Free Advice On Fire Watch Services
Good afternoon readers. Today I am going to speak about an intriguing video that I stumbled across on YouTube. The video advocates for fire-based EMS in contrast to private or third-service. It did not present any valid argument that fire-based EMS is really better than anything else. This was rather disappointing being that fire departments usually put up good arguments for their product.
Now do not get me wrong. If you know me, you know that I am an advocate for private business. However, that does not mean that I do not enjoy the best argument.
Many phrases like "Fire EMS is better because firefighters are trained to do the job right", and "firefighters are the ones with the tools and resources to respond to emergencies" are repeated over and over. Does that mean that private based paramedics are idiots and have no equipment? Come on, give me something harder to argue about.
No numbers, statistics, case reviews or anything with valid information is used to prove that fire-based EMS is any better than private enterprise. In fact they even argue that fire-based service is the "cost-effective" and "efficient" solution. I certainly find this tough to believe, being that private ambulances operate at NO cost to the taxpayers. In the county where I work, 1 engine and 1 ambulance are dispatched to all medical-aids. The ambulance staffs 1 paramedic and 1 EMT. The engine staffs 2-3 firefighters trained as EMTs. In our neighboring county, where fire-based EMS is utilized, they respond an engine with 3-4 firefighters trained as paramedics and EMT's and also a squad with 2 firefighters trained as paramedics. The ambulance is either staffed with 2 EMT's or paramedics. That doesn't sound very cost-effective.
It is quite obvious that this project was only intended to promote legislation to secure federal and state funding for fire departments. At the end of the video it basically asks that when decisions are made at the local, state and federal level, to do not forget that fire-based EMS will be the most beneficial means of delivering 911 emergency health treatment. I would certainly hope that This Web page video would not influence any of our elected officials to make decisions one way or the other.
What do these events have in common? In both instances, the fire sprinkler system was taken offline unsafely. Fires like these occur weekly in circumstances where the fire sprinkler system was taken offline, allowing the fire to grow uncontrollable. When the system is working and maintained properly, it is 96% effective in containing the fire, as outlined by the national Fire Sprinkler Association. There are occasions where the water supply needs to be shut down, but there's a safe way to do it. Here are our tips for safely taking a fire sprinkler system offline.
Stop all hazardous activities in the affected area. In the first example above, we see that the coal-fired power station shut down the wet-pipe for upkeep on the conveyor equipment. On the contrary, during the maintenance activity, welding and cutting were performed in a coal-handling area. These are very hazardous activities and never should have occurred with the fire sprinkler system offline.
If a fire sprinkler's water supply needs to be turned off, do it with fire protection in mind. Place a roving fire patrol or stationary fire watch within the area to fight a fire in the event it ignites; position adequate firefighting equipment in the world of concern. Moreover, do not forget to contact local security as well as the central alarm station to avoid a false alarm.
Always have a professional bring the fire sprinkler system on and offline. To bring a sprinkler system offline, close the water supply control valve and open the main drain valve. The auxiliary and inspector valves should be open. System and pressure gauges should be at zero. Ensure all water is drained completely. Ensure a LOTO program is in place to offer a pressure barrier control for work activities, and make certain the system is put back in service immediately.
To place the valve back in service, a fire protection professional should be called. Each sort of system has its own procedures to bring back online. Aside from that, tests and inspections should be conducted to ensure that the system is working properly once it is back online.
Fire sprinklers are a necessity in power, chemical, and industrial plants. With extremely hazardous conditions and a good amount of fuel, no chance should be taken when taking your fire sprinkler system on and offline. Be safe and follow proper procedures to protect people, plant, and production.
