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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: jasper on July 23, 2008, 12:54:34 PM

Title: Crematoria
Post by: jasper on July 23, 2008, 12:54:34 PM

Hi all for anyone previously assessed a crematorium, I know majority is based on the same principals but does anyone know of any guidance on fire risk assessing these?

Title: Crematoria
Post by: Chris Houston on July 23, 2008, 01:04:59 PM

Ive known one to catch fire in the chimney. Can't add anything more.

Title: Crematoria
Post by: John Webb on July 23, 2008, 01:48:35 PM

I would have thought that the quantities of visitors one gets who would be unfamilar with the building would be a significant problem, particularly as some will be under considerable stress. Signage and alarms cannot be too intrusive, so staff training could be important?

Title: Crematoria
Post by: jasper on July 23, 2008, 01:51:47 PM

thanks Chris, it is not a job I am really looking forward to doing really. Apart from the obvious fire safety issues to address I am supposing that the actual equipment is gas powered therefore needing some regular maintenance schedule and the chimney cleaning (not a job I would like to do)

Title: Crematoria
Post by: jasper on July 23, 2008, 01:53:51 PM

another thing i have just thought of is occupant capacity, a friend of mine died the other week and the place was full to the brim with around 150 people outside so I am not sure how that would work

Title: Crematoria
Post by: Mike Buckley on July 24, 2008, 07:20:22 PM

Personnally I would be looking at the guide for medium and small places of assembly for the front of the crematorium. Round the back I would be looking at a waste incinerator. Make sure there is good seperation between the two. As far as the chimney goes Environmental Health will be way ahead of you over any emmisions, closely followed by the local funeral directors. The last thing they want is to have to explain away the white ash all over the lovely black cars or the smoke coming out of the chimney.

One thing to watch out for is although normally only emplyees are round in the area of the ovens some religions require the presence of family member/s or a close friend/s to witness the remains being cremated.

In general the rear of the crematorium is usually fairly sterile all tiles and white paint.

Title: Crematoria
Post by: The Colonel on July 30, 2008, 01:59:46 PM

Jasper

Check this one out, http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/sydney-crematorium-blaze/2008/07/30/1217097293868.html

A roof fire in Sydney's largest cemertary