Different Roles of Fire Professionals and Their Importance to Fire Safety - Assignment Example

School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences Section A – Question 1: Different roles of fire professionals and their importance to fire safety One of the critical roles of fire professionals is that they are acquainted with relevant information and knowledge of dealing with fires and evacuations of individuals. As such, they have the role of responding to incidences and cases of fire with the needed accuracy. Recent studies by Blomqvist (2006) have supported this view arguing that fire professionals have the responsibility of ensuring that they have the duty of ensuring precautions are taken to prevent a fire. In addition to that the precautions that these professionals are tasked with should include aspects such as the installation of smoke alarm and general maintenance of fire related gargets at home or any other places. Contrariwise, it has to be noted that traditional roles of fire professionals have changed considerably owing to changes, demands and dynamics of fire engineering. These changes have made roles of these professionals to be people who should be able to design fire protection systems which typically have fire proof egress, finishes and furnishings and secondary fire detection and power supplies. The importance of this role is that it is essential in cases or structures where strict application of the code to resolve minor fire related issues could be required. As a matter of fact, it is from the collapse of the World Trade Center, in 2005 that fire engineers or all fire professionals are supposed to abide by the aforementioned roles (Morgan et al. 2009). It has to be established that before assessing the roles of fire professionals, it has to be understood that as professionals, they are, by experience and education, developed an understanding of fire science. As a matter of fact, this understanding can be seen in a variety of areas of fire protection such as water based suppression, fire alarm design, waterless suppression or areas like fire growth and development (commonly known as fire dynamics). In either case, it is from these parameters that one can argue that fire professionals have one critical role---using their knowledge as a basis for fire decisions relating to fire protection. What this point establishes is that fire professionals have the requisite education and experience to use the established code of practice as not only a benchmark but also in the process of evaluating a given structure or building and thus be able to establish the needed design parameters that will ultimately reduce chance of spread of fire. For instance, Fire Dynamics Simulator (2010) present the argument that it is within the discretion or roles of fire professionals to analyse a given issue and identify alternatives for the safety of occupants, consider the implications of the designs and controls made when it comes to user needs, cost, effectiveness and flexibility and basing on these aspects, make well informed recommendations. Arguing on its importance, when these roles are well executed, the importance will be threefold: First, these roles can help in the development of goals with understanding that designs made on buildings will be intended to limit threats that occupants may be faced with and for the public and emergency responders as well as reduction on potential property loss. It is apparent that in UK for instance, requirements for space separation between different buildings have been contained in standard United Kingdom guidance such as ADB, BS9999 or BR 187 therefore when fire professionals get informed about these roles then the first importance will be conceptualised. The second importance of fire professionals as underpinned on the above role is that they have the ability of interpreting a number of standards and codes regarding how the building as well as its components should function as an integrated fire and life safety system. The importance of this role in particular is that dwellers or structure owners will be informed regarding cost effective approach that can give provisions to safety from fire. The third importance of fire professionals as regard this case is that they are able to deal with the minimisation of the risk to the occupants in the process of evacuating them since it concerns the reduction of the danger to the occupants who might be victims of falling debris or as a consequence of the effect of the collapsing structure which also includes the minimisation or reduction of risks that fire fighters may be exposed to especially those engaged in the search or rescue operations. Still on roles of fire professionals, they have the responsibility of support and intervention. Expectation of any government of governmental body who have hired or employed fire professionals is to ensure that these individuals have proactive processes in place and such processes provide support and lead improvement. Within that context, improvement will be delivered through peer led responses as well as effective partnership working. Still on support and intervention, it is the responsibility of fire professionals to ensure that as part of their challenge and intelligence role, collaboratively work with other professionals such as architectures in the process of identifying at early stages, where there is likely to be serious fire related risks. The importance of this role is that it will help in the mitigation of escalation of fires that break especially in high profile buildings. On the other hand, when this role is well executed, scholars such as Moussa et al. (2001) have argued that it will help in the production of a set of fire control or protection strategies that will in turn anticipate the details of a fire break. Lastly, the role of fire professionals is to ensure that compartment is operated by a suitable fire detection system or smoke detector. In addition, building should not be less than 10m wide and such should be measured between the fascia or demise of the units, which will comply to boundary (space) separation. While this is another role of fire professionals, they should ensure that the linings within the building should have, in cases when it is ignited, a reasonable rate of heat release depending on the circumstances (as a matter of fact, this role is enshrined in Regulation B2 of Approved Document B). The importance of this role is that it makes it effective and possible to make calculation on the allowable proportion of the areas unprotected. Question 2: Discussion of “flame” and the different categories of flame Definition of flame is multifaceted in its approach and meaning. In most cases, flame is related to combustion and reports such as BS 9999 have indicated that flame is the substance produced when inflammable material undergoes combustion. Therefore in general term, flame is produced where there is burning of a material that in turn generates light or smoke or fire. On the other hand, aspects such as flame structure, flame propagation and flammability limit are critical in understanding different definitions of what constitute flame. While researching on flame propagation, Tuovinen (2004) define flame as a substance formed when materials that are combustible are made to produce vapour in the process of burning. While this definition is significant to fire engineers in attempts to understand spaces between buildings and treatment of the spaces around buildings, it also gives wider view regarding requirements for space separation between different buildings in accordance with different standards such as the ADB, BS9999 or BR 187 as practised in United Kingdom. Another approach of understanding the definition of a flame is from its area of origin and regions it covers. This approach has been given by Tuovinen (2004) when he argues that a flame is bound between the zone of ignition as well as a non-luminous gas zone. While a non-luminous flame would insinuate an area appearing just after the flame where the heat or temperature is reduced, the definition of flame in this perspective means that it is the substance formed where there is intimate contact of fuels with oxidants such as oxygen. Unlike the definition of flame, categories of flame are specific and with specific examples. The first category of flame is the diffusion flame. In this case, there is oxidising agent or element which when combined with combustible materials such as fuel; they diffuse into each other but at a very slow pace. It is from this definition that Tuovinen (2004) categorise luminous flames as those belonging to diffusion flames. Generally, it is due to this category of fires that revised section 5.46-5.53 of ADB posits that in case there is ductwork constructed to serve more than one section or part of a sub-divided escape route then there is need for a fire damper especially when the structure or the compartment enters each sections of escape route. This recommendation will help in controlling luminous flames. It is however important to note that this category of flame is common in structures or buildings with low supply of oxygen and hydrogen. Another category of flame is the premixed flame. As the name suggests, in this case, the oxidiser and the fuel are pre-mixed and the flame produced comes at a high temperature. The understanding of this flame is vital especially in the constructions of external elevations in order to reduce the spread of fire to other building adjacent to it. For fire controls and engineering, inflammable substances such as acetone dimethyl ether, biodiesel acetylene or butane should be kept away because they can propagate the spread of this category of flames. Question 3: The similarities and differences between fires and explosions Fires and explosions are two terms that are interlinked in the sense that a number of occasions fire occur after explosions. To this regard it is therefore necessary that fire professionals or individuals involved with fire safety as well as risk management have information of the distinguishing factors that separate the two and as such, the similarity between the two terms more so in relation to procedures and processes that involve dusts and gases. One distinct difference between fires and explosions is that explosions may be detonated while fires cannot be detonated. While this is the case, explosions may occur after one exposes compounds to either heat or shock and it is for this case that a fire can be started after it has been exposed to a heat source or sources of ignition. Secondly, explosives carry with them less potential energy compared with combustible hydrogen and again explosives unlike fire, can release energy at a higher rate than fires. The similarity between the two is that just like explosives, fire also need source of gas which is oxygen for them to be started. Secondly, fires and explosives sources of fuel depending on the place. Lastly, both fires and explosions have the ability of creating light and heat. Question 4: The different sources of ignition and common causes of fire Debate regarding sources of ignition and common causes of fire remains to be contentions and debatable among scholars. Point of controversy remains to be the degree in which these source and causes rate. However, there is consensus regarding what constitute ignition source as well as cause of fire. Accordingly the list below shows common sources of fire and ignition across different borders. Hot surface Friction spark Flame Electric faults Collision Arson Auto-ignition It has to be noted however that the severities of the above ignition sources as well as causes of fire have been documented differently. Before expounding on each source, this study has taken a case study as presented in the report by Fire Dynamics (2010) Simulator on the severity of different sources of ignition in United Kingdom. Figure 1: Sources of ignition in United Kingdom Source Fire Dynamics (2010) From figure one above, it is clear that the severity of these sources differ significantly with the report documenting that faulty electrical cables or electric faults being the highest sources of ignition or causes of fire and friction spark being the lowest. While this report is explicit in discussing these sources, there is more to do with causes of fire especially with the growing of technology. On the other hand, a research conducted by Fire Dynamics (2010) document sources of ignition as follows: Figure 2: sources of ignition and causes of fire Source: Fire Dynamics (2010) Based on figure two above, there is an indication that other than friction, the rate of other sources igniting a flammable atmosphere are distributed fairly in as much as electric faults and auto-ignition lead. Since the two researches have indicated that electricity and electric appliances accounts for the highest sources of ignition, fire professionals should use the findings above to be careful in the selection of electrical equipment necessary for a given building. Thus for cases where a flammable atmosphere could be foreseen to occur, the data as presented in figure 1 and 2 can be suitable when designing structures. On the other hand, friction as a source of fire or ignition is the situation where fires start or atmosphere get ignited when there is rubbing surfaces such as sudden brakes. The figures above indicate that friction sparks are the least sources of ignition and causes of fire according to report conducted in United Kingdom. Regarding others, hot surfaces and auto-ignition also stands to be other critical sources of ignition. To conceptualise this point, both flames and electrical equipment can be controlled by professionals but hot surfaces are perhaps more common due to the fact that there have high temperatures. In conclusion, there is need for controls when professionals are doing the installation of electrical equipment as well as the use of flames while hot surfaces as well as auto-ignition should be regarded as control and awareness is needed. Section B – 1. Convert the following temperatures into Kelvin: a) 0°C 0°C = 0+273 =273K b) -150°C Since -150°C = (-150+273) it means that =123K c) 640°C By adding 273 to the 640 it means 640°C = (640 + 273) =913K d) -20°C With -20°C it means -20°C = (-20 + 273) =253 2. How many moles of carbon are in 150.0 g? Moles are based on the mass of an element. With 12g of carbon it means that There is 1 mole in every 12g. Therefore with 150g? Then 150g = 1mole x 150g/12 =12.5Moles. 3. Balance the following equations: a) H3PO4 + NH4OH → H2O + (NH4)3PO4 Balanced equation is H3PO4 + 3NH4OH → 3H2O + (NH4)3PO4 b) V2O5 + Ca → CaO + V Balanced equation is V2O5 + 5Ca → 5CaO + 2V c) BN + F2 → BF3 + N2 Balanced equation is 2BN + 3F2 → 2BF3 + N2 d) C15H26 + O2→ CO2 + H2O Balanced equation is C15H26 + 43/2O2→ 15CO2 + 13H2O e) Ca + N2 → Ca3N2 Balanced equation is 3Ca + N2 → Ca3N2 4. Ammonia and oxygen react to form nitrogen and water: 4NH3 + 3O2 → 2N2 + 6H2o a) How many grams of O2 are needed to react with 8.0 moles of NH3? To find the grams of oxygen that requires to react with 8.0 moles of NH3 We equate 4 moles of NH3 for every 8.0 moles meaning 4 moles of NH3 means 8moles Therefore 3 moles of O2 3 x 8/4 = 6 moles Thus a single mole (1 mole) is equal to 32g. 6 moles = 6 x 32/1 = 192grams b) How many grams of N2 can be produced when 6.50 grams of O2 reacts? It translates that grams of N2 produced = (3x32g) of oxygen Thus 6.5 translates to 6.5 x 56/3 x 32 = 3.792grams c) How many grams of water can be formed from the reaction of 34 g of NH3? The determination of the number of grams of water to be formed from the reaction above it translates that; = 4 x 17g (NH3) means 6 x 18 (H2O) Consequently, it is possible to find for 34grams thus 34 x 6 x 18/4 x17 = 54grams 5. Using the Ideal Gas Law solve the following problems: (use 0.08206 L atm mol¯1 K¯1 for the gas constant). a) Determine the volume of occupied by 3.34 grams of carbon dioxide gas at STP. nRT= PV and to equate n as the subject of the equation it means V = nrt/P since= n 3.3/44 = 0.075909 it means that 0.075909 x 0.08206 x 273 thus resulting in 1.70054dm3/litre b) A sample of argon gas at STP occupies 46.2 litres. Determine the number of moles of argon and the mass in the sample. nRT= PV meaning that n = PV/RT thus 1x46.2/0.08206 x 273 (taking care of the constant as provided above) =46.2/22.40238 =2.0623Moles c) At what temperature will 0.654 moles of neon gas occupy 12.30 litres at 1.95 atmospheres? nRT= PV T from the formular above becomes PV/nR=T Expressing this numerically, 1.95 x 12.30/0.654x0.08206 (taking care of the constant as provided above) =23.985/0.053667 =446.923K d) A 30.6 g sample of gas occupies 22.414 L at STP. What is the molecular weight of this gas? nRT= PV from the expression it translates that n = PV/RT Expressing this numerically, = 1x22.414/0.08206 x 273 =22.414/22.40238=1.0005moles Having found the moles, there is need to introduce relative formular mass n = mass/RFM RFM therefore becomes= 30.6/1.0005 =30.60. The weight of this gas in terms of its molecular becomes =30.60 6. How many joules of heat are needed to raise the temperature of 10.0g of aluminium from 22°C to 55°C, if the specific heat of aluminium is 0.90J/g°C? This question requires an expression in terms of temperature change and specific heat capacity. Since the temperature change is (55-22) 33°C it means that Joules of heat required is (C=MCΔθ) Thus 10x0.9x33 273joules 7. A pan 200mm diameter pan is placed on a stove to boil some water. The thickness of the bottom of the pan is 7.5mm and the inner surface temperature of the bottom of the pan is 150°C. Determine the outer surface temperature of the pan is the pan was a) aluminium and b) copper. Assume one-dimensional, steady state conduction through the bottom of the pan. (10 Marks) Figure 1: Pan set up References Approved Document B (Fire Safety) – Volume 2: Buildings other than dwelling houses, 2006. Blomqvist, P., Emissions from Fires: Consequences for Human Safety and the Environment, PhD Thesis, Department of Fire Safety Engineering, Lund Institute of Technology, Lund University, Lund 2005. BR 187: External fire spread: Building separation and boundary distances, BRE, 1991. British Standards Institution. Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of buildings. Code of practice. British Standard BS 7974:Part 2 2001. BS 9999: Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings, October 2008. Fire Dynamics Simulator (Version 5) User’s Guide, NIST Special Publication 1019-5, FDS Version 5.5, October 2010. Morgan HP, Ghosh BK, Garrad G, Pamlitschka R and Schoonbaert LR. Design methodologies for smoke and heat exhaust ventilation. Building Research Establishment BR 368: 2009. Moussa, N. A., Masonjones, M.C. and Zhang, X.J, “Accurate Prediction of Emission Factors by ADORA,” Presented at the 2001 Global Demilitarization Symposium and Exhibition in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, May 11-14, 2001. Tuovinen, H., Blomqvist, P., and Saric, F., "Modelling of hydrogen cyanide formation in room fires," Fire Safety Journal 39.8: 737-755, 2004. Read More

What this point establishes is that fire professionals have the requisite education and experience to use the established code of practice as not only a benchmark but also in the process of evaluating a given structure or building and thus be able to establish the needed design parameters that will ultimately reduce chance of spread of fire. For instance, Fire Dynamics Simulator (2010) present the argument that it is within the discretion or roles of fire professionals to analyse a given issue and identify alternatives for the safety of occupants, consider the implications of the designs and controls made when it comes to user needs, cost, effectiveness and flexibility and basing on these aspects, make well informed recommendations.

Arguing on its importance, when these roles are well executed, the importance will be threefold: First, these roles can help in the development of goals with understanding that designs made on buildings will be intended to limit threats that occupants may be faced with and for the public and emergency responders as well as reduction on potential property loss. It is apparent that in UK for instance, requirements for space separation between different buildings have been contained in standard United Kingdom guidance such as ADB, BS9999 or BR 187 therefore when fire professionals get informed about these roles then the first importance will be conceptualised.

The second importance of fire professionals as underpinned on the above role is that they have the ability of interpreting a number of standards and codes regarding how the building as well as its components should function as an integrated fire and life safety system. The importance of this role in particular is that dwellers or structure owners will be informed regarding cost effective approach that can give provisions to safety from fire. The third importance of fire professionals as regard this case is that they are able to deal with the minimisation of the risk to the occupants in the process of evacuating them since it concerns the reduction of the danger to the occupants who might be victims of falling debris or as a consequence of the effect of the collapsing structure which also includes the minimisation or reduction of risks that fire fighters may be exposed to especially those engaged in the search or rescue operations.

Still on roles of fire professionals, they have the responsibility of support and intervention. Expectation of any government of governmental body who have hired or employed fire professionals is to ensure that these individuals have proactive processes in place and such processes provide support and lead improvement. Within that context, improvement will be delivered through peer led responses as well as effective partnership working. Still on support and intervention, it is the responsibility of fire professionals to ensure that as part of their challenge and intelligence role, collaboratively work with other professionals such as architectures in the process of identifying at early stages, where there is likely to be serious fire related risks.

The importance of this role is that it will help in the mitigation of escalation of fires that break especially in high profile buildings. On the other hand, when this role is well executed, scholars such as Moussa et al. (2001) have argued that it will help in the production of a set of fire control or protection strategies that will in turn anticipate the details of a fire break. Lastly, the role of fire professionals is to ensure that compartment is operated by a suitable fire detection system or smoke detector.

In addition, building should not be less than 10m wide and such should be measured between the fascia or demise of the units, which will comply to boundary (space) separation. While this is another role of fire professionals, they should ensure that the linings within the building should have, in cases when it is ignited, a reasonable rate of heat release depending on the circumstances (as a matter of fact, this role is enshrined in Regulation B2 of Approved Document B).

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