FIRE SAFETY MANUAL

Prepared by Shri Ashish Jain, SO/C, E & ISS

Reviewed by Shri S. Kandasamy, SO/E, E &ISS
Approved by Dr. K. K. Satpathy, Head, E &ISS
 CONTENT

1. About IGCAR
2. List of IGCAR building
i. Buildings and groups
3. Organization structure
i. E&ISS Department
ii. List of ISCC members
iii. List of FIRE coordinators
iv. List of Key people while Emergency situation.

4. Risk Scenario at IGCAR

5. Overview Potential hazardous activities and hazardous occupancy classifications

i. Key Hazards associated with various buildings at IGCAR
ii. Key Classifications
1. National building code
2. Tariff advisory committee

6. IGCAR Layout
7. Anticipated emergency scenarios
i. Hazards
ii. Incidents
iii. Impacts
8. Fire safety in IGCAR buildings

9. Fire Prevention

10. Fire Science

 i. Fire Classifications
1. Classes and Fire Nature
2. (Smoldering Fire, BLEVE, Electrical Arc Fire, Fire Ball, Jet Fire,
Other Fire Sources, Metal fire, Pool Fire, Smoldering Fire, Sodium
Fire)

11. Fire Chemistry

i. Fire Chain Reaction
ii. Heat (Flash Point, Fire Point, Auto Ignition Temperature, Fire Point)
iii. Fuel and Oxygen ( LEL/ UEL)
12. Fire Extinguishment Methods

13. Statutory Guidelines

14. TAC Requirement
i. Hand Appliance requirement
ii. No. of Fire Extingusher
15. DAE / AERB requirement

16. Fire Extinguishers (First-AID fire Fighting appliances)

Extinguisher Locations Guidelines
17. Types of Fire Extinguishes and Operation mechanism
a. Learn How to operate fire Extinguisher
18. Be aware of Risks in Area.
a. Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

19. IGCAR Fire Protection Facilities

20. Water based Fire Protection
i. Water Storage facility for IGCAR

ii. Fire Hydrant system

iii. IGCAR Fire Water Pumping facility and philosophy
21. Fire Alarm System
i. Buildings and Plants.

22. Emergency AID at IGCAR

i. SCBA set
ii. Fire Station and rescue Unit
iii. Mutual AID
iv. Medical and Transport Facilities.

23. Handling an Emergency Fire Situation

24. Building Fire
i. Fire and Explosion in Labs
ii. Relevant FIRE Specification and codes
25. Fire and Rescue Emergency Reponses
26. Objective
27. Anticipating Level of emergency
28. Emergency Actions
 CHAPTER – 1 :
ABOUT IGCAR

IGCAR was established in the year 1971, under the Department of Atomic Energy,
Government of India.
The centre is engaged in broad based multidisciplinary programe of scientific research and
advanced engineering directed towards the development of Fast Breeder Reactor technology.
Fast Breeder Test Reactor based on unique mixed Plutonium Uranium Carbide fuel, First
of its kind in the world and KAMINI Reactor, the only operating Reactor in the World using U233
fuel are successfully operated.
The design of 500 Mwe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor is completed and the construction
is in progress.

The centre has staff strength of 2480 including 1034 Engineers and Scientists.
 LIST OF IGCAR BUILDING
BUILDINGS AND GROUPS

[IGCAR Groups]

Fast Reactor Technology Group [IGCAR Buildings]

Reactor Engineering Group
Reactor Operation & Maintenance Group FBTR REACTOR
TURBINE BUILDING
Metallurgy and Materials Group SERVICE BUILDING
Materials Science Group CONTROL BUILDING
Safety Group ACTIVE BUILDING
COOLING TOWER FBTR
Electronics & Instrumentation Group RADIO METALLURGY LAB.
Chemistry Group STACK FBTR /RML
Reprocessing Group DELAY TANK RML
MAINTENANCE BUILDING
Engineering Services Group RAW WATER STORAGE TANK
DELAY TANK
RML - EXTENSION
SWITCH YARD
CENTRAL WATER CHILLING PLANT
COOLING TOWER CWCP
SUMP AND OVER HEAD TANK
ADDITIONAL COOLING TOWER
FILTER HOUSE RCL
RADIO CHEMISTRY LAB.
UNDERGROUND WASTE VAULT FRDL
FILTER HOUSE FRDL
FILTER REPROCESSING DEVELOPMENT LAB.
DELAY TANK FRDL
UNDER GROUND WATER STORAGE TANK
COOLING TOWER FRDL
SERVICE BUILDING FRDL
STACK FRDL / RCL
OIL STORAGE FRDL
ENGINEERING LAB
OFFICE CENTRAL WORKSHOP
COVERED SHED
SECURITY CENTRAL STORE
UNDER GROUND SUMP
OVER HEAD WATER TANK
CENTRAL STORES
COMPUTER STORAGE
OFFICE CENTRAL STORE
COMPUTER CENTRE
GENERAL SERVICE BUILDING
LIBRARY SEMINAR HALL ETC GS BUILDING
CENTRAL CAFETERIA
CENTRAL DESIGN OFFICE
ESG MAINTENANCE BUILDING
REACTOR ENGINEERING BUILDING
HIRAM LABORATORY
INSTRUMENTATION LAB.
ADDITIONAL LAB. PHASE -II
PARTICLE IRRADIATION FACILITY
ENGINEERING HALL - II
SUBSTATION
MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY
MATERIAL SCIENCE LAB.
SEWAGE LIFT STATION
WATER AND STEAM CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
HEALTH AND SAFETY LAB.
SAFETY RESEARCH LAB.
INFLAMMABLE STORES
SECURITY OFFICE FBTR
MATERIAL PREPARATION FACILITIES MSL
CWMF
MSL PHASE - II
FIRE STATION
ENGINEERING HALL III
M D L PHASE – II (INSOT)
SWITCH GEAR BUILDING
PFBR STORES BUILDING
STORE AND RECORD BUILDING
D G SET FOR GS BUILDING
CHLORINATION PLANT FOR FBTR
GUARD HOUSE FOR FRDL
WEIGH BRIEDGE
CAR PARKING NEAR CDO
CIVIL MAINTENANCE BUILDING
OFFICE BUILDING FOR STEEL YARD
THORIUM STORAGE STORE BUILDING
SM LAB
ISOBEN
CMPL
VIBRATION LAB
MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE BUILDING
SGTG
SOUTH CAFETERIA
RDL - PH- II
FBTR - ANNEXE
QUEST
MAF
AERB - SRI
CWCP EXT.
RGAS
MASL - EXT.
BANK AND PARKING
ADMIN - ACCOUNTS BUILDING
COMP DVN - EXTN BUILDING
SML EXTN
BARC (F) EA KARP. CJS CANTEEN
CDO EXTENSIONS EAST & WEST SIDE
HASL EXT.
SRL EXT.
MTD
RCL EXT
INTERIUM STORAGE BUILDING
CNC ROOM NR. CENTRAL WORK SHOP
QUEST BUILDING EXT.
BLOWER ROOM
ADDTNL, PUMP HOUSE.
 LIST OF ISCC MEMBERS

1. DR K. K. SATPATHY HEAD, E&ISS/SG

2. SHRI M. L. JAYALAL EIG / CD
3. DR S. RAJENDRAN PILLAI CSTD / MCG 22090,
4. DR S. MURUGESAN PMD/ MGC 22137 , 22635
5. SHRI B. ANANDAPADMANABAN / SWAMINATHAN P R / R NARASIMHAN/
SADASHIVAM QAIS / ROMG 26316/26205/26320
6. SHRI S. KUMERASAN PIRD / ITG
7. SHRI RAJSEKHAR QAD / ESG 23399,
8. SHRI I. B. NOUSHAD SGTF/ FRTG 2112,
9. SHRI V. C. VARGHEESE BP&PM / ESG 22049/22359
10. SHRI R. J. PAUL SURENDRANATH ESG / CED 22960,
11. SHRI GEORGE JOSEPH RSD 23314
12. SHRI K. I. AYYAPPAN DPS / STORES 22434,
13. SHRI K. V. S. PILLAI DPS / STORES
14. SHRI P. SIVARAMAN CWD / ESG 22117/ 22396,
15. DR SITARAM DASH MMG / MSD 22538/22514,
16. SHRI K. GNANASEKAR MMG / MSD
17. SHRI D. RAJAGOPALAN ADMN & ACCT 22180,
18. DR V. CHANDRAMOULI FCHD / CG 24145,
19. SMT T. SUGUNA/ ML JAYALAL EID / EIG22566,
20. SHRI E. THANIGAIVEL GSO / AUTO, 22807
21. SHRI P. K. CHOURASIA MMG / IDEAS, 23374/23376
22. SHRI R. E. M. JEBARAJ MMG / FRFCF 22822/22877
23. SHRI C. RAGHAVENDRAN NEG / SML 22612,
24. SHRI E. BALU FRPD / RPG
25. SHRI B. K. SHARMA CST / FRTG 2268/22553,
26. SHRI S. KANDASAMY E&ISS / SG
27. SHRI S. BHASKAR E&ISS / SG
31 SUGUNA T EID/ EIG 22657,

Please refer Annexure for ‘List of FIRE coordinators’ and ‘List of Key
people while Emergency situation’.
 CHAPTER – 2:
RISK SCENARIO AT IGCAR

IGCAR complex has buildings having various occupancies for Nuclear Reactors,
engineering operations, laboratories (Engineering, Chemical and Physics), Material
handling and storage, research, academic and administrative activates.

Major Accident Hazard Facilities:

Operational facilities, which have the potential to cause a major accident
due to stored volumes of hazardous or toxic materials or activities carried out on
the site, are classed as major Accident Facilities. This will include high-pressure
transmission pipelines, conveying hazardous materials, Nuclear Reactors.
Overview Potential hazardous activities and hazardous occupancy classifications
Key Hazards associated with various buildings at IGCAR
Potentially hazardous work activities / operations are

Hot work in process area

Sodium Handling
Chemical Handling in laboratories.
Hydro testing and Pneumatic testing
Working at height
Material handling
Using lifting equipments
Hot tapping
Loading/Unloading of active materials.
Transportation of active materials.
Land blasting.
Excavation
Radiography
Commissioning activities.
Working near electrical installation
Working near object that may move/slide
Confined space entry / Boiler cleaning / Repair Jobs
Gas charging and Handling Flammable gases.
N2 purging
 SOME ANTICIPATED EMERGENCY SCENARIOS

Some of the anticipated Fire emergency scenarios are

1) Fire in reactor building / Fire in Turbine building and other miscellaneous buildings-
a. Due to oil vapour leakage
b. Due to electrical equipment overheating / sparking etc.
c. Due to other causes like welding spark etc.
d. Due to H2 leakage from generator seal (Explosion).
2) Metal and Metal dust fire (Na, Al, Ti, Zr, Mg and it’s alloy)
a. Due to presence of suitable source of ignition.
3) Fire in Buildings / labs.
a. Fire in solvent
b. Electrical fire/ A/C fire / Computer fire
c. Fire in Oven / Heaters.
d. Paper fire.
4) Fire in HOT cell / Glove Boxes.
5) Fire in radioactive areas.
6) Fire in Non-radiation areas
7) Fire in Scrap materials / Dumping ground / dry vegetation areas.
8) Fire In ammonia storage area/ LPG storage at canteens and other labs.
9) Explosion due to leakage of synthesis gas.
10) Fire in substation
a. Circuit breaker / Bus breaker cubical fire
b. Transformers (oil based)
c. Generators
d. Cables
e. Switch gear and distribution equipments
11) Boiler room Fire
Etc……
Any of these hazards is mentioned as an *Incident* in the subsequent write-up.

Fire
Explosion
Building collapse
Spills of flammable liquids
Release of toxic substances
Exposure to ionizing radiation
Loss of electrical power
Loss of water supply
Loss of communications
Natural hazards such as Flood or Severe storm.

The Impacts of these incidents could be:

Escalation of events
(For example, chemical spill escalate to fire or, fire after an explosion)
Evacuation
Casualties
Damage to ware house building
Loss of vital records/documents
Damage to equipment
Disruption of work
 KEY RISK CLASSIFICATIONS

For detailed risk Classification and fire control guidelines please refer National
building code (Chapter – 04) and Tariff advisory committee (Fire Protection
Manual). Also DAE Guidelines (Fire Protection for Nuclear power plant)

In brief, as per ‘National building code’,

All the buildings may be classified on based-on following occupancy:

All buildings whether existing or hereafter erected shall classify according to the
use of the character of the occupancy; in one of the following groups:
GROUP A Residential
GROUP B Educational
GROUP C Institutional
GROUP D Assembly
GROUP E Business
GROUP F Mercantile
GROUP G Industrial
GROUP H Storage
GROUP I Hazardous

Also as per ‘Tariff advisory committee’, based on risk occupancy minimum fire
protection facilities may be calculated.

For example apart from various other classifications, IGCAR research building comes
under Medium Hazardous building categories:

“Dwellings, Places of worships, Libraries, Museums, Schools, Colleges, Hospitals

including X-ray and other Diagnostic clinics, Office premises, Meeting Rooms,
Auditoriums, Planetarium, Mess Houses, Clubs, Marriage Halls, Showrooms and display
centres where goods are kept for display and no sales are carried out, Educational and
Research Institutes imparting training in various crafts, Lodging/Boarding Houses,
Cycle Shed and Dish Antenna, Indoor stadiums.”
IGCAR Layout

For getting a brief risk overview of IGCAR complex with colored zoning, Please refer
Annexure for IGCAR Layout.
 CHAPTER – 3
FIRE SAFETY IN IGCAR BUILDINGS

FIRE PREVENTION

FIRE SCIENCE
Fire Classifications
As per TAC classification:
Class A
Combustibles: Fires in Ordinary combustibles (Wood, Vegetable fibres, rubber, plastics, Paper
and the likes).
Class B
Combustibles: Fires in flammable liquids, paints, grease, solvents and the likes.
Class C
Combustibles: Fires in Gaseous substances under pressure and liquefied gases.
Class D
Combustibles: Fires in reactive chemicals, Active metals and the likes.

N.B - *WHERE THE ENERGISED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTS ARE INVOLVED IN A FIRE, THE NON-
CONDUCTIVITY OF THE EXTINGUISING MEDIA IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE AND ONLY EXTINGUISHERS
EXPELLING DRY POWDER OR CARBON-DI-OXIDE (WITHOUT METAL HORN) SHOULD BE USED. ONCE THE
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT IS DE-ENERGISED EXTINGUISHERS SUITABLE FOR CLASS A, B AND C, MAY BE
USED SAFELY.*
 NATURE OF FIRE

• Solid Flammables :
Properties:
• Heating or calorific value (GCV),
• Moisture content
• Volatile matter
• Ash
Nature of Fire :
[Smoldering Fire]
[Other Fire Sources]

Flammable Liquids
Density (Approx. g/cc at 150C)
Flash Point (0C)
Pour Point (0C)
G.C.V. (Kcal/kg)
Sediment, % Wt. Max.
Sulphur Total, % Wt. Max.
Water Content, % Vol. Max.
Ash % Wt. Max.

[Pool fire - low pressure liquids]

[BLEVE]
[Other Fire Sources]

Gaseous Fire

Fuel Gas Relative Density Higher Heating Value kCal/Nm3 Air/Fuel ratio
m3/m3 Flame Temp oC Flame speed m/s

[Jet fire -gas at high pressure]

[Fire Ball]

Metal Fire
[Sodium Fire]
[Other metal fire]
 FIRE CHEMISTRY

Combustion: rapid oxidation of a fuel

Complete combustion: total oxidation of fuel (adequate supply of oxygen needed)
Air: 20.9% oxygen, 79% nitrogen and other
Nitrogen: (a) reduces the combustion efficiency (b) forms NOx at high temperatures
Carbon forms (a) CO2 (b) CO resulting in less heat production

• Control the 3 Ts to optimize combustion:

1T) Temperature
2T) Turbulence
3T) Time

OXYGEN IS THE KEY TO COMBUSTION

Fire: Fire is self propagatory voluntary chain reaction.

Fire Chain Reaction:-

(Heat (Flash Point, Fire Point, Auto Ignition Temperature, Fire Point) + Fuel + Oxygen (LEL/ UEL) = FIRE)

Flammability :-
If liquid is below flash point (Tempt) it will not be possible to ignite the mixture of
vapour and air above it, the flash point gives the best measures of flammability.
Note :- In series of organic compounds, the flash point increases as the number of carbon
atoms in the formula increases.
There are concentrations of vapour in air between which the mixture can be ignited.

100% Vapour
Upper explosive limit too rich

Combustion possible

Lower explosive limit

0% Vapour too lean

Some specific examples are shown.

Flammable limits in Air of some materials
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
Substances Lower Limit Upper Limit
Vol/Vol% Vo1/Vo1%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
Pentane 1.5 7.8
Hexane 1.2 7.5
Heptane 1.2 6.7
Acrylonitrile 3.1 17.0
Toluene 1.27 7.0
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
Factors affecting the flammable range :-
(1) Increase in temperature increase the flammable range.
(2) Increase in pressure above one atmosphere may or may not affect the flammable range
but substantial decreases in pressure almost always narrow it.
(3) The amount of available oxygen can considerably after the range, increasing oxygen
content and dening the range.
 Fire Hazards of Metals

Sodium Metal:
DANGER! FLAMMABLE SOLID. CORROSIVE. WATER REACTIVE. CATCHES
FIRE IF EXPOSED TO AIR. HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. HARMFUL IF
INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. CONTACT MAY CAUSE BURNS TO ALL
BODY TISSUE.
Fire:
Autoignition temperature: > 115C (> 239F)
Flammable solid, water reactive. Can react vigorously with water, steam, acids to release
flammable/explosive hydrogen. Dangerous in presence of oxidants. May ignite spontaneously in
moist air or oxygen. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
( Autoigintion temperature given in dry air.)
Explosion:
Reactions with water forms sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas which may explode. Burns
violently accompanied by explosions which cause spattering of the molten material.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
Use dry soda ash, dry salt, sand, graphite powder or metal-fire-extinguishing dry powder such as
Met-L-X®. Do not use water, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or chlorinated fire
extinguishers.
Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing
apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
Characteristics of Sodium Fire
Sodium Fire:
Sodium reacts exothermically with water: small pea-sized pieces will bounce across the
surface of the water until they are consumed by it, whereas large pieces will explode. While
sodium reacts with water at room temperature, the sodium piece melts with the heat of the
reaction to form a sphere, if the reacting sodium piece is large enough. The reaction with water
produces very caustic sodium hydroxide (lye) and highly flammable hydrogen gas. These are
extreme hazards (see Precautions section below). When burned in air, sodium forms sodium
peroxide Na2O2, or with limited oxygen, the oxide Na2O (unlike lithium, the nitride is not
formed). If burned in oxygen under pressure, sodium superoxide NaO2 will be produced.
In the event of sodium leakage in the air filled enclosures of FBRs, the liquid sodium can undergo
combustion in the form of column, spray, drop and pools depending of the leakage conditions. Sodium fire is a
complex manifestation of exothermically runaway oxidation of sodium metal by oxidizing components of air such
as oxygen, moisture and carbon-di-oxide. The sodium combustion is always accompanied with production of heat,
light, smoke and flame. The severity of consequences of sodium fire depends on the degree of dispersion, sodium-
to-air ratio, the heat transport properties of container and its contents. The spray fires are more severe than pool
fires. Sodium flame height is an order of magnitude lower than that of liquid organic fuel (LOF) allowing close
approach for active fire fighting. Ignition, combustion and self-extinction behaviour of liquid sodium differs
drastically from those of the conventional LOF. Liquid sodium pool cannot be ignited with the help of the electric
spark. Hence it does not have flash point like LOF. The ignition temperature of sodium pool is sensitive to moisture
content of air and hence varies from 1800C to 350 C unlike the LOF. Heat release rate of liquid sodium pool is 15
times lower than that of LOF. But smoke production rate from sodium is extremely high due to which visibility is
reduced in closed room. Experimental and theoritical studies are planned to be carried out in the large scale facility
under construction.

Handling and Storage

Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect against physical
damage. Keep away from water or locations where water may be needed for fire. Avoid high
temperatures. Store under nitrogen or kerosene. Never store under halogenated hydrocarbons. A
detached fire-resistive building is recommended for quantity storage. Isolate from air, acids, and
oxidizing materials. Isolate from incompatible substances. Containers of this material may be
hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and
precautions listed for the product.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Light, silvery-white metal.
Odor: Odorless.
Solubility: Decomposes violently in water.
Density: 0.968 @ 20C / 4C.
pH: Water solution alkaline (pH > 7).
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F): 0
Boiling Point: 881.4C (1618F)
Melting Point: 97.8C (208F)
Vapor Density (Air=1): 0.003 @ 900C.
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): 1.2 @ 400C (752F)
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1): No information found.

Metal Dust Fire:

Almost all metal dust (Except – Noble metals, Copper, Nickel, impure iron) will explode when
dispersed as a cloud in air if suitable source of ignition is present.
As per flammability of metal powders – Zr, Mg, & it’s allowys aAl, Ti are most hazardous.
Usually this type of fire occurs at Scraps and become source of fire due to fraction
/ spark. Fire may occur due to environmental effect on various pyrophoric metal get reacted with
Oxygen / water / moisture and create an exothermic reaction.
Major fire problems are arises while combustible metals are processed in machine shop
and foundries.
Combustion :- Nearly all metals will burn in air under certain conditions.
(I) Some oxidize rapidly in the presence of air or moisture, generating sufficient heat to
reach their ignition temperatures.
(ii) Others oxidize so slowly that heat generated during oxidation is dissipated before the
metal becomes hot enough to ignite.
(iii) Certain metals e.g. calcium, Hafnium, Lithium, Uranium, Zinc and Gironium are referred
to as combustible metals because of fine particles or molten metal.

Factors while evaluation combustibility :-

(I) Particle size, (ii) Shapes,
(iii) Quantity & (iv) Alloy are important factors.
 Metals subjected to be most reactive when in finely divided form and some may require
shipment and storage under inert gas of liquid to reduce fire risk.
 STATUTORY GUIDELINES
( MINIMUM FIRE PROTECTION REQUIRMENT )

TAC Requirement
Hand Appliance requirement
Class A
Combustibles: Fires in Ordinary combustibles (Wood, Vegetable fibres,
rubber, plastics, Paper and the likes).
Hand Appliances: Gas expelled Water and Antifreeze type extinguishers
and Water Buckets.

Class B
Combustibles: Fires in flammable liquids, paints, grease, solvents and the
likes.
Hand Appliances: Chemical Extin-guishers of Carbon dioxide type and
Dry Powder type and Sand Buckets.

Class C
Combustibles: Fires in Gaseous substances under pressure and liquefied gases.
Hand Appliances: Chemical Extin-guishers of Carbon di oxide and Dry
Powder type.

Class D
Combustibles: Fires in reactive chemicals, Active metals and the likes.
Hand Appliances: Special type of Dry Powder, Extin-guishers and sand
buckets
No. of Fire Extinguisher calculation method for building as per TAC guideline:

Example - The following example will illustrate the method of determining the
number of fire extinguishers required to give adequate protection for a given
property.
Risk: Light Engineering Workshop (Light Hazard).
Area: 315 m x 112 m. i.e. 35,300 sq. m.
Types of Fires:
i) Class `A' fire due to normal combustibles.
ii) Class `B' fire due to existence of Spray Painting process and storage of
flammable liquids.
Number of appliances:
i) Basic Protection -
353 Buckets and
59 Water type Extinguishers OR
90 Water types Extinguishers, if buckets are dispensed with.
For Class ‘B’ fires 2 Water type Extinguishers are replaced by 2 Dry Powder
Extinguishers.
iii) For electrical equipments 6 Dry Powder Extinguisher are provided. Thus the
final number of Extinguishers is:
Water type 88
Dry Powder type 08
Total 96
 IGCAR FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES
AN OVERVIEW

1) Fire Extinguishers (First-AID fire Fighting appliances)

IGCAR buildings are well equipped with adequate type of Fire Extinguishers.
IGCAR building posses four types of Fire Extinguishers
[Water Type (with CO2 Cartridge actuator) and Water Type (Nitrogen pressured)]
[Dry Chemical Powder type (Sodium Carbonate Type)]
[Chemical Foam type]
[CO2 type]

[Fire Extinguisher maintenance] Guidelines as per IS 2190:

Methods of operation
Extinguishing media
Colour coding
Methods of application
Testing

Note: For Fire Extinguisher detail description and IGCAR Inventory please refer
Annexure.

2) Locations of Fire Extinguisher in IGCAR:

In IGCAR following philosophy has been adopted for fire Extinguishers placement
1) In every building near doors of building, identified as fire point for locating fire
Extinguishers.
2) Every lab has its own suitable fire extinguishers near to door.
3) CO2 and DCP type fire Extinguishers are placed near Electrical Panel room / Air
conditioner Unit of every building.
4) Placing of extinguisher are visible and approachable manner in all the corridors of
buildings.
 Types of Fire Extinguishes and Operation mechanism (Please refer annexure for Pictorial
guidelines)
3) In case of Fire:
Raise the Alarm
Choose the correct extinguisher
Test the extinguisher first
Approach from a safe area
Walk . . . don’t run
Keep safe line of retreat
Don’t be over confident
Recharge after use.

4) Be aware of Risks in Area.

Use right extinguisher (See Annexure table), Solid, liquid or Gaseous
Flammables, Metal dust, Electrical Fires.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance (IS 2190)

Guidelines for ensuring healthiness of Fire Extinguishers.
 IGCAR FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES
Water based Fire Protection
Water Storage facility for IGCAR
IGCAR complex has water-storage pond which is managed by
independent unit and usage is shared by other units as like MAIPS, CARP and
WIP etc. .
IGCAR complex has more than ‘4 hours’ fire fighting water storage
capacity for the entire major hazardous units.

Fire Hydrant system

IGCAR has Dry Fire-Hydrant system. In case of Fire it is get charged
with water in coordination of Fire service of IGCAR/ MAIPS.
Plan of Fire Hydrant points and SV’s is given in plan (See
Annexure).
IGCAR Fire Water Pumping facility and philosophy
IGCAR is has pumping facility along with water pond and no jockey
pump is installed for IGCAR (as Dry Hydrant line). (see Annexure for Pump
capacity details)
Fire Alarm System
Some of the critical building and processes are protected with Fire
alarm system as like FBTR control room, FBTR Sodium process units, Homi-
Bhabha Building.
Some of the classifications of detection systems are as:
1. Heat Detectors : a) Spot (Point) types;
b) Line (Continuous) types.

2. Smoke Detectors : a) Light Sensitive types

b) Ionisation types.

3. Radiation Detectors : a) Infrared types

b) Ultraviolet types.
 EMERGENCY AID AT IGCAR
Fire Station and rescue Unit
IGCAR consist of various Fire Hazard Prone buildings and facilities, High rise building like
Homi-bhabha Building and buildings upto 3 floor at 15 meter height and GSO residential buildings.
For these building rescue and fire fighting is done by our Fire service department located near
MAIPS and IGCAR boundary.

IGCAR Fire station is equipped with

Manpower for Fire Fighting and rescue: Round the clock (24 Hr) availability of Fire Crew
(05 fire man + 01 operator) and One Leading Fire Man.
Fire tenders – 02 numbers
(Water capacity – 3600 lit each and foam capacity 100 lit each)
Fire / rescue Jeep – 01 nos.
Communication set (Walky-talky): - 06
Foam storage 500 lites
Trailer Pump – 02 Numbers
SCBA – 10 nos.
CO2 extinguishers – 20 nos.
DCP powder – 500 kg.
Rescue tools – Rope / jacks / ladders etc.
 HANDLING AN EMERGENCY FIRE SITUATION

Scenario: Building Fire (Fire and Explosion in Labs)

Fire and Rescue Emergency Reponses (Objective)?

Mutual AID?

Medical and Transport Facilities and SCBA sets?

Relevant FIRE order ?

Anticipating Level of emergency?

Emergency Actions plan / Fire Order for buildings?

The End