Many of the gases, liquids, and powders utilized in pharmaceutical product formulation are extremely flammable, explosive, reactive, and/or poisonous. So Fire Safety Practices must be followed to ensure the overall safety of pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, many of the processes used in pharmaceutical plants – from delivery through reactor processing to filtration, drying, milling /micronizing, combining, and packing – have the potential to create flammable/explosive atmospheres. As a result, pharmaceutical facilities must have a thorough understanding of the deflagration risk presented by the materials and equipment used in their procedures.
Fire Components:
- Fuel
- Heat
- Oxygen
Source of Ignition (FUEL)
Organic materials (wood, coal, paper) Flammable liquids (paints, thinners, solvents), and Flammable gases (butane, propane).
Source of Ignition (HEAT)
- Electrical Smoking
- Hot surfaces
- Chemical relations
- Static sparks Lightning
Classification Of Fires
A. Ordinary combustibles – wood, paper
Extinguish using: water.
B. Flammable liquids – oil, grease
Extinguish using: foam.
C. Liquid fuel under pressure – propane, butane
Extinguish by: cooling and isolating the supply.
D. Electrical equipment – switchgear, motors
Extinguish by: isolating the supply, and allow to cool.
Extinguisher Methods
- Cooling or quenching.
- Removal of fuel.
- Smothering or blanketing.
Fire Safety Practices Procedure on Site
- Hot Work – controlled by a permit.
- Welding/Fabrication Work – in a purpose-built location.
- The tidiness of Work Areas – removal of waste.
- Electrical Heaters – must be secured and have free space around them.
- Flammable Liquids – containers and storage are important.
Storage of Flammable Liquids
- A flammable liquid is one that has a flashpoint below 32oC.
- All flammable liquids shall be stored in approved containers and never stored in an open container to ensure Fire Safety Practices.
- Flammable liquid containers must be stored in suitable cabinets.
- Both containers and cabinets for flammable liquids must be clearly identified that they contain flammables.
Related: SOP FOR OPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Compressed Gas Cylinder Storage
Following Storage conditions must be followed to ensure Fire Safety Practices:
- Storage areas for compressed gas cylinders shall be situated in an area that is safe from vehicles and heat sources.
- Fuel gas cylinders shall be separated from oxygen cylinders.
- Valve caps should be in place during storage and transport.
- Empty cylinders should be separate from full cylinders
- All storage areas should be labeled
- All cylinders should be stored upright
- Retaining chains or straps should be used to prevent gas bottles from falling out of storage areas
List of Fire protection equipment in Pharmaceuticals.
- Fire Alarm Systems
- Fire Detection Systems
- Public Address System
- Dry Chem Fire Suppression
- Foam Fire Suppression
- ADW Linear Heat Detection System
- Water Mist Fire Suppression System
- Portable Fire Extinguishers
- Clean Agent Suppression System
Smoke detectors: Every industry should have functioning smoke alarms. industry fire sprinklers can help save lives in the event of a fire.
For best Fire Safety Practices Extinguishers are used to put out fires. Fire extinguishers are one part of a fire response plan, but safe evacuation is the most important part. Carbon monoxide detectors Carbon Monoxide (CO), also known as the “invisible killer,” should be avoided.
