Fire Fighting Equipments Ramki

INDEX

The Andhra Petrochemicals limited Introduction Definitions Anatomy of Fire Fire Triangle or Pyramid Class of Fire Emergency Fire Fighting Fire Protection in Petrochemical Industry Fire Drills Fire Risk of Electricity Abbreviations Bibliography

INTRODUCTION The Andhra Petrochemicals Limited is a Joint Venture company of the Andhra Suga Sugars rs Limi Limite ted d and and Andh Andhra ra Prad Prades esh h Indu Indust stri rial al Deve Develo lopm pmen entt Corp Corpor orat atio ion n to manu manufa factu cture re 36,0 36,000 00 MTPA MTPA capaci capacity ty of OxoOxo-Al Alco coho hols ls.. The The lowlow-pr pres essu sure re oxo oxo technology jointly developed by Union Carbide Corporation Davy McKee – Johnson matthey. The company was incorporated in 1988, with the capital investment of 150 crores. The first product was commenced during the year 1993. The annual turnover of  the plant is 180 crores.

The plant is situated in 75 acres site at Visakhapatnam. In which 30acres is  plant and remaining is green belt. The location of the plant is away from the city and near the sea. Site is 7 km away from the National Highway for the transportation of the products by the road tankers. The site is leased from Visakhapatnam Port Trust with renewal options. The major advantage of site is th

it is adja adja

HIND HINDUS USTA TAN N PETR PETROL OLEU EUM M CORP CORPOR ORAT ATIO ION N

OXO – ALCOHOLS PLANT A unique Oxo–Alcohols Plant in the south India, Designed by DAVY McKee Limited Limited,, ENGLAND ENGLAND with TATA TATA HONEY WELL WELL TDC 3000

and EXPERI EXPERION ON

Distri Distribut buted ed contro controll syste system m to have have better better contro controll of the plant. plant. Adopti Adopting ng the lowlow pressure technique to produce 2 Ethyl Hexanol, N- Butanol and I-Butanol at the total capacity of 36,000 MTPA by using Naphtha and Propylene as the raw materials. The name Oxo process indicates that conversion of  α - Olefins to Aldehydes and/or alcohols containing an additional carbon atom i.e., propylene reacts with synthesis gas to produce Butyraldehyde and consequently into Butanols. Low pressure pressure Oxo Process Process has been been adopte adopted d to achiev achievee better better-fee -feed d stock  stock  advantage and maximize the production of Normal Butyraldehyde over Iso Butyraldehyde.

Campaign operation of alcohols plant enables a significant reduction in Capital

Hydrogenation of individual N – Butyraldehyde and I – Butyraldehyde, produce two other Alcohols N – Butanol and I – Butanol on campaign basis, respectively. Raw materials and products are stored in off sites. Cooling water, DM water, Steam, Instrument air, Nitrogen and Electricity are supplied from Utilities.



Product Uses

1) 2-ET 2-ETHY HYL L HEXA HEXANO NOL L 2) 2-ET 2-ETHY HYL L HEX HEXAN ANOL OL

Product

Dioc Diocty tyll Phth Phthal alate ate

Us e

Plas Plasti tici cise serr in PVC PVC prod produc ucti tion on.M .Mai ain n general purpose plasticiser for both Vinyl & rubber  applications.

DEFINITIONS Fire Vehicles: are mobile vehicles meant for transporting equipment /fire fighting

agents / fire fighting crew to the site of fire / other emergency. aggreg egat atee of air air fille filled d bubb bubbles les that will will float float on the the surfa surface ce of a Foam :are an aggr flamm flammab able le liqu liquid id . They They are made made from from aerat aerated ed solu soluti tion onss of wate waterr and and a prop proper  er   proportio  proportion n of foam concentrate. concentrate. Foam forms a cohesive cohesive floating blanket on the liquid surface that extinguishes the fire by mothering an cooling the fuel. They also prevent re-ignition of combustibles mixtures of vapour and air. Foam Tender: is a mobile fire tender consisting of pump, foam proportioning system,

foam foam moni monito tor, r, wate waterr and and foam foam comp compou ound nd tank tank whic which h can can gene genera rate te foam foam for  for   blanketing / fire fighting DCP Tender: is a mobile fire vehicle consisting of Dry Chemical Powder Vessels,

  Nitro Nitrogen gen gas cylind cylinders ers.. The Dry Chemic Chemical al Powde Powderr can be used used with with pressu pressure re to

 bulk for the purpose of distributing such liquids by tankers pipelines, tank wagons, tank  trucks, portable tanks or containers constitutes an oil terminal. Wharf: The area at the dock basin where ancillary facilities such as crane, warehouse

etc. are provided for serving the ship. Jetty: The actual frontage of the wharf where the tender system is attached for the

vessels to berth. Pier : This is the exclusive area where the warfare is constructed in the port.

THE ANATOMY OF FIRE Oxidation or combustion processes of fire are dynamic, continuously reacting  process. They are unbalanced and unsatisfied systems containing energy seeking an equilibrium between the molecules of the reactants of the system to a lower less active level of energy. In the course of this procedure they give off heat energy in the form of  fire and flame. These processes are initiated by a small input of activation energy (spark) to start the reaction, after which propagation (flame spread) continues as long as there is supply of energy (fuel) and a reactant (oxygen) for consumption of a union to a more satisfied, lower level or energy (ash).

Physics And Chemistry Of Combustion The reactions which occur during combustion and burning are chain reactions which branch off or fragment into very active chemical species called free radicals. The free radical radicalss are very reactive reactive,, unsta unstable ble

combin combinati ations ons of atoms which which are only

temporarily present and immediately link up with other atoms to form more stable

engine by compressing the air to such an extent as to burn the fuel when injected. iii.

Heat by Electric Electricity ity : As electricity flows through a conductor, heat is

 produced. If the cable is large enough to carry the current the heat produced will be harmlessly dissipated, on the other hand if the cable is small and the current current is more, it will produce excessive excessive heat and will create a serious serious fire risk. To prevent such incidence correct size fuse or proper circuit breakers to  be installed in the circuit. iv.

Heat from Chemical Action : A strong acid will produce considerable heat

when water is added to it, even time for instance instance will generate generate enough heat to ignite combustible materials when water is added to it. Now a days various chemicals are used in industries as a result fire in industries have increased manifold due to carelessness or accidental mixing of chemicals which infact releases excessive heat. A striking example Is glycerine and  potassium permanganate when these two chemicals comes in contact first fumes fumes (slow (slow combus combustio tion) n) and soon soon afterwa afterwards rds burst burst into into flames flames (rapid (rapid

Ignition Temperature The temperatures at which combustion can take place fall into three categories, namely, Flash Point, Fire Point and Spontaneous Ignition Temperature. a.

certain n temper temperatu ature, re, the vapor vapor given off by a liquid liquid will will Flash Point : At certai “Flash” momentarily on the application of a small flame but will not continue to  burn. There are several types of apparatus for determining flash point (Abel, Pensky-Martyn)

 b.

Fire Point : This may be defined as the lowest temperature at which the heat

from the combustion of a burning vapor is capable of producing sufficient vapor  to enable the combustion to continue. It will be seen that the difference between flash point and fire point is that the flash point temperature is only the required to produce vapor to enable a momentary flash to take place where as the fire  point  point temperature temperature has to be high enough to produce sufficient vapor to sustain sustain the reactio reaction, n, so that that the substa substance nce contin continues ues to burn burn indepe independe ndentl ntly y of the ignition source. c.

Spontaneous Ignition Temperature : this is the lowest temperature at which

  because it is the lightest gas, and the vapour density of Air as compared with Hydrogen is 14.4. For carbon dioxide the corresponding figure is 22 and carbon dioxide is, therefore, about 1 ½ times as heavy as air at the same temperature and  pressure. For fire service purposes it is much more convenient to compare the density of gases and vapours with that of Air, but in that case the reference gas should be qucted e.g. vapour density of methane is 0.856 (air-1) or the vapour  density of methane is a 8 (hydrogen-1). The following are the examples of vapour density as compared with Hydrogen.

Hydrogen

1

Lighter than

Methane

8

air  

Ammonia

8.5

Air

14.5

Carbon Dioxide

22

Heavier than

Sulphur Dioxide

32

air  

Chlorine

35.5

FIRE TRIANGLE OR PYRAMID Three conditions have long been regarded as essential components of any fire : 1. Fuel Fuel (i.e. (i.e. the the combu combusti stible ble mate material rial). ). 2. Oxygen Oxygen (from (from the atmosp atmospher here). e). 3. Heat (essentia (essentiall to start the fire fire initially, initially, but maintai maintained ned bye the the fire itself itself once it has started).

These are familiar to fire fighters as the ‘fire triangle’ or pyramid. If any one of  these conditions is removed, the fire goes out. Methods of fire fighting thus depend on removing or shutting off the source of fuel, excluding oxygen or removing heat from the fire faster than it is liberated. A fourth condition is now recognised. Flames proceed

CLASSES OF FIRE Various Various classes classes of fire are recogni recognised sed in order order to ration rationalis alisee the choice choice of  extinguishing media and devices, and the precautions taken in the protection and fire fighting.

A. Solid material materialss correspondin corresponding g to the old old class A. A.

B. Flammable Flammable liquids liquids correspo corresponding nding to the old old class class B.

Class A Fires. Carbonaceous Solids The general method of extinguishing class A fires is by water jets which quench the fire and cool the material to below its ignition temperature. Class A fires are often deep-rooted and well below the surface of the material, so that sufficient water must be applied to penetrate and cool the whole of the burning material to below its ignition temperature.

Class B Fires. Flammable Liquids In dealing with flammable liquids two main hazards must be recognised. 1. If the liquid liquid is light lighter er than water water and dose dose not not mix with it, it, the use of water water may actually spread the fire rather than extinguish it, since the liquid will float on the water and be carried into surrounding areas, cellars and drains. 2. If the liquid liquid has a low flash flash point, point, its vapour vapour will form form an explos explosive ive mixture mixture with air  and this may spread and extend a considerable distance from the liquid itself. A source source of ignition ignition for instance instance a spark or lighted match, anywhere anywhere in this area will

The fact that a liquid is at a temperature below its flash point does not mean that it is safe. If a material such as kerosene with a flash point of 40 0C is brought into contact with a source of intense heat – a welding torch, furnace or open fire-a small part of it could be heated above the flash point, give off vapour and burst into flame. The heat thus produced would heat the rest of the kerosene and the fire would spread. A mist of a high flash solvent is also almost as easily ignited as if it were a true mixture of  air and vapour.

 Nearly all flammable vapurs are heavier than air, so that explosive mixtures mixtures of  air and vapour will spread over the ground or floor when the air is still and flow into depressions in the ground, drains, trenches and cellars.

Explosive limits of vapour-air mixture. The vapour of every flammable liquid has a minimum concentration in air below which it does not ignite when in contact with a source of ignition. There is also a maximum concentration of vapour above which flame is not propagated, although this is only found at room temperature if the flash

Many of the fire involving flammable liquids have occurred where the liquid was present as a paint, lacquer or rubber solution or paste solvent. The vapour from the drying article where the solvent was used or from the open paint or paste tin built up in concentration and spread to a point of ignition until a flash back occurred.

Where flammable liquids are used in plants for washing and dipping operations the tanks or containers should be provided with hinged covers which are automatically closed by a fusible link and a spring operated mechanism if the tank or container  catches fire.

Water should only be used to extinguish a flammable liquid fire in certain limited and clearly defined circumstances.

1. For liquids liquids heavier heavier than water water (e.g. (e.g. carbon carbon disulp disulphid hide) e) and at temper temperatu atures res lower  than the boiling point of water. 2. For liquid liquidss readily readily soluble soluble in water provide provided d either either that that the quantity quantity of diluted diluted

Class C Fires, Gases and Electrical There is always a serious danger whenever a fire from a leaking or fractured gas main or container is extinguished, that the unignited gas continuing to escape will mix with air to form an explosive mixture. This when reignited may result in a serious explosion explosion which causes more destruction destruction and injury than the original fire would have done if left to burn itself out. The only safe way of estinguishing a gas fire is to shut off  the supply of gas to the fire.

Cooling should, however, be applied to objects heated by the fire, particularly if  they are combustible or contain flammable fla mmable materials; water should be applied through a spray nozzle. Flammable materials, particularly particularly compressed compressed and liquefied liquefied gases in cylinders should be removed as quickly as possible from the neighborhood of a fire. If  a gas fire is extinguished accidentally by a water spray and the supply of gas cannot be intently shut off, the area should be urgently evacuated.

Most cylinders in the UK which contain flammable gases are not as yet fitted with pressure-relieving devices. Thus if a cylinder is involved in a fire, its internal  pressure  pressure is likely to rise until it bursts, and its contents escape escape as a fireball. Unless the cylinder can be positively cooled, all fire fighters should withdraw to a safe distance.

If a gas cylinder starts to leak and the leak cannot be immediately stopped, it should be moved at once to the open air where the gas can disperse safely. If a cylinder  has been involved in a fire, it should be emptied and tested in a proper cylinder testing station or returned to its makers properly marked for testing.

Class D Fires. Metals The most commonly encountered metal fires are those of magnesium and its alloy, although several powdered metals, notably aluminum, can form explosive dust clouds, whilst sodium and potassium react vigorously and catch fire in contact with water. The fumes fumes from from most most metal metal fires fires are danger dangerous ous and some, some, e.g. e.g. those those from from cadmiu cadmium, m,  beryllium, and lead are extremely toxic.

EMERGENCY FIRE FIGHTING

Once needs to distinguish between large and specialized appliances, used by fire brigade and professional fire fighters for dealing with fires which have got out of  control of the local works personnel, and smaller appliances used mainly by works   personnel for dealing promptly with fires in their early stages. Incidentally, the old expression ‘fire engine’ is deprecated in BS 4422; part 5, 1976, which recommends the use of the word ‘fire appliance’ to cover all equipment provided for the purpose of  detecting, recording or extinguishing a fire.

The larger appliances used exclusively by fire brigades which include mobile   pumps, pumps, mobile mobile turntables, turntables, platforms and extension extension ladders, rescue and demolition demolition equipment are not dealt with in this section since they come under the control of a trained and experienced fire officer.

Hose Reels Hose reels are first-aid fire extinguishing equipment provided for the use of the occupants of a building or works and they may be installed instead of, or in addition to,  portable water type extinguishers. When installed they will also be used on small fires  by the brigade on arrival. This causes less water damage than the brigade’s larger  hoses.

A hose reel consists of a length up to 36 m of non-kinking rubber tubing with an internal diameter of 19-25 mm. A valve and nozzle are attached to the free end of the hose which is wound on a metal reel. The reel is usually supported by a wall braket and may be arranged to swing on a pivot. The reel has a hollow rotating shaft to the centre of which water is fed. The hose tubing tubing is connected connected to an outlet on this rotating rotating shaft. The The shaf shaftt is perm perman anen entl tly y conn connect ected ed to a suit suitab able le wate waterr supp supply ly thro throug ugh h speci special al  pipework.

With one type of hose reel, all that is necessary to obtain a jet of water is to

Hose reels may be supplied with fixed covers to protect them from dust. Dirt and light which cause deterioration of the rubber tubing. They should be positioned so that no part of a building is more than 6 m from a nozzle when the hoses are fully extended, making due allowance for obstructions.

The flow of water through a hose reel with nozzle can be simply checked by measuring the maximum horizontal throw of the jet by directing it over a flat roof or  open floor. A nozzle with a bore of 4.8 mm should give a maximum throw of at least 12 m and a nozzle with a bore of 6.5 mm should give a maximum throw of at least 18 m.

Hose reels require regular maintenance and checking at least once a year, in accordance accordance with manufacturers manufacturers recommendati recommendations. ons. Brief instruction instructionss for operating operating a hose reel should be displayed on or close to it. All employees should be trained to use hose reels, including how to pull the hose round obstacles.

Automatic Sprinklers These consist of a system of pipes, spray nozzles and heat operated valves by means of which a fire is automatically detected, the alarm given and water delivered to the fire. Sprinklers are useful for stores and other buildings containing combustible materials which are left unattended. The cost of the installation may be partly or wholly offset by the reduction in the fire insurance premium paid.

Similar systems may also be used on the outside of buildings and tank to keep them cool if a fire develops near them and so to prevent the fire from spreading to them.

High Expansion Foam The system consists of one or more foam-making machines fitted with short rigid ducts inside the r oofs of single-storey buildings.

and liquefied gases. The use of a very fine and carefully directed water spray removes the main disadvantages of water in dealing with such fires.

Medium Expansion Foam Foam may be produced from a fixed foam solution vessel and carbon dioxide cylinder or from foam making equipment carried by the fire brigade. In either case it may be applied through systems of fixed pipework either to the seat of the fire or to the  plant to be protected. Brigades normally carry supplies of normal protein foam only.

This is mainly suitable for flammable liquid fires where the liquid is immiscible with water. Liquids such as alcohols which mix with water tend to break down the foam blanket. But for these conditions special compounds are available, which give stable foams, although they are more expensive than protein foam.

Carbon Dioxide And Other Inert Gases These systems must be used with great caution indoors when people are present,

dioxide installations need special care to avoid introducing risks of ignition by static electricity.

Dry Powder Dry powder powder is a term used for variou variouss free-flo free-flowin wing g powder powderss which which when when  poured or otherwise discharged over a fire will extinguish it. The compositions of many fire extinguishing powders are not publicised by their makers for f or obvious reasons. They generally contain three principal ingredients each with a particular function.

1. Sodi Sodium um or potas potassi sium um bica bicarb rbon onae. ae. Thes Thesee libe liberat ratee carb carbon on diox dioxid idee when when heat heated ed.. Bicarbonate Bicarbonatess are thus a convenient convenient means of applying applying carbon carbon dioxide. They They also react with and neutralise acids and some other reactive compounds and prevent damage from acids released by a fire. Potassium bicarbonate is claimed to be more effective than sodium bicarbonate due to its greater chain terminating effect. 2. Cert Certai ain n fine finely ly powde powdere red d salt saltss of metal metalss whic which h when when pres presen entt as a dust dust in the atmosp atmospher heree strong strongly ly absorb absorb radian radiantt heat, heat, thereb thereby y coolin cooling g and in some some cases cases

  possi possible ble,, be standa standardi rdised sed and the minimu minimum m number number of types types necess necessary ary should should be carried. Hose reels are generally preferable.

Supervisors should be abel to identify the different classes of fires and should know which type of portable extinguisher to use. All personnel should know how to recongnise and use the various types of extinguishers present. Practice sessions should  be set up to ensure that all personnel act promptly and effectively in dealing with small fires.

Portable Water Discharging Extinguishers Extinguishers which deliver water operate in various ways: a. The water water bucket. bucket. This This is the the simplest simplest of all; all; it must, must, however, however, be kept kept full full of clean water and always in the place reserved for it. Some skill is required in directing the contents of a water bucket onto a fire probably more so than closed portable extinguishers with nozzles.  b. Gas pressure pressure applied applied from a cartridg cartridge. e. A small cartridge cartridge of liquefied liquefied carbon carbon dioxide dioxide

The flow of water stops when the extinguisher is turned the ritht way up and surplus gas escapes. e. Hand Hand pump inside inside the cylind cylinder. er. This This is operate operated d by a handle handle extendin extending g through through a gland in the top of the cylinder.

The applic applicatio ations ns and limitat limitation ionss of water water exting extinguis uisher herss have have already already been been discussed. Water is best used for fires on solid materials which may re-ignite if not adequately cooled. It can readily penetrate to reach a deep seated fire.

Portable water extinguishers have capacities from 4 to 10 liters and an effective range of about 10 m. one or two extinguishers depending on their size are normally required for general protection per 220 m 2 of floor area.

When using a water-filled extinguisher, direct the jet at the base of the flame and keep it moving across the area of fire. A fire moving vertically should be attacked at its lowest point and followed up. Seek out any hot spots after the main fire is

Foam is not effective on flowing liquids, whether the flow is horizontal or  vertical. Foam conducts electricity and should not be used on live electrical fires. Most water miscible liquids break up ordinary foams.

When a liquid on fire is in a container, direct the jet at the far inside edge of the container, or at an adjoining vertical surface above the level of the burning liquid. This  breaks up the jet and allows the foam to build up and flow across the surface of the liquid. liquid. When this is not possible, possible, stand well back and direct the jet slightly slightly upward so that the foam falls on to the surface of the liquid. Move the jet gently from side to side to cover the surface of the liquid. liquid. Do not direct the jet into the liquid because this will dive the foam beneath the surface and render it ineffective. It may also splash the  burning liquid on to surrounding objects.

Portable Dry Powder Extinguishers The use and composition of dry powder have already been discussed under  fixed installations. Portable dry powder extinguishers are made with capacities from 2

Portable Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers Carbon dioxide extinguishers should only be used sparingly in buildings due to the the dang danger erss of asph asphyx yxia iati ting ng pers person onne nel. l. A seco second nd haza hazard rd of carb carbon on diox dioxid idee extinguishers is the formation of static electricity in the discharge which can ignite flammable vapours, sometimes with fatal consequences.

Carbon dioxide acts more rapidly than foam and is more suitable for dealing with fires which might spread to surrounding materials before a complete foam blanket could be formed over the burning liquid. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are suitable for  dealing with small fires of liquids flowing over horizontal and vertical surfaces. They should be used where the main concern is to avoid damage or contamination by dry  powder deposit or foam, for example to laboratory equipment or food preparation.

The cooling properties of carbon dioxide are limited and it gives no protraction against re-ignition after application ceases. It is less effective that foam for very hot liquids burning in containers.

desired, so that can be discharged in short bursts, but once the seal has been broken they should be emptied, recharged and resealed. Their main action is by excluding oxygen from the flames. Since they do not conduct electricity they can be sued on electrical fires. They have less static electricity risk then carbon dioxide, but they  present the same asphyxiation hazard. In addition there is some risk of forming toxic decomposition products when their vapours are in contact with very hot metal, although this risk is far less than with older types of vapourising extinguisher which contained carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide and other compounds which are little used now  because of the toxic problem.

These extinguishers have a range of up to 6 m and 1 liter of liquid is sufficient to extinguish flames over an area of one square meter of burning liquid. The methods of usin using g dry dry powd powder er,, carbo carbon n diox dioxid idee and and vapo vapour uriz izin ing g liqu liquid id exti exting ngui uish sher erss are are essentially the same.

On fires involving liquids, either in containers or on the ground, direct the jet or 

Recharging Extinguishers All extinguishers should be recharged immediately after use, irrespective of  whether they have been completely or only partly discharged. The safety or fire officer  should arrange for books to be kept by supervisor to record every use of an extinguisher  and when it was recharged.

Colour Identification Of Portable Fire Extinguishers The availability of many type of portable fire extinguishers for different types of fire have led to steps being taken to standardise their body colours for ease of  identification. BS DD 48 1976 Draft for development proposes the following body colours for the different types of extinguishing agent :

Water

Signal red

Foam

Pale green

Powder (all types)

French blue

Extinguisher Type

Type of Fire Ordinary Combustibles Fires in paper, cloth, wood, rubber, and many plastics require a water type extinguisher labeled A.

Water OR 

Flammable Liquids Fires in oils, gasoline, some paints, lacquers, grease, solvents, and other flammable liquids require an extinguisher labeled B.

CO2 Electrical Equipment Fires in wiring, fuse boxes, energized electrical equipment, computers, and other electrical sources require an extinguisher labeled C.

Air-pressurized water extinguishers (APW)

Water is one of the most commonly used extinguishing agents for type A fires. You can recognize an APW by its large silver container. They are filled about two-thirds of the way with ordinary water, then pressurized with air. In some cases, detergents are added to the water to produce a foam. They stand

Carbon dioxide extinguishers

This type of extinguisher is filled with Carbon Dioxide (CO 2), a non-flammable gas under extreme pressure. These extinguishers put out fires by displacing oxygen, or taking away the oxygen element of  the fire triangle. Because of its high pressure, when you use this e xtinguisher pieces of dry ice shoot from the horn, which also has a cooling effect on the fire.

Dry chemical extinguishers

Dry chemical extinguishers put out fires by coating the fuel with a thin layer of fire retardant powder, separating the fuel from the oxygen. The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction, which makes these extinguishers extremely effective.

FIRE PROTECTION IN PETROCHEMICAL INDUASTRY

From the above one car well imagine the potential fire risks in a petrochemical industry. The fire protection can be divided into three phases :

i.

i.

By good plant, design and layout

ii. ii.

Fire Fire cont contro roll – keep keepin ing g the the fir fires es loca locali lissed

iii.

Fire extinguishment

Plant De Design & La L ayout : A good good plan plant, t, desi design gn and and layo layout ut,, with with stri strict ct

adherence to safe operating procedures, proper built-in fire prevention system, fire-fighting training and adequate emergency plan to meet fire emergencies, is the the best best way to mini minimi mise se the the poss possib ibil ilit ity y of fire fire dama damage ges. s. Fact Factor orss to be cons consid ider ered ed for for the the plan plantt layo layout ut incl includ udee adeq adequa uate te spac spacin ing g and and prop proper  er  arrangement of various utilities, process units, storage units and vessels, loading and and fill fillin ing g inst install allat atio ions ns.. For For plan plantt layo layout ut,, safet safety y rule ruless laid laid down down in the the  petroleum act should be followed.

generation. The maximum water flow rate is determines by taking into consideration the possibility of following simultaneous operations. i.

Water for foam generation.

ii.

Water for cooling.

i.

per N.F. N.F.P. P.A. A. Hand Handbo book ok and and code code and and Water fo for fo foam ge generation : As per American Institute Standard for petroleum refineries, water for foam generation for fixed foam pourers should be provided not less than 4.03 L/min for eac h IM 2 of the liquid surface area. For hose streams, at least 6.5 Lit/min of water should   be provided. In case of liquid hydrocarbon a delivery rate of 300 liters of  foam/m2 of burning area is specified for a minimum period of 10 min.

ii.

Water fo for co cooling : In a fire emergency the tanks which are on fire to be

cooled as also the adjoining tanks are to be protected from exposure. For these  purposes a flow rate of 10.2 L/min to 20.4 L/min per m 2 and 8.16 L/min – 10.2 L/min respectively is considered satisfactory.

Fixed Installations i.

Fire Hydrant : Hydrants are to be placed at suitable intervals on fire water 

mains. Normal distance between the hydrants is 45 m to 90 m depending upon layout of area, water requirement. Discharge from each hydrant should be 1125 l/min at a high pressure. ii.

Hose Reels : For immediate availability of water in process area permanently

connected hose-reels are used extensively. These reels should be provided with 40 mm bore hose of 30 m length. iii.

Monitors (F (For Wa Water/Foam) : Fixed Fixed monito monitors rs are preferr preferred ed for spot spot use. use.

Because of limited area coverage from these monitors careful consideration has to be given given in locati locating ng the same same to ensure ensure maximum maximum effectiv effectivene eness. ss. Water  stre stream am,, wate waterr spra spray/ y/je jett coul could d be appl applie ied d thro throug ugh h the the moni monito tors rs by usin using g co9mbination nozzles.

Water Spray System Water spray cooling system are usually provided to minimise fire exposure. Manual / automatic/ remote controlled water spray is practically useful for cooling un-

FIRE DRILLS Introductory The fire exit drills are absolutely essential in all public institutions, hotels,  boarding houses, hospitals. Factories and especially in Schools and Colleges. Properly conducted, they not only secure the orderly and rapid evacuation of the building, but teach self-control as well.

Principles and Procedure The danger which may threaten persons of fire breaks out depends on many different factors, consequently it is not possible to construct a model procedure for  action in the event of fire which which would would be suitable suitable in all premises. premises. Having thoroughly thoroughly understood the fundamental principles, however. The student should experience to difficulty in adopting them to the circumstances of each case. It is therefore, important that before fire drills are planned, the following points must be of prime consideration.

The purpose of fire drills.

Formulating a Fire Routine Before formulating a fire routine, it is essential to visit the premises concerned, when our fundamental points will need to be considered. The points are : The type of buildings. The occupancy. The existing means of escape. Fire defense. a. The The type type of Bui Build ldin ings gs : Are the buildings attached or detached? Are the buildings single-storey or multi-storey? Are the buildings of fire-resisting or non-fire-resisting construction? Will the degree of effective effective fire-resisting fire-resisting compartmentat compartmentation ion preclude preclude the necessity of total evacuation?  b.  b. The The Occu Occupa panc ncy y: This covers two points : i.

Popu Popula lati tion on char charact acter eris istic tics, s, i.e. i.e. the the num numbe berr of of occu occupa pant nts, s, thei theirr dis distr trib ibut utio ion n in in

Training : Repeated practice evacuations will be necessary in many cases to ensure

that the “plan of action” is fully understood and can be carried out efficiently when the occasion demands. Varying conditions should be assumed for these practices so that the occupants are familiar with all alternative routes. Labour, turn-over and newly engaged staff will need to be considered.

Whilst it is desirable that as few people as possible know of an impending fire drill, great care should be taken to ensure that this can be carried-out without danger  of damage from sudden interruption of the process being carried out.

The time taken for persons to reach a place of safety will indicate the degree of efficiency attained by the occupants in their fire drill.

Fire Routine Details A fire routine as a general rule should be based on a sequence of events. Details will vary in accordance with the circumstances of each occupancy and the

thin thing g to reme rememb mber er is that that firefire-fi figh ghti ting ng must must alwa always ys be seco second ndar ary y to life life safe safety ty and and that that,, whilst small fires such as a quantity of spilled inflammable. Liquid in laboratory can be dealt with with summar mmaril ily y, for for a size sizeab able le fire fire safe afe evacuation should be the primary concern.

Frequency of Drills The amount of instruction and frequency of drills will vary according to the degree of risk i.e. the liability to out break of fire and the size, construction and layout of the premises and any legislative requirement.

Preamble Introduction As a result of increased demands for synthetic fibers, detergents, plastics and fertiliz fertilizers ers etc., etc., the petrol petroleum eum and petroc petrochem hemical ical indust industrie riess are assumi assuming ng greate greater  r  importance in our country. The processes involved in a petrochemical industry are

FIRE RISK OF ELECTRICITY

Heating Effect of Current The flow of Current is called the circuit and if there is an excess flow of the curre current nt,, thro throug ugh h any any circu circuit it as over over the the desi design gned ed load load the the cabl cablee swil swilll beco become me overheated and the insulation’s may catch fire and burn with emission of large volume of smoke. This may also happen if there is an accidental short circuit circuit between the two wires carrying the current between the positive line and the negative terminals or   between the phase and the neutral wires (A.C. Circuits).

To prevent this type of contingency, current should never be drawn in excess, through multi-plugs or otherwise by having too many fans or lights in the some circuit, than what the circuit is designed for.

Preventive Measures

the resistance of the circuit and the time through which the current is twicesits strength, the the heat heat will will be prod produc uced ed four four time times, s, the the resi resist stan ance ce of the the circu circuit it and and the the time time remaining the same.

 Now-a-days, cartridges type of fuses to tally enclosed in a glass case or other  suitable device is incorporated in the circuit. They are known as H.R.C. type of safety fuses.

Importance of Main Enhance of Electrical Appliances & Circuit Proper maintenance of electrical equipment’s is quite important such as these including transformers, switch gears etc. as are used in industrial installations. They should be properly maintained by a competent electrician.

Regular checking of the earthing resistance, insulation resistance, periodical inspection of the transferors and the switch gears oils and measurements of their posed load of the circuit, so as to keep it within the designed limit, should be enforced upon.

Lights Lights,, for exampl example, e, may be located located outside outside a hazard hazardous ous room or enclos enclosure ure and illuminate the inside through transparent panels. Motors can be located outside, with drive shafts extending through the wall or partition, with openings for the shafts tightly sealed sealed.. Contro Controlle llers, rs, switch switches, es, cutout cutouts, s, remote remoterr scan be locate located d in adjoin adjoining ing,, less less hazardous areas. Such arrangements frequently effect a considerable saving.

Maintenance of Electrical Equipment’s Approximat Approximately ely one out of every five industrial industrial fires is of electric electric origin. origin. Many of these fires can be prevented and the usual life of electrical equipment increased by  proper maintenance.

Three kinds of maintenance are recognised : 1. Repairs Repairs after after a fail failure ure of break breakdow down. n. 2. Ordina Ordinary ry mainte maintenan nance, ce, which consist consistss of repairs, repairs, adjustme adjustments nts or replace replacemen mentt of    parts shown to be necessary by visual inspections at irregular intervals before a  breakdown occurs.

ABBREVIATIONS

1.

BLEVE

-

Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion

2.

VCE

-

Vapor Cloud Explosion

3.

OISD

-

Oil Industry Safety Directorate

4.

ISR S

-

International Safety Rating System

5.

DGFASLI

-

Directorate General Factory Advice Service & Labor   Institutes

6.

CIMAH

-

Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards

7.

N SC

-

National Safety Council

8.

MIC

-

Methyl Iso Cyanate

9.

SCBA

-

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

10.

TREMCARD -

Transport Emergency Card

11.

PEL

-

Permissible Exposure Limit

12.

STEL

-

Short Term Exposure Limit

13

TWA

-

Time Weighted Average

29.

ACGIH

-

American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists

30.

CCOE

-

Chief Controller Of Explosives

31.

ELCB

-

Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker  

32.

FLP

-

Flame Proof  

33.

PLT

-

Pipe Line Transfer  

34.

ILO

-

International Labor Organization

35.

TAC

-

Tariff Advisory Committee

36.

NDC

37.

PPE

-

Personal Protective Equipment

38.

LPA

-

Loss Prevention Association

39.

NEERI

-

National Environmental Engineering Research Institute

40.

MAH

-

Major Accident Hazard

41.

LEL

-

Lower Explosive Limited

42.

UEL

-

Upper Explosive Limit

43.

IDLH

-

Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health

-

Non-Destructive Testing

BIBLIOGRAPHY

•

Safety Magazines

•

Internet

•

Safety Manuals

•

Safety Handbooks