Author: fireprotectionAdmin

“A spark can set a whole forest on fire. Just a spark. Save it.” – Quoted sensibly by Charles Bukowski, German-American poet, novelist, and short story writer. With this he signifies how important it is to take care of the small things and how often things that get destroyed are by small things and not big.

Now, can you imagine a small spark by someone’s mistake and the entire forest is destroyed? In the same way a small mistake by an individual can destroy the entire commercial space in no time. The fire catches faster than we can imagine in commercial space due to the excess amount of vehicles parked in the parking lot full of fuel, heavy machinery, technical equipment and wires, smoking zones and many more reasons.

In case, your commercial building catches fire, then these emergency measures are important to take till the fire safety help arrives:

Fire safety plan for commercial space

Above all, we would recommend all the commercial space owners to conduct a fire safety training session for the employees to prevent them from severe injuries in case of fire. The training session is basic and does not involve much cost, therefore, considering it as an investment would be a good decision.

We, at Australian Fire Protection, provide services related to Warden training, Fire safety training, Fire hose reel services, Emergency response training, Emergency response plan, Thermal imaging services, Fire prediction training etc. To know more about fire safety, visit https://www.australiafireprotection.com.au/ or call  1300 475 715.

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Fire protection involves a plethora of measures, some of which are widely common like fire extinguisher, alarms or sprinklers. These are also known as active fire protection systems and their job includes detecting the potential threat of fire and putting it out before the situation goes out of control.

In a perfect world, these measures would have been sufficient to keep all the buildings safe; however,  there can be system failures or other unforeseen circumstances that might render these fire fighting equipment ineffective.

Therefore, along with getting active fire protection systems, it’s crucial to get your building equipped with a passive protection system to contain and restrict the spread of fire. The passive protection systems are usually in the form of fire-resistant sealants and intumescent products that are installed in and around the equipment.

It is important to note that both active and passive fire protection systems work in tandem – you can’t rely on either of them individually to stop the spread of fire.

WHAT IS A PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM?

A passive fire protection system is designed to control and contain the flames in a particular part of the building. These are designed to prevent the spread of fire from room to another and floor to floor. Additionally, passive protection systems also stop the smoke and other toxins from unfurling in other unaffected parts of the building, which can be just fatal as fire.

The basic function of a passive fire protection system is to eliminate the gaps and instal fire stops at any location where the fire might spread or cause considerable damage. By taking certain design decisions, like not using flammable materials like wood in certain parts of the building or installing a specific piece of equipment that seals a gap, can prove to be effective in containing the fire.

Here are the four key areas as outlined by experts that are considered with a passive system:

1. Structural fire protection: The key area protects the primary structural components like steel and joint systems. It can be achieved by fireproofing with flame retardant substances like concrete.

2. Compartmentalisation: It is a proven fact that creating barriers can prevent the spread of fire. The partitions include everything right from fire-rated walls to dedicated flame barriers.

3. Opening Protection: Opening crevices such as doors, air ducts or ducts that can possibly breach a fire barrier need to be strong enough to hold flames. Let’s say for an example, having a special glazing on any piece of glass can prove beneficial.

4. Firestopping – The greatest risk in term of a fire spreading is having small flaws or gaps that allow penetrations in a fire barrier. These flaws can be left (unknowingly) by the contractors like an electrician or a plumber. If these gaps are not protected with a passive firestop product, they can undermine the entire system.

Passive fire protection is a legal requirement as it acts as a safety net and keeps people inside the structure safe in an event of a fire emergency.  It’s highly preferable to identify the potential fire threats quickly and put it out with an extinguisher; but with passive protection in place, you can be at peace knowing that there’s another line of defense.

Believe it or not, around 80 % of fire casualties are preventable! Fire cannot spread if it’s controlled in the first few minutes. Therefore, it’s crucial to equip your property with advanced fire control systems to ensure a small spark doesn’t turn into an inferno.

Among various fire control systems available in the market, fire sprinklers have proved to be one of the most effective forms of fire protection.

The fire sprinklers are designed in such a manner that they respond quickly to a fire, controlling it before it manifests into a blazing fire.  They play an important role in limiting the casualties, by protecting lives and property, before the firefighters arrive on the scene.

Since there are a plethora of fire sprinkler systems, which makes it difficult to choose the right one that can address the specific needs of your property.

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Bushfires are an intrinsic part of Australia’s environment. They are renowned for causing damage to both life and property. Bushfires move slower with higher heat output. This means they pass in two to five minutes, but they can smoulder for days. We all know that lightning is a universal ignition source of the fire, but the majority of fires are linked to people. The current hot, dry and windy weather increases the risk of fire starting, but various reasons provide the spark that can cause fire. Some of the reasons that start a bushfire spark are as follows:

1. Burning the Debris

Burning off the debris and waste is a regular source of bushfire ignition. Usually, people ignore the fire ban and set the fire, which can have a catastrophic impact. In 2017, the Carwoola fire in southern New South Wales that destroyed eight homes, numerous vehicles and livestock was started by two men who ignored a fire ban and set afire another person’s property. Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-06/carwoola-fire-two-men-to-face-court-over-destructive-blaze/8685326

2. Arson

Many complex reasons and varied reasons can cause people to commit arson. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, half bushfires that occur in Australia are either known to be deliberately lit or considered suspicious.

3. Smoking

Though smoking isn’t a common source of bushfire ignition, many times there are specific conditions for a flickered cigarette to spark a fire. Generally, temperatures above 27 degrees celsius and humidity below 22 per cent are some of the factors that can cause a fire through a lit cigarette. The cigarette needs to land in a loose fuel bed. Additionally, fires that start by the roadside are mostly ignited by burning pieces of carbon ejected from car exhausts.

4. Campfires

Most of the times, campfires aren’t correctly extinguished, and embers from a campfire can cause a bushfire hazard. Recently many popular campsites have been moved away from open campfires and provided fire rings to contain embers.

5. Use of Equipment

Using grinders or welding equipment outdoors is not permitted during a fire ban because of the sparks they throw. Chainsaws, angle grinders, mowers and other such types of equipment are known to cause bushfires.

Australia Fire Protection (AFP) Groups provides an array of passive and active fire protection services including warden training, fire safety training, fire safety, fire hose reel services, emergency response training, emergency response plan, thermal imaging, fire prediction and many more. We specialize in design, installation, servicing for all fire protection and essential services. To know more connect with us on 1300 475 715.

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2019-11-20/bushfire-ignition-source-how-we-know/11701132

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Fire can strike in the blink of an eye, devastating the lives and property making its way.

Such freak fire accidents at the workplace can result in immense-scale property damage, grave injuries, loss of revenue and even fatalities. Therefore, it’s crucial to well-versed and trained to act immediately and contain the fire before it spread to a catastrophic level.

Why is Fire Extinguisher Training Important?

Fire extinguishers are the first line of defence when a fire starts. Knowing how to operate this tool can limit the spread of inferno before it can go out of control.

However, according to a study, less than 50% employee feel confident about handling a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguisher training is one of the fundamental skills that prepares to act swiftly during an emergency.

A comprehensive fire extinguisher training is much more than knowing the location of the device.

Here are some of the most critical steps of fire extinguisher training:

If you are looking for a comprehensive fire extinguisher training program for your employees, call Australian Fire Protection.

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No workplace is immune to fire outbreaks! Whether it’s a multi-storey commercial building or one-room working space, the possibilities of a (sudden) fire accident cannot be overlooked.

Such accidents can result in mammoth loss of lives, property, jobs and thousands of dollars, causing the downfall of your business.

In some of our previous blogs, we have talked extensively about the fire safety checklist to ensure a fire-safe workplace. Here, we shall go through a list of things you should do during a fire:

1. Prevention is Better than Cure

Fire catastrophes are preventable if your employees are trained to handle such accidents. Comprehensive fire safety training plays a pivotal role in restricting the intensity of (lives and property) damage caused by an inferno. Contact fire service companies in Melbourne to arrange regular drills and training programs for your employees.

2. Spotted Fire? Raise the Alarm Immediately

An alarm should be instantly raised on discovering signs of fire. Regardless of how small or innocuous it appears, even a small flame can turn into a blaze within seconds. If the fire is controllable and not too intense, use a fire extinguisher to put it off. (It is recommended to use it only when you’re adequately trained).

If you find the inferno going out of control, alert all employees and guide them through safe exists using an evacuation plan. Call firefighting services to limit the damage to the property and casualties.

3. Evacuate to Safety

It is essential to maintain your composure and remain calm while evacuating the property. Make sure everyone is gathered at a designated assembly point.

If your workplace has hazardous machinery, ensure you’ve shut it down. It is advised not to stop in the way or go back to collect any personal belongings. Moreover, avoid using lifts; they can stop working, trapping you inside and exposing you to flames and toxic gases.

If your escape route is full of thick smoke, it’s advised to drop down on the ground and crawl. The air closer to the ground is usually clean and safe for breathing.

What to Do If You Get Trapped Inside a Smoke-Filled Room?

If you are trapped in the room filled with thick smoke, try and get to a place with a window.

In case, you’re on the first floor, open the window and lower yourself to an arm’s length. Gently drop yourself to the floor. Never ever jump from a window. If you’re trapped on a top storey, stand near the window. This will help firefighters to reach you easily.

Block any crevices under the doors to prevent smoke from coming in.

If your clothes catch fire, don’t panic and run around since this fans the flame. In such a situation, just remember the golden rule:

Stop in your place, drop to the ground and roll over to douse the flames.

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Bushfire is a common occurrence in Australia – The hot and humid climate during the warmer months is responsible for triggering a wildfire in the forested areas. The bushfire is known to cause large-scale devastation of life and properties when they spread to the densely populated residential areas.

Since bushfires are inevitable, having fire hydrants in place plays a pivotal role in effective fire fighting.

Why Having Proper Fire Hydrants in Place Crucial?

Fire hydrants are strategically fitted in every neighbourhood, as they form an integral part of any fire protection system. These structures give the firefighter an efficient means to put out the fire in no time!  The fire fighting personnel can attach the pipes on a fire hydrant and spray water on the areas which have caught fire.

Here we have listed down some of the benefits of  having a fire hydrant:

1. Storage of Water

It is observed that a majority of bushfire occurred during scorching summers when the water is generally scarce. Fitting a fire hydrant in your neighbourhood helps to store and provide a quick, easy and constant supply of water during an emergency during a dry spell. Moreover, it help the firefighters to put out the fire in no time as they get sufficient water supply.

2. Easy Access

Fire hydrants are designed in such a manner that provides the firefighters easy access to attach their equipment like high power hose pipes, valves or pumps for effortless fire prevention.

During the dry spell or extreme summers, finding water points or getting easy access to water sources become a challenge. Having a fire hydrant everywhere helps to ease down the entire firefighting process, as it offers quick access to an uninterrupted source of water.

3. Uninterrupted Water Supply

Fire hydrants are equipped with boosters that supply water at high speed. They are designed in a way that ensures a smooth, uninterrupted and continuous supply of water to put out a fire.

Takeaway

Since fire hydrants come in handy in times of a fire outbreak and are the most crucial feature that helps in fighting and preventing infernos, picking the right fire protection service is essential. Carry out thorough research before you hire a fire protection service provider. This will help you to gauge their expertise and experience.

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Undermining the risk of fire accidents at the workplace is the biggest blunder one can ever make! No workplace – whether it’s a high-rise building, a warehouse or a small office – is safe from fire hazards.

Fire outbreak at a workplace can badly impact your productivity, wreck your inventory and cause infrastructural damage, which can cost you dearly. Moreover, unexpected explosions or fires can result in injuries or deaths which can lead to expensive and lengthy lawsuits.

It is observed that a majority of fires happen due to poor electrical connection and improperly stocked combustible materials. Here we have listed down some of the important practices that can reduce fire hazards in the workplace bringing down the extent of life & property loss.

The following essential practices will your workplace’s safety against fire hazards:

1. First and foremost, identify the fire hazards in your workplace. Make a note of the presence of any combustible material near any sources like heaters, lighting, electrical equipment, etc. Additionally, it is important to store the fuel and other flammable chemicals like rubber, petrol, etc in a proper place.

2. Once you have identified the potential risks, access it thoroughly. Doing so will make it easy to determine which hazards need immediate attention.

3. Assessing the situation isn’t sufficient. It is very crucial to put protective measures in place to control the risks – you can use a hierarchy of control here! You can eliminate the work processes that might result in an explosive atmosphere. Moreover, make sure to service and clean all your machinery as and when recommended by manufacturers.

4. Apart from this, switch off the electricity points when your premise is unattended and remove any waste material like fuel and dispose of the flammable material properly.

5. Lastly, make it a point to monitor the hazards and review the controls on a regular basis to minimise the potential risks effectively.

For high-quality fire protection system and fire training, call AFP group now!

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It is a universally acknowledged fact that fire is the single largest threat in the restaurant/commercial kitchens. Commercial kitchen fire poses a risk for its workers and patrons. Kitchen fires can cause massive damages to the property, injure people and destroy your business, leading to loss of revenues and in the worst case, even permanent closure.

Due to the presence of open flames, high power electrical appliances, cooking oils, and cleaning chemicals, commercial kitchens are highly vulnerable to fire.

Since the nature of cooking in the restaurants is entirely intrinsic, you cannot completely eliminate the threat of fire. However, you can take some precautions to reduce the danger and avert a catastrophic event.

Tip 1: Keep Flammable Items Away

Commercial kitchens have several appliances that are vulnerable to catching fire. Therefore, ensure you don’t place any source of fire or open combustibles near the appliances. For examples, fryers should not be kept near the plug points.

Tip 2: Clean Grease Build-up from Hoods and Vents

Grease build-up poses a serious risk of fire. Thus, it is crucial to clean the grills, hood and vent properly. Usually, proper cleaning varies from kitchen to kitchen depending on a number of factors such as type of cuisine and the number of fryers.

Tip 3: Have an Evacuation Diagram Ready

A well-planned evacuation diagram is necessary to ensure there’s minimal damage to life, with everyone getting out safely. Remember the evacuation plan must be well placed and should be drawn after taking into account various areas of the restaurant. Moreover, make sure the evacuation plan is practised regularly. This exercise will ensure that all the staff members are acquainted with the drill and become aware of their responsibility in the wake of a fire. It is observed that panic during a real fire accident will reduce if the evacuation drill is rehearsed correctly.

Takeaway

Remember when you’re prepared, you can avert severe damage to lives, property and your business. Get in touch with Australian Fire Protection Group for comprehensive fire safety training, fire equipment and evacuation diagrams.

When it comes to preparing schools against fire, you don’t want to leave any stone unturned. From elementary schools to the college campus, lack of fire safety measures can put a lot of young lives at stake in case a fire breaks out. Having a proper fire protection system and safety measure in place is crucial to ensure the students and teachers stay safe and unharmed if a fire accident occurs at the school premises.

Here, we have listed down four types of fire protection systems that are essential for schools to contain the fire and loss of young lives:

Having fire protection systems in place is pivotal in limiting the loss of lives and property, but it is equally important to train the staff and students on how to evacuate and use fire extinguishers to ensure their safety.

For high-quality fire protection system and fire training, call AFP group now!

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