Directory of All Protex Fire & Safety Blog
You may jump to a short preview of a blog article by clicking below.
"A History of Fire Prevention Codes and Fire Safety Plans"
"Evacuation Plans, When Things Go Wrong"
"Retrofitting An Historic Property for Fire Safety"
"Farm, Barn and Stable Fire Safety"
February
A History of Fire Prevention Codes and Fire Safety Plans
Fire codes began as a response to what went wrong in fires. Many of the
early fire safety regulations were drafted by insurance companies in
response to fires that burned large areas of wood constructed cities.
However, the insurance companies were trying to protect themselves from
paying money out, so many of their requirements were concerned with
property protection not life safety.
In 1912, in the United States, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
began publishing pamphlets on exiting, following a series of tragic fires
with large life loss. These pamphlets led to the development of NFPA’s
“Building Exits Code” in 1927.
Until the 1970's code enforcement was a patchwork of fire codes, primarily
enacted in larger communities, and insurance company regulations. But with
the development, adoption, and enforcement of national fire codes,
....Read more...
January
Evacuation Plans, When Things Go Wrong
A brief history of the evolution of building evacuation codes, due to the terrible lessons learned from fire tragedies.
Background on tragedies that led to the development of fire codes.
Iroquois Theater fire, a great tragedy due to improper evacuation planning,
fire code violations and lack of fire ..
...Read more...
December
All About Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans
What is a fire safety plan?
A fire safety plan is required by all North American national, state and provincial fire codes based on building use or occupancy types. The owner of the building is responsible for the preparation of a fire safety plan. After the plan has been prepared, it must be submitted to the Chief Fire Official or authority having jurisdiction for approval. Once approved, the owner is responsible for implementing the fire safety plan and training all staff in their duties. It is also the owner’s responsibility to ensure that all visitors and staff are informed of what to do in case of fire. During a fire emergency, a copy of the approved fire safety plan must be available for the responding fire departments to use.
What is an evacuation plan?
Evacuation plans may be included in a fire safety plan. Evacuation plans use safety signage, emergency lighting and emergency communication systems to increase ...Read more...
November
Making Your Own Fire Safety Plan?
Things You Need To Consider Before Designing Your Own Fire Safety Plan
Lives Depend On You
In escaping an emergency, seconds count. Do you feel you are able to evaluate alternative solutions for safety?
Drawing Your Plan To Standards
A site plan showing fire prevention equipment, exits, escape routes, etc is an important part of your safety plan. First responders and visitors unfamiliar with your site will be using it at a time when accuracy and readability is important. It must also meet with the approval of your local authority. While there are many drafting programs available, if your site is more complex than a few rectangular spaces, you may find ...Read more...
October
Retrofitting An Historic Property for Fire Safety
Modern construction methods, materials and codes exist because of the tragic deficiencies of the past.
Why retrofit a heritage property?
Fire safety improvements are a key part of historical preservation.
Architectural beauty or cultural significance offers no protection from the devastion of flame,
smoke and water damage. While the cost of retro-fitting
fire protection may seem high, the cost of doing nothing may be even greater.
Some historic buildings are literally fire traps. Made of highly combustible construction materials,
many were designed with large open staircases that allow fire and smoke to rapidly spread between floors.
They may have concealed voids above ceilings, below floors, and behind walls.
Basements and attics were not compartmentalized.
They may have older heating systems with possible gas or carbon monoxide leaks;
or have fireplaces and wood stoves with dirty chimneys.
Often renovations have been made without being inspected.
Wiring may be faulty. Electrical panels may be overloaded.
Openings around ductwork, electrical conduits, and
plumbing pipes, that were added after the original construction, may not have been......Read more...
September
Farm, Barn and Stable Fire Safety
Up-to-date emergency procedures can greatly reduce the risk to both farm employees and animals.
Unique Challenges of Farm Fire Safety
A farm is a kind of light industry. It is a business with many risks for starting fires and many hazards for first responders. There are toxic chemicals used to kill weeds and vermin. Fertilizer and decomposing manure are explosion hazards . Wet silage may spontaneously combust. Fields of dry vegetation are fuel for fast moving grass fires. Hay, straw and wood shavings used for bedding fill barns with what is essentially fire starter. Often there are large tanks with fuel for tractors and farm machinery. Municipal water supplies and a hydrant system may be completely lacking . Buildings may have been built before modern fire codes. But a farm is also a home to the owner's family and all the farm animals on it. If a family loses a barn to .. ...Read more...
August
Recreational Boating Fire Safety
Common causes of small boat fires
How to choose a marina with good fire safety practices
A marina with good fire safety practices will look well-maintained, have clear dock passageways, adequate security and good lighting. Electrical, fire and safety inspections will be up to date. Look for neglected boats, which can be a fire hazard for everyone at the marina. Ask other boat owners if fire safety is enforced by the marina management. Is there training available for fueling procedures? Do they check boats for...Read more...
July
"Recreational Vehicle Fire Safety"
What to Include in an R.V. Fire Safety Plan Design
Recreational Vehicles Have Special Fire Safety Hazards
Vacation vehicles are built to be fuel-efficient and comfortable. Though fire retardent finishes may be used, most trailers are full of combustibles. The main problems from a fire safety point of view are:...Read more...