Fire safety is one of the most crucial aspects of hospital design and disaster preparedness. Hospitals operate 24 hours a day, and many patients are unable to escape on their own. The role of fire prevention, protection, early warning and response is paramount. Conversely, hospital systems where resilience is developed will have to shift from the firefighting approach to risk avoidance/preclusion.
Understanding Fire Risks in Healthcare Facilities
The healthcare environment has become more delicate and complex. Long-term use of electrical medical equipment has increased the risk of overheating, short circuits and electrical fire. In addition, the oxygen bottles and chemical substances and disinfectants stored in hospitals may also be factors increasing the fire risk and the fire development.
Patient dependency is another issue. Patients are in ICU’s, ORs and recovery rooms tend to be static, and other factors make the evacuation time dependent on staff’s efficiency during moving. Any kind of delay can be of importance.
Is to always be ready and use equipment properly. Not knowing the fire hazards can pose risk as well. Therefore, staff should be properly trained in fire safety precautions with high-tech systems in using equipment.
Fire Safety Equipment and Protection Systems
Fire Safety System should have a good infrastructure and be supported by a good fire fighting equipments manufacturer. It will offer the hospital both portable and best quality fire fighting equipments, affordable to use as well as certain by performance. Moreover, hospital in India should choose certified fire extinguisher manufacturer to provide hospital with approved extinguishers for different fires.
Manufacturers of fire fighting equipment fitting the all in one alarm, extinguisher and suppression system. Fire fighting system services checked and maintained on a routine basis ensure the equipment is ready for immediate use.
The most common safety device of them all is the Dry chemical extinguisher. Dry chemical fire extinguishers are suitable for a number of classes of fires. They are usually found in hallways and utility rooms of hospitals.
Fire Sprinkler Systems in Hospitals
One of the best methods of fire suppression would be the fire sprinkler. The system is activated by the heat of a fire and is designed to suppress the fire as best as possible before it is allowed to spread.
Hospitals have different arrangements of fire and sprinkler systems, depending upon the nature and degree of risks involved. Some of the essential areas have sprinkler systems fitted fire fighting by taking an immediate control measure.
Most widely used pendent sprinklers distribute water in a downward direction and are used in corridor of patient rooms of all hospital types. In technical areas, erect sprinkler are more common-they are able to cope with larger heat zones within the technical area.
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
Detection of fire is the key factor in minimizing the fire risks, which in hospital is occupied by the most common source the fire alarm system technology used. The detection network is the important modern with smoke, heat sensors.
A complete fire alarm system can make alert instantly by intelligent integration of sensors and control panels. Generally speaking, this type is called fire detection and alarm system which focus on delivering prompt alarm to staff.
The fire alarm system elements, patients shall have a safer environment. Detector elements, group call points or alarm sounders are set up.
Fire Hydrant and Pumping Systems
Hospitals need extra firefighting facilities including: external firefighting facilities such as the fire hydrants to generate enough pressure and supply water in an emergency situation.
Their installation consists high head pumping systems like diesel fire fighting pump for maintaining flow of water in case of failure of power supply, jockey pump is present in order to maintain pressures of system in the mode of operation and active mode.
The way in which other equipment such as the non return valve, etc. Also have a big part in directing water flow and setting the system up to work effectively in the event of a fire.
Fire Suppression and Extinguishing Systems
Different types of fire may occur and the way in which they are extinguished may be different. Co2 fire extinguisher is observed and is popularly being used in hospitals because of its less messy discharge and fragile nature. Co2 should be used in operation theatre and equipments room.
Water based systems remain an essential part of general fire hazards. This is the most frequently used type of fire extinguisher outside electrical related areas of around the site, for example, in storage areas or the administration block.
The presence of a different type of means has another advantage: it ensures the corresponding accommodation of fire extinguishers.
Valves and System Control Components
Control devices are employed in fire safety systems to control the flow of water and effectiveness of the system as a whole. Butterfly valves are control devices extensively used in firefighting systems for isolating and controlling the flow of water.
They also correctly channel and control the water flow to load/unload the various zones of protection to the correct pressures, which helps the spread of the system.
Building a Culture of Fire Safety
Technology cannot be the only factor in fire safety in health care buildings. It is very important to have fire drills, fire awareness and staff training. All staff should be familiar with fire routes, alarm systems and the basic fire fighting procedures.
Some hospitals might need to ensure that the fire alarm system is connected with the engineering department, safety officer and possible emergency responders. Itis very important to ensure the fire protection system/equipment is regularly checked and maintained for reliability.
Conclusion
Fire protection of health care buildings involves the aspects of preventative measures, detection, control and suppression. The individual components may be called upon in a fire situation, from the fire alarm system providing the early warning, through to the fire sprinkler system extinguishing the fire.
Hospitals shall do their best to sort out the fire safety by transferring it from a risk management problem to a life-saving resilient system one. They will do it by means of co-operation with trustworthy local manufacturers and supplies according to the expert services of system maintenance and IEC training of the most health care cadres.