FIRE INSPECTION WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR?
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Life and Safety (Fire) Provisions of the buildings are inspected and tested.
General Building Works (Fire Matters Only)
Building Services and Operational Tests
Mechanical Ventilation / Air-con Checks
Fire Protection Systems Check and Operational Tests*
WHY CHECK?
Principal Objectives:
Safety of ALL occupants;
Reduce number of outbreaks;
Reduce internal spread of fire;
Prevent the spread of fire;
Rapid evacuation of lives in event of a fire.
WHAT TO CHECK?
Most are to be done FPM and FSM.
Fire Responsibility is a shared responsibility.
You need to check, visually, the following items as main occupier of the place:
Fire Fighting Appliances - FEs, Hose reels Fire Escape Routes Fire Escape Means - doors, smoke stop, signs, e lights Fire Support System - fire panels Fire Loading - solvents, paper Possible sources of ignition
For each of the following, I would like to you keep in mind…..
WHY was this rule made.
What consequences will this have IF THE EMERGENCY HAPPENS.
IN EMERGENCIES, you have only 10 minutes (max) to clear THE WHOLE BUILDING.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER POSITION
• •
• • • • •
Availability - 15m each Must be approved type - i.e. PSB approved Must be clearly visible (anywhere) Must not be obstructed - 1 m any side or easily reachable, removed and carried Not to be taken away from position hook Easy to lift - 0.8 m to 1.2 m If hidden, must have a clearly visible sign
Key rusty, Out of reach
Position too high. Heavy Extinguisher 21A
I can reach it leh! Not blocked!
Fire extinguishers are not door wedge
EXTINGUISHER
OK? - Cylinder dented, colour faded?
Hose, Pressure gauge in green zone? Horn and swivel? Date lapsed? Seal in place? Lever? Used as hangers?
SEAL
GAUGE
LABEL
INSPECTION
HOSE REEL - DRY RISERS
Is cabinet clearly visible? By signs or name plate. Cabinet door obstructed? Can hose reel be fully extended (30m)? Is hose reel dusty? - never checked. Can cabinet door be opened easily? Is reel obstructed? - newspaper, broom, etc. Is valve easily operated and reached? Is instruction available and clearly displayed? Is there sign of misuse? Leaking and corroded? Nozzle (in front)?
FIRE EXIT SIGNS
Visible from anywhere in the room (15m for nonsprinklered and 30m for sprinklered).
Is sign illuminated AT ALL TIMES (check if it is photo illuminance).
Test the emergency power pack at least once in every six months (2 hr rating minimum).
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
At LEAST ONE e lighting for even 20 m.
Emergency lighting should be tested once every month, if possible.
Tube working.
Not obstructed.
FIRE DOORS
All fire doors must be closed (tightly) at all times.
The door closer must be in good working condition.
Must always be unlocked when occupied.
Can be one way - opened outwards only. For double leaf door, the sequential door closer must be working correctly.
These doors are not approved in Singapore
Free of obstruction and storage of any form.
Final exit point of discharge not obstructed.
Door release devices are in good working order.
Procedure for opening displayed and sufficiently clear.
Well illuminated emergency staircase at all times (generally 100 - 150 lux)
Stairs of sound construction at all times. (Chipped nose?)
Floor plans and main fire escape routes made available, especially at lift lobbies
FIRE PANEL/ELECTRICAL SWITCHBOARDS
No Obstructions - at all times.
WHY?
SPRINKLERS AND HEAT/SMOKE DETECTORS
Not Obstructed
Sprinklers and smoke or heat detectors - clear space of at least half metre from the point (Better if it is one meter.
For sprinklers, there shall not be any leakage at the sprinkler head.
Maintain 0.5 m of clear head space
CALL POINTS
Free of obstructions.
Clearly visible.
Not damaged
If obstruction is reality and cannot be resolves use the notification sign to create awareness
BREECHING INLETS, HARD STANDING AREAS, AND WATER HYDRANTS
Not obstructed (Not usually for departments but halls and OFPM’s job).
HOUSEKEEPING
Excessive storage of combustible materials e.g. books, newspaper that will fuel a fire, especially in rooms and under fire staircases, under sinks.
Storage of combustible material in lobby or near lobby.
Excessive use of Highly Flammable solvents including perfumes, sprays.
Prevent throwing of chemicals in waste bins, even chemical soaked papers.
CONTROL OF IGNITION SOURCES
Control of ignition (including use of electrical equipment).
Control of incendiary sources.
Switching off electrical equipment - including air pots, printers, fans. Use of non-approved electrical sockets and extension wires.
MCB/RCBs
Electrical circuits is Protected - against overloading and earth current.
Does not protect you if the material is heated and already is a source of ignition, even the wires itself may burn.
End of Presentation
