S1 = YES F2 + S2 = YESF3 + S1 = YES F3 + S2 = YESF4 + S1 = YES F4 + S2 = YESF5 + S1 = YES F5 + S2 = YES
F1 + S3 = YES F1 + S4 = YESF2 + S3 = YES F2 + S4 = YESF3 + S3 = YES F3 + S4 = YESF4 + S3 = YES F4 + S4 = YESF5 + S3 = YES F5 + S4 = YES
Test 4: Manual operation:
Fire Indicator Panel Foam switch to Foam enable Foam manual start (c) = YES
BGA (if installed) = YES
Fire Indicator Panel Foam switch to Foam disable Foam manual start = YES
BGA (if installed) = YES
Key switch to manual on FIP = NO (Manual operation of suppression at FIP not required)
On completion of test:
Download FIP data log to determine which detectors have operated dual symptom and todetermine any spurious operation of functions not associated with the dual symptom initiation.
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MFPEAPPENDIX 5 TO
ANNEX A TOCHAPTER 15
FIVE YEARLY FOAM TEST OF AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAMPOP-UP SYSTEMS 5
References:A. Chapter 15, annex A (based on Deparment of Housing and Construction Tech Info Fire Safety
TI 181 FS of May 1987, Testing AFFF sprinkler Systems in Defence Aircraft Hangars).B. DEF(AUST) 5603D—Foam, Liquid, Fire Extinguishing, Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF),
6 Per Cent Concentrate.C. National Fire Protection Association of America (NFPA) 11, Standard for Low Expansion Foam
1994 Edition.D. National Fire Protection Association of America (NFPA) 409, Aircraft Hangars.
1. The AFFF foam suppression system in Facility ____ is to be tested on (date) as required bythe references.
2. This testing is to be carried out by the DEO ___________Comprehensive MaintenanceContractor, __________and their sub-contractor, _________.
3. The objectives of the test are:
a. To confirm the suppression and detection systems correct operation and performance.
b. To determine the quality of foam produced in each foam fire zone.
c. The results are to include:
(1) Percentage of AFFF concentrate in the foam solution.
(2) Foam expansion ratio.
(3) Foam 25 per cent drainage rate.
(4) Aqueous film forming capability.
4. A schedule of works for the conduct of this test is attached in enclosure 1.
Enclosures:1. Schedule of Works2. Hangar Zone Plan
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MFPEENCLOSURE 1 TO
APPENDIX 5 TOANNEX A TOCHAPTER 15
SCHEDULE OF WORKS 1
By (date)
Task Action by
Remove all equipment from within zone ___ . tenant
Protect equipment, airframes and floor outlets etc, unable to be movedwith plastic sheet or similar.
tenant
Qty x 200 L drums of AFFF to be identified. CMC
Service and test foam drum pump. CMC
Date – (day prior)
Load AFFF drums. CMC
Date (date of test)
Test to commence at (time) hr
Task Action by
PRIOR TO TEST
Confirm test area clear of equipment and immovable equipmentprotected from agent ingress.
DEO/CMC
Block outlet of apron stormwater drain to prevent solution enteringstormwater drains. (Not applicable if auto diversion valving installed.)
CMC
Ensure main hangar doors are fully open. CMC
Prepare fire indicator panel and fire suppression system for test by:
- isolating hangar floor power isolator relay in plant room (if required). CMC
- isolate EWIS and ac plant shutdown at fire indicator panel (Note: donot isolate EWIS during dual symptom alarm test.)
CMC
- isolate AFFF zone not in test to prevent accidental operation. CMC
- close roof smoke vents in test zone. CMC
Supply 1 x test fire tray, avtur and primer fuel. CMC
TEST PROCEDURE
Dual Symptom Alarm Test (Note: water only)
Close foam valves all systems. CMC
Close water valves to system not in test. CMC
Initiate test fire zone. CMC
Observe alert alarm and pop-up operation in test zone. (Recorddeployment of pop-up on report enclosed in enclosure 2).
CMC
Shut down fire zone in operation. CMC
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MFPE15A5E1–2
FOAM TEST
Open foam valves in test Zones. CMC
Set up test equipment in test zone. CMC
Operate the manual foam control start of test zone. CMC
Confirm booster pump start. CMC
Observe foam operation until full foam application is established andstabilised.
(approx 15–20seconds)
Collect Foam samples for foam quality tests. (Note: contractors toprovide all collection and test vessels).
CMC
Shut down foam system. CMC
Close foam compound valve. CMC
Flush all systems of residual AFFF. CMC
Flush all pop-ups until clear. CMC
Open foam system drains and flush system reticulation. CMC
Wash out hangar until clear of foam. CMC
Shut down booster pump. CMC
Replenish AFFF concentrate. CMC
Reset Pop-up and replace covers. CMC
Reset hangar floor electrical shutdown relay. CMC
Reset and normalise all FIP, alarm system and suppression systemfunctions prior to departure.
CMC
POST TEST REQUIREMENTS
Monitor flow of AFFF/water solution into base sewer or collection pits. CMC
Down load FIP data log to determine dual symptom operation. CMC
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MFPEENCLOSURE 2 TO
APPENDIX 5 TOANNEX A TOCHAPTER 15
HANGAR ZONE PLAN 2
NORTH
O O O O O O O
O O O O O O O
O O O O O O O
ZONE
O O O O O O O
O O O O O O O
O O O O O O O
O O O O O O O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
O O O O O O O
O O O O O O O
O O O O O O O
ZONE
O O O O O O O
O O O O O O O
O O O O O O O
O O O O O O O
SOUTH
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MFPE
CHAPTER 16
MANUALLY OPERATED FIRE ALARM CALL POINTS 16
Introduction 16.1
16.1 This chapter is designed to indicate to users the requirement to instal manually operated firealarm call points (MCP) in Defence projects.
References 16.2
16.2 Reference is necessary to the following documents:
a. Building Code of Australia,
b. AS 2036—Manually Operated Fire Alarm Call Points,
c. AS 1603.5—Manual Call Points,
d. AS 1603—Control and Indicating Equipment, and
e. AS 2220—Emergency Warning and Intercommunication Systems for Buildings.
Background 16.3
16.3 In the past MCP have been the cause of a significant number of false alarms. These alarmshave originated from two major causes, ingress of water or moisture and vandalism.
16.4 Where users’ facilities have readily available telephone services accessable, twenty fourhourly, consideration should be given as to whether or not MCP should be installed.
Code Requirements 16.5
16.5 AS 1670 requires each facility in which an alarm system is to be installed to have an MCPlocated in the entrance foyer. AS 1603 indicates that as the control and indicating equipment panel isusually located in the foyer of the building, it will contain an MCP, thereby meeting the requirements ofAS 1670.
16.6 The reference in paragraph 16.2e. requires provision to be made to manually actuate theEmergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS) within each evacuation zone. In a buildingwith a fire detection/suppression system connected to a fire brigade, the manual activation shall beprovided by the installation of red Manual Call Points connected to the Fire Indicator Panel. Whitemanual call points shall not be installed in Defence buildings with detection/suppression systemsconnected to a fire brigade.
Design Briefs 16.7
16.7 Users are requested to indicate in design briefs their requirements relating to the installationof MCP.
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MFPE
CHAPTER 17
EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE—FIRE SAFETY 17
Aim 17.1
17.1 The aim of this chapter is to detail the matters that must be considered when formulating firesafety requirements for new facilities and upgrading of existing facilities.
Scope 17.2
17.2 This chapter identifies the fire safety aspects associated with explosive ordnance (EO) storagefacilities and details the procedures and training requirements to ensure adequate protection of EO, asafe working environment and a duty of care to neighbouring properties.
Definitions 17.3
17.3 The following definitions apply in the context of this chapter:
a. AOC—Australian Ordnance Council,
b. CETC—Commonwealth Explosives Transport Committee,
c. EO—Explosive Ordnance
d. ESTC—Explosives Storage and Transport Committee,
e. ESH—Explosive Storehouse,
f. NATO—North Atlantic Treaty Organisation,
g. ECC—Emergency Control Committee,
h. ECR—Emergency Control Room,
i. ECO—Emergency Control Organisation,
j. ERP—Emergency Response Plan, and
k. OIC—Officer-in-Charge.
References 17.4
17.4 Reference is necessary to the current issue of the following documents:
a. DI(G) LOG 07–1—Safety Principles for the Storage of Ammunition and Explosives;
b. Chapter 6—‘Fire management in Defence training areas’;
c. Building Code of Australia;
d. Department of Defence ODP Publication OSC(E) 81/1—‘Safety Conditions for ElectricalInstallations and equipment for Explosives Buildings and Areas—July 1988’ (asamended);
e. Department of Defence ODP Publication EEI—‘Electrical Installations in HazardousAreas at Explosives Factories and Storage Areas—July 1988’ (as amended);
f. Australian Standard AS 2419.1—‘Fire Hydrant Installations, System Design, Installationand Commissioning’;
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MFPE17–2
g. Australian Standards AS 1221—‘Fire Hose Reels’ and AS 2441—‘Installation of FireHose Reels’;
h. Australian Standard AS 2444—‘Portable Fire Extinguishers—Selection and Location’;and
i. Australian Standard AS 3745—‘Emergency Control Organisation and Procedures forBuildings’.
Facility Planning—Fire Safety Assessment 17.5
17.5 During the explosive site selection process, a fire safety appreciation paper should beprepared by proponents. This appreciation shall include a land management plan similar to that detailedin chapter 6 and shall detail the methods proposed to minimise the possibility of fires (and their severity)originating within Defence property, spreading to adjoining property, or fires originating on externalproperties penetrating into Defence property. The appreciation shall also:
a. Determine the appropriate methods to be employed to minimise ground fuel build-up, egone or more of the following:
(1) conduct mosaic pattern burning-off utilising access roads as firebreaks, or
(2) leasing for agistment, or
(3) mowing or slashing as appropriate in the prevailing environmental conditions.
b. Determine the most appropriate method of installing and maintaining perimeter andother firebreaks considered necessary for the protection of the depot and its facilities,eg:
(1) grading,
(2) rotary hoeing,
(3) ploughing, or
(4) chemical treatment.
The above methods may be used in conjunction with burning-off to achieve thenecessary cleared width for firebreaks to be effective.
c. Establish the firefighting manpower resources available to the facility, eg:
(1) auxiliaries—partially trained staff,
(2) volunteers—State government, moderately trained in structural and bushfirefighting,
(3) professional full-time State government fire service, or
(4) service trained fire personnel experienced in all aspects of firefighting, availableon a 24 hourly basis.
d. Establish the likely response times of fire crews to a fire incident at the facility should afire occur.
e. Identify the ESH construction configuration, eg:
(1) above ground with required traverses/revetments,
(2) below ground, or
(3) above ground earth covered.
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MFPE17–3
f. Consult local ‘fire control officers' or Program Fire Safety Officers as to the history ofbushfire incidents and their severity/frequency in the proposed area of the facility andassess the fire risk from sources other than potential EO sources, eg adjoining land andthe general fuel loading (vegetation type, height, density etc) and fuel loading within thefacility area. Determine which of the following categories applies:
(1) extreme—internal/external;
(2) high—internal/external;
(3) moderate—internal/external; or
(4) low—internal/external.
g. Determine the source(s) of:
(1) reticulated town water supplies;
(2) dams/ponds—(evaporation effects, rainfall/seepage replenishment); or
(3) streams (flowing year round or seasonally dependant).
Pressure and flow characteristics/capabilities shall be recorded.
17.6 Having identified the contents to be stored in each ESH in accordance with the physicalsecurity policy categories as detailed in chapter 1—‘Fire protection of Defence assets’, the appreciationshall provide an assessment of the fire safety situation and make recommendations as to the overallfacility fire safety requirements, based on the information gathered above and the minimumrequirements detailed in this chapter.
FACILITY FIREFIGHTING REQUIREMENTS 17.7
Water Supplies 17.7
17.7 Because a direct attack on an ESH involved in fire generally presents an unacceptable risk tostaff and firefighters (see paragraph 17.19), the BCA ‘Deemed to Satisfy Provisions’ for fire hydrants inclose proximity to facilities are not appropriate. Therefore, fire hydrant reticulation shall not normallybe installed in EO storage areas . However, where the fire risk external to the facility boundary isassessed as extreme or high and the internal fuel loading is at moderate to high and cannot be reducedbecause of environmental implications, a submission should be forwarded to Assistant Secretary EstateOperations and Planning requesting dispensation from this policy and detailing the reasons for therequest. Where a reticulated water supply is provided, the provision of overhead filling points for thereplenishment of fire vehicles and knapsack filling points should be its primary function.
Note
ESH constructed below ground, or above ground earth covered (eg SPAN TECH) may mitigate a highfire load risk.
17.8 For facilities without reticulated water supply, water supplies for the replenishment offirefighting vehicles shall be provided. Acceptable water supplies are:
a. an existing town main supply within 3 km of the facility; or
b. a water storage facility of not less than 200 000 litres available at all times, preferably atmore than one site. This capacity shall be in excess of domestic requirements and shalltake evaporation into consideration.
Each water supply source shall have a vehicle overhead filling point capable of replenishing a firefightingvehicle within approximately five minutes. This may be achieved by gravity feed or by utilising pumpingequipment.
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Firefighting Vehicles 17.9
17.9 The requirement for dedicated firefighting vehicles may be deleted if, during the Fire SafetyAssessment (paragraph 17.5) it was determined that an adequate firefighting response could beprovided by one or more of the fire services listed in paragraph 17.5d.(2), (3) or (4). Fire brigaderesponse times of over 15 minutes would require that a commensurately higher level of passiveprotection measures be adopted by the facility (paragraph 17.5 refers).
17.10 Where firefighting vehicles are to be provided, vehicles with a rural and domestic capability arerequired. Vehicle configuration and operation should be suitable for use by relatively untrained staff. Avehicle configuration with high pressure hose reels with automatic nozzles delivering ‘A Class Foam'would provide an acceptable capability. The number, size and water carrying capacity of these vehiclesshall be determined as a result of the risk assessment process detailed in this chapter. The identificationof staff to crew these vehicles and the continuation training requirement for those staff are essentialelements of this assessment.
17.11 First Attack Firefighting Equipment. ‘Fire points’ consisting of appropriate first attackfirefighting equipment are to be provided throughout the facilities. In the administrative area of the facility,where a reticulated water supply is available on site, fire points are to be centred around fire hose reelslocated within four metres of required exits and at other locations as required by paragraph 17.4c. Hosereels are to be designed and installed in accordance with paragraph 17.4g. The fire points are to haveextinguishers of type, size and quantity as required by paragraph 17.4h. Fire points within the explosivesstorage area shall consist of extinguishers only.
Facility Fire Safety—Emergency Organisation 17.12
17.12 ECR. Each major EO storage facility or group of adjacent or adjoining facilities shall establishan emergency control room from within existing resources, the location of which should be in theadministration area or other appropriate area immune to the effects of an explosives incident, of the mostappropriate unit. The ECR shall be manned during all emergencies. Equipment in the ECR shallcomprise:
a. emergency telephones and incident log book,
b. radio communications (if applicable and safe),
c. tables, chairs and 24 hour clock,
d. detailed location plan showing:
(1) location of each facility, its contents (and classification of EO if applicable);
(2) location of installed fire hydrants (if applicable);
(3) details of installed fire protection systems, first attack firefighting equipment andemergency equipment as appropriate;
(4) alternative water supplies and overhead vehicle filling points;
(5) primary and alternative access routes to each facility;
(6) a facility for showing the prevailing wind direction and strength; and
(7) contour lines on the plan showing the general topography of the depot area.
e. a wall chart for recording progress details relating to any emergency situation, and
f. a list of emergency telephone numbers for all members of the ECC and the appropriateemergency services.
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17.13 ECC. An ECC shall be formed from within staff resources of the depot or group of adjacent oradjoining depots. The committee should comprise the following members:
Chairperson (ammunition storage unit OIC or deputy appointed by the OIC)Communications OfficerCivil Agencies Liaison OfficerSecurity OfficerSenior Ammunition Technical Officer or equivalent unit Senior EO Technical Officer (ifappropriate appointment exists)Fire OfficerFirst Aid Officer
Additional members may be appointed at the discretion of facility OIC.
Notes
Service bases, where EO storage forms only a part of the base activity and an ECC and ERP are in place,may utilise that committee and procedures to meet the requirements of this chapter, providing themanning of the committee and the information required by this chapter are met.
Units with minor holdings of EO (typically Reserve units) and insufficient staff to man the appointmentsrequired by this paragraph, shall in lieu of this requirement appoint a contact/duty officer who shall be oncall and shall have available the information required by paragraph 17.12.
17.14 ERP. Each ECC shall formulate a detailed ERP appropriate to their facility. These plans shouldbe discussed in detail with civilian emergency services organisations such as fire services, police andambulance. ERPs are to be internally reviewed at regular intervals and when key staff members change.Plans should also be reviewed annually with the relevant emergency services. ERPs shall include butnot be limited to:
a. a map of site showing location of ordnance, surrounding land use etc;
b. a register of material held on site;
c. response procedures for fire, explosion and spills (where applicable);
d. list of key contacts and details of their responsibilities in an emergency; and
e. after-hours phone numbers.
Draft ERPs should be forwarded to Program Command Ammunition Technical Officers for approval. Acopy of the approved plan shall be provided to the relevant civilian emergency services.
17.15 Training. All facility staff shall receive regular instruction in the identification, operation and useof first attack firefighting and emergency equipment held by the facility. The training should include fireawareness instruction, fire prevention strategy and practice in firefighting procedures. Facilities withfirefighting vehicles crewed by unit personnel shall ensure that the nominated crew(s) receive a level oftraining commensurate with the type and complexity of firefighting vehicles and the risks associated withindividual facilities.
17.16 Practice Drills/Exercises. Practice drills to test and refine the ECC and emergencyprocedures shall be conducted on a frequency of not less than three monthly. Joint exercises involvingcivilian emergency services shall be conducted at least annually. Depending on the requirements of thelocal responding emergency services, these exercises may take the form of a planning exercise andfamiliarisation visit.
17.17 Inspections and Reporting. To supplement the Fire Safety Surveys required bychapter 13—‘Fire safety surveys—Defence assets’, the unit Fire Officer accompanied by appropriateTechnical Inspection Staff, shall conduct quarterly fire safety inspections of unit facilities. The results ofthese inspections and any rectifying actions shall be recorded in the ECR log book.
17.18 Housekeeping. The highest possible level of housekeeping shall be maintained in EO storageareas. All non-essential electrical equipment/lighting shall be switched off when buildings are notoccupied.
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17.19 Firebreaks. Firebreaks are installed to inhibit the spread of fire and provide a safe point fromwhich to conduct firefighting operations (back-burning if conditions permit). Firebreaks shall be installedinside the perimeter of all major EO storage facilities to a minimum width of 15 metres. This width mayrequire widening depending on local conditions. When a considerably wider break is required, theconstruction of a second, narrower firebreak at the desired width and burning out the interveningvegetation when the full width firebreak is required, is one acceptable option. If necessary, to providemanageable plots of land, additional internal firebreaks shall be installed to a width of seven metres.Access tracks and sealed roads shall be utilised to augment the installed firebreak system. Firebreaksshall be maintained on an as required basis. Firebreaks in the form of a mowed grassed area (grassheight not to exceed 100 mm) 15 metres in width shall be maintained around each building containingammunition or explosives and trees and shrubs shall be cleared to a distance of 30 metres.
17.20 Firefighting Responses. When a fire incident occurs involving EO, every attempt shall bemade by staff in attendance to extinguish the fire using available first attack firefighting equipment.Except for this initial first attack firefighting response, fires in ESH should not be fought without formaldirection from the depot OIC. Firefighting efforts should be concentrated on protecting adjacent buildingsfrom the heat generated and extinguishing spot fires as they occur. The depot OIC shall determine theappropriate firefighting response and shall be guided by the recommended responses in annex A.Consideration of the following circumstances will be necessary prior to attempting further firefightingaction:
a. classification(s) of EO involved in the incident, its reactions to fire and its ‘AssetClassification’ (see chapter 1);
b. construction of the storage facility concerned and the type of traverses provided;
c. capabilities of firefighters to respond to the incident;
d. availability of protective areas from which to conduct firefighting operations;
e. resources available both in manpower and equipment;
f. the likelihood of spot fires occurring from blast residue or other storage facilitiesbecoming involved as a result of fragments penetrating roofing, etc; and
g. command, control and communications in place should further firefighting actions,additional to the original incident, be necessary.
17.21 Command and Control. Command and control shall include:
a. on notification of fire, alarms are to be sounded and civil, Service or auxiliary fireauthorities notified;
b. all fire services responding to an incident are to seek technical advice from the depotOIC; and
c. if, after addressing the considerations detailed above and the recommended firefightingresponses in annex A, the facility OIC determines that the fire may be fought, firefightingoperations should be conducted from behind cover.
17.22 Explosive Ordnance—Minor Storage. An EO storage facility is to be determined as eitherMajor or Minor by the relevant licensing authority. Fire safety for minor storage, eg unit magazines, areto comply with the following minimum standard:
a. Each facility shall be equipped with a minimum of one water type fire extinguisherirrespective of whether it is an isolated, purpose built building or a cabinet located withina building. Extinguishers allocated to isolated buildings shall be suitably protected fromthe weather and located not more than five metres from the facility. Internal storage shallbe protected by an extinguisher sited not more than three metres from the risk.
b. All forms of EO storage shall be signposted in accordance with appendix 1.
c. All electrical circuits shall be switched off when the building/s are not in use. Exceptionsbeing for security devices and/or lighting.
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d. External storage, combustibles shall be removed to a distance of 15 metres (mowngrass).
e. Internal storage, no combustibles to be within two metres.
f. Emergency procedures are to be promulgated in appropriate unit/establishmentinstructions detailing the action to be taken in the event of fire occurring in minor storageareas. These instructions are also to detail the actions to be taken in fighting the fire inminor storage facilities and the evacuation and safety of personnel (see alsoparagraph 17.14).
g. As minor storage facilities may vary in construction, size and risk, the aboverequirements are to be considered minimum. In areas where water reticulation isprovided, it is considered desirable that a fire hydrant be within 90 metres of suchstorage facilities.
Annex:A. Firefighting procedures—explosive ordnance behaviour when involved in a fire
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FIREFIGHTING PROCEDURES—EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCEBEHAVIOUR WHEN INVOLVED IN A FIRE A
FIRE DIVISION EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR ACTION
1.1 Expected to explode en masse verysoon after fire reaches it. Majorhazards will be from blastaccompanied by high velocityprojections and buildings debris.
1. Sound alarm
2. Fires detected in the early stagesshould be fought with all availablemeans. If unsuccessful evacuateto a safe distance.
3. No attempt should be made to fightthe fire after it reaches theammunition.
4. All non essential personnel are toevacuate the area.
1.2 Not expected to explode en masse.Initially there will be small sporadicexplosions which will increase inintensity as the fire takes hold.Hazards will be from hot fragments,fire brands, unexploded and selfpropelled items which may beexpected to explode on impact.
1. Sound Alarm
2. Fires detected in the early stagesshould be fought with all availablemeans.
3. If the fire cannot be extinguished,the scene of the fire is to beevacuated and firefightingconcentrated on preventing thespread of fires to exposed sites.
4. All non essential personnel are toevacuate the area.
1.3 Explosives in this division have only aminor or no explosion effect. Thehazards will range from intense flameand radiant heat through to itemswhich burn sporadically with minorexplosions.
1. Sound alarm
2. Fires detected in early stage are tobe fought with all available means.If the fire cannot be extinguishedthe site is to be evacuated andfirefighting concentrated onpreventing the spread of fires toexposed sites.
3. Take full advantage of anyavailable protection from radiantheat.
4. All non essential personnel are toevacuate the area.
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Fire Divisions—Explanatory Notes 17.1
1. The divisions into which explosives and ammunition are divided are:
a. Fire Division 1. Explosives susceptible to explosion en masse. These items mayexplode en masse. The explosion may result in severe structural damage, the severityand range being determined by the amount of high explosive involved. There may be arisk from heavy debris propelled from the structure in which the explosion occurs. Blast.flame and high speed fragments constitute the major hazard to the nearby surroundingarea.
1.4 Explosives in this division have only amoderate fire hazard. Minorexplosions may occur but there willbe no blast and fragments will belimited to the vicinity of the fire.
1. Sound Alarm
2. Fires detected in the early stageare to be fought with all availablemeans. If the fire cannot beextinguished, full advantage is tobe taken of any available shieldingduring the continued action.
3. All non essential personnel are toevacuate the area.
1.5 Explosive substances with a massexplosive hazard but are soinsensitive that there is littleprobability of initiation or transitionfrom burning to detonation undernormal storage conditions. Theprobability of transition is greaterwhen the stores are confined.
1. Sound alarm
2. Fires detected in the early stagesshould be fought with all availablemeans. If unsuccessful evacuateto a safe distance.
3. No attempt should be made to fightthe fire after it reaches theexplosives.
4. All non essential personnel are toevacuate the area.
1.6 Explosive articles which contain onlyextremely insensitive detonatingsubstances and which demonstrate anegligible probability of accidentalinitiation or propagation. This risk islimited to the explosion of a singlearticle.
1. Sound alarm.
2. Fire detected in the early stagesshould be fought with all availablemeans. If unsuccessful evacuateto a safe distance.
3. No attempt should be made to fightthe fire after it reaches theexplosives.
4. All non essential personnel are toevacuate the area.
FIRE DIVISION EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR ACTION
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b. Fire Division 2. Explosives which do not explode en masse, having a projection hazardbut minor explosion effects. These items burn and explode progressively, a few at atime. A considerable number of small and large hot fragments, firebrands, unexplodedand self-propelled items, may be projected; some of these may explode on impact andpropagate fire or explosion. Blast effects are limited. Projectiles and cartridges from20mm and upwards, not mass exploding, fall within the category.
c. Fire Division 3. Explosives which do not explode en masse, having a fire hazard withminor or no explosion effects. Some items burn with great violence and intense heat,emitting considerable thermal radiation over a wide area. Others burn sporadically. Theymay explode but without the risk of mass explosion. Usually these items do not formdangerous fragments. Firebrands and burning containers may be thrown around.
d. Fire Division 4. Explosives which present no significant hazard. These items areprimarily a moderate fire hazard. They do not contribute grossly to a fire, and the effectsare mainly confined within the package. No fragments of appreciable size or range areto be expected until the package is consumed by fire. An external fire would not causethe mass explosion of a package of such items. This division includes the so-calledsafety class of explosives.
e. Fire Division 5. Explosives with a mass explosive hazard but are so insensitive thatthere is little probability of initiation or transition from burning to detonation under normalstorage conditions. The probability of transition from burning to detonation is greaterwhen the stores are confined. Firefighters are advised to treat Fire Division 5 similarlyto Fire Division 1 for, if transition to detonation occurs, the results will be similar to thoseof a Division 1 explosion.
f. Fire Division 6. Explosives with a mass explosive hazard but are so insensitive thatthere is little probability of initiation or transition from burning to detonation under normalstorage conditions. The probability of transition from burning to detonation is greaterwhen the stores are confined. Firefighters are advised to treat Fire Division 6 similarlyto Fire Division 1 for, if transition to detonation occurs, the results will be similar to thoseof a Division 1 explosion.
g. Metallic Powders. Metallic Powders are classified as Class 4 Dangerous Goods inaccordance with the (UN) System for the Classification of Dangerous Goods. Metallicpowders are sometimes used as ingredients of explosive compounds, and hence stocksmay be located in explosives areas. They constitute a special risk because they arecapable of burning fiercely and reacting violently with water.
Among the substances suitable for use on the majority of metal powder fires arepowdered graphite, talc, soda ash, limestone and sand, all of which must be in a drystate. The extinguishing agent should be carefully spread on the fire, starting fromoutside the burning area and working towards the centre, using long-handled scoops orshovels. The utmost care is necessary to avoid any disturbance of the burning powderuntil it has cooled below its ignition temperature.
Suitable chemical dry powders may also be used in bulk form, as above, or fromportable extinguishers having low velocity, long-reach discharge applicators, subject tothe dry chemical being non-hygroscopic and not unduly toxic.
Water or other extinguishers must not be used. A notice to this effect, together with the‘Use No Water’ supplementary fire symbol is to be conspicuously displayed at eachbuilding, as appropriate.
Appendixes:1. Hazard Division Signs2. Supplementary Fire Signs
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ANNEX A TOCHAPTER 17
HAZARD DIVISION SIGNS 1
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ANNEX A TOCHAPTER 17
SUPPLEMENTARY FIRE SIGNS 2
SYMBOL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING HAZARDS
This comprises selcontained breathingapparatus, impermeable headcovering, gloves, suit and bootscoveralls, protective footwear andundergarments.
Casualty agents
This comprises selfcontainedbreathing apparatus, coveralls andprotective gloves
Harassing agents
This comprises selfcontainedbreathing apparatus, flame resistantcoveralls and protective gloves.
Smoke and flameemissions from WP, HC,illum and ptrotechnicalstores
No water to be used
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CHAPTER 18
FIRE SAFETY—HISTORIC BUILDINGS 18
Aim 18.1
18.1 The aim of this chapter is to give guidance on the application of current building regulations,standards and acts, to buildings proposed for alterations or refurbishment that are listed on the Registerof the National Estate as being buildings of heritage significance under the Australian HeritageCommission Act 1975.
Introduction 18.2
18.2 The alteration or refurbishment of any building of heritage, significance may be subject to anumber of constraints, including economic and functional, as well as heritage factors.
References 18.3
18.3 Principal documents governing the alteration/refurbishment, etc of heritage buildings are:
a. Australian Heritage Commission Act.
b. State/local government heritage legislation.
c. Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Definition 18.4
18.4 Heritage buildings are buildings of cultural significance having ‘aesthetic, historic, scientific orsocial value for past, present or future generations’, which are either listed in or proposed for listing inthe Register of the National Estate, classified by the National Trust and/or recognised as being ofheritage significance by a State or local government or heritage related body.
Building Regulations—Application 18.5
18.5 Although the BCA is the Defence minimum construction standard, to impose modern buildingregulatory requirements to heritage buildings would in most cases, if not all cases, prove to be futile.Each such project should be assessed on its merits. The most common areas where compliance isdifficult or impossible to achieve, are the areas of compartmentation/separation and required traveldistances. The installation of a residential sprinkler system is acceptable to Defence as a compensatingfactor when dispensations from the provisions of the BCA or this Manual are sought in relation tocompartmentation/separation and required travel distances.
18.6 While every practical attempt is to be made to meet the requirements of the BCA, it isrecognised that significant concessions may be necessary to achieve the aims of retaining the heritagecharacter of the structure while ensuring adequate levels of fire safety for the continued protection of thebuilding and its occupants.
18.7 Factors to be considered in determining acceptable levels of fire protection and life in heritagebuildings are:
a. The age of the structure and its type of construction, its uniqueness and the loss to theNational Estate if destroyed or severely damaged by fire.
b. The location of the structure in relation to other fire source features.
c. The proposed future classification of occupancy.
d. Means of egress and distances of travel to exits.
e. Height of the structure (floor levels).
f. Assessed inherent fire resistive qualities of the existing structure.
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18.8 Where refurbishment of a heritage building involves departures from the requirements of thisManual, the BCA or codes and standards, the requirements of chapter 26—‘Alternative design solutions,dispensations and certification for defence projects’ shall apply.
Notification to the Australian Heritage Commission 18.9
18.9 Registering/listing of buildings by the Australian Heritage Commission (AHC) imposes certainconstraints on the actions of Commonwealth Ministers and authorities. The Act provides thatCommonwealth Ministers and agencies must not take any action which would adversely affect any placein the Register unless there is no feasible and prudent alternative, or unless all action is taken tominimise damage where there is no such alternative. The Commission must be informed of, and giventime to comment on, any Commonwealth action that might significantly affect a heritage place in theRegister.
18.10 Actions such as the alteration of the fabric of a building, additions, demolition or removal ofparts of a structure, are considered by the AHC as being likely to affect a place to a significant extent,and therefore, fire safety proposals involving any of the above actions would need to be referred to theAHC for comment.
State and Local Government Authorities—Notifications 18.11
18.11 Although State and local government authorities/agencies have no regulatory authority overCommonwealth departments regarding this subject, it is considered prudent that local heritageorganisations, etc should be kept informed of proposals affecting heritage listed buildings.
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CHAPTER 19
FIRE SAFETY—LIGHTING OF FIRES DURING PERIODS OFPROCLAIMED HIGH FIRE DANGER—DEFENCE FACILITIES 19
Scope 19.1
19.1 This chapter details the restrictions placed upon the Department of Defence regarding thelighting of fires in the open during proclaimed high fire danger periods imposed by State and or territorialgovernments and agencies.
Aim 19.2
19.2 The aim of this chapter is to explain the restrictions imposed during periods of proclaimed highfire danger.
Definitions 19.3
19.3 The following definitions apply in the context of this chapter.
a. Open—other than in properly constructed fireplaces.
b. EOD—Explosives Ordnance Disposal.
Background 19.4
19.4 As a consequence of the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires in South Australia, a local council whichpermitted a rubbish-tip to continue to burn on a day of total fire ban and, as a consequence, was judgedto have caused major losses of property, has received claims totalling some $15.0M.
19.5 The Commonwealth is not protected by any special legislation in this area and therefore will inalmost all circumstances, be liable for any damage caused by a fire which started on Commonwealthproperty.
Defence Responsibilities 19.6
19.6 This chapter addresses Defence’s responsibilities for:
a. procedures to be adopted by all Defence establishments;
b. procedures to be implemented by the Services during operations/exercises, includinglive firing range practises;
c. EOD teams conducting necessary disposal/demolition of unexploded ordnance on otherthan Defence property; and
d. ammunition depot staff conducting necessary disposal of ammunition/explosives onDefence property during proclaimed high fire danger periods.
Procedures 19.7
19.7 The following procedures are to be adopted:
a. All Defence establishments are to comply with fire restrictions imposed by State and/orterritorial governments and agencies.
b. When operations/exercises are to be conducted during proclaimed high fire dangerperiods, the controlling Service is to ensure that adequate firefighting resources areprovided to minimise the risk of fire outbreaks spreading to adjoining civil property.
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c. Services controlling EOD teams requested by civil agencies to assist in the disposal ordemolition of unexploded ordnance shall ensure that appropriate measures areimplemented to minimise the risk of fire occurring. Depending on the circumstances ofthe request, either or both of the following precautions shall be adopted.
(1) Local civil fire brigade attendance shall be requested; or
(2) response vehicles shall be equipped with portable fire extinguishers and/orknapsack sprayers.
d. Ammunition depot staff conducting necessary disposal of ammunition/explosives shalladhere to those fire precautionary measures laid down by the controlling Service.However, adequate firefighting resources are to be provided to minimise the risk of fireoutbreaks spreading to adjoining civil property.
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CHAPTER 20
CRITICAL EQUIPMENT—FIRE PROTECTION 20
Aim 20.1
20.1 The aim of this chapter is to detail Defence policy for the fire protection of critical equipment.
Scope 20.2
20.2 This chapter provides a risk assessment process for determining suitable fire protectionmeasures to protect critical equipment in Defence facilities and details gaseous agents acceptable toDefence as halon replacements.
General 20.3
20.3 The enforced phase out of Halon (by December 1995) for the majority of firefightingapplications has prompted a review of the requirement for gaseous flood systems within Defence, giventhe advances in fire technology (detection and suppression) in recent years. In the majority of cases, theremoval of an existing Halon system will not necessitate a replacement gaseous system and afterconsideration of the factors addressed in this chapter, a more appropriate level of protection may beidentified.
20.4 Although the level of protection for critical equipment should be determined on a case-by-casebasis, the basic acceptable level of protection for critical/expensive/long replacement lead timeequipment should consist of a sprinkler system designed to Australian Standard AS 2118—‘AutomaticFire Sprinkler Systems’, with fast response heads. This system should be installed in conjunction with aScientific Services Laboratory (SSL) ‘listed’ (see chapter 7—‘Fire protection equipment—register ofaccredited products’) air sampling (aspirating) smoke detection system. The philosophy for this widelyaccepted level of protection is as follows:
a. an aspirating system will detect overheated insulation, etc before visible smoke or flameoccurs and provide three levels of alarm;
b. a Stage 1 alarm (detecting smoke in as little as 0.01 per cent concentration) allowspersonnel in the work area to take an immediate action to rectify the problem (turn offthe electricity to the equipment involved, use the portable fire equipment provided etc);
c. a Stage 2 alarm (alarm occurs if smoke level increases) can be programmed to isolatebuilding/equipment electricity supplies and/or airconditioning, close fire dampers, initiatepersonnel pager alarms through the fire indicator panel, etc (the majority of electricalfires will self-extinguish once the electricity is turned off);
d. a Stage 3 alarm (alarm occurs if smoke level continues to increase) is normallyprogrammed to call the fire brigade. This level of alarm can be programmed to occur atless than 0.1 per cent smoke concentration (normal smoke detectors detect smoke at afive per cent smoke concentration); and
e. all these stages will have occurred before activation of the sprinkler system, thereforewater will not be discharged on energised electrical equipment.
20.5 The above level of fire protection is appropriate if:
a. personnel are normally working in, or in close proximity to the area, allowing a rapidresponse to an early warning smoke alarm with portable firefighting equipment; and
b. the equipment's electricity supply is isolated during all periods when staff are not inattendance, eg electricity isolated to flight simulator when facility is vacated. To ensurethis isolation is achieved, Base standard operation procedures must incorporate thisrequirement or automatic isolation must be provided.
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20.6 Gas flooding shall only be considered when:
a. critical/expensive/long replacement lead time equipment is involved; and
b. the equipment is required to operate during periods when personnel are not available torespond to an early warning smoke alarm, ie electricity cannot be isolated during periodsof non-occupancy; or
c. there is a risk of fire developing too quickly for responding personnel to safely controlthe outbreak using the portable firefighting equipment provided, eg the presence ofpressurised flammable liquids etc; or
d. the risk to be protected is in operational areas, ships, armoured vehicles, etc wherepersonnel cannot leave the scene of a fire and therefore, the fire must be controlledquickly and a ‘survivable atmosphere' must be maintained (see paragraph 20.7).
20.7 A number of agents are being marketed in Australia as suitable replacements for Halon 1301.The following agents now have SSL Listing and are suitable for use in Defence applications:
INERGENTM,ARGONITETM,FM 200TM,PYROGENTM,NAFS IITM, andCO2
INERGENTM, ARGONITETM, FM 200TM and NAFS III TM are designed to provide a survivableatmosphere when discharged into a protected risk. However, because the specific nature andconcentrations of Thermal Decomposition Products (TDP) produced by a fire cannot be safelypredicted, the area should be evacuated until the fire is extinguished and the area has beenthoroughly ventilated to remove the extinguishing agent and any TDP produced. Because of thereduced visibility (white out) during and after the discharge of PYROGENTM and the potential toxicity ofgases generated, PYROGEN is not approved for normally occupied spaces. Each of the above gasesare suitable for particular applications in Defence establishments/equipments. The major advantagesand disadvantages of the currently accepted gases are addressed in the following paragraphs.
20.8 INERGENTM is a colourless, odourless, electrically nonconductive inert gas mixture (argon,nitrogen and carbon dioxide) which smothers the fire by reducing the amount of available oxygen in theprotected risk, to a level which will not support combustion but will still sustain human life. Because nodecomposition products are produced (by the gaseous agent), a survivable atmosphere is maintainedin the fire compartment (see paragraph 20.7). Also, being of similar density to air, INERGENTM is not asprone to leakage from a compartment as other gaseous agents and extinguishing concentrations can bemaintained for a longer period (soak time). An INERGENTM system requires several times the amount ofextinguishing agent as NAFS IIITM or FM 200TM for a given risk, eg a risk requiring 4 x 106 litre cylindersof NAFS IIITM would require 6 x 106 litre cylinders of FM 200TM or 40 x 80 litre cylinders of INERGENTM,therefore the physical limitations of the area to be used to store the cylinders must be a consideration.The cylinders can be stored off site, (up to approximately 100 metres from the risk) but this will impacton the discharge time. The design concentration of INERGENTM (34 per cent) must be discharged intothe protected area within two minutes, to meet the AS requirements, although an extinguishingconcentration will generally be achieved within one minute. This aspect must be considered, when a firehas the potential to develop very quickly.
20.9 ARGONITETM is a 50/50 gaseous mixture of Nitrogen and Argon. It differs from INERGENTM,in that the gaseous mixture does not include carbon dioxide. In all other aspects, the information inparagraph 20.8 applies.
20.10 PYROGENTM is a pyrongenic aerosol consisting of finely divided solid particles (40 per cent bymass) based on potassium compounds and gas (60 per cent by mass), mainly comprised of nitrogen,carbon dioxide and water vapour. PYROGENTM aerosol is a whitish, electrically non-conductive gas-likemedium, close in density to air. PYROGENTM aerosol extinguishes fires chemically, interfering with theflame chain reaction by removing the reactive free radicals and physically, by cooling the seat of the fire.To determine the number and size of PYROGENTM generators required to protect a risk, calculations(see AS/NZS 4487) are generally based on 100 gm/m3.
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20.11 FM 200TM is a colourless, electrically nonconductive gas, not dissimilar to Halon 1301(although not as effective). Extinguishing concentrations are heavier than air and the gas extinguishesfires by physically cooling the fuel and by the production of free radicals which chemically interfere withthe combustion process. Although FM 200TM vapour has a low toxicity at its design concentration (7 percent), its decomposition products can be hazardous. The decomposition takes place on exposure to aflame or a hot surface at a temperature above 700o C with one of the decomposition product beinghydrogen fluoride (HF). A risk protected with Halon 1301 would require approximately 1.5 times as muchFM 200TM, with the design concentration of FM 200TM required to be discharged in 10 seconds to meetAS requirements. To reduce the risk of significant quantities of decomposition products being produced,early detection (air sampling smoke detection system) should be utilised to provide rapid initiation anddischarge to limit the production of HF to negligible quantities.
The rapid discharge makes FM 200TM a suitable agent to combat a fire which has the potential to developquickly. Being significantly heavier than air, FM 200TM is more difficult to contain in a compartment, inextinguishing concentrations.
20.12 NAFS IIITM has an Ozone Depletion Potential of 0.044 and therefore is a ‘Transitional Product',that is, it may be used in controlled quantities but must be phased out in 10 to 15 years . NAFS IIITM isbeing marketed as a ‘drop in' agent, requiring only minor modifications to existing Halon 1301 systems.If the hardware of the halon system is of the appropriate standard, the modifications required would bethe replacement of the discharge nozzles and possibly, an additional cylinder (which would necessitatechanges to the manifold) to accommodate the additional 10 per cent of agent required. As with FM 200TM,NAFS IIITM produces decomposition products when it comes into contact with flame or hot surfaces.Although NAFS III TM is not accepted for general gaseous systems applications within Defence, thisagent has potential for normally unoccupied risks where a Halon 1301 system has discharged and/orreplacement Halon 1301 is not available and immediate action must be taken to protect the risk.
20.13 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is still used in a number of gaseous flood systems throughout Defence.CO2 is a colourless, odourless and electrically nonconductive inert gas. CO2 is approximately one and ahalf times heavier than air and extinguishes fires by reducing the oxygen content in the atmosphere toa point where it will not support combustion. At extinguishing concentrations it cannot sustain lifeand its use in normally or casually occupied areas carries the risk of occupants being caught in anasphyxiating atmosphere. Existing systems should be assessed to ensure compliance with the new AS.Systems found not to comply are to be modified to reflect code requirements or be decommissioned.Both high pressure and low pressure CO2 systems are being offered by fire protection companies.Because of the life threatening nature of the agent in extinguishing concentrations, any proposal for theinstallation of a CO2 system in a normally occupied area must include reasons why the other agentslisted above are not considered appropriate. Low pressure CO2 systems lend themselves to theprotection of local applications (cabinets, containers etc). Providing the local application cannot beoccupied and the CO2 cannot leak into an occupied area, or the quantity of CO2 employed is not sufficientto produce a dangerous atmosphere in an adjacent occupied risk, low pressure CO2 systems mayprovide a suitable level of protection for some applications.
20.14 If a gaseous flooding system is to be considered to protect equipment in a building, thefollowing aspects must be addressed:
a. Construction of building housing the risk to be protected, eg non-combustible,combustible, fire rated compartmentation etc.
b. Physical limitations of the area, eg volume of area too large to gas flood, room/buildingunable to be suitably sealed to contain the agent (the gas flooding of individual cabinetsmay be an option in these cases), insufficient fire rated separation from adjoining oradjacent risks etc.
c. Is the equipment to be protected the sole activity/risk in the building?
(1) If yes—ensure the room/building is sealed to contain the gaseous agent (closefitting doors and windows, dampers on vents and ducting, no under computerfloor or above suspended ceiling access to other rooms etc). Rooms notspecifically designed for the purpose should be positive pressure tested oncemodified, to determine suitability for the system proposed;
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(2) If no—the room containing the risk should have a minimum of one hour fireseparation from the remainder of the building. This is to counter the risk from afire which starts in another part of the building and quickly burns through to theprotected area so that when the gas is discharged, it will escape through thedamaged perimeter walls of the protected room and not extinguish the fire.
Note
Design concentrations of gaseous systems is critical. Concentrations in excess of those specified in theappropriate AS could produce dangerous overpressures and a hazardous environment for personnel.Design concentrations of less than the minimum required, or excessive leakage of the gaseous agentduring discharge would fail to extinguish a fire and leave the equipment totally unprotected.
Maintenance contracts shall require maintenance contractors to guarantee the replacement ofdischarged cylinders within eight hours of being notified of a discharge, or 100 per centbackup of the gas utilised by the system must be stored on site to allow refurbishmentof the system after a discharge has occurred .
d. Is the existing fire detection/suppression already installed in the building adequate? Ifthe responding fire brigade is more than 10–15 minutes from the facility (depending onthe type of construction), a sprinkler suppression system may be required. If theresponding fire brigade can be in attendance in less than 10 minutes from the receipt ofan alarm, the building is of non-combustible construction, there is minimal combustiblematerial in the facility and an air sampling smoke detection system is installed to initiatean early response to a fire, the requirement for sprinkler protection may be reviewed ona case-by-case basis. A gaseous flood system will not protect the structure of thebuilding housing the critical equipment from an external fire threat and cannot bedesigned to do so. A gaseous system is designed to protect equipment within astructure protected by other means, ie noncombustible construction or sprinklerprotection. Either the smoke from an encroaching fire will initiate the gaseous systemdump before the fire penetrates the compartment, or the fire will break through into thecompartment and the discharging gas will escape into surrounding compartments/areaswithout reaching an extinguishing concentration.
e. Suitable portable firefighting equipment is to be provided for use by staff. With thewithdrawal of Halon, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and NAF P III, although not as efficient asHalon, are the most appropriate extinguishers to protect electrical equipment. DryChemical Powder shall not be used in areas with high value sensitive electronicequipment.
f. Staff in the protected area are to be fully briefed on the operation of the gaseous floodsystem installed and the procedures to be adopted in case of alarm (false alarm or fire).This information must include the details of the servicing agents so that immediateaction can be taken to replenish the system after a discharge. A copy of thoseprocedures shall be displayed on site and regularly reviewed.
g. Ensure adequate access is provided for fire vehicles.
h. Ensure fire hydrants and firefighting water supplies are to AS 2419 requirements.
i. Security implications, eg access to area for fire brigade personnel (security officer mayneed to be alerted by pager linked to fire alarm panel to provide access or accompanyfire brigade personnel).
j. Back up data tapes, disks, etc should be stored in a different building or firecompartment to the equipment being protected. Alternatively, data may be electronicallytransferred to another site for back up.
k. A disaster recovery plan for the facility should be in place prior to the facility becomingoperational.
20.15 Gaseous ‘systems', ie agent and hardware, must be listed in the SSL Register of AccreditedProducts to be approved for Defence use. Designers/contractors offering systems shall be required tofurnish the SSL listing number of the proposed system. Any system not listed shall be rejected or referredto Estate Technical Services (ETS) (details below) for determination of suitability.
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System Design and Commissioning 20.16
20.16 Systems designed to protect risks with raised floors, shall be designed to protect the room andbelow floor areas as a single risk. SSL approved directional valves may be used to protect multiple riskswhere appropriate.
20.17 Systems shall be activated by dual circuit detection of smoke. First circuit shall be a multi pointaspirating smoke detection system (make and model to match existing systems on Base) which shall beconfigured to power down the equipment in the room (if this will not damage the equipment) on detectionof smoke. On detection of smoke by a second circuit of point type smoke detectors, the system shall startits discharge sequence in accordance with AS 4214—Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Systems.
20.18 Where internally illuminated visual warning devices are utilised in accordance with section 8 ofAS 4214, instruction labels in accordance with figure 8.1 of AS 4214 shall also be incorporated.
20.19 Commissioning of systems shall be in accordance with AS 4214 and shall include an enclosureintegrity test in accordance with the procedures given in NFPA 2001, on all risks. This shall be followedby a gas discharge into a representative risk or risks. Design concentrations shall be measured at notmore than 1 metre from the floor and not less than 100 mm above the top of the highest hazard in therisk. Systems which fail discharge tests shall be rectified and further discharge tested until complianceis achieved. Costs associated with this further testing shall be borne by the contractor.
20.20 All proposals for the removal of Halon flood systems and their subsequent replacement shouldbe referred for approval through established single Service procedures to ETS, Assistant SecretaryEstate Operations and Planning, For Attention: Chief Fire Safety Officer (CFSO), CP3–2–Bay 5,CANBERRA ACT. Technical advice may be obtained by telephoning the CFSO on (02) 6266 4837 orfacsimile (02) 6266 4079.
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MFPE
CHAPTER 21
FACILITIES—ACCESS FOR FIREFIGHTING AND EMERGENCYVEHICLES 21
Introduction 21.1
21.1 In the past there have been no regulatory requirements relating to this subject. Difficulties havebeen experienced by responding emergency services gaining required access to buildings in the eventof fire or other emergency incidents.
Scope 21.2
21.2 This policy addresses the subject of access to buildings by Services and civilian firefightingservices responding to emergency incidents.
Planning and Siting of Facilities 21.3
21.3 Staff responsible for ‘Master Planning’ and proponents of new facilities shall give dueconsideration to the requirement for access to facilities, based upon details provided in the followingparagraphs.
Access Criteria 21.4
21.4 Services firefighting vehicles. The following access criteria has been based upon existingvehicle details and are to be considered minimum requirements:
a. Access width between buildings 6 m.
b. Overhead vehicle clearance 3.5 m.
c. All weather pavements capable of carrying vehicular traffic having a gross weight of notless than 14 000 kg.
d. Turning circles (where required) shall accommodate vehicles having a turning circle of20 m.
21.5 Civilian firefighting vehicles. Where a base or establishment is entirely supported by civilianemergency services, planners/proponents of new facilities shall determine the access requirements byconsultation with the services that support that base or establishment.
Water Supplies/Fire Hydrants 21.6
21.6 Where water reticulation is provided throughout a base or establishment, planners/proponentsof facilities shall ensure fire hydrant outlets are available adjacent (within 30 m) of major access points.
Airfield Fire/Emergency Vehicles 21.7
21.7 This policy does not apply to major firefighting appliances used solely for airfield emergencyincidents.
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MFPE
CHAPTER 22
FIRE PROTECTION POLICY FOR HEALTH CARE BUILDINGS 22
Introduction 22.1
22.1 Because of the nature of health care buildings, fire safety requirements in these facilities mustbe carefully assessed in order to provide adequate safeguards for life safety and asset protection.
22.2 The Building Code of Australia (BCA) defines a health care building as ‘a building whoseoccupants or patients undergoing medical treatment generally need physical assistance to evacuate thebuilding during an emergency and includes:
a. a public or private hospital; or
b. a nursing home or similar facility for sick or disabled persons needing full-time nursingcare; or
c. a clinic, day surgery or procedure unit where the effects of the predominant treatmentadministered involves patients becoming non-ambulatory and requiring supervisedmedical care on the premises for some time after the treatment.’
Scope 22.3
22.3 This policy details the Department’s requirements for fire protection provisions in health carebuildings.
Applications 22.4
22.4 The fire protection requirements of this chapter shall be incorporated into all new health carebuildings and in existing buildings undergoing major refurbishment/alterations.
Requirements 22.5
22.5 Health care buildings constructed for Defence shall, as a minimum, be in accordance with therequirements of this manual, the BCA, State Health Authority and relevant Codes and Standards.
Fire Protection 22.6
22.6 An automatic fire detection and alarm system complying with AS 1670—Automatic Fire AlarmInstallations shall be installed in health care buildings and connected to the appropriate responding firebrigade. Smoke detectors shall be the normal means of detection. Areas unsuitable for smoke detectorsshall have type ‘A’ rate of rise heat detectors installed.
22.7 A fire sprinkler system designed and installed to AS 2118—Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systemsshall be installed in health care facilities when ‘required’ by the State in which the facility is to beconstructed. A sprinkler system (Residential) may be required in health care facilities where insufficientstaff are on duty to evacuate bedridden patients in a fire emergency.
Fire Brigade Consultation 22.8
22.8 The fire brigade shall be consulted to ensure their operational requirements, ie vehicle access(see chapter 21—‘Facilities—access for firefighting and emergency vehicles’), water supply, provisionsfor escape of bedridden patients etc, are adequately addressed.
Smoke Control 22.9
22.9 Smoke hazard management requirements shall be to BCA part E2.
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Egress Requirements 22.10
22.10 Egress requirements shall be in accordance with the provisions of the BCA, except that patientcare areas located above a level with direct egress to a road or open space shall be provided with twomeans of escape for bedridden patients.
Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System 22.11
22.11 Emergency Warning and Intercommunication Systems (EWIS) shall be installed in accordancewith BCA requirements. Discrete tones/coded verbal messages may be employed instead of thestandard EWIS tones and stored verbal messages (see chapter 3—‘Emergency Warning andIntercommunications Systems’).
Portable Firefighting Equipment 22.12
22.12 Portable firefighting equipment shall be in accordance with chapter 11—‘Installation ofportable fire equipment’.
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MFPE
CHAPTER 23
THE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF FLAMMABLE ANDCOMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS—FIRE SAFETY 23
Introduction 23.1
23.1 This chapter is applicable to all new flammable and combustible liquids storage facilities.
References 23.2
23.2 Reference should be made to the latest issue of the following documents:
a. Standards Australia (AS) 1940—The Storage and Handling of Flammable andCombustible Liquids.
b. Applicable State/Territory Legislation.
Storage Practices 23.3
23.3 Corrosive substances (Class 8) shall not be stored with flammable liquids.
Background 23.4
23.4 Development of Reference A has resulted in the design of buildings for the storage offlammable/combustible liquids, changing from permanent masonry type construction to lightweightnon-combustible construction where real estate holdings are such that required safety separationdistances can be complied with. Permanent masonry type construction should only be considered whererequired safety separation distances cannot be met.
Future Standards of Construction for Flammable/Combustible Liquids Storage 23.5
23.5 Facilities for the storage of flammable/combustible liquids shall conform to the requirements ofReference A.
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MFPE
CHAPTER 24
SAFETY IN WELDING AND ALLIED PROCESSES—FIREPRECAUTIONS 24
Introduction 24.1
24.1 This chapter details the precautions that shall be taken prior to and during welding and alliedprocesses to avoid the possibility of fire or explosion. It specifies general precautions for hot work carriedout at any location and additional requirements for hot work in hazardous areas.
Reference 24.2
24.2 Reference should be made to the latest issue of Standards Australia (AS) 1674.1—Safety inWelding and Allied Processes—Fire Precautions.
Background 24.3
24.3 Recent changes to departmental policy has significantly impacted upon the way functions, inmany areas, will be performed in the future. Works, previously carried out from within the resources ofthe Department will, in many instances in the future, be carried out by civil contractors. To maintain thehigh standard of fire safety throughout the Department, it is considered that the implementation of asystem requiring the issue of ‘HOT WORK PERMITS’ will greatly assist ‘Responsible Officer’s’ performtheir duties in a controlled and coordinated manner.
Application of Hot Work Permits 24.4
24.4 Hot work permits are not required to be issued where welding, cutting and or repairing are thenormal authorised function of a facility, eg workshops, fabricating facilities, etc.
Responsible Issuing Officers 24.5
24.5 The following is a list of responsible officers who may issue hot work permits in accordancewith the Reference:
a. Superintendents of Defence construction contracts or delegated officers.
b. Unit or ‘Establishment’ Fire Officers.
c. Service, Inspectors Fire Service.
d. Defence Fire Safety Officers.
e. Building (House) Fire Wardens.
Sample Hot Work Permit 24.6
24.6 Attached in annex A, is a sample work permit form as a guide, particularly for smallerorganisations. Some hazards are peculiar to certain Defence establishments and the generalprecautions included in any particular work permit form should be determined by careful analysis of thespecific hazards associated with the industry.
24.7 Issuing Officer's should carefully examine the contents of appendixes A and B of the referenceto determine ‘Instructions to Welders’ and ‘Recommended Procedures for Cutting, Heating or Weldingcontainers which have held Flammable or Explosive Substances’.
Annex:A. (Sample) Hot work permit
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MFPEANNEX A TOCHAPTER 24
(SAMPLE) HOT WORK PERMIT A
For Arc or Flame Cutting, Flame Heating and Arc or Gas Welding Operations
REFERENCE .................................................................. DATE
PERIOD OF ISSUE: From ....................................... am/pm to ................................... am/pm
Note: Any changes to the times indicated must be approved and initialled by the Responsible Officer.
PREMISES/FACILITY ......................................................................................................................
DEPARTMENT/UNIT ...................................................... BUILDING ...............................................
FLOOR ......................................................................... LOCATION ..............................................
NATURE OF HAZARD .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
WELDER .............................................................................
All necessary precautions have been taken to avoid any possible fire or explosion hazard and permissionis given for arc and/or flame cutting, flame heating and arc or gas welding operations to be carried outin conformity with the above instructions.
SIGNED .......................................................................... (WELDER)
SIGNED................................................................................(RESPONSIBLE OFFICER)
Note: To be countersigned by the House Warden if appointed, and not the ‘Responsible Officer’.
COUNTER SIGNED ......................................................... (HOUSE WARDEN)
DATE: ...........................................
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MFPE
CHAPTER 25
BUILDINGS FOR DISPOSAL—FIRE SAFETY 25
Introduction 25.1
25.1 The increased emphasis on disposal of Defence facilities has highlighted the need to setminimum standards of fire safety to be maintained in facilities awaiting disposal action.
Aim 25.2
25.2 The aim of this chapter is to detail minimum levels of fire protection and fire safety measureswhich must be maintained until disposal action is completed.
References 25.3
25.3 The following documents detail the minimum Defence standards of inspection andmaintenance for fire safety equipment:
a. AS 1851—Part 2 Maintenance, Fire Hose Reels;
b. AS 1851—Part 3 Maintenance, Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems;
c. AS 1851—Part 4 Maintenance, Fire Hydrant Installations;
d. AS 1851—Part 8 Maintenance, Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm Systems;
e. Chapter 9—‘Stores buildings—fire safety’, chapter 10—‘Engineering workshops—firesafety’, chapter 15—‘Fire equipment inspection and maintenance’, andchapter 21—‘Facilities—access for firefighting and emergency vehicles’.
25.4 The lack of personnel available to take immediate action when a fire occurs in a buildingawaiting disposal places additional emphasis on the requirement to maintain installedprotection/detection systems, linked to the nearest fire brigade where appropriate.
25.5 ‘Duty of care’ provisions requires Defence to take a responsible approach when preparingfacilities for disposal, so as not to unduly endanger the lives or property of neighbouring establishments,or to place lives of firefighters who respond to fires on Defence property, in unnecessary danger.
25.6 Where, in the past, automatic fire sprinkler systems, automatic fire detection systems and firehydrant systems have been decommissioned and maintenance contracts cancelled pending thedisposal of a facility, the following negative aspects were identified:
a. the facility became more susceptible to vandalism and theft of sprinkler and hydrantparts (brass fittings, valves, etc), thereby reducing the likely return on the sale of thefacility;
b. minor fires started by squatters or vandals were able to burn unchecked withconsiderable damage being caused and the risk of endangering neighbouringproperties;
c. the lack of current fire protection/detection servicing records cast doubt on theoperational effectiveness of installed equipment to prospective purchasers and mayresult in the Certificate of Occupancy being withdrawn.
25.7 Facilities identified for disposal, should as a minimum, if installed, retain the followingequipment in good working order and the appropriate maintenance contracts should be continued untildisposal action is completed:
a. automatic fire sprinkler systems;
b. automatic fire detection systems;
c. fire indicator panels;
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d. fire hydrants and ring mains;
e. fire hose reels; and
f. essential services as detailed in the building’s Certificate of Occupancy or State orTerritory equivalent.
25.8 Where the disposal action involves a number of buildings or complete depots, care must betaken to ensure that hazard reductions programs, ie fire break maintenance, grass cutting, etc ismaintained until disposal action is completed.
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MFPE
CHAPTER 26
ALTERNATIVE DESIGN SOLUTIONS, DISPENSATIONS ANDCERTIFICATION FOR DEFENCE PROJECTS 26
Introduction 26.1
26.1 MFPE details the minimum Defence requirements for the construction and fire protection ofDefence facilities and assets. This chapter is in keeping with the expected requirements of theCommonwealth Governments Fire Safety Policy.
26.2 There are a number of reasons why a project may find it difficult or impossible to comply withthe requirements of this manual, or the codes and standards it specifies. Heritage requirements, or theexisting structure of a building programmed for major refurbishment, may mean that alternative designsolutions are required to meet the intent of the level of occupant safety and asset fire protection requiredby Defence. For new construction, given the rapid advances in technology and fire protectionengineering, designers may propose alternative solutions to the generally prescriptive requirements ofcodes and standards, which still afford the same level of occupant safety and asset protection. Thesesolutions are not necessarily precluded, but require formal approval or dispensation from therequirements of MFPE, BCA, or other relevant Standards and documents.
Aim 26.3
26.3 The aim of this chapter is to detail the formal approval processes required for a project to:
a. receive certification;
b. utilise alternative design solutions; and
c. receive dispensation from the requirements of MFPE, BCA, and other relevantStandards and documents.
Areas of Non Compliance 26.4
26.4 Areas of a project which would not comply with the requirements of this manual, the BCA, orthe appropriate codes or standards, or would seek to utilise alternative design solutions, would normallybe identified at the Functional Design Brief (FDB) or initial design stages of a project. Formal writtenDefence approval of the alternative design solutions and any areas of non compliance (dispensations)must be obtained at the design stage.
Required Construction Standard 26.5
26.5 MFPE nominates the BCA as the Defence minimum construction standard. However, MFPEstipulates a higher standard of fire protection for some Defence facilities, for the following reasons:
a. Defence does not carry insurance on its facilities or assets,
b. some facilities are not adequately addressed (or addressed at all) in the BCA,
c. strategic requirements,
d. the unavailability of some replacement equipment/parts,
e. the long replacement lead times for some equipment, and
f. high replacement costs.
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This protection may take the form of a higher required Type of Construction (A, B or C), additional firecompartmentation (fire walls), or the installation of additional measures not required by the BCA. Theseadditional Defence requirements shall also be certified by the certifier (see below).
Certification 26.6
26.6 Who Can Certify. It is a Defence requirement, that certification of Defence constructionprojects be carried out by an accredited building surveyor, the certifier shall be accredited with theBuilding Surveyors and Allied Professions Accrediation Board Inc. The certifier may be an employee ofthe Commonwealth, or any of its GBEs and authorities, but who have not been directly involved in thedesign or the construction of the building. The certifier could be a person on the design team providedhe/she is engaged in a quality assurance capacity only.
26.7 To What Standard. To meet the requirements of Defence, a certifier employed to certify aDefence project shall be required to certify that the project has been designed and constructed to therequirements of MFPE, the BCA and appropriate codes and standards.
26.8 Stages Requiring Certification. Certification is required at the following stages of a project:
a. written certification of final designs and specifications shall be provided beforeconstruction commences;
b. written certification that the construction is in accordance with the approved drawingsand specifications;
c. written certification that the completed project has been designed and constructed inaccordance with MFPE, the BCA and applicable codes and standards; and
d. written certification of any change of occupancy.
Approval of Alternative Design Solutions and Dispensations 26.9
26.9 Certification of Leased Premises. The requirements of this chapter shall also apply to leasedpremises. Defence shall not enter into leases for premises which:
a. have not been certified as complying with the requirements of this manual, or
b. have not had dispensations approved for any areas of non-compliance.
26.10 Defence must maintain a stringent and readily audited assessment and dispensation process.Whilst not submitting itself to the various State Board of Referees' for approval of alternative designsolutions and dispensations, the Defence procedures must be (and be seen to be) an equivalent reviewprocess. This formal process is also necessary, for the certifier to be able to carry out the functionsrequired by this chapter and Defence Standard Forms of Contract.
26.11 The formal process would normally commence with a Defence Project Officer or a consultantemployed by him/her, identifying an aspect of a proposed project, which, for reasons identified earlier,either cannot comply with MFPE (which includes the requirement to comply with the BCA), or proposingalternative design solutions to those prescriptive requirements of MFPE, BCA, and other relevantStandards and documents.
26.12 The Project Director should then forward a formal request for dispensation or request foracceptance of alternative design solution to ASEOP for approval. ASEOP has the responsibility formanaging the provision of Fire Protection Policy for the Defence Portfolio. ASEOP would seek atechnical assessment and recommendation from the CFSO and either approve or reject thedispensation or alternative design solution.
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26.13 The request for dispensation should take the form of a minute, with provision for the variouslevels of review, recommendation and approval. For a request for a dispensation, the minute shouldclearly identify:
a. the area of noncompliance (with specific reference to the appropriate section of thecompliance document);
b. the reason for noncompliance; and
c. any compensating factors.
Copies of any technical opinions or reports sought should be enclosed. The submission should then beforwarded to the project certifier to ensure that the submission, if approved, would contain sufficientdetail to allow the project officer to complete the certification of the project. A statement to that effect fromthe certifier, should accompany the request.
26.14 Requests for Defence acceptance of alternative design solutions should follow the sameprocess as above. The submission should clearly state:
a. the MFPE, BCA, relevant Standards and document requirements;
b. the alternative design solution proposed;
c. the reason that the alternative solution is proposed; and
d. technical assessment of the alternative solution.
Copies of finalised requests (approved or disapproved) shall be forwarded to the design consultant andproject certifier. The original request should be held on the project file. An example is in annex A.
Annex:A. Sample request for dispensation
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MFPEANNEX A TOCHAPTER 26
SAMPLE REQUEST FOR DISPENSATION A
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
MINUTE
File Number
ASEOP (R4–3–101)DDETS/CFSO (R4–3–085)
REQUEST FOR DISPENSATION FROM BCA 96 REQUIREMENTS
References:A. Letter from design consultant requesting dispensationB. Letter from project certifier (unless included in request for dispensation)
1. Reference A highlighted the user requirement for a particular type and colour of carpet to belayed in the chapel and sanctuary. Although the carpet is available on government contract, the EarlyFire Hazard Indices for the carpet are higher than those specified by the BCA Specification C1.10 forthis type of occupancy (9B). The design consultant is requesting dispensation from the BCA requirementof ‘Smoke—Developed Index of not more than 5'. The proposed carpet has a Smoke-Developed Indexof 7.
2. The following compensating factors are proposed:
a. A smoke detection system is being installed to comply with MFPE. This system is notrequired by the BCA;
b. The people attending the chapel will be familiar with the facility and its exits;
c. The base fire brigade has a three minute response time to the chapel;
d. The chapel will have emergency exit signs and emergency lighting.
3. Reference B confirms that this dispensation will allow the certifier to complete his designcertification.
4. Project Certifier's Concurrence:
I agree with the dispensation proposed in paragraph 1. Defence approval of this dispensationwill allow me, as the building certifier, to complete the design certification.
Signature.............................Project Certifier1 Sep 97
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5. CFSO Comments:
6. Dispensation:
7. If you require further information on this matter, please contact the Project Officer on(02) 6266 4543.
J. BLOGGSProject Director
CP3–3–Bay 4Tel 64488
1 Sep 97
1. The objective of the BCA requirement is to provide a safe evacuation route, free ofsmoke, for the duration of the evacuation.
2. The higher smoke developed is off set by the early warning provided by the nonrequired detection system.
3. The additional smoke developed after evacuation is off set by the response time ofthe responding fire brigade who could commence smoke venting if necessary.
4. The dispensation is recommended.
Signature.....................................CFSO4 Sep 97
A dispensation from the BCA requirement for a Smoke-Developed Index of not more than 5for the chapel and sanctuary carpet is approved.
The installed carpet shall have a Smoke-Developed Index of not more than 7.
Approved/Not ApprovedSignature..................................ASEOP5 Sep97
Enclosures:1. Reference A2. Reference B
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