Protection of workers in combating incipient fires (SUVE)

Status:

ongoing

Aims:

In order to improve the protection of workers in combating incipient fires, the definition of incipient fire needs to be revised. For this purpose, the definition contained in ASR A2.2 must be linked with comprehensible thresholds. These can be compared with thresholds for radiation intensities, visual impairments and fire smoke toxicities. This comparison forms the basis for assessing up to which stage of a fire a safe firefighting by unprotected workers is possible.

Small extinguishing devices such as "fire extinguishing sprays" as well as classic fire extinguishers and their advantages and disadvantages have to be considered.

Activities/Methods:

Relevant scenarios for extinguishing incipient fires by the use of portable fire extinguishers will be derived from case studies. These scenarios will be simulated by using computer-aided numerical methods. For these simulations, the existing normative concept of test fires and typical furnishings of workplaces will be characterized with fire technology standards. Furthermore, the required extinguishing agent quantities and types are determined. The suitability of the existing concept for test fires is examined. The simulations carried out on these bases are used to assess the extinguishing of incipient fires and to derive possible improvements for the protection of the workers.

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