Print this pageIntroduction to Fire Hazard Analysis
Lawrence R. Eichner, P.E.
Course Outline
Fire hazard analysis is one of the fundamental tools of fire protection engineering practice. Fire hazard analysis is used to identify and quantify the hazards that are present in an existing or planned facility. It also creates the foundation for the design of active and passive fire protection, where trial design strategies and associated features are evaluated to determine whether they achieve a set of fire safety goals. Fire hazard analysis is the enabling methodology for the transition to performance-based codes and standards as recognized by NFPA 101. This online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the topic of fire hazard analysis. The course materials are based entirely on Fire Hazard Analysis Techniques by M.J. Hurley, and R.W. Bukowski, Volume 1; Chapter 7 - Section 3; NFPA Fire Protection Handbook. It discusses the critical steps in performing a fire hazard analysis, which include the selection of target outcomes, development and quantification of design fire scenarios, prediction of hazards using calculations and computer models, and reporting. The tools and techniques described in this course will enable engineers and architects to actively participate in the fire hazard evaluation process, and the course materials are intended to serve as motivation to learn more about the proper application of this important methodology in professional practice.
This course requires the completion of a multiple-choice quiz at its conclusion in order to obtain the necessary certification.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the purpose and uses of a fire hazard analysis;
- Know the steps in performing a fire hazard analysis;
- Identify target outcomes;
- Develop fire scenarios and select design fire scenarios in accordance with NFPA 101 guidelines;
- Understand design fire curves;
- Perform simple fire hazard calculations;
- Comprehend simple analytical solutions for fire hazard equations;
- Understand the use of computer fire models;
- Recognize uncertainty in hazard analysis; and
- Appreciate reporting requirements.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for engineers and architects.
Benefit to Attendees
Attendee of this course will be able to understand the specific steps, tools, techniques, calculations, and reporting requirements in performing a fire hazard analysis.
Course Introduction
Fire hazard analysis is a method used by facility design professionals to identify fire hazards and estimate the potential impact and consequences on property and people. Hazard analysis can be used to determine the hazards that are present in an existing or planned facility, and it can be used to formulate fire protection design strategies. In addition, NFPA 101 recognizes fire hazard analysis as an integral component in the performance-based design process. This course covers the seven steps in performing a fire hazard analysis, introduces tools, techniques, and calculations, and provides a comprehensive overview of this important fire safety methodology, which will enable engineers and architects to actively participate in the fire hazard evaluation process.
Course Content
In this lesson, you are required to download and study the following document:
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Course Summary
This course presents a comprehensive introduction to fire hazard analysis for the facility design professional. It covers the fundamental steps in performing a fire hazard analysis, which include the selection of target outcomes, development of fire scenarios, selection and quantification of design fire scenarios, prediction of hazards using calculations and computer models, and reporting the results of the engineering analysis. The course provides instructive examples of fire scenarios using NFPA 101 criteria, design fire curves, simple fire hazard calculations and analytical solutions to fire hazard equations. The course also provides technical references for fire data and computer models that might be employed in the analysis, and discusses the importance of understanding and reporting the associated uncertainty.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
