‘ i STOP FIRE’ and Proposal For Fire Safety, Security and Disaster Management Audit & Training

For the needs of your organization a special programme to minimize Fire incidents and introduction of revolutionary Fire-fighting product
‘STOP FIRE’ and making your organization Disaster resilient thus saving huge losses being incurred. 

A Three Day Capsule Proposal For Fire Safety, Security and Disaster Management Audit & Training – Specially designed by Ex-Top Experts and Trainers of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Institute of Disaster Management(NIDM) – All this at a very NOMINAL COST to your organization as this is being done by a PSU financial institution’s promoted CAG audited Co. and is a step towards Nation Building in making your premises disaster resilient and also ensure COMPLIANCE of mandatory Govt. norms.

Greetings from HIMCON

We wish  to appraise your organization regarding a programme conceived and being implemented across the country, perhaps the biggest programme, to inculcate the feeling of Safety and Security amongst the inhabitants of various premises across the country. India, as you may be aware, is deficient in fire safety measures (97% source NDMA), resulting in a gross loss per annum to the extent of nearly 1,00,000 Crores Rupees (App. 97%, source www.ndma.gov.in). To say it simply, approximately 1% of our GDP is wasted in fire and when viewed along with the Disaster Management losses, it is a whopping 3.5% of our GDP which translate into approximately 3,50,000 Crores of Rupees. By analyzing these facts, HIMCON has taken an effort to increase the awareness and take corrective steps that aim at reducing the losses of the economy as a whole.

Your organization’s implementation of this programme would also enable it in COMPLIANCE of Govt. of India’s directions as per Provisions of National Building Code, Disaster Management Act 2005 and its related provisions.

HIMCON is run by a highly professional board represented by senior IAS officers on behalf of state Govt. i.e. Shri Rajender Singh (IAS) [currently Director of Industries, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh], Shri S.S. Guleria (IAS) [Managing Director, HPSIDC], and Shri B. D. Suyal (IFS) [Director, HPSFC]. HIMCON is a deemed Government Company under section 619 (2) of the companies Act 1956 & under section 139 of Companies act 2013 and is audited by CAG.

HIMCON was established during 1977 with IFCI as the lead institution, jointly by all India Financial Institutions viz. IFCI Ltd., SIDBI, ICICI Bank Ltd in collaboration with Nationalized Banks and state level Corporations and Institutions., besides several PSU Banks (BOI, Central Bank, PNB, SBI, SBOP, UBI and UCo Bank) and Govt. of HP & State Corporations (HPFC, HPSIDC, HPAIC, HPSSIEC, HPSFC)– is conducting Disaster Management, Fire Safety and Security Audit with the aim of preparing top management of corporations from any eventual disaster that might strike them un-prepared. The aim is to check the preparedness and have the contingency plan in place.

This communication aims to draw your attention to the burning topic and also request you to kindly direct your organization’s concerned officials for a meeting to appraise you and your esteemed organization regarding “Mission Preventive Safety & Security” being implemented by HIMCON. Our team led by Project Director, Mr. JP Singh & Exec. Director, Brig. (Dr.) B.K. Khanna SM, VSM (Retd.) and former Sr. Specialist (Policy and Plans), NDMA, Govt. of India can appraise you of the impending challenges and its mitigants. These initiatives would also enable your organization/office to COMPLY with statutory measures as specified by Govt. of India for every organization/office working in India.           KABIR SAHNI – kabir@foundationjps.org

MISSION PREVENTIVE SAFETY & SECURITY (a program of audit & training devised by and under the guidance of top experts ex-Indian Armed Forces and National Disaster Management Authority) is being conducted by HIMCON Limited (HIMCON is promoted by Public Sector Banks along with other important financial organization of the country).

Background: 

Developing countries, like India suffer the greatest cost when a disaster strikes – more than 95% of all deaths caused by disasters/ accidents occur in developing countries and losses due to natural disasters are 20 times greater.  In other words, a disaster can be defined as any tragic event involving at least one victim of circumstance, such as accident, fire, terrorist attack or explosion.  Disasters threaten sustainable economic development worldwide.  Although natural disasters like earthquakes, cyclones, floods, etc. because more havoc, their occurrence has low probability.  Whereas fires, accidents, building collapse, etc. cause lesser number of casualties but their occurrence is more frequent.  It is the ignorance of community and the establishment, neglect of assessing the risks and not taking preventive and mitigation measures against perceived natural and human induced disasters that developing countries are suffering more.  We cannot prevent disasters from happening, but can certainly take mitigation and capacity development measures, like risk assessment to minimize loss of lives, damage to infrastructure and environmental degradation. It is time for the management of public sector undertakings, banks and others to seriously take note of the existing hazards they are living in, make contingency,   response and business continuity plan and get them tested through third party audit by experts and through regular conduct of mock exercises!!

Need for Disaster Management Plans and DM Audit.  Due to its geo-physical and geo-climatic conditions, India is prone to almost all types of hazards, be it natural and human induced.  58.6% of land mass in India comes under Zone III, IV and V for seismicity, i.e., high risk probability, 12% is prone to floods, out of 7156 km of coast line, 5700 km is prone to Cyclones and Tsunami, 8% of hills in North, NW and West Coast are vulnerable to landslides. India is also prone to various types of human induced disasters, like fires, terrorist related disasters, building collapse, accidents, etc. The loss in terms of private, community and public assets has been astronomical. This surmises that the buildings, infrastructures and permanent structures should be as per national building code, approved by Union Urban Development Ministry.

It is said that earthquakes do not kill people.  It is badly designed buildings which take the toll.  The National Building Code of India lays down a set of minimum provisions to which the buildings should be designed to protect the safety of the public.   Part IV of the code relates specifically to fire protection and Clause 9 to ‘Requirements of Educational buildings’ provides guidelines on fire safe building designs. Some of the States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, etc. have passed Fire Service Acts, making these guidelines mandatory provisions. The fire license is issued based on the adherence to National Building Code provisions, with respect to fire safety. In case of industrial buildings the requirements of factories rules, Oil Industry Safety Directorate guidelines have also to  be complied with additionally wherever applicable.

Keeping in view the above hazards and various socio economic, environment and awareness vulnerabilities of various States/UTs and consequent risk assessment analysis, Govt. of India has given certain directions/guidelines for taking preventive and mitigation measures. As per Sections 37 and 40 of the Disaster Management Act 2005, it is mandatory for all organizations, offices, commercial and residential buildings to have a Contingency & Response Plan.  As per Para 9.1.1 of Chapter 9 of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines on Earthquake, Disaster and Response Plan is required to be prepared for all school buildings /malls/entertainment cine-plexes /office /commercial complexes.  The main purpose is to prevent loss of avoidable casualties during disasters.  We cannot make a disaster to happen to check our Plans and status of preparedness.  Third Party Audit and conduct of Mock Exercises are some of the time tested tools world-over to test the Plans for their workability during actual disasters.

Aim of Disaster Management, Fire Safety and Security Audit:

Digital security is quite well managed and highly centralized whereas physical security is managed in a different manner and is also outsourced at times. Assessment of the security needs of the premises offering organization services has to be based on proper threat assessment and environmental factors which many of the services providers overlook. This can harm the continuity of the organization and services, and huge consequential losses can be there on account of this lackadaisical approach & invite strict penalties and others stern measures from the Govt. on account of noncompliance of the Govt. directions.

Do you know in which natural & human induced hazards your organization and branches are living in? Are the building’s inmates safe from perceived disasters?  Has risk assessment been done regarding their safety during working? Has each organization formulated a mandatory Contingency, Response & Business Continuity Plan?  Do you have trained immediate response teams with equipment within your organization to control and manage disasters? Are the gaps/weaknesses known to you?  If the answer to any or all the queries is NO, then this program is catered to your needs.

The aim of conducting Disaster Management, Fire Safety and Security Audit is to find the status of preparedness & find gaps so that preventive and mitigation measures can be undertaken in time.

Why Audit?

Benefits of Audits

• Key source of information for safety & security review
• Demonstrates senior management commitment and communication
• Improves personnel awareness, participation and motivation
• Provides opportunities for continuous improvement
• Improves employee/customer confidence and satisfaction
• Improves operational performance
• Audit results are a major input into the security review process. The Audit Measures must be reviewed for strengths and weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. This information will be reviewed and the management would take appropriate action.
• Time and training allowed for conducting audits is one of the ways management shows its commitment.
• If the purpose of the audit is properly communicated and employees realize that the audit is not an evaluation of personnel performance, they are more likely to discuss weak areas and opportunities for improvement.
• This should then lead to improvement in the operational performance, and a reduction in the number and nature of security incidents, and therefore improve customer satisfaction.

Scope
The scope of Disaster Management, Fire Safety and Security Audit will cover the following:

• Perusal of the Contingency & Response Plan of the Organization.  A template will be given, if it is not existing.
• Check response and mitigation plans.
• Identifying the people who are risk for each hazard.
• In the response plan, assessment of response plan, composition of various teams, like early warning, search and rescue, communication and first aid will be checked and randomly roles & responsibilities of some team members will be checked.  Status of resource inventory and additional requirements will also be determined.
• In the mitigation plan, check lists for fire safety, data safety, building safety, safety of laboratories, etc. will be checked.  The resource map, hazard map and safety route map and meeting place map will also be perused.
• Evacuation Plan will be tested through mock exercise by the experts, if desired by the Management.
• Fire and safety detection facilities will be checked and fire safety equipment tested for its functionality.
• Training of Response Teams and general awareness program for all students/teachers carried out by the organization will be seen.
• Physical inspection of the organization from DM, safety and security point of view will be carried out, existing gadgets tested and new ones suggested reinforcing security.

Demonstration and suggestion of relevant most modern safety and disaster management equipment to bring down the costs, ensure optimum ultimate utilization in the event of disaster and steps to reduce the manmade disasters to least possible and to reduce the effect of natural disasters by adopting the relevant methods and equipment to make the organization Disaster Resilient.

Methodology for conduct of the DM, Fire Safety and Security Audit in a capsule form, which will spill over three days is given in the Appendix attached:
Day 1 – Pre Audit Data Collection (DM Plan/ registers & manuals, Sensitization workshop in schools. Site Visit to study Structural/ Non-Structural Hazards with existing facilities
– 8 hrs.

Day 2 – Carry out DM, Fire and Security Audit.  Testing the Equipment/ system.  Preparation of the Report & discussion of main points of Audit Report with Unit Head/ Principal – 8 hrs.

Day 3 – Capacity development through training will include audio visuals on  disasters, interactive talk, Internal Mock Exercise on Disaster Risk Reduction & Physical Evacuation Drill  5 –  hrs.

In the end, it is advisable to act now and find out the status of preparedness to perceived disasters, rather than repent later when the water had flown over the head, after the disaster has struck.  Disasters can be termed like God, which we know is existing but is invisible.  It is hoped the Head of the Organization will take note of the seriousness of the matter and initiate action of organizing Fire Safety, Security and DM Audit. A stich in time would be more apt than ignoring this communication as the consequences are very difficult to face.

HIMCON Limited had taken the lead by bringing to the Organization a programme with the guidance of former top experts of National Disaster Management Authority & National Institute of Disaster Management the field of Fire Safety, Security & Disaster Management.

National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)

The National Institute of Disaster Management constituted under the Disaster Management Act 2005 has been entrusted with the nodal National Responsibility for Human Resource Development, Capacity Building, Training, Research, Documentation and Policy Advocacy in the field of Disaster Management. 

This effort of yours would be in the interest of your organization and in the interest of our Nation in saving the Fire and Disaster related losses and impart the necessary knowledge to members of your organization and assisting you in conducting the mandatory COMPLIANCE measures of Disaster Management, Fire Safety & Security in addition of conducting Mock training exercises.

For More Info Please Visit: – http://www.foundationjps.org/Stop-Fire.html

www.stopfire.in

i-Stop Fire – A revolutionary Product of Fire Fighting

A revolutionary product ‘STOP FIRE’ in the field of Fire Fighting. It is like putting up the cover of a fire fighting vehicle on each floor of the building. It is difficult to perch a fire fighting vehicle on each floor in a building but you can get the desired benefits through STOP FIRE deployment at various places of perceived threat on that building floor.

STOP FIRE is 3 times less expensive and then conventional fire extinguisher 3 times more in efficacy then conventional fire extinguisher.

STOP FIRE uses non-toxic material which do not cause secondary pollution to the environment and this doesn’t destroy natural ecological conditions.

STOP FIRE uses does not leave any blind corner in the fire-fighting operations.

STOP FIRE can be operated by anyone, even elders or children.

STOP FIRE is used in most types of Fires and is free from restrictions on special equipment.

STOP FIRE can be used easily by dissolving in water and there are no separated layers or settlement thus ensuring ease of use.

STOP FIRE can diluted in any type of water soft or hard.

CERTIFIED by TOP INTERNATIONAL EVALUATION BODIES with INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS.

‘STOP FIRE can be sprayed on the people and their clothes when trapped in a fire without having any harmful effect.

‘STOP FIRE’ prevents the fire from re-igniting or spreading to cause further damage.

‘STOP FIRE’ doesn’t hurt the people in the vicinity by exploding through a detonator etc.

‘STOP FIRE’ doesn’t harmful chemical powder on humans or surroundings.

‘STOP FIRE’ ecofriendly plant based compound doesn’t cause irritation to the Humans.

The product can be readily used by spraying or just throwing by simple mug drawn from a bucket in which half a litter of ‘STOP FIRE’ edit in water. ‘STOP FIRE’ can cover any wider area then compare to the expensive chemical containing detonator exploding fire extinguishing device.

‘STOP FIRE’ can be readily used instead of waiting till the time the detonator device explodes serious and considerable harm would be caused in the vicinity by the spread of fire as the fire extinguisher would explode only when the fire melts the container shell of the powder and explodes the detonator.

STOP FIRE is easily usable can be used in any spray bottle or liquid can be mixed in a bucket with app. 45 litters water and is readily available through arrangements.

‘STOP FIRE’ has Maintenance free 5 years shelf life.

‘STOP FIRE’ is ecologically and environmental friendly,

‘STOP FIRE’ is Non-toxic, not harmful to human/animals if ingested also.

Benefits of multiple filled ‘STOP FIRE’ extinguishers can be utilized to
COMPLETELY COVER any area may it be home/office/godown or vehicle and the after effects of usage of STOP FIRE would not at all appear bad i.e. no sprinkled powder around and no debris of exploded shells etc. in fact if powder type extinguishers are used in a computer hardware office – the explosion  when detonator blasts would first harm the computer equipment and then the powder once sprayed on the equipment, it would go inside its pores and crevices etc. and may cause permanent damage to the equipment/plants/factory etc.  There is no such damage by the usage of ‘STOP-FIRE’

 ‘STOP FIRE’ is a revolutionary Eco-Friendly, Toxic, Non-irritating water soluble compound that is MUCH CHEAPER than conventional Fire Fighting systems, has an efficacy   app. 3 times the conventional fire extinguishers and has a  hassle free shelf life of five years. ‘STOP FIRE’ converts to organic fertilizer when it meets soil and germs to help plant growth.

kabir@foundationjps.org

 

Comparison Between Stop Fire (D.T.E.) and Conventional Fire Extinguishing Agents
Item		STOP – Fire         D.T.E water soluble powerful fire extinguishing agent	Powder in a exploding detonator type / CO2	Hypertension liquid type containing CFCS
1	Product Certified by International Certifying bodies Product contains CFCS? Five year shelf life cost	Yes any CFCS Materials are made of biotech and natural plant CLEAR FILM. Ingredients have name retardant function. Internationally certified by world’s top certifying bodies, Five year shelf life cost 1/3rd of conventional fire extinguisher.	Although no international certifications are available CO2 is the culprit of greenhouse effect. Dry powder will cause serious pollution to environment. The device would also be expensive.	Contains CFCS, hazardous to human body, and will seriously destroy ozone layer.
2	Product has multiple functions to put out fire, retard flame and resist heat?	STOP FIRE (D.T.E.) compound has multiple functions, to put out fire, retard name and resist heat.	No. It only has the function to put out fire.	No. It only has the regular function to put out fire.
3	Product is made of natural ingredients, to protect human life and assets, and will not harm human body?	STOP FIRE (D.T.E.) compound is  composed of natural ingredients, to protect human life and assets, and cause no harm to human body.	Not composed of natural ingredients, will cause pollution to environment and cause harm to human body.	Not composed of natural ingredients, will cause pollution to environment, and cause harm to human body.
4	Product is made of neutral solvent and will not cause secondary pollution?	STOP FIRE (D.T.E.) is a neutral (ph=6.2) chemical compound, which converts to organic fertilizer when it meets the soil and germs, to help plant growth, has no risk of causing secondary pollution.	Dry powder with PH=2.5 is strong acid; CO2 with PH=11. Both cause soil acidification and secondary pollution.	Strong acid gas, very dangerous during production, and will cause destruction to environment.
5	In preliminary firefighting effort, it can prevent and inhibit toxin in smoking fire?	STOP FIRE (D.T.E.) adopts biotech and contains natural substance CLEAR FILM, to prevent fire from spreading, and effectively inhibit toxin in smoking fire.	Materials are irritating and will cause toxins and harm in fighting process. If the container of Mono Ammonium Phosphate is subjected to high heat it would emit AMMONIA which is highly toxic.	Materials are irritant Chemicals, will cause toxins and harm.
6	When it comes in contact with human body, the chemical compound will cause allergy, corrosion, or other adverse physical reactions?	STOP FIRE (D.T.E.) contains natural plant base, is nontoxic and water soluble compound, so it will not cause harm when it comes to contact with human body.	When it comes in contact with human body, it produces strong irritant odor and dust, which will harm human health or even suffocation when inhaled substantially.	When it comes in contact with human body, it produces strong irritant odor. Which will harm human health when inhaled into lungs.
7	When used on regular fire accidents and forest fire, it will form a flame retardant layer to prevent repeat burning and spreading?	STOP FIRE (D.T.E.) compound can form a flame retardant layer after fire is extinguished, further prevent repeat burn and mbers. When used on forest or large area fire, it can form a separating wall to prevent flame from spreading.	After preliminary putting out the fire, it could not prevent embers from burning and flashing, so fire may restart and spread further.	After preliminary putting out the fire, it could not prevent embers from burning and flashing, so fire may restart and spread further.
8	The container in use can be installed on vehicles or other carriers, and will not cause explosion and danger to equipment and personnel safety due to high heat?	STOP FIRE (D.T.E.) adopts patented low pressure cylinder, in a technical cooperation will Swiss company, so it will not explode even under high heat, so it is quite suitable for carrying on vehicles or other carriers.	It uses high pressure steel / plastic cylinders, which may explode under high heat, so consumers are worried. The explosion of these might cause injuries or damages.	It uses high pressure steel cylinders, which may explode under high heat and intoxicate personnel.
9	Product is nontoxic, no polluting and not jeopardize human health; and in use will not cause instant suffocation to humans?	STOP FIRE (D.T.E.) is nontoxic, no polluting and cause no harm to human health; and muse will not cause instant suffocation to humans.	No, it cause pollution to environment. There is no available data or certification to prove it to be Non-Toxic & ecofriendly.	No, it has adverse effect on environment.
10	Product can be used on human body, and serve as a medium to in insulate heat and retard flame?	Since STOP FIRE (D.T.E.) is non-toxic, non- irritating and has functions to resist heat and combustion, it can be sprayed on clothing and human body for emergency escape at the fire scene.	Since it contains irritant matter, it could not be used on human body. There is no available data or certification to prove it to be Non-Toxic & ecofriendly.	It contains toxin, so it could not be used on human body.

Kabir Sahni – kabir@foundationjps.org

For More Info Please Visit: – http://www.foundationjps.org/Stop-Fire.html

www.stopfire.in

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON Factories Act 1948

Factories Act 1948 – Foundation JPS

Q. Do a hand driven lifting equipment need certification from competent person under article 29 of Factories Act?

A. Section 29 of the Factories Act deals with lifting machines and lifting tackles which are defined under explanation. In our opinion hand driven lifting equipment does not require certification.

Q. Definition of “worker” under Factories Act 1948 & Maharashtra Factories Rules?  Whether officers/executives are to be considered for calculation of the employment strength with regard to recruitment of Welfare Officer under the Act?

A. Under the Factories Act, definition of “worker” is clearly given.  For the purpose of calculation of employment strength, officers and executives etc. have to be taken into account.

Q. Which type of establishments are covered under the Factories Act?

A. The term “factory” is defined in Section 2(m) of the Factories Act, 1948.  It means that in any premises if 10 or more workers are engaged in a manufacturing process with aid of power or if 20 or more workers are engaged in the manufacturing process without  aid of power such premises will be covered under the Factories, 1948

Q. Whether a child is allowed to work in a factory?

A. The child below 14 years of age is not allowed to work in any factory.

Q. Whether a woman is allowed to work in a factory?

A.The women are allowed to work in any factory except between the hours of 7 pm to 6 am i.e. women are not allowed to work during night time. However, there are certain operations/processes, which are considered hazardous.  In such operations/processes women are not allowed to work.

Q. What are the weekly hours of work in a factory?

A. No adult is allowed to work in a factory for more than 48 hours in any week.

Q. What are the daily hours of work?

A. No adult worker is allowed to work in a factory for more than 9 hours in any day.

Q. Which authority enforces the Factories Act 1948?

A. The Factories Act and the rules framed thereunder are enforced by respective states/UTs. through the office of Chief Inspector of Factories under the Labour Department of the State Government/UTs.

Q. Whether a place wherein a manufacturing process are carried out with or without the aid of power employing less than 10 or 20 workers respectively can be covered under the Factories Act?

A. The State Government is empowered to declare that al or any of the provisions of the Act shall apply to any place wherein manufacturing process carried out irrespective of number of workers employed therein.

Q. Whether a workshop of a teaching institute employing more than 10 workers will be in a factory?

A. The State Government may exempt with certain conditions, in workshops whether manufacturing processes are carried out for purposes of education, training, research or reformation from all or any of the provisions of this Act.

Q. Whether the approval, licensing and registration of a factory are compulsory?

A. Yes, It is compulsory. The approval, license and registration of a factory is compulsory before starting the manufacturing process. The occupier of the factory should submit the plan to the Chief Inspector of the State for approval. After the approval, the licensee will be granted by the CIF and the factory will be registered.

Q. What are the various provisions to be abided by the occupier of the factory?

A. There are many provisions, which are to be strictly followed by the occupier. The details are available in a publication known as the Factories Act, 1948. There are 120 sections divided into 11 chapters, which can be referred for detailed.

Fire Safety Signs – Provides For a Reliable Assistance In Time Of Emergency Condition

We all know how important certain signs are, since we all have used and learned them while growing-up. Going froward some of them have found an integral part in our mode of communication. When talking of signs the first picture that crosses our mind is road safety. But their utility and importance is not restricted to roads only. When visiting a corporate building or an office we often get to see red signs, blue circles, red circles and yellow triangles. Do you know what these signs are all about? I am sure most of us surpass the place without inquiring them. Well carry on to read further only if it interests you to know about fire signs. As in this article I would try to impart information about these fire safety signs.

Fire outbreaks are not everyday scenario and having these safety signs rightly placed at the work place serves to be a constant reminder to employees to be alert in case of accidents. These are the signs that ensure safety in the workplace and every employee should know them. These safety signs must be easily seen by all the staff members of the office. The essential information such as fir fighting equipments and emergency fire phones must be readily accessible to all employees. All the employees must be well-versed with the styles of frequently used fire safety signs and the message they carry.

Like the green signs are to denote the safe condition signs. It has two meanings first being it tells where the safety equipments are and the secondly it tells the employees that what is safe to do in case of an emergency. The Blue circles- mandatory signs it gives command which employees are mandated to do in case of fire. The yellow triangles are the caution signs used to bring to attention that something is dangerous. The Red Circles, the prohibition sign comes with a diagonal line prohibiting the employees from doing what is shown in the sign. The Red signs are called the fire safety signs and are used to show where the fire extinguishers are including other fire safety equipments.

It is important to understand that the fire safety being used in the workplace are large and clear. Since if the sign is not large and clear they cannot be easily seen and understood in time of need. These safety sign white boards are made of plastic and have bold bright red print and graphics that make them easy to spot and easy to read. These signs should be luminescent to ensure clear visibility in situations of black-out caused by electrical hazards. Fire signage is important and often times required!

Do not do the mistake of manifesting other signs with an emergency sign. If such a condition arise where arises a need to place another sign in the same area. In such a case emergency evacuation sign should take precedence over other signs. A smarter way to place the sign boards is to hang them down from the ceiling and these will catch the eyes of people traveling in both directions. Care should be taken that the fire extinguisher signs are not covered by something that obstructs the view and fire extinguisher should be properly serviced and timely refilled so that they are in workable conditions at the time of need.

Fire Prevention – A Most Important Topic

Fire Safety is an important workplace topic throughout the year. While death and injury are the greatest risks and the ones with which most people are familiar, fires also destroy jobs. In fact, many of the workplaces that are destroyed by fire are never rebuilt. Here are some general tips for a fire-safe workplace to share with your employees.
12 Ways to Prevent a Workplace Fire

Preventing fires is everyone’s job. We all need to be alert to anything that could cause a fire, and take responsibility to report any problem areas so they can be corrected. Here are some reminders about fire prevention:

1. Practice good workplace housekeeping. Clutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by preventing access to exits and emergency equipment.
2. Place oily rags in a covered metal container. This waste must be properly disposed of on a regular basis.
3. Maintain machinery to prevent overheating and friction sparks.
4. Report electrical hazards. Many fires start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment. Never attempt electrical repairs unless you are qualified and authorized.
5. Maintain free access to all electrical control panels. Material or equipment stored in front of the panels would slow down the shutting down of power in an emergency situation.
6. Use and store chemicals safely. Read the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances.
7. Use all precautions to prevent ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres such as those containing flammable liquid vapors or fine particles. Use non-sparking tools, and control static electricity as required.
8. Help maintain building security to prevent arson fires. Lock up as instructed; report suspicious persons; and don’t leave combustible rubbish where it can be set afire outside the building.
9. Smoke only in designated areas, and extinguish smoking materials safely. Never smoke in storerooms or chemical storage areas.
10. Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment or emergency exits. Observe clearances when stacking materials.
11. Post emergency telephone numbers as well as the company address by the telephone in your station for quick access if a fire were to start in your work area.
12. Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

Remind workers about the important of preparing for fires with this

What To Do in Case of Fire

It’s also important that you have a clear idea what to do in case a fire does occur.

• Know your company’s emergency procedures and your role in them.
• Sound the alarm so the building occupants can escape.
• Proceed to the designated assembly area outside the building.
• If you are trained to do so, you might be able to fight a small fire with a portable extinguisher.
• Choose the right extinguisher for the type of fire, and keep a clear escape route.
• As you leave, shut down machinery or process equipment according to your company’s emergency plan.
• Take fire drills seriously. They are organized to save lives and property in case of the real thing.

Conclusion

A workplace fire is an experience you don’t want to have. In addition to injury and loss of life, the outbreak of a fire can lead to job losses. Rebuilding a workplace after a fire is very expensive and many companies can’t afford to do it. Don’t let a fire threaten you, your co-workers and your job. Work safely to prevent fires, and know what to do if one occurs.

Major Accident Hazard – Foundation JPS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON:

Major Accident Hazard

Q. What is Hazard Operability Study ?

The application of a formal systematic critical examination to the process and engineering intentions of new or existing facilities to assess the hazard potential of mal-operation or mal-function of individual items of equipments and their consequential effects on the facility as a whole.
Q. What are source models ?
A. Source models represent the material release process. They provide useful information for determining the consequences of an accident, including the rate of material release, the total quantity released and the physical state of the material.
Q. What are dispersion models ?
A. Dispersion models describe the airborne transport of toxic/inflammable materials away from the accident site and into the plant and community.
Q. What is explosion ?
A. The uncontrolled release of energy from a flame front propagating through flammable medium and characterized by the generation of heat, light and pressure.
Q. What is Risk ?
A. Risk is defined as a measure of economic loss or human injury in terms of both the likelihood and the magnitude of the loss or injury.
Q. What is risk assessment ?
A. Risk assessment includes accident scenario identification and consequence analysis. Scenario identification describes how an accident occurs. It frequently includes an analysis of the probabilities. Consequence analysis describes the damage expected. This includes lose of life, damage to the environment or capital equipments and days outage.
Q. What is Occupational Safety and Health Audit ?
A. A systematic, objective and documented evaluation of the occupational safety and health systems and procedures
Q. What is Occupational safety and health management system ?
A. A part of the overall management system that facilitates the management of OSH and risks associated with the business of the organization

Q. What is Maximum Credible Loss Scenario (MCLS) study ?
A. MCLS is described as the worst “credible” accident or as an accident with a maximum damage distance, which is still believed to be possible.

Q. What is flammability limits ?
A. The concentration of a mixture of flammable vapor or gas in air (% by volume of vapor to air) in which a flash will occur or a flame will travel if the mixture is ignited.

Fire Safety – The Essential Elements of Fire Safety and Security Courses

It is the responsibility of every organisation and every employer to set up some safety measures to ensure the safety of the workers and office premises. Every single year, fire causes death of hundreds of employees and loss of valuable data. Applying appropriate fire safety measures and safety courses are the front-end solutions to this problem.

Here are some essential elements of fire safety of a workplace:

Auditing:

The auditing process audits the fire safety controls, policies, trainings and equipments of your company. Auditing also deals with carrying out the detailed drawings and schematics of fire safety procedure. Most of the organisations hire the outside experts or outsource their auditing requirements to the expert auditors. To begin the auditing, the expert consultant will review the existing fire safety measures of your company and will suggest you about the improvements required. They will also suggest you for appropriate safety courses for your employees.

Risk Assessment & Prevention:

Every employer should be aware about the possible risks of the fire. Getting proper risk assessment is the only way of preventing the possible losses from fire. If the employer is not able to do so due to any reason, there should be a responsible person to do this. Not just the assessment, there should be appropriate fire prevention procedures in every organisations that can be executed in case of any emergency.

Training:

Preventing fire and its effects is the responsibility of every employee in the organisation. But this can be done only if the employees are trained about taking proper steps in case of fire. Fire safety courses are meant for such people. In these courses, the employees are trained about the basic steps they need to take. For instance, every employee should know to raise the alarm, use the fire extinguisher or contact the fire brigade.

Fire-Detection & Warning:

There must be a capable fire-detection and warning system installed in every organisation. These days, most of the buildings have fire detection sensors installed. They should be in fine-working order to avoid any unwanted situation. Also, there must be a warning system which warns all the employees in case of fire. The advanced technology has also discovered some warning systems that may report your nearby police station or fire-brigade office in case of fire. Having such equipments is much better than ordinary settings.

Equipment:

Having fire extinguishers is indeed a necessity for every organisation, but they are not enough. Simple fire extinguishers may only help in case of small fire. In case of deadly fire, you need something advance. The fire extinguishers may combat the fire in early stage and thus may prevent huge loss. Place at least 5-6 fire extinguishers in your office, depending upon the size of your organisation and building.

These are just a few steps to fight against unwanted fire situation. To use these processes and equipments profitably, your employees must know how to use them. Fire safety courses may give then this knowledge, which will eventually save your company from big losses.

Know About The Legal Requirements for Fire Safety and Security | Foundation JPS

Fire safety is a big issue for all employers and project managers. Fires can not only pose a serious risk to the health and safety of your staff but they could also cost you in terms of time and money. Not all fires are accidental and part of your building site security needs to focus on the prevention of potential arson attacks.

Protect Against Arson

Building sites in particular can be vulnerable to break-ins and vandals. Some will enter building sites with the malicious intention of doing as much damage as possible. This could set your projects back months and cost thousands of pounds in wasted time and materials. Arson is a fast way to inflict heavy damages on building projects and materials. Therefore you need to invest in good building site security to help prevent would-be vandals and arsonists accessing your site.

Wireless security systems can now offer flexible and affordable options for sites. You can link multiple sites or run single security systems remotely and help to protect your projects against arson attacks.

Fire Safety

Whether fires are accidental or deliberate you need to protect your workforce and any visitors to your property. There are Fire Safety Regulations in place that inform employers and project managers of their legal responsibilities. This is also a good starting point if you are new to fire safety. The regulations will provide you with a comprehensive guide to what steps you can take to reduce the risks of fire and keep your business and employees safe.

To help get you started with fire safety for your buildings and premises here are just some of the main legal requirements for employers:

• Employers must carry out fire risk assessment of the workplace. This could be a building site, retail space or office.
• This risk assessment must cover all employees (from office staff to maintenance workers) and anyone who might potentially be affected by a fire occurring in any area of the workplace.
• Identify those people who might be particularly at risk during a fire. This could include mobility impaired workers or those working in confined spaces.
• Using risk assessments employers must identify and implement fire safety precautions to eliminate or reduce hazards and safeguard everyone.
• If any areas of specific risk have been identified in the assessment then this will need to be communicated to all of your employees.
• Establish a clear guideline for staff on contacting emergency services and evacuating the building or site premises in the event of a potential fire.
• You should nominate specific members of staff to undertake special roles in emergency plans. This might include roles like fire marshals.
• Fire safety training should be provided to all employees, with special training provided to those nominated in specific roles.

Fire safety is an important area that should never be overlooked by employers. Protect your assets from potential arson threats with the latest wireless building site security.

Fire Extinguisher Signs Can Lessen The Hassle of Finding Your Fire Extinguisher

A fire is one of the worst calamities that can strike your home or building, but if proper precautions are met, then a fire can be prevented from getting worse. A fire extinguisher is an equipment that is great to have when you need one but a lot of people realize it too late that it can be very useless to have a fire extinguisher without knowing how to operate it. It can also be very frustrating to look for a fire extinguisher especially when you need it the most, which is why it is very important to have fire extinguisher signs to identify the places where your fire extinguishers are located.

Everyone needs to know how to use a fire extinguisher so that in cases of fire, you will not have a problem in operating one. The most basic principle in learning how to use a fire extinguisher is to remember and memorize the meanings behind the acronym P.A.S.S. P stands for Pull the Pin, which is the first step and the most crucial in the successful execution of a fire extinguisher. A stands for aim which makes the user aim the extinguisher’s nozzle towards the base of the flames. S stands for squeeze which advises the user to squeeze the trigger while keeping the fire extinguisher in an upright position. The final S stands for sweep wherein the user will sweep the fire extinguisher nozzle from side to side to cover the area of the fire completely.

By simply remembering a simple word such as PASS can make you save your own life or that of someone you love. Having a fire extinguisher in your house is a responsible and safe precaution, however, the location where you put your fire extinguisher determines whether or not it will be useful. You have to put fire extinguisher signs in locations where you have stored your fire extinguisher for easier identification. Further, you have to store your fire extinguisher in places where a fire will most likely develop such as kitchens, garages, fireplaces, or bedroom hallways. It is a bad idea to keep your fire extinguisher near your stove since it is the prime target for fires. If ever a fire erupts in the said area, you want to have access to your extinguisher and not have a hard time accessing it.

It is recommended that wall signs are displayed for each of your fire extinguisher. Different fires need to be put out by different extinguishers, therefore, it is necessary that information has to be provided on which type of fire extinguisher to be used. There are different types of fire extinguisher signs available in the market today. Most of them are made out of rigid plastic and are photoluminescent. They show exceptional brightness within the first few minutes and are made to withstand weathering and aging.

Aside from wall signs, it is necessary for you to attach self-adhesive photoluminescent signs on each of your fire extinguisher. This way if wall signs are damaged, you would still have an idea of the type of extinguisher you are holding.

Suggestions for Boosting Fire Safety Awareness in the Workplace

So you have just been appointed as the new fire marshal in your office. You are finished with the coaching and you are now prepared to carry out your primary duty which is increasing fire security awareness in the workplace.

As you do the job on your plan, you little by little notice that your task is not as uncomplicated as it seems. There are so lots of specifics, and information that you want and should share to your co – employees. The query now is, how are you supposed to do that?

Choosing Security Shoes Primarily based on the Existing Threats in Your Workplace

Though picking out a pair of security shoes, the initially items you have to have to find out are the potential threats in your operate setting. By doing this you can get the appropriate sneakers that will guarantee the safety of your feet in your workplace. The sorts of hazards present on the task can differ from one business to the other, dependent on the style of deliver the results carried out, the gear employed, the raw supplies existing and the overall workplace natural environment. If you work entails operating with sharp objects like nails and wires you need to have to safeguard your soles from acquiring punctured by any of these sharp objects. Puncture resistant security sneakers, which have anti-perforation soles, are suitable for this sort of function natural environment.

Almost certainly the most foot injuries come about in the development market where there is a continual threat of falling objects. These falling objects could crush the feet and toes, foremost to severe damage and even amputation. For this type of do the job surroundings you can choose from an assortment of security sneakers that have impression safety. These shoes attribute effects-absorbing content and also have padded ankle collars to preserve the sides. This type of footwear also offers the excess assist essential when on the employment. Working in slippery environments could end result in sprains and broken bones brought about because of to falling down. For this you need to have to obtain yourself an excellent pair of safety shoes which come with anti-static rubber soles. These shoes make it much easier to stroll across floors that are flooded with any variety of slippery liquid.

Security at the Workplace

Another way to make specific security for your workplace is to give distinct guidelines on the same exact. Most firms only hand out a ‘not to do’ record to their workers and leave it at that. Having said that, it’s crucial that you offer your workers with apparent guidelines on the do the job and how to go about it. For example, if your worker is expected to execute an a number of activity, you have to give him/ her with exact facts on the finest way to execute the endeavor. This will also guide mitigate any ensuing confusion regarding the same exact. Following all, it can be quite very difficult to use services as productive as Yeastrol Yeast Infection Treatment devoid of ideal guidelines.

It’s commonly looked at that all organisations prepare for the most horrible circumstances. But, the attitude will need to be of planning for the most regular options also. You imagine that you are effectively armed for the worst of ailments and lay back. On the other hand, the complete plan is that when anything commonplace strikes, you don’t have answers prepared for it. The perfect solution here is to begin from floor zero and then move the stairs forward. This will not only help you ward off all pitfalls but also give your workers a satisfaction that next to nothing untoward can happen to them.

Workplace Security: Prevention Doesn’t Have to have to Be High-priced

Each and every year, more than 200 men and women are killed in accidents at work. Around a person million men and women are injured. Through two million suffer diseases prompted by their do the job. Injuries in the workplace not only incur vital prices to wellness services but they also make up a substantial expense to workers’ compensation premiums. Preventing injuries and unwell health and fitness generated by function is an crucial priority of workplace safety.

There are countless strategies to prevent these kinds of occurrences. A health and safety plan could be launched and applied. In this way, workers will know and understand the ways in which they and their co-workers can avoid probable hazards. The employers will also assure that staff are not injured or produced sick by the do the job they do, get out how to manage health and security far better, meet legal duty to preserve the wellbeing and safety of the employees and to cultivate an optimistic well being and security culture exactly where protected and healthy working will become 2nd nature to everyone.