BASIC FIRE

SAFETY
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Internal Arrangement
introductions
• Name:
• Company:

• Occupation:
• Fire Experience:
Aims of fire fighting
Learning Objectives
On completion of this basic fire awareness and safety training, you will be able to:

• Answer the question: What is fire?

• Explain The Fire Tetrahedron
• Give examples of the causes of fire
• Explain extinguishment theory and methods
• Explain classes of fire and extinguisher selection
• Demonstrate safe operation of portable fire-fighting equipment.
• Understand actions to be taken in the event of a fire, including methods of raising the alarm and
contacting emergency services
• Understand evacuation and emergency assembly points procedures.
What is fire?

Definition:
“Fire is a rapid chemical reaction
known as combustion which occurs
when fuel and oxygen are brought
together with sufficient heat to cause
ignition."
The fire tetrahedron

The three elements of fuel, oxygen, and heat

combine in a chemical reaction to form

The Fire Tetrahedron

The fire tetrahedron : fuel
Fuel is any combustible solid, liquid, or gaseous material.

Flammable solids and liquids must undergo pyrolysis (decomposition by heat) before they will release gases
that burn

Examples of Fuel:

Wood Gasoline Propane

FUEL:
Solid, Liquid or Gaseous
The fire tetrahedron : Oxygen

The right concentration of oxygen is required to

sustain combustion
– a minimum of 16%
The air we breathe in is around 21% oxygen; our
exhaled air contains 16% oxygen!

Enough OXYGEN:
Minimum requirement of 16%
The fire tetrahedron : heat

Sufficient heat energy must be present to raise a

material to its ignition temperature or “flash
point” Normal day in Dubai

Hotter than the sun

What might be some examples of ignition sources? Ouch ouch ouch

E.g. sparks, flames, friction, convergent A little sweat on

refraction (through glass) Rather warm

HEAT:
Sufficient for the flash point of the fuel
The fire tetrahedron : chemical
reaction
Definition: “A chemical change that occurs when two or more substances combine to form a new substance.”

In the fire tetrahedron, when all three elements are present, a self-sustaining CHEMICAL REACTION
takes place which will continue until one of the components is used up or removed.

The reactions in any fire are complex, however below is an example of a simple chemical reaction
for the complete combustion of a common fuel, natural gas:

CHEMICAL
HEAT
REACTION

CH4 + 02 = 2H2O + CO2

The fire tetrahedron : review
Q1. What are the three elements of The Fire Tetrahedron?

Q2. When all three elements are present, a CHEMICAL REACTION occurs.

FUEL HEAT OXYGEN

+ + =
Causes of
fire

electrical
Causes of
fire

cookin
g
Causes of
fire

Improper storage of Chemical and cleaning

supplies
Causes of
fire

machinery
Causes of
fire

construction
Causes of
fire

arson
Causes of
fire

Carelessness
Causes of
fire

smoking
Causes of fire:

Natural causes
Causes of fire:
Review

Improper storage of
ELECTRICa cooking Chemical and cleaning
MACHINER CONSTRUC
l supplies Y TION

ARSON CARELESS smoking NATURAL

NESS CAUSES
CAUSES OF FIRE: QUESTIONS
Q1. As a group, list the ten common causes of fire

• Electrical • Construction
• Cooking Media • Arson
• Improper Storage • Carelessness
• Cleaning Supplies • Smoking
• Machinery • Natural Causes
Extinguishment theory

Extinguishment theory
Using the Fire Tetrahedron to understand
extinguishing fires

If you remove or eliminate any one side of

the Fire Tetrahedron, combustion can not
continue.

The chemical reactions within the fire are

interrupted.

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Extinguishment theory

There are four ways to extinguish a fire:

• Cooling – Remove HEAT
• Starvation – Remove FUEL
• Smothering – Remove OXYGEN
• Break the Chemical Reaction
Extinguishment theory
cooling
By removing HEAT, you interrupt the chemical reaction,
cooling the fire until combustion can not continue

The most effective way to reduce the temperature of a fire is

to apply water to it
Extinguishment theory
starvation
Removing the FUEL source effectively extinguishes any fire
e.g. turning off gas supply to a fire

Once the fuel source is exhausted, you starve the fire and
combustion can no longer take place; the fire will go out
Extinguishment theory
smothering
If the OXYGEN content of the atmosphere around the fire
can be sufficiently reduced below 15%, most combustion will
cease to continue
One example of smothering is that a cover is placed on a pan
of burning grease, starving the fire of OXYGEN and thus
extinguishing it.
Extinguishment theory
Break the chemical reaction
Certain fire extinguishers expel an agent that interrupts the
CHEMICAL REACTION, thus extinguishing the fire Dry
powder is one such example of a substance that prevents the
CHEMICAL REACTION of combustion.
Extinguishment theory

Q1: Name the four components of

extinguishment theory:

• Cooling – Remove HEAT

• Starvation – Remove FUEL
• Smothering – Remove OXYGEN
• Break the Chemical Reaction
Classifications of fire
introduction
Fires fall into one of five distinct classes. Knowing which of
these classes a fire belongs enables you to choose the
appropriate extinguisher. You need to be aware of the
classes of fire that each extinguisher is capable of
extinguishing.

The five classes of fire recognized within the UAE fire and
life safety code of practice are A, B, C, D, and K. The
classes and their approved symbols are as follows
Classifications of fire
Symbol identification

British / EU Classes

NFPA and UAE Classes

*Note that both systems are used in the UAE

Classifications of Fire: Class A
Fuel Source: Flammable solids mostly organic in nature, i.e. wood, paper,
fabrics, but do include other materials, i.e. plastic, nylon, polyester .
Class A fires are the most common. The most effective extinguishing agent is
generally water in the form of jet or spray.
Classifications of Fire: Class B
Fuel Source: Flammable liquids, i.e. petroleum, diesel, paints, etc. Flammable
liquids may be divided into two groups:
A. Those that mix with water (miscible)
B. Those that don’t mix with water (immiscible)
Class B fires are extinguished (depending on if type A or B) predominantly
water spray (A), foam (A/B), dry powder (A/B), CO2 (A/B)
Classifications of Fire: Class C (British/EU)

Fuel Source: Flammable gases including liquid petroleum gases (LPG) like octane,
propane, butane, and natural gases like methane.
These gases are usually stored under pressure as a liquid, when exposed to ambient
pressure they evaporate and become gaseous. CO2 is the preferred extinguisher.
Classifications of Fire: Class C (NFPA)

Fuel Source: Electrical in origin (AC or DC current)

Electrical fires are unique in that there is a constant supply of energized current
providing energy to the system. Only extinguished with dry powder or CO2

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Classifications of Fire: Class D
Fuel Source: Metals including magnesium, titanium, sodium,
lithium and potassium

Limestone and dry sand are normally suitable to use on Class D

fires as well as special metal powders such as graphite powder.
The use of extinguishing agents that contain water (or water
vapour) are ineffective and dangerous. Similarly, CO2 and the
bicarbonate classes of dry chemical powder (ABC powder) may
also be hazardous if applied to metal fires
Classifications of Fire: Class F / K
Fuel Source: Combustible cooking materials, e.g. cooking oils, vegetable and
animal fats, grease
Commonly occurring in commercial kitchens using deep fat fryers, Class F fires can
also occur in domestic kitchens leading to serious fire damage. Class F wet
chemical extinguishers or fire blankets (if appropriate) are used on Class F fires.
Other messy options include dry powder or CO2 which should be used if the above
is unavailable.
Classifications of fire: Review
Symbol identification

British / EU Classes

NFPA and UAE Classes

*Note that both systems are used in the UAE

Classifications of fire: questions
Q1. Classes of Fire Fuel Sources

A Flammable Solids: Wood, Paper, Plastics, Textiles, etc.

B Flammable Liquids: Gasoline, Diesel, Alcohol

C (UK/EU) Flammable Gases: LPG, Natural Gas

C (NFPA) Energized Electrical Fires

D Metals: Magnesium, Lithium, Potassium

Cooking Fires: Veg. & Animal Fats, Greases, Cooking Oils

F/K

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Q2. Pick the correct Fire Class
symbol
1 2 4 5

3 7 9

6 10
8
Parts of fire extinguisher

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Parts of fire extinguisher
types of extinguishers

In addition to the approved symbols from the UAE Code,

many fire extinguishers throughout Dubai will feature
colour coding to enable easier identification.
Each type of extinguisher may be found in various sizes
which are appropriate for the fire hazards at their location.

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types of extinguishers: colour
identification
Most commonly, a coloured band at the top
of the extinguisher indicates its type.

Some extinguishers may be in one

solid colour.

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types of extinguishers: water

• All red extinguisher

• Used on ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, rubbish
or textiles
• Contains water pressurised with compressed air

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types of extinguishers: foam

• Red with a cream band or all cream

• Use on flammable liquid fires such as petrol, oils and paint
• Can also be used on ordinary combustibles
• Contains water and an aqueous film-forming foam additive
pressurized with compressed air

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types of extinguishers: CO2

• Red with a black band or all black

• Used on fires involving flammable liquids or live
electrical equipment

53
types of extinguishers: Dry powder

• Red with a blue band or all blue

• Suitable for fires involving ordinary combustibles,
flammable liquids, flammable gases, and live electrical
equipment
• Not to be confused with “Dry Chemical Powder”
extinguishers

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types of extinguishers: Dry Chemical
powder
• Red with a blue band or all blue
• Dry chemical contains specialized powders to extinguish fires
of different types of metals
• Not to be confused with “Dry Powder” extinguishers

57
types of extinguishers: wet chemical

• Red with a gold band or all gold

• Has a liquid alkaline extinguishing agent
• Used in kitchens on deep fryer fires cooking oils and other
fats

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How to use fire extinguisher

The P.A.S.S. Method

§

p
Pull the pin, test
a
Aim for the base of the
s
Squeeze the lever
s
Sweep the nozzle as if
extinguisher fire required

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types of extinguishers:
review
How to use fire extinguisher

The P.A.S.S. Method

 How to use fire extinguisher

Exceptions to P.A.S.S.
• Foam application should not involve sweeping from side to side. The goal when using foam is to create
a blanket on the nearest side and let it flow across the burning liquid

• CO2 needs to be applied in a circular motion over the fire in order to displace the oxygen. You must
get closer to the fire than with other types of extinguishers

• In all cases, after extinguishment, back away slowly being alert in case the fire does re-ignite

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How to use fire BLANKTS
1. Remove blanket from its container by pulling cords Fire Extinguishment
2. Ensure that the fire is smaller than the blanket
with Fire Blankets
3. Hold the blanket in front of you by the top corners, wrap your hands in

the corners to protect them

4. Smother the fire by placing the blanket over it. Make sure the blanket is

covering the entire fire

5. Confirm that the fuel source has been isolated (gas turned off)
6. Do not remove the blanket for 30 minutes
7. CAUTION: If the fire is not extinguished, do not attempt to retrieve
the blanket

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Types of Extinguishers: Review

Classroom practical session

65
Emergency numbers
Upon Discovering a Fire

police Civil Defense (Fire Service)

Ambulance (DCAS)

999 998 997

Discovering a fire

Sound the fire alarm If you are not trained in the use of fire extinguishers, close all
doors and windows and leave the area

Evacuate the
building
Inform Civil Defense
(997)

Do Not Use Elevator

If it is a small fire and you are trained,
attempt to extinguish the fire and seek Gather in assembly points for accountability
the assistance of others.

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reporting a fire
1. Remain calm, Call 997
2.
3.
State your Name
Give your specific location
99
7
4. Describe the emergency
5. Describe the current condition
6. Detail any special hazards or needs, such as hazardous
materials stored on site
7. Stay on the line, unless told otherwise
8. Meet Civil Defence upon their arrival and provide
pertinent information

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Making The Right Decision: Fight or
Flight?
Only attempt to fight a fire if:
 You are trained
 You know the classification of the fire
 You have the correct type and size of fire extinguisher
 Fire is not spreading rapidly
 Smoke and heat have not filled the area
 It is safe for you to fight the fire
 You have a clear path of escape
If you can answer NO to any of the above, do not attempt to fight the fire. Close all
doors and windows and evacuate immediately

69
Smoke and Heat

warning
• Fire creates extensive heat, and dark smoke

• Heat and smoke will rise to the ceiling and begin to fill the room from the top

• Smoke contains carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and other poisonous gases

• Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death in fire victims

Exposure can be lessened by escaping from a smoke filled room by crawling

towards your exit as near to the floor as possible

70
evacuation

Make sure you are familiar with your building’s fire safety
procedures you should know who your fire warden is and
familiarize yourself with the whereabouts of your fire
extinguishers. Make sure you are aware of the different alarms
within your building and note that some alarms will change
their sound as they progress.

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Evacuation
Procedures
1. Remain calm and keep others calm (no running)
2. Be familiar with surroundings (Primary & Secondary Exits)
3. Close all door and windows if safe to do so (but don’t lock)
4. Proceed to the nearest safe exit
5. Do not use the elevator
6. Test doors with the back of your hand prior to opening
7. In a smoked filled room, crawl near the floor towards exit
8. If stuck in a room without an escape route, keep door closed open
window if possible and hang a towel outside to indicate your location

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Examples of fire
signage

73
Any
Questions?

74
Fire mock drill procedures

75
Fire warden role

Two fire wardens per area of responsibility, you should be provided with Hi-visibility vests.
(Use LIST acronym)

Likely to be the LAST to leave

Must be easily IDENTIFIABLE

SEARCH and sweep the area of responsibility

Remember your TRAINING

Fire warden General duties
Conduct general inspections of area of responsibility.

Check all electrical and cables for any damage.

Ensure escape routes, corridors and final exit routes are not blocked.

Ensure fire extinguishers are correctly located and fit for purpose.

Ensure call points are not obstructed and easily accessible.

Ensure fire alarms / bell can be heard through your area / building.

Ensure all means of escape signs are in place.

Fire warden General duties
Ensure fire doors are not wedged or blocked.

Ensure assembly point/s is clearly marked and away from the building.

Participate in the planning and actual part of the evacuation exercise.

Be vigilant at all times.

Identify persons with special needs and make provision for them.

Ensure the emergency plan diagrams are posted within the building.

Orientate other employees on how to respond to emergencies.

Fire warden General duties
In case of fire emergency
• Identify yourself as a fire warden.

• Stop all ordinary operations.

• Assist with evacuation of building occupants.

• Check washrooms, conference rooms and meeting rooms.

• Assist those who cannot evacuate for themselves.

• Attempt to fight the fire if it is safe to do so.

• Close the windows and doors if safe to do so.

Risk Assessment

“A systematic evaluation of the

work place and/or other activities
which identifies the hazards
present and gives an estimate of
the extent of the risks involved”
hazard

Anything that may

cause harm
Risk

The probability of harm occurring and its

severity

Chance of exposure to the hazard

X
Consequences (severity)
Task or area based
area based
• Normally used for identifying common
hazards in the workplace

• Will also be used to identify TASKS to be

individually risk assessed
Task based

A specific task or job will be risk assessed

All the hazards associated with the task will be assessed by types of hazards:
1. physical-radiation, magnetic fields, pressure extremes (high pressure or vacuum), noise, etc.

2. biological-bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, and humans, etc

3. chemical-depends on the physical, chemical and toxic properties of the chemical,

4. ergonomics-repetitive movements, improper set up of workstation, etc.

5. psychosocial/psychological-stress, violence, etc.

5 steps to risk assessment
Step one

Identifying the
hazards
Step two

Identify who might be

harmed and How
Who might be at risk
Employees
Contractors
Visitors
General public
Children
People who share
the workplace
Must be people specific
Don’t forget vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, pregnant staff
and those with little experience or training.
Step three

Evaluate the risks

Risk analysis

• Hazards and hazardous situations

are systematically identified.

• The level of risk associated with

each hazard (situation) is
estimated
Risk evaluation

• A judgement is made as to
whether the level of risk is
acceptable or tolerable

• Will include a judgement on

corrective or preventative
measures
Step four

Record your findings

Step five

Review the assessment

Sample Assessment
Hose reel

97
98
99
Fire Warden General Duties
• Staff are informed and remain on standby mode. The Security / building management will investigate.

• Dependent on the Fire alarm control panel (FACP) if second alarm is activated full alarm will sound.

• If fire is discovered during physical check, second alarm is to be activated and full alarm will sound.

• Full building evacuation take place.

100
Examples of fire assembly point

101
Fire assembly point procedures
• Assigned persons to remain in charge of all assembled people.

• Never leave the assembly point without valid reason.

• Headcount to be conducted immediately on arrival at the EAP.

• Do not re-enter the building until the ‘All Clear’ message.

• All information about missing persons to be passed to Dubai Civil Defense.

• All information about those needing rescue to be passed to Dubai Civil Defense.

• First Aider to be available at the assembly point.

102
Examples of fire assembly point

103
Any questions

104
summary
• What is fire?
• The Fire Tetrahedron
• Causes of fire
• Extinguishment theory and methods
• Classes of fire and extinguisher selection
• Operation of portable fire-fighting equipment
• Actions to be taken in the event of a fire, including methods of raising the
alarm and contacting emergency services
• Evacuation and emergency assembly points procedures

105
references

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)10 AND

1001, 2013 Edition;
• BS/EN 3 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers;
• UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice

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