FIRE ENGINEERS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21404, 21 February 1935, Page 10

FIRE ENGINEERS

* CONFERENCE BEING HELD FIRE PREVENTION IN BUILDINGS The reading of two papers and a visit to the laboratory and factory of the Neon Sign Company, occupied yesterday morning's session of the annual conference of the New Zelaand branch of the Institution of Fire Engineers. The president, Mr W. H. Barnard, was in the chair. A paper entitled,'"Fire Prevention in the Design of Buildings," was read by Mr V. R. J. Hean, A.N.Z.1.A., assistant city architect. He first dealt with the fire-resisting qualities of various materials, especially those used in fireproof buildings, making reference to a scheme to standardise the elements of construction according to their ability to stand up to heat. The second part of the paper dealt with the planning of buildings so as to prevent damage from fire and smoke. Various types of fire-breaks, lift shafts, and stair wells were discussed, as well as the different methods of providing safety exits and preventing panics in the event of fire. Mr Hean briefly outlined the use of interior and exterior fireproof stairs and fire escapes, as well as the new smokeproof towers. The latter not only provided a means of escape, but afforded a protected position from which to attack the fire on any floor. New regulations which forbade the placing of an elevator and stairway, or two elevators in the same well, were also mentioned, as well as the construction and placing of fireproof walls, doors, and partitions. Damage from Water The damage from water used in extinguishing the fire was sometimes 10 times as great as that from the fire itself, continued Mr Hean. This was the case in a fire which occurred in a fireproof building in Christchurch a few years ago. Since then new regulations had been brought into force which provided for a reduction in the fire insurance premium if scuppers were included in the building in order to carry the water away. Enormous quantities of water were used, the amount in a recent petrol-store fire being 4,500.000 gallons. Concrete floors expanded and cracked under the effect of high temperatures and water could get through. It was recommended that floors should have a fall from the centre to the outside with the provision of scuppers at about 12 feet intervals. The location and construction of the stairways and lift-wells so as to allow water to escape without running on to the lower floors were also discussed, and the necessity of providing drainage at the bottom emphasised. Reference was also made to the passage of piping through concrete flooring, the construction of joints, and the consistency of the concrete so as to prevent seepage through the floors. Mr Hean said that he hoped that New Zealand would adopt, where necessary, and benefit by the protective measures in force in other countries. This was the first paper to be read by a SDeaker outside the institution. A brief discussion followed, and Mr Hean was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Neon Lighting: The second paper, entitled "Glow Discharge Gases in Relation to Fire Service," was given by Mr D. Catley, A.M.I. Fire E., of Wellington. After outlining the history of the experiments which led to the development of neon lighting and the methods of obtaining the gases used, he dealt with the precautions used to prevent danger of fire if a glass tube used in the lighting fixture should break. Other safety devices and methods of insulation were also outlined. In the discussion that followed the chairman said that he was of the opinion that the breaking of a tube should blow a fuse. The value of out-

side switches controlling the lights for the use of firemen was also emphasised, and it was stated that in England the authorities were asking for these, and in general, tightening up the regulations. Mr A. L. Power, manager of the Christchurch branch of the Claude Neon Lights Company, conducted the delegates to the company's laboratory and factory and gave a demonstration of the safety of neon lighting. He said that there had been no trouble with the lighting signs that the factory had erected. Mr Catley and Mr Power were both accorded a vote of thanks. During the afternoon the delegates visited the pumning station at Cashmere, and continued with a trip through Lyttelton and Sumner.