SOP for Activation and Use of Fire Suppression Systems

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SOP for Activation and Use of Fire Suppression Systems

Standard Operating Procedure for Activation and Use of Fire Suppression Systems

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish clear guidelines for activating and using fire suppression systems to control and extinguish fires in manufacturing facilities, ensuring the safety of personnel and minimizing property damage.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all employees, contractors, and emergency response team (ERT) members in facilities equipped with fire suppression systems, including sprinkler systems, foam suppression systems, and gas-based extinguishing systems.

3) Responsibilities

  • Emergency Response Team (ERT): Supervise the activation and operation of fire suppression systems during fire emergencies.
  • Supervisors: Ensure personnel are trained in fire suppression protocols and conduct periodic drills.
  • Maintenance Team: Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of fire suppression systems to ensure operational readiness.
  • Safety Officers: Oversee the use of fire suppression systems and ensure compliance with safety standards.

4) Procedure

4.1 Types of Fire Suppression Systems

  1. Water-Based Systems:
    • Sprinkler systems that release water to control and extinguish fires.

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  2. Foam Suppression Systems:
    • Foam-based systems used for flammable liquid fires.
  3. Gas-Based Systems:
    • Carbon dioxide (CO₂) or inert gas systems used in areas with sensitive equipment or where water damage must be avoided.
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4.2 Preparedness and Training

  1. System Familiarization:
    • Train personnel on the locations, types, and operations of fire suppression systems in their areas.
    • Ensure personnel know the emergency shutdown procedures for equipment in the vicinity of the system.

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  2. Emergency Supplies:
    • Stock necessary equipment such as protective gear, fire blankets, and additional extinguishers.
  3. Periodic Drills:
    • Conduct fire suppression system drills at least twice a year to evaluate personnel preparedness.

4.3 Activation of Fire Suppression Systems

  1. Assess the Situation:
    • Determine the location, type, and severity of the fire.
    • Activate the system only if it is safe to do so and if the fire is within the capacity of the system to control.

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  2. Manual Activation:
    • Use the designated control panel or pull station to activate the fire suppression system.
    • Notify the ERT immediately upon activation.
  3. Automatic Activation:
    • Some systems are designed to activate automatically when heat or smoke is detected.
    • Ensure all personnel evacuate the area when the system activates.
  4. Shutting Off Power:
    • Isolate electrical power in the affected area to prevent further hazards.
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4.4 Using Specific Fire Suppression Systems

  1. Water-Based Systems:
    • Ensure the sprinkler heads are unobstructed for maximum coverage.
    • Direct personnel to avoid standing directly under active sprinklers to prevent injury.

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  2. Foam Suppression Systems:
    • Foam systems are ideal for oil or chemical fires.
    • Ensure the area is evacuated before activation as foam can obscure vision and create slip hazards.
  3. Gas-Based Systems:
    • Evacuate all personnel before activating CO₂ or inert gas systems to prevent asphyxiation.
    • Close doors and windows to ensure effective gas containment and extinguishment.

4.5 Post-Activation Procedures

  1. Ensure Fire Extinction:
    • ERT members must confirm that the fire has been extinguished and there are no remaining hotspots.

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  2. Ventilate the Area:
    • Use ventilation systems to remove smoke, gas, or foam residue from the affected area.
  3. Inspect and Assess:
    • Inspect the area for structural or equipment damage and document findings in the Fire Suppression System Activation Report (Annexure 1).
  4. System Reset:
    • Ensure the fire suppression system is reset and refilled or replaced as necessary before resuming operations.
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4.6 Incident Management

  1. Document the Incident:
    • Prepare a report detailing the fire incident, activation of the system, and outcomes.

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  2. Review and Improve:
    • Conduct a post-incident review to identify areas for improvement and update the SOP as needed.

5) Abbreviations, if any

  • ERT: Emergency Response Team
  • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

6) Documents, if any

  • Fire Suppression System Activation Report
  • Fire Incident Log
  • Emergency Drill Log

7) Reference, if any

  • OSHA Fire Safety Standards
  • NFPA Fire Protection Guidelines
  • ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Fire Suppression System Activation Report

 
 
 Date Location System Activated Cause of Activation Outcome 
 
 DD/MM/YYYY Warehouse B Foam System Chemical Fire Fire Contained

Template 2: Fire Incident Log

 
 
 Date Incident Description Response Actions System Activated Reported By 
 
 DD/MM/YYYY Fire in Control Room Evacuated Area, Activated Suppression System CO₂ System Jane Doe

Template 3: Emergency Drill Log

 
 
 Date Drill Type Duration Observations Corrective Actions 
 
 DD/MM/YYYY Suppression System Drill 10 Minutes Delay in Foam System Activation Updated Training Protocols
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