I.

FIRE SAFETY AND

PREVENTION
 Life Safety
 The primary goal of fire safety efforts is to protect
building occupants from injury and to prevent loss of
life.
 Property Protection
 The secondary goal of fire safety is to prevent
property damage.
 Protection of Operations
 By preventing fires and limiting damage we can
assure that work operations will continue.
FIRE SAFETY FACTS
 Fire is fast! In less than 30 seconds a small
flame can get completely out of control and turn
into a major fire. It takes only minutes for thick
black smoke to fill a house.
 Fire is hot! A fire's heat alone can kill. Room
temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor
level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level.
Inhaling this super hot air will scorch your lungs.
 .
 Fire is dark! Fire starts bright, but quickly
produces smoke and complete darkness. If
you wake up to a fire, you may be blinded,
disoriented, and unable to find your way
around the home you've lived in for years.
 Fire is deadly! Smoke and toxic gases kill
more people than flames do. Fire uses up the
oxygen you need and produces smoke and
poisonous gases that kill
 Consequences of Fire

•Loss of life
•Loss of friends or family

•Injury or disability

•Loss of home, workplace, income, job

•Loss of irreplaceable belongings

•Financial (uninsured losses and

premiums)
 What is Fire?
 The rapid oxidation of a fuel evolving heat,
particulates, gases and non-ionizing
radiation

Fire Triangle
 The “Fire Triangle”

The “Fire Triangle” identifies the three

components of any fire:
FUEL
ENERGY (HEAT)
OXIDIZER (AIR)
IF ANY ONE OF THESE IS MISSING,
A FIRE CANNOT CONTINUE
THEREFORE...
Prevention is based on
eliminating or minimizing
one of the components
of the “Fire Triangle”.
Fire Triangle

OX
YG
AT

EN
HE
FUEL

The old diagram of a fire comprised three

components: Fuel, oxygen, and heat.
Remove any one of the three, and the fire
would die. However, research has lead to
the addition of an equally important forth
component: a self-sustaining chemical
chain reaction.
Fire Tetrahedron

Each component of the tetrahedron must be

in place for combustion to occur. Remove one
of the four components and combustion will
not occur. If ignition has already occurred, the
fire is extinguished when one of the
components is removed or consumed from
the reaction.
The 4 components of fire:
• Oxidizing Agent ( Any of the various
gases that supports combustions)

Represents one of the necessary

components of fire an oxidizing agent
(typically oxygen).
• Reducing Agent ( Any material that is
reducible to combustible materials, becoming
fuels)

The material is reduce able through heat action

(pyrolysis) into component parts such as
carbon monoxide, hydrogen, alcohol, etc. These
are the fuels of fire.
• Heat, from with-in or without the material

Heat, which could be from any source

( electrical, chemical, nuclear, or mechanical,
in form of friction).
• Self-sustaining chemical chain-reaction

The interaction of the other three

ingredients. The reaction will continue until
one of the components is no longer
present either because it has consumed to
the reaction or removed to stop the fire.
Transmission of Heat
Conduction: the point-to-point
transmission of heat energy.

Convection: The transfer of heat

energy by the movement of
heated liquid or gases.

Radiation : The transmission of

energy as an electromagnetic
wave ( such as light waves, radio
waves, or X rays) without an
intervening medium.
Methods of Fire
Extinguishment
Temperature Reduction

Extinguish a fire by reducing its

temperature, enough water must be
applied to the burning fuel to absorb the
heat being generated by combustion.
Fuel Removal

The fuel source maybe removed by

stopping the flow of liquid or gaseous fuel
of by removing solid fuel in the path of a
fire. Another method of fuel removal is to
allow a fire to burn until all fuel is
consumed.
Oxygen Exclusion

Reducing the oxygen available to the

combustion process reduces a fire
growth and may totally extinguish it
over time.
Chemical Flame
Inhibition

Extinguishing agents such as some dry

chemical and halogenated agents ( Halons)
interrupt the combustion reaction and stop
flaming.
Sources of Ignition
• Smoking
• Electrical equipment
• Heaters
• Process machinery
• Contractors tools and equipment
• Arson
 Fuels
• Paper and boxes etc
• Packaging (polystyrene beads etc)
• Plastics
• Solvents
• Soft furnishings (Mattresses, cushions)
• Furniture
• Waste materials (rubbish, old pallets)
TYPES OF FUEL

SOLID - paper, wood, plastic

LIQUID - gasoline, alcohol, thinner

GAS - methane, natural gas

Combustible Metals
 COMMON CAUSES OF FIRE
Short-circuiting, overloading or poor joints in electrical
•

cables.

• Defective electrical equipment and wiring.

•Improper use or storage of flammable liquid such as

thinner and paint.

• Excessive storage of waste and scrapped materials.

• Smoking or use of naked flame.

Machines not properly maintained leading to

•

overloading.
Fire Classification
Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles
materials such as wood, cloth, paper,
rubber, and many plastic. Water is used to
cool or quench the burning material below
its ignition temperature.
Class B fires involve flammable and
combustible liquids and gases such as
gasoline, oil, lacquer, paint, mineral
spirits and alcohol. The smothering or
blanking effect of oxygen exclusion is
most effective for extinguishment and
also helps reduce the production of
additional vapors.
Fires involving energized electrical
equipment are Class C fires. Household
appliances, computers, transformers,
and overhead transmission lines are
examples. These fires can sometimes
be controlled by no conducting
extinguishing agent such as halon, dry
chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Class D fires involves combustible metals
such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium,
zirconium, sodium, and potassium. These
materials are particularly hazardous in
their powdered form. The extremely high
temperature of some burning metals
makes water and other common
extinguishing agents ineffective.
CLASS K  Is a new classification of fire as of 1998 and
involves fires in combustible cooking fuels
such as vegetable or animal oils and fats.
 Its fuels are similar to Class B fuels but
involves high temperature cooking oils and
therefore have special characteristics.
 Class K agents are usually wet chemicals.
CLASS E
 Fires involving high voltage electrical
installation and bulk LPG.

 This class of fire needs special fire

fighting operation by trained
personnel.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
- portable device used
to put out fires of
limited size.
Types:

Water-based - Class A
•

Foam-based - Class A & B

•

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)-based - Class B & C

•

Dry powder-based - Class A, B & C

•
 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

TWO TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

 Cartridge type Stored pressure type

Water Fire Extinguisher

Air-Pressurized Water (APW) are useful

for all types of small Class A Fires.
CO2 Fire Extinguisher

Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are

found as both handheld units and
wheeled units. CO2 extinguishers are
effective in extinguishing Class B and
Class C fires.
Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire
Extinguishers

Dry chemical extinguishers are among the

most common portable fire extinguishers in
use today (Sodium bicarbonate, potassium
bicarbonate, Urea- potassium bicarbonate,
Potassium chloride or Mono ammonium
phosphate)
AFFF Fire Extinguisher

Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)

extinguishers suitable for Class A and Class
B fires. They are useful in combating fires
or suppressing vapors on small liquid fuel
spills.
Combustible Metal Fire
Extinguisher

Class D fire extinguishers also uses

dry powder depending on metal fuel
fire but the active agent commonly
used is sodium chloride plus flow
enhancers.
 Each class of fire
requires its own type of
fire extinguisher.
 Types of Extinguisher-Water
• Red body
• Suitable for use on Class A Fires,
wood and paper etc
• Not suitable for combustible
liquids, cooking fats etc
• Not safe to use on fires involving
electricity
• Extinguishes by cooling
 Types of Extinguisher-Foam
• Red Body with Cream label
• Suitable for Class A and B Fires
(paper, wood and non-cooking fat
flammable liquids)
• Not suitable for use on fires involving
electricity
• Extinguishes by cooling and sealing
the surface of a burning liquid
 Types of Extinguisher-Powder
• Red body with blue label
• Best on Class B (non-cooking
fat flammable liquids) fires but
safe to use on any type of fire
• Works by chemically interfering
with the combustion reaction
 Types of Extinguisher-Carbon Dioxide

• Red body with black label

• Best on Class B (non-cooking fat
flammable liquids) and Class C
(flammable gases) fires but safe to use
on any type of fire including those
involving electricity
• Extinguishes by reducing oxygen levels
and cooling
• Beware horn can become very cold
(avoid touching in use)
 Types of Extinguisher-Fire Blanket

• Any colour body or label but they are

usually red or white
• For use on any type of fire but best
on small contained class B
(flammable liquids, may include small
cooking pans) fires and people on fire
• Can be used on microwaves
• Extinguishes by asphyxiating
 Types of Extinguisher-Wet Chemical

• Red body with Yellow Label

• Suitable for class F cooking oil fires
• Not suitable for class B fires
• Sprays foam as a fine mist to form a layer
over the oil
• Extinguishes by cooling and converting the
oil into a soap
• Misting action prevents splashing of the oil
• Requires specialist training to use
 How to Use an Extinguisher
Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep
 Pull the pin this will allow you
to discharge the extinguisher
Get the hose or nozzle ready for

use

 Aim at the base of the fire to

hit the fuel…if you aim at the
flames the extinguishing agent

will pass through and do no

good
 How to Use an Extinguisher
Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep
 Squeeze the top handle, this
depresses a button that releases
the pressurised extinguishing

agent

Sweep from side-to-side until the

fire is completely out
Remember: Start using the
extinguisher from a safe distance
away, say 2-3m, and then slowly move
forward. Once the fire is out, keep an
eye on the area in case it reignites.
Aim
at fire
Fire Extinguishers have limits...

The operator must know how to use it.

The extinguisher must be within easy reach, in

working order, and fully charged.

The operator must have a clear escape route that

will not be blocked by fire.

The extinguisher must match the type of fire being

fought.

The extinguisher must be large enough to put out

the fire.
Fire Signs
 Basic Fire Prevention
• Be mindful of Fire Safety
• Don’t block fire exits, call points or
extinguishers, know your exits
• No smoking policy
• Take care with any hot process, follow
manufacturers instructions
• Maintain any machinery
• Observe good security
• Don’t wedge Fire Doors
 On Hearing the Alarm
Observe any instructions in your building
evacuation plan
 This may include providing assistance to other persons and
 evacuating area by area

 But Generally
• Walk quickly but don’t run, closing doors behind you
• Leave the building immediately by the nearest exit
• Do not delay your exit to collect your belongings
• Do not use lifts
• Attend the Fire Assembly Point and report to the Fire Warden
or Responsible Person
• Do not return until told to do so
 Do Not Fight a Fire if

•It is bigger than a waste paper bin

•One extinguisher is not enough

•Smoke is affecting your breathing

•You cannot see the way out

•Gas cylinders or chemicals are involved

•Your efforts are not reducing the size of the fire

•There is any risk to yourself

 If You Discover a Fire
• Raise the alarm
• Fight the fire if you are
competent and you consider it
safe to do so (generally only to
facilitate escape)
• Evacuate as per normal fire
procedure
• Inform the Fire Warden or
Responsible Person
Prevent fire occurring:

 Store LPG cylinders and other flammable

materials properly.

 LPG should be stored outside buildings in

well-ventilated and secure areas.

 LPG supplies should be turn-off at the cylinder

when not in use. LPG equipment and fittings
should be properly maintained.

 Formal permit-to-work systems are often

appropriate.
 Keep tidy site and make sure rubbish is cleared
away promptly and regularly.

 Avoid unnecessary stockpiling of combustible

materials.

 Consider the need for special precautions in

areas where flammable atmospheres may
develop.

 Avoid burning waste materials on site wherever

possible.

 Make sure everyone abides by site rules on

smoking.
Preparing for fire if it happens:
Raising the alarm
 can be heard by everyone working on site over

normal background noise;

 will work when needed;

 can be activated immediately.

 Means of escape
 clear any obstruction;

 provide at least 2 escape routes;

 travel distances to safety are reduced to

minimum;
 escape routes and emergency exits are

clearly signed and never locked while working;

 provide emergency lighting;

 identify assembly point.

 Fire-fighting equipment
 located where it is really needed and is

easily accessible;
 clearly indicate its location and instructions

for usage;
 provide correct type of extinguishers depending

on class of fire;
 the equipment should be working and maintained.

 Emergency plans
 be available before work starts;

 be up to date and appropriate for the

circumstances concerned;
 make clear who does what during fire;

 conduct fire drills

 Remember to RACE during a fire

R escue – rescue clients in immediate danger.

A lert – yell out “Code Red”/”Fire” (or whatever your
facility implementing procedure dictates), pull fire alarm, dial
emergency phone number.
C ontain – Close all doors and windows.
E xtinguish/Evacuate – Extinguish small fires, evacuate
clients, if appropriate.
 Survive a Fire

How to Survive a Fire

Don’t get trapped
Cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth (when
possible)
Keep low to the floor
Don’t hide
Be determined to survive
If clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop and Roll
Once out of the building NEVER RETURN!
Providing information:

Fire action notices should be clearly displayed

where everyone on site will see them, for
example at fire points, site entrances or
canteen areas.