Fire Safety

USE OF FILM-FORMING FOAMING AGENTS FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHING IN THE LIGHT OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE STOCKHOLM CONVENTION ON PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS

V. O. Borovykov, O. M. Slutska, R. Yu. Sukach, D. P. Voytovych — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Introduction. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants which was adopted in 2001 has established a number of restrictions on the production and use of numerous chemicals, the list of which is expanding as amendments are made to it. Such substances include numerous organofluorine compounds, including some of the fluorine-containing substances used in formulations of film-forming foam concentrates for fire-fighting. At the same time, restrictions or bans on their use may lead to a decrease in the level of fire protection of facilities with the presence of flammable liquids. Purpose. The purpose of the work was to determine the range of the tasks solution of which will ensure compliance with the requirements of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants without reducing the level of fire protection of facilities with fixed foam fire-fighting systems. Methods. We conducted desk studies. We analyzed information on the toxicity of fluorinated and organosilicon surfactants as well as foam concentrates, their biodegradation, technologies for neutralizing such substances and removing them from natural environments, as well as the transition to environmentally more sound filmforming foam concentrates being presented in appropriate scientific publications and regulatory documents. Results. We established that film-forming foam concentrates were indispensable at present in fire-fighting systems employing the “subsurface” application method. It was found that existing and potential alternatives to film-forming foam concentrates containing no organofluoride compounds, suitable for use in other cases, might be no less toxic and be slowly degraded in natural conditions. Promising technologies for the extraction of fluorinated components of foam concentrates that have entered natural ecosystems and their disposal have been identified. The possibility of developing formulations of film-forming foam concentrates with acceptable toxicity and biodegradability performance was substantiated. Conclusion. The results of the research having been conducted show that film-forming foam concentrates are the most efficient means of quenching non-polar flammable liquids, and the possibility of implementing “subsurface” application technology of fire-fighting without their use has not been confirmed so far. It was found that the toxicity and biodegradability performance of various fluorinated chemicals, as well as foam concentrates in which they are used, could differ significantly. It was revealed as result of desk studies having been conducted that the rate of degradation of such substances in natural ecosystems significantly depended on the type and a number of characteristics of the latter, but foam concentrates that do not contain organofluoride substances might not be more environmentally sound. We also revealed that a number of technologies were developed in the world for efficacious neutralization of residues of film-forming foam concentrates that have entered environmental objects, and the possibility of fulfilling the requirements of the Stockholm Convention without abandoning film-forming foam concentrates for fire-fighting has been substantiated.

STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS METHODS OF FIXING OF THE LIFELINE TO THE STRUCTURE

R. B. Veselivskyi, D. V. Smolyak, I. M. Polishchuk, A. A. Petrenko — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Formulation of the problem. One of the elements of training for fire and rescue units is training exercises with a lifeline. The fire rescue rope is intended for use in rescue operations at height, firefighter self-rescue, work in confined spaces, organization of insurance when working in unsupported spaces and other rescue operations at height. For the effective use of a fire rescue rope, in each of the above cases, it is necessary to quickly and reliably fasten it to a structure (support). The personnel of fire and rescue units use 4 methods of securing a lifeline to a structure, which are regulated by law. These methods are effective, easy to knit and quite reliable. However, the standard time of the training exercise “fixing a lifeline to a structure”, which is a maximum of 5 seconds, is difficult, and the rush to perform it leads to incorrect tying and unreliability of the knot. It should be noted that the correctness and speed of this exercise will be influenced by the level of training of the personnel and the ambient temperature (winter/summer). Given the importance of correct and reliable rope anchoring to a structure (support), which will have a direct impact on the rescuer’s performance and the quality of professional duties, it is necessary to justify the value of the standard time for the training exercise “anchoring a rescue rope to a structure”. The purpose of the work. Establishing the dependence of the time of the exercise “fixing a lifeline to a structure” on the level of training of personnel and ambient temperature (winter/summer). Research methods. A practical study of the exercise “fixing a rescue rope to a structure” in 1, 2, 3 and 4 methods was conducted with students of the specialty “Fire Safety” of the Lviv State University of Life Safety. These studies were conducted in summer and winter with the same groups of students. Main results. Based on the research, it was found that when performing the exercise in the summer, 12 % of students of all groups did not perform the exercise, while 40 % of the total number performed the exercise on the verge of passing the standard. In winter, 56 % of applicants received unsatisfactory grades, and 27 % were on the verge of passing the standard. These percentage values indicate a significant effect of ambient temperature on the time of the training exercise “securing a lifeline to a structure”. In the summer, students fulfilled the standard by 45 %, and cadets were 54 % better than the trainees. In winter, students and cadets showed a level of training higher than that of trainees by 85 % and 149 %, respectively, which indicates a significant impact of the level of training. Conclusions. Based on the research, the dependence of the time of the exercise “fixing a rescue rope to a structure” on the level of training of personnel and ambient temperature (winter/summer) was established. particular, it was found that students and cadets fulfill the standard better than trainees by 45 % and 54 % in summer and 85 % and 149 % in winter. Based on the results of practical tests of students, the necessity of dividing the exercise into summer and winter periods is substantiated, since more than half of the students of all groups did not perform the exercise at air temperatures from 0 °C to +5 °C. The value of the normative time for the training exercise “fixing a rescue rope to a structure” for the training of personnel of fire and rescue units (units) is substantiated and proposed.

ANALYSIS OF WAYS TO PROVIDE FIRE PROTECTION FOR HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

S. Ya. Vovk, O. V. Shapovalov, A. P. Kushnir, N. O. Ferents — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Rapid urban development in conditions of land resource shortage, improvement of construction technologies involving the use of new substances and materials, encourages developers to erect buildings that occupy a small land plot, but are significant in terms of living space and area for other purposes. The structural and architectural features of high-rise buildings impose high requirements for ensuring fire protection of people and property. The legislation of Ukraine regulates a number of measures aimed at ensuring fire protection of high-rise buildings, which in many cases are leveled by the human factor for various reasons. Various approaches and methods are used to ensure fire protection of high-rise buildings, including the installation of automatic fire alarm systems, automatic fire extinguishing systems, ensuring the proper operation of electrical equipment and existing fire protection systems, increasing the efficiency of evacuation measures, as well as using the latest innovative achievements of science and technology, introducing technologies such as video analytics, artificial intelligence, etc. for quick and accurate fire detection, which can have a qualitative impact on the fire protection of these facilities. This article analyzes the ways to ensure fire protection of high-rise buildings, which are used in Ukraine and abroad, in order to further improve them and provide recommendations for increasing the efficiency of fire detection and extinguishing. To study the fire safety of high-rise buildings, an analysis of the requirements of regulatory documents was used, as well as literary sources on new approaches to improving the fire protection of these buildings, in order to find optimal, appropriate methods of fire protection. To achieve the goal, in addition to the use of addressable fire extinguishing systems and sprinkler water fire extinguishing systems, which protect high-rise buildings, it is necessary to conduct a number of studies in order to determine the dependence of the locations of fire extinguishing elements on the speed of fire detection and the probability of the influence of external factors on false alarms. The consequences of fires that have occurred in high-rise buildings indicate the need to conduct research in the direction of building more effective mechanisms for protecting these buildings from fires. The creation of such mechanisms lies in the use of modern innovative equipment in combination with intelligent systems for receiving, processing and transmitting information.

REVIEW OF CURRENT RESEARCH ON THE CORROSIVE EFFECTS OF FOAM CONCENTRATES AND THEIR WORKING SOLUTIONS ON FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM COMPONENTS

T. M. Voitovych, V. V. Kovalyshyn, O. P. Voitovych, I. I. Kaluzhniak — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Problem statement. The problem of corrosion caused by aqueous firefighting agents remains highly relevant in the field of fire safety. When foam concentrates are used in fixed and autonomous fire suppression systems, metallic components (tanks, pipelines, nozzles, valves, sprinklers, etc.) are exposed to aggressive chemical interactions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that contact between foam solutions and metal surfaces initiates chemical reactions that form corrosion products, which in turn reduce equipment reliability and may even lead to system failure. Objective. This study aims to analyze recent research on the corrosive activity of foam concentrates and their working solutions on autonomous and fixed fire suppression systems, and to identify strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of corrosion, thereby improving the fire protection of facilities. Description of the material. The main experimental methods for assessing the corrosive activity of foam concentrates include immersing steel plates into foam working solutions followed by measuring mass loss. In addition to the gravimetric method, electrochemical analysis is employed to determine corrosion potential and corrosion current density. This approach enables a quantitative comparison of the corrosiveness of different types of foam concentrates. Notably, protein-based foams (including fluoroprotein foams) have shown the highest levels of corrosive activity in experimental conditions. In contrast, synthetic foams that include specialized stabilizers and corrosion inhibitors generally demonstrate lower corrosive effects. To reduce the corrosive impact of aqueous firefighting agents, a multi-faceted approach is recommended. First, corrosion-resistant materials should be used, avoiding unprotected carbon steel and zinc. It is common practice to protect the internal surfaces of tanks and fire extinguisher bodies with paints or polymer coatings. Second, corrosion inhibitors should be incorporated directly into the foam concentrate formulations. Third, water quality should be controlled by using softened or demineralized water to prepare working solutions, thereby avoiding salts and contaminants that increase electrical conductivity. Fourth, after fire suppression activities, systems should be promptly cleaned to remove residual foam and corrosion products. The international NFPA standard states that protein-based foam concentrates must include corrosion inhibitors, and that system components (e.g., piping, valves) must be made from materials compatible with the foam concentrate, such as brass, bronze, or stainless steel. For synthetic foams, material compatibility must be explicitly stated. Additionally, the standard regulates water supply conditions: the water used must be compatible with the foam concentrate and must not contain suspended particles or salts that could accelerate corrosion. Regarding Ukrainian standards, DSTU EN 1568 does not provide specific requirements regarding the corrosive properties of foam concentrates. This issue is mainly addressed in the manufacturer’s technical documentation, rather than being officially regulated with mandatory labeling. Another Ukrainian regulatory document, DSTU 3789:2015, requires that general-purpose foam concentrates exhibit low corrosive activity. Conclusions. Current practice indicates that the design and operation of fire suppression systems must take into account the corrosive effects of firefighting agents on system components, and operational guidelines must be defined accordingly. The analysis suggests that the most straightforward and cost-effective method of mitigating corrosion is the inclusion of corrosion inhibitors in foam concentrate formulations. However, further research is needed to evaluate the fire-extinguishing performance of such enhanced compositions. It is also necessary to revise regulatory documents concerning corrosion prevention in fire suppression systems, particularly regarding the use of protective paint or polymer coatings on the internal surfaces of fire extinguisher bodies.

EVACUATION OF PEOPLE WITH MODULAR LOWER LIMB PROSTHESES IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE: CURRENT STATUS, PROBLEMS AND RESEARCH PROSPECTS

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Problem. The war in Ukraine has led to a significant increase in the number of people with lower limb amputations. This category of the population faces additional difficulties when evacuating buildings during fires or other emergencies. The main challenges are slower walking speed, instability due to loss of balance, and limited functional capabilities associated with different types of prostheses. The lack of relevant research in the scientific literature and practical approaches to the organization of evacuation that takes into account the mobility of people with prostheses in critical conditions is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed promptly. The purpose of the article is to analyze studies on the impact of lower limb prostheses on the mobility and speed of evacuation in case of fire and to identify key factors affecting its effectiveness, as well as to identify promising areas for further research aimed at improving evacuation strategies for people with limited mobility. Research methods. The paper uses a systematic approach to analyzing the literature, including scientific publications, regulations, and reports on rehabilitation practice. To clarify the practical aspects of mobility, consultations were held with rehabilitation specialists and prosthesis users. The characteristics of different types of prostheses and their impact on movement speed were compared. Results. It has been determined that the level of amputation and the type of prosthesis are the key factors that affect the speed of evacuation in a fire. For people with foot amputation, the speed of movement does not undergo significant changes (the maximum speed reduction does not exceed 20 %), while in case of hip amputation or hip disarticulation, the loss of speed while moving up the stairs can reach 50–70 %. Prostheses with bionic components demonstrate significantly better results in evacuation conditions due to their adaptability to changes in terrain and pace of movement. At the same time, modeling the evacuation of persons with prostheses is significantly complicated due to the lack of adapted mobility models in the software. Conclusions. Based on the results of the analysis, three key areas for improving evacuation strategies have been identified: conducting experimental studies to assess the speed and endurance of persons with prostheses depending on the type of prosthesis and evacuation route; developing individual and flow models of movement of evacuees with prostheses for integration into simulation software systems; creating recommendations for designing evacuation routes taking into account the needs of persons with prostheses to ensure barrier-free access.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY AND MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF COMBUSTIBILITY INDICATORS OF EPOXY-AMINE COMPOSITES

O. I. Lavrenyuk, B. M. Mykhalichko — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Introduction. The most common and effective method of reducing the combustibility of polymeric materials is the use of flame retardants. Today, chemically active flame retardants are particularly popular, while the use of inert flame retardants is gradually decreasing. Reactive flame retardants contain functional groups, so they can interact with monomers during polymer synthesis or with macromolecules of already formed polymers. Consequently, they find application not only as monomers in the synthesis of polymers but also as modifiers or crosslinking agents. The development of novel flame retardants and the creation of new formulations of polymeric materials with reduced combustibility are typically conducted empirically, based solely on the dependence of material properties on its composite. The specific characteristics of the flame retardant’s influence on the structure of the resulting materials are seldom considered. Purpose. To carry out thermochemical modeling of the combustibility of epoxy-amine composites based on their structure and to verify the adequacy of the proposed model by means of experimental studies. Methods. The copper(II)-amine complex and epoxy-amine composites were obtained by direct interaction of the corresponding components. The mathematical modeling of the flame retardant effect of the copper(II)- amine complex on the combustibility of the modified epoxy-amine composite was performed on the basis of the energy values of chemical bonds that occur in the complex. The combustibility of the compositions was evaluated by the heat of combustion (Qcomb., kJ/kg), which was calculated according to Hess’s law. The combustibility of the epoxy-amine composites was determined experimentally according to DSTU 8829:2019 (Section 7.3). Results. In this study, cluster fragments of an unmodified epoxy-amine composite (ED/pepa) and a composite containing the proposed flame retardant (ED/{[Cu(deta)H2O]SO4}2) were generated. This allowed for the modeling of the thermochemical behavior of the composites during combustion. The thermochemical calculations of the combustion reaction of epoxy-amine composites were carried out. The enthalpy of formation of the modified epoxy-amine composite was found to be significantly lower than that of the unmodified one. This regularity can be explained by the processes of complexation between copper(II) salt and pepa in the process of structuring the modified epoxy amine composite. The appearance of additional Cu(II)—N coordination bonds results in the release of energy. This phenomenon is evident in the combustibility of epoxy-amine composites, as substantiated by the calculation of their heat of combustion and subsequent experimental validation of their combustibility. Conclusions. A mathematical model was developed to predict the indicators combustibility of epoxyamine composites. The model, which was based on the structure of the epoxy-amine composites, revealed the mechanism by which the copper(II)-amine complex enhances flame retardancy. Specifically, the model indicated that the formation of additional Cu—N chemical bonds is responsible for the reduction in combustibility of the modified epoxy-amine composites. The developed mathematical model was found to be in agreement with the results of experimental studies. Specifically, the incorporation of a copper(II)- amine complex into the epoxy-amine composition has been demonstrated to enhance all the parameters that are typically utilized to assess combustibility.

QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF WATER MIST JETS APPLIED DURING EXTINGUISHING FIRES IN BASEMENT

O. V. Lazarenko, R. Yu. Sukach, Y. B. Velykyi, B. Ya. Boichuk — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Introduction. Typical designs of residential buildings provide for the placement of utility rooms in basements, which can be cluttered by the residents themselves, creating a large fire load, all of which can cause a fire if unauthorized persons handle the fire carelessly. Extinguishing fires in basements is always associated with several difficulties. There is always a risk of explosion due to the various main networks. The difficulty of extinguishing also lies in the small area of the room and its location. Narrow passages and low ceilings should be considered, which can complicate passage and evacuation. The purpose and objectives of the study. The work aims to assess the effectiveness of using a finely atomized water jet generated by a high-pressure system on temperature indicators in a room during a fire. To achieve the goal, the work analyzed the effectiveness of using finely atomized water jets to deposit combustion products and directly extinguish a fire in an enclosure; prepared the material base, basement and technical means for conducting an experimental study; carried out a direct experimental study with real smoke and temperature indicators close to the real conditions of fire development in an enclosure. Methods. To achieve the goal of the work, experimental studies were conducted with conditions as close as possible to real ones (temperature, flame, smoke). The obtained results of the experimental studies were recorded using certified equipment and subsequently summarized using appropriate software (Microsoft Excel). Results. Experimental studies have proven the effectiveness of using a fognail to reduce the temperature in a room, in particular in basements and semi-basement rooms, without requiring the involvement of personnel in the area of high temperatures. Conclusions. The use of a high-pressure fognail allows you to reduce the average temperature in a room with a volume of 12 m3 by 300-350 0C within 2-3 minutes. The tactic of using a fognail as the main technical means for extinguishing fires in enclosures under conditions of high temperatures, complex planning and limited space should become fundamental and, in the future, replace outdated methods of extinguishing such fires.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES FOR DETERMINING THE VITAL PARAMETERS OF SMOKE DIVERS DURING SIMULATION OF OPERATIONAL ACTIONS AT THE FIRE

V. I. Lushch, R. M. Konanets, Ya. B. Velykyi, R. S. Tkachenko, N. I. Huzar — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Firefighting and emergency response under martial law in Ukraine can hardly be performed without the involvement of smoke divers’ units. Firefighters and rescuers (smoke divers) must be in constant physical and psychological preparedness to perform their assigned tasks. That is achieved through training and practical work at fires and emergencies. The training of smoke divers is carried out in stationary and mobile training complexes. In addition, the software can be applied for smoke diver testing to determine its ability to withstand the loads caused by a fire. The analysis of smoke divers testing in the garrisons of the SES of Ukraine in the western and central regions of Ukraine showed different methods and approaches to training: time indicators, training conditions, etc. The aim of the research is to conduct experimental studies to determine the average value of vital signs: kilocalories burned, heart rate by smoke divers during operational actions that simulated operational deployment to a fire. To achieve this goal, domestic and international sources that define the procedure for training (testing) of smoke divers were analyzed. Participants of different medical and age groups were selected for the study, exercises to simulate operational deployment to a fire and the necessary tools and equipment to determine the vital signs of smoke divers, as well as the time spent during experimental studies were determined. On the basis of the analysis, a scheme for the frequency of practical training of smoke divers was proposed. The article describes the procedure for the operational actions of a fire and rescue department on a tanker truck, simulating exercises to perform operational deployment, namely: – operational deployment of the department with the supply of two hand-held fire hoses with the laying of the main line for three hoses with a diameter of 77 mm and two working lines (two hoses with a diameter of 51 mm) with the installation of a tanker truck on a fire hydrant; – removal, transfer, installation and climbing up the retractable three-knee ladder to the window of the 3rd floor of the training tower; – climbing and descending the staircase of a 9-storey building. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that the average value in six medical and age groups was: the number of kilocalories burned (kcal) – 127; heart rate (bpm) – 168; exercise time (s) – 495. The results obtained will be taken into account during the development of software for conducting classes on training trails and simulators, which will provide an opportunity to test smoke divers of different medical and age groups under close to real fire conditions with the issuance of a test certificate, which will indicate their vital signs based on their work in open-circuit compressed air self-contained breathing apparatus.

REGULATORY AND LEGAL PROVISION OF SAFETY WHEN USING INCLINED LIFTS FOR EVACUATION OF PEOPLE IN THE EVENT OF FIRE

V. S. Myroshkin, M. Z. Peleshko, V. V. Kovalishyn, I. S. Gridasov — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Problem. The article addresses the issue of ensuring inclusive evacuation routes in existing buildings in Ukraine. An analysis of current legislation and practices reveals insufficient attention to the needs of persons with disabilities during the design and operation of buildings. Objective and tasks. The goal of this work is to examine the use of inclined platform lifts for persons with disabilities in buildings and structures in Ukraine, compare Ukrainian legislation with international standards, analyze the effectiveness of current regulations, and propose improvements. Research methods. Statistical, analytical, and comparative methods. Research results. Special attention is given to the issue of inclined platform lifts, which are often installed in violation of fire safety regulations and create additional risks during evacuation. The research shows that current regulations do not always clearly define the rules for using inclined lifts and often overlook important safety considerations. Furthermore, there is a lack of effective oversight regarding compliance with accessibility and fire safety requirements. Based on the conducted analysis, a set of proposals was developed to improve the situation, including: enhancing the regulatory framework, raising awareness among construction stakeholders and facility managers, strengthening control over compliance with accessibility requirements, and developing alternative solutions to ensure the safe evacuation of persons with disabilities. Conclusions. The problem of ensuring inclusive evacuation routes is complex and requires a systemic approach. It is necessary to develop measures aimed at improving safety and comfort for all population groups. Such measures may include the improvement of regulatory frameworks through the development of national standards that define fire safety requirements for the use of inclined platform lifts.

INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENTS AND MODERN METHODS FOR ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY OF WATER-BASED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SOLUTIONS USING INHIBITORS

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Problem. The advancement of modern technology has led to the emergence of new materials with heightened fire hazards, such as lithium-ion batteries, biofuels, and explosive mixtures, which pose challenges for extinguishment using traditional water-based agents due to water’s low viscosity, poor wettability, and rapid evaporation, complicating firefighting efforts for classes A, B, C, D, and F by emergency response services. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to analyze the current state of water-based fire extinguishing agents (WFEA) with inhibitors, elucidate methods to enhance their efficiency, evaluate their potential for suppressing modern fires, and provide recommendations for improving fire suppressants. Research methods. The study employs an analytical method involving the processing of scientific publications, experimental data, and patent documentation on the effectiveness of WFEA with inhibitors, including a comparative analysis of their physical and chemical properties. Research results. Based on the review of scientific papers, it was found that the addition of inhibitors such as potassium chloride (KCl, 3–5 %), olighexamethylene guanidine (OMMG, 5 %), sodium chloride (NaCl, 5–10 %), ammonium phosphates (5–10 %), bicarbonates (5–35 %) and nanoparticles (SiO2, Al2O3, 2–5 %) increases the efficiency of the ERS: extinguishing time is reduced by 20–60 %, substance consumption is reduced by 10–40 %, and re-ignition is prevented within 5–24 hours due to cooling, oxygen isolation and chemical combustion suppression; an innovative approach is the development of new formulations (e.g., “dry water” with bicarbonates, WWA with nanoparticles) and technologies for their preparation (ultrasound, mixing). Conclusions. WFEA with inhibitors is a promising solution for extinguishing modern fires, providing environmental friendliness, economy and adaptability, but further research is needed to optimize the compositions and implementation technologies for extinguishing fires of different classes.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ON THE EFFICIENCY OF FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS WITH FINE SPRAY WATER

R. L. Pelekh, V. M. Marych — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The choice of fire extinguishing systems in residential, commercial and objects of high cultural and historical importance remains relevant. The preservation of material, historical and cultural values not only from fire, but also from damage that can be caused by the use of large amounts of water in firefighting impose a difficult task on designers to choose the type of fire extinguishing system, especially in facilities where fires cannot be extinguished by classical sprinkler or drencher fire extinguishing systems, and the use of gas fire extinguishing is impossible due to its high cost or leakage of the facility. Currently, 90 % of facilities are equipped with sprinkler fire extinguishing systems. This method is effective, but it involves the use of large volumes of water, which entails the need to provide large areas for tanks and equipment. Another problem is the damage caused to the premises adjacent to the fire zone and property that is naturally exposed to water. Fire extinguishing with fine sprayed water (hereinafter referred to as FW) has proven to be effective in the world, and therefore the possibility of using this technology in our country has been introduced. An analysis of the extinguishing mechanisms and factors influencing on the effectiveness of fire extinguishing systems with fine spray water (hereinafter referred to as FES FSW) for extinguishing fires, the advantages of their use compared to gas and sprinkler fire extinguishing systems, the impact on the time of evacuation of people, as well as the preservation of material, historical and cultural values. The aim of the study is to identify the main factors that need to be taken into account in further research and development of spray nozzles to achieve the required droplet size distribution, density and intensity of irrigation, as well as the possibility of using them in combinations of water with other additives, which will increase the fire extinguishing capabilities of the system and speed up the fire extinguishing process.

FORMATION OF DIGITAL FIRE SAFETY CULTURE AMONG STUDENTS USING E-LEARNING MEANS

V. S. Petrenko, O. M. Saukh — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Introduction. In the context of digital transformation and increasing technogenic risks, the issue of developing a digital fire safety culture among students is of particular relevance. Traditional approaches to teaching disciplines «Life safety and environmental safety» do not sufficiently account for the specifics of the digital generation or the potential of modern e-learning tools. Methodological foundations for using e-learning to develop proactive attitudes toward fire safety and models of digital safety culture in educational settings remain insufficiently explored. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to theoretically substantiate and methodologically model the process of forming a digital fire safety culture among students through e-learning tools within the modern digital educational environment. Methods. The study employed systemic, activity-based, and competence-based approaches; a review of scholarly sources on safety culture, digital competence, and pedagogy of safety was conducted. The empirical stage involved a pedagogical experiment, student surveys, analysis of learning outcomes, and self-assessment dynamics. A practical case of implementing an interactive digital educational module was also analyzed. Results. The concept of digital fire safety culture is substantiated as an integrative personal formation that combines knowledge, skills, attitudes, and motivation for safe behavior in both digital and physical environments. The potential of e-learning in developing fire safety awareness is demonstrated through gamification, personalization, risk visualization, and emergency situation simulations. A practical case involving 48 students showed a 31 % increase in knowledge, 85 % improvement in motivation, and 76 % in practical skills. The gamified component (the mobile game “Ryativnychok”) significantly enhanced emotional engagement and value-based perception of fire safety. Conclusion. The integration of e-learning into fire safety education creates prerequisites for forming a modern digital safety culture among students. This requires not only the development of high-quality digital content but also enhancing teachers’ digital competence and creating flexible educational models embedded in institutional strategies for a safe learning environment. The proposed model can be adapted for institutions of higher and pre-tertiary professional education of pedagogical and technical profiles. The results have practical implications for updating the disciplines “Life safety and environmental safety” and promoting interdisciplinary development of safe behavior among youth.

RESEARCH ON THE INFLUENCE OF FIRE PARAMETERS ON THE HEATING OF ORIENTED-STAINLESS STEEL BOARDS

Yu. O. Terletskyi, O. Yu. Pazen, R. M. Tatsiy, A. S. Lyn — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Problem. Wood is a common building material and the basis for OSB boards – three-layer composites of pressed chips and synthetic resins. At the same time, their significant disadvantage is flammability: wood ignition begins at 240–270 °C, and self-ignition – at 350–450 °C. This work investigates the influence of heat flux intensity and standard fire temperature regime on heating OSB boards to the ignition temperature. The aim of the article is a study of the effect of OSB/3 board thickness on fire hazard indicators, in particular flame spread and flammability group. Research methods. The work uses the method of mathematical modeling of heat transfer processes in flat structures using the differential equation of heat conduction and boundary conditions of the second and third kind. Results. Based on the conducted research, it was found that the time to reach the ignition temperature or self-ignition of the OSB board will depend on the intensity of the heat flux density that hits the surface of the board. At an intensity of the heat flux density from 1 to 5 kW, this change will be for thicknesses from 10 to 30 mm. For a thickness of 30 mm and more, the time to reach the ignition temperature or self-ignition will be virtually unchanged. For an intensity of the heat flux density from 8 kW and more, the time to reach the ignition temperature or self-ignition will not depend on the thickness of the board. Under the influence of a standard temperature regime of fire, the ignition time of the OSB board will depend on its thickness. If the time to reach a temperature of 240…270 °С for a 10 mm thick plate is 160–198 s, then for a 1 000 mm thick plate this time will be 52–70 s, and for a 2 000 mm thick plate – 36–47 s. This is explained by the fact that wood has a relatively low thermal conductivity coefficient and at small thicknesses the heat manages to pass through the plate and dissipate into the environment. At a greater thickness of the plate, the heat accumulates in the structure and does not have time to pass quickly through the plate, so the heating process accelerates. Conclusion. Based on the conducted research, it was found that the heating time of the OSB plate surface will vary depending on the influence of different heat flux intensities. The thickness of the OSB plate will also affect the heating time, but only within the limits of up to 30 mm at an intensity of up to 5 kW/m2. At a heat flux intensity of 5 kW/m2, the thickness of the structure will not affect the time to reach the ignition temperature. Under the influence of the standard temperature regime of fire, increasing the thickness of the OSB plate will reduce the heating time to the ignition temperature.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE AUTHORS

M. Sorochych — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0300