10/21/2012
Course Objectives
FIRE SAFETY
WHAT IS FIRE?
Fire is a rapid chemical
process in which oxygen
combines with another
substance in the presence
of the source of heat
energy. The reaction of
these elements is called
combustion, and during
the reaction, heat, light
and flames are given off.
THEORY OF FIRE
Extinguishing Media
Extinguishing a fire is based on
removing one of the elements of
the fire triangle.
Removing the FUEL
FUEL this process is known as STARVATION.
This can be achieved by taking the fuel
away from the fire
Removing the OXYGEN Is
is called SMOTHERING
Removing the HEAT is
called COOLING
When you have through this course you will
be able to:
•Identify basic fire hazards in a workplace
•Evaluate the main fire risk in a work place
•Advise on basic fire prevention and
prevention of fire spread in workplace.
•And be able to identify the existing means
of escape in a work place.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF FIRE
The Fire Triangle
Before a fire can start, three
components have to be present
in sufficient quantities. These
form a structure known as the
Fire Triangle.
Triangle.
FUEL
When a substance is heated to a certain critical temperature
called its “ignition temperature” or “temperature of
combustion” it will ignite and continue to burn till the presence
of fuel which may be in solid/Liquid /gaseous state, the proper
temperature and uninterrupted supply of oxygen(air).
THE FIRE TRIANGLE
HEAT
Heat acts as the source of ignition and anything that gives off heat that
can start a fire. (Note that the source of ignition is not necessarily
a flame, a sparks or fire itself, but the heat they give off)
It is important to be aware that the source of heat can not only
be equipment and activities which, by design, involve the
production of heat but may also include a variety of other
circumstances with which heat may not be expected at all.
A range of equipment that could generate heat in proper use:

Welding torches
Ovens

Blow lamp
Electric fires

Soldering irons
Light bulbs

Space heaters
Electric irons etc….

Hot plates
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THE FIRE TRAINGLE
FUEL
The fuel for the fire does not have to be
recognized fuel in the sense of petrol or gas.
It may be any combustible material.
Most substances are combustible under the
right circumstances. Although those
circumstances vary for different materials,
usually the temperature in which Woods
combustion takes place. Carbon or
hydrocarbon based materials will burn
readily at the sort of temperatures often
generated in a work place or domestic
environment. The type of fuel is also
important because different substances
behave different ways when they burn. They
Gases
includes solids such as:
CAUSES & CONSEQUENCES
OF FIRES
Workplace fires start when the heat generated by a
deliberate work process, or by accidents, acts as a
source of ignition on a combustible material. All
such fires are preventable by appropriate safety
precautions, as we discuss later.
Once a fire started it can spread very quickly by
means of all 4 methods of heat transfer.
Direct burning
Radiation
Conduction
Convection
CAUSES & CONSEQUENCES OF
FIRES
RADIATION
Radiation is the general term for the process by which
energy is lost from a source without direct contact. Heat
radiation refers to the process whereby the heat given off
by hot objects passes through air and through certain
types of transparent materials such as glass. The radiant
heat can in it self be sufficient to act as a source of
ignition.
Example 1: Radiator is an obvious source of heat and
clothes which are left to dry too close to them may catch
fire.
Example 2: Light bulbs give out heat (and in the case of
certain types of spot lights, a large amount of heat) and
any fabrics or flammable materials which are too close
may start to burn.
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THE FIRE TRIANGLE
OXYGEN
The oxygen essential for combustion is usually supplied
from the surrounding air. However, the naturally present
oxygen may be enhance by the presence of other sources
of oxygen such as compressed air, the pure oxygen in gas
cylinder use for welding, or by the combustion of
peroxide, nitrates and similar chemicals. (These
chemicals give off oxygen as they burn, further aiding
their own combustion. They are sometimes known as
oxidizing agents)
Note: That as the oxygen in an enclosed space is used up
by the fire, so the fire will go out)
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF HEAT
TRANSMISSION & FIRE SPREAD
DIRECT BURNING
This occurs where heat is transferred directly by
contact from one substance to another, thus if a
piece of paper catches a light then (the heat in a
form of flames) can spread to the next piece of paper
and then to the next until the whole area is on fire.
Similarly, oil base paints on walls can spread fires,
as can a pool or trail of flammable liquid.
Note to that direct burning can take place across the
gap where the wind conditions allow the flames to
be fanned and thereby come into contact in other
separate combustible materials.
CAUSES & CONSEQUENCES OF FIRES
RADIATION cont…
The intensity of radiant heat diminishes with the
distance from its source. however, depending on the
temperature of the source, heat transfer may take
place over quite large distances.
Example: A fire burning on one side of the street
may be sufficient to cause materials on the other
side of the street to ignite.
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CAUSES & CONSEQUENCES OF FIRES CAUSES & CONSEQUENCES OF FIRES

CONDUCTION
Heat may be transferred to certain materials, known as conductors,
without those materials them self actually burning. This is
particularly the case with metals. Thus the heat generated by a fire (or
any other process producing heat) may be transferred to a separate
location where it can act as a source of ignition.
Heat spreads along conductor
Conductor (Pipe)
Conduction
CONVECTION
Is the process whereby heat moves through a gas or liquid.
When a gas or liquid, such as air or water, is heated it expand
and become a less dense. As a result it rises and cooler air or
water is drawn into replace it, creating a current
Convection currents created in the air by fire are a major
means of fire spread. They may carry burning materials
through the air and into contact with other combustible
materials and also, depending upon the intensity of the fire
and the heat generated, create a strong localized wind which
may fan the flames and cause flare ups.

Example : A house burning on one side of a street may be sufficient to

cause materials on the other side of the street to ignite.
HOT AIR RISES
This has important implications for many steel frame buildings which
feature widespread use of metal within the structure of the building
(ex. Steel girders) and the services runs through it e.g. pipes, and Cooler air is Cooler air is
various types of ducting drawn in drawn in

THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE

Fires are classified into four categories according to the fuel
type. The classification also serves as a basis for identifying the
means of extinguishing different types of fire. These are fires involving gases or liquefied
solids
 Class A These are fires involving solid  Class - C Energized Electrical Fires
materials, normally of an organic nature
such as paper, wood, plastic, coal and
natural fibers. These fire usually produced
burning embers. These are fires where a fuel is metals
 Class D Metals like magnesium, titanium, D
 Class - B These are fires involving sodium, potassium, Aluminium
Flammable liquids or liquefied solids
Gasoline, kerosene, grease, fats and paints

FIRE PREVENTION TECHNIQUES FIRE PREVENTION TECHNIQUES

CLASS “A” FIRES – ORDINARY CLASS “B” FIRES – FLAMMABLE

COMBUSTIBLES: LIQUIDS OR GASES:

 Consider nonflammable substitutes for cleaners.

 Keep storage and working areas free of trash.
 Place oily rages 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.
 Ensure solvent tanks have fusible links on covers.
 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 welding and cutting to authorized areas.

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FIRE PREVENTION TECHNIQUES

FIRE PREVENTION TECHNIQUES

CLASS “D” FIRES

CLASS “C” FIRES ELECTRICAL: D
COMBUSTIBLE METALS:

 Inspect wiring and insulation frequently.  Control dust and turnings.

 Ensure motors are kept clean and lubricated.
 Be cognizant of unusual odors.
 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.
 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.
 Metals can be extremely difficult to extinguish.

PORTABLE FIRE FIGHTING

EQUIPMENT IDENTIFYING THE PROPER FIRE
EXTINGUISHER
The main types of portable fire fighting equipment are
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
EXTINGUISHERS. These are appliances designed  LOOK AT THE FACEPLATE
to be carried to the point of the fire and operated by
hand. They contain an extinguishing agent which is
ACME FIRE
expelled by internal pressure on operating the release EXTINGUISHER

mechanism and can be directed by means of a horn or

tube into the fire. The pressure may be by compression
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
within the extinguisher or maybe the result of a
chemical reaction or release of gas from a cartridge,
MULTI-PURPOSE
triggered by the operation of the extinguisher DRY CHEMICAL

USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Continued

 CHECK THE GAUGE  PULL THE PIN

ACME FIRE ACME FIRE

EXTINGUISHER EXTINGUISHER

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USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER METHORD OF EXTINGUISHING FIRE

Continued

 SQUEEZE THE  Aim the extinguisher at

TRIGGER WHILE the base of the flames.
HOLDING THE
EXTINGUISHER  Sweep side to side.
ACME FIRE
UPRIGHT. EXTINGUISHER

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

SPRAY FOAM
Spray foam extinguishers are DRY CHEMICAL POWDER
fast and powerful; they are
ideal for tackling both Class A Highly versatile in operation,
& B fires where petrol, oils these dry powder
and volatile liquids may be extinguishers are suitable for
involved. In use they form a Class “A” & “B” type fire risks
flame smothering seal over – electrical hazards,
the surface of the material, flammable liquids and gases.
preventing re-
re-ignition of the With its rapid knockdown
vapors. Ideal for multiple risk capability.
situations.

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

WATER H2O
Ideal for risk involving Class “A”
type fires such as wood, paper,
plastic, cartoon, rubber, fabrics. CARBON DIOXIDE CO2
This fire extinguisher is one of Highly effective and non-damaging
the most efficient and useful in use CO2 extinguishers are a
ways of putting out fires convenient answer for situations
involving freely combustible involving Class “C “electrical
materials. Water works by hazards and flammable liquids.
rapidly cooling a fire and this CO2 is harmless to delicate
controllable-discharge equipment and materials.
extinguishers can penetrate and
knock-out the most deep-seated
Class “A” type fires

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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 ease of the use of the fire extinguisher.
 The personnel available to operate the extinguisher.
 The physical and emotional ability of the user.
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
 CLASS “C” FIRES – ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT:
 Extinguishing agent cannot conduct electricity.
 Disconnect power to the source ASAP.
 Ensure the extinguisher doesn’t make contact.
 Do not attempt to use water based extinguishers.
 Electrical fires can effect circuitry “downstream”.
 Use carbon dioxide, dry chemicals
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HOW TO SELECT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Continued
 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.
HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES
 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
 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.).
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INSPECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

CHECK
 INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS:  INSPECTION PROCEDURES:
LIST

 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.
CHECK
LIST
 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.D.).
 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.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Many of the accidents & Fatalities occur during fire

is due to the panic behavior of the personals
involved. Panic can be defined as “A sudden and
excessive feeling of alarm or fear usually affecting a
body of persons, originating in some real or
supposed danger, vaguely apprehended, and leading
to extravagant and injudicious efforts to secure
safety”.

In order to control this type of situations, Emergency

procedures shall be develop and Exercises were
stimulated to prevent the unpredictable &
unforeseen events.