Fire Protection

A small fire can quickly develop into a serious blaze if the correct fire equipment is not ready for immediate use, if it is not maintained regularly and properly or if staff don't know how to use it effectively.

Portable fire extinguishers

Minimum portable fire extinguisher requirements for some common storage areas include:

Situation

LPG cylinders up to 450 kg total,
Acetylene up to 8 x G size cylinders

Requirements

1 fire extinguisher or 1 permanently connected
garden hose
Situation
LPG tank up to 8,000 L = 3,600 kg
Requirements
1 fire extinguisher or 1 permanently connected
garden hose
Situation
Flammable Liquids Cabinet
Requirements
1 powder extinguisher within 3 - 10 m of the cabinet
Situation
Flammable Liquids Store up to 10,000 L
Requirements
2 powder extinguishers PLUS
2 extinguishers PLUS
1 powder extinguisher at each door
Situation
Class 8 (corrosives)
Requirements
1 powder extinguisher

For some flammable liquids (such as alcohols) and for some Class 4 dangerous goods normal fire extinguishers can't be used. Check with the extinguisher supplier to make sure the correct type is installed.

Installation

The extinguishers should be:

in quickrelease brackets ('grab and run')
near the door of the Dangerous Goods store if only one extinguisher is required
distributed through the store so they are within 10 15 metres of any point, if several extinguishers are required
always accessible immediately never behind the goods they are supposed to protect, or hidden behind a door
always in view, with signs indicating the location clearly

Extinguishers installed in outdoors locations should be kept them in a locked cabinet marked "Break glass to remove extinguisher".

All fire extinguishers must be inspected at least every three (3) months, by checking for rust and damage to the body, hose and nozzle.

All extinguishers have to be serviced by a service agent at least once a year, and also after every use (even if not empty), making sure the service tag is marked and attached.

Hoses, hose reels, hydrants

Hoses must reach all points of the Dangerous Goods storage area they are protecting. Garden hoses must be permanently connected to make sure they are there when needed; snapon fittings are NOT acceptable.

All equipment should be inspected at least every three (3) months. Look for:

damaged hoses
missing or damaged nozzles
inoperable water valves or missing valve handles
nozzles that fit the hoses and hoses fit the hydrants or that the correct adaptors are present

Staff training

The training of staff in the use of fire fighting equipment is essential. Fire fighting equipment is useless if no one can use it properly and put out a small fire before it becomes a serious incident.

All staff in the areas where fire extinguishers are installed should know where the equipment is, and be instructed at least once a year in how to use it. The extinguisher supplier, service agent or local Fire Brigade may be able to assist with the training.

Recordall inspections, service and repairs, and staff instruction and training.

Disclaimer

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