ASSESSMENT OF HAZARDS FROM WAREHOUSE FIRES INVOLVING TOXIC MATERIALS

The development of fire-fighting strategies for warehouses storing large quantities of toxic chemicals depends upon an understanding of the uncontrolled combustion of such toxic materials. This paper describes the results of measurements of the combustion products of a range of materials in both fuel-controlled diffusion flames and ventilation-controlled compartment fires. The results of both types of experiment are compared with published data from an example of an isothermal furnace test. The use of all of these methods in making a practical hazard assessment is discussed.