Introducing a new era of illumination: Streamlight’s Survivor X ATEX
Streamlight has introduced an upgrade to its compact Survivor right-angle torch, now known as the Survivor X ATEX. This enhanced model comes with a variety of new features and an improved output of 250 lumens. Find out more about the Survivor X ATEX here.
Survivor X ATEX: Power and flexibility in the palm of your hand
What sets the Survivor X ATEX apart is its choice of power options. It caters to varying user needs and budgets, offering both a Rechargeable System and an economical Alkaline model. Both models are highly suitable for different hazardous environments, with the former rated Zone 0 for gas atmospheres, and the latter rated Zone 21 for dust atmospheres.
In addition to these models, Streamlight also offers the Survivor X USB. This is a budget-friendly option that allows for USB rechargeability and can be used under Division 2 conditions. This model also accepts alkaline batteries, providing yet another versatile power option.
Streamlight’s Chief Revenue Officer comments on the Survivor X ATEX’s enhanced features
Streamlight’s Chief Revenue Officer, Michael F. Dineen, spoke about the recent upgrades: “The Survivor personal light, known for its toughness, compact size and reliability, just got even better with the new Survivor X ATEX.”
He further added that it: “Not only offers enhanced brightness and added features, but also multiple power options, including the Survivor X ATEX Alkaline model which provides a 25 percent cost saving on batteries, as well as the Survivor X USB which offers an economical USB rechargeable alternative and also accepts alkaline batteries.”
Dineen emphasised the suitability of the Survivor X ATEX for professionals who often operate in challenging conditions: “Fire and rescue personnel, industrial firefighters, utility workers and others now have an even more powerful and versatile tool to use when operating in the trying conditions they often face.”
IFSJ Comment
The Survivor X ATEX demonstrates Streamlight’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative, practical, and cost-effective lighting solutions that are specifically designed to support professionals working in challenging conditions.
In a move likely to bring about significant changes to safety procedures, the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) is proposing new requirements for the sharing of real-time hazardous materials (hazmat) information with first responders at freight rail incidents.
East Palestine incident highlights need for real-time hazmat information
On the 3rd of February, 2023, a freight train operated by the Norfolk Southern Railway derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, leading to 38 railcars overturning.
The event received national media attention, mainly due to concerns about public health following the hazardous materials leak.
The incident underscored the necessity for first responders to have immediate access to information about on-scene hazards.
First responders require quick, coordinated, and specialized responses at hazardous materials incidents.
The right personal protective equipment (PPE) and knowledge of the chemicals involved are crucial for effective and safe response decisions.
Hazmat exposure risk for first responders
Approximately 300 firefighters from 50 departments were on the scene of the derailment in East Palestine on the night of February 3.
Many of these firefighters were volunteers, lacking both hazmat training and specialized equipment.
Their PPE may have provided inadequate protection from the hazardous materials exposures, which included vinyl chloride, a highly toxic, flammable, and known carcinogenic liquified compressed gas.
Communication issues during hazmat incidents
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the incident in East Palestine.
Last week, during a hearing, NTSB presented initial findings, including a video summary of the hazardous materials release and an investigation summary featuring incident footage.
The hearing discussed several issues related to the communication between first responders and the railroad.
There was a 45-minute delay before responders were given a list of the materials in each of the tank cars.
In addition, firefighters on the scene didn’t have access to critical information via the AskRail app.
Also, placards identifying the hazardous materials on the tank cars had been damaged by the fires.
Moreover, the hardcopy of the train’s content list was not immediately available since the conductor had disconnected the head-end locomotives and was moving them a mile away from the derailed railcars.
Proposed changes for quicker access to hazmat information
In response to these challenges, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is soliciting input on proposed reforms.
A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was posted in the Federal Register on June 27, and it is open for public comment until August 28, 2023.
PHMSA is suggesting changes to its Hazardous Materials Regulations.
These amendments pertain to the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and are intended to bolster requirements for the provision of real-time train content information to first responders at hazardous materials rail incidents.
The proposed amendments would require railroads to maintain current train content lists in both hardcopy and electronic formats.
Moreover, the amendments suggest that as soon as a railroad is aware of an accident involving any hazardous materials, it should actively push train content information to authorized responders within a 10-mile radius.
The proposed amendment also includes a requirement for all carriers, regardless of their class, to share this information, as opposed to the current requirement which is only applicable to class 1 railroad carriers.
IFSJ Comment
If the proposed amendments are accepted, they would help ensure that first responders have timely access to critical information, ultimately leading to more effective and safer emergency responses.
Complimentary training sessions initiated to enhance understanding and efficient use of firefighting foam
Perimeter Solutions, a globally renowned producer of firefighting products and lubricant additives, has embarked on a mission to train fire departments and various other fire management organisations across the United States on the use of Class A and Class B firefighting foam.
The ‘Know Your Foam’ course, provided free of charge, spans four hours and delivers both theoretical and practical training to firefighters on the correct usage of firefighting foam.
Bridging the foam knowledge gap
According to Norbe Puroll, the ‘Know Your Foam’ program leader at Perimeter Solutions: “Right now, there is a knowledge gap among firefighters about the use of foam and the advantages it introduces to firefighting when compared with exclusively using water to battle a fire.”
During the session, participants are shown how to correctly apply firefighting foam, a resource that enhances the overall efficacy of water in firefighting by hastening heat reduction and minimising the probability of a fire reigniting.
Puroll further elucidated: “Quicker extinguishment time helps lower the chance of a firefighter injury, creates less water damage, and improves the chance of saving any potentially trapped residents.
“This also reduces fuel cost and decreases the wear and tear on trucks that are no longer required to remain onsite as long.”
Highlighting foam’s effectiveness and resource conservation
Perimeter Solutions uses the Los Angeles County Fire Department Palmdale Study to illustrate foam’s superior performance.
The study found that the water needed to extinguish a specific Class A fire fell from 73 gallons to 44 gallons with the addition of foam.
Incorporation of compressed air foam further cut down the requirement to just 16 gallons.
Additionally, using foam reduced the cooling time of a fire from 600° F to 200° F from six minutes to a mere one minute and 45 seconds, significantly increasing survivable space for both firefighters and occupants.
Practical benefits of ‘Know Your Foam’ sessions
Attendees of the ‘Know Your Foam’ session receive instructions on using manual eductors and foam injection systems and gain knowledge on how foam can be employed with their existing equipment.
Furthermore, they receive tips on in-house maintenance for ensuring their equipment is always ready, and insights derived from years of experience using firefighting foam.
The training also covers the proper usage of different suppressant agents including Class A and B, wet water, air/ground applied retardants, and gels.
A special focus is laid on the usage of newer fluorine-free Class B foams, a subject of growing interest among fire management organisations required to use MIL-SPEC products.
“We need to reinforce good foam application tactics as the way you suppress flames with Class B fluorine-free foams when used on flammable liquids. Firefighters who completed foam training even as recently as two years ago will learn something new by attending a ‘Know Your Foam’ session,” Puroll added.
IFSJ Comment
This move by Perimeter Solutions is significant news in the firefighting community. Improving the understanding and application of foam can drastically enhance firefighting efficiency, reduce the resources required, and contribute to the safety of firefighters and the public.
This initiative aligns with our commitment to promote knowledge sharing and the use of advanced technologies for improving firefighting outcomes.
About Perimeter Solutions
Perimeter Solutions is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality firefighting products and lubricant additives. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, the company operates as an industry leader, providing advanced chemical solutions that drive performance and protection capabilities for customers across the globe.
Pablo Boj, fire department consultant for STB, gives a brief review on gas cooling and surface cooling
My professional career in the field of firefighting, since I joined the fire department in 2002, has been fundamentally driven by the gas cooling technique and the doctrine of efficient use of water whose fundamental premise was to make the most of the cooling capacity of water.
However, in recent years, this doctrine has started to raise certain doubts for me. Through my investigations of incidents that occurred during firefighting, I have observed problems with the application of the technique.
These problems stem from the lack of sufficient training and the limitations inherent to the training settings.
The training is usually conducted under very specific conditions, without enough variation, which often fails to mimic the diversity of real fire scenarios, both in terms of the fire load and the geometry of enclosures.
Europe vs America
At the end of 2021 I had the opportunity to participate in a meeting between European and American instructors promoted by Elkhart Brass in Pensacola (USA) under the motto “There is nothing foreign in flowing water”, coinciding with the High-Rise Operation Conference organized by County Fire Tactics.
The main idea was to share experiences and knowledge, starting from the different approaches used in firefighting on both sides of the Atlantic.
An equivalent meeting was held on the European side at the end of 2022 coinciding with the High-Rise Operation Tactics in which we also had the opportunity to put into practice the different techniques in live fire scenarios over several days.
Europeans used an approach based on a reading of the conditions, door control and progression through pulsations on the gas layer with flow rates between 230 and 500 Lpm with pressure nozzles with a 6-bar reference.
In this way, the gas layer is controlled, allowing a safe progression until reaching a position that allows us to attack the base of the fire.
On the other side, Americans, once the door was open, progressed by projecting a flow rate between 550 and 800 Lpm, at a pressure of 3.5 bar, with an O pattern of solid and uninterrupted jet (“move and flow” variant) in order to reach the largest possible surface (walls and ceiling) and generating hydraulic ventilation in the lower plane towards the fire accompanying the firefighters and forcing hot gases to exit through the upper plane to the outside towards the available outlets.
Steam generation
The basis of the gas cooling methodology is the application of very short pulses with an open cone, with relatively low flow rates, whose objective is to expose the maximum volume of water to the heat transfer in the gas layer so that the contraction due to cooling compensates steam generation.
In the case of the surface cooling methodology, the idea is to apply large amounts of water to all surfaces, so that hot gases from the base of a fire cool down when they come in contact with the entirely cold surface.
In gas cooling, pulsations are directed to cool the gas layer, and if they reach walls, they vaporise easily without having a very significant impact on the energy accumulated in the total mass of the facing, since the volume of water is reduced, so that the surface can easily recover a high temperature.
However, in the surface cooling technique, through a water application with high flow rates over large areas, there is more mass of water through which transferring the energy from the facing, achieving a greater reduction in the energy level and surface temperature, and consequently, a lower relative steam generation.
Another interesting point is the cooling effect of gases that occurs when a solid jet hits the ceiling and breaks up, causing a movement of fluids.
On the other hand, by leaving the door open and forcing the hydraulic ventilation in the lower plane with the nozzle, excess of steam and hot gases has a guaranteed exit through the upper plane, with a lower risk for the firefighter.
In the live fire exercises, my personal impression is that thermal stress was significantly lower by using this technique.
From my point of view, one of the weak points lies in the open door, since in the case of residential buildings the products of combustion can affect floors and occupants that are above the fire, when these gases do not have another better way out, although being a very aggressive and forceful technique, it quickly reduces the temperature and toxicity of the gases and the extinction time is shortened.
Training
One of the most interesting conclusions I obtained is that the surface cooling technique is simpler, and therefore, safer for the firefighter.
The gas cooling technique requires a relatively high level of training, the firefighter must carry out regular practices in handling of the nozzle, since a bad application can cause water to reach the walls and generate steam excesses and pressure and caudal requirements are more specific.
In addition, range and penetration capacity of the pulsations are limited, as well as its use in large volumes.
Unfortunately, firefighters do not always have the necessary training hours, or they have to distribute them among the wide range of disciplines that we currently require them.
In contrast, the surface cooling technique is less demanding from the point of view of handling the nozzle, the projection of water is as deep as the enclosure, which keeps sources of heat away from the firefighters and it is also relatively easy for water to reach the base of the fire by hitting door frames, even when out of sight in an adjacent room.
My intention with this article is not to suggest whether one technique is better than another, but rather to assume that there are other valid firefighting approaches, and that the mere fact of understanding how they work is already useful in itself and serves as exercise to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the techniques and variants that each one uses in their interventions.
This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
On July 12, members of the Newark Firefighters Union cast their votes in a meeting, deciding to join the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
Newark firefighters rejoin IAFF: Accessing resources and benefits
Reaffiliation with the IAFF means that Newark firefighters will now have full access to the resources and benefits offered by the international body.
This includes comprehensive training programmes, effective communication resources, legislative advocacy, and crucial legal support.
Notably, Newark was originally a part of the IAFF, having joined on April 15, 1918 as Local 71.
IAFF membership: A crucial step for Newark firefighters
Michael Giunta, the President of the Newark Firefighters Union (NFU), expressed his enthusiasm about their decision.
He stated: “We are excited to become part of the IAFF.”
He further added: “The International has an unwavering commitment to protecting its members and their families, and together, I know we can improve working conditions for Newark fire fighters.”
The decision to join the IAFF comes in the wake of tragic events that raised systemic concerns about staffing, training, and equipment conditions within the Newark firefighting community.
Firefighters Augusto “Augie” Acabou, 45, and Wayne “Bear” Brooks Jr., 49, tragically lost their lives responding to a fire in Port Newark.
These concerns were consistently raised by the NFU and Newark Fire Officers Union Local 1860 with city officials.
Strengthening Newark firefighters’ collective voice through IAFF affiliation
Edward Kelly, the General President, spoke on the situation, affirming: “The legacy of Augie’s and Bear’s sacrifice will be a safer Newark for citizens and the brothers and sisters they served alongside.”
He continued: “Our union will honour their memory by ensuring fire fighters in Newark have a stronger collective voice to advocate for the safety, wellbeing, and protection of the community.”
This sentiment was echoed by 1st District Vice President James Slevin, who said: “We are stronger together. I am proud to support and welcome the Newark Firefighters Union back to the IAFF.”
About the IAFF
The International Association of Fire Fighters, established in 1918, is committed to protecting the rights, health, and safety of professional firefighters in the United States and Canada. The organisation provides comprehensive resources and benefits to its members, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary tools to protect their respective communities effectively and safely.
IFSJ Comment
The Newark firefighters’ vote to join the IAFF is a significant development for the community. It ensures greater access to resources and support, contributing to an overall enhancement of safety standards.
This decision marks a crucial step forward in the continued efforts to improve working conditions for firefighters and, ultimately, the safety of Newark citizens.
Derek Box, Marketing Manager for Nightstick, pulls back the curtain on the intricacies of safety-rated lighting
When did you last glance at that right-angle light on your turnout coat and pull out your magnifying glass to read the fine print? Most likely never.
For most, life is too busy for the particular details as long as your certified lighting tools are marked ZONE 0 Certified, and your lights are safety lab certified as Intrinsically Safe.
This is the beauty of safety-rated lighting – it is meant to be simple to understand.
When fully understood, those safety-rated symbols and hieroglyphics reveal secret ways you are protected, give context to your role, and can make you a better consumer with additional confidence in your equipment.
Specialised polymers with static dissipative properties
When a product is used in an ATEX Zone 0 environment, the environment alone poses unique challenges. The use of static dissipative additives in ATEX Zone 0 products has emerged as a crucial measure to mitigate the risks associated with ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD).
These additives play a significant role in preventing potentially catastrophic incidents and ensuring the well-being of all those present in such hazardous environments, but how are additives defined?
Static dissipative additives are specialised substances incorporated into materials, such as polymers, coatings, and composites.
Often found in the housing of a safety-certified torch, lantern, or angle light, these chemical additives help to minimise the buildup and discharge of static electricity, which can ignite flammable substances and trigger explosions.
By facilitating the controlled dissipation of electrostatic charges, these additives significantly reduce the likelihood of ESD-related incidents.
Some dangers are known, while others are unknown, so being prepared for both scenarios with the right certified equipment is a secret worth understanding.
One of the primary functions of static dissipative additives is to increase the electrical conductivity of the materials into which they are incorporated within.
This enhanced conductivity allows any accumulated static charges to flow safely to a grounding point, thus preventing the formation of sparks or arcs that could ignite the surrounding flammable atmosphere.
Moreover, these additives offer long-term effectiveness by maintaining their static dissipative properties throughout the lighting product’s lifespan.
The product makeup is purposely designed to resist leaching, migration, or degradation, ensuring a consistent and reliable level of electrostatic protection over time.
This means that the shelf life of the product is extended for constant use or until it is time to replace it physically.
Furthermore, static dissipative additives are typically formulated to be chemically compatible with the base material, ensuring their optimal dispersion and integration.
This compatibility ensures that the mechanical and physical properties of the materials are not compromised while providing the necessary static dissipation characteristics.
By preventing the accumulation and uncontrolled dissipation of static charges, additives significantly reduce the potential for explosions.
As technology advances, further research and development in this field will continue to improve the safety standards of ATEX Zone 0 products, safeguarding workers and minimising the risks associated with explosive atmospheres.
Overpressure valves and gas venting
One potential danger in a hazardous environment is the release of gas from batteries.
Batteries, especially rechargeable ones, can generate tiny amounts of gas during normal operation and significant amounts during a fault or malfunction.
In an intrinsically safe portable lighting product, this gas must be safely vented to prevent the buildup of flammable concentrations.
Nightstick intrinsically safe lighting products employ various mechanisms depending on the specific design to vent battery gas properly and, most importantly, safely. Here are two common methods:
Pressure Relief Valve: Some lights have a pressure relief valve built into the battery compartment. This valve allows any excess gas to escape, maintaining a safe pressure level inside the light. The valve typically opens when the pressure reaches four psi and closes once the pressure is normalised.
Sealed Enclosures: Intrinsically safe lighting may have sealed enclosures that are constructed to be dustproof and waterproof.
It is important to note that intrinsically safety-certified lighting products undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure their compliance with specific safety standards and regulations.
These standards dictate the maximum allowable energy and temperature levels of the lighting tool and the battery to prevent ignition in hazardous environments.
By incorporating mechanisms for venting battery gas, intrinsically safe lights can effectively mitigate the risk of ignition and ensure safe operation in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Electrolyte leakage prevention
Electrolyte leakage can occur in lighting that uses rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, if there is a malfunction or damage to the battery or its casing.
When electrolyte leaks from a battery, it can potentially come into contact with the internal circuitry, causing the light to shut down to prevent a hazardous condition from occurring.
Nightstick’s intrinsically safe portable lighting products employ key design elements to prevent electrolyte leakage.
The torch enclosure, made from impact-resistant polymers, is tough and durable, protecting the battery from damage.
Specialised sealing mechanisms using rubber or epoxy secure housing parts, blocking moisture and contaminants that could corrode the battery.
Safety features like voltage regulators, overcharge protection circuits, and thermal sensors protect the battery further.
Nightstick’s lights also exclude ignition sources, reducing sparking and heat generation.
The lights meet safety standards from organisations such as the IEC and NFPA, ensuring their safe usage in hazardous locations.
Intrinsically safe lighting provides a reliable and secure solution in environments where electrolyte leakage could have severe and, in some cases, fatal consequences.
Encapsulated fuses
Intrinsically safe fuses in portable lighting serve as vital safeguards against electrical faults, helping prevent dangerous conditions such as ignition.
By acting as a check against excessive current, they provide a robust line of defence.
They limit electrical energy by interrupting the circuit if the current goes beyond their specific rating.
These fuses are also instrumental in preventing the formation of sparks and arcs that could ignite flammable substances by promptly interrupting circuits.
Compliant with safety standards set by organisations like the IEC, lights, and their components, including fuses, are suitable for use in hazardous locations.
Redundancy and safety interlocks are another key feature, as lights incorporate additional fuses and resistors to reduce the risk of electrical faults.
Metal content restrictions
Restrictions in IEC 60079 regulations limit the percentage of certain metals allowed in the external housing of Zone 0 rated devices.
Currently, the limit is 10% or less for aluminum, titanium, zirconium, and magnesium. This includes not only the housing, but pocket clips, fasteners, and accessories directly attached to the device.
Metal housings pose practical risks. Conductivity increases chances of circuit completion and sparks from drops.
Chemical reactions with gases in hazardous environments could yield catastrophic results.
Currently, there are no restrictions on engineered polymers in IEC 60079 regulations, making them ideal for Zone 0 rated products.
When combined with static dissipative additives, polymers can now have very low surface resistance that virtually eliminates static charge buildup per standards requirements.
Polymers do not corrode or chemically react with the class IIC gasses found in most hazardous environments. In addition to being lightweight, unlike metal, polymers cannot complete a circuit or create a spark if dropped.
There are many unknown and unseen ways that intrinsically safe lighting protects users from danger.
Another critical factor is the product manufacturers’ experience level with producing intrinsically safe lighting.
A single-source manufacturer ensures consistent quality and safety across an entire product line when purchasing professional lighting products rather than mixing and matching products from several companies.
This is especially important when buying hazardous environment safety lighting.
Nightstick exceeds industry standards in performance, quality, value, and user safety. From penlights to floodlights, above ground or below ground in a confined space, Nightstick has you covered. Find the certification level you need or locate a dealer near you at www.nightstick.com.
This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
Understanding the most common causes of fire is essential for prevention and safety.
By being aware of these causes, we can take proactive measures to minimise the risk of fire incidents.
This article aims to provide an overview of 23 of the most common causes of fire, ranging from everyday activities to potential hazards within our surroundings.
By exploring some of the main causes, we can enhance our knowledge and promote fire safety in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
Knowing the causes of fire can help firefighters
Cooking Equipment
Cooking equipment is one of the leading causes of residential fires.
Unattended cooking, grease buildup, and flammable objects left too close to heat sources can ignite fires.
It’s crucial to maintain a high standard of cooking safety, use timers as reminders, and keep a safe distance between flammable materials and heat sources.
Heating Equipment
Heating equipment, including space heaters and furnaces, can pose a fire hazard if not used correctly.
Overheating, lack of maintenance, and placing flammable items near heat sources can lead to fires.
Regular inspection and maintenance of heating systems, proper ventilation, and keeping flammable items away from heaters are vital safety measures.
Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment, such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and malfunctioning appliances, is one of the leading causes of fire, as well as one of the most dangerous fires to put out.
Electrical sparks, short circuits, and overheating due to loose connections or damaged cords can ignite fires.
Ensuring proper installation, regular inspection, and prompt repair of electrical systems and appliances are crucial for fire prevention.
Cigarettes, Cigars & E-Cigarettes
Careless handling and improper disposal of cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes are common causes of fires.
Discarding lit cigarettes improperly or not fully extinguishing them can ignite flammable materials.
Smokers should use designated ashtrays, never smoke in bed, and ensure proper disposal of smoking materials in fire-safe containers.
Candles
Candles, while creating a pleasant ambiance, can also be a fire hazard if left unattended.
Accidental knocks, proximity to flammable objects, or forgetting to extinguish candles can result in fires.
It’s important to place candles on stable surfaces, away from flammable materials, and never leave them burning when unattended.
Children Playing with Matches
Children playing with matches or lighters out of curiosity can lead to fire incidents.
Educating children about the dangers of matches and lighters and keeping them out of their reach are essential preventive measures.
Parents should store matches and lighters in secure locations to prevent access by children.
Faulty Electrical Wiring
Electrical faults can be especially dangerous in cars
Faulty electrical wiring, due to age, poor installation, or rodent damage, can cause electrical fires.
Overheating wires, short circuits, and electrical arcing are common signs of faulty wiring.
Regular electrical inspections, prompt repairs, and the use of licensed electricians can help prevent electrical fires.
Christmas Decorations
Christmas decorations, such as lights and candles, can pose fire risks if not used safely and are a serious cause of fire around the holiday season.
Overloaded electrical sockets, damaged lights, and placing flammable decorations near heat sources can ignite fires.
Following manufacturer’s instructions, using LED lights, and keeping decorations away from flammable materials are essential for fire safety during the holiday season.
BBQs
Disposable BBQ misuse can lead to dangerous wildfires
Barbecue grills, if used incorrectly, can be some of the main causes of fire.
Improper placement near flammable structures, grease buildup, and failing to extinguish coals properly can result in fires.
Safe barbecue practices, regular cleaning of grills, and maintaining a safe distance from flammable materials are crucial for preventing accidents.
Bonfires
Bonfires, while enjoyable, require caution to prevent accidents.
Inadequate containment, excessive size, and proximity to flammable materials can lead to uncontrolled fires.
Ensuring proper construction, maintaining a safe distance from structures and vegetation, and having firefighting equipment nearby are important safety measures.
Remote Controls
Neglected or damaged remote controls can cause fires.
Malfunctioning batteries, short circuits, and overheating can lead to remote control fires.
Regularly checking and replacing batteries, keeping remote controls away from heat sources, and avoiding excessive pressure on buttons can prevent such incidents.
Batteries
Improper handling of batteries can be one of the causes of fire.
Safely storing batteries, using the correct battery type, and recycling old batteries properly are essential for fire prevention.
Tumble Dryers
Tumble dryers with clogged lint filters and vents pose a fire hazard.
Accumulated lint can ignite from the dryer’s heat, leading to fires.
Regularly cleaning lint filters, ensuring proper venting, and professional dryer maintenance can prevent such incidents.
Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans, if exposed to heat or punctured, can explode and ignite fires.
Leaving aerosol cans near heat sources or disposing of them improperly can lead to dangerous fire situations.
Storing aerosol cans in cool, well-ventilated areas and following proper disposal guidelines are crucial for fire safety.
Arson
Arson attacks can ruin entire families
Intentional acts of arson, where fires are set deliberately, can cause significant damage.
Arson can occur due to various reasons, including vandalism, revenge, or insurance fraud.
Community awareness, neighbourhood watch programs, and reporting suspicious activities can help deter arson incidents.
Construction Materials
Construction materials, such as flammable insulation, paint, or chemicals, can contribute to causes of fire during building projects.
Mishandling, improper storage, and inadequate fire safety measures can lead to construction site fires.
Implementing proper fire prevention strategies, following safety regulations, and having fire extinguishers readily available are vital during construction activities.
Clutter
Accumulated clutter can increase the risk of fires by obstructing escape routes and providing fuel for flames.
Cluttered spaces make it challenging to control or escape fires quickly.
Regular decluttering, proper storage of items, and maintaining clear pathways can help minimise fire hazards.
Flammable Liquids, Gases & Materials
Factory fires can be absolutely devastating, especially to the environment
Improper handling, storage, or use of flammable liquids, gases, and materials can lead to fires.
Ignition sources near flammable substances, improper ventilation, and failure to follow safety guidelines are significant fire risk factors.
Proper storage, using suitable containers, and adhering to safety protocols when working with flammable materials are essential for fire prevention.
Human Error
Human error, such as forgetfulness or negligence, can contribute to fire incidents.
Leaving appliances unattended, forgetting to extinguish flames, or improperly handling flammable substances are examples of human error leading to fires.
Being vigilant, practising fire safety habits, and staying aware of potential fire hazards are crucial for preventing accidents.
Outdated Fire Risk Assessments
Outdated or inadequate fire risk assessments can fail to address emerging fire hazards, increasing the risk of fire incidents.
Regularly reviewing and updating fire risk assessments, considering changes in the environment or operations, and implementing appropriate fire safety measures are essential for effective fire prevention.
Mechanical Friction
Mechanical friction, such as faulty vehicles, machinery or equipment, can generate heat and sparks that ignite fires.
Lack of lubrication, loose parts, or worn-out components can contribute to friction-related fires.
Regular maintenance, inspection, and prompt repair of machinery are vital for preventing such incidents.
Negligence
Negligence, including careless behaviour, disregard for fire safety practices, or failure to follow regulations, can lead to fires.
Ignoring safety protocols, misusing electrical equipment, or bypassing safety measures are examples of negligent actions that increase the risk of fire incidents.
Cultivating a culture of safety, providing adequate fire prevention training, and enforcing compliance with fire safety standards can help mitigate the effects of negligence.
The low winter sunlight refracted by the jar, which was used to collect loom bands, caused the rays to be magnified and ignited blinds, resulting in the devastating fire.
This incident serves as a reminder to keep glass items away from windows and direct sunlight to prevent similar accidents.
Conclusion
Understanding the common causes of fire is crucial for promoting fire safety in our daily lives.
By being aware of the potential fire hazards associated with cooking equipment, heating devices, electrical equipment, smoking materials, candles, and various other sources, we can take preventive measures to minimise the risk of fire incidents.
Practising safe habits, ensuring regular maintenance, and adhering to fire safety guidelines can significantly reduce the likelihood of fires.
It is important to educate ourselves and others about fire prevention, promote fire safety awareness, and create a culture of responsibility and vigilance. By taking these steps, we can protect our homes, workplaces, and communities from some of the main causes of fire and its devastating effects.
Fire chiefs in the US can choose to protect their communities with firefighting foam. There are no regulations that require a fire department to use foams containing PFAS. Many US fire departments are changing to F3 products.
Fire chiefs realise they should not call airports for assistance because their apparatus still contains PFAS which are persistent, bioaccumulating and biomagnifying. The public has now been well informed due to impressive media attention.
According to the Spring 2021 issue of Groundwater Monitoring & Remediation: “Although Australia and European countries have used F3 alternatives for nearly a decade in certain sectors, adoption in the United States has been slowed by industry’s reliance on NFPA Standard 11 and UL 162, which address AFFF use for Class B fires…”
Two notable incidents in the US emphasise issues with short-chain C6 PFAS foams.
Chemtool Explosion & Fire, June 2021
Lubrizol’s Chemtool plant had an industrial fire involving grease, lubricating oil and fluids in Rockton, Illinois. Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson declined nearby airport assistance right away because he knew the AFFF contained PFAS which would contaminate his community.
A private firefighting crew hired by the company came in and used 3,200 gallons of PFAS-containing foam concentrate. A report in the Chicago Times said: “The problem, according to state and federal environmental officials, is that the private company, Louisiana-based US Fire Pump, sprayed a foam containing perfluorooctanoic acid, part of a class of chemicals known as PFAS. Nationally, there is a push to ban these chemicals for fear that they are harmful to humans, potentially causing organ damage and cancer.”
The Chemtool / Lubrizol contractor US Fire Pump confirmed the foam used was Signature Series 1X3% C6AR-AFFF, according to the Illinois EPA. The foam is a fluorinated surfactant and may contain Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as an unintended by-product, and the foam can break down into Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and potentially others.
EPA reported: “The fire chief had not been previously informed that the foam contained PFAS. He directed that operations be stopped while the company implemented steps recommended by U.S. EPA and IEPA to contain runoff.” The Chicago Sun-Times reported that “US Fire Pump used PFAS-containing foam for about three hours on Tuesday, even though state and federal officials had warned against doing so.”
According to reports, the team switched to another foam without the chemicals on orders of the fire chief. Foam not containing PFAS became available and was then used.
Former National Institute for Environmental Health (NIEHS) director and toxicologist, Dr. Linda Birnbaum, said it was ‘amazing’ that the company would use PFAS-containing foam when alternatives were available.
The Madison, Wisconsin PFAS Transformer Fires
In July 2019, Madison, Wisconsin experienced transformer fires where firefighting foam, potentially containing harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), was used. Amid growing concern, the city affirmed the foam used, FireAde 2000, did contain a lesser-known PFAS compound, PFHxA, contradicting the manufacturer’s claims. This revelation led to testing for 34 PFAS compounds.
The city then undertook the cleanup of the transformer site. Lab tests detected high concentrations of 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonate (6:2 FTS), a “more environmentally friendly” PFAS, despite its unknown long-term impacts. By late September, PFAS was found in Lake Monona, with groundwater under the transformer site having PFAS levels triple the safety limit. The city faced criticism for labeling PFHxA and 6:2 FTS as “environmentally friendly”, considering their demonstrated toxicity and mobility.
A report confirmed PFAS migration from the fire site to Lake Monona, where 6:2 FTS exceeded safety thresholds in most sampled locations. The city’s failure to disclose high PFAS levels led to public outcry. The levels in storm sewer outlets reached up to 92 ppt, inclusive of PFAS compounds beyond proposed regulations. Subsequent critique argued initial PFAS reports were “incomplete and misleading”, given PFAS levels post-fire were substantially higher than first stated.
In December, the Madison Fire Department switched to PFAS-free foam, a significant move towards reducing environmental and health hazards. Despite validation of the new foam’s PFAS-free status, it contained chemicals listed as carcinogenic under California Prop 65, underlining the urgency for safer firefighting alternatives. This saga encapsulated the environmental risks associated with firefighting foams and highlighted the need for heightened vigilance.
The never-ending transition of firefighting foams
In May 2023, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) issued a statement: “Restrictions are designed to control an unacceptable risk from the manufacture, use, or placing of a substance on the market.” Such restrictions on PFAS have been missing worldwide for decades.
On May 12, 2022, ChemSec reported: “But surprise, surprise – the C6 substances have turned out to be just as hazardous as the C8 ones, leading to a plethora of so-called regrettable substitution, which is when you swap one harmful chemical for an equally problematic one. So now, the C6 substances are subject to proposals called the PFHxA and PFHxS restrictions. As in previous PFAS restrictions, chemicals that degrade into C6 substances are included, and an indicative list of substances has been provided.”
Firefighting foams with C6 contain 2 to 3 times more PFAS than the older AFFF products. This fact was confirmed in the Foam Exposure Committee’s testing of active firefighting foam samples taken from fire departments.
The shorter chain PFAS are: more difficult to filter from water, more mobile and fast and just as difficult to clean and remediate as others. If you currently use C6 foam products or if your department chooses a C6 firefighting foam, you can certainly plan on another transition.
Some state-level environmental entities are making the firefighting foam product choice with decisions made solely based upon manufacturers’ direct marketing materials. This has created an issue. A western state is collecting PFAS foams presently in a take-back program while replacing them with another PFAS foam product.
Several New England state level environmental offices list foams on the state firefighting foam contract lists that are fluorine-free but contain carcinogens. There are certainly fire-tested F3 products available that do not contain carcinogens.
It is now being fully acknowledged that F3 foam blankets last longer than AFFF even though this has always been the case. F3 foams do not need to be re-applied as frequently as an AFFF. Slower drain time is considered a good thing. This fact means the foam requires less re-application and less product.
In a recent webinar, Jerry Back of Jensen Hughes, Inc. noted that fluorine-free foams: are “consistent over a range of concentration levels, showed no difference at all from AFFF, and were still adequate across the board.
The fire service should be aware that some manufacturers utilise multiple labels to market the same products. You should not be replacing a fluorinated foam with another fluorinated foam at this point unless your intent is to continue exposing your firefighters and citizens unnecessarily.
This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
The FireClass evacuation alert system designed for improved safety and compliance in the UK
A robust system offering enhanced evacuation capabilities
Johnson Controls, a renowned name in creating smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has recently launched the FireClass evacuation alert system.
The system aims to offer fire and rescue services an uncomplicated, user-friendly method to initiate an evacuation signal in high-rise structures.
This becomes especially pertinent for residential high-rise buildings in the UK as it aids compliance with the recently implemented BS8629:2019 code of practice.
This code necessitates the use of sounders or similar devices to alert inhabitants in case of an emergency and direct them safely out of the building.
“Swift and controlled evacuation is paramount when it comes to fire safety,” Tony Gryscavage, director of Product Management, Fire Detection Products, at Johnson Controls noted.
Recent incidents in London have highlighted the urgent need for re-evaluating evacuation protocols in heavily occupied buildings.
“London alone houses 80,000 high-rise buildings, with many more planned for construction across the UK.
The right technology is crucial in ensuring the safety of individuals living and working in these buildings,” Gryscavage added.
The FireClass evacuation alert system is intended to guide a safe and controlled evacuation using a zoned communication system.
It includes individual toggle switches that let the operator methodically activate and cancel the sounders to each floor.
The indicators further enable operators to confirm the sounders on each floor are functioning correctly.
As evacuation is initiated, LED identifiers located on the exterior of the panel show the status and power availability within each zone.
FireClass evacuation alert system: facilitating multiple building zones
The FireClass evacuation alert system features a two to four-loop power system that can support up to 16 building zones.
This system can be expanded by connecting with the FC-EAS-BB evacuation alert system black box panel or additional FireClass evacuation alert system panels.
Access to the panel is protected by a unique key to ensure operation is permitted only to first responders.
The system offers a straightforward user interface, which promises quick and intuitive operation during critical moments.
Safety and performance are further enhanced with the support of EN 54-24 certified speakers, sounders, and power supply equipment.
This evacuation alert system operates independently from the fire detection system.
This means it can be installed alongside new or existing fire detection systems within both new construction and retrofit buildings.
A highly durable exterior casing helps prevent tampering and keeps the system protected and ready for when it is needed most.
For more information about the FireClass FC-EAS Evacuation Alert System, visit fireclass.co.uk.
IFSJ Comment
The introduction of the FireClass evacuation alert system marks a significant advancement in the field of building safety. It is particularly timely in light of the updated BS8629:2019 code of practice in the UK.
The system’s simplicity of operation for first responders, and its capacity to work independently from existing fire detection systems, make it a highly versatile and valuable tool in the quest to enhance safety in high-rise buildings.
Luciano Nigro, Jensen Hughes Italy and Member of the IWMA Board evaluates the tools assisting fire engineers and authorities in system selection and approval
Water mist technology can now be considered a mature fire suppression technology as it has entered the third decade of installation both in marine and in land-based applications. Initiated more than 30 years ago to support the Halon replacement on board of ships, the technology grew rapidly achieving almost 100% of the marine fire protection market on board passenger ships, protecting all the hazards from the machinery spaces to the accommodation and public spaces.
By the end of millennium, water mist applications for land-based occupancies were developed, based on several fire test protocols published by international organisations including Factory Mutual Approvals, UL, VdS, LPCB and others. Nevertheless, in the land based market the technology has not yet achieved the diffusion that could reach, for various reasons one of which, it is the opinion of the writer, remains the difficulties that fire engineers, designing and/or reviewing water mist system for acceptance, find in the process of selecting the system appropriate for each application and in verifying the adequacy of the design parameters that have been used per each system.
To support the fire engineers in this commitment, the IWMA (International Water Mist Association) has developed, in recent years, a descriptive document called the “Project Water Mist – an Alternate Solution to Sprinkler Protection in Building Fire Protection” published in 2014 and a working tool called THE MATRIX – both available on the IWMA website.
The document is a complete list of all the fire test protocols available on the market at the date of its publication with the description of the occupancies to which they apply and the indication of the organisations that developed and published them.
The MATRIX was then studied and developed by the IWMA Scientific Council, with advice from association members, to become a real working tool for the fire engineers, having a structure more attuned to the design and review activity a fire engineer undertakes, and being updated on a constant basis to be representative of what is state-of-the-art – this is a key focus when designing and installing an advanced technology fire suppression system.
A partial view of the summary of the MATRIX outcome for the Land Based Applications is summarised by the table here below; The complete MATRIX is published both for Marine and Land Based applications which can be accessed at: https://iwma.net/the-matrix/land-based-applications.
The MATRIX
The MATRIX for Land Based Applications serves as a guideline for fire engineers to understand the complexity and nuances involved in water mist fire suppression systems across various business segments and contains five columns of information.
The first column refers to the business segment of the case under consideration, divided into Residential, Commercial and Industrial. The second column is the most important for the fire engineer – it is the column dedicated to the Applications and is the key point for the correct interpretation of the MATRIX. The selection of the application that more accurately represents the fire hazard related to the “formal” applications for which a test protocol exists, requires considerable judgment from the fire engineer.
Of course, the real world is not so simple, because the applications listed in the Application column of the MATRIX are not easily related to the actual application under consideration; paragraph 4.1.3.2 of the EN 14972-1 states: “Test protocols: one of the greatest challenges to engineering of water mist fire suppression systems lies in determining whether the conditions of a particular and recognised test protocol are representative of the actual conditions in a given application based on an understanding of the dynamics of the interaction of water mist with fire.”
Upon closer examination, certain applications have clear and well-defined relationships, for example the “car garages/parking garages”, but there are also several applications that are not so well defined as for example “residential occupancies” or “data halls”. In all these cases additional information is needed to relate the applications listed in the MATRIX and the real world.
The third column of the MATRIX is the Test Protocol column; third and fourth columns fully identify the test protocol(s) existing for a given application. The list is updated regularly by the Association therefore it can be considered as the most updated list of water mist fire test protocols presently available worldwide.
As mentioned, there are many applications for which more than one protocol is available; how to select the protocol that best fit the actual application under consideration remains with the responsibility of the fire engineer.
The last column identifies the type approval that can be obtained by ‘positively passing’ each test protocol mentioned in the previous columns. This column differentiates between test protocols that result in a formal approval, indicating the organization granting the approval, and protocols that are not intended for formal approval but are instead provided to the market as reference protocols. These reference protocols are intended for use by authorities having jurisdiction, laboratories, verification agencies, manufacturers, and other relevant entities.
For those that are not so much familiar with the type approval process, it is possible to say that the fire test protocols are the procedures issued by the organisations involved in the water mist fire suppression technology to run each of the mentioned test. They list the materials to be used, the procedure to run the tests, and the pass-fail criteria to determine the outcome of the tests.
Approval and Standardisation
To complete these considerations, it should be noted that the organisations issuing fire test protocols for water mist applications are few and can be divided in two groups: the Approval Bodies and the Standardisation Bodies.
Approval Bodies for water mist applications include FM Approvals1, UL2 and VdS3; the Standardisation Bodies include the CEN4 committee on water mist system and the BSI5. As it is possible to see on the MATRIX table, the Approval Bodies always grant a type-approval for the system passing the test protocol for the specific application; the Standardisation Bodies normally do not, except for the residential applications tested according to BS standard 8458 that are approved by the LPCB6.
The approval issued by an Approval Body is a very useful information document also for the above-mentioned matter concerning the correlation between the test protocol and the actual application under consideration. An example is the chapter 1.2 of the FM standard 55607 where all the 16 applications for which FM Approvals has issued a test protocol are described in detail with all the applicable limitations and/or extensions.
The same does not apply to the test protocols issued by the Standardisation Bodies that also include a paragraph per each protocol describing the scenarios to which the protocol can be applied, but this information is “embedded” in the test protocol text and is not easily available to the fire engineer.
The above is a complete description of the MATRIX content. All the information included in the MATRIX is carefully verified and checked by the IWMA Scientific Council that includes some of the most relevant professionals dealing with water mist technology world widely.
However, there are some comments and recommendations that need to be considered in order to improve the content and make it even more useful for fire engineers.
Considerations for fire engineers
The correlation between the fire test protocol and the actual application under consideration poses challenges for fire engineers. Test protocols issued by Approval Bodies are expected to provide all the necessary information for their correct use and hold liability for their indications. However, achieving a clear correlation is less straightforward when dealing with Standardisation Body protocols.
The second and most important comment is related to the real availability of the system on the market. With the MATRIX it is only possible to say that, for a given application, one or more test protocols exist and whether they lead to a type approval or not, but no information is given about the availability of one or more manufacturers that can provide a water mist system designed and installed in accordance to the test protocol under consideration.
The identification of the manufacturer(s) holding an approval or having carried out a fire test according to one of the test procedures issued by the Standardisation bodies remains a responsibility of the fire engineer in charge for the design of the system.
Future steps
Ensuring the continuous update and maintenance of the MATRIX is of utmost importance for both the tool itself and the IWMA. This commitment aims to provide tangible support to fire engineers engaged in the design, installation, or verification of water mist systems in land-based applications. By keeping the MATRIX up to date, it serves as a valuable resource for professionals in this field.
Two possible enhancements could significantly aid in selecting the correct protocol for a given application. Firstly, adding a new column alongside the existing ones to provide a detailed description of the specific application to which the protocol is applicable would offer valuable assistance. Alternatively, introducing a supplementary page in the summary section where each protocol line is accompanied by a comprehensive description of the applicable scenarios mentioned within the protocol itself would also prove beneficial in facilitating protocol selection.
Finally, the availability of water mist systems on the market: this is an issue going above the scope of the Association.
The MATRIX provides the list of occupancies and protocols, but the demonstration that a company has successfully passed a protocol remains with the fire engineer responsibility to ascertain. As stated in the last sentence of the introduction to EN 14972-1: Water mist is a specific application solution which needs to be proven for each individual application and/or occupancy.
Bibliography
This article was informed by a range of resources, including the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, FM Approvals, UL’s water mist system testing, VdS’s fire protection content, and CEN/TC191/WG10’s material on Water Mist Fire Fighting Systems. Also referenced are the EN 14972 series, standards by BS, the LPCB’s Red Book, and the FM Class Number 5560’s January 2021 edition on Water Mist Systems.
This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
