Fire Buckets: Should We Keep Them Despite Environmental Concerns? Seeking Your Advice

Dear All, many of us keep a sand bucket for fire extinguishing in case of fire. Some auditors say it should be kept, while others mention that sand creates environmental hazards as it contains silica. Please suggest whether fire buckets should be kept or not, or provide any other suggestions or guidance you may have.

Regards

You may use a fire extinguisher for safety purposes instead of a sand bucket.

Regards,
Ashutosh

We have a sufficient number of fire extinguishers. I just need to know if there is any law, amendment, or discussion point that sand should be used as an extinguishing agent due to silica, some health, or environmental issues maybe there.

Regards,
Hansa

You can always keep the sand buckets for fire safety. There are two clauses here:

1. Basically, silica referred to here is the purest form of sand. But it is always safe to use the purest sand to put out the fire; there is no harm in it.

2. Avoid the sand from becoming wet while you dispose of it; it won't neutralize with the normal sand surface. We are ISO 14001 certified, and no questions are raised regarding the usage of sand buckets.

If you refer to the Factories Act rules 61, the water buckets can be replaced with sand buckets in case of a Class B fire.

I would like to support what Mr. Christopher has added. When it comes to the creation of environmental hazards due to the use of fire buckets, it's very debatable. If we consider this context, every activity has an impact on the environment, for example, the use of washrooms. We have to apply the concept of ALARP and choose our actions accordingly.

If the auditor raises this point, ask him to provide the logic with reference to the law or legislation supporting his submission.

Please continue the practice of using fire buckets. Fire buckets are even mentioned in the NBC as a first-aid firefighting equipment.

Regards

Interesting topic, but what is the environmental hazard of using sand? Deserts and beaches are full of sand, which is a natural part of our environment.

Usage of Sand Buckets for Fire Extinguishing

There is no law or regulation prohibiting the usage of a sand bucket as a fire extinguishing medium. Silica may not affect a person when the sand is being used under normal conditions. However, during sandblasting operations, the sand is pressurized, creating a large volume of dust particles, which increases the risk of inhalation and ingestion of silica. Therefore, sandblasting is banned. I hope I am correct.

Regards

There is no law or regulation prohibiting the usage of a sand bucket as a fire extinguishing medium. Silica may not affect a person when the sand is used under normal conditions. During sandblasting operations, the sand is pressurized, creating a large volume of dust particles, with a chance for inhalation and ingestion of silica. Therefore, sandblasting is banned. Hope I am right.

Yes, I agree that fine silica inhaled over a long period may result in chronic health issues, but I am still not clear about the environmental impacts of using silica. If anyone wants to share their knowledge...

Sometimes, some auditors behave like this. They do not think about the issue in a holistic way. Somehow, they tend to show their authority and misuse the whole concept. In all our day-to-day activities, we come across many such issues. As Dipil rightly said, one has to use the most practical solution.

If sand is hazardous, what is the alternative? Fire extinguishers? Is using chemicals not hazardous? Practically, once the fire is extinguished by whatever means, the remains are collected and disposed of safely.

Next time such impractical suggestions are given by the auditor, suggest to them to use a bicycle to come to your place instead of a car/bike/scooter, which pollutes the air.

Regards,
Nandish