Fire

safety
S.Sundaramurthi
Chemistry of Fire

Fire is a chemical reaction in which a combustible

material combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to
give out heat and flame.
The Fire Triangle
Classification of Fires

A Ordinary
combustibles
paper, wood, coal etc.,
Flammable Liquids

B
gasoline, diesel fuel ,Lube
base stocks, Solvents,
lubricating oils, Methanol
etc

C
Electrical Equipment

cables, motors etc.,

Combustible Metals

D magnesium, titanium magnesium,

zirconium, potassium, and sodium
etc.
Types of Fire Extinguishers and Extinguishing
Techniques

Types of
Extinguishing Technique
Extinguisher
Reducing the temperature is
Water Type Cooling cooling.

Depriving the fire or oxygen by

Foam Type Smothering introducing other media.

DCP Type Cutting of fuel vapors mixing

Blanketing with oxygen by applying an
CO2 Type external media.
Selection of Fire Extinguishers

Water
A Ordinary combustibles
paper, wood, coal etc.,
&
Co2

Flammable Liquids
Foam,

B gasoline, diesel fuel ,Lube base

stocks, Solvents, lubricating oils,
Methanol etc
Co2
&
DCP
DCP

C Electrical Equipment
cables, motors etc.,
&

CO2

D Combustible Metals
magnesium, titanium ,
zirconium, potassium, and sodium etc.
Co2
Types of Fire Extinguishers by construction
Stored pressure Type (ABC Type):
In stored pressure models the expellant gas and extinguishing agent are
stored in a single chamber and discharge is directly controlled by the
valve.

Typical Appearance Skeletal Appearance

Types of Fire Extinguishers by construction
Cartridge operated (BC Type):
With cartridge operated fire extinguishers, the expellant gas is stored in a
separate cartridge located within or adjacent to the shell containing the
extinguishing agent. The extinguishers are actuated by releasing the expellant gas
which in turn expels the extinguishing agent. The discharge is then controlled by a
valve which is generally located at the end of a discharge hose.

Typical Appearance Skeletal Appearance

Types of Fire Extinguishers by construction
Sealed pressure :
Sealed pressure fire extinguishers are much the same as stored pressure units
.The expellant gas and extinguishing agent are both stored in a single chamber, but
differ from stored pressure units in that sealing is accomplished by means of a
frangible metal disc as
opposed to a valve.

Typical Appearance
General Principles of Using a Fire Extinguisher

Pull the pin in the handle

Aim at the base of the fire
Squeeze the nozzle
Sweep from side to side
PASS = PULL – AIM – SQUEEZE – SWEEP
Operating a Fire Extinguisher
Thank You