Among the various studies and risk assessments normally undertaken by companies, the Fire Risk may be one of the most complex to be assessed and a management plan properly implemented. Take as an example an old building whose owner wants to know the safety condition in relation to a fire. He/She will have 3 options: 1- Ignore the problem and expect that there will never be a fire; 2- Transfer the risk, i.e., pay the high cost of an insurance; 3- Hire a specialist to carry out a thorough evaluation, involving a survey on the electrical conditions, materials of construction, stored products, comparation of the actual situation of the place against the pertinent legislation (NBRs, Fire Department Technical Instructions, Local Construction Code, Regulatory Standards), etc.
From the options presented, the third is the most comprehensive, but if not imposed and inspected by some regulatory body, will depend totally on the will of the owner and the availability of resources. The cases of the fire at Boate Kiss (January / 2013), Canecão BH (Nov / 2011), Edifício Andorinha – RJ (February / 1986) are some of the many examples of a lack of evaluation, understanding and planning for a fire situation. In industries where there is usually a large quantity of flammable and combustible materials, having an effective Fire Risk Management Plan is by far the most effective means against organizational losses.
This topic addresses, among other things:
- Importance of the Fire Risk Management Plan.
- Revision of Regulatory Standard NR-23.
- Content of a good Fire Risk Management Plan.
- Importance of staff training and emergency simulation.
- Protection Systems and Escape Routes.
- Identification of the external supports in cases of Fire.
- Involvement of the local community.
- Security Plan for sites where there are chemicals controlled by the Brazilian Army.
- The role of CIPA (Internal Committee for Accident Prevention) and Fire Brigade.
