16/07/2018
Learning Outcomes
Controlling Workplace Hazards
Unit GC2 International
Element 6: Fire Safety
Unit GC2: Element 6.1
FIRE INITIATION, CLASSIFICATION • This reaction is called combustion
AND SPREAD
The Fire Triangle
• Describe the principles of fire initiation,
classification and spread
• Outline the principles of fire risk assessment
• Describe the basic principles of fire prevention
and the prevention of fire spread in buildings
• Outline the appropriate fire alarm system and fire-
fighting arrangements for a simple workplace
• Outline the factors that should be considered
when implementing a successful evacuation of a
workplace in the event of a fire
What is Fire?
• Fire is a rapid chemical process in which oxygen
combines with another substance (“fuel”) in the
presence of a source of heat
• During this reaction heat, flames and smoke are
produced
The Fire Triangle
• Fuel – a combustible material or substance
consumed during the combustion process
• Oxygen – is present in air at a
concentration of 21%
• Sources of ignition (heat) – heat or energy
is essential to start the combustion process
1
 16/07/2018

Classification of Fires Group Syndicate Exercise

Class A - solid materials • Consider how a gas cooker heats and cooks
food
Class B - liquids and liquefiable solids
Class C - gases
• Use the same principles to consider how
Class D - metals fire might spread in a two-storey office
Class F - high-temperature fat block

NB This is the UK/EU classification system – it

does not use Class E. The system is not universal

Methods of Fire Spread

Principles of Fire Extinction
• Direct burning
1.Cooling: Reducing the temperature of the heat, fire
• Conduction
extinguishers
2.Starvation: Removing or not feeding further fuel to fire
• Convection
3.Smothering: Extinguishment by separation of oxygen from • Radiation
fire is called smothering effect
4. Chemical Reaction: By interrupting the chain of
combustion and combining the hydrogen atoms with chlorine
atoms in the hydrocarbon chain.

Methods of heat transfer Methods of Fire Spread

Conduction
It transfers heat via direct molecular collision. Molecules with Convection
high thermal energy will transfer heat to molecules with lower
thermal energy

Convection Radiation
When a fluid, such as air or a liquid, is heated and then travels
away from the source, it carries the thermal energy along.
This type of heat transfer is called convection. The fluid above
a hot surface expands, becomes less dense, and rises. Conduction

Radiation
It generates from the emission of electromagnetic waves.
These waves carry the energy away from the emitting object.
Radiation occurs through a vacuum or any transparent
medium (either solid or fluid).

2
 16/07/2018

Group Discussion Point

Common Causes of Fires
Suggest common causes of fire in the workplace • Electrical equipment
• Deliberate ignition (arson)
• Hot work
• Static electricity/friction
• Smoking
• Pyrotechnics
• Cooking appliances
• Heating appliances
• Unsafe use and storage of flammables
• Mechanical heat
• Chemical reactions

Consequences of Fires End of Section Quiz

• People killed and injured 1. What 3 things are needed for a fire to start?
• Damage to buildings and contents including 2. What are the methods of fire spread?
smoke damage 3. Suggest common causes of workplace fire in an
• Environmental damage, e.g. water run-off office

Fire Risk Assessment

The reasons for carrying out a fire risk

assessment:
Unit GC2: Element 6.2 • Prevent harm to people
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT • Comply with the law
• Minimise the cost of fire in the workplace

3
 16/07/2018

Fire Risk Assessment

Identify Fire Hazards
1. Identify the fire hazards
• Fuel sources
2. Identify the people who might • Heat/ignition sources
be harmed • Oxygen sources
3. Evaluate, Identify and
implement fire precautions
4. Record findings, plan and train
5. Review and revise as necessary

Group Syndicate Exercise Identify the Fire Hazards

Walk around an area of the building, as directed by • Fuels

your tutor, and identify sources of: – Paper
– Packaging materials
• Fuel
– Furniture
• Ignition – Highly-flammable liquids and gases
• Oxygen • Ignition sources
– Hot work
(consider all sources, even if well controlled)
– Electrical equipment
– Portable heaters

• Oxygen sources
– Oxygen cylinders
– Oxidising substances

Identify Who May Be

Identify Who May Be
Harmed
Harmed
People who are on the premises:
• Suggest who should be considered in the • Workers
fire risk assessment for a sports centre • Visitors/contractors/public
• What group of people may need special • People in isolated locations
consideration in the risk assessment? Special consideration to
vulnerable groups:
• Disabled/mobility-impaired
• Children/young persons
• Visually or hearing-impaired

4
 16/07/2018

Identify and Implement

Record Findings, Plan and
Precautions
Train
• Fire prevention
• Prevention of the spread of smoke and flames • Record the significant findings
• Fire detection and alarm • Develop emergency plans
• Fire-fighting equipment • Provide information and instruction
• Means of escape • Train workers
• Signs and notices
• Lighting

Temporary Workplaces
Review
• Fire safety applies to all workplaces:
Review and Revise − Fire risk assessment also needed for
• As necessary: temporary workplaces - e.g. construction
− Significant changes sites
− Fire emergency
• Periodically: • Changes to workplace may require review
− To keep assessment up to date of fire risk assessment - e.g. extensions,
changing internal layout:
− May also need approval from fire
authority

End-of-Section Quiz Fire risk reduction

• Fire prevention
1. What are the 5 steps in a fire risk • Prevention of the spread of smoke and flames
• Fire detection and alarm system
assessment? • Fixed Fire-fighting equipment
2. Who might require special consideration in • Evacuation arrangements
a fire risk assessment? Ø Fire door
Ø Escape route
Ø Stairs & corridors
Ø Emergency lighting
Ø Fire exit signage
Ø Assembly point
Ø Fire marshal
• Fire vehicle access
• Fire brigade
• Fire plan

5
 16/07/2018

Fire Prevention
Control Combustible and flammable materials:
• Solids, liquids, gases
Unit GC2: Element 6.3 Control ignition sources:
• Systems of work, smoking, arson
FIRE PREVENTION AND PREVENTION Systems of work:
OF FIRE SPREAD • Hot processes
• Machinery
• Electrical equipment
Good housekeeping:
• General tidiness
• Waste control and disposal

Control Combustible and Flammable Materials Storage of Liquid Petroleum Gas

• Should be stored outside in shade away from sunlight
• Storage area should be separate
• Eliminate use altogether • Area should be secure, locked gate
• Substitute for lower risk • Warning signs
• Minimise quantities • Ignition sources eliminated
• Bottles chained upright
− Stock control, housekeeping, waste
• Empty bottles stored separately from full ones
management
• Oxygen bottles should not be stored with LPG
• Safe use and storage in protected, dedicated • Use minimum bottles required at workplace
buildings • Return to store immediately after use
• Valve caps to be used
• Use cylinder trolley for movements
• Fire extinguisher to be kept

Safe Use of Flammable Liquids Safe Storage of Flammable Liquids

• Use minimum quantities Safe storage rules:

• Clearly labelled • Store minimum quantities
• Suitable container • In a purpose-built cabinet
• Self-closing lids, if possible • Away from ignition sources
• Metal catch trays Flammables cabinet should:
• Keep away from heat • Be fire resistant
• Provide ventilation • Be lockable
• Fire protection system • Have fire-resistant hinges/fastenings
• Always return to store • Be clearly signed
• Have a built-in spill tray

6
 16/07/2018

Control Ignition Sources Systems of Work

• Electrical equipment Typical “hot work” precautions:

• Hot work • Flammable materials removed from the
• Smoking area
• Cooking activities • Cover items that can’t be removed
• Mechanical heat • Sweep the floor
• Arson • Damp down wooden floors
• Provide fire extinguishers
• “Fire-watcher” present in the area
• Check area after work has finished

Housekeeping Flammability
Non- combustible: Flash point more than 93 o C (200 o F)
Combustible liquids: Flash point between 37.8 o C - 93 oC
• Remove waste regularly
Flammable liquids:
• Keep area tidy and return
• Flash point 21 o C – 37.8 oC
flammable materials to the
• Easily ignited with a heat source, e.g. a match
correct storage area
• Maximum storage in work area: <250 litres
• Fuel and ignition sources
Highly-flammable liquids:
separated
• Flash point 0°C - 21°C
• Maintain clear escape routes • Easy to ignite at room temperature
• Maximum storage in work area: <50 litres storage
Extremely flammable liquids:
• Flash point <0°C
• Very easy to ignite at room temperature

Flash point Group Syndicate Exercise

The minimum temp in which a volatile liquid • Consider the storage of

produce enough vapor so that if there is an flammable liquids, e.g.
external source of ignition ,it gives a flash. acetone, fire accelerants for
When the external source is removed ,the BBQs, etc.
flash stops • Discuss safe storage
arrangements if such
substances were used at
work

7
 16/07/2018

Structural Measures to Prevent Spread of Group Discussion Point

Fire and Smoke
Compartmentation: What features would you want from a fire
Keeping fire and smoke IN or OUT door being installed in an office?
of area of building
• Creating enclosed/sealed boxes
• Fire-resistant floors and walls
• Fire-resistant doors (self-
closing)
• Automatic shutters for
ventilation shafts
• Intumescent sealants for gaps
(‘fire-stopping’)
• Cold smoke seals

Common Building Materials Common Building Materials

Surface treatment can affect fire performance, e.g.:
• Encasing steel in concrete • Concrete
• Intumescent paint − usually fire-resistant

• Insulation • Steel
• Wall coverings − severely affected by high temperatures
• Brick
Concrete Usually performs well in a fire
− very resistant to fire
Steel Severely affected by high
temperatures • Timber
Brick Usually very resistant − thin timbers burn, thick joists char

Timber Thin timber will burn quite quickly;

thick timber will survive for longer

Protecting Building Materials Protection of Openings and Voids

• Steel: • Doors close major openings

− Encased in concrete • Other penetrations through compartments
− Coated with intumescent (fire-resistant) − Pipe penetrations
foam or paint − Gaps above ceilings
• Insulation: − Air-handling ducts
− Must be fire-retardant − Lift shafts
• Wall coverings: • Must be fire-stopped or blocked
− Can be flammable

8
 16/07/2018

Electrical Equipment for Use in Flammable Electrical Equipment for Use in Flammable
Atmospheres Atmospheres:
• Flammable gas/vapour/dust mixed with air can be
Gases,
explosive
Vapours Dust
• Electrical equipment can ignite the mixture Mists
• National legislation controls use of electrical Explosive atmosphere
equipment Zone 0 Zone 20
present for long periods
− ATEX is EU legislation Explosive atmosphere likely
to occur occasionally Zone 1 Zone 21

Explosive atmosphere not

Zone 2 Zone 22
likely to occur

End-of-Section Quiz

1. What steps could be taken to control the

presence of flammable materials in the
workplace? Unit GC2: Element 6.4
2. What controls should be implemented FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS AND
when carrying out hot work?
FIRE-FIGHTING ARRANGEMENTS
3. What controls might be implemented
within a building to control the spread of
fire and smoke?

Fire Detection and Fire Warning Fire Detection

The sophistication will depend on the complexity • Smoke detectors

of workplace – Detect small smoke particles
• Simplest system – Two main types: ionising and optical
– someone shouts "Fire!" – Can give rise to false alarms
• Simple with more noise • Heat detectors
– hand bell, whistle, or air horn – Detect excess heat generated by a fire
• Manually operated fire alarm – Usually less sensitive and give later warning
– manual call points – Two main types: rate of rise and fixed temperature
• Automatic fire detection and alarm – May not detect fires that are giving off smoke but
– automatic detectors, linked to sounders/lights not much heat

9
 16/07/2018

Means of Fire Fighting Other Fire-Fighting Equipment

Automatic Sp rinklers: A sys tem of pipes and h eat sensitive
valv es, called sprinkler heads, by means of which a fire is
• Fire blankets
automatic ally detec ted, the alarm giv en and w ater
delivered to the seat of the fire. – physically smothers fires, e.g. fat fires in
Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying kitchens
water directly on the fire.
90% of fires are contained by the operation of just one • Hose reels
sprinkler. – used in large buildings for fire teams
Water Spray: Systems of pipes
connected to a permanent water • Hydrant
supply with special high pressure
• Risers
outlets projecting atomized
sprays at high velocity and flow • Fire extinguishers
rates to suit the protected risk

Installation of Extinguishers
Classification of Fire Extinguishers used in the UK under EN3.7
Fire Type of Fuel Extinguishing Agent
• On fire exit routes & Close to exit doors A (solid) Solid (as wood, glass, clothes, Water, foam, Dry Powder
• Close to specific hazards papers, etc.)
B (liquid) Liquids (Kerosene, petroleum Foam
• Clearly visible and signed & paints) CO2, Dry Powder, Wet
Chemical
• Unobstructed access
• Suitable type C (Gas & Vapor) Gases (Butane, Natural Gas) Dry Powder

• Under shelter at Outdoors D (Metal) Metals (as Sodium, Powder Graphite,

• Protection against damage and weather Magnesium, Aluminum) Powdered Limestone Sand
Electrical Fire Energized electrical CO2, Dry Powder
• Max. reachable dist. 25mts conductors
F ( Cooking Oil) Cooking Oil/Fat Wet Chemical

Portable Fire Extinguishers

10
 16/07/2018

Limitation of Extinguishers Maintenance of Extinguishers

• MUST use the correct extinguisher on the fire Daily checks (Fire Warden)

− Water can boil, causing burning liquids to Weekly inspection (Fire Warden)
“explode” in a fireball Annually serviced (TP competent person)
− Water conducts electricity so NEVER use on Five yearly extended service/discharge
electrical fires Twenty yearly overhaul/replacement
− Powder is effective but may destroy
electrical equipment

Training Group Syndicate Exercise

• Theory training • Under your tutor’s direction, take a tour of an

• Types of extinguisher area of the building you are in
• Hands-on experience • Note:
• Records kept in line with local regulations − Fire compartmentation, e.g. stairwells, fire
doors, etc.
− Travel distances
− Fire detection and alarms
− Fire extinguishers, etc.
− Emergency lighting, signage

End-of-Section Quiz

1. What are the different ways of detecting

fire and sounding the alarm?
2. Name the different types of fire
Unit GC2: Element 6.5
extinguisher and the class of fire they can EVACUATION OF A WORKPLACE
be used on

11
 16/07/2018

Means of Escape
Fire Doors
• Available to every person in the
Able to withstand fire for a set time workplace
Open in direction of travel • No use of lifts
Fitted with self-closing devices • Must take staff to a place of safety
Fitted with intumescent strip
• Two or more separate routes may
Fitted with a cold smoke seal
be required
Have vision panels of fire-resistant
• Travel distance should be short
glass
Clearly labelled, adequate width • Adequate width
& easy to open , not locked • Clearly signed
• Appropriately lit
• Emergency lighting
• No obstructions

Travel Distances
Stairs and Corridors
Depends on: Stairs and corridors:
• Number of people occupying a room • Fire-resistant protection
• Fire risk: • Adequate width
− e.g. low risk, low number - 1 exit up to 45m • Unobstructed
distance • No storage of materials or equipment
• Consider wheelchair users
− e.g. high risk, high number - several exits
less than 25m distance
• Final exit - place of total safety
• Storey exit - protected stairway
• Separate fire compartment - to a final exit

Fire Exit and Direction Signs

Purpose of Emergency (Escape) Lighting

• At night or where there is no • Easy to understand

natural light
• Clearly visible
• To indicate escape routes
• Sited correctly
• To indicate call points and fire-
fighting equipment • Meet local regulations/standards
• Regular maintenance
• Reflective /photoluminensce
• Routine inspection/testing

12
 16/07/2018

Assembly Points Evacuation Procedures

• Safe distance from building • Emphasis is on personal safety:

− Sound the alarm
• Safe location
− Get out of the building
• Further escape possible if needed − Stay out of the building!

• Must not impede fire-fighters • More complex procedures needed for some
workplaces, e.g. hospitals
• Clearly signed

• ‘Refuges’ for disabled workers

Fire Marshals Evacuation of the Workplace

• Training
• Check if alarm is “real”
• Records kept
• Check all areas are evacuated
• Fire drills:
• Assist disabled workers
– Usually once a year
• Ensure fire escape routes are kept clear
• Ensure windows and doors are closed – Records kept

• Initiate communication with rescue & fire • Roll calls

team − Ensure all persons
• Conduct roll call at assembly point accounted for
− May not be practical, e.g.
supermarkets

Training and Information Provision for Infirm and Disabled

• Training for staff: • Staff with disabilities may need personal

− Who use portable extinguishers
− Fire marshals
− Assist disabled people
− Members of the fire team
Information:
• Fire safety procedures
– employees
– contractors
– visitors and the public
evacuation plans
− Assist with travel downstairs
− Alert those with hearing impairment
• May need to consider temporary disabilities, e.g.
use of crutches
• Consider also evacuation of young/elderly

13
 16/07/2018

Access for Fire and Rescue Services and Requirements given for fire brigade
Vehicles from facility
• Information about hazards, content of building
Fire-Fighting Vehicle Access • Information about material & process
The requirements for vehicle access differ depending • Information about occupant. E.g. Vulnerable
on the presence of fire mains, the size of the group
building and the type of fire appliance to be used: • Emergency response plan & emergency exits
• For small buildings without a fire main, access for a • Coordination with competent person to liaising
pump appliance should be provided to 15% of the
perimeter, or to within 45 metres of every point on • Requirements of fire shaft, fire lobby, fire stairs
the building surrounds • Fixed fire protection systems present in the
• For large, high-rise buildings, the entire perimeter will building. E.g. Automatic sprinkler systems
need to be accessible to fire-fighting appliances • Building plans & exit routes
• Details of nearby water source

Fire Plan Building Plans

Should include:
• Fire risks • The means of escape should be shown on the
• Who is on premises plans of a building
• Action to be taken on • These plans usually constitute one of the records
discovering fire contained in the fire risk assessment
• Means of escape • In some situations building plans should be
displayed in the building (e.g. in a multi-storey
− (shown on building plans)
building, a plan of each floor may be displayed
• Fire-fighting equipment on that floor) so that those within it can clearly
• Action to be taken after see what their escape routes should be
evacuation • Examples of building plans are often found on
• Mock drill the back of hotel-room doors
• Training

End-of-Section Quiz

1. What general principles should be applied

when establishing means of escape?
2. What is the purpose of emergency
lighting?
3. What might fire marshals do in the event
of an evacuation?

14