DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE AIAI 32-2001
HQ AIR INTELLIGENCE AGENCY 14 February 1997
This instruction implements AFPD 32-20, Fire Protection; AFI 32-2001, The Fire Protection and Fire Prevention Program; DoDI 6055.6, Department of Defense and Emergency Services Program, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards as referenced in the text. This instruction provides guidance for implementing and maintaining a sound fire prevention program. It establishes responsibilities, procedures, and practices for effective control and elimination of fire hazards. This instruction also provides specific criterions used in Air Force Operation Safety and Health (AFOSH) Std 127-56, Fire Protection and Prevention. It applies to all military personnel, their dependents, civilian personnel (American and local national), tenants, contractors, and concessionaires that reside or work on or within Air Intelligence Agency (AIA) facilities. Fire prevention is not exclusively an assigned duty, but a shared responsibility of all personnel.
SUMMARY OF REVISIONS
Revises information previously in AFICR 92-1, Fire Protection Program. Changes Air Force Intelligence Command (AFIC) to AIA. Updates information and revises to new Air Force guidance.
Section A--General Information
Terms Explained 3
Section B--Fire Reporting
Fire Reporting Procedures 4
Section C--Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers 5
Fire Prevention Visits 5
Fire Drills 6
Base Parking and Traffic 6
Fire Extinguisher Hands-On Training 6
Flightline Fire Extinguisher Training 6
Section D-Exits, Evacuations and Lighting
Exits and Aisles 6
Aisle Widths 6
Evacuating Through Exits 6
Illuminating Exits 6
Emergency Lighting 7
Marking Exits 7
Fire Escape Stairways 7
Locks, Latches, and Alarm Devices 7
Section E--Installed Fire Detection and Suppression Systems
Fire Detection Systems Procedures and Guidance 7
Fire Sprinkler Systems 7
Halon and Aqueous Film Forming Foam Systems 8
Standpipe Hose Systems 8
Section F--General Fire Safety Requirements
Fundamental Requirements 8
Electrical Fire Safety 8
Mechanical Rooms 9
Commercial Cooking Equipment 9
Combustible Waste and Refuse 9
Fire Doors 10
Fire Hydrants 10
Dormitories and Visiting Quarters 10
Flammable and Combustible Liquids 10
Compressed Gas Cylinder Storage 10
Heating Appliances 11
Welding, Cutting, and Brazing 11
Emergency Destruction Devices 11
Fire Alarm System 11
Fire Drills 11
Section A--General Information
1. Terms Explained:
1.1. Fire Protection. Includes all aspects of engineering, prevention, suppression, and related rescue operations.
1.2. Fire Prevention. Safety measures taken to avoid a fire.
1.3. Fire Hazard Risk Assessment Code (RAC). An existing condition or situation, which if not corrected, can result in the accidental ignition and subsequent fire that can cause personal injury and, or, loss of life and property.
1.4. Fire Safety Deficiency (FSD). A condition that reduces fire safety below an acceptable level, including noncompliance with standards, but, by itself cannot cause a fire. This condition can cause a delay in the detection of a fire or increase the severity of the damage.
1.5. Installed Fire Protection Systems. Systems installed in facilities to sound an alarm and to detect, and, or, extinguish a fire.
1.6. Occupant Load. The maximum number of persons that can occupy a building or a portion of a building at one time.
1.7. Functional Managers. Operating officials at the wing, centers, groups, and squadron commander's staff exercising managerial control of an activity or operation.
1.8. Facility Managers. Individuals appointed by the functional manager who are responsible for assigned facilities. The facility manager's and functional manager's names appear on the official civil engineer real estate records.
2.1. Base Fire Marshal. The base civil engineer is the base fire marshal. The base fire marshal supervises the fire protection flight.
2.2. Fire Chief. The fire chief is the installation fire protection flight chief and reports to the base fire marshal. The fire chief establishes and implements fire protection and prevention programs.
2.3. Agency, Wing, Centers, and Group Commanders and Supervisors. All AIA unit commanders and supervisors must ensure that sound fire prevention procedures are established for each facility under their control and supervision. AIA unit commanders and supervisors:
2.3.1. Ensure fire prevention training is accomplished within the organization on a regular basis, according to AFI 91-301, Air Force Occupational and Environmental Safety, Fire Prevention and Health (AFOSH) Program and AFOSH Std 127-56.
2.3.2. Ensure each person receives fire prevention orientation within 30 days after arriving on base. As a minimum, document this training on AF Form 55, Employee Safety and Health Record.
2.3.4. Initiate administrative or disciplinary action for deliberate acts of misconduct or negligence involving fire prevention. Take appropriate action against any person who intentionally and willfully breaks applicable directives and starts a fire through carelessness or maliciously tampers with fire extinguishers and installed fire detection or fire suppression systems.
2.4. Fire Protection Officer. The unit commander appoints in writing an officer or a senior noncommissioned officer (NCO) to be the fire protection officer (FPO). The FPO manages the fire protection program and works closely with the host base fire department and the installation civil engineer on fire protection and prevention matters. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
2.4.1. Ensure copies of AFI 32-2001, AFI 91-301, and AFOSH Std 127-56 are maintained.
2.4.2. Establish and maintain a continuity folder that includes appointment letters, training certificates, inspection reports, incident reports, fire extinguisher inspections, training logs, and other miscellaneous items. Maintain the continuity folder in a single location.
2.4.3. Accompany the fire inspector during all scheduled visits and take immediate corrective action on all noted fire hazards or deficiencies.
2.4.4. Provide familiarization training to all personnel within their area of responsibility on fire reporting procedures, location, and operation of first aid and fire fighting equipment.
2.4.5. Conduct quarterly inspections of all assigned facilities to eliminate potential hazards, malpractice, and infractions. During the inspection:
126.96.36.199. Ensure all exits are not blocked or obstructed and exit doors are unlocked while the facility is occupied.
188.8.131.52. Check the operation and condition of the exit and emergency lighting.
184.108.40.206. Ensure a monthly inspection of all portable hand-held fire extinguishers is annotated on the attached inspection card, AF Form 3130, General Purpose, and maintained in the unit fire prevention manager's continuity folder.
220.127.116.11. Check for improper use of extension cords.
18.104.22.168. Check for vehicles parked in fire lanes and in front of fire hydrants and report violators to the installation security police squadron.
2.5. Contractors and Concessionaires:
2.5.1. When possible, the FPO or safety representative briefs the contractor before starting a project.
2.5.2. Contracts state the contractors and concessionaires responsibilities for fire safety and compliance with fire safety standards.
2.5.3. Notify the host installation fire protection services flight of new concessionaires opening or operating in AIA-owned facilities.
Section B--Fire Reporting
3. Fire Reporting Procedures. Early detection and notification of a fire is critical. Improper or delayed reporting in many cases may result in excessive fire damage or loss of life. Some manual fire alarm systems installed in base facilities are local alarms only, and serve only to alert the occupants. Notify the fire department although the system is activated.
3.1. Report all fires to the fire protection flight regardless of size or type. Immediately report any condition that could result in a fire or create a hazardous situation.
3.2. According to AFI 91-204, Safety Investigations and Reports, report all fires involving AIA-owned or -operated facilities to the Chief, Office of Civil Engineering (HQ AIA/CE) and Chief, Office of Safety (HQ AIA/SE). Notify the appropriate directorates by telephone during normal duty hours, and notify the Air Force Information Warfare Center, Intelligence Operational Center (HQ AFIWC/IOC), at DSN 969-2722, during nonduty hours. In reports include the scope of damage, investigating agency, personnel injured (if any), and the estimated cause and cost.
3.3. Use the SPEED system when reporting emergencies. The SPEED System includes the following actions:
3.4. If possible, close all doors and windows and turn off nonmission-related electrical equipment.
Section C--Fire Extinguishers
4. Fire Extinguishers. Refer to AFOSH Std 127-56 for the building manager's and organizational responsibilities on fire extinguishers.
4.1. Hand-Held Fire Extinguishers. Ensure fire extinguishers are visible, easily accessible, and hung or mounted on protective stands.
4.1.1. The using organization is responsible for ensuring nonoperational hand-held fire extinguishers is removed and delivered to the Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Shop. Organizations request replacements for fire extinguishers that are nonrepairable or nonserviceable.
4.1.2. Do not move hand-held fire extinguishers from their designated location except to extinguish a fire.
4.2. Flightline Fire Extinguishers. The using organization checks the flightline fire extinguishers on a daily basis. Unserviceable units are delivered to one of the serviceable and, or, unserviceable areas (as specified by host) for exchange by the using organization.
4.3. Checking Hand-Held And Flightline Extinguishers:
4.3.1. Check pressure and agent levels, and ensure tamper seals and pins are intact.
4.3.2. Visually check for damage and excessive corrosion.
4.4. Weather Conditions. During inclement weather conditions (that is, typhoon, blizzards, hurricanes, etcetera), the using organization oversees weather proofing (housing in shelters or securing) extinguishers located or mounted outside.
5. Fire Prevention Visits. The host installation fire department conducts fire prevention visits to base facilities to evaluate each organization's fire prevention program. Document results according to AFI 32-2001, AFI 91-301, and local procedures.
5.5.1. The functional and facility managers annotate all corrective actions taken to include job and workorder numbers on an AF Form 1487, Fire Prevention Visit Report.
6. Fire Drills. Commanders and supervisors conduct fire drills as required by the NFPA Std 101, Life Safety Code, and other directives pertaining to the operation or function in their area of responsibility.
6.1. Commanders and supervisors can obtain assistance in conducting evacuation drills by calling the host installation fire protection officials.
6.2. A fire protection representative is present to conduct fire evacuation drills using the building fire alarm system.
7. Base Parking and Traffic:
7.1. Do not park in fire lanes. Fire lanes must be free from obstructions at all times. If necessary, park in a fire lane for vehicle loading or unloading, but the operator must remain with the vehicle.
7.2. Do not park vehicles closer than 20 feet from any fire hydrant, standpipe, or sprinkler connection.
7.3. Do not park on streets, passage ways, or fire lanes that block immediate access to fire apparatus.
7.4. Do not barricade or obstruct streets without prior notification from the Fire Protection Flight.
8. Fire Extinguisher Training. Annually, or on assignment, train all personnel how to use fire extinguishers, standpipes, and hose systems they may be required to use. The fire protection flight, technical services element conducts initial training. Designated unit personnel, with the technical advice and assistance provided by the fire protection authority, conduct the refresher education.
9. Flightline Fire Extinguisher Training. Newly assigned aircraft maintenance and servicing personnel receive initial hands-on training on how to use 150 pound Halon 1211 flightline fire extinguishers. After the initial training, personnel receive annual refresher education from designated unit personnel.
Section D-Exits, Evacuations, and Lighting
10. Exit. A continuous and unobstructed passage from any point in a building to a safe area outside the building.
11. Exits and Aisles. Must comply with NFPA Std 301-1.
11.1. Ensure exit doors are visible, accessible, swing freely without restrictions and door and panic hardware is in good repair.
11.2. Prior to blocking a door or exit, the facility manager contacts the host installation fire protection flight for approval.
12. Aisle Widths. Aisles serving 10 people or less require a width of 28 inches. Aisles serving 11 people or more require a minimum width of 44 inches. This includes open offices with modular style furniture.
13. Evacuating Through Exits. All portions of an exit must be the required width and size to provide occupants a safe passage to a safe area.
14. Illuminating Exits. Illuminate the floors at all points including corridors, passageways, stairways, landings of stairways, and exit doors.
15. Emergency Lighting. Provide emergency lighting at all exits in all buildings as required by NFPA Std 101.
16. Marking Exits. Exits must be marked by an approved sign readily visible from all directions.
17. Fire Escape Stairways. Ensure stairways provide a continuous, unobstructed, safe path to an exit or to a safe area.
17.1. Do not store combustible materials or flammable liquids underneath stairways.
17.2. Do not store items on the fire escape stairways or landings.
18. Locks, Latches, and Alarm Devices. Ensure exit doors readily open outward from the departure point whenever the building is occupied.
18.1. Do not install or maintain a lock, padlock, hasp, bar, chain, or any other device on a door with panic hardware.
18.2. Equip double doors with a releasing device in the event of an evacuation or departure. A releasing device unlatches at the top and bottom for free swing during normal occupancy.
Section E--Installed Fire Detection and Suppression Systems
19. Fire Detection Systems Procedures and Guidance. Functional managers, supervisors, and facility managers follow procedures outlined in AFOSH Std 127-56.
19.1. Only host-base fire department personnel are allowed to perform tests or maintenance on the fire detection systems. The host-base technicians notify the fire alarm communications center and the building manager; the building manager notifies the building occupants.
19.2. The building manager and occupants must comply with the following provisions to ensure fire detection systems function as designed and provide early detection of fire:
19.2.1. Do not tamper with or obstruct fire detection devices and alarm equipment.
19.2.2. Do not paint fire detection devices.
19.2.3. Do not store items near fire or smoke detectors.
19.2.4. Only fire protection personnel and technicians have the authority to open and operate the fire alarm panels.
NOTE: Maintain a clearance of 24 inches around all alarm panels.
19.2.5. Do not use high heat to generate maintenance equipment in buildings equipped with heat
19.2.6. Subsequent to final approval of a fire detection system, the host installation fire protection flight official and a fire alarm technician test the system.
19.2.7. Annually, the unit fire protection manager or building manager trains occupants on the proper use of the fire alarm systems.
20. Fire Sprinkler Systems:
20.1. Host-base fire department personnel notify the fire alarm communications center and the building manager before and after performing a test or maintenance; the building manager notifies the building occupants.
20.2. Building managers and occupants must comply with the following provisions to help ensure fire suppression systems function as designed and extinguish a fire early:
20.2.1. Do not tamper with or obstruct the fire sprinkler system components.
20.2.2. Do not paint over any sprinkler system component without approval from the fire protection flight.
20.2.3. Do not store items within 36 inches of sprinkler riser, heads, or test valves.
20.2.4. Do not park vehicles or store items within 15 feet on each side of a fire hydrant or connection.
20.2.5. Do not conduct welding in a facility with a sprinkler system when the system is out of service.
20.2.6. Subsequent to final approval of any new fire suppression system, test the system in the presence of a host installation fire official and a fire alarm technician.
21. Halon and Aqueous Film Forming Foam Systems:
21.1. Familiarize personnel who work in areas covered by Halon or aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) systems with emergency evacuation procedures.
NOTE: Facilities equipped with Halon or AFFF suppression systems properly placard; "Do Not Enter When Alarm is Sounding, Halon 1301 or CO2 being discharged".
21.2. The building manager provides initial and annual training for operating these systems. The fire protection flight, technical services element, provides technical assistance as required.
22. Standpipe Hose Systems. The building manager provides annual training on the proper use of hose standpipe systems. The fire protection flight, technical services element, provides technical assistance as required.
Section F--General Fire Safety Requirements
23. Fundamental Requirements. To provide a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from actual and potential fire hazards, all AIA personnel must be familiar with the contents of this instruction and the applicable sections of AFOSH Std 127-56.
23.1. Anyone who deliberately or through negligence sets fire to or causes a fire to endanger the safety of any person or property violates this instruction and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
23.2. The commander or designated representative identifies the facility locations classified as "mission essential." This listing is attached to the facility diagrams and forwarded to the host installation fire protection flight. Only during exercises are personnel permitted to remain inside the facility.
23.3. When a fire alarm is activated, all personnel except those assigned to firefighting duties or commander-designated personnel must evacuate the facility. If the building does not have a fire alarm system, the person discovering the fire makes every effort to ensure all personnel are alerted and the building is evacuated.
24. Electrical Fire Safety. Install and maintain all electrical appliances, fixtures, or wiring according to NFPA Std 70, National Electric Code. Only a qualified electrician or a licensed electrical contractor can alter electrical wiring systems.
24.1. Ensure all switches, receptacles, junction boxes, and control panels have suitable cover plates or panel doors.
24.2. Unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment when not in use and before leaving the work area.
24.3. Ensure a clearance of at least 18 inches exits between electrical light fixtures and combustible materials.
24.4. Ensure multiple receptacle bars used for computers and other small appliances are fused and listed by an approved testing agency (that is, Underwriters Laboratory Incorporated (ULI)).
24.5. Extension cords or flexible wiring is prohibited from use when:
24.5.1. Substituted for fixed wiring.
24.5.2. Used to run through walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, or similar openings.
24.5.3. Attached to building surfaces by nails, hooks, staples, glue, or wrapped around beams or columns.
24.5.4. Concealed under carpets.
24.5.5. The cord size is smaller than the cord of the item being used.
24.5.6. It is plugged into another extension cord.
24.6. Maintain a clearance of at least 36 inches around all circuit breaker panels. Mark each circuit to show what it supports.
24.7. Install individual air-conditioning units on the correct ampere rated fuse.
24.8. Always prohibit exposed coil hot plates.
25.1. Do not smoke inside of or within 50 feet of hangers, aircraft, repair docks, paint shops, gasoline storage or servicing areas, maintenance shops, or other similarly hazardous locations unless designated in writing and approved by the host installation fire protection flight.
25.2. Areas posted for fire, explosives, or safety hazards require "No Smoking" signs. All other areas are "No Smoking" areas.
25.3. Use ashtrays exclusively to dispose of smoking materials and empty ashtrays daily. Use metal containers with self-closing lids and stenciled with "SMOKING MATERIALS ONLY" in designated smoking areas. When these containers are half full, thoroughly soak the contents for no less than 15 minutes, place in a scaled bag, and discard outside in a trash can or dumpster.
NOTE: Smoking is not permitted in AIA facilities.
26. Mechanical Rooms. Do not use mechanical and air-handling rooms for storage purposes.
27. Commercial Cooking Equipment. Maintain commercial cooking equipment according to AFOSH Std 127-56.
28. Combustible Waste and Refuse. The building managers should not allow combustible waste to accumulate in a manner to create a fire hazard. Position dumpster and trash cans 15 feet from any building.
29. Fire Doors:
29.1. Ensure doors are operational at all times and are kept closed, latched, or arranged for automatic closing.
29.2. Keep areas around fire doors clear of anything that obstructs or interferes with operating a door.
29.3. Do not paint fusible links and heat-actuated release devices.
30. Fire Hydrants. The fire department uses fire hydrants; do not use them indiscriminately for other purposes. The fire protection flight is the approving authority for using fire hydrants.
31. Housekeeping. Good housekeeping is relative to fire safety and is the responsibility of commanders, supervisors, building managers, and military housing sponsors.
31.1. After using, store greasy and oily rags, paint rags, and polishing cloths in a self-closing metal container.
31.2. Empty the trash daily in shops and work areas.
31.3. Do not use plastic, polyethylene, and combustible trash cans unless ULI approved.
31.4. Thoroughly rinse and hang mops off the floor to prevent spontaneous combustion.
32. Dormitories and Visiting Quarters:
32.1. Do not cook in a dormitory kitchen that is not equipped with a hood and exhaust system.
32.2. Do not burn candles or any open flame-producing substance at anytime.
32.3. Do not store bicycles in halls or other common areas.
32.4. A designated kitchen or cooking area must be equipped with smoke detectors.
33. Flammable and Combustible Liquids. Handle and store flammable and combustible liquids, including spray cans, according to AFOSH Std 127-43 and NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.
33.1. Do not use gasoline, thinner, or any other volatile, flammable product for cleaning purposes.
33.2. When not using, store flammable and combustible liquids in approved flammable storage lockers. A 10-day supply, not to exceed 5 gallons of flammable materials, can be temporarily stored outside of locker in closed containers.
33.3. No more than three flammable storage lockers can be in any one fire area.
33.4. Dip tanks must be properly grounded and protected by self-closing metal lids with fusible links.
33.5. Dispensing storage drums must have spring-closing-type faucets and drip pans in place.
33.6. When flammable and combustible liquids are spilled in large quantities, immediately report the spill to the fire department.
34. Compressed Gas Cylinder Storage. Refer to Air Force Manual (AFM) 67-12, Storage and Handling of Compressed Gases Liquids in Cylinders, and of Cylinders for general storage precautions.
34.1. Store compressed gas cylinders, full or empty, in an upright position, firmly secured, with the dome cap in place.
34.2. Locate the cylinder to minimize exposure to excessive temperature, physical damage, and tampering.
35. Heating Appliances:
35.1. Do not use portable kerosene space heaters in any AIA facility.
NOTE: Heaters may be used in tent operations during training deployments.
35.2. Portable electric space heaters are permitted; however, it is the host installation fire department's responsibility to coordinate and approve the use of all portable electric space heaters. For approval, heaters must have a safety tip switch and must be kept at least 36 inches from combustible materials such as paper, furniture, or curtains.
36. Welding, Cutting, and Brazing. Comply with AFOSH Std 127-5, Welding, Cutting, and Brazing.
36.1. Only qualified personnel may perform welding and, if possible, weld in booths or rooms constructed for welding.
36.2. Notify the fire protection flight to inspect the work site and equipment when welding outside of an approved booth or room. Upon approval, an AF Form 592, USAF Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Permit, is issued according to AFOSH Std 91-5, Welding, Cutting and Brazing.
36.3. Certain shops that perform welding operations on a routine basis may, at the discretion of the fire protection flight, be trained and certified to issue their own AF Form 592.
36.4. Refueling. Immediately report all fuel spills, regardless of size, to the fire protection flight.
37. Fireworks. Fireworks are prohibited in or adjacent to AIA facilities. The exception is authorized training devices and public displays of fireworks. The fireworks displays must be coordinated with the host installation fire protection flight at least 1 month in advance.
38. Emergency Destruction Devices. Facilities established to store M-4 barrels must comply with AFMAN 91-201, Explosive Safety Standard.
38.1. Equip all buildings used to store Class 1.3 explosives with the lightning protection systems. For guidance refer to NFPA 780, Lightning Protection Code, AFM 88-9, Electrical Design, Interior Electrical System, and AFI 32-1065, Grounding Systems.
38.2. Properly placard explosive storage areas and, or, buildings with "Class 3" fire symbol signs.
38.3. Do not park within 25 feet of any explosive storage facility.
39. Fire Alarm System. Equip each explosive storage building with an audible manually operated or activated fire evacuation alarm.
40. Fire Drills. In areas where explosives are stored, conduct fire drills at least every 6 months. Coordinate drills involving fire department response personnel with the host installation fire protection flight. Ensure all personnel involved are aware that an exercise, not an actual fire, is in progress.
JERRY S. PIILKINGTON, Brig Gen, USAF