The article presents the logical structure of a risk-based approach to the organization of verification of measuring instruments in the EMERCOM of Russia system. The necessity of transition from the administrative-territorial principle of planning checks to scientifically based methods that take into account the probability of occurrence, spatial and temporal distribution and severity of the consequences of emergency situations of various nature and scale is substantiated. A scientific and methodological structure is proposed, including the classification of measuring instruments by functional classes, the development of mathematical models for quantifying damage from their decommissioning, and a sequence of steps to minimize cumulative losses. Exponential dependencies were used as tools to describe the decrease in the effectiveness of emergency rescue operations, linear and probabilistic models according to the Hurwitz criterion for analyzing radiation monitoring losses in conditions of uncertainty and variability of initial parameters. The logic of risk-based verification planning is formulated: prioritization of the use of mobile metrological laboratories, optimization of their movement routes, rational distribution of residual verification volumes and justification of the expediency of expanding laboratory capacity. The implementation of the proposed approach provides a quantitative assessment of the cumulative damage, improving the efficiency of resource management and the sustainability of the Russian Emergencies Ministry's metrological system in conditions of uncertainty and risk.
Fire safety
The paper proposes a methodology for evaluating the fire protection efficiency of floor coverings treated with intumescent compositions cured under UV LED radiation. Two formulations with different single-functional monomers (HEMA and IBOA) were studied, and fire tests were performed on samples of commercial laminate of wear resistance class 33 and flammability class G4 in accordance with GOST 53292–2009. The degree of thermal damage and relative mass loss of the samples were analyzed as performance criteria; the dependence of the results on the chemical composition of the compound and the thickness of the applied layer (approximately 150 μm per layer) was also studied. Experiments showed that the IBOA-based composition ensures more efficient formation of the intumescent heat-insulating layer, lower mass loss, and reduced visible damage compared to the HEMA formulation. A significant role of the coating thickness was established: a decrease in the layer thickness does not always reduce the fire protection properties and, in some cases, makes it possible to maintain the protective efficiency while saving material. The advantages of UV LED curing are noted — high polymerization speed, production of thin functional layers and preservation of the decorative properties of the coating — which makes the proposed approach promising for practical application and further research.
This paper reports the design and experimental validation of a new handheld water-mist nozzle and suppression module. The goal was to improve fire localization and extinguishment while simultaneously reducing agent consumption and limiting secondary water damage. The analysis of existing nozzle and water delivery module designs was conducted, identifying their limitations when extinguishing fires in confined spaces and at facilities with sensitive equipment. Based on these findings prototype nozzle was developed that generates a stable spray plume with tunable droplet-size distribution and uniform mist dispersion. Experimental tests confirmed that the use of finely atomized water increases the cooling and inertial extinguishing efficiency by 25–30 % while reducing water consumption by up to 40 % compared to traditional systems.
The designed module can be integrated into portable and vehicle-mounted fire-and-rescue equipment, enhancing the operational capability of EMERCOM of Russia units in extinguishing fires of varying complexity.
This article is a continuation of a publication published in the journal "Technosphere Safety" (No. 3 (44), 2024). We discussed how the performance and reliability of fire pumping and hose systems are significantly reduced during autumn and winter. This increases firefighting time and fire losses. Domestic specialized units and their systems are not adequately adapted to low-temperature operating conditions. Therefore, any new developments that improve the adaptability of units, fire pumping and hose systems, and fire-fighting equipment to low temperatures are important.
To improve the operational reliability of fire pumps and their suction systems, several interesting prototypes were considered during the patent search. Among these, the most promising technical solution — Patent No. 2183975, "Method for Heating Water Supplied through Fire Hose Lines" — was identified asthe most cost-effective, energy-independent, and compact device for minimizing the rate of ice formation in the suction hose line of a fire pump, including its suction nozzle.
The proposed hose insert in the suction line of a fire pump is used in the second stage of the heating process for water supplied from an open water source to a dedicated unit. This positive effect is achieved initially due to the relatively low efficiency of a centrifugal fire pump (i.e., selfheating of water by throttling in the dedicated unit), and then due to the insert's design features, which allow for a slight reduction in the vacuum in the suction hose line and, consequently, a slower rate of ice formation on its walls.
The results of pre-commissioning tests of the hose insert in the suction line of the fire pump of the proposed design, conducted in January 2025 during the Interdepartmental experimental research exercise "Safe Arctic — 2025", demonstrate its effectiveness.
This article discusses the key aspects of emergencies at explosive and fire-hazardous facilities for the storage and processing of plant raw materials, such as grain silos, elevators, flour mills, and feed mills. The authors use data from the annual reports of the Federal Service for Environmental, Technological, and Nuclear Supervision (Rostekhnadzor) for 2019–2023. Facilities for storage and processing of plant raw materials are characterized by increased danger associated with the formation of explosive dust-air mixtures, high concentration of combustible flour dust, as well as the operation of outdated equipment and non compliance with technological regulations.
It is found that the main factors contributing to accidents are insufficient qualifications and training of personnel, violation of technological processes, as well as the lack of timely maintenance and modernization of equipment. Special attention is paid to the properties of flour dust as a combustible gas-air mixture that can cause explosions and fires under certain conditions, making its concentration control a key element of safety in such production facilities.
In recent years, water curtains have increasingly been used in fire-fighting water supply systems for fire extinguishing, cooling, irrigation, protection of process areas of berth complexes, overpasses and areas for servicing tanks with petroleum products. The efficiency of water curtains largely depends on the results obtained from the hydraulic calculation made for fire-fighting water supply system. The current regulatory documents contain a methodology for hydraulic calculation of water curtains with jets directed vertically downwards and with jets flowing vertically upwards. The methodology, however, leaves without consideration the multi-loop nature of fire-fighting water supply systems and the actual flow rate and altitude characteristics for sprinklers. The study proposes approximating dependencies of flow rate and altitude characteristics of widely used nozzles of the NP type for water curtains. It also proposes a mathematical model of flow distribution in fire extinguishing systems with water curtains with jets directed vertically upwards, which can serve as a basis for the hydraulic calculation of water curtains. The model and approximating dependencies are implemented in the ISIGR software. A distinguishing feature of the software isits application via the Internet. The software users have access to a graphical interface with advanced tools for drawing a network and setting data on its components arbitrarily or through the equipment database. Additionally, users can approximate the characteristics of pumps.
materials of various chemical natures using the STA "Netzsch" 449 F 5 Jupiter thermal analyzer are presented. The feasibility of assessing the autoignition temperature using three analytical signals simultaneously is demonstrated: differential scanning calorimetry, differential the rmogravimetry, and the first derivative of differential scanning calorimetry. To diagnose the autoignition temperature using the synchronous thermal analysis method, the following conditions must be met: being in the temperature range of the exothermic peak of thermooxidative destruction of the polymer; proximity to the inflection point on the DSC-curve; proximity to the maximum of the DTG-peak; maximum heat release intensity.
The problem of assessing the heat of combustion of substances and materials is also considered. To enhance the practical significance of heat of combustion assessment results, a method for assessing the heat of combustion using synchronous thermal analysis in an oxidizing air environment is proposed, taking into account the results of testing the material under study in an inert atmosphere.
The flame-retardant effectiveness of paint and varnish coatings depends not only on their composition and flame-retardant properties, but also on the operational characteristics that determine the service life and quality of coatings. Standard test methods for modern building paints do not include an assessment of adhesion resistance and strength when evaluating the effectiveness of protection of wood and metal elements of buildings and structures as a mandatory element.
In this work, a comprehensive study of paint coatings is carried out, which, according to the characteristics stated by the manufacturer, have the first group of fire protection for wood and metal, including an assessment of their adhesive properties and hardness, according to standard test methods to standard methods of state standards. It is found that applying paint to wood increases the smoke generation of the material thus protected. At the same time, paint and varnish coatings exhibit good performance properties, which allows them to be used as decorative for painting wet facades and fences. The data obtained in the study can be used in the development of fire protection measures, as well as taken into account in the development of recommendations for the application of paintwork.
The article discusses the validation of a new method for assessing the quality of fire protection treatments for wooden structures based on quantitative evaluation of volatile components released during induction heating. First, the time range and temperature exposure were determined, at which it is possible to track changes between the indicators of untreated and treated samples. For further research, two methods of applying flame retardants were selected: the method of layer-by-layer application and the method of impregnation. The experiment involved placing the sample in a cylindrical experimental chamber and exposing it to an induction soldering station for 60 seconds at a temperature of 430 °C for samples treated with the layer-bylayer method and 480 °C for samples treated with the impregnation method. The conditionality of the selected temperatures and time is given in the article itself. Based on the results, it was concluded that the peak values are reached at 60 seconds, then (after 70 seconds) a carbonation layer of wood is formed and the readings reach a plateau, i.e. the readings change to a constant value with a slight deviation from 0.1 to 0.3 %. The indicators of volatile substances released on untreated samples are significantly higher in comparison with the treated ones. This indicates that this method of assessing the quality of flame retardant treatment can be used in forensic research.
This study considers the assessment of the fire resistance rating of air ducts insmoke control ventilation systems as a significant factor in ensuring fire safety. It demonstrates the importance of the E and I criteria, as well as requirements for material non-combustibility, flange joint tightness, and duct wall thickness. The paper describes combined fire-protective and thermal-insulating coatings based on basalt materials that provide EI30–EI240 ratings when correctly installed. The control methodology includes visual and instrumental measurements of coating thicknesses, wall thicknesses, and protection of fastening elements within supervisory practice. The results of field inspections and a survey of 20 experts, with high agreement per Kendall (W = 0.82), identified three most critical non-compliances: nonconformance of duct wall thickness to design values, insufficient installed thickness of fire-protective coatings relative to regulations, and improper protection of fastening elements. These defects lead to reductions in E and I ratings, risks of deformation, loss of tightness, and deterioration of aerodynamic characteristics, directly threatening the effectiveness of smoke extraction and evacuation conditions. Recommendations include strengthening incoming quality control, strict adherence to technological regulations, the use of certified non-combustible materials, and improving practitioner awareness. Implementing these measures ensures attainment of the required EI classes and the issuance of a certificate of compliance for commissioning.