A Manual Of Fire Prevention And Fire Protection For Hospitals

PREFACE IT is the purpose of this manual to provide in convenient form an outline of the principles of fire prevention and protection with indications for their application in institutions housing the sick. It is planned for use not only by superintendents and boards of managers, but also by inspectors, architects, builders, and others who have occasion to consider the fire problem in hospitals. As has been pointed out by high authority, the extent to which the subject generally is neglected by many institutions is hardly less than criminal. Indeed, in many hospitals only a merciful Providence seems to prevent unspeakable disasters. The authors personal observation and study of this condition have resulted in the preparation of this manual, which, it is hoped, will meet a real need. The author is much indebted to Dr. Hermann M. Biggs, New York State Commissioner of Health, for permission to publish this work to his Deputy, Dr. Linsly R. Williams, for the suggestion to prepare it to Mr. Franklin H. Wentworth, Secretary of the National Fire Protection Association, for valuable suggestions, and to Dr. Willard J. Denno, Secretary of the New York State Board of Medical Examiners, for criticism of the manuscript. OTT0 R. EICHEL, M. D. Albany, N. Ye, April, 1916. CONTENTS PREFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PA G i . l . E l . PARTA .--INTRODUCTORY . . . . . . . . . I I . Definitions and Abbreviation . . . . I I I . General Considerations . . . . . . . 5 I I I . Recommendations . . . . . . . . I o PART B.-COMMON HAZARDS IN HOSPITALS AND THEIR S AFE-GUARDIN . G . . . . . 1 5 I . Lighting Hazards . . . . . . . . . 1 5 I1 . Heating Hazards . . . . . . . . . 20 111 . Exposure Hazards . . . . . .. . 25 IV . hliscellaneous Hazards . . . . . . . 2 8 PART C .-FIRE APPLIANCE AL S W SAFEGU. RD . S . 33 I . Chemical Extinguishers . . . . . . 3 3 I1 . Other Hand Extinguishers . . . . . . 3 7 111 . Other Appliances . . . . . . . . . 43 HOSPITAL FIRE MANUAL PART A-INTRODUCTORY I DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS For the purpose of this book the following abbreviations are used N. B. F. U.-The National Board of Fire Underwriters is an association of practically all the fire insurance companies in the United States. Through its committees it promotes legislation, suppresses arson, collects statistics, and makes scientific studies of fire origins and means of prevention and protection. Has branch offices in many cities. Main office, 76 William Street, New York City. The Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., are under direction of N. B. F. U. They make examinations and tests of fire devices, materials, and apparatus under standards recommended by the N. F. P. A., and publish a list of manufacturers of such appliances, which is revised semiannually. National Electrical Code.-This code contains recommendations for reducing the hazards of electricity. It is promulgated by the N. B. F. U. from recommendations made by the N. F. P. Associations Electrical Committee, formerly kno vn as the Underwriters National Electric Association. The code is generally accepted as standard. Fire Hazard.-A condition which may cause fire. Fire Prevention. - Concerns fire hazards, 4 HOSPITAL FIRE MANUAL educational and private administrative measures, and legislation. P ire Protection.-Concerns control by means of construction features, fire appli ances, and safeguards against hazards. Prevention and Protection...