Fire prevention and control

TOPIC
NECESSARY TO PROVIDE FULL FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL WHILST TESTING OF MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT IS IN PROGRESS

OBJECTIVES
TO DISCUSS
What is Fire
How Fires are Initiated. How to prevent Fires

How Fires are Classified.

How to Extinguish Small Fires. How to Identify the Proper Fire Extinguisher. How to Use a Portable Fire Extinguisher.

How to Inspect a Portable Fire Extinguisher.

What to do if Trapped in a Burning Building.

BASIS
Fire is One of the Most Common Industrial Accidents. 300 Workers Per Year Lose Their Lives Due to Fire. 3 Billion Dollars Per Year Are Lost as a Result of Fire. Training Greatly Lessens the Probability of Fire.

THE SUPERVISORS ROLE

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
1. KNOW THE FIRE HAZARDS IN YOUR AREA OF CONTROL 2. GET INVOLVED IN THE FIRE HAZARD ASSESSMENTS. 3. OBTAIN ASSISTANCE FROM YOUR LOCAL FIRE INSPECTOR. 4. COMPLETE THE PAPERWORK (WORK ORDERS, POLICY CHANGES, ETC.) TO MAKE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS.

5. ATTEND THE SAME TRAINING AS YOUR WORKERS.

6. FOLLOW-UP ON THE ACTIONS YOU TOOK.

DEFINITION OF FIRE

WHAT IS FIRE?
FIRE IS A FORM OF HEAT PRODUCED BY A CHAIN PROPOSIONAL CHEMICAL REACTION OF OXYGEN, FUEL AND IGNITION / HEAT

THE CHEMISTRY OF FIRE

THE FIRE TRIANGLE:

HEAT

FUEL

OXYGEN

TAKE ANY COMPONENT AWAY, THE FIRE CANNOT SURVIVE

THE CHEMISTRY OF FIRE

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IGNITION CAN BE:

Electrical.

Chemical.
Thermal. Radiation.

THE CHEMISTRY OF FIRE

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FUEL CAN BE:

Solid.
Liquid. Gas.
In order to combust, the right mixture of oxygen and fuel must be present. SOLID LIQUID GAS

THE CHEMISTRY OF FIRE

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OXYGEN:

The fuel air mixture must be right.

People need 19 percent to live. Fire only needs 16 percent.

THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE

THERE ARE FOUR CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE: Class - A Wood, paper, cloth, rubber, some plastics.

Class - B Gasoline, kerosene, paint, propane.

Class - C Electrical equipment (with power). Class - D Metals like magnesium, titanium, sodium

THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE

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CLASS A FIRES - ORDINARY COMBUSTIBLES:

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Keep storage and working areas free of trash. Place oily rags in covered containers.

Control smoking in the area.

Limit sources of possible ignition. Keep passages and fire doors clear at all times. Know the locations of fire extinguishers.

THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE

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CLASS B FIRES - FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR GASES: PREVENTIVE MEASURES Consider nonflammable substitutes for cleaners. Only refuel equipment in well ventilated areas. Properly store flammable liquids. Use flammable liquids only in well ventilated areas. Ensure storage drums are properly grounded. Restrict hot work to authorized areas.

THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE

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CLASS C FIRES - ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: PREVENTIVE MEASURES Inspect wiring and insulation frequently. Do not rout wires under carpets or heavy objects. Ensure motors are kept clean and lubricated. Be alert of unusual odors investigate immediately. Ensure outlets and connections are not overloaded. Never misuse fuses, look for correct rating. Keep motors free of dust and excess grease. Ensure machinery is properly maintained.

THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE

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CLASS D FIRES - COMBUSTIBLE METALS: PREVENTIVE MEASURES Control dust and turnings. Follow established control procedures.

Never use wet sand or water to extinguish fires.

Moisture releases oxygen which can fuel the fire. Metal fires can burn up to 5000 degrees.

Metal fires can be extremely difficult to extinguish.

D

CAUSES OF FIRES
1. OPEN FLAME
Burners, Driers, Incinerators etc. not properly located or protected. 2. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Motor, Switches, Lights, Wiring that overheat / short out.

3. FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND CHEMICALS

Petrol, Ethers, Alcohol, Sodium, Potassium, etc. can be ignited by the smallest spark or static electricity.

CAUSES OF FIRES
Continue 4. SPONTANEOUS IGNITION Slow build up of heat in piles of rubbish, oily rags, dump waste.

5. FRICTION
Objects or materials rubbing against each other 6. SMOKING Smoking in prohibited areas / careless disposal of ashes, cigarette ends, Matches

CAUSES OF FIRES
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7. HOT SURFACES
Combustibles placed too close to Furnaces, Flues, Pipes, Soldering Irons etc. 8. PORTABLE HEATERS Gas Furnaces, Stoves, etc. too close to combustibles; poorly vented / left on by mistake. 9. WELDING AND CUTTING Welding and cutting without proper safety precaution

CAUSES OF FIRES
Continue 10. MECHANICAL SPARKS Caused by foreign metal objects in machinery 11. STATIC ELECTRICITY Static electricity that produces static sparks, most often in dry, low humidity areas. 12. ARSON Fires deliberately started

STAGES OF FIRES
1. INCIPIENT STAGE : No visible smoke, flame or significant amount of combustible particles are generated over a period of time
2. SMOLDERING STAGE : Smoke is visible but still there is no flame 3. FLAME STAGE : The point of ignition occurs and the flame starts 4. HEAT STAGE : Large amount of heat, flame and toxic gases are produced.

CONTROL OF FIRES
1. STARVATION
- By removing combustible material from the neighborhood of fire. - By removing the fire from the neighborhood of combustible material. - By sub-dividing the burning material

CONTROL OF FIRES
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2. SMOTHERING
- Prevent or impede the access of fresh air to the seat of fire by blanketing - By using form or cloud of dry chemicals.

3. COOLING
- Application of a jet or spray of water to a fire.

HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES

CLASS A FIRES - ORDINARY COMBUSTIBLES: Point the extinguishing agent at the base of the fire.
Do not attempt to put out the flames. Cool the material below its ignition temperature.

Soak fibrous material to prevent re-ignition.

Establish a fire watch to ensure no re-ignition occurs. Use water, foam or multi-purpose dry chemicals.

HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES

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CLASS B FIRES - FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR GASES: Point the extinguishing agent at the base of the fire. Do not attempt to put out the flames. Attempt to prevent oxygenation of the fire. Close solvent tanks lids etc. Know that the fire may flare up momentarily.

Use foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemicals.

HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES

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CLASS C FIRES - ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: Extinguishing agent cannot conduct electricity.

Disconnect power to the source ASAP. Ensure the extinguisher doesnt make contact.

Do not attempt to use water based extinguishers.

Electrical fires can effect circuitry downstream. Use carbon dioxide, dry chemicals and halon.

HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES

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CLASS D FIRES - COMBUSTIBLE METALS:

Multi-purpose extinguishing agent leaves a residue. The agent cools the metal to below its ignition temp. These residues are harmful to electronic equipment. Attempt to prevent oxygenation of the fire. Use agents that deprive oxygen. Know that metal fires burn extremely hot (5000 deg.). Use carbon dioxide and halon.

HOW TO SELECT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

SELECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER DEPENDS ON:

Nature of the combustibles or flammables.

Potential severity of the resulting fire. - size, speed of travel, intensity etc. Effectiveness of the extinguisher on the type material. The easy use of the fire extinguisher. The personnel available to operate the extinguisher. The physical and emotional ability of the user.

HOW TO SELECT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

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SELECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER DEPENDS ON:

The ambient conditions (wind, drafts, fumes etc.).

Adverse reactions of the extinguishing agent. Health and operational safety concerns.

Upkeep and maintenance of the extinguisher.

IDENTIFYING THE PROPER FIRE EXTINGUISHER

FIRE EXTINGUISHER MULTI-PURPOSE DRY CHEMICAL

USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

CHECK THE GAUGE

KIDS DONT T Y THIS AT HOME! Y THIS AT HOME!

USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

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PULL THE PIN

KIDS DONT T Y THIS AT HOME! Y THIS AT HOME!

USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

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SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER WHILE HOLDING THE EXTINGUISHER UPRIGHT.

KIDS DONT T Y THIS AT HOME! Y THIS AT HOME!

USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

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AIM THE EXTINGUISHER AT THE BASE OF THE FLAMES. SWEEP SIDE TO SIDE.

METHODS OF EXTINGUISHER OPERATION

FIVE METHODS ARE IN COMMON USE:

Self-Expelling - Sufficient vapor pressure to expel themselves.
Gas Cartridge or Cylinder - A separate cylinder is activated to pressurize the extinguisher to expel the agent. Stored Pressure - Extinguisher contents under content constant pressure. Mechanically Pumped - The operator activates a pump to expel the extinguishing agent. Hand Propelled - The use of scoops, pails, or buckets.

INSPECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

INSPECTION CHECKLIST

INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS:
Inspect fire extinguishers once per month. Inspect more often if local fire codes require it. Have fire extinguishers serviced once per year. Service more often if local codes require it. Document the monthly inspections on the card.

INSPECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

INSPECTION CHECKLIST

INSPECTION PROCEDURES:
Know the locations of your fire extinguishers. Determine the likely types of fires in the area. Ensure the extinguisher is the right type (A.B.C.). Inspect for rust, dents or other signs of damage. Inspect the seal for tampering or previous use. Inspect the gauge and feel the weight. Is the extinguisher full of agent? Ensure the pin, nozzle and nameplate are intact. Report missing or damaged extinguishers.

INSPECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

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INSPECT NOT ONLY THE EXTINGUISHERS, BUT ENSURE THAT AREAS NEEDING THEM HAVE THEM ON HAND. ENSURE HAZARDOUS AREAS HAVE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS POSITIONED FOR READY USAGE.

DANGER

NO SMOKING NO FUMAR

1
GAS INSPECTION CHECKLIST

KIDS DONT T Y THIS AT HOME! Y THIS AT HOME!

WHEN TO CALL FOR HELP

WHEN TO CALL FOR HELP!: If you have no escape route. If the fire begins to significantly spread. If the extinguisher proves to be ineffective. If there is a choice between life and property. If youre unsure you can handle the situation. If you are injured and it will impede your escape.

If the extinguisher is not designed for the type fire.

If any drums, gases, and like materials are engulfed.

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

EAP
INSPECTION PROCEDURES:
Read the emergency action plan. Know the evacuation alarm. Know the locations of your fire extinguishers. Know the primary and secondary escape routes. Know where handicapped workers are located. Do not use elevators, electricity may not work. Conduct periodic exercises to iron out problems. Know where the assembly point is located. Begin role call immediately at the assembly point. Inform management of missing persons.

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

EAP
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES:
Follow the plan. Do not lock doors when evacuating. Scan for injured on the way out. Do not use elevators, electricity may not work. Know where possible false exits are. Stay low to avoid smoke and toxic gases. Cover your mouth with a wet cloth. In multi-story buildings head for stairwells. In stairwells never go up! Once outside go to the assembly point.

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

EAP
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES:
Never leave the grounds unless you are in danger. - Emergency responders may search for the missing. Ensure management knows where you are! Try and remember where your co-workers are. Inform management of pertinent information.

ESCAPING FROM FIRES SAFELY

1. KNOW YOUR WAY OUT AHEAD OF TIME.
a) Prepare by Learning two different ways out of your room / building. b) Practice fire escape plan with all crew regularly. 2. KNOW WHEN TO KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED. a) If there is a fire, and you are in a room with the door closed, you may not be able to open the door and leave. Check to see if smoke is entering in your room if you see smoke, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR!.

ESCAPING FROM FIRES SAFELY

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b) If you can not safely escape from another route, stay

where you are and wait for help. c) Block the gap around the door with blanket, sheet or

clothing. If there is a window, stay in front of it, attract

the attention of someone outside, and wait for help. d) If there is no smoke, test the door by touching it with

the back of your hand as close to the top as possible.

e) If it feel hot, DONOT OPEN THE DOOR!. If no hot, open slowly and cautiously and leave the house.

ESCAPING FROM FIRES SAFELY

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3. STAY LOW TO THE GROUND

a) In a fire, smoke, Toxic fumes and hot gases harm more people than the actual flames. To avoid

breathing these combustion products, stay close to

the ground. b) Smoke naturally rises, so if there is a fire, drop to the

floor and crawl on your hands and knees beneath the

smoke until you reach the the exit. DO NOT STAND!

ESCAPING FROM FIRES SAFELY

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4. DONT RUN IF YOUR CLOTHES CATCH ON FIRE a) If fire set/ your clothing on fire, DO NOT RUN! Running fans the flames with air and Oxygen, increasing the heat and intensity of fire. Instead, drop to the ground and roll around to smother the fire. This will cut off the air and help put out the flames.

Remember : STOP , DROP , AND ROLL

ESCAPING FROM FIRES SAFELY

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5. GET OUT AND STAY OUT

a) Once you leave the house, dont go back for any reason not even for pets or valuables.

b) Head to the emergency assembly area and wait for

rest of the people to join you. c) Call fire department from the nearest phone and

give them your name and location.

d) Should a fire occur, dont panic; remember there are steps you can take to get out safely.

HOW FIRES KILL

Death caused by severe burn is only one fatal danger of fire. In fact, only about one-third of home-fire victims die from burns. The rest die from inhaling smoke and poisonous gases or lack of Oxygen. Once the fire starts, The Oxygen percentage drops rapidly. If the Oxygen percentage drop below 17% the people breathing the air will have difficulty thinking clearly and controlling their muscles. They may become irrational and uncoordinated, making escape more difficult

HOW FIRES KILL

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When the Oxygen drops into 10 to 6% breathing stops. After 4 to 6 minutes without Oxygen, brain death occurs.

Fire also produce smoke and poisonous gases.

Smoke and toxic fumes are the leading cause of death in fires.

They can kill anyone long before the flame reach them.

KITCHEN FIRES TIPS

1. Never leave cooking unattended on the stove. Always turn the cooker or oven off when you need to do something away from kitchen
2. Heat cooking oil slowly,and watch it carefully. 3. Unplug electrical appliances such as coffee pots, toaster etc. when you have finished using them. 4. Do not overload electrical outlets; plugging in too many appliances at one time could cause an electrical fire.

KITCHEN FIRES - TIPS

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5. Never wear loose clothing while cooking. Loose clothing or flowing sleeves can be easily ignited by burners.
6. Use potholders to remove pans from the oven, not towels or paper tissues, which could catch fire. 7. Keep curtains and dish towels away from the range area. A draft could blow them on to the burners and start a fire.

KITCHEN FIRES - TIPS

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8. Dont store cookies, Crackers or other items above the range or in a place which might entice children to climb or reach over the burners.

9. Turn pan handles in for safety. A pot handle hanging over the edge of your stove can be bumped in passing or grabbed by a child, causing serious burns.

FIGHT FIRE WITH PREVENTION

Keep your work area clean. Never block Fire Detection or Protection Equipment Be alert to your surroundings. Watch for potential dangers. Follow safe method of handling flammable materials Use flammable materials in well ventilated areas far from ignition sources. Dispose of chemicals and wastes properly in approved, sealed container. Never fuel machinery when it is running. Keep all electrical power cord and appliances in good condition

WORK AT WORKING SAFELY

Training is the key to success in managing safety in any environment. Attitude is also a key factor in maintaining a safe workplace. Safety is, and always will be a team effort, safety starts with each individual employee and concludes with everyone leaving at the end of the day to rejoin their families.