Pre-fire Planning
In the case of an emergency, do not panic. No matter how prominently this message is communicated, panics will always happen when an emergency strikes unless anyone knows what to do. In that case, when the emergency happens, people will spring into action and not into a panic . The pre-fire planning as reflected in NASA. (2008) ensures that enough information has been developed and proper instruction given so that everyone knows what to do when NASA is faced with the eventuality of an uncontrolled fire. The pre-fire planning can be divided into three main categories which are where, what, and how.
The where perspective involves a careful definition of the location where the fire is to take place. This perspective involves a fire drill in a room that has close congruency to the eventual action is where the fire hazard might happen. The dimensions of the place are well mapped out and understood so are important aspects such as the location of water places and distances between major objects. The ‘what’ aspects involve what within the area can be the major cause of hazard in the case of a fire. This includes toxic materials, flammable material and explosive materials (NASA, 2008). The how perspective involves what each member of the team ought to do in the case fire actually breaks out.
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Laboratories
The specifications for the construction of laboratories are in a general manner defined as falling under NFPA 45 and 29 CFR 1910.119, and 29 CFR 1910.1450. The qualification for the same is indicated by the fact that NASA laboratories hold critical information that the organization would want to protect from the eventualities of a conflagration. Further, the NASA laboratories also stand a high fire risk based on what chemicals and substances are stored therein and also the process that takes place within these crucial venues. The laboratories are also classified based on the nature of hazard with the classification being handled by the respective Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) (NASA, 2008).
As an extra precaution, it is mandatory for all laboratories to be constructed using non-combustible materials, be equipped with electrical supervision, smoke detectors and has automatic sprinklers. The first two are meant to discourage the advent of a fire with the later two meant to provide speedy and effective extenuation in the case of the advent of any fires. Contemporaneous with the triggering of the sprinklers the smoke detectors will also trigger local and targeted sound alarms to signal the need for special intervention. All communication, data and electric cables will also be insulated with materials that do not encourage fire such as Metal Sheathed (MI), Metal Clad cable (MC), or Armored Cable (AC) cables (NASA, 2008).
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Flammable and combustible liquids not only cause fires but also operate as a powerful propellant or exacerbate. The management, handling , use and storage of flammable and combustible liquids is, therefore, crucial according to NASA. (2008). NFPA 30 is indicated as the general provision for the storage of these liquids within NASA. In some cases, depending on the AHJ, the cabinets where flammable or combustible materials are stored shall be clearly marked as such. This is the exception, as the norm will be for such materials to only be stored in buildings specifically designated for the purpose and the buildings will clearly be marked as such. If the flammable and combustible material stored anywhere is in bulk form, then the approval and consent of the Fire Services or Safety Official shall be sought. OSHA regulations and NFPA codes shall also be adhered to during the construction of a designated building for such material (NASA, 2008). In some cases, the flammable material may need to be kept under refrigeration. Any such refrigeration shall need approval from the AHJ. Motor vehicle propellants such as gasoline and diesel are so commonly used not to be considered strictly as flammable materials but NASA does not make such mistakes. Under normal circumstances, not fueling of a vehicle is to be done within a building (NASA, 2008). All these rules and regulation are geared towards the reduction of fire hazards.
Liquid Hydrogen Rocket Fuel
The taming of liquid hydrogen by NASA can be considered as one of the greatest achievement on rocket building and the key to the NASA success in the 20th-century space race. Liquid hydrogen is, however, a massive fire hazard based on its high volatility. It has to be stored at the extremely cold temperature of about -423°F which make most metals brittle when they come into contact with it. Any exposure to even a little heat will lead to rapid expansion which comprises storage. Even little apertures within the welding of surfaces can result in massive and dangerous leakages. Great expertise is, therefore, necessary for the safe handling and storage of liquid hydrogen.
References
NASA. (2008). Safety standard for fire protection . NASA Technical Standard . National Aeronautics and Space Administration. https://elibrary.gsfc.nasa.gov/_assets/doclibBidder/tech_docs/31.%20NASA_STD_8719.11%20-%20Copy.pdf
