FIRE SAFETY 101

1. Elements of Combustion:
 Oxygen.
 Fuel.
 Heat.
 Chemical reaction.

2. Types of Fire vs. Extinguishing Media

Fire Type Extinguisher to be used

Class A:  Water and Foam
Wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics .  Dry Chemical (DCP)

Class B:
Flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum  Carbon Dioxide
oil and paint.  Dry Chemical (DCP)
Flammable gases such as propane and butane.

Class C:
Energized electrical equipment such
 Carbon Dioxide
as motors, transformers, and appliance s.  Dry Chemical (DCP)
*Remove the power and the Class C fire becomes
one of the other classes of fire.

Class D:
Combustible metals such as potassium,  Dry Powder
sodium, aluminum, and magnesium.

Class K:  Wet Chemical

Cooking oils and greases such as animal  Fire blankets
fats and vegetable fats.

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3. Fire Safety General Precautions:
3.1 Controlling sources of ignition
 Remove unnecessary sources of heat from the workplace.
 Make sure that your machinery and equipment has been designed to limit the risk of fire
and explosions.
 Make sure that all your electrical equipment is regularly serviced and fit for the purpose
it is being used for.
 Smoking should only be allowed in safe areas away from any sources of fuel.
 Make sure that any processes involving 'hot wor k' (such as welding) are properly
managed and controlled.
 Keep in a safe condition any equipment that could provide a source of ignition.

3.2 Limiting the fuel for a fire

 Remove or reduce flammable materials and substances and replace them with less
flammable ones if possible.
 Make sure that flammable materials are handled, stored and used correctly.
 Store flammable substances in their proper storage containers in fire -resistant cabinets.
 Store larger amounts of flammable substances in a fire resistant store.
 Do not allow waste materials and rubbish to build up.
 Do not allow grease, dust or oil to build up around equipment.
 Make sure you keep flammable materials away from any sources of ignition (for example
matches).

3.3 Housekeeping
 Do not allow rubbish, waste paper or other material which could catch fire to build up.
 Do not store large amounts of flammable materials unless this is absolutely necessary.
 Store flammable materials in an appropriate place.
 Turn off electrical equipment when it is not being used (unless it is designed to be
permanently connected).
 Make sure that you do not leave material which could easily catch fire close to a source
of heat.
 Make sure that machinery and any office equipment is well ventilated and regula rly
cleaned.

3.4 Fire safety information for employees

You should give your employees information about fire precautions in the workplace and what to
do if there is a fire.
3.4.1 Special considerations must be made for employees who:
 Work outside normal working hours;
 Work alone;
 Have disabilities; or
 Have communication difficulties.

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3.4.2 All employees should have information about:
 Which escape route to use from where they are working; and
 The fire warning system used in the area they are working in.

3.5 Fire Extinguisher Precautions:

Fire Extinguisher must be:
 Approved by a recognized testing laboratory
 Proper type for the class of fire expected
 Classification markings must be located on the front of the shell.
 Markings must be visible from a distance of 1 meter.
 Easily accessible for immediate use
 Conspicuous & clearly visible
 Located along normal paths of travel & exit
 Not blocked
 Kept in designated locations when not being used
 Installed on hangers, brackets, in cabinets, or on shelves
 Class A & D Extinguishers travel distance 23 meters or less
 Class B Extinguishers travel distance 15 meters or less
 Class C Extinguishers - no minimum travel distance - locate in areas with electrical
distribution equipment
 Fire blankets should be kept near the fire hazard they will be used on.
 Store blankets in a position which is easy and sa fe to get to if there is a fire.
 Proper quantity & size to deal with the expected fire
 Inspected and maintained on a regular basis
Monthly checks for:
 Inspection Tag.
 Anti-tamper seal.
 Weight or pressure check.
 Damage or missing parts.
 Rust or corrosion.
 Used only by trained employees
PASS System
 P - Pull Pin
 A - Aim at base of fire
 S - Squeeze the actuating handle
 S - Sweep from side to side

Important Notes:
 Never allow a full or empty extinguisher to stand upright - falling cylinder could break off
valve and cause a missile hazard
 Never place an empty or partially discharged extinguisher back in its location - replace with a
fully charged extinguisher
 Report any damaged or missing extinguishers

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4. Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s Don’ts
•Store flammable liquids gases, solvents, chemicals in •Don’t smoke in prohibited areas.
stable racks, correctly labeled. •Don’t plug too many electrical appliances in one socket.
•Store flammable and combustible liquids away from •Don’t paint fire detector/sprinkler heads.
incompatible materials (e.g., oxidizers). •Don’t place obstruction in means of escape.
•Where hazardous chemicals are used / stored, ensure •Don’t use damaged cords and avoid temporary
adequate ventilation and prohibit smoking. connections.
•Keep chemicals in cool and dry place away from heat. •Don’t heat containers or distribution systems containing
•Keep containers containing these liquids closed when flammable or combustible liquids.
not in use. •Don’t use flammable or combustible liquids for anything
•Use the smallest amount of flammable liquid necessary other than their intended uses.
in the work area. •Never overload electrical circuits by using multi-plug.
•Use only containers and dispensing equipment (faucet, •Do not park your vehicle or store any item to obstruct
pump, drip can) that are approved for use with the access to firefighting facilities provided in your
flammable liquids. premises
•Ground all metal drums, transfer vessels, hoses and •Do not temper with firefighting equipment in your
piping to prevent buildup of static charge. Ground clips premises.
must contact bare metal.
•Report leaks, spills and ventilation failures to your
supervisor immediately.
•Clean up spills immediately. Use approved containers
for disposal of rags and other work materials.
•Be aware of any health hazards associated with
flammable and combustible liquid and follow
recommended safe handling procedures.
•Practice good housekeeping by keeping areas clear of
materials that can burn.
•Read and understand the MSDS for information about
the hazards and necessary precautions for working safely
with all the materials you’re using.
•All receptacles for waste should be emptied at regular
intervals.
•Welding /Cutting jobs should be carried out under strict
supervision.
•Before welding operation, all traces of flammable
material must be removed to a safe distance.
•Keep all machinery clean and lubricate it to avoid
friction and overheating.
•Faulty electrical appliances should be repaired /
replaced immediately.

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 •Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry
the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and
cause fires.
•Switches and fuses should conform to correct rating of
circuit.
•Keep means of escape clear of obstructions.
•Impart Basic firefighting training to occupants.
• Fire Rescue drills should be carried out at regular
intervals. (6 month)

5. In Case of a Fire Emergency:

Do’s Don’ts
•Escape first, then call for help. •Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the
•Keep escape routes clear. smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return
•When you come to a closed door, use the back of your to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your
hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the life.
crack between the door and door frame to make sure •Never go back into a burning building for any reason. If
that fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your someone is missing, tell the firefighters/ Emergency
secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open Response team.
it carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and •Never connect generators to another power source
open it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door such as power lines. There verse flow of electricity or
and make sure it is securely closed, then use your "back feed" can electrocute an unsuspecting utility
alternate escape route. worker.
•Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, •Do not hide any information concerning hazards in the
and paint thinner that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean premises make them known to all.
the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area. •Do not race with firefighting or any other emergency
•Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources. vehicle and give them way to reach faster to the scene of
•Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. accident.
•In case you receive burn injuries pour cold water on the •Do not crowd the fire accident site as it may hamper
affected part of the body. firefighting and rescue operations.
•Do not ever hesitate to call the SMEET ERT in times of
emergency however minor that may be.

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