KHARAFI NATIONAL

HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT

SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE SOP 009

FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAM

2 24 Jul. 2012 HSEM SPM (FM of CF) QAM (P) CDM (HSE) CD (QA&C) MD
Rev Date Prepared Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed Approved

SOP 009 Rev. 2 24 Jul. 2012 Page 1 of 10

 REVISION RECORD SHEET

NOTES

i) Revisions after Rev. 0 are denoted by a vertical line in the left hand margin
2 against the revised text, with the revision number displayed next to the revision
line as shown by the example on the left.

ii) Revision numbers are A, B, C, etc. up to the issue for management approval
and implementation, which is Rev. 0. Subsequent revisions are 1, 2, 3, etc.

No. Date Description of Revision By Rev Rev Rev App

0 02 Apr. 2008 Issued for approval & implementation BK AA DB HQ SY
1 16 Jun. 2009 Reference to DMD changed to MD. Reference to BK AA DB HQ SY
OH&SM in the footer removed.
2 24 Jul. 2012 Maintenance schedule for air conditioning system added. BK BAA/ AA DB HQ SY
Appendix 1 added.

SOP 009 Rev. 2 24 Jul. 2012 Page 2 of 10

 CONTENTS

1.0 SCOPE

2.0 DEFINITIONS

3.0 INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 Objective
3.2 Responsibilities
3.3 General Procedure
3.4 Housekeeping
3.5 Emergency Exits
3.6 Emergencies Involving Fire
3.7 Fighting Fires
3.8 Office Buildings and Camps
3.9 Generator – Fire Prevention
3.10 Air Conditioning System Maintenance and Inspection
3.11 Safety Signs

4.0 APPENDICES

5.0 REFERENCES

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1.0 SCOPE
1.1 This guideline covers the basic requirements for fire prevention at Kharafi National
work sites and facilities and will be used in conjunction with Emergency Plan
procedure. Where applicable, this will be superseded by Client’s Fire Prevention
Procedures at the work sites.

2.0 DEFINITION
2.1 Flammable Liquid : means any liquid having a flashpoint below 100 oF
(37.8 oC), except any mixture having components
with flashpoints of 100 oF (37.8 oC) or higher, the
total of which make up 99 percent or more of the
total volume of the mixture. Flammable liquids shall
be known as Class I liquids.
2.2 Class I liquids are divided in three classes as follows:
2.2.1 Class IA : includes liquids having flashpoints below 73 oF
(22.8 oC) and having a boiling point below 100 oF
(37.8 oC)
2.2.2 Class IB : includes liquids having flashpoints below 73 oF
(22.8 oC) and having a boiling point at or above
100 oF (37.8 oC)
2.2.3 Class IC : includes liquids having flashpoints at or above 73 oF
(22.8 oC) and below 100 oF (37.8 oC)

3.0 INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 Objective
3.1.1 To provide a uniform guideline for basic fire prevention measures that can be taken at
worksite, offices and camp accommodations.
3.2 Responsibilities
3.2.1 The Management shall:
• Ensure compliance of this program.
• Ensure all fire prevention methods are established and enforced.
• Ensure all new building construction and renovations reviewed to confirm
compliance with applicable State of Kuwait and Kuwait Fire Department rules and
regulations.
• Ensure fire suppression systems such as hydrants, sprinklers, hoses and
extinguishers are periodically inspected at least monthly and maintained to a high
degree of working order.
• Train supervisors and employees to use fire extinguishers and hoses for incipient
fires.
• Train supervisors and employees on evacuation routes and procedures.
• Conduct evacuation drills and monitor performance.
3.2.2 The Supervisor shall:
• Closely monitor the use of flammable materials and liquids.
• Train assigned employees in the safe storage, use and handling of flammable
liquids/ materials.
• Carry out monthly inspections of fire extinguishers and hoses in your area of
responsibility.

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 • Train employees to know locations and use of fire extinguishers and hoses for
incipient fires.
• Train employees on evacuation routes and procedures.
• Ensure flammable liquid/ material storage areas are safely and appropriately
maintained.
3.2.3 The Employees shall:
• Adhere to the provisions of this program.
• Do not mix flammable materials.
• Immediately report violations of the Fire Safety Program.
• Know the locations and how to operate fire fighting equipment.
3.3 General Procedure
3.3.1 Hazard Control
3.3.1.1 Fire and explosion hazards can exist in almost any work area. Potential hazards that
can arise during work may include:
• Improper operation or maintenance of gas fired equipment
• Smoking in prohibited areas
• Accumulation of trash
• Unauthorized hot work operations
• Defective electrical wiring and equipment/ overheating
• Improper storage or use of flammable liquids
3.3.1.2 Elimination of Ignition Sources
3.3.1.2.1 All nonessential ignition sources must be eliminated where flammable liquids are used
or stored. The following is a list of some of the more common potential ignition
sources:
• Open flames, such as cutting and welding torches, furnaces, matches, and heaters-
these sources should be kept away from flammable liquids operations. Cutting or
welding on flammable liquids equipment should not be performed unless the
equipment has been properly emptied and ensured gas freed.
• Sources of ignition such as switches, circuit breakers, DC motors should be
eliminated where flammable liquids are handled or stored. Only approved
explosion-proof devices should be used in these areas.
• Mechanical sparks-these sparks can be produced as a result of friction. Only non-
sparking tools should be used in areas where flammable liquids are stored or
handled.
• Static sparks-these sparks can be generated as a result of electron transfer between
two contacting surfaces. The electrons can discharge in a small volume, raising the
temperature to above the ignition temperature. Every effort should be made to
eliminate the possibility of static sparks. Also proper bonding and grounding
procedures must be followed when flammable liquids are transferred or
transported.
3.3.1.3 Removal of Incompatibles
3.3.1.3.1 Materials that can contribute to a flammable liquid fire/ gas fire should not be stored
close to flammable liquids/ gases.
3.3.1.4 Control of Flammable Gases
3.3.1.4.1 Generally, flammable gases pose the same type of fire hazards as flammable liquids
and their vapors. Many of the safeguards for flammable liquids also apply to

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 flammable gases, other properties such as toxicity, reactivity, and corrosiveness also
must be taken into account. Also, a gas that is flammable could produce toxic
combustion products.
3.3.1.5 Fire Extinguishers
3.3.1.5.1 A portable fire extinguisher is a ‘First Aid’ device and is very effective when used
while the fire is small. The use of fire extinguisher that matches the class of fire, by a
person who is well trained, can save both lives and property. Portable fire
extinguishers must be installed in workplaces regardless of other firefighting measures.
The successful performance of a fire extinguisher in a fire situation largely depends on
its proper selection, inspection, maintenance, and distribution.
3.3.1.5.2 Fires are classified into four general categories depending on the type of material or
fuel involved. The type of fire determines the type of extinguisher that should be used
to extinguish it.
• Class A fires involve materials such as wood, paper, and cloth which produce
glowing embers or char.
• Class B fires involve flammable gases, liquids, and greases, including gasoline and
most hydrocarbon liquids which must be vaporized for combustion to occur.
• Class C fires involve fires in live electrical equipment or in materials near
electrically powered equipment.
• Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, zirconium,
potassium, and sodium.
Extinguishers will be selected according to the potential fire hazard, the construction
and occupancy of facilities, hazard to be protected, and other factors pertinent to the
situation.
3.3.1.5.3 Extinguishers will be conspicuously located and readily accessible for immediate use
in the event of fire. They will be located along normal paths of travel and egress. Wall
recesses and/ or flush-mounted cabinets will be used as extinguisher locations
whenever possible.
Extinguishers will be clearly visible. In locations where visual obstruction cannot be
completely avoided, appropriate signs will be provided to indicate the location of
extinguishers.
If extinguishers intended for different classes of fire are located together, they will be
conspicuously marked to ensure that the proper class extinguisher selection is made at
the time of a fire. Extinguisher classification markings will be located on the front of
the shell above or below the extinguisher nameplate. Markings will be of a size and
form to be legible from a distance of 3 feet.
3.3.1.5.4 Portable extinguishers will be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition.
They will be kept in their designated locations at all times when not being used. When
extinguishers are removed for maintenance or testing, a fully charged and operable
replacement unit will be provided.
3.3.1.5.5 Extinguishers will be installed on hangers, brackets, in cabinets, or on shelves as
appropriate to the location. Extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40
pounds will be so installed that the top of the extinguisher is not more than 3-1/2 feet
above the floor.
Extinguishers mounted in cabinets or wall recesses or set on shelves will be placed so
that the extinguisher operating instructions face outward. The location of such
extinguishers will be made conspicuous by marking the cabinet or wall recess in RED
color which will distinguish it from the normal decor.

SOP 009 Rev. 2 24 Jul. 2012 Page 6 of 10

 Extinguishers must be distributed in such a way that the amount of time needed to
travel to their location and back to the fire does not allow the fire to get out of control.
The travel distance for Class A and Class D extinguishers should not exceed 75 feet.
The maximum travel distance for Class B extinguishers is 50 feet because flammable
liquid fires can get out of control faster that Class A fires. There is no maximum travel
distance specified for Class C extinguishers, but they must be distributed on the basis
of appropriate patterns for Class A and B hazards.
3.3.1.5.6 Once an extinguisher is selected, purchased, and installed, it is the responsibility of
project safety personnel to oversee the inspection, maintenance, and testing of fire
extinguishers to ensure that they are in proper working condition and have not been
tampered with or physically damaged. Fire extinguisher inspection should be carried
out monthly.
3.4 Housekeeping
3.4.1 First line supervisors and Safety Officer are responsible for conducting work site
surveys and inspections that include promoting good housekeeping. These surveys
should include observations of worksite safety and housekeeping issues and should
take pro-active steps to remove trash and waste from worksite, proper storage of
chemicals and supplies, unobstructed access to fire extinguishers, fire hoses and
emergency evacuation routes. Also, they should determine if an emergency evacuation
plan is present in work areas and that personnel are familiar with the plan.
3.5 Emergency Exits
3.5.1 Every exit will be clearly visible, or the route to it conspicuously identified in such a
manner that every occupant of the building will readily know the direction of escape
from any point. Exits shall never be blocked at any time.
3.5.2 Any doorway or passageway which is not an exit or access to an exit but which may
be mistaken for an exit will be identified by a sign reading ‘Not An Exit’ or a sign
indicating it actual use (i.e., ‘Storeroom’). Exits and accesses to exits will be marked
by a readily visible sign. Each exit sign (other than internally illuminated signs)
should be illuminated by a reliable light source providing not less than 5 foot-candles
on the illuminated surface.
3.6 Emergencies Involving Fire
3.6.1 Emergencies that involve fire shall be handled as per the Emergency Plan.
3.7 Fighting Fires
3.7.1 Most fire extinguishers will have a pictograph label telling you which fuel the
extinguisher are designed to fight. For example, a simple water extinguisher might
have a label indicating that it should only be used on Class A fuels. Not all fuels are
the same, and if you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on the wrong type of fuel,
you can, in fact, make matters worse.
3.7.2 Basic Rules:
• Never fight a fire if you don' t know what is burning. If you don' t know what is
burning, you don' t know what type of extinguisher to use. Even if you have an
ABC extinguisher, there may be something in the fire which is going to explode or
produce highly toxic smoke. Chances are, you will know what' s burning, or at
least have a pretty good idea, but if you don' t, let the fire department handle it.
• Never fight a fire if the fire is spreading rapidly beyond the spot where it started.
The time to use an extinguisher is in the incipient, or beginning, stages of a fire. If
the fire is already spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the building,
closing doors and windows behind you as you leave.

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 • Never fight a fire if you don' t have adequate or appropriate equipment. If you don' t
have the correct type or large enough extinguisher, it is best not to try to fight the
fire.
• Never fight a fire if you might inhale toxic smoke. If the fire is producing large
amounts of smoke that you would have to breathe in order to fight it, it is best not
to try. Any sort of combustion will produce some amount of carbon monoxide, but
when synthetic materials such as the nylon in carpeting or foam padding in a sofa
burn, they can produce highly toxic gases such as hydrogen cyanide, acrolein, and
ammonia in addition to carbon monoxide. These gases can be fatal in very small
amounts.
• Never fight a fire if your instincts tell you not to. If you are uncomfortable with
the situation for any reason, just let the fire department do their job.
• The final rule is to always position yourself with an exit or means of escape at
your back before you attempt to use an extinguisher to put out a fire. In case the
extinguisher malfunctions, or something unexpected happens, you need to be able
to get out quickly, and you shouldn’t become trapped. Just remember; always keep
an exit at your back.
3.8 Office Buildings and Camps
3.8.1 Office buildings and camp accommodations shall, where practical, be of permanent
construction, and be provided with adequate light, and ventilation. Each structure
made available for occupancy shall be of sound construction, shall assure adequate
protection against weather, and shall include essential facilities to permit maintenance
in a clean and operable condition. Comfort and safety of occupants shall be supported
by adequate heating, lighting, ventilation or insulation when necessary to reduce
excessive heat. Adequate windows shall be provided and should be openable to
provide adequate ventilation, where this is not possible, mechanical ventilation system
shall be provided.
3.8.2 All buildings, rooms and equipment and the grounds surrounding them shall be
maintained in a clean and operable condition and be protected from accumulation of
rubbish/ trash and other combustible substances. Regular housekeeping program shall
be maintained to keep the office building and camp facilities free from fire hazards.
3.8.3 The following acts shall be avoided to prevent the possibility of fire:
• Inside Offices
- Smoking
- Lighting of incense sticks or candle
- Using portable hot plate, exposed element heater and coffee kettle (except in
designated kitchen)
- Keeping the A/C in running condition when no personnel occupies
- Exhaust fan/ other electrical equipment switched on when un-occupied
- Additional electrical connections that may lead to overload/ short circuit
- Storing portable containers carrying flammable substances (other than from
designated storage areas)
• Inside Camp Accommodations
- Smoking
- Lighting of incense sticks or candle
- Arranging illumination sets
- Cooking

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 - Leaving hot iron unattended
- Using immersion heaters
- Keeping the A/C in running condition when no personnel occupies
- Exhaust fan of toilets switched on while not in use
- Additional electrical connections
3.8.4 Fire Fighting Installation
3.8.4.1 Adequate firefighting facility (both fixed and portable) and fire detection systems
shall be provided as per the Kuwait Fire Department rules and regulations and
maintained in good working order which shall be fully operational at all times to meet
any emergency that may arise. Personnel shall be nominated from the Office
Management and Camp Management and trained in basic fire fighting.
3.8.4.2 In case of any breakdowns on the fixed fire fighting system, alternate means of fire
protection shall be taken and such situation shall be communicated to all the staffs/
occupants.
3.9 Generator – Fire prevention
3.9.1 Temporary generators shall be located outdoor, in a well-ventilated, clean and dry area
at a minimum safe distance of 25 meters away from any office or living
accommodation. Such generator shall be protected from direct exposure to rain and
heat, preferably under a canopy with physical barrier. Where it is not practical to
maintain the specified safe distance, adequate Fire wall shall be provided and
maintained.
3.9.2 Fuel or other flammable materials are not allowed to be stored nearby/ adjacent
generators/ inside the generator shelter.
3.9.3 The generator must be switched off and cooled down before refueling.
3.9.4 The area surrounding the generator shall be kept clean and free from any
accumulation of trash or other combustible substances. Spillage of fuel/ oil is not
allowed.
3.9.5 Adequate fire extinguishers of appropriate class shall be provided in an easy
accessible location of generator.
3.9.6 Generators must be properly grounded.
3.9.7 In addition, all fire and safety precautions as specified by the manufacturer shall be
taken to ensure safety of the generator, adjacent facilities and the personnel during
operation.
3.10 Air Conditioning System Maintenance and Inspection
3.10.1 All types of air conditioning system used in permanent/ temporary facilities and
mobile storage containers shall be properly maintained in good condition and
periodically inspected (Appendix 1). Preventive maintenance shall be carried out on
the system and its electrical components to ensure overheating, loose connections or
short circuiting does not arise during its operation. The frequency for performing the
2 maintenance shall be as per the following schedule:
Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Month May to October November to April
Frequency Twice in six months Once in six months
(e.g. 1st maintenance schedule is May, then next (e.g. if the maintenance is performed in December,
maintenance schedule will be in August) the next maintenance will follow the schedule of
May to October)

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 3.11 Safety Signs
3.11.1 Prohibition and warning signs and safe condition signs shall be clearly displayed in
appropriate areas at work sites, offices and camp facilities to alert and draw attention
of the employees towards the situation and to act accordingly in case of fire
emergencies.

4.0 APPENDICES
2 4.1 Appendix 1 - Air Conditioning System Maintenance Inspection Report

5.0 REFERENCES
5.1 DWI 751 - Temporary Office Facilities
5.2 SOP No. 002 - Emergency Plan
5.3 SOP No. 006 - Safety Inspection
5.4 9188/ TWI 754 - Facilities Maintenance of KN Facilities

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