Haseen Habib Trading

FIREFIGHTING DOCKET
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 Aim of firefighting is to save life, property, environment and operation downtime/ goodwill

Founder of Haseen Habib

Haseen Habib Trading

FIREFIGHTING DOCKET
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(A complete firefighting course)

UAN: 111SAFETY (723 389)

Golden rule for fire fighting

Fire may not occur, if occur may not spread, if spreads losses should be minimum

Composed by:

JAVED IQBAL
Manager Business Development and Training
HASEEN HABIB TRADING PVT. LTD.
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 PREAMBLE

Fire safety at workplace is a legal and essential requirement for the safety every employee in
the organization and department, it is the responsibility of top management and duty of
everybody in the organization. Fire safety conscious minds are strength of an organization. It
is obvious that occurrence of fire is ever present risk at such a work place where flammable, or
combustible materials are stored, transport or used or at a site where generation, distribution
or utilization of electricity is being done. Industrial sites, oil installations, storage sites, data
centers and even shopping malls, hospitals, banks and residential areas. National sprit
demands countless attention, careful attitude, comprehensive fire safety knowledge and
continual fire safety training to safe guard these National assets. It is understood very rightly
that theft of something is an individual loss while burning of anything is a national loss.

This Fire Fighting Docket has been developed as per new syllabus and fire safety requirements
for general employee fire safety training as first responder incase fire at work place. Various
fire safety concerned NFPA codes/ standards have been consulted, the stuff is divided in to
various chapters which are basic requirements of firefighting as fire chemistry, fire safety
culture, firefighting equipment, firefighting organization, and fire prevention practices at work
place etc.

An effort is being made by Haseen Habib Trading Pvt. Ltd. by this firefighting Docket to equip
the reader with basic knowledge of firefighting, fire prevention practices and effective use of
firefighting equipment. In the end I would like to admire those who have participated in
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preparation of this docket with special appreciation to Training Manager Haseen Habib Trading
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Pvt. Ltd. for putting his best efforts for successful completion and composition this docket.

Haseen Habib House (Head Office)

65-C, Street-7
Main Jami Commercial FAWAD ATEEQ BARRY
Chief Executive Officer
HAD Phase-IIV, Karachi Haseen Habib Trading Pvt. Ltd.
Ph: 021-35806241-7
Fax: 021-35806240
Email: [email protected]

UAN: 111 SAFETY (723 389) Shams Chambers

163 Commercial Broadway Shahrah-e-Liaquat
Sector-D, Phase-VIII DHA Lahore P.O Box: 4468, Karachi
The Mail, Rawalpindi Ph: 021-32424957, 32428803
Ph: 042-35700855 Fax: 021-32410294
Fax: 042-35700856 Email:
Email: [email protected] 3 [email protected]
 CONTENTS OF HHTPL-FIRE FIGHITING DOCKRT

Chapter No Content Page No

1 Definition of fire
2 Elements of fire
3 Classes of fire
4 Fire spread methods
5 Firefighting methods
6 Firefighting mediums
7 Causes of fire breakout
8 Fire prevention practices
9 Portable fire extinguishers
10 Departmental firefighting organization
11 Products of Haseen Habib Trading Pvt. Ltd.
12 Fire Detection and Alarm System
13 Fire Hydrant System
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14 Fire Sprinkler System

15 Fire Suppression system
16 Firefighting suit and Breathing apparatus (BA)
17 Special firefighting equipment
18 Types of occupancies with FF equipment requirement
19 Departmental fire safety documents
20 Firefighting practical and drills
21 Kitchen and Home fire safety (Home fire safety and first aid kit)
22 Introduction to International Standards (NFPA/ ILO/BS)

UAN: 111SAFETY (723 - 389)

Rawalpindi Office:
27, First Floor, Services Plaza, The Mall Road, Ph: 051-5523696, Fax: 051-5512476
Cell. 0333-1327459, email [email protected], [email protected]
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 DETAILED CONTENTS OF FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT GUIDE

Chapter Contents Page No

1 Definition of fire
• Oxidation
• Flash point
• Fire point
• Auto ignition
• Spontaneous ignition
• Radiation feedback
• Upper and lower flammable limit
• Flammable range
• Flashover and back draft
Phases of fire
• Incipient phase
• Development phase
• Absolute phase
• Decoy phase
Sources of combustion
• Physical sources
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• Chemical sources
• Biological sources
Fire safety golden rule
• Fire may not occur
• If fire occurs may not spread
• If fire spreads losses should be minimum

2 Elements of fire
• Fuel
• States of fuel
• Solid (general combustible solids)
• Liquid (combustible liquids)
• Gas (combustible gases)
• Characteristics of fuel
• Flammability
• Mix ability
• Volatility
• Heat
• Sources of heat
• Flame
• Hot work
• Sun light
• Electric short circuit
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 • Oxygen
• Composition of air
• Oxidizing agent
• Compressed gas
• Chemical chain reaction

3 Classes of fire (as per NFPA)

• Categories and importance of fire classification
• Classes of fire
• Class A fire
• Solid fuels fire as wood, cloth, paper etc.
• Class B fire
• Liquid and gaseous fuel fire as petrol, diesel,
methane, butane, acetylene etc.
• Class C fire
• Energized electrical equipment fire
• Class D fire
• Light metal fire as magnesium, potassium, sodium
• Class K fire
• Deep fryer fire, oils and fat fire

4 Fire spread methods

• Conduction (transfer of heat by direct contact of matter)
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• Convection (transfer of heat by actual motion of matter)

• Radiations (transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves)
What to on finding a fire
• Raise loud vocal alarm as fire fire fire
• Inform fire department
• Extinguish fire
• Close door and exit if fire is not under control
Man on fire
• Stop
• Drop
• Roll (cover your face with hands)

Firefighting methods
• Cooling
• Controlling of temperature (water, CO2 )
• Smothering
• Removal of oxygen (AFFF, Sand, CO2 )
• Starvation
• Removal of unburned material (solid, closing valve)
• Inhibition
• Braking chemical chain reaction (DCP)

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6 Firefighting mediums
• Water (cooling agent)
• Dry Chemical Powder (DCP smothering agent)
• AFFF (cooling and smothering agent)
• CO2 (cooling and smothering agent)
• Clean agent (FM-200, NOVAC 1230, IG55 cooling
agents)

7 Causes of fire
• Common causes of fire
• Open flame
• Lit fire/ fire work
• Candle
• Cigarette
• Match flame
• Hot work
• Welding
• Gas cutting
• Grinding
• Special causes of fire
• Dust explosion
• Chemical reaction
• Spontaneous ignition
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• Arson

8 Fire prevention practices

• Safe use of electrical equipment
• Fire safety regarding smoking
• Fire safety regarding paint work
• Fire safety regarding confined spaces operations
• Fire safety regarding hot work
• Safe stowage of personal belongings/ household items
• Fire safety conscious layout of work place
• Storage of highly flammable materials
• Good housekeeping and cleanliness

9 Portable fire extinguishers

• Water type SPE (Stored Pressured Exting``uisher)
• AFFF SPE
• DCP SPE
• CO2 SPE
• Wet chemical agent SPE
• Trolley mounted extinguishers
Parts of portable fire extinguishers
• Main body

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 • Pressure gauge
• Safety pin
• Syphon tube
• Lifting handle
• Hose assembly
• Nozzle (Horn, spheres, jet/ spray)

10 Departmental firefighting organization

• Parties of firefighting
• Initial attack
• Attack party
• Support party
• First aid party
• Cordon off party
• Traffic control party
• Rescue party
• Salvage party
• Fire safety signage
• Fire emergency Exit Plan
• Ingress/ Exit/ escape route
• Assembly point
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11 Fire Detection and Alarm System

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• Types of FDA system

• Conventional (none addressable)
• Addressable
• Types of fire detectors
• Flame detector
• Heat detector
• Beam detector
• IR3 detector
• Ionization and photoelectric detector
• FDA system related equipment
• Manual call point (MCP)
• Hooter (with or without flasher)
• Modules (input/ output, control module)
• Electrical wiring

12 Fire Hydrant System

• Water tank (underground/ overhead)
• Pump room (with positive pressure suction)
• Jockey pump with controller
• Electrical pump with controller
• Diesel pump with controller
• Pressure release valve
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 • Pressure reducing tank
• Essential accessories
• Piping system and fittings
• Fire hydrant (wet barrel or dry barrel)
• Fire hydrant (one way, two way hydrants)
• Firefighting Hose cabinet
• Firefighting Hose
• Firefighting nozzles
• Ground monitor
• Firefighting Hose couplings
• Y piece or divider
• Foam Station Equipment
• Fire Hose Reel
• Stand Pipe System

13 Fire Sprinkler System

• Types of sprinkler heads
• Upright
• Pendent
• Side wall
• Conceal
• Colour wise temperature ranges of sprinkler bulbs
• Types of sprinkler systems
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• Dry pipe system

• Wet pipe system
• Pre-action system
• Deluge system
• Electronic system
• Foam water system
• Spray system
• Water mist system
• Zone control valve assembly
• Pressure gauge
• Butter fly nut
• Water flow indicator
• Test and drain valve
• Control valve
• Flow switch
• Water flow alarm (Gong (bell))

14 Fire Suppression System

• Principle of operation
• Types of clean agents
• System components
• Smoke detectors
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 • Control panel
• Notification device
• Release device
• Maintenance switch
• Nozzles
• Abort switch

15 Firefighting Suit
• Types and components of FF suit
• Aluminized FF suit
• Fire resistance suit
• Nomex Firefighting suit
• Anti-flash gloves
• Anti-flash hood
• Firefighting helmet
• Firefighting gloves (Mitts)
• Firefighting boots
• Wearing procedure

Breathing Apparatus (BA)

• Human respiratory system
• EDBA parts and their functions
• Face mask
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• Bypass nob
• Reducing valve
• Pressure gauge
• Whistle
• Air bottle
• Back plate
• BA wearing procedure
• Face seal check

16 Firefighting special equipment

• Thermal imaging camera (TIC)
• Foamax-7
• Ram fan
• Air compressor
• Hydraulic cutter
• Mini Lifting bag
• Fire trailer pump
• De-flooding pump

17 Types of occupancies
• Residential occupancy
• Commercial occupancy

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 • Educational occupancy
• Health care occupancy
• Industrial occupancy
• Storage occupancy
• Assembly occupancy
• Temporary occupancy
Types of building materials w.r.t fire safety

18 Departmental fire safety documents

• Fire safety standing instructions
• Fire safety training schedule
• Fire risk assessment form
• Periodical fire safety audit guide lines
• Fire safety SOPs for various operations
• Introduction to fire safety codes and standards

19 Firefighting practical and drills

• Firefighting hose handling drill

• How to fold
• How to unfold
• How to carry
• How to empty
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• How to fix with other fire hose

• How to remove from other fire hose
• How to fix fire nozzle
• How to remove fire nozzle

• Firefighting Ladder Drill

• How to lift a ladder
• How to place with wall
• How to hold a ladder
• How to check a ladder

• Fire Tender Drill

• How to provide a hose to firefighter
• How to say for increase pressure
• How to say for decrease pressure
• How to say for stop water

• Causality Handling Drill

• How to position a causality
• One man carry
• Two man carry

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 20 Basic First Aid
• Fracture
• Shock
• Bleeding
• Burn
• Asphyxia
• CPR procedure
• Bandages
• Types of stretchers

Basic Rescue
• Elements of building construction
• Precaution on entering in a damage building
• Ropes, cables and chain
• Knots and lashing
• Rescue from height
• Rescue stages

Haseen Habib Trading Offices Addresses

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Haseen Habib House Shams Shams Chambers

65-C, Street-7 Shahrah-e-Liaquat, Main Jami
Main Jami Commercial P.O Box: 4468, Karachi
HAD Phase-IIV, Karachi HAD Phase-IIV, Karachi
Ph: 021-35806241-7 Ph: 021-32424957, 32428803
Fax: 021-35806240 Fax: 021-32410294
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

UAN: 111 SAFETY (723 389) UAN: 111 SAFETY (723 389)
163 Commercial Broadway Sector-D 27, First Floor, Services Plaza
Phase-VIII DHA Lahore The Mail, Rawalpindi
The Mail, Rawalpindi Ph: 051-5523696
Ph: 042-35700855 Fax: 051-5512476
Fax: 042-35700856 Cell No. 0333-1327459
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

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 HASEEN HABIB TRADING Pvt. Ltd. Management and introduction

We as the leading ISO 9001:2008 Certified Fire Safety Equipment and Systems Company in Pakistan.
Being second generation in the field of Fire Protection & Safety for last fifty (50) years, we are the largest
Importer, stockiest and installer of Fire Fighting and Safety Equipment in the country.

We claim to be the flag bearer of Fire Detection, Life Safety, Fire Suppression and Firefighting Systems
in Pakistan. We are providing nationwide services to our esteemed strategic defense organizations,
government and multinational clients with highly professional, experienced and skilled staff. Haseen
Habib is operating with its Head Office in Karachi, Branch Offices, Display Centers and Training Center
in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi / Islamabad.

OUR MANAGEMENT

Ateeq Ur Rahman Barry

(Late)
Founder HASEEN HABIB
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Jawad Ateeq Barry Fawad Ateeq Barry

Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer

OUR VISION
We believe in ethical business practices only and strive to be the leading and the most
dependable company in Pakistan in the Fire Protection and Safety. We know that every Fire
Safety decision is potentially the matter of life and death, thus we ensure to provide only the
best quality equipment and services. Our vision of a Fire Safe and Corruption Free Pakistan is
reflected in all our values and actions.

OUR MISSION
Protection of Lives & Property, by providing appropriate, efficient and cost effective solutions
and quality equipment in the field of firefighting & Safety to our customers supported by
installation of equipment & training.

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Chapter-1 DEFINITION OF FIRE

Fire is a an exothermal chemical chain reaction between fuel and oxygen at ignition
temperature of the fuel, it is a rapid oxidation of fuel which releases heat, light, smoke and toxic
gases as per chemical composition of the fuel. Combustion (fire) process is as under:
Fuel Heated Decomposed Oxidized Vaporized Combustion
Fire is a self-sustained process in the presence of fuel and desired temperature, burning fire
increases the temperature of remaining adjacent fuel and keep on burning. Fire is man’s best
friend when it is under control and worst enemy when it is out of control. An employee must
know the following definitions to avoid the ignition at workplace. Combustion related essential
terminologies are as under:

1. OXIDATION
When fuel decomposes due to rise in temperature then oxygen enters and vaporizes
the fuel is called oxidation. In other words, if a chemical reaction between two or more
substances involves oxygen O2, it is termed as oxidation, which will evolve heat with
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rapid oxidation, the heat released is considerable and we say combustion has occurred.
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When this oxidation process is very quick and takes place at temperature of 500 0C to
600 0C, the flame and light phenomenon occurs, which is known as ‘Fire’. Environmental
air and any oxidizing agent can cause oxidation.
2. FLASH POINT
It is the lowest temperature at which a substance gives off sufficient vapors forming
combustible mixture with air to flash for a moment on the application of test flame i.e.
after the with drawl of test flame, fire goes out because of the consumption of fuel vapors
and more vapors cannot be produced due to lack of radiation feedback. Every fuel has
its specific flash point, at work place employees should know the flash point of their fuels
they are using and try to manage fuel as appropriate.
3. FIRE POINT OR IGNITION TEMPERATURE
It is the lowest temperature at which heat from the burning vapors reproduces sufficient
vapors to enable combustion to continue due to radiation feedback, even if the test flame
is withdrawn. Ignition temperature of material varies slightly with variation in pressure,
humidity and surface of the material.
4. AUTO IGNITION

It is the lowest temperature at which a substance bursts into flame without the
application of outside spark or flame. This phenomenon is mainly associated with oil
leakages in machinery spaces, where split oil flows or sprayed on the hot surfaces
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 raising its temperature to the self-ignition point, thus causing fire break out without the
introduction of flame.
5. SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION
Chemical reactions are either exothermic or endothermic. They either give out heat
during reaction or need heat to keep themselves going on. Oxidation phenomenon are
exothermic, thus they give out heat and if it occurs at places where heat cannot escape,
then temperature build up to the self-ignition point and fire occurs without introduction
of any spark or flame.
6. CHAIN REACTION
It is a phenomenon where vapors from the burning material progress through a chain of
chemical reaction. If this chain link is broken down, flame dies out and fire cannot
persist.
7. BURNING RADIATION FEEDBACK
When enormous quantity of molecules of a substance is breaking apart into atoms and
recombined with oxygen, we see continues flame and we say that a substance is
burning. Pure fuel vapor cannot burn and so these have to be mixed with oxygen in
certain proportions depending upon the nature of fuel before they can start burning.
“Heat energy released from the flame is transmitted in all directions through one of the
heat transfer phenomenon (i.e. conduction, convection and radiation) some of their
energy is radiated back to the surface of fuel and is called radiation feedback”.
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8. REACTIVITY
The characteristic of a substance to oxidize itself and sets on fire automatically is called
reactivity.
9. RE-IGNITION
Fire in solids is normally extinguished by cooling with water. However, sometimes, it
may happen that fire is extinguished on the surface only and bulk of fuel still contains
enough heat deep inside which is conducted to the surface to dry it off and cause re-
ignition. Similarly re-ignition may also be caused by continuous smoldering behind
panels, inside mattresses or bales of cotton.
10. LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT
The percentage of vapor of a flammable substance with air by volume below which the
mixture will not burn below this percentage, the mixture is said “too lean or too meager”
11. UPPER FLAMMABLE LIMIT
The percentage of vapor of flammable substance with air by volume above which the
mixture will not burn, above this percentage the mixture is said” too rich”.
12. FLAMMABLE RANGE
The percentage of vapors of flammable substance with air by volume at which the
mixture will burn. It is the percentage between the upper and lower flammable limits.
PHASES OF FIRE
Form starting of the fire till final dying out fire is divided in to following four phases or stages:
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 1. Incipient Phase.
It is the smoldering stage and smoke screen will be predominant so even if small
flames may be there, these cannot be visible due to excessive smoke. Fire can be
controlled at this stage by detectors.

2. Development Phase
At this stage, smoke is still dominant, but tongues of flame may be visible because
the whole material is on fire. At this stage, fire is just on the surface and has not yet
penetrated deep enough into the material.
3. Absolute Fire
At this stage, fire takes roots and whole material starts burning vigorously. Proper
and systematic firefighting is needed to avoid re-ignition of fire. Starving, smothering
or cooling should be used accordingly.
4. Decay Phase
At this stage fire will start dying automatically due to fuel starvation, because the
material has consumed. However, surrounding areas must be kept cooled and
isolated to avoid fire spread to new zones.
SOURCES OF IGNITION
These can be categorized into three main divisions, which are as follows:
1. Physical Source.
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Sources where a spark is produced due to some sort of physical action, which further
ignites the combustible material, such as short circuiting of electricity and overheating
of machinery.
2. Chemical Source.
Fire between two or more non-combustible cargos, such as fire in sodium, potassium
occurs because of chemical reaction. When these metals are allowed to come in contact
with water, fire phenomenon occurs.
3. Biological Source.

Biological reaction in certain materials also produces heat and ultimately the fire breaks
out, i.e. fire in fishmeal, cow dung and in grass etc.

Fire safety golden rules: Fire may not occur, if occur may not spread if spreads losses should
be minimum.

To get actual results from these rules fire safety training of staff is required, appropriate
firefighting equipment are needed, in other words complete fire safety management is required
to be implemented. All fire safety management related factors must be taken care as basic fire
safety training of employees for first responder also by knowing emergency numbers,
communication means, implementing firefighting organization, by placing appropriate

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firefighting equipment, by conducting fire risk assessment of buildings, by conducting annual
fire safety audits, and many other indicated by fire safety specialist.

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Chapter-2 ELEMENTS OF FIRE

FIRE TRIANGLE and FIRE TETRAHEDRON

At the initial stage following three elements are essential for the fire to start

1. Combustible substance (i.e. fuel (wood, cloth, oil, diesel, methane etc.).
2. Sufficient amount of oxygen to form a combustible mixture with fuel vapors.
3. Sufficient heat to raise mixture temperature to ignition point.

When the initial components of fire combine and fire is established, another component then
starts participating to sustain this phenomenon, which is called chemical chain reaction
completely known as fire tetrahedron.
Fires start when a flammable and/ or a combustible material, in combination with a sufficient
quantity of an oxidizer such as oxygen gas or another oxygen-rich compound is exposed to a
source of heat and is able to sustain a rate of rapid oxidation that produces a chain reaction.
This is commonly called the fire tetrahedron.

FUEL:

The essential element of fire is fuel which burns in combustion process in form of solid, liquid
or gas. Fuels can be defined as a substance that generates energy either by burning in the
existence of oxygen or by a chemical reaction. It acts as an energy source to produce fire. In
plan words anything which burns in combustion (fire) is called fuel, it is found in following three
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categories:
a. Solid

b. Liquid

c. Gas

Every fuel has its different ignition temperature, when it achieves that specific temperature it
starts burning. These fuels also has their specific chemical composition which effects are
exposed when they decomposes and start burning. Heat intensity, smoke colour, flame shape
and toxic gases all these fire factors depends upon chemical composition of respective fuel.
Due to different atomic composition these fuels behave differently while burning. This
composition difference causes different classes of fire which demands/ required different
equipment and procedures to fight.
Molecules of solid fuel are well arranged they need more heat to decompose and combustion
while molecules of liquids has some loss grip so they take shape of their container, combustible
liquids burn more easily than solids. Molecules of gases has more loosely bind than solid and
liquids and can easily be oxidized. It is difficult to see/ detect a gas in normal environment so
combustible gases needs great care to handle.
Fuel is the fire element which can not be eliminate from workplace, it should be place and
managed the way it can be removed or reduced in case of fire. Management and employees
should know the ignition temperature of fuel and distance from heat source at workplace.
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CHARACTERISTICS OF FUEL

• Flammability
• Mix ability
• Volatility
Flammability is the ability of a chemical to burn or ignite, causing fire or combustion. The degree
of difficulty required to cause the combustion of a chemical is quantified through fire testing.
Usually materials are rated as highly flammable, flammable and non-flammable. Knowing the
flammability of a chemical or a material is very important for its storage and transport. Strict
measures shall be taken to prevent fire for flammable materials. The ability to support
combustion is called mixability of fuel. Volatility is that how easily a fuel vaporizes, if the boiling
point is low the fuel evaporates more quickly and may mix with ambient gas more rapidly to
form a combustible charge.

1. HEAT:

The second element of fire is fuel which increases temperature of fuel to its ignition
temperature. Fuel and oxygen can not be eliminate from work place. The only element of fire
is heat which can be managed and control at work place. Following are the main sources of
heat:
a. Open flame (match, candle, fire)
b. Hot work (Welding, gas cutting, grinding)
c. Hot surfaces, frication
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d. Sun light, electrical energy

e. Compression of gases

The second element of fire is heat which actually causes the fire by increasing the temperature
of fuel to ignition temperature. There are different sources of heat as open flame of candle,
match or fire itself, welding, grinding, sun light, compression of gases, heated iron, electrical
short circuit etc. Fuel is essential for any business process domestically or commercially at any
work place. As petrol and diesel cannot be eliminated from a petrol pump, wood, wood chips
and wood dust particles cannot removed from a saw machine, in the same way warehouses
cannot be emptied.

2. OXYGEN:
Third element of fire is oxygen which is present in environment and chemically react with fuel
in presence of heat and fuel start burning. Following are the main sources of oxygen:
a. Environmental air
b. Oxidizing agents

21% oxygen is present in environment and 16% is required for combustion process which
cannot be avoided. Sufficient amount of oxygen can also be achieved from oxidizing agents
which possess the oxygen in it, when it under go in chemical reaction, it causes fire. The only
thing that can be managed and controlled at work place is temperature. Extreme care should
be exercised while placing any fuel with oxidizing agents.

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 3. CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION:

If chemical chain reaction will start and sustain the fire will remain burning and if this process
is knocked down by removing anyone of the first three elements then fire will out. Chemical
chain reaction is cyclic repetition of combustion process and keep alive the fire, it can be
achieved by conduction, conviction or radiations during fire so fire become a self-sustain
process.
These elements are also known as fire triangle of fire tetrahedron.

PRODUCTSOF COMBUSTATION

There are two types of fire products which are thermal and non-thermal as heat, flame and
smoke and toxic gases respectively. Intensity of heat is varied from fuel to fuel while burning,
colour and shape of flame is depending upon type of fuel.
Some of the fuel (hydrocarbon) may not completely burn during combustion and therefore is
released into the atmosphere along with the products. The products that are formed during
combustion of fossil fuels are generally of five types which are as under:

a. Carbon Dioxide
b. Carbon Monoxide
c. Sulfur Dioxide
d. Nitrogen Oxides
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UPON DISCOVERY OF FIRE FOLLOW THE R.A.C.E.

1. Remove persons from immediate danger

2. Alert others in near vicinity and Administration
3. Contain Fire and Smoke (close doors)
4. Evacuate and/or Extinguish

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AUTOIGNITION POINT OF SELECTED SUBSTANCES

Employees should know the flash point fuels being used at workplace. Factors which may
cause variation in temperature include partial pressure of oxygen, altitude, humidity, and
amount of time required for ignition. Flash point of some fuels are as under:

• Diesel: 210 °C (410 °F)

• Gasoline (Petrol): 246–280 °C (475–536 °F)
• Butane: 405 °C (761 °F)
• Paper: 450 °C (842 °F) or 218°-246°C
• Magnesium: 473 °C (883 °F)
• Hydrogen: 536 °C (997 °F)

For paper, there is considerable variation between sources. Part of this is because it takes
longer for combustion to start at lower temperatures. The ignition point for some common fuels
and chemicals - butane, coke, hydrogen, petroleum and more The Auto-Ignition Temperature
- or the minimum temperature required to ignite a gas or vapor in air without a spark or flame
being present - are indicated for some common fuels below:

Temperature
Fuel or Chemical
(oC) (oF)
Acetylene 305 581
Butane 420 788
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Carbon 700 1292

Charcoal 349 660
Ethane 515 959
Hydrogen 500 932
Gas oil 336 637
Gasoline 280 536
Kerosene 295 563
Light gas 600 1112
Methane (Natural Gas) 580 1076
Naphtha 550 1022
Petroleum 400 752
Propane 470 878
Wood 300 572

OXIDIZERS, INERT AND FLAMMABLE GASES

Compressed gases can be classified as 1) Oxidizers 2) Inert gases 3) Flammable gases

OXIDIZERS:
Oxidizers are not flammable by them self, but will contribute to combustion as an oxidant. Fat
or oil is not acceptable in combination with oxidizers. Some common oxidizers are Air, Chlorine,
Fluorine, Nitric Oxide, Nitrogen Dioxide and Oxygen.
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INERT GASES:

Inert gases do not take part in combustion processes and they do not react with other materials.
An inert gas supplied to a room or limited space will reduce the amount of oxygen and limit a
combustion process of a fire. Inert gases are used in extinguishing systems where it is
important to avoid water damage - rooms with electronic devices etc. Some inert gases are
Argon, Carbon Dioxide, Helium, Neon, Nitrogen and Xenon.

FLAMMABLE GASES:

Flammable gases together with air or oxygen in the right concentration burns or explodes if
ignited. If the mixture is to lean or to rich the mixture will not ignite. Some flammable gases are
Acetylene, Ammonia, Arsine, Butane, Carbon Monoxide, propane, Ethane, Ethylene, Ethyl
Chloride, Hydrogen, butane, Methane, Methyl Chloride, Propane, and Propylene.

HASEEN HABIB ASSOCIATES

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Chapter-3 CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE

Fires are classified according to the nature of fuel involved such as solid, liquid and gas etc.
The classifications allows selection of extinguishing agents along lines of effectiveness at
putting the type of fire out, as well as avoiding unwanted side-effects. For example, non-
conductive extinguishing agents are rated for electrical fires, so to avoid electrocuting the
firefighter. Multiple classification systems exist, with different designations for the various
classes of fire. The United States uses the NFPA Standards system, Europe uses the
European Standard of fire Classification (EN) UK uses British Standards (BS) system.
Following fire classification is as per NFPA Standards:

1. Class A fire
2. Class B fire
3. Class C fire
4. Class D fire
5. Class K fire

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1. CLASS ‘A’ FIRE (Ordinary Combustibles fire):

It is solid fuel fire of organic nature such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber or some plastics
become heated to their ignition point. This fire is deep seated, consumes whole fuel starting
from one point to another. It gives white smoke and leave ash after burning. It is extinguished
by water using cooling method. AFFF and DCP can also be used as secondary extinguishing
agent.

2. CLASS ‘B’ FIRE (Flammable liquid and gas fire):

It is flammable or combustible liquid or gas such as petrol, diesel, paint, chemicals and
methane, butane, propane, acetylene etc. The NFPA system designates all such fires "Class
B". In the British fire classification system, flammable liquids are designated "Class B", while
burning gases are separately designated "Class C". A solid stream of water should never be
used to extinguish this type because it can cause the fuel to scatter, spreading the flames. In
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class B liquid fire upper layer of liquid burns while remaining fuel remained unburned. This fire
gives dense black smoke, AFFF will form a blanket and will isolate the oxygen, This fire can
also be extinguished by inhibiting (breaking chemical chain reaction) which is done by dry
chemical powder (DCP), Gaseous fire produce uniform flame and never produce smoke.
Starving method can be used by closing down liquid fuel/ gas supply pipe line valve.

3. CLASS ‘C’ FIRE (energized electrical equipment fire):

Fires involving energized electrical equipment is called class C fire. This sort of fire may be
caused by, for example, short-circuiting machinery or overloaded electrical cables. These fires
can be a severe hazard to firefighters using water or other conductive agents. After removal of
electricity, fire may be fought in the same way as an ordinary combustible class A fire, but
water, foam, and other conductive agents are not to be used. CO2 is the most suitable
extinguishing agent, while DCP can also be used.

4. CLASS D FIRE (light metal fire):

Certain metals are combustible, fires involving such metals are known as "Class D" such as
sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, titanium, uranium and lithium. Generally, metal fire
risks exist when sawdust, machine shavings and other metal 'fines' are present. It produced
immense temperature with glaring flame. Never use water on class D fire, this fire can
decompose the water. As we know that water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen, hydrogen
burns and oxygen helps in burning.
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Metal fires be fought with "special dry powder" extinguishing agents. Dry powder agents work
by smothering and heat absorption. The most common of these agents are sodium chloride
granules and graphite powder. Metal fires represent a unique hazard because people are often
not aware of the characteristics of these fires and are not properly prepared to fight them.

CLASS K FIRE (Cooking oils and fat fire/ kitchen fire):

Fires involving cooking oils or fats are known as "Class K" under the American system, and
"Class F" under the British system. Though such fires are technically a sub-class of the
flammable liquid class, the special characteristics of these types of fires are considered
important enough to recognize separately. Saponification can be used to extinguish such fires.
Appropriate fire extinguishers may also have hoods over them that help extinguish the fire.

Wet chemical agent fire extinguisher is recommended fire kitchen fires, fire blanket is also
essential for kitchen and cooking areas.

Haseen Habib House

Head Office Karachi

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Chapter - 4 FIRE SPREAD METHODS

Fire can spread in any direction by one of the following ways.

1. Conduction of heat
2. Convection of heat
3. Radiation of heat

Conduction:

In this process heat travels from atom to atom and ignites the next adjacent fuel. Atoms vibrate
or revolve under the influence of heat depending upon conductivity of material/ fuel. Metals are
the best conductors of heat than liquids,

2. Convection:

Heat released in combustion process, heats up the surrounding air causing it to rise and cold
air rushes from the sides to take place and fill the gap of the rising hot air. Thus convection
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currents are set up and all the surroundings are heated up. These hot currents may have high
enough temperature to ignite any combustible material that may come in contact. Heating of
water is one of the best example of convection.

3. Radiation:

With this phenomenon heat is transferred from one place to another place by means of heat
waves. Amount of heat energy due to radiation decreases with distance between source and
target.

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Chapter-5 FIRE EXTINGUISHING METHODS

The detection of any fire occurrence demands immediate attention and prompt reaction before
it develops into a major fire and spreads around the other parts of the building or organization.
It needs fair knowledge of effective extinguishing methods. So it is necessary to select suitable
extinguishing method and media with regard to the class of fire.
The basic principle of firefighting is to knock down the fire tetrahedron by eliminating any one
or more of its components (heat, fuel, oxygen or chain reaction), through one of the following
methods;

1. Smothering
2. Cooling
3. Starvation
4. Inhibition

1. SMOTHERING:
It implies either we completely shut off oxygen supply or reduce it to the level, so that it can no
longer support the combustion process (i.e. below 8% to 14% of oxygen). This can be achieved
through one of the following actions.

a. Mixing: Mixing with inert gases or vapors (e.g. CO2) so that oxygen
concentration sinks below the level to support combustion process.

b. Separation To separate the burning layer of the burning material to come in

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contact with oxygen in air is called separation.

c. Emulsification In certain cases of heavy liquids such as lubricating and oils

fire, the water droplets are whipped into the burning upper surface of the liquid, where
by creating a non-combustible water/oil emulsion layer between, the air and deeper
layer of flammable liquid, isolating it from the oxygen. This process is called
emulsification.

d. Dilution Dilution of burning liquids such as acetone, alcohol, glycol and glycerol
that mix with water easily, is another way to extinguish their fire. This off sets the balance
of flammable mixture of vapors/oxygen thus achieves extinction.

2. COOLING:
This involves the lowering of temperature of the burning material to reduce or arrest the
production of flammable vapors. This in fact also slows down the chain reaction. Distributing,
transporting or binding the heat produced by the combustion can achieve the reducing of
temperature.

3. STARVATION:
In most cases if possible portion of combustible materials which is not on fire, might be
removed/ reduced from the location of fire and let the fire die out consuming the remaining
material. However, in certain cases it can be very useful and efficient especially involving
gases where, gas supply can be shut off by turning off a valve. Similarly turning off the valves
of petrol, diesel etc in case of liquid fires.
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4. INHIBITION (BREAKING THE CHAIN REACTION):
Some substances have the unique effect of interfering and interrupting the combustion process
between the molecules of oxygen and flammable vapors of the fuel. Substances have such
qualities are called inhibitors e.g. halogens). This process is called inhibition or breaking of
chain reaction. DCPs are most suitable inhibitors.

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Chapter- 6 FIRE EXTINGUISHING MEDIUMS

In order to decide the application of suitable medium for extinguishing a fires, one should to
know the properties of this medium as well as their limitations. If we choose the wrong one, we
may get the adverse effects and may create an even more adverse situation. Some mediums
have combined effects of extinguishing properties, such as AFFF is used for smothering as
well as for cooling and same is for CO2 gas. However, some mediums have exact extinguishing
characteristics (e.g. Halons and chemical powders). The mediums commonly being used for
firefighting are as under:

1. Water Cooling agent

2. AFFF Smothering and cooling agent
3. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Smothering and cooling agent.
4. Dry Chemical Powders Inhibition. (breaking chain reaction)

1. WATER
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Water is a cooling agent and cooling is achieved due to its high thermal capacity and when it
is converted into steam, its smothering characteristic comes into action and dilutes oxygen
around the fire zone. It can be used in many ways. Solid jet from the fire hose nozzle is suitable
for deep-seated fires of class A and using as a spray or fog is good for cooling the surrounding
areas. It also provides water shield against radiated heat for fire fighters. It can also be used
for flooding a compartment, where fire is in the bottom and is inaccessible through normal
means.
Normally water is not recommended for use on oil fires because of following reasons.
1. It will splash the burning oil out of the container, if not used gently, thus it will aggravate
the situation by spreading fire to other areas.
2. Secondly, added quantity of water will sink down into the bottom of container causing
oil to slope over the sides and spread the fire to the surrounding areas.
3. Similar situation will be created when sunken water starts boiling and shall generate
steam. This expansion will in turn cause burning oil to over flow and spread over a large
area. This process is termed as boil over.

2. AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM (AFFF)

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is synthetic, non-toxic, film forming liquid based on flouro-
chemical wetting agents designed for use with fresh water or seawater. It produces an aqueous
film (layer) to float out over the surface of a burning fuel, forming a vapor seal which
extinguishes fire and prevents re-flash. This sealing action will also take place on fuel spillages,
the securing them from re-ignition. It is as effective against solid fuel fires as it is against liquid

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fuel fires and in each case, should be sprayed directly over the fire especially at one point to
achieve complete coverage.
There are two types of AFFF are used that 6% and 3% and even 1% also. It is also of various
categories as ARAFFF, AFFFP, and FFFP etc. It is mainly smothering agent and it also has
cooling effect. It should be light to float on flammable liquid yet heavy to resist wind. Most foam
concentrates have a long storage life, however, the excessive temperature and contact with
open air reduce its foam making capability. AFFF has 20 years shelf life since manufacturing.
The foam tanks should be kept closed and placed correctly in study racks, free from vibration
and damages.

3. CARBON DIOXIDE GAS (CO2)

It extinguishes fire mainly by smothering. It dilutes air surrounding the fire until oxygen content
in it become too low to support combustion. It is most suitable for energized electrical
equipment fires. It can be used on fires of Class ‘A’ and ‘B’ fires.
For class ‘A’ fire it can be used only in confined spaces and for class ‘B’ fire it is used where
main consideration is to keep flammable vapors separate from oxygen in air. Normally it is in
gaseous form but non-combustible gas. Under pressure, it is easily converted into liquid form.
It does not damage the machinery and equipment. However, it has asphyxiating effects on
attendants. Therefore, breathing apparatus must be used when entering CO 2 filled spaces. It
is approved for use in cargo compartments, tanks, pump rooms, machinery spaces and tool
lockers etc. containing high value, which would be damaged by using water, foam or dry
chemical powers.
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4. DRY CHEMICAL POWDERS

Dry chemical powders extinguish the fire inhibition or smothering, however, some powders
provide cooling as well. These are developed to control and extinguish combustible metal fires
(Class ‘D’). Some of such metals are magnesium, potassium, titanium and zirconium etc. in
case of metal fires, extinguishing medias other than dry powders may accelerate or spread fire,
injure personnel, cause violent reaction and explosion or crate conditions much more
hazardous than original fires.

5. HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS (HALONS):

These are made up of carbon and one or more of the halogen elements, such as Fluorine,
Chlorine Bromine and Iodine Both Halons (1211 BCF) and (1301 BTM) enter the fire area as a
gas and they break the chain reaction and knockout the flame very efficiently. They inhibit
chemical reaction between fuel and oxygen molecules. Halons also have inerting effect (cutting
of oxygen) to prevent re ignition as long as they are in the fire zone. CF (1211) has some
cooling effect as it leaves the discharge horn in a liquid/vapor state.

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Chapter-7 CAUSES OF IGNITION Of FIRE

A famous saying is that accidents may not occurs they develop so employees should know the
common and special causes of fire at work place and at home. Following are main causes of
fire:
• Common causes of fire
• Open flame
• Fire/ fire work
• Candle
• Cigarette
• Match flame
• Cooking operations
• Hot work
• Welding
• Gas cutting
• Grinding
• Special causes of fire
• Dust explosion
• Chemical reaction
• Gas compression
• Spontaneous ignition

Causes of Electrical Short Circuit

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Short Circuit can occur due to low resistance, weak insulation, loose connection, over load of
circuit, placing or dropping of tool on energized circuit and negligence.

Safety Precautions of Electrical Short Circuits

• Personnel who are working on alive/ non alive electrical circuits, they should have thorough
knowledge about the circuit.
• They should use proper and insulated tools.
• Do not work alone at electrical circuits and do not wear wrist watch or ring.
• Personnel must wear rubber gloves.
• CO2 fire extinguisher should be placed at nearest point when working.
• Always work on electrical circuit with right hand.
• Rubber mat must be placed on the working place.
• Tag out procedure should be adopted.
• Personnel should have thorough knowledge about first aid in case of electrical shock.

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WHEN MAN ON FIRE PROCEED AS FOLLOWS:

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Chapter-8 FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES

Fire prevention is equally important as firefighting training, fire equipment and other fire safety
factors at work place. Following should be considered for fire safety at workplace:

• Smoking policy at work place

• Paint work related fire preventions
• Hot work related fire preventions
• Flammable, explosive material handling instructions
• Electrical safety at work place
• Storage of various types of fuels at work place with respect to dada sheet
• Housekeeping, cleanliness and layout of workplace
FIRE PREVENTION PRACTICES:

a. All private electrical equipment (iron, mobile, radio set, any other) of every employee at
work place must be checked safe by the Electrical Department and logged to avoid any fire
incident.
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b. Clothes and other flammables must be kept clear of electrical heaters, hot equipment and
hot systems.

c. Smoking should only take place in spaces, and situations where it is safe to do so. Do
not smoke in your bed. Do not smoke when moving around the fire hazardous areas. Do not
flick cigarette butts or pipe knockings over the fire hazardous side/ areas. All smoking materials
must be extinguished and placed in a suitable container, eg a steel gash bin with cover or ash
tray with water.

d. Living spaces are to be kept tidy with all personal gear stowed in the kit lockers, which
should be securely closed.

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e. Electric irons and soldering irons are to be switched off when not in use and are to be
allowed to cool before being stowed away. These appliances must not be left unattended when
they are switched on.

f. All paints and painting materials are to be returned to the Paint Store completion of work
in accordance with departmental orders.

g. All other highly flammable materials, such as solvents, aerosols, some adhesives and
liquids, gases and petrol, are to be used in accordance with the manufactures’ instructions, or
current departmental instructions, and when not required for immediate use, are to be kept in
sealed containers. At the end of the working day, they are to be placed, and secured, in an
authorized stowage as per safety instructions.

h. All rags, especially wet oily ones, sawdust and wood chips, etc. are to be safely disposed
of at the end of the working day in accordance with safety instructions.

j. Spillages of oil, paint, solvents, spirits or other flammable liquids are to be wiped up
immediately and the dirty rags disposed of in accordance with safety instructions.
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k. When any compartment is vacated all unnecessary lighting and electrical circuits are to
be switched off. Door to any empty compartment should, wherever possible, be kept shut.

l. The welding and burning operations must be carried out as per safety policy instructions.

m. Only safety matches are to be used onboard, use steel ash tray with water at bottom.
Candle must be placed in steel plate with water at bottom if needed.

n. The use of single action cigarette lighters and the stowage of lighter fuels (petrol or
butane gas) in kit lockers are not good fire prevention practice, and are to be discouraged.

p. When not in use all cleaning gear should be stowed in approved cleaning gear stowage.

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q. On completion of the working day all gash bins from living spaces and waste bins from
workshops must be emptied, and the waste disposed of in a safe manner. It is recommended
that gash bins and spit kids in living spaces should again be emptied before sleeping.

r. Immediately inform your supervisor or safety concerned staff, if any quantities of oil,
other flammable liquids or any ignition source observed around the workplace/ organization,
so that action can be initiated for their safe and timely removal.

s. When not in use, TV sets, radios, electric fans and other similar appliances are to be
switched off and disconnected from the power source. Care must be taken not to obstruct
ventilation of such appliances.

t. On completion of work all papers, packs and books should be stowed in drawers, lockers
or other approved stowage.

HASEEN HABIB ASSOCIATES

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Chapter – 09 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

A portable fire extinguisher is handheld first aid fire protection device used to extinguish or
control small fires, it is first line of defense against fire at initial stage. It is not intended for use
on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e.,
no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire
department. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel
containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire.

All types of extinguishers should be inspected at least once a year. The extinguisher is
checked to make sure it has proper pressure (gauge in green or proper cartridge weight), has
the correct volume of extinguishing agent, is within the required hydrotest and internal
maintenance intervals, is in good condition and all external parts are serviceable. Hydro static
test of each extinguisher is carried out 5 yearly. The type of extinguisher is identified by a colour
coding as indicated below. Extinguishers colour coading as per standard BS EN 3 or NFPA-10
is as under.

• Water extinguishers are coloured signal red.

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• Other extinguishers will be predominantly signal red with the manufacturers label, a
band or circle covering at least 5% of the surface area of the extinguisher of a second
colour to indicate the contents of the extinguisher.

It is important to know their type, duration, range, identification and effects upon using. Every
employee must know:
o Where to find?
o How to use?
o Which is suitable according to class of fire?

1. 9 LTRS AFFF SPE

The 9-liter SPE (stored pressure extinguisher) aqueous film forming foam is a first aid FF
appliance for attacking all types of fires. AFFF has smothering, cooling and sealing action.
Foam blanket also give protection against re-ignition and cool the liquid fuel. Foam is heavy
than air and lighter than liquid. It contains 8.6 liter of water and 0.4 liter of AFFF and charged
with dry air 7-10 bar. Percentage of water and AFFF is 94% and 6% respectively. Its effective
range is 6.5 to 7.5 meters. Its duration is 40-50 seconds. The colour of delivery hose is yellow.
Delivery hose is fitted with shroud instead of jet nozzle.

2. 9 LITERS WATER SPE

It is the most suitable for solid fuel fire, which is A class fire. Water is normally used for rapidly
cooling of comlustilele material lelom its ignition temperature, thus extinguishes fire and
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prevents re-ignition. It contains 9 liters of water charged at 07-10-bar air pressure. Effective
range up to 6 meters, duration is 40-50 seconds, colour of delivers hose is red and hose is
fitted with jet nozzle.

3. DRY CHEMICAL POWDER FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Dry powder (Potassium sulphate, Silicon carbonate) is a very fast medium to extinguish the fire
by inhilerting chemical chain reaction. It is ideal for galley fires, which is class ‘B’ fire.
Extinguishers are available in 1, 2 kg and 10 kg, charged at 7-10 bar air pressure. Its effective
range is 6 to 7 meters and duration is 2 sec/kg so 10 kg DCP extinguisher is 20 second. Colour
of delivery hose is blue which is fitted with aspirator type nozzle.

4. CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) FIRE EXTINGUISHER

CO2 smothers flame and reduces the oxygen content of air around the fire. As CO 2 is non-
conductive and it is particularly effective against electric equipment fires as well as class B and
Class C fires. Effective range is 2 meters, duration is 7 second/Kg and pressure is 850 PSI.
CO2 portable extinguishers are available in 2 Kg, 5 Kg, and 7 Kg. Colour of delivery hose is
black and a horn fitted with hose instead of nozzle and shroud.
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RECHARGING OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS (Water type, AFFF and DCP)

Once the extinguisher has been used/ discharged it can be recharged/ refilled by following
procedure. The extinguishers are to be recharged with water, AFFF solution and DCP
accordingly as follows:

a. Shake the used extinguisher and squeeze the operating lever to vent any remaining
pressure.
b. Unscrew the discharge head assembly, complete with the siphon tube, and with draw it
from the shell.

c. In case of water/ foam extinguisher, wash out the inside of the shell thoroughly with
clean water.
d. In case of water extinguisher pour 9 liters of clean fresh water.

e. In case of foam extinguisher pour 8.6 liters of clean fresh water, top up extinguisher with
0.4 liters of 6% AFFF, making the contents 9 liters.

f. Replace the discharge head assembly and HAND tightens.

g. Remove the air charging valve dust cap and connect the nitrogen gas or compressed
air supply to the charging valve.

h. Charge the extinguisher until 10-14 bar pressure is indicated on the gauge.
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j. Recharging of CO2 fire extinguisher need complete refilling system different than other
extinguishers or sent to local market.
k. Normally organizations has outsource the repair/ maintenance and refilling of portable
fire extinguishers.

HASEEN HABIB ASSOCIATES

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 Classes of Fire and Fire Extinguishers

S Class & Fuel Fuel Examples Fire Extinguishing Extinguishing

Symbol Extinguishers Media Method
General Wood, cloth, Water, DCP Cooling
1 combustible papers, hay,
solids plastics

Flammable Petrol, diesel, AFFF, DCP Smothering

2 liquids and oils, paints and
gases methane, butane,
acetylene,
hydrogen etc.

Energized Industrial CO2 and Cooling and

3 electrical equipment and DCP Smothering
Equipment home appliances
fire

Metal fire Sodium, Special DCP Smothering

4 magnesium,
potassium,
magnesium etc.
5 Kitchen fire Deep fryer, fat fire Wet Cooling
and cooking oils Chemical
agent
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OCCUPANCY WISE FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENT as per NFPA Standards

Type of Portable Trolley Fire Fire Alarm Fire Fire Hose Fire Stand Fire
Occupancy Fire Mounted Blanket System Hydran Reel System Pipe Suppression
Extinguisher (in t System
cooking System
area)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Residential Yes No Yes Yes Yes As per FRA Yes In data
Educational Yes No Yes As per FRA Yes No Yes centers,
server room or
Health Care Yes No Yes As per FRA Yes As per FRA Yes
in any other as
Commercial Yes As per FRA Yes Yes Yes As per FRA Yes per FRA
Industrial Yes As per FRA Yes Yes Yes As per FRA Yes No
Storage Yes As per FRA Yes As per FRA Yes As per FRA No No
Assembly Yes No No As per FRA No No No No
Temporary Yes No Yes As per FRA No No No No

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Chapter- 10 DEPARTMENTAL FIREFIGHTING ORGANIZATION

Every workplace where five or more than five employees’ works must has safety policy, it is
the duty of owner/ top management to make ensure fire safety arrangements at workplace.
Apart from firefighting training and provision fire protection equipment, it is the responsibility of
top management to ensure fire safety management as preparation of firefighting organization
and placement of fire safety signage to generate positive safety culture.
Fire safety organization improves the discipline, division of employees, unity of command and
span of control. The Fire Department Organizational Chart is an important thing since it
concerns protecting a large number of people and properties. Every employee of the
organization or department should take part in fire emergencies, he or she has to be
potential fire fighter. Essential firefighting parties are as under:

• Parties of firefighting
• Initial attack
o Anybody who watches the fire at first, his duty is to should raise vocal alarm of
fire fire fire, inform the fire department or any concerned. Try to extinguish the fire
and give information to fire department.
• First attack party
o Nominated personnel of department for first attack to proceed on scene of the
fire and fight fire with appropriate firefighting equipment at initial stage of fire.
• Support party
o The support party may be formed of trained and qualified firefighters in full
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• First aid party

o This party is composed by trained first aider to provide medical first aid to
causalities in case of fire.
• Cordon off party
o This party will stop the entry and exit in case fire to reduce the panic, to facilitate
the firefighters and also to save the evidences on the scene of fire.
• Traffic control party
o This party will facilitate the fire tender to approach on the scene of fire and also
to ambulances for causality handling.
• Rescue party
o This party will any type provide extra support at scene of fire. It may be of removal
of debris, of shifting of causalities of fighting the as second support party.
• Salvage party
o This party will remove and shift the expansive and essential items of the
department, but these items must be marked and identified with the word
“Salvage” so that they can be saved in case of fire emergency.

Composition of parties depends upon number of employees in the department, normally 2 to 3

personnel are required and sufficient for each party. Moreover, fire safety signage as
• Entrance/ Exit/ Escape Route
• Building evacuation plan
• Assembly point

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Top management should place essential fire safety information and signage at prominent
places in the organization/ department.

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Chapter- 11 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM

Fire detection and alarm system is designed to discover fires early in their development when
time will still be available for the safe evacuation of occupants. Early detection also plays a
significant role in protecting the building by emergency response personnel. Property loss can
be reduced and downtime for the operation minimized through early detection because control
efforts are started while the fire is still small. Most alarm systems provide information to
emergency responders on the location of the fire, speeding the process of fire control.

To be useful, detectors must be coupled with alarms. Alarm systems provide notice to at least
the building occupants and usually transmit a signal to a staffed monitoring station either on or
off site. In some cases, alarms may go directly to the fire department. These systems have
numerous advantages, the one major limitation is that they do nothing to contain or control the
fire. Main components of fire detection and alarm system are as under:

1. Fire alarm control panel

a. Conventional fire alarm panel
b. Addressable fire alarm panel
c. Multiplex fire alarm panel
2. Fire detector
a. Smoke detector
i. Photoelectric smoke detectors
ii. Ionization smoke detectors
b. Heat detector
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i. Spot type
ii. Line type
c. Flame detector
i. Intelligent flame detector
ii. Beam detector
iii. IR3 flame detector
3. Manual call point
a. Pull station
b. Manual call point
4. Hooter
a. Hooter with flasher
b. Hooter without flasher
5. Modules
a. Input/ output module
b. Control module
c. Monitor modules
6. Electrical wiring and fittings

Details of each component is as under:

FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL:

A fire alarm control panel (FACP), fire alarm control unit (FACU), or simply fire alarm panel is
the controlling component of a fire alarm system. The panel receives information from devices
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designed to detect and report fires, monitors their operational integrity and provides for
automatic control of equipment, and transmission of information necessary to prepare the
facility for fire based on a predetermined sequence. The panel may also supply electrical
energy to operate any associated initiating device, notification appliance, control, transmitter,
or relay.
There are four basic types of panels: coded panels, conventional panels, addressable panels,
and multiplex systems. The most resent and efficient type of control panel is addressable fire
alarm panel which gives accurate location of fire on floor and in compartment. While,
conventional fire alarm panel inform fire in zone not inform about compartment. Addresses of
the compartment are fed by software. Addressable and conventional fire alarm panel require
24 Volt lead acid back-up batteries, available in several capacities and sizes.

FIRE DETECTORS:

Detectors are available in a wide variety of types. The major categories are heat, smoke, flame,
beam and IR/ IR-3 flame detectors. Within each category are numerous additional specific
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types. Several varieties of detectors, such as flame detectors, are used primarily to activate
suppression systems, they are available in several types. These types are divided into two
major categories; spot and line. Spot detectors are single units installed in single locations
throughout the protected area. Line detectors provide a continuous detector throughout the
area of coverage along with wiring system.

Spot type heat detectors are most commonly fixed temperature, rate of rise, or combination.
Fixed temperature, as the name implies, operate at a specific temperature. Detectors mounted
at the ceiling level may get quite warm from the heat collected by the roof during the day. This
temperature rise occurs gradually, though, and a rate-of rise detector compensates for it. Beam
detectors and IR3 detectors are also used for large area long range locations.

Smoke detectors are available in a variety of types. Photoelectric smoke detectors operate
based upon light scattering within the detection chamber of the detector. Light is projected
through the chamber and will be scattered if it strikes smoke. This light, reflected off the smoke
in the chamber, is detected by a photocell.

Ionization smoke detectors detect the particles in smoke. As smoke passes through the
chamber, the particles are ionized. These particles may then be detected by charged plates in
the detector. Smoke detectors are also available in combination with a heat detector. The beam
type detector operates when the beam is interrupted by obscuring smoke between the laser
emitter and receiver. These detectors are most often used in areas of large open spaces.

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SUPERVISORY AND NOTIFICATION DEVICES

Numerous supervisory devices can be connected to the fire alarm control panel. For example,
a tamper switch may be placed on water control valves for automatic sprinkler systems. If this
valve is closed by an unauthorized person, the tamper switch will send a supervisory signal to
the control panel, alerting your people to the problem. Supervisory devices are available for a
wide variety of applications.

Systems may be addressable or non-addressable. The fire alarm control panel can
communicate individually with each device. In non-addressable systems, detectors may be
divided into zones based on all of the detectors being on the same pair of wires, but the control
panel cannot determine any information about an individual detector.

Initiating devices are elements of the system that originate a signal. Manual call point/ Manual
pull stations, detectors, and supervisory devices (hooters) are included in this group of
components. A manual pull station is essentially just a switch that activates the alarm system
when operated by a building occupant. Pull stations should be positioned so they are easy for
occupants to find. They are typically located along routes of travel that would be used while
exiting the building. In conventional fire alarm system all devices such as detectors, sounders
and call points are connected to the control panel through separate wire or cable instead of
shared one, in other words, the first end of the wire is connected to the detectors and second
one to the panel. There are two types of wiring is used as A type and B type of wirings in fire
alarm system.
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CHAPTER – 12 FIRE HYDRANT SYSTEM

Fire hydrant system is a source of water supply that delivers water with adequate pressure and
flow rate through a network of pipes, hydrant, fire hoses and nozzles throughout the building
for firefighting purposes from water tank through various pumps of pump room. Being one of
the oldest but yet the most effective and common firefighting solution, a well-designed and a
well laid out Hydrant System forms the backbone of the entire firefighting system. It comprises
of heavy duty above and underground piping with accessories.

Categories of fire hydrant:

• Dry barrel fire hydrant

• Wet barrel fire hydrant

Dry barrel and wet barrel are the two kinds of Fire Hydrants. The wet barrel fire hydrant holds
a constant water supply, while the dry barrel fire hydrant needs to have a valve release to let
water in. It is designed to provide rapid access to water in the event that a fire breaks out. Fire
Brigade Connections are installed as standalone systems which act like building-specific fire
hydrants, providing fire protection which will be readily available to fire fighters. But this system
is basically for employees to respond in event of fire as first responder.
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Pump room Zone isolation assembly

In pump room there are vertical jokey pump, electrical pump and diesel pump. Also pressure
relief valve, inlet and outlet headers, various valves and pressure gages along with fittings.
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 FB 5X

Y-piece
Firefighting stand pipe system

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One way hydrant two way hydrant three way hydrant nozzles
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Fire Hose

Fire Hose, Hose Reel and fire hose cabinet

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Components of the fire hydrant System
• Firefighting pump room
• Jockey pump with controller
• Electrical pump with controller
• Diesel pump with controller
• Electrical Wiring in pump room
• Pressure relief valve
• Water tank
• Under water tank
• Over head or gravity tank
• Underground piping system
• Fire hydrant ATR Fire Pump
• One way, Two ways and three ways fire hydrant NFPA Compliant
• Fire hose and Hose cabinet
• Firefighting nozzle
• Jet nozzle, Multipurpose nozzle (jet and spray)
• Fire brigade connection point
• Fire hose reel system and Stand pipe system
Fire hydrant installation consists of a system of pipe work connected directly to the water supply
main to provide water to each and every hydrant outlet and is intended to provide water for the
firemen to fight a fire. The water is discharged into the fire engine form which it is then pumped
and sprayed over fire. Where the water supply is not reliable or inadequate, hydrant pumps
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should be provided to pressurize the fire mains.

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The Fire Pump Station comprises of the Jockey Pump, Electric Driven Pump and Stand-by
Diesel driven Pump. The pump operation is automatic through pressure switch contacts based
on header Pressure in the hydrant network. The delivery of the jockey pump and main pump is
connected to the common delivery header.
The Fire Hydrant Line is always kept pressurized with water. In the event of any minor pressure
drop in the system, the pressure reaches the preset pressure setting for Jockey pump, the
Jockey pump will start automatically to compensate the pressure differential. In the event of
opening one or more hydrant valve for fighting fire the Jockey pump will not be able to make
up this water loss resulting in further pressure drop. When the falling pressure reaches the
Preset pressure for main pump, the main pump will start automatically. In case of electric supply
failure, stand by diesel engine driven pump will come into operation.
Water Tanks:
Water storage tanks supply water for water-based fire protection systems as fire hydrant, fire
sprinkler and stand pipe system. There are several types of tanks that can be used as a water
supply such as gravity tanks, suction tanks, and pressure tanks.

Gravity Tank/ Overhead Tank:

Gravity tanks are elevated water tanks that utilize gravity to provide pressure. They might be
capable of providing the necessary pressure to operate a fire suppression system on their own,
or they can be used to provide water to a fire pump.

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Chapter-13 FIREFIGHTING SPRINKLER SYSTEM

A fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection method, consisting of a water supply system,
providing adequate pressure and flow rate to a water distribution piping system, onto which fire
sprinklers are connected. Generally fire sprinkler system is installed in factories, warehouses
and large commercial buildings etc. types of fire sprinkler systems are Wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-
action, and deluge are four types of fire sprinkler systems. Each of these systems helps prevent
flames from spreading and reduces fire damage. The main difference between these types of
fire sprinkler systems is their applications and how they activate which is as under:

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1. Wet pipe fire sprinkler system:
Wet pipe fire sprinkler’s pipes contain water and are the most common type of fire sprinkler
system. The process to activate a wet pipe fire sprinkler is simple. When a fire sprinkler element
(bulb in sprinkler head) reaches a designated temperature, it breaks and releases the water.

2. Dry pipe sprinkler system:

Unlike wet pipe systems, dry pipe fire sprinklers are filled with nitrogen or pressurized air. The
air pressure holds a dry pipe valve closed and prevents water from entering the system. When
a fire sprinkler detects a sudden temperature increase it activates and the air pressure drops
in the system. This causes the dry pipe valve to open and floods water into the dry pipe fire
sprinkler system. Then the activated fire sprinkler discharges the water. Since dry pipe fire
sprinklers contain no water, they’re ideal in areas subject to freezing temperatures.
Warehouses, parking garages, and attic spaces often utilize this type of fire protection system.

3. Pre-action fire sprinkler system

Pre-action fire sprinkler systems contain pressurized air or nitrogen instead of water. Activating
pre-action systems is a two-step process. First, a heat or smoke detector must detect a fire
which then sends a signal to open the pre-action valve. This fills the system with water. Next,
a fire sprinkler head must detect an increased temperature to indicate a fire. Once, the fire
sprinkler opens water immediately pours onto the fire. Pre-action fire sprinklers two-step
activation process helps prevent accidental system activations. This makes these types of fire
sprinkler systems ideal for applications such as museums, server rooms, libraries, and data
farms.
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4. Deluge fire sprinkler system

High hazard facilities utilize deluge fire sprinkler systems since the open style sprinkler heads
can discharge water quickly. Unlike the other types of fire sprinkler systems, these sprinkler
heads always remain open and activate all at once. These systems also contain no water nor
pressurized air. Once a heat or smoke detector detects smoke or heat, the deluge valve opens
and sends water to all the fire sprinklers. This allows water to discharge from each sprinkler
head. When highly combustible material catches on fire the flames can grow and spread
immediately. That’s why facilities like aircraft hangars, industrial plants, and manufacturing
companies need a fast-acting deluge fire sprinkler system.

There are a number of different types of fire sprinkler heads that meet different needs. Things
which needs to be understand are operation types (fusible link vs. bulb), the distribution types
(pendant, upright, sidewall), and response temperatures. All wet-pipe sprinklers are held closed
by either a fusible link or a glass bulb that contains a heat-sensitive liquid.

A fusible link sprinkler head has a two-part metal element that is fused by a heat-sensitive
alloy. The link holds the pip cap, or plug, in place. Once the ambient temperature around the
sprinkler head reaches a specified temperature, the alloy releases and the metal elements
separate, which causes the pipe cap to fall away. Water is then released. Note that water is
only released by sprinkler heads where the ambient temperature reaches a specified level.

Glass bulb sprinkler heads have a small glass reservoir that holds a heat-sensitive liquid. This
glass bulb holds the pipe cap in place. When the ambient temperature of the liquid reaches a
certain level, the liquid expands causing the glass bulb to break, which allows the pip cap to
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fall away releasing water. As with the fusible link heads, water is only released where the
ambient temperature reaches a certain level, which helps limit water damage.

Sprinkler Response Temperatures

Since ambient air temperatures can vary widely depending on the use of a space or
surrounding environment, sprinklers come rated for different activation temperatures. The table
below is based on NFPA-13 (table 3-2.5.1) however, manufacturers may have sprinklers with
different temperature ratings.

Maximum Sprinkler
Fusible Link
CLASSIFICATION Ceiling Activation Glass Bulb Color
Color
Temperature Temperature
Orange (135°F);
Ordinary 100°F 135°F - 170°F black; no color
Red (155°F)
Yellow (175°F);
Intermediate 150°F 175°F - 225°F White
Green (200°F)
High 225°F 250°F - 300°F Blue Blue
Extra High 300°F 325°F - 375°F Purple Red
Ultra High 475°F 500°F - 575°F Black Orange
Ultra High 625°F 650°F Black Orange
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Haseen Habib Trading Offices Addresses

Haseen Habib House Shams Shams Chambers

65-C, Street-7 Shahrah-e-Liaquat, Main Jami
Main Jami Commercial P.O Box: 4468, Karachi
HAD Phase-IIV, Karachi HAD Phase-IIV, Karachi
Ph: 021-35806241-7 Ph: 021-32424957, 32428803
Fax: 021-35806240 Fax: 021-32410294
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

UAN: 111 SAFETY (723 389) UAN: 111 SAFETY (723 389)
163 Commercial Broadway Sector-D 27, First Floor, Services Plaza
Phase-VIII DHA Lahore The Mail, Rawalpindi
The Mail, Rawalpindi Ph: 051-5523696
Ph: 042-35700855 Fax: 051-5512476
Fax: 042-35700856 Cell No. 0333-1327459
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

52
CHAPTER – 14 GASEOUS FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

A fire suppression system of clean agent is any product designed to stop a fire from spreading.
Suppression agent put out fires by eliminating heat or oxygen or by disrupting chemical
reactions. When the system activates, the agent travels from the cylinder to the protected
space, either directly through the detection tube or through connected hoses or nozzles. It gets
the name suppression system as it aims to hold back the fire and the damage it may cause.
Preventing the fire from spreading mitigates losses and allows time for emergency personnel
to respond. Two common types of fire suppression systems are engineered and pre-
engineered systems. An engineered fire suppression works by flooding an entire room with
clean agent. Clean agents are gases as FM-200, NOVAC-1230, IG-55 etc. that suppress fires
without harming humans or equipment.

Prime requirement of gas clean agent fire suppression system is air tight integrity of
compartment or space. This system has its local fire detection system with auto suppression
mechanism. This system has its own all detection system components as fire alarm panel,
hooter, and manual call point etc. additionally.

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FIRE MAIN TYPES OF FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM:

1. GAS SYSTEM-FM 200:

Gas systems are stored as liquid, with nitrogen used to pressurize it. When released the FM200
chemical agent has a chemical reaction with the fire and extinguishes it. This type of system is
best suited to data rooms, switch rooms or communication rooms.
Advantages
• Stored as a liquid so takes up less space.
• Easy to install because the cylinder is usually in the same room.
• No reduction of oxygen so it’s safe for humans on discharge.
Disadvantages
• FM-200 does not travel well (because of the pressure) or is rarely cost effective over inert
gases if it’s a large room or the gas requires diverting to different areas/rooms. You need
to store the cylinders as close to the application as possible.

2. KITCHEN FIRE SUPPRESSION – CHEMICAL FOAM:

This system is specifically designed for commercial kitchens. Nozzles are placed under the
cooker canopies and will propel a water-based agent with a chemical foam type mix over the
risk. The trigger is usually a heat link or manual pull switch.
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Advantages
• Easy to use
• Less chases of damage
• No electronics/ electrical work on most systems
Disadvantages
• As some kitchens take hours to cool down, the install usually has taken place late at
night when the kitchens are not working.
• Expensive & can take longer to clean up compared to water mist
• Have to use stainless steel pipe-work and fittings

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3. Water mist fire suppression system
Water mist systems are commonly replacing sprinklers in big data rooms, other large areas
and local applications. These systems can be used for flammable liquids and electrical rooms,
the mist evaporates and causes a starving of oxygen effect rather than cooling.

Advantages
• Agent is cheap or free so it’s not expensive to cover a large area, and it’s also quick
and easy to replace after discharge.
• No mess and flooding – when compared to chemical kitchen fire suppression and
sprinklers.
• No large water storage or pump power requirements – when compared to sprinklers
that need large pumps (sometimes with back up) and tank reservoirs.
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Disadvantages
• Still not widely recognized as an alternative to sprinkler and gas.

4. Foam deluge fire suppression system:

Foam deluge systems are mainly suitable for large applications where you cannot use water
or gas. These tend to be external such as transformers, oil tanks and oil storage silos. A simple
sprinkler type application disperses a foam concentrate mixed with the water to provide the
typical expanding agent (the same as with extinguishers).

AFFF Foam bladder tank

Advantages
• Good for external areas and covers large areas.
• Protects flammables liquids – airports, aircraft hangers, oil storage.
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Disadvantages
• Wet agent so you to need to consider the electrical risk.
• Messy – clean up required.

5. Pneumatic heat detection tube fire suppression system

This is essentially an extinguisher with a valve and a length of heat detection tube which acts
as the detection and propellant feed for the agent. When the temperature reaches a certain
level around the pipe it blows a small pressurized hole in the pipe, which then propels the
agent directly onto the risk. This suppression system is ideal for boats, vehicles, small
machinery, electrical switch cabinets and fume cupboards.

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Advantages
• Small amount of agent required as it’s assumed it will attack the fire at smouldering
stage
• Low install and maintenance cost – no moving or electrical parts, no pipe work and
only a small amount of agent required
• Can install in small intricate areas such as machinery
• Mobile – can take out and install elsewhere
Disadvantages
• Cannot guarantee it will work if the fire is large
• No standards to design/install to
• Not a high spec solution
• Difficult to cover large area (high ceilings, rooms)

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Chapter-15 FIREFIGHTING SUIT AND BREATHING APPARATUS (BA)

FIREFIGHTING SUIT

A firefighting suit is the most important protective tool for firefighters to save them from the
extreme level of heat. A firefighting suit is also known as a fire proximity suit and is designed
to protect firefighters from both flames and intense radiant heat. The firefighting suit saves the
firefighters by absorbing the heat and reduces the impact of external heat to the inside of the
body. It enables firefighters to enter a fire for short periods in order to perform specific high-risk
firefighting and fire rescue operations. They are also used in industrial applications to protect
against extremely high temperatures.
A firefighting suit is made from the material that absorbs the heat and protects the wearer from
the heat. The commonly used material for firefighting is Nnnox asbestos fabric, current models
use vacuum-deposited aluminized materials.

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There are basically three layers of the suit. Each layer performs its function to keep the
firefighter secure.
1. The outer layer:
The outer shell is the durable component of the fire suit. The outer layer is a hard shell and is
made from Nomex and kelver. This layer has a very high thermal degradation temperature and
serves to protect the wearer physically from the direct effects of the environment (flames,
smoke, and heat). It also provides protection against abrasion, cuts, lacerations and chemicals.
2. Moisture barrier
The moisture barrier is the second layer of a fire fighting suit. Its main function is to provide
protection against the penetration of water and certain chemicals. It prevents the firefighter
from getting burned by hot steam and simultaneously provide breathability and insulation to
allow the firefighter to cool off by sweating, and therefore, the overall level of comfort and
protection for the wearer.
3. The thermal barrier
This is the innermost layer of the fire suit and it plays a very crucial role in protection. It is made
from Kevlar-based fibers woven into the material. This layer blocks flames from entering inside.
It can absorb three-quarters of fire heat. It can block the temperature ranges from 400-800oC.
This layer also protects the moisture barrier from the damages coming from the inside part of
the garment. A slick liner will provide a perceived sense of comfort as the wearer won’t need
to fight with the undergarments to put on or move in the suit.
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Types of firefighting suit
Firefighting suits are of different types which are as under:

1. Aluminized fire suit

This suit contains 5 pieces overall, internally lined with wool fabric, provided with a pouch
for breathing apparatus containment and protection. Aluminized fire suit is Wide shape,
frontal opening fastened by press-stud buttons covered by the flap. Elastication at
sleeves and legs bottoms. Trousers are provided with adjustable braces and a waist
adjuster.
Boots are outlined for maximum comfort, wearability and undress provided with frogs for
adjustment and clinging. Soles made of high-temperature resistance material, internally
covered by wool and in the outer part by 100% KEVLAR bouclette. Five fingers glove
with a long cuff and split leather reinforcements on the palm.

The hood has a full shape and allows the use of a mask and breathing apparatus. It is
composed of an adjustable inner safety helmet and a golden antidazzle visor, thickness
5 mm. Elasticated armpit braces closed by press stud’s buttons are provided in three
positions for hood proper setting. The overall is provided with carrying bag. The garment
is manufactured in the absolute absence of asbestos fibers. The material of the outer
layer is aluminized FIRETEX fiberglass fabric and lined with a wool fabric granting
comfort during the intervention.
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2. Fire resistance suit

The material of the outer layer of the fire-resistant suit is ProTect Aramid IIIA® 4.5oz
woven. The material of the second layer is ProTect Aramid Knitted fabric. The fourth
layer is made of 100% FR woven cotton fabric with a sweat-absorbent finish. The two
parts of the jackets of the fire resistance suit are attached with stainless snap stud
buttons. FRT Velcro neck protector. ProTect Aramid® III-A knitted wrist grips. Three
loops for fall protection belt of Fire Resistant suit. Radio hanging loop. Adjustable cuff
with FR Velcro. It has two covered pockets on the left side, two front pockets at the
downside flap, and high visible FR reflector tapes.

The trouser of the suit has 2 back pockets with snap buttons of the flame retardant
suit. The Waist can be adjustable with postman buckles. Fly holding in auto-lock hook
with snap buttons on the downside. It also has Reflector tape at the bottom knee on the
inner side of the flame retardant suit.

4. Nomex fire suit:

A Nomex fire suit is a common piece of firefighting equipment. Nomex fire suit is made
out of Nomex III-A. The suite consists of a coat, pants, Nomex hood, firefighter helmet,
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firefighter boots & firefighter gloves. On the top of the firefighter head mask is the suit
hood. The hood protects the portions of the head not covered by the helmet and face
mask from the intense heat of the fire. The suits can withstand up to 1,000-degree heat
and are up to three times lighter than typical turnout gear. This suit requires low
maintenance and has a longer service life.

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BREATHING APPARATUS (AB)

A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), sometimes referred to as a compressed air

breathing apparatus (CABA) or simply breathing apparatus (BA), is a device worn to provide
breathable air in an atmosphere that is immediately dangerous to life or health. They are
typically used in firefighting and industry. The term self-contained means that the SCBA is not
dependent on a remote supply of breathing gas (e.g., through a long hose).
A SCBA typically has three main components: a high-pressure bottle, a pressure regulator, and
an inhalation connection (mouthpiece, mouth mask or face mask), connected together and
mounted to a carrying frame.

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Types of breathing apparatus:

A self-contained breathing apparatus may fall into one of two types which are as open-circuit
or closed-circuit.
a. Close circuit breathing apparatus
The closed-circuit type, also known as a rebreather, operates by filtering, supplementing
and recirculating exhaled gas. It is used when a longer-duration supply of breathing gas
is needed, such as in mine rescue and in long tunnels, and going through passages too
narrow for a big open-circuit air cylinder. Before open-circuit SCBA's were developed,
most industrial breathing sets were rebreathers.
b. Open circuit breathing apparatus
Open-circuit industrial breathing sets are filled with filtered, compressed air, rather than
pure oxygen. Typical open-circuit systems have two regulators, a first stage to reduce
the pressure of air to allow it to be carried to the mask and a second stage regulator to
reduce it even further to a level just above standard atmospheric pressure. This air is
then fed to the mask via either a demand valve (activating only on inhalation) or a
continuous positive pressure valve (providing constant airflow to the mask).
An open-circuit rescue or firefighter SCBA has a full face mask, regulator, air cylinder,
cylinder pressure gauge, remote pressure gauge and a harness with adjustable
shoulder straps and waist belt which lets it be worn on the back. Air cylinders are made
of aluminum, steel or of a composite construction (usually carbon-fiber wrapped.) The
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 composite cylinders are the lightest in weight but they also have the shortest lifespan
and must be taken out of service after 15 years. Air cylinders must be hydrostatically
tested every 5 years. During extended operations, empty air cylinders can be quickly
replaced with fresh ones and then refilled from larger tanks in a cascade storage
system or from an air compressor brought to the scene.
POSITIVE VERSUS NEGATIVE PRESSURE:
Open circuit SCBAs use either "positive pressure" or "negative pressure" operation. A negative
pressure system relies on the internal pressure of the mask dropping to below the ambient
pressure to activate flow. If the mask does not seal perfectly, some leakage of ambient gas into
the mask will occur which can be a problem with toxic or irritant smoke and fumes.
A positive pressure system slightly pressurizes the interior of the mask and activates flow when
the pressure difference is reduced, but still above ambient. If the mask leaks, there will be
continuous flow to maintain the pressure, and no inward leakage is possible. With a good fit
this is economical on gas and prevents contamination. If the mask falls off the regulator will
continuously expend gas trying to raise the pressure and may consume a significant amount
of gas before it is corrected.
EXTENDED DURATION BREATHING APPARATUS (EDBA):
EDBA has a low magnetic signature and is a positive pressure, first breath activated,
lightweight, low maintenance set, fitted with a 9-liter air cylinder capable of being charged to
300 bars. The set comprises a one size face mask with a net head harness an ergonomically
designed backplate with a comfortable flame-retarding harness, a light weight composite air
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cylinder, a high pressure reducing valve, a warning whistle and a pressure gauge. The
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facemask assembly is fitted with an oro-nasal mask, and exhalation valve, and an automatic
first breath operated positive pressure demand valve.
The demand valve is designed to be re-set by pressing the black rubber re-set button (on the
demand valve). This closes of air to the facemask enabling it to be removed. The demand valve
is also fitted with a manually operated bypass knob, which allows a free flow of air into the
facemask, in case the wearer gets into difficulty. On the surface it pushes against the edges of
the wearer's face, causing a tight seal despite small variations in head shape. The mask can
have a large viewport, or small eye lenses. The mask might have a small orinasal breathing
mask inside, reducing breathing dead space.
The set must be charged to the highest pressure available from the HP air system, up to a
maximum of 300 bar. The duration at various charge pressures is:

a. 300 bar: 48 min working duration + 12 min whistle = 60 min.

b. 240 bar: 39 min working duration + 12 min whistle = 51 min.
c. 207 bar: 33 min working duration + 12 min whistle = 45 min.
d. 200 bar: 32 min working duration + 12 min whistle = 44 min.
e. 160 bar: 24 min working duration + 12 min whistle = 36 min.
Note. The warning period will be 12 minutes only if the whistle is correctly at 55 bar and will
depend on the individual wearer and the task being carried out.

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DONNING AND FUNCTIONAL CHECKS

With assistance from the BA Controller, the wearer dons the set as follows:
a. Removal the facemask from the stowage clop. Place the facemask neck strap
over the head and allow the facemask to hang on the chest. The neck strap must be
worn under the firefighter’s hood.
b. Release the bands securing the set in its lockers, and pass the right arm through
the right shoulder straps. Lift the set clear of the locker and pass the left arm through
the left shoulder strap.
c. Adjust the shoulder straps by pulling them down the wearer’s back towards the
cylinder. Fasten the waist belt and chest strap, taking care not to overtighten.
d. Check that the bypass knob is off and the demand valve (DV) reset button is
pressed.
e. Open the cylinder valve fully and check that the warning whistle sounds briefly.
If the whistle is not heard to operate when the cylinder valve is opened:
(1). Shut the cylinder valve. Open the bypass knob to reduce pressure to 55
bar, at which point the whistle should sound.
(2). Close the bypass knob. If the whistle still does not operate, it is defective
and the set must not be used. The BA Coordinator must be informed.
f. On completion of the test, open the cylinder valve fully. The BA Controller enters
the wearer’s name on the control board.

FACE SEAL CHECK

When the wearer is required to commence a task, the following routine is to be carried out:
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a. Place the chin in the chin cup, pull the head harness back over the head and
tighten the head harness straps.
b. Inhale sharply to activate the demand valve (DV) first breath mechanism, then
breathe normally.
c. Twist the DV gently to confirm tat the locking catch is fully engaged.
d. Open the DV bypass knob and check that there is a free flow of air into the mask.
Set the bypass knob to off.
e. Shut the cylinder valve and then open it one quarter of a turn. Take a deep
breath. Shut the cylinder valve and check that there is no sound of escaping air, and
that the pressure gauge reading does not fall by more than 10 bar (One division on the
dial) in 10 seconds.
f. Open the cylinder valve fully, breath normally and check that the gauge reading
is steady. If it is not, check that the cylinder valve is fully open. If the gauge fluctuates
when the cylinder valve is fully open, do not use the set.
g. Test the distress alarm.
h. Check protective clothing and proceed on task.
Note:
1. If the wearer is not required immediately, take a deep breath, press the black rubber
reset button on the DV to close off air to the facemask. Remove the facemask and allow it to
hang on the chest.
2. The face seal check must be performed each time a wearer dons the facemask for
operational purposes.
3. The BA Controller must enter on the control board, the time at which the wearer starts
to breathe from the set.
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hapter-17 FIREFIGHTING SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

• Thermal imaging camera (TIC)

Thermal imaging cameras are devices that translate thermal energy (heat) into visible light in
order to analyze a particular object or scene. The image produced is known as a thermogram
and is analyzed through a process called thermography. Thermal imaging cameras are
sophisticated devices that process the captured image and display it on a screen. These
images can be used for immediate diagnosis or processed through specialized software for
further evaluation, accuracy and report output. Thermal imaging cameras take measuring
temperature to the next level; instead of getting a number for the temperature you get a picture
showing the temperature differences of a surface. It is used to allocate the seat of fire in dense
smoke to facilitate firefighting.
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FOAMAX-7 FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT

RAM FAN DESMOKING EQUIPMENT

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The Ram fan range of portable fans provide reliable ventilation with strong airflows of oxygen
for confined spaces and explosive atmospheres. Ventilation is essential to making explosive
atmospheres and confined spaces safe. Confined spaces can have a lack of oxygen or the
presence of poisonous and flammable gases, dusts, fumes or vapours. These explosive
atmospheres can be ventilated using ram fan in order to make the hazardous area environment
safe to work.t flow performance for the right mission.

AIR COMPRESSOR FOR BA REFILLING

An air compressor is a pneumatic device that converts power (using an electric motor, diesel
or gasoline engine or etc.) into potential energy stored in pressurized air (i.e., compressed air).
By one of several methods, an air compressor forces more and more air into a storage tank,
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increasing the pressure. When the tank's pressure reaches its engineered upper limit, the air
compressor shuts off. The compressed air, then, is held in the tank until called into use. [1] The
energy contained in the compressed air can be used for a variety of applications, utilizing the
kinetic energy of the air as it is released and the tank depressurizes. When tank pressure
reaches its lower limit, the air compressor turns on again and re-pressurizes the tank. An air
compressor must be differentiated from a pump because it works for any gas/air, while pumps
work on a liquid.

Compressors can be classified according to the pressure delivered:

1. Low-pressure air compressors (LPACs), which have a discharge pressure of 150

pounds per square inch (10 bar) or less
2. Medium-pressure air compressors (MPAC) which have a discharge pressure of 151
to 1,000 pounds per square inch (10.4 to 68.9 bar)
3. High-pressure air compressors (HPACs), which have a discharge pressure above
1,000 pounds per square inch (69 bar)

Technical illustration of a two-stage air compressor

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EDBA recharging air compressor

HYDRAULIC CUTTER

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LIFTING BAG

DE-FLOODING PUMP

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Chapter-18 TYPES OF OCCUPANCIES

A place where someone spend time and leads his life is called occupancy. Every occupancy
has its own specific layout school, hospital, factory, airport, shopping mall and warehouse etc.
and specific fire safety requirement. Some occupancies only required portable fire
extinguishers as fire safety requirement, some are needed fire hydrant system too, while some
are required fire detection and alarm system, fire sprinkler of fire suppression as clean agent
fire suppression system as well. There are different types of occupancies which are as under:

a. Residential occupancy
• House, Flat, High rise, Hotel

b. Educational occupancy
• Montessori, School, Collage, University

c. Health care occupancy

• Clinic, Hospital

d. Office occupancy
• Offices

e. Commercial occupancy
• Markets, Malls
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f. Industrial occupancy
• Factories, Plants

g. Storage occupancy
•POL storage, General storage, Racked storage

Assembly occupancy
• Auditorium, Theater, Mosque

h. Temporary occupancy
• Marquee, Public gathering

Division of an organization (factory/ area) in to fire risk zones

A factory or an area must be divided in to fire safety

zones which are as under:

1. Light fire risk zone

2. Moderate fire risk zone
3. High fire risk zone

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 HOME AND KITCHEN FIRE SAFETY

A fire that starts inside of a kitchen or cooking area is referred to as a "kitchen fire." It may
result from a number of things, such as unsupervised cooking equipment, hot oil or grease,
electrical problems, or flammable objects near heat sources. One of the most frequent forms
of fires in homes and commercial buildings are kitchen fires, which, if improperly treated, can
spread quickly.
A kitchen fire extinguisher is a unique type of fire extinguisher made exclusively to put out
kitchen fires. A kitchen fire extinguisher should always be within reach since it can help put out
and control a fire before it spreads, preventing significant damage and serious casualties.
Typically, kitchen fire extinguishers are categorized as Class K/F extinguishers, designed
especially for grease, oil, and cooking oil fires. They differ from other kinds of extinguishers,
such Class A, B, C, or D extinguishers, which are designed for various kinds of fires.

Cooking oil and grease fires can be effectively put out using the specialized fire suppression
agent found in Class K extinguishers. This substance functions by lowering the flame
temperature and putting up a wall between the fuel and the oxygen required for combustion.
Some kitchen fire extinguishers additionally have a specialized nozzle or applicator that is used
to correctly and effectively apply the extinguishing solution to the flames. Understand how a
kitchen fire extinguisher works and keep it nearby so that you can use it quickly if necessary.

How to extinguish a kitchen fire:

Follow these instructions for putting out kitchen fire:
• If you have fire in oven or in the microwave, close the door or keep it closed and trun off
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the oven. Don’t open the door.

• You have a fire in a cooking pan, use an oven mitt to clap on the lid, then move the
pan off the burner, and turn off the stove.
• If you can’t safely put the lid on a flaming pan or you don’t have a lid for the pan, use
your fire extinguisher. Aim at the base of the fire — not the flames.
• Never use water to put out grease fires! Water repels grease and can spread the fire
by splattering the grease. Instead, try one of these methods.

• Smother the fire with a wet towel or other large wet cloth. Use a fire extinguisher
preferably wet chemical agent or DCP fire extinguisher. Don’t fight a fire with a towel,
apron, or other clothing.
• if the fire is spreading and you can’t control it, get everyone out of the house and call fire
department. Make sure everybody in your family knows how to get out of the house
safely in case of a fire. Practice your fire escape route.

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CAUSES OF HOME FIRE:

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Faulty electrical equipment are cause of fire

Do you have Home Fire Safety and First Aid Kit of Haseen Habib Trading?

71
10 TIPS FOR KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE IN A HOME FIRE:
Preventing house fires is the key to keeping children safe. Here are some tips that how to keep
children safe in a fire.
1. Teach children fire safety:
Teach children how to prevent and survive a fire. Explain why fire safety is important and
demonstrate safe behaviors when using fire, fire tools, and other heat sources. Explain that fire
is a tool, not a toy.

2. Install smoke alarms:

Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each home level, near sleeping areas, and in each
bedroom. Use the test button to check the smoke alarms every month and replace all the
batteries at least once a year. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do if
they hear them.
3. Teach children about firefighters:
The sight of a firefighter wearing a fire suit and mask can be scary to children. Teach children
what firefighters look like and sound like with their oxygen masks on. Take them to your local
fire department to meet firefighters and learn about fire safety.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach.

Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet. If
a child finds matches or lighters, instruct them not to handle them and to tell an adult. Use
lighters with child-lock features.

5. Keep children away from flames and heat sources.

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Never leave children unattended near stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.

6. Teach children Fire Brigade (or local emergency number).

Help children understand how and when to call fire brigade for help. If there is a home fire,
children should evacuate before calling 9-1-1. Children only need to call 9-1-1 if an adult is
not able to do so.

7. Practice fire drills.

Include children in planning and practicing home fire drills. Have fire drills at least twice a
year so children can practice their primary and secondary escape routes. Plan a fire drill at
night when the children are sleeping, but warn them ahead of time so they don’t panic.

8. Demonstrate how to escape.

Show children how they would evacuate from a room filled with smoke by crawling along the
floor to the nearest exit.

9. Get out and stay out.

If there’s a fire, get everybody out of the building, stay out, and call for help. Don’t go back
into the home to get belongings.

10. Teach children to STOP-DROP-and-ROLL if their clothes catch on fire. Stop (don’t run),
drop to the ground and cover your face with your hands. Then roll over and over or back and
forth until the fire is out.

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 HASEEN HABIB TRADING’S HOME FIRE SAFETY CHECK LIST

S No Activity Yes No
MATCH & CARELESS SMOKING HAZARDS
1 Do you keep match away from source of heat as stove or heater?
2 Do you make sure match and smoking materials are out before
disposing of them?
3 Do you keep the matches and lighters out of the reach of small
children?
4 Do you always use candle in steel plate/ metal pot?
5 Do you keep small amount of water in ash tray?
ELECTRICAL FIRE HAZARDS
6 Do you allow only qualified electricians to install or extend your
wirings?
7 Are there enough electrical outlets in every room to avoid the need for
multiple attachment plug and long extension cords?
8 Are there enough electrical outlets in every room to avoid the need for
multiple attachment plug and long extension cords?
9 Do you have special circuits for heavy duty appliances such as Fridge,
Oven, Stove, AC. Heavy duty motor etc.
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10 Do you use only 15 amp fuses for your household light circuits?
11 Are all extension cords in the open- not run under rug, over hooks, are
through partitions or door openings?
HOUSEKEEPING FIRE HAZARDS
12 Do you basement, closets and attic cleared of old rags, papers,
mattresses, broken furniture and other combustible materials?
13 After using oily polishing rags or waste, do you destroy them or place
them in covered metal cans?
14 If you stores paint, petrol, varnish etc., do you peek the containers
tightly closed after use?
HOME APPLIANCES
15 Do you turn off the stove/ oven before leaving the kitchen?
16 Do you always turn off the home appliances before leaving the home?
17 Do you clean the duck of your kitchen stove?
18 Do you switch off iron after use and let it cool before place in side?
19 Are electrical breakers of your AC and heater appropriate electricaly?
20 Never rig electrical cable behind the carpet or cloth?

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Chapter – 19 DEPARTMENTAL FIRE SAFETY DOCUMENTS

Every department has its specific documents to show its business processes and performance.
Trend analyses can be conducted for future targets and growth of organization. Fire safety
department has its own documents/ records, which can be extracted from following forms and
guidelines. Number of fire safety records or documents may be varied as per fire safety
department of organization or fire brigade requirement. Following forms and documents are
only for guidelines, Fire Officers of specific department can change or modify as per their fire
hazard requirement.

4. Fire safety standing instruction

5. Fire safety training guideline
6. Firefighting SOPS
7. Fire risk assessment form
8. Fire incident report and response form
9. Fire safety inspection guide lines
10. Occupancy wise fire protection equipment guideline

Fire Safety Standing Instruction:

Fire safety standing instruction is a document of a department which provide standing fire
safety guidelines as employee fire safety training as first responder at initial stage of fire, fire
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prevention measures at workplace, requirement of firefighting equipment as per fire hazards,

implementation of firefighting organization. Detail of each factor of fire safety standing
instruction need full explanation and justification in complete document.

Fire Safety Training Guideline

Fire safety contents should be prepared and arranged as per fire safety requirement of the
department. Make a schedule or training program of all and specific staff then arrange class
room instruction followed by practical drills of fire extinguishers, fire hose, ladder and fire pump.
Make periodical fire safety awareness campaigns in form of placement of fire safety posters,
banners, distribution of brochures etc. Arrange short courses for now entry employees and also
identify fire risk zones, smoking areas and instructions regarding paint work, welding work,
cooking operation and working in confined spaces.

Firefighting SOPS
Standard operating procedure should be made and displayed at necessary locations to
educate and facilitate the operators to bring efficient results. SOPs could be use of portable
fire extinguishers, fire hose handling, fire pump operation, report a fire incident, welding work
SOP, use of fire blanket etc.

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 HHTPL-FIRE INCIDENT REPORT AND RESPONSE FORM
(Reference: NFPA 902)

Date IC No. Call Time Call Received By _____

Caller Name Designation Contact No. _____

Information shared with
Incident Area ___________

Name of Manager/ Incharge Contact

Vehicles dispatched/ moved by the order of

Time Out First Call On Location Time Response Time

Class and Nature of Fire

Fire Vehicles Involved

1 Time Out Time In Staff
2 Time Out Time In Staff

Probable Reason (if known) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ___

Type of Fire Extinguishers used during FF ____________________________________
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Activity done by FB Staff (Mode of FF e.g, water, foam, CO2) ________________

_____________________
Nos. of Causalities and Injured Persons (use back side of the form for
complete detail)

Any Special Information/ Note

FF Duration/ On Scene Duration

Type of Burnt Material Approx extent of damage

___________________________________________________________

Type of fire detection / suppression / protection system installed

___________________________________________________________
Assistance of other unit / agency obtained

Incident Leader Control Room Operator ___________

Shift Incharge / Duty FO Chief Fire Officer

Remarks by incharge fire safety

Manager Fire Safety

(Note: This form provides basic information only, does not substitute fire incident investigation)
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 HHTPL-DEPARTMENTAL FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

Record of significant findings with regard to fire safety of occupancy

Building name Assessor
Type of occupancy Designation
Location Assessment date
No of Floors Signature
Approx Area

Step 1: Identify fire hazard at occupancy: ( Tick mark appropriate box):

Sources of fuel Sources of Ignition Sources of oxygen
Solid Yes No Gas Burner Yes No Air Yes No
Liquid Yes No Hot Plate Yes No Pressurized Yes No
Cylinders
Gas Yes No Electricity Yes No Oxidizer Yes No
Electrical Equipment Yes No Hot work Yes No Type of
oxidizer
Any other (if any) Housekeeping Good Poor Any other information

Step 2 : Identify personnel at risk at workplace:

Management Yes No Distribution of personnel
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Total personnel
Staff/ workers Yes No Disabled personnel
Visitors/ suppliers Yes No Elderly personnel
Total Employees Ladies
Duration of stay at work Children
place Patients

Step 3 : Evaluate and Remove/ Reduce Fire Risk

Risk of occurring fire High Moderate Low Remarks, if any
Risk to personnel from fire High Moderate Low
Is appropriate FF equipment present? Yes No NA
Has Fire safety audit points been addressed? Yes No NA
Is staff trained for fire safety? Yes No NA
Has all electrical fittings made safe? Yes No WIP
Are unsafe acts have been controlled? Yes No WIP
Has smoking zones been defined? Yes No N/ Yet
Has entry and exit route been marked? Yes No N/ Yet
Is main gas valve of kitchen/ cooking area Yes No -
has been marked and identified?

Step 4 : Type of firefighting equipment in occupancy

Are fire Points established as per requirement Yes No NA
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Are Fire blankets available Yes No NA
Are Trolley mounted fire extinguishers available? Yes No NA
Remarks,
Is FDA system available and operational? Yes No NA
if any
Is Sprinkler/ Suppression system available and operational? Yes No NA
Is adequate number of experienced FF staff available? Yes No NA

Step 5 : Fire Safety Management

Has Emergency Exit Route signage mentioned in building? Yes No NA Remarks,
Has fire safety awareness posters displayed? Yes No NA if any
Has emergency exit plan displayed/ informed to staff? Yes No NA
Has assembly point mentioned/ allotted to staff? Yes No NA
Has hazardous material stored appropriately? Yes No NA
Has all electrical equipment earthed and made safe? Yes No NA
Have all fire safety prevention practices been ensured? Yes No NA
Are all fire extinguishers and MCPs are un-obstructed? Yes No NA
Are all fire extinguishers are un-obstructed? Yes No NA
No of HOD monitor fire exercises (last one year)?

Step 6 : Fire Fighting Organization

Has firefighting organization been prepared? Yes No NA
Has FF organization being updated regularly? Yes No NA
Has emergency telephone numbers been displayed? Yes No NA
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Has fire safety area in-charges been nominated? Yes No

Is Fire safety training being ensured? Yes No
Remarks by departmental FF in-charge:

Departmental fire risk assessment has been carried out. All necessary Fire Safety measures have
been ensured as per departmental fire safety requirement and department is being placed in

• Low Fire Risk Zone

• Moderate Fire Risk Zone
• High Fire Risk Zone

Fire Safety Manager/ CEO

Name Desgnation Signature

77
 HHTPL-DEPARTMENTAL FIRE SAFETY AUDIT - CHECK OFF LIST

Department: Auditor:
Date: Sign:

S NO DESCRIPTION
Following fire safety factors will checked during fire safety audit by audit team
Yes/ No
1. Has Fire Safety Standing Policy been prepared?
2. Is weekly/ monthly firefighting training cum exercise being conducted?
3. Is biannually fire exercise/ building evacuation drill being conducted?
4. Is record of fire incidents being maintained?
5. Is occupancy/ building wise evacuation plan has been prepared?
6. Is annually fire risk assessment of organization being conducted?
7. Has department wise firefighting organization been prepared?
8. Has firefighting organization parties been trained/ educated?
9. Is departmental firefighting organization being updated accordingly?
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10. Is PMS of fire equipment/ systems being carried out accordingly?

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11. Is record of hydro pressure testing of extinguishers being maintained?

12. Is fire safety essential SOPs been prepared and displayed?
13. Has unit layout plan of fire hydrant and fire points been prepared?
14. Have unit layout plan of electric, gas and water lines with isolation points
available?
15. Is training of special firefighting equipment as SCBA, FF Suit, hydraulic
cutter, saw, generator, lifting bag, and compressor being imparted?
(if any)
16. How many fire safety staff is in organization?
17. Have all employees trained as initial responder against initial fire?
18. How many staff has trained/ certified as initial responder against initial
fire?
19. Has fire safety signage been displayed in organization?
20. Has fire wardens been nominated and trained for fir emergency?
21. Has fire safety awareness posters been displayed at prominent places?

78
 22. Are portable fire extinguishers as per NFPA requirement organization?
23. Are Fire Points as per fire safety requirement?
24. Have fire points been numbered in organization?
25. Have fire hydrant been numbered in a logical sequence?
26. Are Fire Blankets are held adequate as per unit fire safety requirement?
27. Are Fire Hydrants adequate as per unit fire safety requirement?
28. Are stand pipes adequate as per unit fire safety requirement? (if any)?
29. Are fire hose reel adequate as per unit fire safety requirement? (if any)?
30. Is electrical safety of organization being carried out?
31. Have gas supply isolation valve been identified?
32. Have emergency exit routes been marked as per NFPA-170 standard?
33. Have assembly points been marked at appropriate locations?
34. Are two stair cases available in large building?
35. Has FDA system installed and its what status/ staff training is?
36. Has fire sprinkler system been installed and what its status is?
37. What is operational status of fire sprinkler system?
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38. Has fire suppression system been installed and its what status is?
39. Is first aid training is being arranged in organization?
40. Is training of CPR and causality handling being arranged?

Fire Safety In-charge Sig________________

Name_______________

Fire Safety Qualified/ Certified? Yes/ No

HOD Counter Signature

Date:____________

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Chapter – 20 FIREFIGHTING DRILLS

1. Firefighting hose handling drill

2. Firefighting ladder drill
3. Firefighting vehicle drill
4. Causality handling drill
5. CPR procedure
6. Portable fire extinguisher operation

Firefighting practical and drills

• Firefighting hose handling drill

• How to fold
• How to unfold
• How to carry
• How to empty
• How to fix with other fire hose
• How to remove from other fire hose
• How to fix fire nozzle
• How to remove fire nozzle

Firefighting ladder drill

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• How to place with wall

• How to hold a ladder
• How to check a ladder

Fire vehicle drill

• How to provide a hose to firefighter
• How to say for increase pressure
• How to say for decrease pressure
• How to say for stop water

Causality handling drill

• How to position a causality

• One man carry
• Two man carry

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Fire hose handling

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FIREFIGHTING LADDER DRILL

CAUSALITY HANDLING

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Chapter – 21 BASIC FIRST AID FOR FIREFIGHTERS

Every firefighter should have basic knowledge of first aid which could be needed fir rescue of
employees or occupants in case of fire incident. A fire fighter should have well theoretical and
practical knowledge of fractures, CPR, causality handling, bandages, burn and shock etc.

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TYPES OF BANDAGE

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Chapter – 20 BASIC FIRE SAFETY RESCUE

Rescue comprises responsive operations that usually involve the saving of life or the urgent
treatment of injuries after an accident or a dangerous situation. Tools used by a firefighter might
include hydraulic cutting and spreading tools, gas cutting tools
Rescue operations require a high degree of training and are performed by rescue squad either
independent or part of larger organizations such as fire brigade, police, and military, first aiders
and ambulance services rescue operation. There are different types of rescue operations as
vehicle rescue, water rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue, structural collapse rescue
and rope rescue. But discussion in this chapter will be limited to fire fighter rescue who
proceeds to save life and fight a fire. Essential fire safety related topics are as under:

• Rescue stages
• Knots and lashing
• Elements of building construction
• Precaution on entering in a damage building
• Ropes, cables and chain
• Rescue from height

STAGES OF RESCUE:

Stage-I Clearance of surface casualties

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Stage-II Rescue of lightly trapped

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Stage-III Exploration of likely survival points

Stage-IV Selected debris removal
Stage-V Total debris clearance

RESCUE BY STAGES:

The principle of applying reconnaissance skills to each successive stage will operate
throughout. Each stage is so framed as to be generally applicable to any set of circumstances
and to any rescue task from start to finish. They are easily memorised by reference to the
mnemonic CREST:

C Clearance of surface casualties.

R Rescue of lightly trapped.
E Exploration of likely survival points.
S Selected debris removal.
T Total debris clearance.

Rescue of Lightly Trapped

This involves the recovery of those who are lightly trapped and the searching of slightly
damaged buildings to ensure that no casualties within them are unattended. Once casualties
86
have been seen or heard, or their whereabouts definitely ascertained, every endeavor should
be made to maintain contact until they are released.

In carrying out this stage, a speedy but careful examination of the damaged structures is
needed in order to determine the best and safest approach. Remember there is always a
danger of fire from electricity or gas, therefore rescuers must NOT smoke or use naked flames
when searching a building.

Normally the search should commence at the lowest portion of the building and be continued
upwards until every possible location in which casualties may be trapped has been explored.
As casualties are located, the nature and extent of their injuries will dictate the method and
speed of removal. Buildings which have been thoroughly searched should be so marked and
the following standard markings be used.

Exploration of Likely Survival Points

All likely survival points where persons may have taken refuge and in which they may be
trapped, either injured or uninjured, must be searched. It is important that emphasis be placed
on the need for searching all likely places for casualties who may still be alive, and of effecting
their release before any attempt is made to rescue victims who have little chance of surviving.
After necessary rescue fire fighter will start fire fighting operation.

TYPE OF KNOTS
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Following are the essential type of knots:

Square knot, Clove hitch knot, Bowline knot, Sheet knot, Water knot, Fisherman knot
Figure of eight knot, Granny knot, Cow knot and Reef knot

ELEMENTS OF BUILDING STRUCTURE

Basic elements of RCC building frame structure are as under:

1. Plinth
2. Colum
3. Slab
4. Beam
5. Stare case

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TYPES OF RESCUE METHODS

1. Ankle pull rescue method

2. Shoulder pull rescue method
3. Blanket pull rescue method
4. One person pull rescue method
5. Firefighter carry rescue method
6. Rescue by two rescue method
7. chair carry rescue method

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 SOME IMPORTANT NFPA CODES RELATED TO FIRE FIGHTING

Code No. Code Name

NFPA 1 Fire Code

NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

NFPA 11 Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam

NFPA 11A Standard for Medium- and High-Expansion Foam Systems

NFPA 11C Standard for Mobile Foam Apparatus

NFPA 12 Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems

NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems

NFPA 15 Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection

Standard for Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray

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NFPA 16
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Systems

NFPA 17 Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems

NFPA 17A Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems

NFPA 20 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection

NFPA 22 Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection

Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire

NFPA 25
Protection Systems

NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

NFPA 70 National Electrical Code®

NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

NFPA 92 Standard for Smoke Control Systems

NFPA 101 Life Safety Code®

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NFPA 400 Hazardous Materials Code

NFPA 402 Guide for Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Operations

NFPA 484 Standard for Combustible Metals

NFPA 495 Explosive Materials Code

NFPA 600 Standard on Industrial Fire Brigades

NFPA 652 Standard on Combustible Dusts

NFPA 902 Fire Reporting Field Incident Guide

NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations

Standard for Fire Service Professional Qualifications and Certification

NFPA 1000
Systems

NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications

NFPA 1002 Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications

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NFPA 1003 Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications

NFPA 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications

NFPA 1033 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator

NFPA 1408 Standard on Thermal Imaging Training

NFPA 1410 Standard on Training for Initial Emergency Scene Operations

NFPA 1521 Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer

NFPA 1852 Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus

NFPA 1925 Standard on Marine Fire-Fighting Vessels

NFPA 1936 Standard on Powered Rescue Tools

NFPA 1961 Standard on Fire Hose

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NFPA 1962 Standard for Fire Hose, Couplings, Nozzles, and Fire Hose Appliances

NFPA 1963 Standard for Fire Hose Connections

NFPA 1964 Standard for Spray Nozzles

NFPA 2001 Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems

NFPA 5000 Building construction and safety code

For more details regarding NFPA Standards and their implementation contact Haseen Habib
Trading Pvt. Ltd. Training Department.

Haseen Habib Trading Offices Addresses

Haseen Habib House (Head Office) Shams Chambers

65-C, Street-7 Shahrah-e-Liaquat
Main Jami Commercial P.O Box: 4468, Karachi
HAD Phase-IIV, Karachi Ph: 021-32424957, 32428803
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Ph: 021-35806241-7
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Fax: 021-32410294
Fax: 021-35806240 Email:
Email: [email protected] [email protected]

UAN: 111 SAFETY (723 389) UAN: 111 SAFETY (723 389)
163 Commercial Broadway 27, First Floor, Services Plaza
Sector-D, Phase-VIII DHA Lahore The Mail, Rawalpindi
The Mail, Rawalpindi Ph: 051-5523696
Ph: 042-35700855 Fax: 051-5512476
Fax: 042-35700856 Cell No. 0333-1327459
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

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