Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, Seventh Ed.© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

INTRODUCTION TO FIRE PREVENTIONSeventh Edition • James C. Robertson

Chapter 8

Instilling Positive Fire Reaction

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Overview

• Human element• Human characteristics• Environment• Mental status

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Individual Decisions

• Flashover• Margin of safety• Ability to extinguish• Closed doors

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Time versus Products of Combustion chart points out the need for prompt alarm and control action in the event of fire. (Source: Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, Illinois Fire Inspectors Association, and Northern Illinois Fire Inspectors Association)

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Reaction to fire was measured by a survey. Generally, men were found to try to fight the fire, whereas women alerted others and evacuated. (Source: Society of Fire Protection Engineers)

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Fire Reporting

• 911• Enhanced 911• Cellular calls and 911

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Home Fire Drills

• E.D.I.T.H.• Stop, Drop, and Roll

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

School Fire Drills

• Most widespread program to condition public fire reaction– Frequency– Evacuation– Hidden benefits

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Institutional Fire Drills

• Staff is trained to evacuate and take basic fire action– Nonambulatory– Defend in place– Individual abilities

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Industrial Fire Drills

• May be responsible for obtaining and operating extinguishing equipment and calling fire department– Location of exits– Location of alarm stations– Procedures

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Fire Extinguishers

• Training• Types• Locations

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Multifamily Residential Occupancies

• Fire alarms• Fire extinguishers• Fire drills

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Panic

• Defined—sudden, unreasoning, hysterical fear

• Existence of real or imagined danger• Psychological factors

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Counteracting Panic

• Uniformed personnel– Symbol of authority

• Occupancy signs• Emergency lighting• Exit signs

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

• Maintenance of exits• Public address systems• Advance notice

Counteracting Panic

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Fire Brigades

• Familiar with location– Knowledge of the plant– Members should be from all areas of plant

• Roles– Turn in alarm– Operate extinguishers and hoselines

• Drills– Emergency action plan should be posted

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Fire Safety Manuals

• Basis for fire drills• Tailored to occupancy• Comprehensive

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Elevator Fire Safety

• Danger of use• Warning signs• Doors opening on fire floor

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Fire Reaction Safeguards

• Housing for older adults– Interlocked chain of life safety

• Prevention• Detection• Alarm• Escape or refuge• Confinement• Control• Extinguishment

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

• Special occupancies• High-rise structures

Fire Reaction Safeguards

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Special Occupancies

• Hotel occupancies– Changing concept of residential treatment– Reaction may change materially

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

High Rises

• Difficult for evacuation– Elevator use a major problem– Location of stairs may be unknown to

some• Voice communication may aid • Sprinklers• Lighting

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Terrorism

• NIST recommendations– Additional exit stairway for buildings more

than 420 feet– One fire service elevator for buildings more

than 120 feet– Luminous markings– Limiting length of horizontal transfer– Increasing remoteness– Enhancing survivability of stair enclosures

Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

Summary

• Public responsibilities• Practice• Fire department interaction