Role of Fire Professionals - Assignment Example

FV1001 АSSIGNMЕNT СОMBUSTIОN by Student’s name Code+ course name Professor’s name University name City, State Date 1. Role of fire professionals STATION FIRE OFFICERS: They remain accessible and prepared in case they are required by their seniors to carry out, and to keep their seniors informed in regard to all the issues that come to their knowledge, that could have effect to their very stations, or the universal industry of the Fire Service Department. They have a responsibility for each and every appliance, stores equipment, etc., issued to their Stations and hand in reports to their seniors that contain precise information about their station. They also hand in requisition to their seniors about the requirements of their Stations as required. They make sure that their appliances and machines have the required cleanliness as well as in good working conditions. This makes it possible for the station officers to face fires and other emergencies without losing a lot of time. The station fire officers are also involved in instructing and drilling all men under their charge on how to use and maintain fire equipments (Fireservices 2005, no. 510). They also hold muster parades so as to inspect uniforms, clothing, boots and equipments at least twice a month. These inspections are aimed at seeing that all the men have themselves and their clothing in clean and good conditions and also give reports on shortage, should there be, to their seniors. These inspections of uniforms and equipments are usually done periodically. They also spearhead roll call within their work stations at most suitable times. They make sure that there is optimum attendance of the fire appliances and workers. They carry out impromptu turn-outs during odd hours at least on monthly basis (Fireservices 2005, no. 510). They also make sure that their station Time-clocks are checked with Time Clocks or Time Signals at least twice a day at suitable time intervals. They also ensure that the officers who are on duty have a proper dressing and are acquainted with their duties. They also report immediately to their senior officers-in-charge of their sections and/or the Policemen, in regard to the damages or casualty that might have happened due to an accident. They keep themselves and their staff informed on the water supply in region under their charge. Whenever fire hydrants are issued, it is their responsibility to ensure that their workforce examine all the hydrants that fall within their jurisdiction occasionally since their might require being repaired from time to time. They also ensure that their staff are much conversant with the typography of their, and adjoining regions, as well as the type of fire risk in these regions (Fireservices 2005, no. 510). LEADING FIREMEN: They remain accessible in their stations, to which they are posted, whenever they are on duty. They also heed completely, all orders from their seniors and get the strictest compliance and respect from those who serve under them. They also make sure that the staffs that are placed under them, that are on duty, are in a proper dressing and are assigned responsibilities that are relevant to the station, and fire machinery, and such other responsibilities that might be of incidence to the effective working of their Stations. They also have a responsibility of maintaining the cleanliness of the appliances so as to have to save time once an emergency occurs. They also make sure that there is a conducive and efficient working environment in their stations (Fireservices 2005, no. 511). They also make sure that all appliances, gears, etc., well o monitored and also make sure that there is a sound responsibility whenever they are dealing with the fire gears of equipments, should there be any losses or dent on any of the articles or equipments, uniforms, etc., they are required to make an immediate report to their his next senior officers in regard to the same. They also inform their seniors in regard to the issues that come to their attention that affect the Fire Station staffs or the general activities of the Fire Service Departments. The Leading Firemen put take charge of the Stations during the momentary absence on leave or other duties of their Station Officers and take necessary actions as per the requirement of the departmental guidelines or other order laid down in its accordance in relation to all occurrences. Should, any doubt arise, the leading firemen report to their immediate senior officers for appropriate orders. Firemen are usually posted as ambulance attendants in turns. The firemen have a responsibility for the correct loading and un-loading of the patients as per the instructions and help of the ambulance drivers in-charge of their relevant units. Firemen are required to be riding with the patients at the back of the ambulances and should be looking after the safety and comfort of their patients within the course of the journey. Firemen are also to take care of all the first aid gadgets that are supplied to each of the Ambulances. Firemen also offer first-aid services to the patients, if need be. Whenever travelling with or without patients, the ambulance attendants are expected to be seated only at the back of the ambulances and are not supposed to remain be seated beside the Ambulance Drivers (Fireservices 2005, no. 511). DRIVER OPERATORS: They remain accessible at their stations, to which they are posted, while on duty. The driver operators abide by all the instructions from their seniors and they do exact a more strict obedience and civility from those who serve under them, if any. They remain accountable for the proper upkeep and mechanical situation, maintenance and movements of the motor vehicles and pumps that are under their docket. They are also jointly accountable with the Leading Fireman of the proper repairs and showing of machinery and equipment that are usually ferried on any fire appliance or kept at their Fire Stations. They also carry out tests at least twice a day, on the fire equipments in their charge so as to ensure that they are in serviceable conditions and also maintain records on the very appliances with the staffs on Station duty. They also report any fault as soon as possible that they encounter, to the Leading Firemen who are responsible and to the staff on Station duty. They also keep inventories of all the articles and equipments that are under their dockets, and maintains records of time at work, mileage, petrol and oil use, etc. (Fireservices 2005, no. 512). The Driver Operators whenever posted in charge of the ambulances, have a responsibility in addition to their duties and responsibilities mentioned previously since they are expected to safe load, transport and unload of patients with the help of the ambulance attendants. The ambulance drivers are also in charge of the collection of the charges that are due towards the call; as well as a correct giving out of receipts for the money collected from the private persons for service offered and handing over the collected money to the Station Officers (Fireservices 2005, no. 512). 2. The term flame and different categories of flames   Flame refers to a hot glowing body of ignited the gas that is produced by fire. The term flame also refers to a zone made up of the burning gases and well suspended matter related to spontaneous combustion; the hot, glowing masses of burning gases or vapor. The type of flame is dependent on the quantity of oxygen that is available for the combustion. There are two types of flames: that is, luminous and non luminous flames. 1. Non-luminous Thus type of flame is also referred to as a blue flame. It arises whenever the supply of oxygen is adequately high. Due to the sufficient quantity of oxygen, the combustion process takes place completely and the flame of the burning fuel is blue in color. A good example is that of the flame in the pressure stoves. This category of flame does not yield a large amount of light and is referred to as a non-luminous flame (Khanna 2014, 1). 2. Luminous flame Whenever there is a supply of oxygen that is inadequate, the combustion process does not take place completely and some un-burnt carbon particles eventually from within the flame. The un-burnt carbon particles turn out to be hot and glow in the flame. Consequently, the flame ends up emitting a yellow light. This form of flame is, thus, referred to as the luminous flame. A good example of luminous flame is that of the kerosene lamps. In the kerosene lamps the fuel doesn’t go through complete combustion since there is an inadequate supply of oxygen during the process of combustion (Khanna 2014, 1). As a way of studying the structure of a luminous flame, we are going to embark on the composition of the paraffin wax candle. The paraffin wax comprises of various hydrocarbons. There are three conspicuous zones in a luminous flame. These consist of the inner darker region round the wick, the luminous central region and the outer region that resembles an envelope and has a light blue color (Khanna 2014, 1). It is important that we comprehend how the abovementioned zones in the luminous flame are formed. Whenever the candles are light, the wax starts melting; starts rising up the wick and as a result of heat get converted into vapor. The vapor burns in the air and produces the flame. The un-burnt vapor of the wax forms the inner dark region. This inner region is black in color because of the presence of the un-burnt vapor of the wax in it. This region is the least hot of the three regions (Khanna 2014, 1). The middle luminous region comprises of free carbon particles that are formed as a result of an inadequate combustion of the paraffin wax. The carbon particles end up getting heated up and becoming white hot. The aforementioned scenario explains the luminosity nature of the flame. The inadequate combustion within this zone occurs as a result of inadequate supply of air. This region forms the main section of the candle flame. However, this zone is considerably less hot than the outer region (Khanna 2014, 1). The outer region of the luminous flame is bluish in color and comprises of the products of the paraffin combustion, that is, carbon dioxide gas and the water vapor. In this zone of the flame, an adequate combustion occurs because there is a sufficient amount of air available around it. This zone of the luminous flame is the hottest part of the flame. Therefore, the carbon particles move from the middle region to the outer region that is less luminous and has got more heat than the middle region (Khanna 2014, 1). 3. Similarities and differences between fires and explosions. The fire and explosions are usually confusedly perceived to be referring to the same thing. In case an explosive component is evident wherever a fire is taking place, an explosion is likely to happen. The high temperatures and gases, that are produced by an explosion usually results to a fire (Rockyview 2014). The various differences between the fires and the explosions The explosions are detonated. The fires can’t be detonated. The explosions arise following the exposure of compounds to high temperatures or shock. The fires are usually started following an exposure to a source of high temperatures only. Due to the fact that the reaction takes place within a short time interval in the explosions, shock waves are eventually produced. On the other hand, fires do not produce any shock wave. An explosive often has a less potential energy compared to a combustible hydrocarbon, however, explosive releases energy at a significant rate, which ends up producing a greater blast pressure (Rockyview 2014, 1). The various similarities between fires and explosions Fires and explosions require oxygen in their reaction. The two require fuel sources. They also result to heat and light. Both fires and explosions result to damages within the regions in which they happen (Rockyview 2014, 1). 4. The different sources of ignition and common causes of fire. Sources of ignition Mechanical sparks They arise whenever there enormous friction between at least two metals or extremely hard surfaces. The energy resulting from the mechanical sparks might heat small volumes of gas to auto-ignition temperatures. In case a spark cools prior to reaching its auto-ignition temperatures, the gases won’t undergo ignition (UCALGARY 2014, 1). Hot Work This refers to any operation that potentially produces adequate heat from flames, sparks or other sources of ignition, with an adequate energy to ignite flammable vapor, gas, or dust. Example of hot work are: Welding activities, cutting, grindings, brazing, flaming, chippings, air gouging, riveting, drilling, and soldering. For instance, hydrocarbons are likely to vaporize due to the heat produced within the course of the hot work (UCALGARY 2014, 1). Static electricity This is the electrical charging of by way of physical contacts and separations as well as the positive and negative electrical charges resulting from the process. In case this process isn’t effectively grounded, the charges build-up to the extent whereby they discharge with a static arcs, which might be ignition sources to the nearing mixtures of fuel vapor and air (UCALGARY 2014, 1). Pyrophoric Iron Sulphides They come about whenever iron gets exposed to the hydrogen Sulphide, or any Sulphur containing compounds, in an oxygen deficient environmnet. They are usually found within any vessel, storage tank, and sour gas pipeline. The compound subjects a risk whenever the containers are opened so as to be cleaned, inspected and maintained. As the iron-sulphide components continues drying out and coming into contact with air, they end up reacting with oxygen and spontaneously ignite (UCALGARY 2014, 1). Pressure (Compression Ignition) Whenever a gas is compressed, there is generation of heat, or more precisely, there is energy transfer. In case the rate at which heat is generated in a system surpasses that of how heat is lost (energy transfer) to the environment, the temperatures of the system are likely to be raised. In case the rate at the compression takes place is fast enough to the extent of the heat loss being assumed to be negligible, amounting to in “adiabatic compression”, the temperatures increment will be dependent on the compression ratio. The ordinary diesel engine works on this fundamental principle (UCALGARY 2014, 1). Common sources of fire 1. Storage of combustible and waste materials on one site If there is a build-up of waste materials that are stored together with materials that are combustible there is high chances, that should there be a slight source of fire, the plenty fuel in the storage could be ignited. For example, a discarded cigarette could result to a risk of fire (EFP 2012, 1). 2. Flammable vapors and liquids In large warehouses where there is a massive storage of flammable fluids, there is a potential instant ignition of the material should the flammable fluid gets into contact with a source of fire (EFP 2012, 1). 3. Material that generate heat Some electrical components and machinery warm up when being used and might result to the starting of a fire (EFP 2012, 1). 4. Faulty electrical machines Loose cables and faulty plugs of a damaged machine could result to electrical short circuits that could eventually result to fire (EFP 2012, 1). 5. Human error and negligence Fires can arise whenever there is carelessness in various ways especially the misuse of electrical machines, accidents, spilling of drinks over electrical machines and leaving loose electrical connections unattended (EFP 2012, 1). Section B 1. (a) 2730C + 0 0C = 273 K (b) -1500C + 2730C = 123 K (c) 640 0C + 273 0C= 913K (d) -20 0C + 2730C= 253K 2. Relative molecular mass (Rmm) of carbon is 12 a.m.u. Moles of carbon = mass of carbon/ Rmm of carbon Moles of carbon = 150/12= 12.5 moles (Steven 2005,148–150). 3. a) H3PO4 + 3NH4OH → 3H2O + (NH4)3PO4 b) V2O5 + 5Ca → 5CaO + 2V c) 2BN + 3F2 → 2BF3 + N2 d) 2C15H26 + 43O2→ 30CO2 + 26H2O (Steven 2005,148–150). 4. 4NH3 + 3O2 → 2N2 + 6H2O a. 4 moles of NH3 ---------------------------- react with 3moles of O2 8 moles of NH3----------------------------------- reacts with 6 moles of O2 1 mole of oxygen is equivalent to 32grams 6 moles of oxygen is equivalent to 6 moles x 32 grams= 192 grams (Steven 2005,148–150). b. 6.5 g of O2 = (6.5/32) moles= 0.203125 moles 3 moles of N­­2 are produced by 3 moles of O2 How many moles of N­­2 are produced by 0.203125 moles of O2? (0.203125 x 3)/ 3 = 0.203125 moles of N2. The mass of N2 produced = 0.203125 x Rmm of N2 =0.203125 x 28 =5.688 grams (Steven 2005,148–150). c. Rmm of NH3 is 14 + 3= 17, 34 grams of NH3 = 34/17= 2 moles of NH3 from the equation, the mole ratio of produced Nitrogen to water is 1: 3, therefore, moles of water produced = 2 x 3 = 6 moles. Therefore, mass of water produced = number of moles of water produced x RMM of water = 6 x 18= 36 grams of water (Steven 2005,148–150). 5. a. , V = (nRT)/P, n= 3.34/ 44 = 0.0759 moles, R= 0.08206 L atm mol¯1 K¯1 At STP, T =273K, P= 1 atm V= (0.0759 moles x 0.08206 L atm mol¯1 K¯1 x 273K)/ 1 atm =1.700 Litres (Shapiro 2000). b. V= 46.2 Litres, R= 0.08206 L atm mol¯1 K¯1 At STP for Argon, T =273K, P= 1 atm, n= (PV)/(RT), n= (1 atm x 46.2 litres)/ (0.08206 L atm mol¯1 K¯1 x 273K) = 2.062 moles The mass of the argon sample= 2.062 moles x 40= 82.48 grams (Shapiro 2000). c. n= 0.654 of neon, V= 12.30 Litres, P= 1.95 atm. T = (PV)/ (nR) = (1.95 Atm x 12.30 Litres)/( 0.654 moles x 0.08206 L atm mol¯1 K¯1 ) = (23.99)/ (0.05367) = 447K d. 30.6 g as X, V= 22.414 L, at STP, T =273K, P= 1 atm. n= (PV)/(RT)= (1 atm x 22.414 L)/( 0.08206 L atm mol¯1 K¯1 x 273K ) = (22.414)/(22.4)= 1 mole. Since 1 mole is equivalent to 30.6 grams of the gas, therefore, the molecular weight of the gas sample is 30.6 g (Shapiro 2000). 6. Q=MCӨ, m= 10.0g of aluminium, Ө = (55°C - 22°C), C of aluminium = 0.90J/g°C Q= 10.0g x 0.90J/g°C x 33 = 297 J (Shapiro 2000). 7. Q= 645 W, l= 7.5mm= 0.0075 m, A = πr2= 3.142 x [{(200/1000)m}/2 ]2= 0.1257 m2. T2= 150 0C = 423K, T1=? a. For Aluminium, k = 240, making T1 the subject of the formula, T1= (Q L)/ kA + T2 T1= (645 x 0.0075)/ (240 x 0.1257) + 423 = 4.838 / 30.17 = 0.1603K + 423K = 423.1603K (Talukdar 2005, 16). b. For Copper, k = 390, making T1 the subject of the formula, T1= (Q L)/ kA + T2 T1= (645 x 0.0075)/ (390 x 0.1257) + 423 = 4.838 / 49.02 = 0.0987K + 423K = 423.0987K (Talukdar 2005, 16). Reference list EFP, 2012, Common Fire Hazards in the Workplace, available from [http://www.eurofireprotection.com/blog/2013/06/] Fireservices, 2005, Duties of Officers, available from [http://www.fireservices.ap.gov.in/aboutus_dutiesofofficers.html] Khanna, B 2014,What are the two essential types of Flames ?Available from [http://www.preservearticles.com/201012302077/essential-types-of-flames.html] Rockyview, 2014, Fire versus Explosion, Available from [http://resource.rockyview.ab.ca/t4t/forensicscience35-3cr/Module3/L3/M3L3P03-FireVsExplosion.html] Shapiro, M 2000, Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics, 4th Ed, Hoboken , John Wiley & Sons Steven, Z 2005, Chemical Principles. New York: Houghton Mifflin Talukdar, P 2005, 1d steady state heat Conduction (1), IIT Delhi, University press UCALGARY, 2014, Ignition Sources, available from [http://webapps2.ucalgary.ca/~ursenbac/hazards/ignition_sources.php] Read More