The complex matter of fire prevention can be approached according to two substantially different strategies.
On the one hand, the traditional approach, consisting of extremely prescriptive standards and the designer's use of very simple calculation and verification tools.
On the other hand, an engineering-performance approach (Fire Safety Engineering), much more advanced and aligned with the Anglo-Saxon countries, is based on the real simulation of the fire through the application of suitable calculation models. The strength of this strategy is its extreme flexibility and the ability to minimize adaptation interventions. At present in Italy, the use of Fire Safety Engineering can in fact be implemented for all activities by applying the Fire Prevention Code (RTO) following the alternative solution.
FIRE RESISTANCE OF STRUCTURES (S.2 of the Fire Prevention Code)
In Fire Safety Engineering, the thermal stress to be applied to the structure is obtained from the modeling of the real fire characteristic of the single activity. Within the modeling, thermocouples are arranged in a strategic position capable of providing Temperature-Time stress as output data that can be used for calculating the fire resistance of the structures. Clearly, this stress calculation method is decidedly more refined and certainly less burdensome than that of ISO 834. Thermal stress not only depends on the type of fire, but also on its ability to propagate (flash-over), on the geometry of the premises. and from the ventilation surfaces as well as the disposal of smoke and heat.
ESF IN THE EXODUS (S.4 of the Fire Prevention Code)
The method makes it possible to compare the time required for exodus (RSET) by evaluating the type of fire detection, alarm, as well as the type of occupants, their degree of knowledge of the structure and their psycho-physical state up to to the actual modeling of the walking time inside the building.
This evaluation is compared with the time available in case of fire (ASET), defined as the time within which the conditions of temperature, visibility, irradiation and toxicity exist along the exodus such that the exodus is guaranteed without consequences for the occupants.
ESF in subdivision (S.3 of the Fire Prevention Code)
In these cases, by studying natural fire, it is also possible to evaluate the characteristics of resistance to hot fumes (I) and heat transmission (E). In fact, the thermal stress of the natural fire allows to verify the tightness to hot fumes by studying the cracks and the different thermal expansions of the materials. Heat transmission is also studied, calculating the temperatures and radiation values that are generated in the surface not exposed to fire.
During the course, the HIGH RISK COURSE (in collaboration with the Provincial Command VVFF Pescara) will also be provided to the students, divided as follows:
1. Fire and fire prevention (4 hours):
principles of combustion
the main causes of fire in relation to the specific work environment
extinguishing substances
risks to people and the environment
specific fire prevention measures
behavioral measures to prevent fires
the importance of controlling the workplace
the importance of checks and maintenance on fire-fighting devices
2. Fire protection (4 hours)
passive protection measures
escape routes, compartments, distances
extinguishing equipment and systems
alarm systems
safety signs
electrical safety systems
security lighting
3. Procedures to be adopted in case of fire (4 hours):
procedures to be taken when a fire is discovered
procedures to be adopted in the event of an alarm
evacuation methods
how to call the emergency services
collaboration with the fire brigade in case of intervention
exemplification of an emergency situation and procedural-operational methods
4. Practical exercises (4 hours):
having read and clarified the main extinguishing equipment and systems
acknowledgment of personal protective equipment (masks, self-protection, overalls, etc.)
exercises on the use of fire extinguishing and individual protection equipment
