17ME662 - INDUSTRIAL SAFETY 23

MODULE-2
FIRE SAFETY
OBJECTIVES OF FIRE SAFETY:
The main objectives of fire safety are

 To minimise both the probability and the consequences of postulated fires.

 To detect and supress fire with particular emphasis on passive and active fire protection system and
adequate capacity for the systems necessary to achieve and maintain safe plant shut down with or
without off-site power.
 To ensure that a failure, rupture or an inadvertent operation does not significantly impair the safety
capability of the structures, systems and components.
 To address the direct effects of flame, radiant heat and explosion as well as the potential for the
release of hazardous materials and hazardous combustion products, if any.

TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

 Fire – Active rapid burning and oxidation process accompanied by heat, light and poisonous
gases/smoke/CO2 due to combustion. Flame is the luminous hot zone of the fire.
 Class of fire – Classification of fire (A, B, C, D & E) based on the combustion material involved.
 Extinction of fire – Putting off the fire by removal of either combustible material or air or heat or
chain reaction.
 Fire fighting – The action of putting off the fire
 Ignite – To initiate fire/ to begin fire/catching of fire
 Ignition – Beginning of fire
 Ignition temperature – Temperature at which combustible material ignite
 Self or spontaneous Ignition – Ignition without the application of external flame/ignitor
 Flash point – The temperature at which the combustible material vaporises resulting in formation of
vapour clouds that ignites if external ignition is provided
 Explosion – Bursting accompanied by loud noise and destruction and release of solid/liquid/gaseous
products. Explosion is caused by sudden release of energy and rise of internal pressure in the
equipment or at the location. Class B fires in inflammable liquids within containers result in
increased internal pressure and bursting. Explosions are possible due to internal arcing in gas
filled/oil filled equipment.
 Fire prevention – Prevent the occurrence of fire by prior actions/precautions and provisions.
Removable of combustible materials, good housekeeping, installing oil less equipment etc. and good
maintenance of equipment.

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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FIRE TRIANGLE:
We have three elements of fire. These elements must be present in the right proportion before fire
outbreak can occur. The condition for fire to occur is usually represented by a triangle. This is known as the
Fire Triangle. Below is the fire triangle.

AIR
FUEL
(OXYGEN)

FIRE

HEAT

 Fire is started/ignited/begin at a hot spot and spreads along the combustible material to neighbouring
area subject to availability of
1. Combustible material
2. Air (oxygen)
3. Heat and local temperature rise.
 All the three above must be present for fire to be initiated and continue
 Various materials differ in their ignition temperatures and fire characteristics

CAUSES FOR INITIATION OF FIRE:

(Combination of following in presence of Air (Oxygen)

Source of heat Flammable materials

 Electric sparks, arcs, flashovers  Insulating materials
 Electric short circuits  Insulating oils, Lubricating oils
 Overload leading to overheating  Fuels (oils, gases, diesel)
 Loose connections leading to sparks  Cloths, paper, wood, plastics, packing
 Welding sparks, hot metal surfaces materials, covering materials
 Lighting strokes  Cleaning fluids, thinners, paints, varnishes
 Open flames  Acetylene gas for welding
 Chemical reactions  Conveyor belts and other rubber material
 Cigarette butts, lighted matches  Chemicals for treatment /testing/analysis
 Discharge of static electric charges  Construction material
 Exhaust gases from furnace  Plastic materials
 Induced currents, discharge currents  Other flammable materials
 Exothermic oxidation of coals

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE:
Class A Fire – These fires are fuelled by ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, and
many plastics. This type of fire burns with an ember, leaves an ash, and is best extinguished by removing the
heat side of the triangle. Extinguishers suitable for Class "A" fires should be identified by a triangle
containing the letter "A"; if color-coded, the triangle will be green.

Class B Fire – These fires are fueled by flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars,
oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols and flammable gases. This type of fire burns on the
surface of the fuels, and is best extinguished by a blanketing or smothering action. A fire of this type is fast-
spreading and capable of engulfing a large area in a very short time. Extinguishers suitable for Class "B"
fires should be identified by a square containing the letter "B". If color-coded, the square is red.

Class C Fire - These fires occur in energized electrical equipment, where the electrical non-conductivity of
the extinguishing media is of importance. Blanketing or smothering this type of fire with a non-conducting
extinguishing agent is of prime importance. If the electrical equipment is dead then it becomes Class A or
Class B. Water, or solutions containing water, is never to be used on a Class "C" fire. Extinguishers suitable
for Class "C" fires should be identified by a circle containing the letter "C"; if color-coded, the circle is blue.

Class D Fire – These fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, sodium, lithium and potassium.
Generally the extinguishing agent is referred to as DRY POWDER. These extinguishers should be identified
by a star containing the letter “D”, if color-coded, the star is yellow.

Class E Fire – Fires involving flammable gases under pressure and fuels including liquefied gases.
Examples are Hydrogen, Ammonia, Acetylene, LPG, Petrol, Furnace oil etc. The extinguishing agent is
referred to as WET CHEMICAL. These extinguishers should be identified by the letter “K.”

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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Fire Class Combustion Material Involved Fire Extinguishing Medium

Fires involving ordinary solid materials such Water or solution with high water content.
Class A
as wood, coal, plastics, cloth, paper, rubber, Cooling and wetting of materials helps in
Fire
construction and packing materials, rags etc. quenching the fire.
Fires involving Flammable Liquids/ Limiting air or oxygen supply, inhibiting fire.
Vapours /solvents: Transformer oil, Dry chemicals, Foam, Halon. Water is not
Class B
solvents, Diesel oil, Liquid chemicals, suitable.
Fire
lubricating oils, paints/ varnishes/ thinners,
greases.
Fires involving live electrical equipment in CO2 gas, Dry chemicals. Water is not
Class C
energised state. If equipment is dead, class is suitable.
Fire
A or B.
Class D Fires involving metals like magnesium, Normal extinguishing media not suitable.
Fire titanium etc. Special chemicals and techniques are used.
Fires involving flammable gases and fuels. Starvation of fire is most useful. Special
Class E
Hydrogen, Ammonia, Acetylene, LPG, methods necessary inlet valve closed.
Fire
Petrol, Furnace oil.

METHODS OF FIRE EXTINCTION:

Fire extinguishing is based on three principles such as cooling, smothering and starvation. These
three principles can also be represented in a triangle known as Fire Extinction Triangle. The cooling replaces
heat, smothering replaces oxygen and starvation replaces the fuel in the fire extinction triangle.
Below are the Fire Extinction Triangle.

Fire Extinguishing aims at rapidly removing one, two or all the three of essentials of fire.

 Cooling is the removal of heat. Temperature of the fire zone and combustion zone must be reduced
below ignition temperature rapidly so that fire does not sustain. Rate of cooling must be higher than
the rate of heat generated by combustion. Water is the most commonly used coolant for class A fires.
Ventilation helps in cooling and fire extinction by release of heat to atmosphere,

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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 Smothering (Blanketing) is suffocating the fire by externally covering it completely by a dense

extinguishing medium like CO2, Foam, Halon, water etc. Smothering of fire aims at Oxygen
starvation.
 Starvation is stopping or removal of combustible material and filling with dry nitrogen gas
 Breaking of chain of fire – fire continues in the form of chain reaction. Fresh combustible material
receives heat from adjacent burning material and there by fire continues. Dry chemicals or
halogenated hydrocarbons are used for breaking the chain reaction.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS MEDIA:

Fire is extinguished by rapid cooling, oxygen starvation and removable of combustible materials.
The methods and medium used for fire extinguishing differs with type and class of fire. The most commonly
used media are water, CO2, Foam, Dry chemicals, and halon.
1. Water – Most widely extinguishing medium. Water evaporates with heat of fire and absorbs heat
and cools the combustible materials below ignition temperature. Water layer also gives a smothering
effect by preventing air from reaching the combustible material. Water jets are used for rapid cooling
and smothering actions.
2. Carbon dioxide – Carbon dioxide is an inert gas which does not support combustion. It is
colourless, odourless, insulating gas and heavier than air. It is excellent for class C fires (Electrical
fire). Not very suitable for Class A fire
3. Foam – Foam is produced by chemical reaction between Aluminium sulphate, Sodium bi carbonate
and water. The product of this reaction is Aluminium hydroxide and sodium sulphate and CO 2. Foam
smothers fire by covering the burning surface. Foam is suitable for flammable solvents, paints,
varnishes etc. Foam is not recommended for Electrical fires (Class C)
4. Dry chemical powder – Usually sodium bi carbonate mixed with some additives (eg. Sodium bi
carbonate 90%, Magnesium stearate 1.5 %, Magnesium carbonate 1 %, Tricalcium Phosphate 1 %).
Alternatively Potassium bi carbonate based and Ammonium phosphate based chemicals are also
used. Very effective In Class B, C and E fires.
5. Halon (Halogenated Hydrocarbons) – Composed of carbon and halogen (chlorine, bromine,
fluorine) and hydrogen in some cases. Halons breakdown the chain reaction of fire and extinguish
fire effectively. Very effective In Class B, C and E fires. Halons also produces some poisonous
compound called Hydrogen fluoride which is a poisonous gas and corrosive and hence to be used
from a safe distance and in open space only. Masks should be used while using halon extinguishers.

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

1. WATER TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
Water expelling fire extinguishers has water as extinguishing agent which is released in the form of
jet or for by means of gas pressure inside. The pressure may be induced by chemical reaction or by
mechanical means. They are primarily used in class A fires. They are not suitable for water soluble
flammable liquids such as alcohols, acetone, easters, ketones etc
The various types of water expelling extinguishers are:
a) Soda Ash type (IS 934 – 1976)
b) Gas pressure actuated type (IS 940 – 1976)
c) Constant air pressure type (IS 6234 – 1971)
The soda ash type is the commonly used.

a) SODA ASH TYPE

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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When the plunger is struck, the acid bottle on the top ruptures. The sulphuric acid reacts with soda
ash present in the container to release the CO2 gas which creates internal pressure. This internal pressure
forces water contained in the cylinder to jet out through the nozzle.
To operate the extinguishers, remove the cap on the top and strike the plunger against a hard surface
like the floor. Direct the nozzle jet towards the base of fire.

b) GAS PRESSURE TYPE WATER EXTINGUISHER

The extinguisher is similar to soda ash type. However there is a cartridge filled with CO 2 under
pressure which forms the inner compartment. When the inner cartridge is pierced upon CO 2 under pressure
is release to the body of the extinguisher driving out water present in the container through discharge tube.

c) CONSTANT AIR PRESSURE TYPE WATER EXTINGUISHER

The constant air pressure type extinguisher is filled with water and dry air is introduced for air lines
till the desired pressure is built up. The container is sealed. While actuating, safety pin is withdrawn and
valve level is depressed resulting in a jet of water through hose under internal pressure.

2) FOAM TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

This is mainly used in Class B Fire. Foam extinguishers are similar to soda ash type extinguishers.
The extinguisher has an inner shell fitted with loose stopper and contains aluminium sulphate solution. The
main outer shell contains sodium bi carbonate and foam stabilising agent.
To operate, the extinguisher must be inverted which allows intermixing of chemicals. CO2 is
generated and pressure is sufficient to expel the liquid foam which expands at the ratio 1:8. Direct the foam
nozzle towards the fire above the level of burning liquid.

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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3) DRY CHEMICAL POWDER (DCP) TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

They are intended for use in Class C (Electrical), Class E (flammable petroleum products) and
specific metals Class D (metal fires) as per the recommendation of the manufacturer.
The chemical powder is contained in the main shell of the extinguisher and CO2 gas is held under
high pressure in a sealed cartridge. When the cartridge is broken allowing CO 2 gas to escape to the main
shell and push out the powder in the form of fog.
The application of extinguisher should be sufficient depth to adequately cover the fire area and
provide smothering blanket. For effective result stand 2-3 metres away and direct the stream near the seat of
fire. Care must be taken to avoid scattering of burning metals.

4) CARBON DIOXIDE TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

CO2 Extinguisher is effective because it primarily reduces oxygen content of air to a point where
combustion cannot continue. Being a gas it penetrates and spread through all parts of fire. It has a limitation
in terms fires involving their own oxygen supply as well a reactive material such as sodium, potassium and
magnesium.
The CO2 is retained under pressure in a liquid condition under pressure. The agent is self-expelling
and discharged by operation of a valve which causes the CO2 to be discharged through a horn.

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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Types of Fire Extinguishers and their applications:

Water Foam DCP CO2 Halon

Extinguishers Extinguishers Extinguishers Extinguishers Extinguishers
Cylinder
Signal Red Pale Cream French Blue Black Emerald Green
colour
Solid Wood, paper, Wood, paper,
material textile etc. textile etc.
Liquid Flammable Flammable Flammable Flammable
material Liquids Liquids Liquids Liquids
Gaseous Flammable Flammable Flammable
material Gases Gases Gases
For Electric Electric Electric Electric
equipment equipment equipment equipment
Do not use on
Fumes are
Electrical or Do not use on
Note dangerous in
Flammable Electrical fires
confined spaces
liquid fires

FIRE HAZARD ANALYSIS:

A detailed fire hazard analysis should be carried out during initial plant design to reflect the actual
layout, construction of various facilities and the material to be used. This analysis should be revised
periodically as the project progresses and also as and when major modifications are carried out (Change
management system).
The fire hazard analysis is a systematic analysis of:
a) All elements of fire protection programme being proposed to ensure all fire hazards analysed, and
adequate arrangement/programmes included in the design.
b) The effect of postulated fires relative to ability to perform safe shutdown of the facility.
c) Suggest remedial measures.

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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The fire risk can be quantified based on Dow index and Mond Index (Fire and explosion index).
These indices give a realistic value of risk of individual process unit due to potential fires and explosion.
Computer models are available to simulate the fire conditions and estimate the potential consequences.
Fire Hazard analysis should include the following factors:
a) Concentration of combustible materials including transient fire loads due to combustibles expected to
be used in normal operations
b) Combustible contents, furnishings, building materials or combination of combustible materials which
are conductive to fire spread.
c) Exposure to fire, heat, smoke that may necessitate evacuation from the areas that are to be attended
for safety functions
d) Fire in control rooms or other locations having critical safety related functions
e) Lack of adequate access or of smoke removal facility
f) Lack of explosion prevention measures
g) Loss of Electric power
h) Inadvertent operation of fire suppression systems
i) Possibility of fire spreading from one unit to another unit
The analysis and consequences to be done by trained and experienced persons.

PREVENTION OF FIRE:
Fire prevention includes procedures for preventing, detecting and extinguishing fire. This needs
several preventive actions during design, installation, testing, commissioning, operation and maintenance of
plants and equipment. Safety documentation should include safety instructions related to fire prevention.
Fire preventive systems and sub systems should form part of the plant and equipment.
Fire prevention programme utilises the concept of fire triangle and applying principles of triangle of
extinction. Following shall be observed for prevention of fire:
 All Inflammable material such as transformer oil, furnace oil, fuels, paints, varnishes should be
stored separately, used and handled with necessary precaution. Such material should be guarded
against heat/temp source like flames, sparks, hot surface, flashover etc
 Insulating material should not be exposed to hot temperatures beyond certain limits
 Special precautions to be taken while welding, grinding, heating, gas cutting etc and while carrying
open flames so that fire is not initiated.
 Smoking, open flames, match boxes, inflammable material, open resistor heaters etc should not be
allowed inside the protected area and in control room
 LPG cylinders, Acetylene cylinders valves/pipes/tanks should be leak proof. Gas cylinders must be
stored separately as per safety recommendation
 Inflammable materials should not be used in electrical equipment as far as possible. Modern non
explosive/ fire free equipment must be preferred. Eg. Dry transformer in place of oil filled
transformers, SF6 breakers in place of oil filled breakers, XLPE cable in place of oil insulated cables
etc.
 Inflammable material should be avoided as much as possible in construction site
 Electrical equipment should not be over loaded. Various safety devices such as overload protection,
over current protection, temperature rise protection, temperature monitoring must be provided with
oil filled equipment and electrical equipment having inflammable insulation.
 Good housekeeping helps in prevention of fire. Scrap, waster paper, waste wood, waste oil etc
should be segregated, stored and disposed off periodically.
 Leakages should be attended immediately.

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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 Precautions are necessary in storage, erection, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance
that fires are not initiated due to carelessness.
 Sub systems should not be energised unless the fire protection systems are commissioned and are in
alert workable state

FIRE PROTECTION AND LOSS PREVENTION:

Fire protection aspects cover civil works, plant and equipment design, storage, installation, testing,
commissioning, operation maintenance activities, documentation and human resource development.
CIVIL WORKS:
 Inflammable materials should not be used in civil construction. Fire retarding materials must be used
instead.
 Adjacent rooms should be air tight from each other.
 Fire and smoke from one room should not spread to other room. Heat and smoke should go out of the
building.
 Ventilating ducts, air conditioning ducts etc should have barriers so that smoke and flames do not get
transferred from one section to next.
 Space and approach path should be available for fire fighting personnel.
 Wiring and switch boards should not initiate fires.
 Provisions of fire fighting system and fire detection system must be made during civil design and
construction.
 Special provision must be made for drainage of oil away from the plant in to the oil sump during
outbursts.
 Passage, staircase and ladders should be provided for emergency escape of personnel and for
Resque-Fire fighting squad.
 Approach road and space must be provided for fire engines and ladders.

ELECTRICAL PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

 Temperature of current carrying paths and insulating paths are not allowed to exceed above specified
limits by supervision, monitoring, automatic over load protection etc. Temperature monitoring, gas
leakage monitoring, automatic start of cooling fans, automatic disconnection on temperature rise
beyond specified limits.
 Fire protection systems. Fire/ smoke/ flame/ high temperature are detected, portable extinguishers
can be used for small fires, alarms are initiated so that people can immediately vacate the premises,
fire extinguishing system is put in to action mode, fire brigade is called.

STEPS AFTER OCCURRENCE OF FIRE:

1. Fire occurs
2. Fire is detected by Observer or Detection system
3. Alarm is sounded
4. Electric power supply and other fuel supplies are switched off
5. Immediate use of Portable Fire Extinguishers and Water/ Sand for extinguishing small fires then and
there
6. Automatic Fire fighting System gets initiated
7. Call Fire Brigade
8. Persons vacate the place.

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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The following steps should be followed when responding to incipient stage fire:
 Sound the fire alarm and call the fire department, if appropriate.
 Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire.
 Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path.
 Select the appropriate type of fire extinguisher.
 Discharge the extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim,
squeeze, and sweep).
 Back away from an extinguished fire in case it flames up again.
 Evacuate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out.
 Evacuate immediately if the fire progresses beyond the incipient stage.

Most fire extinguishers operate using the following P.A.S.S. technique:

1. PULL... Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal.
2. AIM... Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire.
NOTE: Do not touch the plastic discharge horn on CO2 extinguishers, it gets very cold and may damage skin.
3. SQUEEZE... Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
4. SWEEP... Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If
the fire re-ignites, repeat steps 2 - 4.
If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire....EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!

FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM:

Smoke indicates presence of fire. Flame and light and heat confirm the presence of fire. Fire must be
detected rapidly and the zone of fire must be indicated on fire-control panel at earliest. Fire should be
quenched before it grows. Fire is detected by fire detection system comprising fire detectors.

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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The fire detectors are located in various zones of the power plant/ substations and are connected to
the fire alarm and fire control panel located in the control room and to the automatic fire fighting system
distributed in the plant.
The detection of smoke/ fire, sounding of alarm and initiating the fire extinguishing action can be
achieved by various methods.
Fire Detector System initiates Fire Alarm System. Fire Alarm/ Control panel is installed in Control
Room of the power plant/ substation. The operation of a fire detector is immediately indicated and Buzzer is
sounded on the respective zone-window of the panel.
The function of alarm system are to sound fire alarm, send signals to fire brigade and indicating
zone of fire. The fire alarm is initiated by the fire detectors.
Depending upon the design features and specifications, the functions of fire detection and alarm
system include one or more of the following:
 To detect smoke, fire and sound alarm, siren, warning indication of fire control panels and warn
personnel about occurrence of smoke/ fire and its location by sounding alarm/ horn.
 To initiate operation of automatic fire fighting system in the affected zone.
 To initiate operation of deluge valves and to admit water through projectors.
 To initiate tripping of circuit breakers feeding power to electrical plants in the affected areas, via fire
control and relay panel.

MONITORING SYSTEM AND EXPERT SYSTEM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRE:

These additional microprocessor based online systems are useful to plant control engineer,
maintenance engineer and safety engineer to have control on various dangerous parameters and take in
advance a corrective action and prevent unsafe condition from developing.
Temperature of windings in equipment, cooling media, status of detectors, loading of machines etc is
monitored by periodic scanning of output by means of online microprocessor based monitoring system. The
data is analysed periodically by online expert system. Any trend beyond safe trend is further analysed and
warning is given to control room engineer about impending danger along with suggested corrective actions
in order of priority, e.g. at 14:00 Hrs on 10/12/2019:
 Transformer No.2 getting overheated rapidly.
 Cooling water flow low, check the water pipes.
 Load on transformer to be reduced by 20% within next 15 min.

FIRE DETECTORS AND FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM:

Detectors sense the fire/ smoke and discriminate between normal condition by sensing temperature/ rate of
rise temperature/ presence of smoke/ infrared or ultraviolet radiation due to fire.
TYPE OF DETECTORS:
The following types of detectors are generally favoured in power plants and substations:
1. Fusible Glass Bulb Detectors- These are fixed temperature detectors (eg. Detectors which will
detect 60oC, 80oC, 90oC). The glass of the bulb fuses at certain predetermined temperature. The
breaking of gas initiates the desired action.
2. Rate of Rise Temperature Detectors- Detector which responds to rate of rise of temperature at
5oC/min.

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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3. Ionization Smoke Detector- Presence of smoke in ionization chamber is detected.

4. Optical Smoke Detectors- The smoke operates the photo-electric device in the detector.
5. Flame Detectors- These react to radiant energy in the infrared or ultraviolet radiation in the
spectrum of light.
6. Fire wire- It consists of a stainless steel capillary sensing element looped together and connected to
a monitoring unit.
7. Fusible Links- Base of the link is soldered and the solder melts at certain temperature and thereby
initiate protective equipment.
8. Temperature Sensitive Cabling- Change in temperature of cables is detected by connected analog
or digital electronic instruments.
9. Compressed Air Detection- This in conjunction with high pressure water spray system is employed
in some power stations and substations. The detecting elements are fitted on compressed air pipes
distributed in various risk zones. Heat of fire operate the detectors and the pressure in compressed air
system falls. Water from high pressure water system enters through sprinklers to extinguish the fire.
The operation of any one of the detectors is followed by one or more of following actions:
 Alarm initiation.
 Zone indication.
 Initiation of Water spray system.
 Initiation of valves/ Halon valves/ Foam valves for releasing of quenching medium.
Fixed temperature detectors are distributed throughout the buildings and are connected with the manual
push-button for fire alarm.
The substation buildings (control room building, switchgear building, stores etc,) are divided in to several
fire-alarm zones. A fire-alarm control panel is installed in the control room.
In case of fire, the window is lighted on corresponding alarm zone in the fire alarm control panel and also a
buzzer is sounded inside the fire alarm control panel. The fire-horns are sounded in respective zones.
The a.c. supply is switched off area-wise by respective relays and contactors.
The 11kV auxiliary a.c. switchgear, low voltage d.c. switchgear are provided with fixed temperature heat
detectors and response indicators. The response indicators sound an alarm and provide indication on the fire
alarm control panel located in the control room.

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM:

Depending upon the risk involved, cost of protected installation and allocated budget for installing fire
protection system, the fire protection system can be:
1. Simple system which detects smoke/fire and sounds alarm only.
2. Complex system:
 Which detects smoke/ fire and sounds alarm,
 Indicates location of affected zone,
 Sends message to fire brigade station,
 Initiates appropriate fire fighting system.
3. Advanced Monitoring and Protection system:
 Which detects smoke/ fire and sounds alarm,
 Indicates location of affected zone,
 Sends message to fire brigade station,
 Initiates appropriate fire fighting system.

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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 Additional Online Monitoring of temperature in various zones and equipment, flow of

electric power, fuels, cooling fluids by means of Microprocessor based Expert System
suggests advanced corrective actions.
Total Fire Protection Systems includes:
 Fire Detection Systems
 Fire Alarm Systems
 Fire Alarm and Control Panel
 Fire Hydrant System
 Monitoring System

TYPES AND APPLICATIONS OF FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS:

TYPE APPLICATION ZONES
1. Water Hose-reels Offices, Stores, Workshop, Kitchen
2. Hydrant System General use throughout the plant.
3. Sprinkler System Office, Stores, Turbine-Generator, Transformer and Boiler-front areas.
4. CO2 Installations Enclosed areas: Switchgear Room, Cable Tunnels, Gas Turbine/ Engine cells
5. Halon System Computer room, Cable tunnels, Control-Relay room etc.
6. Foam Installations For fuel oil storage protection.
7. DCP Installations Control room, Offices, Electrical plant and for all purpose.

SAFETY BOARDS:

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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INSTRUCTION ON PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER:

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

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*_*_*_*_*_*_*

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

 17ME662 - INDUSTRIAL SAFETY 40

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.

 17ME662 - INDUSTRIAL SAFETY 41

VITTAL BHAT M-ASST PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF EEE-P A COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING-MANGALURU.