8.5. Fire Prevention, Detection and Suppression

Fire Prevention
– best way to deal with fire
– requires anticipation of fire sources
– create and impose relevant policies

Some tips to Prevent Fire
– Store LPG cylinders and other flammable materials properly
– Turn-off LPG at the cylinder when not in use
– Make sure everyone abides by site rules on smoking
– Practice permit-to-work system
– Keep site tidy and clear rubbish away promptly and regularly
– Avoid unnecessary stockpiling of combustible materials

Fire Detection
– Designed to discover early in the development
– Start control effort while fire is still small
– Allows safe evacuation of occupants
– Protect the safety of emergency response personnel
– Detectors must be coupled with alarms
– Alarm system provide notice to building occupants and to some extent to the fire department
– Fire detection/suppression system required depends on the Fire Code of the Philippines
– Most basic is fire extinguishers and fire exits (refer to Section 9 of RA 9514 – RIRR of the Fire Code
– FDAS – Fire Detection and Alarm System

Fire Suppression – system to control fire
– Automatic sprinklers
– Fire extinguishers
– Wet stand pipes
– Fire hose system
– Fire trucks