Unit 2 Fire Protection1. Introduction

1.1. Fire protection begins with building construction and design

1.2. Definitions related to building construction

1.2.1. Fire Proof- a term that should never be used because no construction material is

completely immune to the effects of fire

1.2.2. Fire Resistive - noncombustible materials which resist the effects of any fire to which the material may be exposed.

Fire Resistive Assemblies

Fire Resistive Coating Applied to Steel Beams

1. Introduction1.3 Building Components

1.3.1. BeamA beam transmits forces in a direction perpendicular to such forces to the reaction

points (points of support).

Loading on a Beam

Types of Beams

1. Introduction1.3 Building Components 1.3.2. Column

A column is a structural member which transmits a compressive force along a straight path in the direction of the member.

Column Loading

1. Introduction1.3 Building Components

1.3.3. Joist and Truss

A joist is one of a series of parallel beams of timber, reinforced concrete, or steel used to support floor and ceiling loads.

A truss is a framework of members that attains stability through triangular

formations.

Roof trusses

Beams/Joists/Columns

Beams/Joists/Columns

Beams/Joists/Columns

1. Introduction

1.3 Building Components

1.3.4. Walls Walls transmit to the ground the

compressive forces applied along the top or received at any point on the wall.

Types of Walls

WALL TYPES I VS 3-6

Load-Bearing

Party

Nonload-Bearing

WALL TYPES IIVS 3-7

Cantilever

FireVeneer

Metal Straps

Studs

Plywood or Chipwood

Tar Paper

Single Layer Brick Veneer

1. Introduction

1.3 Building Components

1.3.5. Foundations and Floors

All loads are delivered to the ground through the foundation.

A floor provides the supporting surface for the contents of a building load.

Foundations – Poured Walls

Foundations – Poured Floors

1. Introduction1.3 Building Components

1.3.6. Connectors

Connections transfer the load from one structural element to

another and are a vital part of a structure’s gravity resistance system.

1. Introduction1.3 Building Components

1.3.7. RoofingThe basic purpose of a roof is to protect

the inside of a building from exposure to the elements.

Roofing Types

Type I roofs are best and are listed by FM, UL, and meet NFPA 256

Type II roofs are more hazardous

FLAT ROOF CONSTRUCTIONVS 10-10

ParapetSheathing

Felt

Slag or Gravel

Flat (Hung) Ceiling

Bar Joist Parapet

Metal Deck

False (Hung) Ceiling

Metal Decking Commercially manufactured, structural

grade, cold rolled metal panel formed into a series of parallel ribs.

Includes metal floor and roof decks, standing seam metal roofs, other metal roof systems and other products.

An initial attachment that is used to secure an initially placed sheet of decking is commonly tack welding or pneumatic fasteners

2. Major Types of Building Construction

Type I (Fire Resistive) BestType II (Non-Combustible)Type III (Exterior Projected-Combustible)Type IV (Heavy Timber)Type V (Wood Frame) Poorest

2. Major Types of Building Construction

2.1 Type I contains structural members that are non-combustible and have a fire resistance rating

Two subclasses: Type 442

Type 332

TYPE I CONSTRUCTION VS 3-1

Double-T Precast Concrete Slabs Supported on Precast

Columns and L-Shaped Girders

2. Major Types of Building Construction

2.2 Type II is a construction type in which the structural elements are entirely of non-combustible or limited combustible materials.

Three Sub classes:

Type 222 Type 111Type 000

TYPE II CONSTRUCTION VS 3-2

Fire-Resistance Rating on All Parts of Structure; Often Have Flat, Built-Up Roofs

2. Major Types of Building Construction

2.3 Type III is a construction type where the exterior walls are non-combustible with a minimum 2 hr fire resistance however the interior is constructed of combustible materials.

Two Sub classes:

Type 211Type 200

TYPE III CONSTRUCTION VS 3-3

Exterior Walls and Structural Members Constructed of Noncombustible or Limited Combustible Materials; Interior Structural Members Completely or Partially Constructed of

Wood

2. Major Types of Building Construction

2.4. Type IV is a construction type in which structural members are basically of unprotected wood with large cross sectional areas.

TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION VS 3-4

Exterior and Interior Walls and Structural Members Made of Noncombustible or

Limited Combustible Materials; Other Interior

Structural Members Made of Solid or

Laminated “Heavy Timber” Wood

2. Major Types of Building Construction

2.5. Type V is a construction type where exterior walls

are principally or entirely made of wood or other combustible

material.

Two Sub classes:

Type 111Type 000

TYPE V CONSTRUCTION VS 3-5

Balloon Wood-Frame

Platform Wood-Frame

Rafter

SinglePlate

Stud

GirderLedger

JoistSill

SubflooringSheathing

Plate

Joists

Ribb

on

Sheathing

Stud

RafterJoist

Subflooring

Girder

LedgerSill

Joist

Fire Stop

DoublePlate

Foundation Wall

2. Major Types of Building Construction

What Type of Building Construction?

2. Major Types of Building Construction

What Type of Building Construction?

3. Building Codes3.1. Definitions

3.1.1. A building code is a law that sets forth minimum requirements for design and construction of buildings and structures.

3.1.2. A fire code is a law that relates to specific fire hazards in a building and is usually regulated by the fire official.

3. Building Codes3.2. Major Provisions of Building Codes

3.2.1. Building and Occupancy Permits

3.2.2. Construction Features Typically Covered

3.2.3. Two General Types of Building Codes

3. Building Codes3.3 "Model Building Codes"

3.3.1. Prior to 2000 there were three model building codes used in the United States

BOCA- Building Officials & Code Administration

Uniform Building Code

Southern Standard Building Code

3. Building Codes3.3 "Model Building Codes"

3.3.2. International Code Council (1994)

primary purpose being of combining the codes of the three model building code organizations into single national models.

International Building Code (2000)

4. Other Considerations in Building Construction

4.1. Interior Finish

4.1.1. Fire Problems Associated with Interior Finish

4.1.2. Flame Spread

Class A 0-25 Class B 26-75 Class C 76-200

4. Other Considerations in Building Construction

4.1. Interior Finish

4.1.3. Contribute to the Fuel

4.1.4. Smoke Contribution

Dorm room fire!

4.2. Other Factors that Affect the Fire Hazard of Finish Materials

4. Other Considerations in Building Construction

4.3. Hazard of Contents

4.3.1. NFPA Hazard Content Classifications

Low Hazard - no self propagating fire can occur

Ordinary Hazard - can burn with moderate rapidity or can give off considerable smoke

High Hazard - burn with extreme rapidity or explosions are likely

COMBUSTIBLE FURNISHINGS/FINISHES

VS 3-10

Toxic gages produced by burning furnishings and finishes are major factors in the loss of many lives in fires.

5. Structural Features to Slow the Spread of Fire

5.1. Fire Walls

5.2. Fire Doors

The NFPA classifies fire doors based on their Fire Resistance Rating

Ranges from 4 hours to 20 minutes and is based primarily on building occupancy and construction.

5. Structural Features to Slow the Spread of Fire

5.3. Fire Stops

5.4. Baffles

5. Structural Features to Slow the Spread of Fire

5.5. Fire Dampers

5.6. Parapets

6. Processes Involving Flammable Gases

6.1. Properties of Gases in General

Gases are pressurize to maximize the amount in a given space & to assist in the flow of the gas

Gases are also liquefied to maximize the amount in a given space

Cryogenics are gases that are both pressurized and supercold to condense

6. Processes Involving Flammable Gases

6.2. General Hazard Controls for all Gases

Proper storage vessel design (API) & (ASME) Proper tank venting Proper burner design Emergency procedures for leaks Leak testing & gas detection Inerting & venting Control of Ignition Sources

6. Processes Involving Flammable Gases

6.3. Gas burning appliances

6.4. General safeguards in gas appliances:

6.4.1. Fuel Safety Shutoff Valve

6.4.2. Combustion Safeguard

6. Processes Involving Flammable Gases

6.4. General safeguards in gas appliances (continued):

6.4.3. Factory Mutual Cock Safety-Control System

6.4.4. Insure that the system design incorporates all necessary safety features and once installed these are tested

6.4.5. Establish and stick to Preventive Maintenance Schedules

6.4.6. Operators must also be well trained

6. Processes Involving Flammable Gases

6.5. Methods of detecting gas leaks

6.5.1. Slow leaks

6.5.2. Larger leaks

7. Process and Storage of Combustible Solids

7.1. Examples of Combustible Solids

7.1.1. Ordinary Combustibles

Primarily made up of carbon/hydrogen/oxygen

Includes cellulose & some fibrous materials

Factors that influence the fire hazards of ordinary combustibles

7. Process and Storage of Combustible Solids

7.1.2. Rubbers/Plastics/Resins

Fire Hazards:

Classification of Plastics by Fire Hazard Group I ·  Group II Group III

7. Process and Storage of Combustible Solids

7.1.3. Metals

General Properties

General Fire Hazards

Particle Size Some spontaneously ignite (pyrophoric) Moisture increases speed of burning Ordinary fire extinguishing agents not effective

7. Process and Storage of Combustible Solids

7.1.3. Metals

Fire Hazards Associated with Use

Examples: Aluminum Magnesium Titanium

7. Process and Storage of Combustible Solids

7.1.4. Combustible Dusts

Most combustible dusts can produce violent explosion when suspended in air

Factors that influence dust explosions

7. Process and Storage of Combustible Solids

7.1.4. Combustible Dusts

Dust Explosion Indices

Ignition Sensitivity from ignition temp., min. ignition energy and min. ignition concentration

Explosion Severity

Dust Explosion Video

7. Process and Storage of Combustible Solids

7.1.4. Combustible Dusts

Explosibility Index which includes explosion severity & ignition sensitivity

< 0.1 Weak0.1-1.0 Moderate1.0-10 Strong> 10 Severe

General Practices to Prevent Dust Explosions:

Review internet video for more specific information on causes and prevention of combustible dust explosions: http://www.csb.gov/videoroom/detail.aspx?VID=30

7. Process and Storage of Combustible Solids

7.2. Inside Storage of Solids

7.2.1. Factors to consider when storing solid materials inside

7.2.2. Classification systems for indoor storage

Class I Commodity

Class Il Commodity

7. Process and Storage of Combustible Solids

7.2. Inside Storage of Solids

7.2.2. Classification systems for indoor storage (Continued)

Class Ill Commodity

Class IV Commodity

7. Process and Storage of Combustible Solids

7.2. Inside Storage of Solids

7.2.3. Rack Storage

7.2.4. Building construction and arrangement

7. Process and Storage of Combustible Solids

7.2.5. Arrangement of storage

Stacked to leave spaces Individual stacks Clearances Horizontal channels Aisles in Storage Areas

8. Processes and Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids will be covered in Fire Labs # 4-6 !!

9. Means of Egress9.1. Introduction

9.1.1. Importance of Life Safety

9.1.2. Human Behavior in Fire & Emergency Situations

The Station Fire

9. Means of Egress

9.1.3. Human Perception in Fires

9.1.4. Other factors that influence evacuation include: physical ability, unfamiliar settings, sleeping and physical restraint.

Chicago (2003) Epitome

9. Means of Egress

9.2. Definitions

9.2.1. Means of egress - a continuous path of travel from any point in a building or structure to the open air

outside at ground level.

9.2.2. Way of exit access - the path from the work station to the entrance of an exit.

9.2.3. Exit - a protected pathway, separated from the rest of the building, leading from some interior area to the exterior at ground level

9.2. Definitions9.2.4. Way of exit discharge -the area between

termination of the exit and the exterior ground or street.

9.2.5. Common Path of Travel – exists where a space is arranged so that occupants within that space are able to travel in only one direction to reach any of the exits or to reach the point at which the occupants have the choice of two paths of travel to remote exits.

9.2. Definitions9.2.6. Authority Having Jurisdiction- (AHJ) the one

responsible for enforcing the building codes.

9.2.7. Area of Refuge- an area that has a temporary use during egress, a staging area

9.2.8. Accessibility – must include access for handicap and those physically impaired such as hospitals and nursing homes.

9.3. Standards Related to Life Safety

9.3.1. NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code)

9.3.2. OSHA 1910.35, 36, 37

9.4. General Requirements for Life Safety

9.4.1. Each work location should have a sufficient number of unobstructed easily visible properly designed paths of travel with a capacity adequate to safely evacuate the maximum number of persons expected to be in the area.

9.4. General Requirements for Life Safety

9.4.2. Key Words:

a. Sufficient number

b. Unobstructed c. Easily

Visible d. Properly designed

e. Adequate capacity

9.5. Way of Exit Access

9.5.1. Travel Distance – maximum permitted distance to the

nearest exit from any given point

Table 7.6.1 in NFPA 101 Handbook

9.5.2. Minimum Width: 36” for new and 28” for existing

9.5.3. Changes in elevation > 21 require ramp or stairs

9.6. Requirements for Exits

9.6.1. In general, two or more exits are required from a given area and these must be separate and remote (NFPA 101 section 7.4.1)

Minimum headroom 7’ 6” NO locks, chains, bars, etc Swing in direction of travel

9.6. Requirements for Exits9.6.2. Free and unobstructed means of

egress

Swing in the direction of travel Not through high hazard areas 15 lb/ft. max. to open door and 30

lb/ft to set the door in motion Width varies by occupancy, general

rule not less than 36 inches

9.6. Requirements for Exits

9.6.3. Exits must be easily visible

Lettering 6” height and 2” width Illuminated to 5 footcandles Emergency Lighting (10 second delay

and 1 footcandle at floor surface)

9.6. Requirements for Exits9.6.4. Exits must be properly designed:

Exits must be designed to protect those evacuating from fire and smoke

* Separation of Exits – Maximum Diagonal Rule

9.6. Requirements for Exits9.6.4. Exits must be properly designed:

Exit interior finish should be of a low combustibility to minimize the chance

that fire in exit can prohibit escape.

Recommend Class A or B

Construction must be substantial and reliable, able to hold up in an emergency evacuation. Metal fire escapes no longer used.

9.6. Requirements for Exits9.6.4. Exits must be properly designed (continued):

Stairways 44” width for capacity of 50-2000 and 36” for capacity less

than 50, 4”-7” risers, 11” min. tread width, 6’ 8” min headroom

Landing every 12’ Projections (railings) permitted up to 4 ½” Railings/handrails for 4 or more risers

Other design details Exits never get narrowed in the direction of travel Floors should not vary by more than ½” Barrier at street level for exits

10. Fire Exit Drills

10.1. NPPA Code 4.7.1.

10.2. Emergency Response Planning OSHA NIOSH EPA

10.3. Rescue Systems