FIRE SAFETY | FIRE PREVENTION AND RESPONSES | MITIGATION OR PREVENT OF FIRE EMERGENCY

 FIRE SAFETY | FIRE PREVENTION AND RESPONSES | MITIGATION OR PREVENTION OF FIRE EMERGENCY | FIRE RESCUE 

Fire emergency prevention

FIRE SAFETY | FIRE PREVENTION AND RESPONSES | MITIGATION OR PREVENTION OF FIRE EMERGENCY | FIRE RESCUE |

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

Fire prevention policy and guidelines are:

·         All of the Supervisors and HSE personnel will be trained in fire prevention practices and the proper use of fire extinguishing equipment.

·         Workers and foremen who work with flammable materials or are engaged in explosive handling will be trained by the HSE representative regarding firefighting and prevention.

·         Management will ensure that all fire extinguishers in their area are adequate for recognized hazards, and access to their personnel, and are in proper working order.

·         During routine fire inspections, if a hazard is noted, the responsible Supervisor will take necessary action immediately to remove the hazard.

·         Subcontractors will advise regarding hazardous situations that cannot be corrected by their personnel.

·         To prevent and mitigate fire incidents on project sites following mechanisms and measures will be improved and adopted:

·         Smoking will be prohibited in offices. Smoking will also be restricted on the worksite; however, one or more safe designated smoking areas will be provided.

·         Smoking or open flame will be prohibited within 15 meters of paint storage or paintwork areas, gasoline storage, or similar flammable liquids or gases, fuel dispensing vehicles or refueling operations, garages or similar occupancies, or activities in a highly hazardous and inflammable environment. Signs will be posted in and around all such areas.

·         An ashtray and fire extinguisher will be provided in each designated smoking area. Warning signs will be placed at all entrances to buildings or areas where smoking is prohibited.

·         All electrical extension cords will be equipped with non-conductive plugs. Cords will not be spliced or draped over nails, metal objects, or rafters. The use of extension cords through multiple outlets and plugs from single outlets will be prohibited. Electrical extension cords are not used as permanent wiring in facilities.

·         Non-essential electrical equipment and appliances will be disconnected or turned off when not in use. All electrical service removals, alterations, and equipment installations will only be performed by a qualified electrician. Intrinsically safe tools or lighting facilities will be used in an area where there is a possibility of flammable gas exposure.

·         Flammable liquids will be handled and stored safely as described in the Hazardous Materials Management Plan.

·         Sources of ignition, including smoking, will be prohibited in all hazardous areas.

·         Flammable liquids will not be used for household cleaning purposes. Only non-toxic, non-flammable products will be used.

·         Supplies of flammable liquids for work areas will be stored in cabinets. They will be adequately ventilated both top and bottom and at a safe distance from heating elements and other flammable materials.

·         All electrical installations and equipment located in storage areas will be following the relevant standards.

·         Only approved containers and portable tanks will be used for the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. Approved metal safety cans/barrels will be used for handling flammable liquids in quantities greater than 4 liters. For quantities of 4 liters or less, only metal containers will be used. Plastic and glass containers will be strictly prohibited for storing flammable liquids.

·         All bulk quantities of flammable liquids will be stored in a separate building or located at least 15 meters from any other building.

·         No damaged or leaking containers will be permitted in work or storage areas. Containers of flammable liquids will be regularly inspected for leakage by HSE Department. Flammable liquids will not be allowed to enter any drainage system on the Project.

·         Cylinders containing compressed or liquefied gas will not be dropped or exposed to impact. They will be isolated from open flames, heat, and direct sunlight. Valves and connections will be kept free of mineral oil and greases and separated from welding leads, spark-producing equipment, and electrical leads.

·         Cylinders containing oxygen, acetylene, chlorine, Sulphur dioxide, and liquefied petroleum or fuel will be kept upright and secured to prevent damage. Storage of oxygen, acetylene, fuel gas, and LPG cylinders, whether empty or full will be separated by 6 meters.

·         The valves of all compressed gas cylinders will be closed and protective caps installed before movement unless (where in use) cylinders are secured to an operating unit or welding cart. Valves will be shut off at the cylinder and not at the regulator or dispensing tip. Suitable valve actuator keys will be attached to all cylinders when in use.

·         Gas from cylinders will be used through a pressure-reducing regulator. Never allow oxygen to enter regulators suddenly. Mixing gases in cylinders is prohibited. Do not use cylinders with improperly operating valves or defective regulators. Broken or damaged regulators will be removed from service immediately.

·         All fire suppression equipment (extinguishers, hoses, etc.) will be inspected by the Company safety representative monthly to identify conditions that may prevent emergency use of the appliance. All deficiencies will be corrected immediately.

·         Each fire extinguisher and other fire suppression appliance(s) will have an inspection tag fixed to the fire extinguisher.

·         After the regular monthly inspection, the HSE department will keep a consolidated record of the location of all extinguishers, maintenance received, and other conditions relative to the situation and care of fire appliances.

The contractor’s HSE will ensure the following:

·         “FIRE ACTION” notices are displayed at strategic locations, sufficient “Emergency Assembly Points” are set up, and regular practice evacuation drills are performed;

·         Many office/ camp staff are being assigned the responsibility to act as fire wardens.

·         Office/camp staff (in particular new staff) have been briefed and kept updated on fire and emergency response procedures;

·         Awareness to control flammable materials being used on the premises, e.g., photocopier fluids; paints, etc. have been given to workers deployed at sites;

·         Provision of lidded refuse containers for the safe disposal of aerosols that contain flammable materials;

·         Ensuring that a clean desk policy is being adhered to and that materials are not allowed to build up by regular housekeeping and checks of the offices at the close of the day;

·         Daily checks of the office to ensure that walkways are not blocked, fittings are properly secured, fire doors are kept closed, and the means of escape are available;

·         Provision of metal filing cabinets for documents, stationery, and other potentially flammable items;

·         A close liaison with the electrical/instrumentation department for the inspection, testing, and servicing of fire alarms, smoke detection units, etc.;

·         Kitchen areas are being monitored to ensure that electrical fittings have been turned off after use and do not present a fire hazard;

·         Training for the use of fire extinguishers has been for staff/workers and signs have been displayed in various locations indicating the emergency procedures;

·         The ‘No Smoking’ policy applies in the meetings and conference rooms as described in the Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan;

·         Common social areas, mess halls, and toilets, within the camp, are checked before the closure of possible ignition sources following each mealtime and at end of the evening;

The contractor’s Emergency Coordinator will ensure the following:

·         Ensure that fire extinguishers are installed at appropriate locations;

·         Ensure that personnel is informed not to interfere with fire detection devices or systems.

·         The ‘NO SMOKING’ policy applies in the bedroom areas as described in the Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan;

·         Ensure that night security guards regularly patrol around the camp areas as described in the Security Management Plan and closely watch that the fire has not broken out, security lights are functioning in well order, and identify any other potential area of risk;

·         Ensure that a strict regime is maintained about waste removal (especially combustible items) daily (or more frequently as material deliveries dictate);

·         Ensure that cooking is not undertaken in habitable rooms;

·         Rooms are cleaned and waste or trash is removed daily;

·         Hallways, entrances, and/or fire escapes are free of obstructions, and trash is regularly removed daily.

Emergency Preparedness

·         Firefighting equipment will be provided adequate to comply with all requirements as stated in this procedure. 5-6 kg, or larger, A: B: C dry chemical powder-type fire extinguishers are preferred for field use.

·         Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher will be used on fires involving electrical equipment where avoidance of damage by extinguishing is required. CO2 is potentially hazardous in small closed rooms because of the risk of suffocation.

·         A dry Powder Extinguisher will be used on Class A, B, and C fires where contamination is not a problem.

·         Foam Extinguishers are most effective on fires of flammable liquids when it is not splashed into the burning liquid. For best results on flammable liquid fires, it would be sprayed upon the inside of the wall of the container just above the burning surface.

·         Hoses will be installed at the operational stage of the plant and used to carry water to the scene of a fire inaccessible locations

·         Regular inspection, testing, and repairs and/or replacements ordered will be carried out as necessary by the HSE Department.

·         Any fire extinguisher that has been discharged will be reported to the safety Engineer who will arrange for recharging. Any fire extinguisher with broken seals will be checked to determine if it needs recharging

·         All Project personnel will be briefed on fire extinguishers and other equipment use and reporting procedures during the new employee orientation and at frequent toolbox safety meetings. Hands-on training is invaluable for those expected to use fire extinguishers. Emergency procedures and telephone numbers will be posted at key locations.

·         It is important to train site personnel, site firefighters (site personnel trained in firefighting), and the Emergency Response Team ERT on how to deal with emergencies, especially in the case of fire by which people’s knowledge and efficiency can be enhanced by formal instruction and practical training.

·         Drills will be conducted quarterly. In addition to the practicing of drills; an assessment will be done after every drill to know drill lapses and improve their response to the kind of problems encountered in a real emergency.

·         An Assembly point will be established and workers will be trained during mock drills to gather at the Assembly point

·         Fire alarms will be installed in site offices and accommodations