Protecting Flammable and Combustible Liquids

This 2-day course will address a broad range of issues related to safe handling and storage of flammable and combustible liquids.  Included in this course is a review of certain large fire losses; fundamental risk determinants; fire testing and defining the risk; strategic planning for safe operations and storage; navigating and understanding the relevant fire codes, regulations, and standards; and using passive and active features for specific occupancies.   

Presentation will include numerous videos of actual fires and medium- and large-scale fire tests.  Additionally, four actual fire demonstrations will be witnessed including: 

• • 50 sq. ft. pool fire heat release rate test under large scale calorimeter 
  • 50 sq. ft. pool fire extinguishing test applying SFFF through a discharge device (aspirating or non-aspirating) 
  • Discharging 8 oz. of water onto a medium sized grease fire  
  • Jet-fire exposure test onto fireproofed steel element  

Practice problems will be solved to reinforce learning objectives. 

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:

• • Understand circumstances that led to certain types of fires & explosions.  
  • Identify the varied physical, combustion & reactivity properties of liquids that effect the likelihood of ignition and severity of fires.   
  • Gain a deeper appreciation for the effects on people, environment, surrounding area, & businesses where these events occurred.  
  • Appreciate prevention and mitigation measures that can lower the frequency and magnitude of fires and explosions.   
  • Prioritize prevention and mitigation measures and understand their limitations  
  • Understand the conditions that may lead to fire control and extinguishment.  
  • Become more familiar with mandatory requirements and guidelines that provide good advice on fire risk management.   
  • Determine which standardized tests are used to evaluate the fire hazards of flammable and combustible liquids.  
  • Understand the fire performance of different container types and the ability of sprinklers to mitigate fires including the conditions necessary to qualify as “protected storage.”   
  • Specify passive and active physical features for specific occupancies, such as production and storage.   

Who should attend:

FPE’s, AHJ’s, Fire Protection System Designers, Risk Management Consultants, and Building Inspectors. 
  

Course Materials:

A copy of the latest (2021) edition of NFPA 30 would be helpful.

Course assessment:
Participants will be assessed via a written exam. A passing score of 70% is required to receive a Certificate of Completion.

Professional Development Hours:
Upon completion, each participant qualifies for 14PDHs. A Certificate of Completion will be awarded.
 

Instructor:
David Nugent is currently the Manager of Code & Project Services at Global Risk Consultants. Previously, Mr. Nugent was the Director of Global Fire Protection for Valspar, a multinational chemical coatings company. Before joining Valspar, Mr. Nugent was a Managing Director for Aon/Schirmer Engineering Risk Control. Mr. Nugent began his career at FM Global as a Highly Protected Risk consultant.  

Training Location:
Fire Technology Department 
Southwest Research Institute 
6220 Culebra Road, Building 279 
San Antonio, TX 78238 
www.fire.swri.org  
 
Registration:

*Non-member registration includes 12 months of free SFPE Membership 

Seminar registration includes: 2 days of instruction, SwRI daily visitor’s badge, live fire tests at SWRI, complimentary lunch. 

Seminar registration does not include: travel, hotel, local transportation, breakfasts and dinners.  

Travel & Hotel:

From the San Antonio International Airport: Exit the airport and take Loop 410 West. Take the Culebra Road exit and turn left onto Culebra. After about 1 mile, turn right at the SwRI main gate.  

From Downtown San Antonio: Take IH-10/35 South or IH-37/US-281 South to IH-10 West. Take Hwy 90 to Hwy 151. Take Hwy 151 North. Exit at Callaghan, turn right. At Culebra Road, turn left. At the first signal, about ½ mile, turn left at the SwRI main gate.  

A partial list of hotels can be located at https://www.swri.org/hotel-accommodations. To book a hotel room, please contact the hotel directly.  

Notes: SFPE recommends a rental car if you are not local to access the training room located at SwRI property. All SwRI Visitor/Guests must produce a valid government issued picture ID prior to being granted access. For your safety, please wear appropriate clothing (i.e. long pants, close-toe shoes)