by Engr. Kh. Mashiur Rahman | Dec 31, 2018 | Fire & Saftey
Emergency Lamp & Exit light
What is Emergency Lamp & Exit light? Are emergency lights placed above exits and stairwells? Is adequate fire detection and fire fighting equipment installed in all areas? Are appropriate fire extinguishers available, accessible, and clearly marked? All Exits, Stairwells and area where chances of become total dark when power is shut off should have self powered rechargeable emergency lamp. The type of lights most suggestible would be to have on top of all exits with “EXIT” written in both English and local Language. And for the areas (Dark Zone) should have spot light type or tube light types and this type of lights should also be installed in Stairwells. These emergency lights should always be kept on “ARM” position during work hours. …
Floor Aisle Marking
All the floors (Aisle) of the factory need to be marked with yellow colored lines with a RED ARROW indication towards exit. These aisle are to be kept clear all time and workers should be trained of not keeping any thing (Crossing) these aisle marking. These aisles are kept clear at all time for easy movement during evacuation.
“Yellow Box” Mark
A “Yellow Box” to be painted in front of all exits, Fire fighting equipment’s, electrical control panels and fire potential areas which is a sign informing that nothing should be kept on those places, as because in case of fire one can easily take extinguishers, shut down main switches or could easily evacuate without obstructions
Fire Alarm
Does the facility have emergency evacuation diagrams posted in conspicuous locations in the facility in the native language(s) of the workers? Can the emergency / evacuation alarm be heard in all areas of the factory? Does the facility conduct fire/emergency evacuation drills at least twice a year? If “Yes” are there records noting date and details? It is suggestible that factory should at minimum have Battery operated Fire Alarm along with GONG BELL, the switches should be placed in such areas where one think is a place which may seem to be FIRE POTENTIAL ZONE”. These switches should be covered and how to activate should be written in both English and local Language which should be posted in front of these switches.
Fire Drill
Fire Drills (Bangladesh) should be conducted once every month. All records (including total evacuation time) Should be kept in the Fire drill Record/Log.
Fire Fighting & Evacuation Procedure for Finishing Section
- Person according to the layout will put off the floor circuit breakers.
- Fire fighters will take their respective fire extinguishers to put off fire.
- Iron man nearest to the boiler will put off the boiler switch and turn off the gas flow valve.
- Supervisors will conduct the evacuation through main exit and emergency exit.
- Evacuation to be proceeded with strict discipline. Some people according to the layout will help the evacuation to be disciplined.
- Nobody should try to take his belongings with him at the time of evacuation.
Fire Fighting & Evacuation Procedure for Sewing Sections
- Person according to the layout will put off the circuit breakers.
- Fire fighters will take their respective fire extinguishers to put off fire.
- Nobody should try to take his belongings with him at the time of evacuation.
- Supervisors will conduct the evacuation through main exit and emergency exit.
- Evacuation to be proceeded with strict discipline. Some people according to the layout will help the evacuation to be disciplined.
Fire Fighting & Evacuation Procedure for Cutting Section
- Person according to the layout will put off the circuit breakers.
- Fire fighters will take their respective fire extinguishers to put off fire.
- Nobody should try to take his belongings with him at the time of evacuation.
- Supervisors will conduct the evacuation through main exit and emergency exit.
- Evacuation to be proceeded with strict discipline. Some people according to the layout will help the evacuation to be disciplined. End of Emergency Lamp
by Engr. Kh. Mashiur Rahman | Dec 31, 2018 | Fire & Saftey
How to Use Fire Extinguishers
Introduction: How to Use Types of Fire Extinguishers. Fire is the burning of flammable or combustible substance thereby giving out heat and light. For fire to start, three things must be together; fuel, heat and oxygen (these are the fire elements that forms what is known as the fire triangle). Fire is classified as A, B, C and D according to the material that is involved. Two fires were recorded on the Project last week. Fires mostly occurs during dry seasons, harmattan, when welding & cutting or grinding sparks come into contact with flammable materials (Paint) …
What Then Is Fire Prevention?
No illegal extra construction – all factories must have approved Bangladesh Building Certificate. No illegal sub contracting – All subcontracting must be VF approved prior to moving products. Quarterly fire drills must be held with 100% of the employees. Worker Participation Committees must be set up as per the Alliance Members Agreement. It is a practice or measures put in place to prevent fire from happening, the measures could be designs, procedures, practices & the use of approved equipment, etc. It also involved not allowing the fire element coming together.
Common Causes Of Fire
GET ALL FACTORIES CODED GREEN
- Esper Achkar
- Civil Engineer
- Liaise with the 3rd party engineering firm
- Maintain and follow up on all corrective actions
- Work with, follow up with, and educate factories directly
- GET ALL FACTORIES CODDED GREEN
- Carelessness (Unprotected welding, cutting & grinding sparks)
- Poor storage and handling of flammable materials’ liquid and gases
- Wrong smoking attitude
- Inadequate removal of combustible waste
- Use of faulty electrical equipment
Fire Prevention Guidelines
- Scope of Inspections
- Building Inspection
- Records Review
- Physical/Structural Testing
- Thermographic scanning of electrical components
- Evacuation Preparedness
- Store flammable material in an approved container or area
- Don’t smoke in forbidden areas
- Remove combustible materials from hot work area
- Always close valves of gas cylinders when not in use
- Do not use faulty electrical equipment
- Don’t overload electrical sockets
- Do not weld or cut on close containers without management permit
- Protect welding, cutting and grinding slag with enough fire blankets and screens.
- Do not leave cooking /electrical appliances unattended
- Provide enough fire extinguishers in all the work areas
In the Event of Fire
- Raise an alarm by shouting “Fire” to attract other people around
- Call Daewoo HSE on Ch3 or TSKJ Emergency Dispatch on TSKJ Ch 1
- Fight the fire with fire extinguisher (Do not endanger yourself in the process)
How to Use Fire Extinguishers
- Break seal and remove safety pin
- Direct nozzle to the base of fire
- Squeeze handle to discharged content to the base of fire
All Types of Fire Extinguishers
Specimen
In Factory “M” they have the following extinguishers and other auxiliary Fire fighting equipment to fight fire, the size of the factory is 35000 Square feet:
1) Fire Extinguisher* 42pcs
(ABC Dry Power -32pcs, CO2 -10pcs)
2) Hose Pipe 5pc(300 feet/hose pipe)
3) Water Bucket** 6pcs
4) Sand Bucket*** 6pcs
5) Fire Hook 6pcs
6) Fire Beater 6pcs
7) Fire proof Hand Gloves 6prs
8) Stretcher 2pcs
9) Lock Cutter 1pc
10) Axe 1pc
11) Fire proof Blanket 1pc
Note : Fire Extinguishers are checked periodically (Once every month)to see whether they are in good condition or not.
** Water Buckets are always kept with sufficient water.
*** Sand Buckets are always kept with sufficient sand
Working conditions are safe & hygienic
Fire Safety extinguishers available
- fire extinguishers are undercharged or out of order
- operating instructions are not available for all fire extinguishers, and not displayed on them or above where they are fixed
- fire extinguishers laid on floor or installed higher than 1.5m
- blocked access to fire extinguishers
- fire hose pipes not provided in all areas of the factory
- distances between fire hose pipes too short not allowing all areas of the factory to be reached with at least one
- fire hose pipes found partially blocked
- hose pipes leaking
- number of fire extinguisher operators is less than required (25% of total workforce in any section separately (Bangladesh))
- factory does not provide proper fire fighting training to sufficient number of workers by a competent person or prescribed authority
- no training records available for fire fighter training provided
- insufficient number of fire fighters per production floor, need to be 25% of workforce
- fire fighters don’t wear identification (e.g. uniform, armband or badge)
- fire fighter’s certificates not available
- fire fighter’s photos not available at fire points
- some fire alarm switches found inactive
- fire alarm switches missing in areas such as accessory store, child care room, wastage room
- fire alarm not provided in every section (e.g. security guards dormitory, boiler room)
- PA (public address) system not available in each section of the factory in case of a fire (incl. sample room)
- smoke detectors not in all areas of the factory e.g. packing, sub-stores, accessory store, temporary yarn and fabric store, wastage store etc.
- evacuation plan do not show watcher position e.g. “you are here”
- emergency evacuation plan not provided in all areas including warehouse, any temporary work or storage areas, sample room etc.
- fire drills to be carried out on a regular basis at least every 2 months
- fire drill register not maintained
- aisle marking not found in all areas e.g. fabric inspection, fusing, sample room, dining, packing area, washing section etc.
- secondary aisle marking not found in cutting section
- aisle marking is faded or erased
- aisles found blocked by e.g. pillars, baskets, machines, workstations, workers standing in the aisle due to machines kept too close to the wall etc. not allowing proper emergency evacuation
- aisles found narrow between wall and cutting tables, not enough evacuation space
- workers confined by tables, machines or goods
- minimum width of exits to be 45” (Bangladesh)
- width of emergency exits of sections less than 32” inches
- exit height of sections found only 5’feet 9”inches
- exit doors found open inward instead of outward (in the direction of emergency evacuation) (i.e. child care, laboratory, boiler room, cutting, sewing, accessory store, dining hall, sample room, CTPAT etc., not applicable for actual toilet doors)
- sliding doors found that obstruct evacuation
- exit signs are without active/intact light and not found above all exit doors e.g. sample room, fusing, passages, dining hall, packing room, doctor’s room, CTPAT area etc.
- exit signs & light boxes not in local language
- emergency lights no marked
- lack of 2nd exit for all sections (e.g. fusing, dining hall, fabric inspection) and no 2nd staircase provided for sections that have more than 20 workers working in them (Bangladesh) or whatever is specified by the local law (Bangladesh: 2nd exit required if more than 5 people working in an area)
- exits obstructed by iron or cement bars in doorways
- no fire assembly point set and not marked as such
- emergency lighting not found around exits in factory and dormitory
- emergency numbers not posted throughout factory/dormitory
- fire inspection certificate not available for
- no fire licence or licence is not covering all floors in use
- water tank capacity not sufficient as per law
- anti-explosive lights not installed in areas where many cartons are stored
Conclusion
Different Types of Fire Extinguishers is described in this article. roof top of factory used as dining hall or for other operations, which should rather be kept empty in the case of an emergency. End of How to Use Fire Extinguishers
by Engr. Kh. Mashiur Rahman | Dec 31, 2018 | Fire & Saftey
Fire Fighting Training Equipment
Fire Fighting Training -Bangladesh is proceeding towards Industrialization, in that aspect contribution of your organization also appreciable. Industrialization also comes under Fire hazards. Fire hazards can be reduced to minimum by proper Fire Safety Training. The General courses are to impart knowledge on. Prepare building wise fire evacuation plan. The plan should contain details of how a building will be evacuated in the shortest possible time, in a disciplined manner thus avoiding stampede or any other disorder. Discuss with me, on a one to one basis, in my office, regarding the type of the fire extinguishers you require to be installed at different buildings. After finalizing the same, procurement procedure will proceed following our mode of official system. Formulate a plan on Fire Drills at different buildings. The same may be devised in the line with the Serial 1 of this note. …
- Heated Surfaces (Machine etc…)
- Cloth, News paper on hot surfaces
- Faulty Machinery’s Electrical fittings, etc…
- Static Electricity
- Spontaneous Combustion
- Fire & Causes of fire
- Classification, Stages & Expansion of fire.
- Combustion & Extinguishing Principle of fire
- Fire prevention & suppression system.
- Extinguishing Media for different classes of fire.
- Extinguishing Principle.
- Fire Extinguishing system.
- Sparks (grinding. Welding. Cutting.
- Cigarettes
- Electrical Overloading/Heating
- Impact sparks (tools falling down to tank, etc…)
- Use of portable fire Extinguisher.
- Rescue and Evacuation system
- First Aid Techniques.
- Emergency Exit Plan
Fire Fighting Training Methodology
- Lecture/Presentation by slide Projector.
- Video Clip.
- Photo Gallery.
- Fire Fighting Movie.
- Display Chart.
- Cooling – by lowering the temperature
- Smothering – by depriving of Oxygen
- Starvation – by removing the source of fuel
Factory “M” has 50 assigned fire fighters who wears a apron with “FIRE FIGHTER” written on the apron for easy identification of the fire fighters, this also helps easy movement of these people with extinguishers during fire as because during evacuation workers always gives way to them, so they can proceed towards the source of fire and can fight accordingly.
Conclusion
Beside Fire Fighting Training at minimum 40% of the workers knows how to operate Fire extinguishers, further they have planned to train 100% of workers on Fire extinguishers operation for which they have prepared Training Schedule.
by Engr. Kh. Mashiur Rahman | Dec 31, 2018 | Fire & Saftey
Fire Findings Example
Fire Findings -Are manual fire extinguishers regularly inspected and marked on tags? Do the employees know how to use fire-fighting equipment? Is the local fire department acquainted with the facility? Is workplace free of electrical / mechanical hazards? Does the facility have an adequate number of properly located and clearly marked emergency exits available? Are exits easily accessible, kept clear, and kept unlocked during working hours? Are aisles kept clear from obstructions at all times. Read more Fire Safety for Workplace of Manufacturing Company …
- During audit time it was noted Fire extinguisher user instruction missing Ground floor generator room.Maximum area floor marking found rub out and yellow color not highlighted in damp color floor. It is recommended that factory can use RED color with the yellow paint for easy understanding.
- During audit time it was noted that there is no Fire Findings extinguisher at at 8th floor It server room.Chemical/ Oil drum found stored in open area and without secondary containment. Chemical drum and Oil drum needs to use secondary containment for environmental safety. It is recommended that factory should make the separate area for oil and chemical storage under the shaded.
- Maximum area of the production floor aisle found partially/ fully blocked. It is recommended that factory should ensure all the aisles should be free form any emergency safety.
- During audit time it was found that one fire extinguisher hanging hook broken at 8th floor godown In the workers time card found inconsistency with the salary sheet which will be high risk for walmart audit. Pls make sure last one year documents should be updated for coming audit.
- During audit time Gong bell were found without rope Ground floor Fabric store. Shift wise duty some area not effected as per time card and others documents also no working hours notice found for the month of Ramadan.
- During audit tme it was noted that only auto smoke detectors base installed but auto smoke detector missing
- All the security duty roster and register should formatted as on their shift of duty.
- Maximum Electric panel board found without ebonite sheet for safety. Battery operated (battery back up) Fog light missing at 5th Floor Sewing west exit.
- Maximum area found workers are working without mask/ hand gloves/ eye guard etc as required safety hazards area.
- Available holiday records found in your poly, packaging and store area. This will be high risk violation for Walmart audit requirements. Make sure all the production record/ register and workers handout are removed from the production and storage and HR section.
- During audit time we found one fire extinguisher where there is no checklist.
- During audit time it was found that one Fire Findings extinguisher were blocked by sewing machine
- Workers final settlement record found Excessive working hour payment sheet, which will be also high risk for factory in terms of walmart Code of Conduct. Pls make sure all final settlement file should be clean without excessive work payment record.
- Some workers found who are looking younger. Pls make sure no below 18 workers are working in your factory.
- During audit time it was noted that there is no PA system at floor Newgen room. Maximum section found without Evacuation Plan mark, and some area found Evacuation plan not sufficient (Packaging area) needs more require on factory size.
- Maximum EXIT mark found missing on the Exit door and some area found only EXIT mark, it is recommended that factory should use the EXIT mark both of language (English & Bangla) in any sign/ posted notice board. Only English is not easy understanding for general workers.
- During audit time it was found that Fire hose pipe were box blocked by caring trolley at 6th Floor Cutting section. Fire equipment found not sufficient as per Fire Findings license, also required more as per floor condition. It is recommended that factory should ensure the fire equipment sufficient all the time also use more equipment because this plant is running by highly flammable particulars.
Some Recommendation
- Factory should provide a new fire extinguisher hook for said area.
- Factory HR & Compliance department should have provide fire extinguisher for said area..
- Factory should Fix up the fire alarm switch cover as early as possible.
- Factory should maintain the compliance checklist daily with effectively
- Factory should have provide fire extinguisher checklist with all Fire Findings Extinguishers .
- Factory should install Battery operated (battery back up) Fog light at said exit.
- Factory should keep always all aisle block free.
- Factory should maintain the compliance checklist daily with effectively.
- Factory should maintain the compliance checklist daily with effectively.
- Factory should maintain the compliance checklist daily with effectively.
- Factory should provide PA System over there as early as possible.
- Factory should provide rope for gong bell as early as possible.
by Engr. Kh. Mashiur Rahman | Dec 30, 2018 | Fire & Saftey
Fire Safety rescue equipment
Rescue Equipment – Every year a certified engineer checks the full building by his engineering method.After checking if he found any problem then he informed concerned person. Responsible person solved the problem immediately. Keep clear factory path for movement vehicle or easily coming of Fire brigade, Police, RAB, Medical team in the Factory/Incident place. Must know the main sources of water in the building for assist fire brigade personnel. Read about Fire Safety for Workplace of Manufacturing Company
Our audit was conducted in accordance with Bangladesh Financial Reporting Standards. These standards require that, we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatements. In planning and performing audit of the financial statements, we considered the internal control system in order to determine our auditing procedures for the purpose of expression our opinion on the financial statements. In course of our audit, we have identified some weakness, deviations from company’s policy and procedures that are controllable by the management and developed recommendations concerning the matters. The matters have been included in the accompanying Memorandum under caption “Memorandum of Audit Findings” The matters reported in this letter are not considered material so as to modify our opinion on the fairness of the financial statements. This letter forms part of the ongoing process of improving accounting and other related controls which we considered as part of our services to your organization. We would be pleased to receive your response on our findings and to discuss those, if you consider appropriate. …
- Special fire safety task forces members are present their respective floor/unit during fire drill or real fire incident.
- Collection of Draft Accounts and Collection of Previous Year Accounts
- Debit Vouching
- Credit Vouching
- Journal Vouching
- Special fire safety task force ensure all workers are evacuate as quick as possible and extinguish the fire by fire fighting team.
- Special fire safety task force take positioned at exit/staircase to ensure workers are going down quickly and also monitor rescue team for check the floor, wash room, office or any other small rooms to make sure nobody is stay inside.
- During fire drill or in case of real fire any area/exit blocked special fire safety task force guide the workers right direction for going out safely.
- The special fire safety task force responsible for respective floor including Security & Child care centre.
- Systems and Internal Controls Summary
- Opening Balance and Comparatives Checklist
- Drafting of Audit Report
- Letter to Management
- Draft discussion with management
- Finalization of Audit Report and Financial Report
- Special fire safety task force take place at fire assembly area to ensure workers take final position and brief them about the condition of fire.
- Monthly fire safety training arrange for Special Fire safety Task force.
- Special Fire safety task force will submit their feedback in written if improvements needed.
- Routine Check of Bank Book, Cash Book and ledger Book
Verification of Share Capital with related register and documents
Verification of Profit and Loss Account:
Rental Income
Duty & Responsibilities of Fire Fighting Team
- Administrative & General Expenses
- Financial Expenses
- Confirmation of Long Term Loans and Deferred Income
- Verification of Tangible Assets
- Use your sense how to extinguish the Fire.
- Confirm Floor electric main switch are off and ringing fire alarm.
- Fire fighting team starts fire fighting.
- To extinguish the fire use fire Rescue Equipment (Fire extinguishers, Fire blanket, Fire hook, Fire beater, Fire hose reel and other fire equipment as required).
- Always keep your back towards the door
- Inform Fire control room(216) Floor Manager, HRD(313),Factory manager and Main gate(329)
- If fire Incident not in your floor assemble in your floor under the supervision of floor fire fighting team in-charge and standby for Management order.
- Assist Fire Service & Civil Defence.
Duty & Responsibilities of Rescue Team
- After hearing fire alarm the rescue team member help the workers for going down safely (pregnant workers and child care evacuate first)
- Rescue team remove all item around fire incident place.
- Check all wash room (Female wash room female & Male wash room Male)and others suspicious area if any body confinement in this situation.
- Always evacuate first up floor from the fire incident floor.
- If anybody try to jump through window, return him/her and sent by stair case.
- Remove all Rescue Equipment /materials around fire incident place.
- After hearing Fire alarm the first aid team member take place in front of first aid box.
- If any body injured give him/her First aid, If the injured person condition is not improved sent him to medical centre.
- Ensure all gate, door, emergency exit fully open.
- Call the Fire brigade, Police station, RAB, hospital and local authority for help.
- Help all workers and staffs easily going out from the factory.
- Maintain strict discipline at main gate not allow to enter any unauthorized or any other person.
- Keep monitoring for any awful situation and prohibited all to run in this time.
- Checking of Debtors and Prepayments:
- Checking of Creditor and Accruals
- Confirmation of Bank balances and Cash
- Confirm Internal Control Questionnaire
Objective of the Task Force Committee formulation:
- To ensure health, hygienic and safe environment for suitable and comfortable workplace.
- To protect environment form pollution and to save employees from fire related accident and environment related disease.
- To identify and segregate different waste materials, to store in different drums/baskets, transport and dispose as per the requirement.
- To maintain protective equipments which are required for employees to protect themselves from dust, odors, fumes, vapors or other air pollution.
- To train the employees regarding importance and usage of protective Rescue Equipment .
- To create awareness among the employees regarding EHS and guide them to act according to the policy.
Conclusion
Rescue Equipment -The majority of the Task force member will be from workers side by the workers. Task Force member may have a composition of 35% from the management and 65% workers. Members of Task Force will be 10 to 15 people. Say if the Task Force has 15 members then 5 will be from the management side and 10 will be from the workers. The 10 from the workers side might be chosen from the general pool of workers. Top Management will not manipulate to select the 10 workers. The formats and Function of EHS Task Force is enclosed herewith.
