MIL-HDBK-1028/8A
are essential for new construction. Complete fire protection information is
in MIL-HDBK-1008A, Fire Protection for Facilities Engineering, Design and
Construction, Section 4, Special Occupancies.
Operational Note. It is a general misconception that a "let it burn"
strategy minimizes environmental consequences by avoiding suppression
with water and generating toxic liquid wastes as runoff. It is always
better to extinguish a small fire and clean up the mess than allow it to
develop into a fully involved structural fire. The "let it burn"
decision can only be made by the fire chief and the environmental
official on the scene of the emergency, as it is based on many factors
unique to each situation. If possible, fires involving petroleum based
liquids should be extinguished quickly using appropriate extinguishing
agents. A fire not directly involving pesticides should be extinguished
rather than let the fire spread to the pesticides. This decision is
made by the initial responding engine company. The high temperatures
resulting from unsuppressed incineration may reduce the toxic vapors and
smoke resulting from pesticides but also put firemen and other
unprotected personnel at risk and may necessitate a major evacuation
downwind. Uncontrolled fires do not necessarily result in high
temperatures throughout and may not thermally degrade toxic materials.
Clean or oxygen-rich fires are unusual.
3.4.2
Siting. Site pest management facilities a minimum of 200 feet
(61 m) from surface water, existing wells and cisterns, or 100 year flood
plains. Site pest management facilities downhill from the sensitive areas
noted above, or provide diking (essential) where space is limited.
Consideration must be given to prevailing wind conditions and the location of
populated areas. Facilities shall not be located uphill from potable water
sources or continuously occupied structures. Facilities should not be sited
over aquifers (subsurface potable water supplies) unless the aquifer is
adequately protected through containment measures. Facilities shall be sited
at least 100 feet (30.4 m) from other structures. Siting shall be approved by
an industrial hygienist, a sanitary engineer, and by a fire protection
engineer. Utility connection costs, access, security and subsurface
conditions should be considered in siting. Funding limitations will not
support excessive utility runs, long access roads or extensive site
preparation costs. Select a site that, based on previous experience or soil
tests, allows slab-on-grade construction. Provide a soil analysis for
hazardous chemical background levels.
Accessibility. Provide access to pest management facilities by
3.4.3
vehicles carrying supplies or pulling trailer-mounted dispersal equipment.
The facility must be accessible to vehicles and pedestrians on at least two
sides.
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