Basic Firefighting Safety Course

By
Khaled Yousry
 About the Instructor
 Khaled Yousry ,CSP, MSc, CMIOSH , CSM , PMP, STS,
 NEBOSH I Dip in OHS, UK
 IASP Authorized trainer , USA
 OSHA Academy Authorized Trainer , USA
 Rig Pass Instructor
 Certified Scaffolding trainer , STI USA
 Certified Safety Trainer , IASP USA
 OSHA general & construction certified
 NEBOSH IGC certified (Distinction) , UK
 Authorized trainer from IASP/NASP , USA
 More than 18 years experience in OH&S
 Professional Member in ASSE , USA
 Chartered IOSH member , UK
 OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditor , UK
 ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor , UK
 ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor , BSI UK
Domestic Arrangements
 Course Aim

The purpose of the Fire Safety course is to develop the participants 'knowledge
and skills so they are prepared to prevent fires and assist in fighting the workplace
fire incidents.
Learn how to protect building occupants from injury and to prevent loss of life
and prevent property damage.
 Training Topics
 What is Fire & how does it work??
 Fire Triangle and Tetrahedron
 Material phases ( Gases , Liquids ,
Solids )
 Sources of Ignition (Chemical ,
Electrical & Mechanical)
 Oxygen percentages
 Phases and nature of fire
 Flammability & Combustibility
 Flash point , LEL & UEL
 Classes of Fire
 Fire extinguishing theories
 Classes of Fire Extinguishers
 Limitations of Portable Fire
Extinguishers
 Inspection and Use of Fire
Extinguishers
 Components of the fire system
 Checking the fire system
 Emergency evacuation
 Fire hydrant systems (hose reels)
 Explore the pumps room and fire
alarm system
 Responsibilities of fire wardens.
 Action to be taken in the event of a
fire

 Learning outcomes
By end of this course you will be able to :
 Demonstrate your understanding about fire definition and how
fire may start .
 Identify the elements of fire tringle/tetrahedron .
 Outline the ways that fire could be transfer .
 Familiar with different fire classes and extinguishing techniques
 Identify different types of fire extinguishers .
 Use portable fire extinguisher and inspect it .
 Describe the fire protection systems and their classifications.
 Demonstrate understanding of Evacuation Procedure and the
Main Responsibilities of Fire Warden/Fire Marshal
 Take the right Action to be taken in the event of a fire
7
What is & how does it work??
What is Fire?
Fire is a combustive oxidation reaction--a chemical reaction
between oxygen molecules and any molecules that have the
potential to take on an oxygen molecule. Energy, in the form of
heat or light, is released from the molecules as the reaction takes
place.
Oxidation
Any substance that has the potential to oxidize eventually will if
exposed to oxygen. And an oxidation reaction can occur without
fire--iron rusting, for instance--and still be described as "burning,"
in a scientific sense. Without fire however, oxidation can take a
long time. Fire speeds up the reaction dramatically, but fire cannot
occur spontaneously. Certain conditions must exist first.
8
 Fire Tetrahedron

Fire to Happen :

➢Fuel
➢Oxygen
➢Source of heat
‫الحرارة‬ ➢Chain of
reaction
‫التفاعل المتسلسل‬
FIRE SCIENCE
11
12
Sever outcomes

13
14
 ‫تأثير الحريق على المبانى الخشبية‬
‫‪15‬‬
 1- Fuel
Material can be solid , liquid or gas :

1- Solid material : like wood , carton ,paper

2-liquid material : as gasoline and acetone

3- Gas material : like acetylene and butane gas

 2- Air (oxygen)
 All material need oxygen to ignite and continue for
ignition
 Oxygen act as 21% of air gases
 For any material there are LEL & UEL , which is the mix
between material vapors and air
 The material will not ignited unless the mix between its
vapor and air between LEL & UEL for it .
 As long as the percentage between LEL & UEL increased
the material become more danger
 For gasoline : 1.4 % - 7 % & For acetylene is 1.5 % - 82 %
 3- Source of heat

• Electricity
• Smoking
• Welding and cutting
• Direct flame
• Hot surfaces
• Self ignition
• Static electricity
• Friction
 4-Chain of Reaction

•Fire is occur when all fire tetrahedron

elements meets with the right amounts

•A chain of reaction starts between the

reactants to cause a free radicals help
fire to continue ,
 4-Chain of Reaction

H + O2 ----------► OH + O __H2___►
OH + H ___H2___►H2O + H

OH + O ----H2----► H2O + H

H + 3H2 + O2 ------► 2 HO2 + 3 H

 Sources of Ignition

➢ Chemical : ignition oily rags by oxidation, flammable

liquids.

➢ Electrical :insulation breakdown – short circuits,

overloading circuits, connections too tight or loose

➢ Mechanical : sparks generated by friction or welding,

machinery overheating, dust-covered motors

➢ Others Sources: smoking, hot surfaces, articles placed on

heating appliances, arson
 Heat transmission and fire spread

Conduction
Convection
Radiation
Direct Burning
Conduction
Convection
Radiation
 convection

radiation conduction
 Flammability & Combustibility

Definitions
Flash Point:
Means the minimum temperature at which a liquid
gives off vapor in sufficient concentration to form
an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the
liquid.
 Flammable (Explosive) Limits

 When vapors of a flammable or combustible liquid are

mixed with air in the proper proportions in the

presence of a source of ignition, rapid combustion or an
explosion can occur.

 Lower Flammable Limits (LFL) or (LEL)

 Upper Flammable Limits (UFL) or (UEL)

Flammable (Explosive) Limits
Flammable Range
 Limits of Flammability of Some
Substances
Fuel Lower Limits Upper Limits
Motor Gasoline 1.6 % 7%
Kerosene 0.7 % 7.5 %
Propane Gas 2.2 % 9.5 %
Butane Gas 1.9 % 8.5 %
Hydrogen Gas 4% 75 %
Acetylene Gas 1.5 % 82 %
Methanol 6% 36.5 %
Ethanol 3.3 % 19 %
Ammonia Gas 15 % 28 %
Carbon Monoxide 12.5 % 74 %
 Examples of Class I Liquids
Class IA Class IB Class IC

Ethylene Oxide Acetone Paraldehyde

Ethyl Chloride Ethyl Alcohol Butyl Alcohol

Propylene Oxide Benzene Chlorobenzene

N-pentane Gasoline Turpentine

Combustible Liquids
Any Liquids having a flash point at or above 100º
F (37.8º C).
 Class II Liquids: FP at or above 100º F (37.8º C). And below

140º F(60º C).

 Class III Liquids: FP at or Above 140º F(60º C).

 Class IIIA: FP at or above 140º F(60º C). And below 200º F

(93.3º C).

 Class IIIB: FP at or above 200º F (93.3º C).

 Fire Classes
A Trash Wood Paper C Electrical Equipment

 wood
 cloth • energized
 paper electrical
 rubber equipment
 many plastics

• gasoline
COMBUSTIBLE • magnesium
B Liquids Grease • oil
• sodium
• grease
• potassium
• tar
• titanium
•

•
oil-based
paint
lacquer
D •
•
zirconium
other
flammable
• flammable metals
METALS
gases
Fire Classes (cont.)
CLASS K FIRES
K Cooking Media
• Recently recognized by NFPA 10.

• Fires involving combustible

vegetable or animal non-
saturated cooking fats in
commercial cooking equipment.
 Extinguishing Theories

1- Starvation
2- Smothering
3- Cooling
4- Stop the chain reaction
Starvation
Smothering
Cooling
Stop The Chain Reaction
Fire Extinguisher Types
PRESSURIZED WATER
A Trash Wood Paper
A Trash Wood Paper

 Class “A” fires only.

 2.5 gal. water (up to 1 minute discharge time).
 Has pressure gauge to allow visual capacity
B Liquids Grease
B Liquids Grease check.
 30-40 ft. maximum effective range.
 Can be started and stopped as necessary.
C Electrical Equipment
C Electrical Equipment
 Extinguishes by cooling burning material below
the ignition point.
Fire Extinguisher Types
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
A Trash Wood Paper
A Trash Wood Paper
 Class “B” or “C” fires.
 2 ½ -10 lbs. of CO2 gas (8-30 seconds
discharge time).
Has NO pressure gauge--capacity
B Liquids Grease


B Liquids Grease

verified by weight.
 3-8 ft. maximum effective range.
C Electrical Equipment
C Electrical Equipment

 Extinguishes by smothering burning

materials.
 Effectiveness decreases as temperature
of burning material increases.
Fire Extinguisher Types
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
Fire Extinguisher Types
MULTIPURPOSE DRY CHEMICAL

A Trash Wood Paper

 Class “A”, “B”, or “C” fires.

A Trash Wood Paper

 2.5-20 lb. dry chemical (ammonium phosphate)

B Liquids Grease
B Liquids Grease
pressurized by nitrogen gas (8-25 seconds discharge
time).

 Has pressure gauge to allow visual capacity

C Electrical Equipment
C Electrical Equipment check.

 5-20 ft. maximum effective range.

 Extinguishes by smothering burning materials.

Fire Extinguisher Types
COMBUSTIBLE METAL
 Class “D” combustible metal fires only.
 30 lb. pressurized dry powder optimized
for specific combustible metal (also
available in bulk containers for hand scooping
onto fire to extinguish).
 6-8 ft. maximum effective range.
 To activate, must first open nitrogen
cylinder on back to pressurize body.
 Extinguishes by smothering burning
COMBUSTIBLE materials.

D
METALS
Fire Extinguisher Types
WET CHEMICAL
A Trash Wood Paper
A Trash Wood Paper
 Class “A”, “B”,“C”, and “K” fires.
 1.5 gal. of stored pressure PRX wet
chemical extinguishing agent (40 sec.
C Electrical Equipment
C Electrical Equipment
discharge time).
 10-12 ft. maximum effective range.
 On Class “K” fires, don’t use until
K Cooking Media
after fixed extinguishing system has
activated.
 Extinguishes by cooling and forming
foam blanket to prevent reignition.
 Fire Extinguisher Anatomy
PRESSURE GAUGE
DISCHARGE LEVER (not found on CO2
extinguishers)

DISCHARGE LOCKING PIN CARRYING

AND SEAL HANDLE

DISCHARGE HOSE

DATA PLATE

DISCHARGE NOZZLE BODY

DISCHARGE ORIFICE
Fire Extinguisher Anatomy
 Portable fire extinguisher

What is the primary function of a fire

extinguisher?

Aid Your Escape

 Limitations of portable fire extinguishers

What factors could limit the effectiveness

of portable fire extinguishers?

1. Human behavior

2. Fuel

3. Design limitations
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Limitations of portable fire extinguishers

To be effective, portable fire extinguishers

must be:
•Accessible
•Working properly
•The right type
•Positioned within range
•Used while the fire is small

•Used correctly

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 Portable Fire Extinguisher Inspections

An inspection is usually a “quick

check” to ensure that the
extinguisher is available
and will operate.

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 Portable Fire Extinguisher
Inspections
Inspection should include the following procedure:
1. In proper location and accessible
2. Legible operating instruction on nameplate
3. Full charged with agent
4. Has not been tampered with
5. No visible physical damage, nozzle free of any
obstruction
6. Sight gauges, if any, read properly
7. Locking pins and other safety devices in place
8. Maintenance tag securely attached and up to date
9. Brackets and other retaining devices are in good
working order
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 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS checking

INSPECTIONS
• The National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) defines an inspection as a “quick
check” that the extinguisher is available
and will function
▪ NFPA requires extinguishers be inspected
monthly, or more frequently if
circumstances require it
Fire Inspections
• As per KFD half
annual inspections of
all fire extinguishers is
needed .
 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

WHO CAN INSPECT A FIRE

EXTINGUISHER

Anyone.
NFPA says “minimal knowledge required”
 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
INSPECTION PROCEDURES

•Extinguisher located in designated

place?
•Obstructions to access or visibility?
•Operating Instructions on nameplate
legible & facing outward?
•Seals & tamper indicators in place &
intact?
 Portable Fire Extinguisher Inspections

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 How to Use an Extinguisher

P: Pull the pin.

PAS S
A: Aim extinguisher nozzle at
the base of the flame.
S: Squeeze trigger while holding
the extinguisher upright.
S: Sweep the extinguisher from
side to side, covering the
area with the extinguisher
agent.
 ‫??? ‪How to use fire extinguisher‬‬
‫؟؟ كيف تستخدم طفاية الحريق‬
‫إجذب مسمار األمان‬
‫‪P‬‬
‫وجه إلى قاعدة الحريق‬
‫‪A‬‬
‫‪S‬‬
‫إضغط على يد الطفاية‬

‫حرك من جهة ألخرى‬

‫‪S‬‬
 Rules for Fighting Fires
 Fight fire in up wind direction.
 Start fighting the fire from safe distance (2 – 5 m)
away.
 Direct the stream to the base of the fire.
 Sweep the stream from side to side.
 Do not leave the fire area unless you are sure that
the fire is completely out.
 Fighting a Fire!
Only fight a fire …..
 when an exit is to your
back
 when it is small and in the
early stages
 when you have the correct
fire equipment & you know
how to use it
 when the equipment is
depleted leave the area as
quickly as possible. Remember - if in doubt get out!
Do Not Attempt to Fight a Fire Unless…
• You have had recent hands-on
training with fire extinguishers
and the fire is only in incipient
stage
• You have the correct
extinguisher for the type of fire
• You are absolutely sure you can
put the fire out, AND
• You will not endanger yourself
or others by not leaving
 Fire Extinguisher Applications
FIRE CLASS EFFECTIVE EXTINGUISHER TYPES
A Trash Wood Paper

PRESSURIZED WATER, MULTIPURPOSE DRY

CHEMICAL, LARGER SIZE HALON, WET CHEMICAL

B Liquids Grease

MULTIPURPOSE DRY CHEMICAL, CARBON DIOXIDE,

HALON

C Electrical Equipm ent

MULTIPURPOSE DRY CHEMICAL, CARBON DIOXIDE,

HALON, WET CHEMICAL

COMBUSTIBLE

D COMBUSTIBLE METAL

METALS

K Cooking Media

WET CHEMICAL
 Firefighting Decision Criteria

 Know locations of extinguishers in

your area and how to use them.
 Always sound the alarm regardless of
fire size.
 Avoid smoky conditions.
Components of Fire System
 The fire protection system is composed from :

➢Fire Alarm system

➢Fire extinguish system

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Components of Fire System
➢Fire Alarm system :
The fire alarm systems designed to give early notification if fire
starts in the preliminarily stage.

It give a sound alarm bell to take immediate action , either

extinguish the fire and to call the fire responders (fire brigade ,
emergency division , ..etc)

72
Components of Fire System

➢Fire Alarm systems :

❑Conventional alarm
system
❑Addressable alarm system

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Components of Fire System
➢Fire extinguish system :

❑Portable extinguishers

❑Automatic extinguishing systems

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Components of Fire System
❑Portable extinguishers

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 Fire hydrant system

 The fire hydrant system composed from a pressurized water

pipelines network connected to a pump room and water

tank .

 According to each building space and nature , there are a

several hydrant hose reel

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 Fire hydrant system
Fire hoses
 Fire hydrant system

Fire
pump
room
Pump Ops.
 Fire control systems
Fire hoses

Use with caution

Fire control systems
Fire suppression systems (i.e. CO2)
FIRE EVACUATION PLAN
 EVACUATION PLAN

COMPONENTS OF AN EVACUATION PLAN

• Emergency Control Committee - develops plan
• Emergency Crews - administer plan
• Escape routes - primary & secondary
• Maps - posted indicating escape routes, first aid kits and extinguishers
 FIRE EVACUATION PLAN

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SHOULD

BECOME TRAPPED IN A BUILDING
• Don’t panic
• Try to find a secondary exit
• Feel doors for heat with your hand
• If the door is hot, don’t open it!
• If you can’t find another exit, stay where
you are
 EVACUATION PLAN

FIRE DRILLS…
…are conducted at least once
each year, but some agencies
may require them more
frequently.
 EVACUATION PLAN
FIRE DRILLS… cont.
Remember to DOCUMENT:
 Date & time
 Employees & visitors present
 Outside meeting location
 Headcount
 Time of entire drill
Fire Emergency Response
R Rescue

A Alarm

C Contain

E Extinguish
 Common fire safety violations
 Fire Inspection Checklist
 Exits
– Obstructed exit: Remove any obstruction to exit immediately
– Fire escape route blocked or restricted: Remove any obstruction to fire escape route immediately. Storage resulting in restricted
access is prohibited
 Fire Doors
– General exit doors must be identified and operable.
– Exit doors blocked or restricted: Remove any obstruction to exit doors immediately
– Inoperative fire door: Fire doors must be operative, self closing or attached to fused device.
– Closing door device: Check self-closing device to assure it is functional.
– Door wedged open: Immediately remove wedge or item holding fire-rated door in an open position.
– Latches: Self-closing doors should fully and latch.
– Panic Bar: Assure the panic bar is in operable condition.
 Housekeeping - Miscellaneous
– Aisles/stairs/hallways: Immediately remove any obstruction , material, trash that could hamper easy exit.
– Storage in basements and attics: Must be neat and reasonable.
– Storage in stairwells and stairwell landings is prohibited
– Wall decorations: Combustible decorations on walls must not exceed 10% of the overall wall space
– Gas cylinders: Pressurized cylinders must be labeled and secured
 Fire Doors

 Never prop open fire doors

with wedges or other
objects.

 The purpose of these doors

is to prevent smoke and
heat from traveling up
stairwells and along
corridors.
Blocked Electrical Panels

• Blocked electrical
panels are a
frequent violation

• There should be a 3’
clearance around all
electrical panels
Storage in Stairwells

 Storage in stairwells and

stairwell landings is
prohibited.
Fire Hazards: Electrical Abuse
• Electrical "octopuses" can
overload circuits and result
in fire.

• Never leave unattended:

hotplates, coffee makers,
irons, space heaters, etc.

• Keep heaters away from

curtains and furniture.
Fire Hazards: Electrical Abuse
• Extension cords are not
intended for "permanent"
installations -- appliances
shall be connected to
permanently wired
receptacles.

• Storage of combustibles in
mechanical/electrical service
closets is prohibited.
Blocked Fire Doors

• Storage is not permitted

in hallways and in front
of fire doors
Exit Lights

• Exit lights need to be

illuminated, burnt out
lights should be
reported to Facility
Services
 Case Studies

96
 1- Electric Fire
Electrical fires are one of the top causes of house fires and can lead to serious damage
to your home or office.
You can prevent electrical fires by making sure your electrical plugs, outlets, and cords
are safe to use.

1- Switch off the main power source .

2- Pull the fire alarm and ask for help .
3- DON’T USE WATER OR FOAM EXTINGUISHER
4- Use suitable extinguisher (CO2 or Powder) .

97
 2- Wood Paper Fire
Wood Paper Fire fires are one of common fires and can lead to serious damage to your
home or office.
You can prevent wood/paper fires by making sure your you keep safe housekeeping and
to eliminate waste.

1- Switch off the main power source .

2- Pull the fire alarm and ask for help .
3- Use suitable extinguisher (CO2 or Powder) .

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 3- Use of Fire Blanket
Fire blankets are made of fire-resistant
materials. They are particularly useful
for smothering fat pan fires or for
wrapping around a person whose
clothing is on fire

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101