Fire Service Manual Volume 2 Fire Service Operations - petrochemical Incidents

HM Fire Service Manual Overview

  • Title: Fire Service Manual Volume 2 - Fire Service Operations: Petrochemical Incidents

  • Issued by: Home Office (Fire and Emergency Planning Directorate)

  • Year Published: 2000

  • ISBN: 0 11 3412274

Preface

  • Revision: Supersedes previous manuals regarding fires in oil refineries and LPG.

  • Update Purpose: To provide updated guidance on petrochemical incidents, including information on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

  • Safety: Emphasizes the importance of safety measures outlined in the 'Fire Service Guides to Health and Safety'.

Contents Overview

  1. Introduction - Fires in Oil Refineries

    • Historical context of UK's oil refining post-WWII.

    • Shift from imported oil to domestic refinery development.

  2. Characteristics of Mineral Oils

    • General properties and risks associated with mineral oils.

  3. Refining Processes

    • Overview of crude oil refining methods and technologies.

  4. Storage Tanks

    • Types of storage tanks and their specific characteristics.

  5. Fighting Petrochemical Fires

    • Tactics and procedures for firefighting in petrochemical incidents.

  6. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

    • Handling and firefighting techniques specific to LNG.

  7. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

    • Properties, hazards, and firefighting strategies for LPG.

  8. Safety

    • Guidelines for managing incidents safely.

Key Sections

Introduction - Fires in Oil Refineries

  • The development of the British oil refining industry from post-war imports to self-sufficiency.

  • Discovery of North Sea oil as a significant turn in the industry.

  • Adjustments in refining due to market and environmental factors.

Chapter 1: Characteristics of Mineral Oils

  • General Characteristics: Mineral oils are flammable and must be handled with care.

  • Vapor Formation: Vapors can ignite and create explosive atmospheres.

  • Toxicity & Flammable Limits: Understanding hazards associated with specific oil fractions.

Chapter 2: Refining Processes

  • Primary Distillation: Separates crude oil into usable products.

  • Cracking and Reforming: Processes that change the structure of hydrocarbons to optimize fuel properties.

Chapter 3: Storage Tanks

  • Types of Tanks: Floating roof, fixed roof, pressure tanks, etc.

  • Safety Features: Importance of bunds and vapour recovery systems in preventing environmental hazards.

Chapter 5: Fighting Petrochemical Fires

  • Firefighting Techniques: Use of foam, water sprays, and dry powders.

  • Cooling Measures: Importance of cooling adjacent structures to prevent heat damage.

Chapter 7: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

  • Hazards: LNG vapors are flammable and pose risks of rapid combustion.

  • Fire Control Systems: High expansion foam recommended for controlling LNG fires.

Chapter 8: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

  • Characteristics: LPG is heavier than air and requires careful management to avoid hazards.

  • Fire Protection: Proper firearm technique controls vapor dispersion and fire ignition.

Safety and Emergency Planning

  • Essential for all personnel involved with petrochemical incidents to undergo specialized training.

  • Risk Assessment: Evaluate hazards and speed of response needed based on specific site characteristics.

  • Emergency Procedures: Structured protocols for different incident scenarios.

Glossary of Terms

  • Definitions of technical terms as used in the petroleum industry, including important safety terminologies and firefighting measures.