Exposure of organophosphorus pesticides to turbulent diffusion flames

The development of effective fire-fighting strategies for warehouses storing large quantities of toxic chemicals depends on an understanding of the uncontrolled combustion of such toxics. This paper describes an experimental system for studying fires of this kind. Results are presented from a test programme involving fires with rates of convective heat release in the range 3–30 kW and four organophosphorus pesticides. This work on the combustion chemistry of toxic materials is part of a wider study, involving a number of laboratories, into other inter-related aspects of warehouse fires. The significance of the results for hazard assessment and emergency planning is considered.