Fire Safety in the Dive Industry: Part 2

By Francois Burman, Pr. Eng., M.Sc.
Planning for a fire emergency
If a fire happens, comprehensive preparation including extinguishers, evacuation plans and regular drills will help lessen the impact on your business, equipment, staff and customers.
Preventing fires is paramount, but we need to be prepared to deal with fire emergencies when they occur. A trained firefighter will advise us to get out quickly and leave the firefighting to those who are trained to do so. We do not always have this option, however, so learn what to have in place to ensure the safety of all.
Fire Extinguishers
Different types of fires require different kinds of extinguishers. Do a careful analysis of where fires are most likely to occur, and appropriately equip your business, filling station, workshop, boat, vehicle and perhaps even your dive site.
Maintenance is also essential. You do not want to find yourself with an extinguisher that's out of propellant gas or media, missing a nozzle, has a dislodged dip-tube or one that can't be located when you need it most.
It's important to have some training with using an extinguisher. Without it, you could get trapped, spread the fire or use the wrong extinguisher for the type of fire, resulting in a burn or possibly acceleration of the fire.
Preparation and Planning
Does the classroom in your dive shop have an emergency exit that will work when the room is dark and filled with smoke? Signage indicating where the extinguishers and emergency exit routes are located will save valuable time in containing a fire. Be sure to place extinguishers in strategic locations with escape routes behind them. A fire alarm, preferably connected to the local fire station or emergency services department, is paramount. Ensure that your evacuation route is always kept clear. If there are changes to the building, furniture or hazardous areas, update your evacuation plan accordingly.
Emergency action plans are essential. Adhere to the following best practices:
Firefighters
Get to know your local firefighting service. Consult them for advice if you are unsure of best practices for fire safety preparation.
Fires can usually be prevented, prepared for and managed. The cost of being ready doesn't measure up to potential losses or a fatality. Planning for a fire emergency will protect your staff and business investment.
© Alert Diver — Q1 Winter 2019
Among the lessons we've learned from accident and incident reports is that fires can occur almost anywhere, including dive centers, equipment stores, workshops, fill stations, boats and vehicles. To better manage the risk of fire, we need to consider a few basic principles.
First, fire is fast, hot and deadly. When a fire breaks out, there is little time to think or react. We need to know right away what to do and then take all the steps required to contain the fire and manage the situation.
Second, three elements are required to create and sustain fire: flammable material, oxygen and an ignition source. Fire is essentially a chemical reaction between fuel and oxygen triggered by a heat source. Knowing these elements is useful because removing, containing or controlling any one of them can prevent a fire.
The most manageable fire is one that is prevented. Prevention, however, requires us to be aware of many potential ignition sources. Here is a list to help you identify areas of concern.
Electrical concerns
•overloading electrical power outlets
•positioning electrical heaters incorrectly
•leaving appliances on when not in use
•removing plugs from outlets before turning off appliances
•placing power cords under carpets or in traffic areas using damaged wiring and plugs
Machinery and equipment
•providing poor maintenance, which can lead to overheating and excessive power draw
•placing machinery in congested areas, among other equipment or surrounded by flammable materials
•disregarding oil leaks, drips and spills
•using heating tools in a workshop where combustible materials are present
•lacking appropriate electrical grounding and ground fault protection systems
Chemical reactions
•allowing chemicals to mix as a result of poor storage, spills or leaks
•keeping pool chemicals, cleaning solutions, solvents, gasoline or paints in unsafe or uncontrolled areas
Spontaneous combustion
•keeping excessive amounts of oil-soaked rags in one place
•leaving lids off volatile products
•allowing large amounts of decaying organic materials to collect in an uncontrolled space
Human behaviors
•smoking, especially in areas of concern
•disposing hot ash in garbage bins
•packing or storing together combustible materials
•allowing messy and cluttered workspaces
•being ignorant
Gases and volatile fuels
•storing more oxygen or flammable liquids in one location than necessary
•placing oxygen and flammable gas cylinders on hot surfaces or in a hot environment
•servicing, connecting, transferring or using oxygen in areas that contain heat sources or are not oxygen-clean
•using faulty equipment
•allowing smoke, welding, brazing or open flames near flammable gas cylinders or liquids
•providing insufficient ventilation in rooms where oxygen or flammable gases or liquids are used or stored
Be aware that not all fires are the same. Managing different types of burning materials or structures can require entirely different containment and extinguishing actions. Taking inappropriate action or using an improper firefighting product can cause more damage to buildings, equipment or people than the fire itself.
While prevention is key, being aware, prepared, trained and equipped will ensure the best possible outcome in a fire. Do not try to be brave; if you are unsure, untrained or responsible for others, evacuate, and leave the firefighting to the professionals.
© Alert Diver — Q4 Fall 2018
Planning for a fire emergency
If a fire happens, comprehensive preparation including extinguishers, evacuation plans and regular drills will help lessen the impact on your business, equipment, staff and customers.
Preventing fires is paramount, but we need to be prepared to deal with fire emergencies when they occur. A trained firefighter will advise us to get out quickly and leave the firefighting to those who are trained to do so. We do not always have this option, however, so learn what to have in place to ensure the safety of all.
Fire Extinguishers
Different types of fires require different kinds of extinguishers. Do a careful analysis of where fires are most likely to occur, and appropriately equip your business, filling station, workshop, boat, vehicle and perhaps even your dive site.
- Use water or foam to contain fires fueled by wood, paper, trash, textiles and other ordinary products.
- Use carbon dioxide, halon or foam where flammable liquids and gases are burning.
- Use carbon dioxide or dry powder for electrical fires.
- Use wet chemical (a soapy foam) for fires caused by cooking oils and fats in a kitchen.
Maintenance is also essential. You do not want to find yourself with an extinguisher that's out of propellant gas or media, missing a nozzle, has a dislodged dip-tube or one that can't be located when you need it most.
It's important to have some training with using an extinguisher. Without it, you could get trapped, spread the fire or use the wrong extinguisher for the type of fire, resulting in a burn or possibly acceleration of the fire.
Preparation and Planning
Does the classroom in your dive shop have an emergency exit that will work when the room is dark and filled with smoke? Signage indicating where the extinguishers and emergency exit routes are located will save valuable time in containing a fire. Be sure to place extinguishers in strategic locations with escape routes behind them. A fire alarm, preferably connected to the local fire station or emergency services department, is paramount. Ensure that your evacuation route is always kept clear. If there are changes to the building, furniture or hazardous areas, update your evacuation plan accordingly.
Emergency action plans are essential. Adhere to the following best practices:
- Where the fire is fast and spreading, evacuate and count heads.
- A small, containable fire can be managed using appropriate extinguishers and with training.
- If it is not possible to contain the fire, contain the area — close the doors to isolate the fire even if only temporarily, sound the alarm, get out, and stay out.
- Under no circumstances should anyone go back inside to rescue anyone or anything — you will place the firefighters in more danger.
- No plan is effective without realistic and regular drills.
Firefighters
Get to know your local firefighting service. Consult them for advice if you are unsure of best practices for fire safety preparation.
Fires can usually be prevented, prepared for and managed. The cost of being ready doesn't measure up to potential losses or a fatality. Planning for a fire emergency will protect your staff and business investment.
© Alert Diver — Q1 Winter 2019
Among the lessons we've learned from accident and incident reports is that fires can occur almost anywhere, including dive centers, equipment stores, workshops, fill stations, boats and vehicles. To better manage the risk of fire, we need to consider a few basic principles.
First, fire is fast, hot and deadly. When a fire breaks out, there is little time to think or react. We need to know right away what to do and then take all the steps required to contain the fire and manage the situation.
Second, three elements are required to create and sustain fire: flammable material, oxygen and an ignition source. Fire is essentially a chemical reaction between fuel and oxygen triggered by a heat source. Knowing these elements is useful because removing, containing or controlling any one of them can prevent a fire.
The most manageable fire is one that is prevented. Prevention, however, requires us to be aware of many potential ignition sources. Here is a list to help you identify areas of concern.
Electrical concerns
•overloading electrical power outlets
•positioning electrical heaters incorrectly
•leaving appliances on when not in use
•removing plugs from outlets before turning off appliances
•placing power cords under carpets or in traffic areas using damaged wiring and plugs
Machinery and equipment
•providing poor maintenance, which can lead to overheating and excessive power draw
•placing machinery in congested areas, among other equipment or surrounded by flammable materials
•disregarding oil leaks, drips and spills
•using heating tools in a workshop where combustible materials are present
•lacking appropriate electrical grounding and ground fault protection systems
Chemical reactions
•allowing chemicals to mix as a result of poor storage, spills or leaks
•keeping pool chemicals, cleaning solutions, solvents, gasoline or paints in unsafe or uncontrolled areas
Spontaneous combustion
•keeping excessive amounts of oil-soaked rags in one place
•leaving lids off volatile products
•allowing large amounts of decaying organic materials to collect in an uncontrolled space
Human behaviors
•smoking, especially in areas of concern
•disposing hot ash in garbage bins
•packing or storing together combustible materials
•allowing messy and cluttered workspaces
•being ignorant
Gases and volatile fuels
•storing more oxygen or flammable liquids in one location than necessary
•placing oxygen and flammable gas cylinders on hot surfaces or in a hot environment
•servicing, connecting, transferring or using oxygen in areas that contain heat sources or are not oxygen-clean
•using faulty equipment
•allowing smoke, welding, brazing or open flames near flammable gas cylinders or liquids
•providing insufficient ventilation in rooms where oxygen or flammable gases or liquids are used or stored
Be aware that not all fires are the same. Managing different types of burning materials or structures can require entirely different containment and extinguishing actions. Taking inappropriate action or using an improper firefighting product can cause more damage to buildings, equipment or people than the fire itself.
While prevention is key, being aware, prepared, trained and equipped will ensure the best possible outcome in a fire. Do not try to be brave; if you are unsure, untrained or responsible for others, evacuate, and leave the firefighting to the professionals.
© Alert Diver — Q4 Fall 2018
Posted in Alert Diver Winter Editions, Dive Safety Tips
Tagged with Fire Safety, Dive Industry, Emergency plans, EAPs, Risk Assessments, Firefighting, Evacuation, Preparation, Planning
Tagged with Fire Safety, Dive Industry, Emergency plans, EAPs, Risk Assessments, Firefighting, Evacuation, Preparation, Planning
Categories
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March