Welcome

FIRETRAC
BASIC FIRE FIGHTING & PREVENTION

Presented by
Bitline SA
Introduction to Course
 Course Content
Module 1 Course Introduction
Module 2 Intro to Chemistry of Fire
Module 3 Intro to Fire Prevention
Module 4 Intro to Fire Protection
Module 5 Intro to Fire Fighting
Module 6 Intro to Emergency Planning
Module 7 Responding to an Emergency
Module 8 Intro to Fire Inspections
 Course Objective
YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
1. Understand fire
2. Reduce the risk of fire
3. Inspect for fire hazards
4. Report potential for fire
5. Take Action event of a fire
6. Select & Use correct extinguisher
7. Participate in the Emergency Plan
 MODULE 2

INTRO TO CHEMISTRY OF FIRE

Fire Triangle
 Fuel Groups

Solids
wood, paper, coal, cloth, trash, metals etc

Liquids
petrol, oil, paint, paraffin, thinners, etc

Gases
propane, methane, butane, LPG, etc
Heat [Ignition]
Sparks
Friction
Welding
Lightning
Hot surfaces
Electrical faults
Static electricity
Chemical Reactions
Spontaneous ignition
Naked flames & cigarettes
 Definitions
Flashpoint
the lowest temperature at which vapor can ignite in air

Flammable Range
The % of vapor or gas in the air at which combustion can
take place

Spontaneous Combustion
ignition of a substance (as oily rags) resulting from internal
oxidation
 Transfer of Heat
Conduction
Heat travelling through cold objects

Convection
Heat distributed through the air

Radiation
Heat warming an object like the sun warming the earth
 Methods of Extinguishing

Starve
Cutting off of the fuel supply will result in the fire going out

Cool
Lowering temperature, which prevents emission of vapours

Smother
Replaces the oxygen with an inert gas or substance
 Classes of Fire
A Combustibles
(wood, paper, coal, cloth, trash, etc)

B Flammable Liquids / Gases

(petrol, oil, paint, paraffin, thinners, propane, methane,
butane, LPG, etc under pressure)

C Fire in the presence of electricity

(motors, transformers, switch boards, tools)

D Metals
(Sodium, titanium, magnesium, etc)
They react violently with water or other chemicals
Extinguishers / Agents
• Water
• Dry Chemical Powder
• Foam

• Carbon Dioxide [CO2]

• Dry Chemical Powder
• Foam Never water

• Carbon Dioxide [CO2]

• Dry Chemical Powder
• Never water or foam

• Ternary Eutectic Chloride [TEC]

• Dry Sand or Cement
• Never water or foam
 MODULE 3

INTRO TO FIRE PREVENTION

 Overview Fire Prevention
Good housekeeping programme
Implement a hot work permits
Control electrical appliances
No smoking policy
Control ignition sources
Follow safe work procedures
Safe storage of flammable material
Safe storage of chemicals and gases
Keep fire exits clear and operational
Keep fire extinguishers clear
Regular inspections
Class A - Fire Prevention
Combustibles

Correct stacking and storage

Eliminate excessive combustible material
Keep areas free of clutter
Provide suitable rubbish bins
Empty and removed rubbish bins regularly
Removed combustible vegetation
Oily rags/materials in flame-proof containers
Highlight Hazards with symbolic signs
Class B - Fire Prevention
Flammable Liquids / Gases
Safe handling, use and storage
Proper connections and ventilation
Flameproof devices to vent gases
Liquids stored in flame retardant cabinets or cans
Approved flammable liquid store with bund
Area around building free of combustible material
Use bonding cables when decanting
Decant only what is needed
Clean with non-flammable liquids
Cylinder and pipe identification
Shut off valves accessible
Refuel equipment in ventilated area
Class C - Fire Prevention
Fire in the presence of electricity

Portable appliances inspected regularly

Repair faulty appliances immediately
Private electrical appliances banned
Contractor’s electrical appliances
Correct use of extension cords
Fixed installations to replace temporary ones
Stop motors from overheating
Protect uncovered light bulbs
Use rated fuses only
Switch off equipment that smells
Class D - Fire Prevention
Metals

Potassium and sodium react violently with

water and some chemicals
Handle with utmost care
Eliminate contact with moisture in air
Store in sealed container with a non-
reactive solution
Follow cutting, grinding and welding
procedures strictly
Manage all dust and turnings
 MODULE 4

INTRO TO FIRE PROTECTION

Protection from Fire
Establish and maintain standards
Use of “hot work” procedures”
Correct fire equipment on hand
Logical layout of fire equipment
Symbolic signs to highlight position
Train staff in use of extinguishers
Train fire teams
Conduct regular drills
Classes of Extinguishers
• Water
• Dry Chemical Powder
• Foam

• Carbon Dioxide [CO2]

• Dry Chemical Powder
• Foam Never water
• Carbon Dioxide [CO2]
• Dry Chemical Powder
• Never water or foam
• Ternary Eutectic Chloride [TEC] Powder
• Dry Sand or Cement
• Never water or foam
Other Fire Appliances
• Hose Reels

• Hydrants

• Hoses

• Sprinkler Systems

• Flood systems

• Blankets

• Buckets

• Rated Doors
Equipment Location
Handheld Fire Extinguisher

Symbolic Signs
seen from afar

Mounted
1,5m

Keep clear zone

 Symbolic Signs
Shape Background Symbol Meaning

Green White You MAY

Blue White You MUST

Red Black You may NOT

Black / Yellow Black Danger

White Red Fire

Recognition Test
Inspection of Equipment
1. Accessible - not blocked
2. Instruction label
3. Date of last service & pressure test
4. Logical location
5. Rust or damage
6. SABS sign or demarcation
7. Seal intact
Fire Equipment Register
 MODULE 5

INTRO TO FIRE FIGHTING

Use of Fire Extinguishers
Read the label
Check the pressure gauge

P ull the pin

A im the nozzle at the base of the fire
S queeze the handle
S weep side to side at base of the fire
Use of Fire Extinguishers
Read the label
Use of Fire Extinguishers
Check the Pressure Gauge
Use of Fire Extinguishers
Pull the Pin
Use of Fire Extinguishers
Aim at the base of the fire
Use of Fire Extinguishers
Squeeze the Trigger
Use of Fire Extinguishers
Sweep from side to side
 Do not fight the fire if …
Equipment Inefficiency
Your efforts prove ineffective
Wrong extinguisher or equipment
Gas cylinders are surrounded by fire
Fire has spread beyond its point of origin

Personal Safety
Heat is unbearable
Your safety is at risk
Path of escape is threatened
Smoke is affecting your breathing
Your instincts tell you to evacuate
 Fire Team Roster
FIRE TEAM MEMBERS
AREA/DEPT

POSITION TEAM A TEAM B TEAM C

1. Leader

2. Assistant

3. Member

4. Member

5. Member
 Fire Team PPE
List of heat resistant equipment:

• Fire retardant overalls

• Fire retardant jackets or
• Fire-proof approach suits
• Heat resistant gloves
• Heat resistant Boots
• Helmets or Face Shields
Team Member Duties
1. Inspect the equipment and premises
2. Report the finding immediately
3. Contact the team leader daily
4. Become familiar with the drills
5. Report when leaving premises
6. Fighting fires if and when they occur
 MODULE 6

INTRO TO EMERGENCY
PLANNING
Potential Emergencies
1. Accidents
2. Chemical Spills
3. Collapsing Structures
4. Explosions
5. Fire
6. Flooding
7. Health Emergencies
8. Power Interruptions
9. Severe Weather
10. Transport Emergencies
11. Utility Disruptions
Emergency Teams
1. Management
2. Evacuation
3. Communications
4. Fire
5. First Aid
6. Maintenance
7. Search & Rescue
8. Security
Emergency Management
1. Emergency Coordinator
2. Emergency Centre
3. Assembly Points
4. Alarm and Communication System
5. Drills
6. Civil Defense
 MODULE 7

RESPONDING TO AN
EMERGENCY
Fire Emergencies
1. Raise the Alarm
2. Close all doors and windows.
3. Identify the class of fire
4. Select the right extinguisher
5. Break the seal
6. Test the extinguisher
7. Approach with back to the wind
 Fire Emergencies
8. Proceed to extinguish the fire
9. Evacuate if in danger
10.Watch for flare up
11.Replace extinguisher with spare
12.Submit your report
13.Recharge extinguisher
14.Prevent from occurring again
 Trapped? What to do
1. Go to the safest room with window
2. Do not open hot doors
3. Seal cracks around the doors and vents to exclude
smoke
4. Phone / call / Wave for help
5. Give your exact location
6. Put a big HELP sign in the window
7. Ventilate the room if possible
8. Lie down if breathing is difficult
9. Don't panic
On Fire? What to do
STOP - where you are
DROP - to the floor
ROLL - around on the floor

Alternatively:
Wrap a blanket, rug or sheet around
them
Discharge a fire extinguisher avoiding the
eyes
General Evacuation
Shutdown equipment if it poses a danger
Alert people to the danger as you exit
Immediately go to nearest exit
Walk don’t run in a calm manner
Do not collect your belongings
Close the doors and windows behind you
Use the stairs, never the lifts
Go down, not up
Stay low to avoid smoke and toxic gases
Go to your assembly area
Tell emergency teams about missing people
Keep walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
Re-enter when all clear is sounded
 MODULE 8

INTRO TO FIRE INSPECTIONS

What to Look For

1. Open flames

2. Hot surfaces - light bulbs

3. Welding /cutting

4. Friction

5. Electric sparks

6. Spontaneous heating
What to Look For

7. Bad housekeeping

8. Overheated machinery

9. Faulty electrical installations

10. Bad maintenance of appliances

11. Negligence

12. Untrained staff

Inspection Checklist
Fire Inspections
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CONCLUSION
 Plan of Action
1. Meet your Health & Safety Reps
2. Inspect your workplace
3. Inspect your Extinguishers
4. Inspect your Equipment
5. Make recommendations
6. Submit your report
7. Attend the next meeting
8. Raise employee awareness
9. Stay alert!
Make it happen!