Abstract The regulation of building construction can be traced back 4,000 years to cultures such as the Chinese, Greek, and Roman empires. Building regulations arose from the attempts of our ancestors to establish ways to control or avoid devastation from buildingfires and construction failures. Today, there are a number of specific parameters that affect the cost of buildings, including government building codes, which are enacted to protect public health and safety; these can take the form of both prescriptive and performance requirements, as well as industry demands that may not be reflected in actual building codes themselves, which consist of such desirable factors as climate control, elevators, and other aesthetics. Based on the efficiencies provided by standardized codes, the trend toward adoption of such codes nationally and internationally would seem to be a prudent choice for builders and municipalities. This study examines what the three code-making bodies within the United States were doing, are doing, and how they are now working together to produce a common building code for the United States to improve the safety, aesthetics, and functionality of the building conditions required for the entire country. The hypothesis of this paper is that, as a result of this leadership and innovation in the United States, improvements in building codes will extend to the developing countries of the world.
From the Paper "Gene Fessenbecker, author of Building Codes and the Construction Contractor, says that, "The regulation of building construction can be traced back 4,000 years to cultures such as the Chinese, Greek and Roman empires. Building regulations arose from the attempts of our ancestors to establish ways to control or avoid devastation from building fires and construction failures. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson tried to establish some of the earliest design and construction regulations in America for the purpose of protecting public health and safety" (Fessenbecker 1). Today, there are a number of specific parameters that affect the cost of buildings including government building codes, a which are enacted to protect public health and safety; these can take the form of both prescriptive and performance requirements, as well as industry demands which may not be reflected in actual building codes themselves which consist of such desirable factors as climate control, elevators and other aesthetics. This study is intended to examine what the three code-making bodies within the United States were doing, are doing and how they are now working together to produce a common Building Code for the United States to improve the safety, aesthetics, and functionability of the building conditions required for the entire country. The hypothesis of this paper will be that as a result of this leadership and innovation in the United States, improvements in building codes will extend to the developing countries of the world."
Tags: construction, contract, engineering, fighting, fire, ibc, law, permit, property, single, trades, ubc, union
Abstract This paper explores several key concepts related to Fire Safety Management. Specifically, the paper looks at the following concepts in greater detail: Fire protection/suppression systems, building construction, exit drill in the home (EDITH), and other home safety programs.
Introduction
Fire Protection/Suppression Systems
Building Construction ? Fire Proofing
Triangle Shirtwaste Factory Fire 1911
EDITH ? Exit Drills in the Home ? Home Safety Programs
The "Science" Behind Fire Safety and Protection
Prevention
Conclusions/Recommendations
From the Paper "Planning and preparation are often the key to safety in the event of a fire or any other emergency. The lessons learned in an emergent situation are often critical to prevention of damage in future emergencies. Fire protection and suppression systems were created with safety in mind; these systems fulfill some basic needs including detection, notification and suppression of fires. Alarm systems are obviously structured to notify occupants of a building in the event that a fire occurs. They also serve to summon the assistance of firefighters should an emergent situation occur. Alarm systems were not always required in commercial manufacturing plants. A majority of older structures in fact had very few protective structures in place to ensure the safety of occupants and firefighters. These standards have changed however in contemporary times. Use of fire alarm systems often goes hand in hand with fire suppression systems, which act to reduce the severity of a fire once started. In some instances, in the case of a small fire, a fire suppression system may be all that is necessary to put a fire out."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that despite their time-tested and proven positive points, a number of false perceptions continue to challenge truths regarding the timber-framed building. The writer purports that repeated strokes of correct information can figuratively fell or cut down even the most dense deceptions depicting the worth of timber-framed buildings. During the course of this study, this researcher counters false perceptions and confirms the correct conception that timber does not easily rot, decay and deteriorate. In fact, the writer concludes that even after extended periods of time, the durability and superior quality of timber when used as a building material can be repeatedly validated. The paper includes color figures.
Outline:
Chapter 1
Introduction
Correcting False Perceptions
Origin, Defects and Properties of Timber
Defects in Timber
Properties of Timber
Strength
Thermal Insulation
Thermal Movement
Density
Chemical Resistance
Fire Resistance and the Behavior of Timber in Fires Chapter II
Embodied Energy Explained
Examples of Timber-Framed Buildings Built in The Past
Chapter III
Conclusion
Challenging Contentions Confirm
From the Paper "To better understand some of the general misconceptions about timber, this researcher presents an in-depth look at the origin and properties of timber, along with possible defects likely to reduce strength and stability in timber. Timber evolves from wood, a natural product derived from trees, and in some instances, from fibrous plants. As forests cover more than one-third of the world's land surface and approximately 8% of Britain, it is readily available.
"Consequently, timber proves to be a popular building material. When wood is cut and in many instances, pressed, it becomes lumber and timber which form boards, planks and numerous other products. These products, in turn, become generic building materials which may be used for almost any type of structure in the majority of world climates and environmental situations. "
Abstract This paper begins with an introduction stating why fire prevention is necessary. It then discusses the different classes of fires and provides information on the source of combustion and ignition of each class of fire. Next, the paper describes the common causes of fires in the oil industry and provides facts and statistics that support these claims. The paper also takes a closer look at electrical problems, malfunctions, and lightning strikes that cause fires. Training programs, types of fire alarms, and extinguishing methods are also discussed. The paper concludes with recommendations on fire prevention.
Causes Of Fires In Industry
Training Program
Fire-Alarm System
Automatic Sprinklers
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Conclusions
Recommendations
From the Paper "Fire protection in the gas and oil industry is extremely important. However, at the economic level, fire protection costs money to design, install and maintain. In business it is an overhead expense that does not produce income. Money for fire protection is often hard to come by and money for maintenance is often one of the first areas where costs are cut. Companies seem to be willing to take a positive chance that fire will not strike, rather than take a positive step to provide fire protection and control. If companies are frugal to spend money on fire protection, they should consider the best fire protection that is needed for their company. Fire protection is usually provided for different reasons. The first is that fire protection is required by local codes. Local codes are considered the minimum requirements that a company must provide to protect the surrounding community (Ignall, 1975, p.89). However, even though the building must comply with local legislative requirements, such compliance does not mean that the facility is fire safe or that production can be resumed after a fire occurs. Generally the local codes only protect the community from the plant, and if a fire does occur and does not kill or harm anyone or spread to other properties, the code has considered being able to do its job."
Tags: extinguisher, fire, oil, prevention, sprinkler, system
Abstract This paper presents a history of fire fighting in the United States beginning with colonial times and ending in the present age. The paper explains how news of a devastating fire in London in the year 1666 reached the New World and prompted leaders there to better prepare their towns for the possibility of similar disasters. The paper also explains that the New World's approach to the safety of its citizens was more advanced than that of Britain's and describes some of the fire laws that were put in place in the U.S. as a result. The paper also explains that by the 19th century, fire regulations and fire departments were firmly established. The paper concludes by taking a look at the most pressing fire fighting issues of today.
Moving Southward
Modern Times
From the Paper "Even in colonial times, it was recognized that if the nascent cities and towns were to survive, the life and limb of the citizens had to be protected. While there was little that could be done about the New World's harsh weather, especially the winters along the New England coast where the first colonies clung to the edge of the continent, those winters brought with them opportunities for secondary disasters in the form of fires."
Abstract This paper discusses the different compounds used in each type of fire extinguisher. The author states that the chemistry of a fire extinguisher depends on the different types of fires that the extinguisher is made to extinguish. The paper also studies the different types of fires and the proper chemicals that are needed to extinguish the different types of fires.
From the Paper "The easiest way to extinguish a fire is to spray it with water because the water eliminates the oxygen that is needed to make a fire burn. The main ingredient for a healthy fire is oxygen. In order to reverse the effects of a healthy fire, oxygen must be eliminated. The easiest way to get rid of the oxygen is to replace it with water. The water has one role in extinguishing the fire. First, the water vaporizes. This vapor displaces the oxygen (the volume of water vapor is 1,700 times greater than liquid water), leaving the fire with not enough combustive agent to continue. Because of the vapor, the fire will die out. The vaporization of the water absorbs the heat, cools the smoke, air, walls, and objects in the room."
Abstract This paper discusses the use of fire by man. It explains the types of fire (first, second, third) and how humans have played a critical role in evolving its use. It also asserts that human technology and the uses of fire have developed in parallel with human development into the society we see today. The many uses of fire have productive as well as destructive uses.
From the Paper "One of the earth's most feared natural elements is fire. For millions of years, fire has shaped the earth's surface. Fire can be defined as the result of combustion, which is a chemical reaction that releases heat between a substance such as fuel and oxygen. Fire: A Brief History by Stephen Pyne is an account of fire as a natural element, beginning with mankind's initial interaction with fire until the present. Fire is an ecological process that should and can be controlled naturally. However, in our modernized world, fire regimes have been unequally distributed."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses leadership principles through a review of Frank Pacetta's book 'Don't Fire Them, Fire Them Up: Motivate Yourself and Your Team'. The writer examines Pacetta's presentation of leadership principles for both business and military organizations. Further, the writer points out that Pacetta maintains that ultimately, the proper application of psychology is vital for success in the workplace, for the primary motivational tools all rely upon psychology for effectiveness.
From the Paper "In his book, 'Don't Fire Them, Fire Them Up: Motivate Yourself and Your Team', Frank Pacetta presents a unique demonstration of leadership principles that can be used in both a military and non-military environment. As he identifies leadership principles, Pacetta emphasizes that motivation is one of the most vital aspects of leadership and critical to success in both business and military organizations."
Abstract This paper discusses the relationship between forest fires and weather. The paper argues that forest fires result in higher temperatures, higher temperatures in turn result in higher evaporation rates and higher evaporation rates result in more precipitation. It argues that due to this chain of events, we can see the relationship between forest fires and the weather.
From the Paper "Forest Fires and Weather The connections between weather conditions and forest fires are quite well known. For example, in Weatherwise Malcolm Geast says, The high temperatures combined with low rainfall amounts to exacerbate an already -bad forest fire situation across most of the west (Geast 71). What Geast is saying is that weather conditions are an important precondition for forest fires. Fire fires don't occur when it is cold and wet, they happen when it is hot and dry. Not only are weather conditions a precondition for forest fires but they also trigger them in many cases."
Abstract The paper outlines the causes of the Iroquis Theater Fire, what regulations were violated and what corrective actions could have been taken to prevent the fire from having taken place. The paper contends that poor planning, derelict management and shoddy inspection work contributed to the tragedy.
From the Paper "To begin with, the incident began at around 3:15 pm on December 30th. Inside Chicago's Iroquois theater roughly 1900 souls were crammed together to watch the popular musical, "Mr. Bluebeard, Jr.". The on-duty fireman charged with battling any blazes that broke out was armed with only two tubes of "patent powder" (which proved useless in combating the huge blaze) and the theater lacked fire hoses and any other means by which fires breaking out over the fireman's head could be battled. Furthermore, the asbestos fire curtain got "stuck" before it reached the full "down" position inasmuch as projecting lamps and/or cheap wooden tracks got in the way. These problems, coupled with others which will be discussed shortly, led to the inevitable tragedy."
Abstract In this paper the author examines James Baldwin?s, "The Fire Next Time", which looks at the explosion or revolution that will result if freedom for African Americans is not achieved. The author identifies and examines, in depth, various thematic threads throughout the novel and also makes reference to the story of Hamlet when comparing the African-American search for their identity in America.
From the paper:
?Baldwin's talent for running words excitingly across a page, crying thoughts to heights of perception, rarely falters. When he discusses the African American's need to fight back against white oppression, he recognizes that the African American although sometimes deluded by promises is actually less deluded than whites that believe that they are giving freedom to blacks.?
Tags: James, Baldwin, The, Fire, Next, Time, African, Americans, Whites
Abstract This paper examines the role of the local fire department in responding to and planning for terrorist attacks. It describes paradigm shift in the way the department releases information to the public since September 11th, 2001. The paper states that a properly functioning master plan is essential to maintain order and lessen the effects of fear and panic from the terrorist attack.
From the Paper "In disaster response training and planning, it is said that the first people on the scene are the local fire department, but in reality, they are the second ones on the scene. The first person is the person who made the call. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, communities demanded to know that their government was ready in the event of another attack on the Federal, state and local level. They want to see concrete plans to handle such an event and a massive effort to assure that this does not happen again. Terrorism is unique from other disasters from an Emergency Response Perspective as it can take on many unpredictable forms. The following research will examine the role of the local fire department in responding to and planning for terrorist attacks."
Abstract In this paper, the writer explores some of the challenges that fire investigators face, as well as some of the methods used to overcome those challenges.
From the Paper "Decisions in fire investigations have the power to impact many aspects of life. The decisions in a fire investigation can make the difference between insurance payouts, cause of death issues, and criminal charges or accident charges being filed. The work of fire investigation is complicated, technical and intuition all mixed together to create an ability to determine the cause of a blaze."
Abstract This paper explains that Billy Joel's song "We didn't start the fire" is a rambling series of names and events that were instrumental in shaping the latter half of the 20th century. Joseph Stalin, Malcolm X, and the Watergate Scandal are explored.
From the Paper "Joel's rock classic is intended to evoke a sense of bewilderment and energy a cacophony of nonsense that belies an undeniable rhythm the pulsing momentum of history. For the purposes of this discussion three items listed in Joel's song will be pulled into ..."
Tags: billy, joel, we didn't start the fire, stalin, watergate, malcolm, x, civil, rights, movement, gulag
Abstract This paper discusses the professional approaches provided by Barry R. Cournoyer in 'Evidence Based Social Work Skills' Book. The paper further discusses how by applying Cournoyer's methods one is able to develop planning, implementation, and evaluation skills in order to improve the quality of their professional activities and to target selected client groups. In the context of juvenile fire-setting, applying these methods is instructive and illuminating, for critically appraising evidence from juvenile arson cases confirms that early intervention is extremely important.
