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Risk ControlFire safety in the electroplating industry
RC45First published 2010 Version 01
2 3
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This document has been developed through the RISCAuthority andpublished by the Fire Protection Association (FPA). RISCAuthoritymembership comprises a group of UK insurers that actively supporta number of expert working groups developing and promulgatingbest practice for the protection of people, property, business and theenvironmentfromlossduetofireandotherrisks.Thetechnicalexpertisefor this document has been provided by the Technical Directorate oftheFPA, external consultants, andexperts from the insurance industrywhotogetherformthevariousRISCAuthorityWorkingGroups.Althoughproducedwithinsurerinputitdoesnot(andisnotintendedto)representapan-insurerperspective.Individualinsurancecompanieswillhavetheirown requirements which may be different from or not reflected in thecontentofthisdocument.
The FPA has made extensive efforts to check the accuracy of theinformationandadvicecontained in thisdocumentand it isbelievedtobeaccurateatthetimeofprinting.However,theFPAmakesnoguarantee,representation or warranty (express or implied) as to the accuracy orcompleteness of any information or advice contained in this document.Alladviceandrecommendationsarepresentedingoodfaithonthebasisofinformation,knowledgeandtechnologyasatthedateofpublicationofthisdocument.
Withoutprejudice to thegeneralityof the foregoing, theFPAmakesnoguarantee, representation or warranty (express or implied) that thisdocumentconsidersallsystems,equipmentandproceduresorstate-of-the-arttechnologiescurrentatthedateofthisdocument.
Use of, or reliance upon, this document, or any part of its content, isvoluntary and is at the user’s own risk. Anyone considering using orimplementinganyrecommendationoradvicewithinthisdocumentshouldrelyonhisorherownpersonal judgementor,asappropriate,seek theadviceofacompetentprofessionalandrelyonthatprofessional’sadvice.Nothinginthisdocumentreplacesorexcludes(norisintendedtoreplaceor exclude), entirely or in part, mandatory and/or legal requirementshowsoever arising (including without prejudice to the generality of theforegoinganysuchrequirementsformaintaininghealthandsafetyintheworkplace).
Except to the extent that it is unlawful to exclude any liability, the FPAaccepts no liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequentiallossordamagearisinginanywayfromthepublicationofthisdocumentoranypartofit,oranyuseof,orrelianceplacedon,thecontentofthisdocumentoranypartofit.
CONTENTS
Scope 3
Synopsis 3
Definitions 3
Introduction 3
Potentialfirehazards 4
1.Construction/location 4
2.Processheatingandelectricalinstallations 4
3.FireProtection 5
4.FireSafetymanagement 6
5.Generalrecommendations 6
6.Checklist 8
References 14
2 3
SCOPE
Theserecommendationsoutlinethepropertyprotectionmeasures
appropriatetotheelectroplating industryeitheras independent
operationsoraspartofcombinedindustrialprocesses.
This document is specific to electroplating processes and
excludeselectrodelessplatingsuchashot-dippedgalvanising.
SYNOPSIS
These recommendations provide advice regarding property
protectionmeasuresthatshouldbeobservedwhenundertaking
electroplatinginheatedtanksinanypartofanindustrialprocess.
The potential fire hazards are outlined and advice is set out
concerningthelocationoftheoperations,electricalinstallations,
suitable fire protection measures and the management of the
operation.
DEFINITIONS
Electrodeless plating
Electrodeless plating, which falls outside the scope of this
document, is a chemical process whereby a metal coating is
achievedbyimmersingametalornon-metallicobjectinasuitable
bathcontainingachemicalreducingagentwithouttheuseofan
electricalcurrent.Hot-dippedgalvanisingisanexample.
INTRODUCTION
Electroplatingisaprocessofcoatingametalobjectwithanother
metalusingdirectcurrentpassedthroughasuitablechemical
solution.Coatingsmayincludechromium,nickel,zinc,copper,
brassand,insomespecialistapplicationssuchastheaviation
industry,cadmium.
Platingoperationsmaybestand-alonebusinesses,whichare
usuallysmalltomediuminsizeormaybepartofotherindustrial
operations, such as in the aircraft, electronic and jewellery
manufacturingindustries.
Processes may involve the heavy coating of hard metals like
chromium on machine parts while others may involve light
coatings to domestic items, vehicle components, ornamental
items,steelitems(requiringcorrosionprotection)andduringthe
manufactureofelectroniccircuitboards.
Platingprocessesofteninvolvethecoatingofanarticlewithone
metal typeasabaseprior toa finalcoatingwithanother.An
examplewouldbethenickelorcopperplatingofanarticleprior
tobeingplatedwithchromium.
In addition to the plating process, a number of support
processesandfunctionsmayformpartofthebusiness.These
mayincludeoffices,effluentplants,electropolishingprocesses
for stainless steel or similar and jig, maintenance and vehicle
workshops.
The actual metal treatment process is likely to involve metal
preparation intheformofstripping,degreasingandpolishing;
electroplating;metalfinishingthatmay involve thepolishingof
plateditemsorthecoatingofornamentalitemsthathavebeen
copperorbrassplatedwithaclearlacquertoinhibittarnishing.
Although this document addresses property protection
requirements,someoftherecommendationsarealsoapplicable
tolifesafety.Themeasureswillthereforesupplementthefindings
of thefire riskassessmentconducted tomeet theRegulatory
Reform(FireSafety)Order2005inEnglandandWales(ref.1)and
equivalentlegislationinScotlandandNorthernIreland(refs.2,3
and4).Premiseswhereelectroplatingoperationsarecarriedout
willalsoneedtobeassessedincompliancewiththeDangerous
SubstancesandExplosiveAtmospheresRegulations(DSEAR)
2002(ref.5).
Process Activity Potential fire hazards
Metal preparation
•Strippingofcomponentsanddegreasing
•Solvent-baseddegreasers•Electricalinstallationsandequipment
•Polishingandpreparationofcomponentsforplating
•Electricalinstallationsandequipment•Combustiblematerials,suchaspolishingmopsandassociatedpackaging•Combustibledustsfrompolishingmopsinuseonpolishingmachines.•Accumulationsofcombustiblewaste
Electroplating process
•Coatingofmetalobjectswithanothermetal,suchaszinc,copper,brass,nickel,chromiumandcadmium,usinganelectricalcurrentpassedthroughachemicalsolution
•Electricalinstallationsandequipmentincludingcables,pumps,processheatingunits,transformers,rectifiers,exhaustfansandportableelectricalequipment
•Plastictanksandplastic-orrubber-linedtanks.•Plasticextractionhoodsandducting•Possibleevolutionofhydrogengasduringtheplatingprocess•Accumulationsofcombustiblewasteandrubbish
Metal finishing
•Polishingofplateditemswhererequired
•Combustibledustfrompolishingmopsonpolishingmachines•Electricalinstallations,machineryandequipment•Limitedcombustiblepackaging
•Coatingofornamentalitemswithclearlacquereitherbydippingorspraying
•Flammableliquidsinopencontainerswhendipping•Flammableliquidinatomisedformifapplicationisbyspraying•Electricalinstallationsandequipment
Support processes and functions
•Jig,maintenanceandvehicleworkshops
•Electricalinstallationsandequipment•Flammableliquids,suchaslubricantsandparaffin-baseddegreasing
agentsnormallyassociatedwithworkshops•Flammablegases,suchasLPG•Limitedcombustiblepackaging•Accumulationsofcombustiblewasteandrubbish
•Effluentplant•Plastictanks•Electricalinstallationsandequipment,suchasmotorsandcables
Table 1: Key fire hazards at electroplating premises
4 5
POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS
Electroplating processes usually involve damp environments
using plating solutions that may be corrosive, reactive and
perhapstoxic,ratherthanflammable.
Fire hazards encountered are likely to include electrical
equipment and installations and the presence of limited
quantities of flammable materials. Hazards may also include
plastic extraction hoods and ducting, plastic tanks or plastic
linedtanksfittedwithelectricimmersionheatersandtheuseof
flammableliquidsforcertainfinishingprocessesorthoselocated
intheworkshops.Thereisalsoachancethatflammablegases
maybepresentonsite.
Asisthecasewithall industries,it isimportantthatthekeyfire
hazards are identified and are removed, reduced or managed
accordingly(seeTable1).
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Construction/location
1.1 Where possible, electroplating operations should be
locatedinaseparatebuilding,awayfromotherprocesses.
1.2 Where this is not practical, the electroplating process
should be separated from other important or business
criticalareasby60-minutes’fireresistantconstruction.
1.3 Anyopeningsaroundservicepenetrationsinthefire-rated
construction should be fire-stopped with a suitable
proprietary material affording a minimum of 60-minutes’
fireresistance.
1.4 Containmentanddrainageprovisionsshouldbeprovided
forareascontainingtanks.
1.5 Drainagesystemsshouldbedesignedtoavoidthemixing
ofincompatiblematerials.
1.6 Toxic solutions should not be released into groundwater
drains,butshouldberetainedonsiteforsafedisposalbya
licensedcontractor.
1.7 Fumeand/orsmokeextractionfacilitiesshouldbeprovided.
Theseshouldbe independentof theservices fromother
plantareas.
2. Process heating and electrical installations
2.1 All electrical installations and equipment should be
installed by competent electricians in accordance with
BS 7671: Requirements for electrical installations
(ref.6).Installationsshouldbebothmoistureandchemical
resistant.
2.2 Allelectricalinstallationsandequipmentshouldberegularly
inspectedbyacompetentelectricianinaccordancewith
BS7671.ThePeriodic InspectionReport fromAppendix
6ofthedocumentshouldbeusedandaccompaniedby
a Schedule of Inspection and Schedule of Test Results.
Because of the corrosive nature of the atmosphere in
the vicinity of electroplating processes, more frequent
inspections of electrical installation than those indicated
in the standard may be appropriate. The frequency of
inspectionsshouldbedeterminedbyriskassessment.
2.3 Allswitchgearandcontrolequipmentmustbeinstalledina
mannerthatwillprovideadequateprotectionfromphysical
damageaswellasfromharshenvironmentalconditions.
2.4 Infraredscanning(thermography)ofelectricalinstallations
andequipmentatregularintervalsisrecommended.
2.5 Areasinwhichflammablevapoursorgasesmaybepresent
shouldbeassessedinaccordancewithBSEN60079-10-1:
2009:Explosive atmospheres. Classification of areas.
Explosive gas atmospheres (ref. 7) to ensure that
electrical equipment provided is suitable for use in the
zone.
Heating units
2.6 Where possible, electric immersion heaters should be
replacedwithotherformsofheating,suchassteamusing
heatexchangers.
2.7 Whereheatingunitsareinstalledinplastictanksorplastic-
linedtanks,thefollowingsafeguardsshouldbeconsidered:
2.7.1 The heater should have adequate strength to withstand
normalhandling,installationanduseduringservice.
2.7.2 The construction should include means by which the
heatercanbesecurelyandsafelyattachedtothetankor
otherstructure.
2.8 The outer sheathing material of the heater should be
compatiblewith the liquid inwhich it is tobe immersed;
theadviceoftheprocesschemicalsupplierandtheheater
manufacturershouldbeobtained.
2.9 Heatingunitsshouldbe installed inaccordancewith the
manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure sufficient
clearancefromthesidesandbaseofthetank.
2.10 It should be ensured that heating units to be installed
have been designed for electroplating process use, are
fitforpurposeand,wherenecessary,carryarecognised
standardsmark.
2.11 Highliquidlevelsensorsshouldbefittedtoisolatetheflow
of product and prevent overfilling where tanks are filled
frombulksupplies.
2.12 Itshouldbeensuredthateachheatingunitisfittedwithan
over-temperaturesensorandcutout.Ifnotanintegralpart
of theheatingunit, the locationof thesensor shouldbe
determinedinconjunctionwiththemanufacturer.
2.13 All high liquid level and high temperature safety devices
should be capable of operating independently of the
processcontrols.
2.14 Cut-outdevicesshouldbeprovidedtoisolateheatingunits
ifprocesspumpsaredeactivatedorfail,orwhentheflow
ofliquidisinterrupted.
2.15 High level temperature sensors should be provided
to isolate the power supply and sound an alarm if the
temperatureoftheliquidreaches14°Cabovethenormal
processtemperatureofthe liquid.Theseshouldbeona
manualreset.
2.16 Heating units should be protected from mechanical
damage.
2.17 Whentanksaretobedrained, itshouldbeensuredthat
heaters are turned off before draining commences and
onlyreinstatedoncetheliquidlevelhasbeenrestored.
2.18 LPG and other industrial gases in cylinders should
be stored, used and handled in accordance with the
4 5
recommendationssetoutinRC8:Recommendations for
the storage, use and handling of common industrial
gases in cylinders including LPG(ref.8).
Immersion heaters
2.19 Where practical considerations require that electric
immersionheatersberetained,thefollowingshouldapply:
2.19.1Metalsheathedheatingelementsshouldbeconnectedto
aterminalorearthwireofsufficientsizetocarryanyfault
current(see2.1).
2.19.2Aresidualcurrentdevicewithatrippingcurrentof30mA
and manufactured to BS EN 61557: Electrical safety
in low voltage distribution systems up to 1000V ac
and 1500V dc. Equipment for testing, measuring or
monitoring of protective measures (ref. 9) should be
incorporatedintothepowersupplytotheheater.
2.19.3Each heating installation should have a warning light,
clearly visible from theoperatingpositionat the tank, to
indicatewhentheheatersareenergised.
2.19.4Each installation should also have a manually resettable
isolating switch, which is clearly identified and readily
accessiblefromtheoperatingpositionatthetank.
2.19.5Inthecaseofquartz-orPTFE-sheathedheaters,guards
shouldbeavailable toprovideadequateprotection from
physicaldamage.
2.19.6In the case of quartz- or PTFE-sheathed heaters, some
method of providing an earth connection should be
provided and this must be connected to an efficient
electricalearth.
2.19.7A thermostatic device for controlling the temperature of
theprocessliquidshouldbeincorporatedintothepower
supply system. If the heater sheath has a maximum
temperaturerating,acontrolshouldbefittedtoensurethat
thistemperatureisnotexceeded.
2.19.8Itisimportantthattheleveloftheprocessliquiddoesnot
fallandexposethehotzoneoftheheater.Lowliquidlevel
sensorsshouldbeprovidedtoisolatetheelectricalsupply
totheheatersandprovideavisualandaudiblealarmifthe
leveldrops toadefinedextent.Suchsensorsshouldbe
providedevenifdevicesareinstalledthataredesignedto
automaticallymaintaintheleveloftheliquidintheeventof
uncontrolledevaporationortankleakage.
2.19.9Adequate means should be provided for making and
protecting electric cable connections to the element and
earthterminals.
2.19.10Thepowerrating(kW)andsurfacepowerdensity(W/cm2)
shouldbeappropriate for the volumeof the liquidbeing
heated.Thechemicalsupplierandtheheatermanufacturer
shouldbeconsultedforadvice.
2.19.11Immersionheatersshouldbeinstalledsoastobeclearof
anysludgebuildupinatank.
2.19.12Enclosures of non-combustible construction should be
providedforembeddedorbondedheaters.
3. Fire protection
The levelof fireprotection is likely to varydependingon
theleveloftherisk,whethertheelectroplatingtankisfree
standingorattachedtootherstructuresandthetypeand
extentoftheprocessesinvolved.
Electric supply
Isolator RCD
Temperaturecontroller
Temperaturesensor
Low-levelshut-off
Levelcontrol
Built-inover-temperaturedevice
Process tank (plastic)
Immersion heater
Heater head
Water supply
HOT
ZONE
Sensor anchor
Figure 1: Elements
of a typical process
tank utilising an
immersion heater
6 7
3.1 Asuitablenumberofappropriateportablefireextinguishers,
approved and certificated by an independent, UKAS
accredited third party certification body, should be
provided for use by trained staff in accordance with
BS 5306-8: Fire extinguishing installations and
equipmenton premises. Selection and installation of
portable fire extinguishers. Code of practice(ref.10).
3.2 Theextinguishersshouldbemaintainedbyacompetent
engineer in accordance with BS 5306-3: Fire
extinguishing installations and equipment on premises.
Commissioning and maintenance of portable fire
extinguishers. Code of practice(ref.11).
3.3 Asuitablemanualfirealarmsystemshouldbeprovidedin
accordancewithBS5839-1:Fire detection and fire alarm
systems for buildings. Code of practice for system
design, installation, commissioning and maintenance
(ref.12).The levelofprovisionofautomaticfiredetection
should be determined by the fire risk assessment. The
installation shouldbedesigned, installed, commissioned
andmaintainedby an engineerwith accreditationby an
independent, UKAS-accredited third party certification
body.
3.4 Where plastic tanks, plastic-lined tanks or plastic ducts
areinuse,afireriskassessmentshouldbeconductedto
determineiftheprovisionofautomaticsprinklerswouldbe
beneficial.Theassessmentshouldtakeintoconsideration
the types of chemicals and solutions in use and their
potential for reaction with water. The use of corrosion-
resistantsprinklerheadsandpipingmaybenecessary.
3.5 Any sprinkler systems installed, system extensions or
the separation of sprinkler protected and non-sprinkler
protectedareasshouldbeinaccordancewiththestandard
towhichthesystemwasdesignedandinstalled,whilenew
systemsshouldbe inaccordancewith the requirements
oftheLPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations
2009 incorporating BS EN 12845(ref.13).
3.6 As well as assessing the need for sprinklers, the
assessmentshouldalsoconsiderotherformsofautomatic
fire suppression system and their application to specific
processes or items of plant. Where appropriate, such
installationsshouldbedesigned,installed,commissioned
andmaintainedbyacompetentengineer.
3.7 Automaticfiresuppressionsystemsmustbemaintainedin
accordancewithpublishedstandardsorwherenorelevant
standards apply, to the manufacturer’s requirements.
Insurers recommend that companies completing
maintenance (and installations) of these systems be
membersofrecognisedthirdpartycertificationschemes.
4. Fire safety management
Fire safety management must address emergency
procedures,stafftraining,regularfiresafetyinspectionsand
theperiodictestingandmaintenanceofelectricalequipment
andheatingunits, all ofwhichwill benecessary tohelp
ensurethatanadequateleveloffiresafetyismaintained.
Emergency procedures
4.1 It should be ensured that fire procedures are suited to
thehazards,areinplaceandarerehearsed.Procedures
shouldcovertheactiontobetakenondiscoveringafire
andtheactiontobetakenonhearingthealarm.
4.2 Whendraftingtheprocedures,thepresenceofflammable
liquids,exposuretochemicalsandplatingliquidsandthe
possibility of reactivity of solutionswithwater shouldbe
takenintoconsideration.
Staff training
4.3 Staff should receive fire safety training on induction and
follow-uptrainingatregularintervalsasindicatedinthefire
riskassessmentforthepremises.
4.4 Designated staff will also require training to ensure that
theyarecompetenttoconductandrecordanyfiresafety
inspectionsasindicatedinthefireriskassessment.
4.5 Alltrainingshouldbeformallyrecorded.
Inspection and maintenance
4.6 A routine inspectionandmaintenanceprogramme forall
heatingequipmentandtanksshouldbeimplementedand
recorded.
4.7 Onaweeklybasis,visualinspectionsshouldbeundertaken
ofallelectricalcomponentsandsafetydevices.
4.8 Onamonthlybasis,itisimportantthatsafetydevicesfor
electric immersion heaters are tested; safety devices for
othertypesofheatershouldbetestedonaquarterlybasis.
Liaison with the fire and rescue service
4.9 Thefireandrescueserviceshouldbeinformedaboutthe
location, nature and quantities of hazardous materials
storedandusedonsite.Itishelpfultoprovideasecurebox
neartheentrancecontainingplansofthesite,showingthe
layout, location and quantities of hazardous substances
(such as highly flammable liquids, compressed gas
cylinders,tanks,andrefrigerants)togetherwiththelocation
ofhydrantsandotherwatersupplies.
4.10 Intheeventofafire,adesignatedmemberofstaffshould
beavailabletomeetthefireandrescueserviceandinform
theofficerinchargeof:
• thelocationofthefire;
• thesituationregardingpersonnel;
• thelocationofwatersuppliesforfirefighting;and
• the nature, location and approximate quantities of
hazardous materials on the site, including fuel tanks
andgascylinders.
5. General requirements
5.1 Theuse,storageandcontrolofflammableliquidsshould
be in accordance with the Parts 1 and 2 of RC20:
Recommendations for fire safety in the storage and
use of flammable liquids(refs.14,15)andRC57:Storage
and use of highly flammable and flammable liquids in
external fixed tanks(ref.16).
5.2 Flammable degreasing solvents should be replaced by
non-flammabletypeswherepossible.
5.3 Whereindicatedbythefireriskassessment,consideration
should be given to providing local extraction at grinding
andbuffingmachinestoremovecombustibledustthatis
generated.
5.4 A high standard of housekeeping should be maintained
withparticularattentiontoareaswherecombustiblewaste
canaccumulate,suchasundertanksandduck-boards.
6 7
5.5 Where parts of the premises have been assessed in
accordance with BS EN 60079-10-1 (ref. 7), suitable
hazardzoneplansshouldbeavailableanddisplayed.
5.6 Where plastic tanks and ducting are to be used,
considerationshouldbegiven,wherepracticable, to the
following:
5.6.1 Constructingtanksfromfire-retardantpolypropylene.
5.6.2 Using fire-retardant fibreglass resin for fume extraction
ductingwheremetalisnotsuitable.
5.6.3 Fitting fire-break dampers in the main fume extraction
ducting.
5.7 Tanksshouldbeclearlylabelledforidentificationpurposes
bythefirebrigadewhenattendinganincident.
5.8 In areas where hydrogen may be produced during
the plating process ventilation should be provided in
accordance with the findings of the risk assessment.
Inletsshouldbeprovidedata low levelwithexhaustsat
thehighestpointoftheroominthesameelevationofthe
exteriorwallorroof.
8 9
Ye
sN
oN
/AA
cti
on r
equir
ed
Due d
ate
Sig
n
on c
om
ple
tion
6.1
Co
nstr
uctio
n/lo
catio
n (s
ectio
n 1)
6.1.
1A
ree
lect
ropl
atin
gop
erat
ions
loca
ted
ina
sep
arat
ebu
ildin
g,a
way
from
oth
er
proc
esse
s?(1
.1)
6.1.
2If
the
answ
erto
6.1
.1is
‘no’
,are
the
elec
trop
latin
gpr
oces
sse
para
ted
from
oth
er
impo
rtan
tor
busi
ness
crit
ical
are
asb
y60
-min
ute,
fire
-res
ista
ntc
onst
ruct
ion?
(1.2
)
6.1.
3A
rea
nyo
peni
ngs
arou
nds
ervi
cep
enet
ratio
nsin
the
fire-
rate
dco
nstr
uctio
nfir
e-st
oppe
dw
itha
sui
tabl
epr
oprie
tary
mat
eria
laffo
rdin
ga
min
imum
of6
0-m
inut
es’
fire
resi
stan
ce?
(1.3
)
6.1.
4A
rec
onta
inm
enta
ndd
rain
age
prov
isio
nsp
rovi
ded
for
area
sco
ntai
ning
tank
s?(1
.4)
6.1.
5A
red
rain
age
syst
ems
desi
gned
toa
void
the
mix
ing
ofin
com
patib
lem
ater
ials
?(1
.5)
6.1.
6A
ret
oxic
sol
utio
nsr
etai
ned
ons
itefo
rsa
fed
ispo
salb
ya
licen
sed
cont
ract
orr
athe
rth
anb
eing
rele
ased
into
gro
undw
ater
dra
ins?
(1.6
)
6.1.
7A
refu
me
and/
ors
mok
eex
trac
tion
faci
litie
spr
ovid
edin
depe
nden
tlyo
fser
vice
sfro
m
othe
rpl
anta
reas
?(1
.7)
6.2
Pro
cess
hea
ting
and
ele
ctri
cal i
nsta
llatio
ns (s
ectio
n 2)
6.2.
1A
rea
llel
ectr
ical
inst
alla
tions
and
equ
ipm
enti
nsta
lled
byc
ompe
tent
ele
ctric
ians
in
acc
orda
nce
with
BS
767
1,w
ithin
stal
latio
nsb
eing
bot
hm
oist
ure
and
chem
ical
re
sist
ant?
(2.1
)
6.2.
2A
rea
llel
ectr
ical
inst
alla
tions
and
equ
ipm
entr
egul
arly
insp
ecte
dan
dte
sted
in
acco
rdan
cew
ithB
S7
671,
or
mor
efre
quen
tlyth
anre
quire
dby
this
sta
ndar
dw
hen
dete
rmin
edb
ya
risk
asse
ssm
ent?
(2.2
)
6.2.
3Is
all
switc
hgea
ran
dco
ntro
lequ
ipm
enti
nsta
lled
ina
man
ner
that
will
prov
ide
adeq
uate
pro
tect
ion
from
phy
sica
ldam
age
asw
ella
sfro
mh
arsh
env
ironm
enta
lco
nditi
ons?
(2.3
)
6.2.
4Is
infra
red
scan
ning
(the
rmog
raph
y)o
fele
ctric
alin
stal
latio
nsa
nde
quip
men
tun
dert
aken
atr
egul
arin
terv
als?
(2.4
)
6.2.
5H
ave
area
sin
whi
chfl
amm
able
vap
ours
or
gase
sm
ayb
epr
esen
tbee
nas
sess
ed
ina
ccor
danc
ew
ithB
SE
N6
0079
-10
toe
nsur
eth
ate
lect
rical
equ
ipm
entp
rovi
ded
iss
uita
ble
for
use
inth
ezo
ne?
(2.5
)
6.2.
6H
ave
elec
tric
imm
ersi
onh
eate
rsb
een
repl
aced
whe
reve
rpo
ssib
lew
itho
ther
form
sof
hea
ting,
suc
has
ste
amu
sing
hea
texc
hang
ers?
(2.6
)
6.
Che
cklis
t
8 9
Yes
No
N/A
Acti
on r
equir
ed
Due d
ate
Sig
n
on c
om
ple
tion
6.2.
7W
here
hea
ting
units
are
inst
alle
din
pla
stic
tank
sor
pla
stic
-line
dta
nks,
has
the
heat
era
dequ
ate
stre
ngth
tow
ithst
and
norm
alh
andl
ing,
inst
alla
tion
and
use
durin
gse
rvic
e?(2
.7.1
)
6.2.
8W
here
hea
ting
units
are
inst
alle
din
pla
stic
tank
sor
pla
stic
-line
dta
nks,
doe
sth
eco
nstr
uctio
nin
clud
em
eans
by
whi
chth
ehe
ater
can
be
secu
rely
and
saf
ely
atta
ched
toth
eta
nko
rot
her
stru
ctur
e?(2
.7.2
)
6.2.
9Is
the
oute
rsh
eath
ing
mat
eria
loft
heh
eate
rco
mpa
tible
with
the
liqui
din
whi
chit
is
tob
eim
mer
sed?
(2.8
)
6.2.
10H
ave
the
heat
ing
units
bee
nin
stal
led
ina
ccor
danc
ew
ithth
em
anuf
actu
rer’s
re
com
men
datio
nsto
ens
ure
suffi
cien
tcle
aran
cefr
omth
esi
des
and
base
oft
he
tank
?(2
.9)
6.2.
11H
ave
heat
ing
units
inp
last
icta
nks
been
des
igne
dfo
rel
ectr
opla
ting
proc
ess
use,
ar
eth
eyfi
tfor
pur
pose
and
do
they
car
rya
reco
gnis
eds
tand
ards
mar
k?(2
.10)
6.2.
12H
ave
high
liqu
idle
vels
enso
rsb
een
fitte
dto
isol
ate
the
flow
ofp
rodu
cta
ndp
reve
nt
over
fillin
gw
here
tank
sar
efil
led
from
bul
ksu
pplie
s?(2
.11)
6.2.
13Is
eac
hhe
atin
gun
itfit
ted
with
an
over
-tem
pera
ture
sen
sor
and
cuto
ut?
(Ifn
ot
anin
tegr
alp
arto
fthe
hea
ting
unit,
isth
elo
catio
nof
the
sens
ord
eter
min
edin
co
njun
ctio
nw
ithth
em
anuf
actu
rer?
)(2.
12)
6.2.
14A
rea
llhi
ghli
quid
leve
land
hig
hte
mpe
ratu
res
afet
yde
vice
sca
pabl
eof
ope
ratin
gin
depe
nden
tlyo
fthe
pro
cess
con
trol
s?(2
.13)
6.2.
15A
rec
ut-o
utd
evic
esp
rovi
ded
tois
olat
ehe
atin
gun
itsif
pro
cess
pum
psa
re
deac
tivat
edo
rfa
il,o
rw
hen
the
flow
ofl
iqui
dis
inte
rrup
ted?
(2.1
4)
6.2.
16A
reh
igh
leve
ltem
pera
ture
sen
sors
pro
vide
dto
isol
ate
the
pow
ers
uppl
yan
dso
und
ana
larm
ifth
ete
mpe
ratu
reo
fthe
liqu
idre
ache
s14
°Ca
bove
the
norm
alp
roce
ss
tem
pera
ture
oft
heli
quid
?A
reth
ese
ona
man
ualr
eset
?(2
.15)
6.2.
17A
reh
eatin
gun
itsp
rote
cted
from
mec
hani
cald
amag
e?(2
.16)
6.2.
18W
hen
tank
sar
eto
be
drai
ned,
are
hea
ters
turn
edo
ffbe
fore
dra
inin
gco
mm
ence
san
don
lyre
inst
ated
onc
eth
eliq
uid
leve
lhas
bee
nre
stor
ed?
(2.1
7)
6.2.
19A
reL
PG
and
oth
erin
dust
rialg
ases
inc
ylin
ders
sto
red,
use
dan
dha
ndle
din
ac
cord
ance
with
the
reco
mm
enda
tions
set
out
inR
C8?
(2.1
8)
10 11
Yes
No
N/A
Acti
on r
equir
ed
Due d
ate
Sig
n
on c
om
ple
tion
6.2.
20W
here
pra
ctic
alc
onsi
dera
tions
requ
ireth
ate
lect
ricim
mer
sion
hea
ters
are
reta
ined
,ar
em
etal
she
athe
dhe
atin
gel
emen
tsc
onne
cted
toa
term
inal
or
eart
hw
ireo
fsu
ffici
ents
ize
toc
arry
any
faul
tcur
rent
?(2
.19.
1)
6.2.
21W
here
pra
ctic
alc
onsi
dera
tions
requ
ireth
ate
lect
ricim
mer
sion
hea
ters
are
reta
ined
,is
are
sidu
alc
urre
ntd
evic
ew
itha
trip
ping
cur
rent
of3
0mA
and
man
ufac
ture
dto
B
SE
N6
1557
inco
rpor
ated
into
the
pow
ers
uppl
yto
the
heat
er?
(2.1
9.2)
6.2.
22W
here
pra
ctic
alc
onsi
dera
tions
req
uire
tha
tel
ectr
icim
mer
sion
hea
ters
are
ret
aine
d,
does
eac
hhe
atin
gin
stal
latio
nha
vea
war
ning
ligh
t,cl
early
vis
ible
from
the
oper
atin
gpo
sitio
nat
the
tank
,to
indi
cate
whe
nth
ehe
ater
sar
een
ergi
sed?
(2.1
9.3)
6.2.
23W
here
pra
ctic
alc
onsi
dera
tions
req
uire
tha
tel
ectr
icim
mer
sion
hea
ters
are
ret
aine
d,
does
eac
hin
stal
latio
nha
vea
man
ually
res
etta
ble
isol
atin
gsw
itch
that
is
clea
rly
iden
tified
and
read
ilya
cces
sibl
efro
mth
eop
erat
ing
posi
tion
atth
eta
nk?
(2.1
9.4)
6.2.
24W
here
pra
ctic
alc
onsi
dera
tions
req
uire
tha
tel
ectr
icim
mer
sion
hea
ters
are
ret
aine
d,
are
guar
dsf
orq
uart
z-o
rP
TFE
-she
athe
dhe
ater
sav
aila
ble
top
rovi
dea
dequ
ate
prot
ectio
nfro
mp
hysi
cald
amag
e?(2
.19.
5)
6.2.
25W
here
pra
ctic
alc
onsi
dera
tions
req
uire
tha
tel
ectr
icim
mer
sion
hea
ters
are
ret
aine
d,
iss
ome
met
hod
ofp
rovi
ding
an
eart
hco
nnec
tion
for
quar
tz-
orP
TFE
-she
athe
dhe
ater
spr
ovid
eda
ndc
onne
cted
toa
nef
ficie
nte
lect
rical
ear
th?
(2.1
9.6)
6.2.
26W
here
pra
ctic
alc
onsi
dera
tions
req
uire
tha
tel
ectr
icim
mer
sion
hea
ters
are
ret
aine
d,
isa
the
rmos
tatic
dev
ice
for
cont
rollin
gth
ete
mpe
ratu
reo
fth
epr
oces
sliq
uid
inco
rpor
ated
into
the
pow
ers
uppl
ysy
stem
?If
the
heat
ers
heat
hha
sa
max
imum
te
mpe
ratu
rer
atin
g,h
asa
con
trol
bee
nfit
ted
toe
nsur
eth
att
his
tem
pera
ture
isn
ot
exce
eded
?(2
.19.
7)
6.2.
27W
here
pra
ctic
alc
onsi
dera
tions
req
uire
tha
tel
ectr
icim
mer
sion
hea
ters
are
ret
aine
d,
are
low
liqui
dle
vels
enso
rsp
rovi
ded
tois
olat
eth
eel
ectr
ical
sup
ply
toth
ehe
ater
san
dpr
ovid
ea
visu
ala
nda
udib
lea
larm
ift
hele
veld
rops
to
ade
fined
ext
ent?
(Are
suc
hse
nsor
spr
ovid
ede
ven
ifde
vice
sar
ein
stal
led
that
are
des
igne
dto
aut
omat
ical
ly
mai
ntai
nth
ele
vel
oft
hel
iqui
din
the
eve
nto
fun
cont
rolle
dev
apor
atio
nor
tan
kle
akag
e?)(
2.19
.8)
6.2.
28W
here
pra
ctic
alc
onsi
dera
tions
req
uire
tha
tel
ectr
icim
mer
sion
hea
ters
are
ret
aine
d,
are
adeq
uate
mea
nsp
rovi
ded
for
mak
ing
and
prot
ectin
gel
ectr
icc
able
con
nect
ions
to
the
elem
enta
nde
arth
term
inal
s?(2
.19.
9)
6.2.
29W
here
pra
ctic
alc
onsi
dera
tions
req
uire
tha
tel
ectr
icim
mer
sion
hea
ters
are
ret
aine
d,
are
the
pow
err
atin
g(k
W)
and
surfa
cep
ower
den
sity
(W
/cm
2 )ap
prop
riate
for
the
vo
lum
eof
the
liqui
dbe
ing
heat
ed?
(2.1
9.10
)
10 11
Yes
No
N/A
Acti
on r
equir
ed
Due d
ate
Sig
n
on c
om
ple
tion
6.2.
30W
here
pra
ctic
alc
onsi
dera
tions
req
uire
tha
tel
ectr
icim
mer
sion
hea
ters
are
ret
aine
d,
are
imm
ersi
onh
eate
rsin
stal
led
soa
sto
be
clea
rof
any
slu
dge
build
up
ina
tan
k?
(2.1
9.11
)
6.2.
31W
here
pra
ctic
alc
onsi
dera
tions
req
uire
tha
tel
ectr
icim
mer
sion
hea
ters
are
ret
aine
d,
are
encl
osur
eso
fnon
-com
bust
ible
con
stru
ctio
npr
ovid
edfo
rem
bedd
edo
rbo
nded
he
ater
s?(2
.19.
12)
6.3
Fire
pro
tect
ion
(sec
tion
3)
6.3.
1A
rea
sui
tabl
enu
mbe
rof
app
ropr
iate
por
tabl
efir
eex
tingu
ishe
rs,
appr
oved
and
ce
rtifi
cate
dby
an
inde
pend
ent,
UK
AS
-acc
redi
ted
third
par
tyc
ertifi
catio
nbo
dy,
prov
ided
for
use
bytr
aine
dst
affi
nac
cord
ance
with
BS
530
6-8?
(3.1
)
6.3.
2A
reth
eex
tingu
ishe
rsm
aint
aine
dby
ac
ompe
tent
eng
inee
rin
acc
orda
nce
with
B
S5
306-
3?(3
.2)
6.3.
3Is
as
uita
ble
man
ualfi
rea
larm
sys
tem
pro
vide
din
acc
orda
nce
with
BS
583
9-1
with
the
leve
lofp
rovi
sion
ofa
utom
atic
fire
det
ectio
nde
term
ined
by
the
fire
risk
asse
ssm
ent?
And
has
the
inst
alla
tion
been
des
igne
d,in
stal
led,
com
mis
sion
eda
nd
mai
ntai
ned
bya
nen
gine
erw
itha
ccre
dita
tion
bya
nin
depe
nden
t,U
KA
S-a
ccre
dite
dth
irdp
arty
cer
tifica
tion
body
?(3
.3)
6.3.
4W
here
pla
stic
tank
s,p
last
ic-li
ned
tank
sor
pla
stic
duc
tsa
rein
use
,has
afi
rer
isk
asse
ssm
entb
een
cond
ucte
dto
det
erm
ine
ifth
epr
ovis
ion
ofa
utom
atic
spr
inkl
ers
wou
ldb
ebe
nefic
ial?
(3.4
)
6.3.
5H
ave
any
sprin
kler
sys
tem
sin
stal
led,
sys
tem
ext
ensi
ons
orth
ese
para
tion
ofs
prin
kler
pro
tect
eda
ndn
on-s
prin
kler
pro
tect
eda
reas
bee
nca
rrie
dou
tin
acco
rdan
cew
ithth
est
anda
rdto
whi
chth
esy
stem
was
des
igne
dan
din
stal
led?
A
ren
ews
yste
ms
ina
ccor
danc
ew
ithth
ere
quire
men
tso
fthe
LP
C R
ules
fo
r A
uto
mat
ic S
pri
nkle
r In
stal
latio
ns in
corp
ora
ting
BS
EN
128
45?
(3.5
)
6.3.
6H
asth
eas
sess
men
tals
oco
nsid
ered
oth
erfo
rms
ofa
utom
atic
fire
sup
pres
sion
sy
stem
and
thei
rap
plic
atio
nto
spe
cific
pro
cess
eso
rite
ms
ofp
lant
?(3
.6)
6.3.
7A
rea
utom
atic
fire
sup
pres
sion
sys
tem
sm
aint
aine
din
acc
orda
nce
with
pub
lishe
dst
anda
rds
and
atle
astt
oth
em
anuf
actu
rer’s
requ
irem
ents
?(In
sure
rsn
orm
ally
re
com
men
dth
atc
ompa
nies
com
plet
ing
mai
nten
ance
–a
ndin
stal
latio
ns–
oft
hese
sy
stem
sbe
mem
bers
ofr
ecog
nise
dth
irdp
arty
cer
tifica
tion
sche
mes
.)(3
.7)
6.4
Fire
saf
ety
man
agem
ent
(sec
tion
4)
6.4.
1A
refi
rep
roce
dure
ssu
ited
toth
eha
zard
s,a
reth
eyin
pla
cea
ndre
hear
sed?
Do
they
co
ver
the
actio
nto
be
take
non
dis
cove
ring
afir
ean
dth
eac
tion
tob
eta
ken
on
hear
ing
the
alar
m?
(4.1
)
12 13
Yes
No
N/A
Acti
on r
equir
ed
Due d
ate
Sig
n
on c
om
ple
tion
6.4.
2W
hen
draf
ting
the
proc
edur
es,
are
the
pres
ence
of
flam
mab
leli
quid
s,e
xpos
ure
to
chem
ical
san
dpl
atin
gliq
uids
,and
the
poss
ibilit
yof
reac
tivity
ofs
olut
ions
with
wat
er
take
nin
toc
onsi
dera
tion?
(4.2
)
6.4.
3D
ost
aff
rece
ive
fire
safe
tyt
rain
ing
oni
nduc
tion
and
follo
w-u
ptr
aini
nga
tre
gula
rin
terv
als
asin
dica
ted
inth
efir
eris
kas
sess
men
tfor
the
prem
ises
?(4
.3)
6.4.
4D
ode
sign
ated
sta
ffre
ceiv
etr
aini
ngto
ens
ure
that
they
are
com
pete
ntto
con
duct
an
dre
cord
any
fire
saf
ety
insp
ectio
nsa
sin
dica
ted
inth
efir
eris
kas
sess
men
t?(4
.4)
6.4.
5Is
all
trai
ning
form
ally
reco
rded
?(4
.5)
6.4.
6Is
ther
ea
rout
ine
insp
ectio
nan
dm
aint
enan
cep
rogr
amm
efo
ral
lhea
ting
equi
pmen
tan
dta
nks
with
the
resu
ltsb
eing
impl
emen
ted
and
reco
rded
?(4
.6)
6.4.
7A
rev
isua
lins
pect
ions
ofa
llel
ectr
ical
com
pone
nts
and
safe
tyd
evic
esu
nder
take
non
aw
eekl
yba
sis?
(4.7
)
6.4.
8A
res
afet
yde
vice
sfo
rel
ectr
icim
mer
sion
hea
ters
test
edo
na
mon
thly
bas
is,
and
safe
tyd
evic
esfo
rot
her
type
sof
hea
ter
test
edo
na
quar
terly
bas
is?
(4.8
)
6.4.
9H
ave
the
fire
and
resc
ues
ervi
ceb
een
info
rmed
abo
utth
elo
catio
n,n
atur
ean
dqu
antit
ies
ofh
azar
dous
mat
eria
lss
tore
dan
dus
edo
nsi
te?
(4.9
)
6.4.
10H
asa
sec
ure
box
been
pro
vide
dne
arth
een
tran
cec
onta
inin
gpl
ans
ofth
esi
te,
show
ing
the
layo
ut,l
ocat
ion
and
quan
titie
sof
haz
ardo
uss
ubst
ance
sto
geth
erw
ith
the
loca
tion
ofh
ydra
nts
and
othe
rw
ater
sup
plie
s?(4
.9)
6.4.
11H
asa
des
igna
ted
mem
ber
ofs
taff
been
nom
inat
edto
mee
tthe
fire
and
resc
ue
serv
ice
upon
thei
rar
rival
inth
eev
ento
ffire
?(4
.10)
6.5
Gen
eral
rec
om
men
dat
ions
(sec
tion
5)
6.5.
1Is
the
use,
sto
rage
and
con
trol
offl
amm
able
liqu
ids
ina
ccor
danc
ew
ithth
eP
arts
1
and
2of
RC
20a
ndR
C57
?(5
.1)
6.5.
2H
ave
flam
mab
led
egre
asin
gso
lven
tsb
een
repl
aced
by
non-
flam
mab
lety
pes
whe
re
poss
ible
?(5
.2)
6.5.
3W
here
indi
cate
dby
the
fire
risk
asse
ssm
ent,
has
cons
ider
atio
nbe
eng
iven
to
prov
idin
glo
cale
xtra
ctio
nat
grin
ding
and
buf
fing
mac
hine
sto
rem
ove
com
bust
ible
du
st?
(5.3
)
6.5.
4Is
ah
igh
stan
dard
ofh
ouse
keep
ing
mai
ntai
ned
with
par
ticul
ara
tten
tion
toa
reas
w
here
com
bust
ible
was
tec
ana
ccum
ulat
esu
cha
sun
der
tank
san
ddu
ck-b
oard
s?
(5.4
)
12 13
Yes
No
N/A
Acti
on r
equir
ed
Due d
ate
Sig
n
on c
om
ple
tion
6.5.
5W
here
par
tso
fthe
pre
mis
esh
ave
been
ass
esse
din
acc
orda
nce
with
B
SE
N6
0079
-10,
are
sui
tabl
eha
zard
zon
epl
ans
avai
labl
ean
ddi
spla
yed?
(5.5
)
6.5.
6W
here
pla
stic
tank
san
ddu
ctin
gar
eto
be
used
,are
tank
sco
nstr
ucte
dfro
mfi
re
reta
rdan
tpol
ypro
pyle
ne?
(5.6
.1)
6.5.
7W
here
pla
stic
tank
san
ddu
ctin
gar
eto
be
empl
oyed
,is
fire-
reta
rdan
tfibr
egla
ss
resi
nus
edfo
rfu
me
extr
actio
ndu
ctin
gw
here
met
alis
not
sui
tabl
e?(5
.6.2
)
6.5.
8W
here
pla
stic
tank
san
ddu
ctin
gar
eto
be
used
,are
fire
-bre
akd
ampe
rsin
stal
led
in
the
mai
nfu
me
extr
actio
ndu
ctin
g?(5
.6.3
)
6.5.
9A
reta
nks
clea
rlyla
belle
dfo
rid
entifi
catio
npu
rpos
esb
yth
efir
ebr
igad
ew
hen
atte
ndin
gan
inci
dent
?(5
.7)
6.5.
10In
are
asw
here
hyd
roge
nm
ayb
epr
oduc
edd
urin
gth
epl
atin
gpr
oces
s,h
as
vent
ilatio
nbe
enp
rovi
ded
ina
ccor
danc
ew
ithth
efin
ding
sof
the
risk
asse
ssm
ent?
(5
.8)
14 15
REFERENCES
1. TheRegulatoryReform(FireSafety)Order2005,SI2005
No.1541.www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/uksi_20051541_en.pdf
2. The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, asp 5. www.opsi.gov.uk/
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3. FireSafety(Scotland)Regulations2006,ScottishSI2006
No 456. www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/ssi2006/
ssi_20060456_en.pdf
4. FireandRescueServices (Northern Ireland)Order2006,
SI 2006 No 1254 (NI9). www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2006/
uksi_20061254_en.pdf
5. Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres
Regulations2002(DSEAR),SI2002No.2776.www.opsi.
gov.uk/si/si2002/uksi_20022776_en.pdf
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IEE Wiring Regulations. Seventeenth edition, British
Standards Institution.www.bsi-global.com/en/Standards-
and-Publications
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Classification of areas. Explosive gas atmospheres,
British Standards Institution. www.bsi-global.com/en/
Standards-and-Publications
8. RC8 Recommendations for the storage, use and
handling of common industrial gases in cylinders
including LPG.www.thefpa.co.uk
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systems up to 1000V ac and 1500V dc. Equipment
for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective
measures. Various parts. British Standards Institution.
www.bsi-global.com/en/Standards-and-publications
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equipment on premises. Selection and installation of
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Standards Institution.www.bsi-global.com/en/Standards-
and-publications
11. BS 5306-3: 2009: Fire extinguishing installations
and equipment on premises. Commissioning and
maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. Code of
practice, British Standards Institution. www.bsi-global.
com/en/Standards-and-Publications
12. BS5839-1:2002+A2:2008:Fire detection and alarm
systems for buildings. Code of practice for system
design, installation, commissioning and maintenance,
British Standards Institution. www.bsi-global.com/en/
Standards-and-Publications
13. LPC Rules for automatic sprinkler installations 2009
incorporating BS EN 12845,FireProtectionAssociation.
www.thefpa.co.uk
14. RC20:Recommendations for fire safety in the storage
and use of highly flammable and flammable liquids:
Part 1: General principles, 2006, Fire Protection
Association.www.thefpa.co.uk
15. RC20:Recommendations for fire safety in the storage
and use of highly flammable and flammable liquids:
Part 2: Storage in drums, cans and other containers
other than external fixed tanks, 2007, Fire Protection
Association.www.thefpa.co.uk
16. RC 57: Storage and use of highly flammable and
flammable liquids in external fixed tanks, 2009, Fire
ProtectionAssociation.www.thefpa.co.uk
14 15
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