The Need For Fire Extinguishers & Rack Hose Regardless of Code Requirements

Transcription

1 The Need For Fire Extinguishers & Rack Hose Regardless of Code Requirements It Just Makes Good Sense! 1

2 Presentation By: 2

3 FEMA Mission Statement To provide the world with top-quality fire equipment and to educate others about the importance of balanced fire protection, which focuses on the premise that safety to life does not depend solely on any single safeguard. 3

4 FEMA Members International Association representing fire equipment manufacturers. Members include: (23 in all) Amerex Corp. - Job BMBH American Pacific Corp. - Kidde de Mexico S.A. de C.V. Ansul Inc. (Tyco Safety Products) - Kidde Fire Fighting Badger Fire Equip. - Kidde Fire Systems Brooks Equipment - Larsen s Manufacturing Buckeye Fire Equipment - Luxfer Gas Cylinder DuPont - Manchester Tank Elkhart Brass - Mercedes Textiles Fire-End & Croker Corp. - North American Fire Hose Getz Manufacturing - Potter Roemer Globe Technologies - Seal Seat JL Industries 4

5 Today s Agenda The Fire Problem State Code Adoptions NFIRS Stats Extinguisher Exemptions Opposition to Extinguishers Extinguisher Facts Opposition to Rack Hose Rack Hose Facts Conclusion Q & A 5

6 The Fire Problem the annual loss $ s from floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters combined in the United States average just a fraction of that caused from fires. *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center Fire in the United States th Edition October

7 National Statistics Arson has always been the leading cause of all non-residential structure fires and dollar loss. In fact, arson property losses are twice those of the next leading cause category, and represent 30% of all property losses. * *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center Fire in the United States th Edition October

8 National Statistics An enormous number of fires are not reported to the fire service at all. Most are small fires in the home or industry which go out by themselves or are extinguished by the occupant. The latest study is a 1984 report by CPSC * *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center Fire in the United States th Edition October

9 National Statistics - CPSC report estimated that for every fire reported, 9 went unreported. * *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center Fire in the United States th Edition October

10 State Code Adoption As the IFC is adopted by individual States, several are opting to NOT adopt the exception allowing a reduction of fire extinguishers to hazardous areas only when quick response sprinklers are present. Nevada, Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, Connecticut, Ohio and Virginia all have adopted IFC excluding any exemptions for reduced fire extinguisher requirements or removal of the extinguishers. 10

11 State Code Adoptions Other non-ifc states, such as California Texas and Florida mandate fire extinguishers in all occupancies and do not allow for any exemptions. Up to 13 more states, as they review the most recently published IFC Code edition for adoption, are looking at removing the exemption regarding installation and any reduction in the number of fire extinguishers required. 11

12 Local Enforcement Even within states that have adopted the IFC and allow the exemption, many local Fire Officials, Inspectors, Insurance Underwriters, etc. have made the determination to require fire extinguishers in every occupancy. 12

13 NFIRS Stats NFIRS stats from provide statistical support of the effectiveness of fire extinguishers based on percentage of fires extinguished, average dollar loss per fire and number of deaths/injuries per 100 fires. NFIRS Stats after 1995 no longer tracked the method of extinguishment. Much is being coordinated in an effort to, once again, have NFIRS track the method of extinguishment. 13

14 Current NFIRS Stats Schools are exempt from installation of fire extinguishers based on code requirements in the IFC, NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000 except in hazardous locations Let s look at why this seems to be a problem 14

15 NFIRS Stats - Schools Incendiary/Suspicious fires were the cause of: 36.9% of Kindergarten/Elementary School Fires. * 48.3% of Middle, Junior or High School Fires. * *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 4 Issue

16 NFIRS Stats - Schools How does one define a hazardous area of a structure if hazardous materials are being brought in? 78% of all school fires occur during the school week. * 55% of all school fires occur during school hours. * *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 4 Issue

17 NFIRS Stats - Schools Life safety issues and evacuation concerns are present given the time that most fires are occurring. Statistics show that 1 out of 6 sprinkler systems fail to operate when fires were large enough to activate a sprinkler.* *White Paper was commissioned by the Alliance for Fire Safety: Written by William E. Koffel, P.E. of Koffel & Associates, Inc. 17

18 NFIRS Stats - Schools 75% of all Day Care fires are classified as starting from cooking operations. * Some locales and even states require a Class K extinguisher in every day care facility. *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 4 Issue

19 NFIRS Stats Restaurant Fires 35% of restaurant fires were extinguished by fire extinguishers. * 12% of fires were self extinguished. * *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 4 issue 3 October

20 NFIRS Stats Restaurant Fires 9 % were extinguished using makeshift aids. * 70% of restaurant fires were confined to the object where the fire originated. * 54% of fires took place in an area with no automatic fire extinguishing system. * *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 4 issue 3 October

21 Restaurant stats Restaurant Structure Fires by Time of Day: The daily peak is between 9 and 10 a.m. * Cooking fires ramp up along with small increases in heating and other fires. * Cooking fires peaked in the 10 a.m. hour, indicating that many cooking fires may be associated with prep work before lunch. * *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 4 issue 3 October

22 Restaurant Stats Of the cooking fires that occurred: Grease and cooking oil was the material ignited in 66% of the cooking fires. * 31% of the cooking fires involved fryers. * *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 4 issue 3 October

23 Restaurant Stats Of the cooking fires that occurred: 18% involved ranges. * 11% involved grills. * Electrical wiring was the second most frequent item first ignited (8%) in restaurant fires. * *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 4 issue 3 October

24 NFPA 101 Exemptions to Extinguishers* Occupancies that do not require extinguishers: New and existing Educational Day Care Industrial and Storage *Source: NFPA 101, 2006 edition, effective August 18 th,

25 NFPA 101 Exemptions to Extinguishers* If Quick Response Sprinklers are in place extinguishers only required in hazardous areas: New Hotel and Dormitory Existing Hotel and Dormitory New Apartment Existing Apartment Existing Residential Board and Care *Source: NFPA 101, 2006 edition, effective August 18 th,

26 Let s Look at Common Opposition to Extinguishers 26

27 Common Opposition to Extinguishers There is no training available Evacuation is the only safe answer Our F.D. response time is fast enough 27

28 Opposition to Extinguishers Use of extinguisher will only delay an alarm The sprinklers will handle the problem Installation and maintenance is expensive 28

29 Some Logical Responses 29

30 There is no training available Free, online training is available though Online Google Search reveals 1,230,000 training sites available. Additionally, for specialized and more in depth training, NAFED members provide a variety of training options. 30

31 Evacuation is the only safe answer Evacuation should be performed in any fire situation. All fire extinguisher training classes teach the need for evacuation. 31

32 Evacuation is the only safe answer Statistically, evacuation is a function of human behavior, which cannot be legislated or controlled by statute or code. Primal fight or flight responses take over. People will use make shift methods in an attempt to control a fire. 32

33 Evacuation is the only safe answer Studies conducted in evacuations reveal that we do not perform this function well. Earlier NFIRS statistics point to fire extinguishers and make-shift means as the leading means of extinguishment in nearly all occupancy classifications. Fire Extinguishers have often been employed to gain a means to evacuate or rescue. 33

34 Our F.D. response time is fast enough Response time must be clearly and honestly defined. How is the response time of a paid department compared with a volunteer department (estimated at 15 minutes to muster)? Over 70% of U.S. Fire Department's are volunteer. Additionally, 17 % are mostly volunteer.* *(NFPA) U.S. Fire Department Profile Through 2003) 34

35 Our F.D. response time is fast enough Most departments have an excellent response record, however Recent news articles sighted response as long as 20 min. How will the response time be affected by a flood, blizzard, tornado, road construction, traffic, etc... 35

36 Use of an extinguisher will only delay an alarm How will response time be affected by simultaneous industrial fires, chemical spill/leak, train derailment, terror attack/threat. All correct fire extinguisher training includes emphasis on turning in an alarm, regardless of the outcome of using an extinguisher. 36

37 Use of an extinguisher will only delay an alarm While extinguishers have been proven to be successful in extinguishing fires in their initial stages, they have also been proven to be successful in controlling fires while waiting for the Fire Department to respond. Fire Departments carry extinguishers in their response vehicles and fire trucks to be used as a first line of defense. 37

38 Let s Look at Common Opposition to Rack Hose 38

39 Common Opposition to Interior Rack Hose The occupants should be evacuating They will delay evacuation There is no training available The Fire Department doesn t use them They re not maintained The pressure is too great They are difficult to handle The hose deteriorates too quickly 39

40 Some Logical Responses 40

41 The occupants should be evacuating As with fire extinguishers, evacuation is essential where and whenever possible. Occupant-use fire hose may provide a means of escape or rescue Rack Hose can help to control a fire while waiting for the fire department to arrive No Code, Statute or Standard can control human behavior during an emergency Providing fire fighting tools makes good sense! 41

42 Occupant Hose will delay evacuation Evacuation is always first step in the chain of survival Immediate notification of Fire Depart is essential Fire Fighting should only be conducted if safe to do so Always assure you have evacuation route 42

43 There is no training available Training is immediately available to anyone with access to the web by visiting Additional and specialized training is available through NAFED member companies or hose manufacturers 43

44 The Fire Department doesn t use them The purpose of the rack hose is for OCCUPANT use Some fire departments do intend to use occupant use stations even if only as a back up to aggressive interior attack tactics Media Reports from the World Trade Disaster stated occupant hose was used 44

45 They re not maintained Maintenance requirements do exist and can be found in NFPA 25 and NFPA 1962 Additionally, FEMA has available in printed form Rack and Reel Fire Hose Insure Dependability and Fire Hose Rack Inspection Guidelines In video form Fire Hose Stations and Service Testing of Rack and Reel Fire Hose 45

46 The pressure is too great Specific design requirements in NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, keep the pressure requirements around 100 PSI Pressure reducing valves are used in situations where higher pressures exist to reduce the pressure at the hose rack to 100 PSI even under various flow and pressure fluctuations 46

47 They are difficult to handle Modern hose racks use an adjustable fog nozzle instead of a straight stream greatly increasing the ease of use Empirical studies using novice operators have been performed on rack hose lines proving they are safe and easy use. 47

48 The hose deteriorates too quickly Older hose construction prior to 1972 did tend to deteriorate rapidly however, modern hose design and construction is of superior materials When compared with other types of hoses, Rack Hose has a proven record of durability and dependability 48

49 Fire extinguishers and rack hose a complimentary relationship NFPA allows for one half of the require Class A extinguishers to be replaced with 1 ½ hose stations conforming to NFPA 14 Rack Hose Stations satisfy the requirements of OSHA and the Codes 49

50 Sprinkler Hype! 50

51 Sprinklers will handle the problem Sprinkler systems are an important, proven component of a balanced fire protection plan, However fire extinguishers are intended for a fire in the incipient stage. Sprinklers systems are often designed at the time of building construction to handle hazards represented by the original, intended use of the occupancy. 51

52 Sprinklers will handle the problem Sprinklers like any other mechanical system must be maintained and tested periodically in accordance with both local and national standards to confirm their operational status. The true nature of hazards that are found in apartments, public assemblies, schools and other occupancies may change on a frequent basis. 52

53 Sprinklers will handle the problem They cannot be designed for every possible situation over the lifetime of the building. Inspection and maintenance of sprinkler systems are essential to minimizing losses. Statistics state that 1 out of 6 sprinkler systems failed to operate when called upon during a fire.* *White Paper was commissioned by the Alliance for Fire Safety: Written by William E. Koffel, P.E. of Koffel & Associates, Inc. 53

54 Sprinklers will handle the problem Many officials consider sprinkler systems to have an unlimited supply of water this is not always the case! With increasing development and demands being put on municipal water supplies is available pressure 24/7? in available flow 24/7? 54

55 Sprinklers will handle the problem As with Fire Department response, what is the status of available water during: A local main break A natural disaster Concurring fire suppression activities in vicinity A unchecked open hydrant 55

56 Sprinklers will handle the problem Average loss per fire: Sprinklers present and operated: $38,000 * Sprinklers present did not operate:$104,000 * No sprinklers present:$22,000 * Sprinklers present fire too small: $2,000 * *Source: U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center, Publication Fire In The United States summary of the 12 th edition

57 Installation & Maintenance Is Expensive Cost of extinguisher less than.01 cent a square foot. If maintenance included, cost is less than.02 cents a square foot over life of extinguisher. Life expectancy is similar to what you expect with a boiler or a new roof! 57

58 Portable Facts! 58

59 Portable Fire Extinguishers The Facts: 94 % of the time a portable fire extinguisher is used, it puts out the fire -- typically within the initial 2 minutes When fires are extinguished in the early stages: Loss of life is minimal. 93 % of all fire-related deaths occur once the fire has progressed beyond the early stages. Direct property damage is minimal. 95 % of all direct property damage occurs once the fire has progressed beyond the early stages.

60 Portable Fire Extinguishers The Benefits: Portable fire extinguishers are effective. Minimize deaths, injuries, and property damage Portable fire extinguishers are cost effective. Costs $.01 per square foot in regulated occupancies Portable fire extinguishers operate quickly. May take as few as 15 seconds to discharge Portable fire extinguishers are safe to use. 25 % increase in likelihood of injury when using makeshift methods

61 Conclusion Fire Extinguishers & Rack Hose solves many problems: Give safe alternatives to makeshift means during primal response situations. Are versatile enough to handle unforeseen problems and scenarios. 61

62 Conclusion Fire Extinguishers, Occupant Hose and other Special Application Systems solve many problems: Can control or even extinguish a fire while waiting for the Fire Department to respond. May be the only tools available during disasters. Proven success rate in keeping injuries, death and property loss at a minimum. 62

63 Conclusion Fire Extinguishers, Occupant Hose and other Special Application Systems are a critical First Line of Defense in a TOTAL fire protection plan. As industry professionals, we have an obligation to recommend and provide, if possible, a TOTAL fire protection package. 63

64 The End 64