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1. WHITEPAPER What is Fire Safety? Fire safety measures include: Fire safety means the process of planning and designing of the infrastructure to reduce fire risks, reduce the spread, and minimise the loss of life and property due to fire. Fire safety includes using fire prevention systems, fire- resistant materials in the building, fire safety training to workforce and other similar steps. Training the workforce is crucial for a successful fire safety system. 1. Adherence to compliances, codes and standards 2. Fire risk assessment and a proper fire protection system. 3. Proper handling and storage of flammable and hazardous material. 4. Training the workforce to use the fire extinguishers, evacuation process, and conduct regular fire drills. Fire safety in industries deals with reducing, controlling and eliminating fire accidents.

2. What is a fire hazard? Fire needs an ignition source, fuel and oxygen to start. Source of ignition include heater, flames, electrical equipment and anything that can cause a spark. Fuel sources include wood, paper, plastic, rubber or foam, loose packaging materials. In an industry, there are many processes involved. It is vital to understand the fire risks involved. The materials in the factory may be flammable, or they could start a fire. Fire hazard includes anything that hinders the proper functioning of a fire protection system or anything that restricts the fire safety system. For example, materials kept in front of an emergency door and a sprinkler system that does not work properly are fire hazards. A fire hazard is something that harms either a person or property. Some fire hazards are: 1. Heat: The actual flames cause much damage to both man and property. Heat is generated as a result of the manufacturing process. Controlling the heat is a must. Heat should be kept away from fuel sources. The workforce working should be aware of the risks. 2. Smoke: the smoke from the fire harms the lungs. 3. Lack of oxygen: The oxygen is used up quickly, leaving very little oxygen for the occupants of the room. 4. Property damage: Fire may damage the building and the neighbouring buildings and structures.

3. Fire Risk Assessment Fire risk assessment is the process of identifying the sources of fire and the occupants at risk, and the dangers posed by the fire. It also includes recommending ways to mitigate the fire risk. Fire risk assessment includes checking the following: 1. The layout of the plot, building plan 2. The number of occupants 3. Condition of Electrical equipment in the facility. 4. General housekeeping instructions 5. Escape routes and the maintenance 6. Handling and storage arrangements for flammable and hazardous materials 7. Condition of emergency lights 8. Passive fire protection system in place 9. Maintenance of the fire protection systems

4. Classes of fire Fire can be differentiated into classes depending on the fuel type for fire. This classification helps select the type of extinguisher needed for that type of fire. 1. Class A: Class A fire is a fire due to flammable solids such as fuel like textiles, paper, wood. The extinguisher for this fire is Water, Foam type, ABC dry powder and wet chemical-based extinguisher. 2. Class B: Flammable liquids are the cause. Petrol and paint are examples. Foam, Co2 Gas, ABC dry powder extinguishers can be used. 3. Class C: Flammable gases are fuels like propane and butane. ABC dry powder extinguisher can be used. 4. Class D: are caused due to flammable metals like magnesium or lithium. Dry special powder extinguishers are used. 5. Electrical fires: Any fire caused due to electrical equipment is taken in this class. Co2 gas, ABC Dry Powder extinguishers are used. 6. Class F: Fires are caused by cooking oil or fat. Wet chemical extinguishers are used.

5. Types of fire protection: Fire protection is protecting life and property and minimising the damages. Fire protection is classified as active fire protection systems and passive fire protection systems. Active Fire Protection Systems: Active fire protection systems are measures to control fire that require manual intervention or automatic reaction to a situation. Fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems form a part of an active fire protection system. Passive fire protection systems: Passive fire systems are measures built in the building and help contain the fire.

6. How to prevent fire in industries Fire can be prevented by a few small but important steps: 1. Hot work should be done under stringent controls. 2. Leave the area safe and clean after hot work. 3. Keeping the heat away from fuel. 4. Proper housekeeping. 5. Maintaining a clear emergency exit. y 6. A well-maintained fire protection system. 7. Well maintained plant and equipment. 8. Serviced electrical equipment for sparks. 9. Proper and safe handling and storage of flammable and hazardous materials.

7. Connect With Us Besten is an industrial architecture and design consulting company established in 1997. We follow total design philosophy to create optimised industrial designs. To know more, visit us at https://besten.in/ or email to corporate@besten.in F-2, Lakshmi Apartments, 95, Periyar Pathai, Choolaimedu (W), Near 100ft Road, Chennai- 600 094. Contact Numbers: +91 44 23611 595/ 596 +91 8754559600 +91 9551773900 https://besten.in/ follow Us All material available on this whitepaper is protected by copyright laws, depicted as ©Besten Engineers and Consultants (I) Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved. Access to the Besten services and content is subject to terms and conditions, which you accepted during the visit to the website.