College Of Technology – Maradana

Type of Programmed: Mechatronics Technology – NVQ 5 / 6

Student names:
K.M. Banduka – 39016

Semester 01 – 2021
Sub Topic: Fire Safety
Assignment No: 01
Date of Submission: 7th February 2022

Signature Of the Student

…………………….

Lecturer: Mr. Kulasekara

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What is fire? 3

Causes of Fire 4
Malicious Ignition 4
Misuse or Fault use of Electric Equipment 4
Cigarettes and Matches 5
Mechanical Heats and Sparks 5
Heating Plants 6
Rubbish Burning 6

Fire Behavior 6
The main principles of heat transfer 7
Direct Contact 7
Conduction 7
Radiation 8
Convection 8
Flashover 8
Backdraught 9

Fire triangle 9
Oxygen 10
Heat 10
Fuel 10

Types of Fire 11
Class A 11
Class B 11
Class C 12
Class D 12
Electrical Fire 12
Class F 12

Fire Extinguishers 12
Water-Fire Extinguisher 13
AFFF Foam Fire Extinguisher 13
CO2 Fire Extinguishers 14
ABC Powder Fire Extinguishers 14
Water Mist Fire Extinguishers 15
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers 15
Fire Blankets 16

Fire action notices and fire safety signs 16

Fire prevention methods 17

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Fire protection 17
Active control measures 17
Passive control measures 17

How we react to fire 17

What to do when you hear the fire alarm 17

What to do if you cannot get out 18

When to use a fire extinguisher 19

Fires should only be extinguished if – 19
Fires should not be extinguished if – 19
How to use a fire extinguisher 19
The PASS method – 19

Good Fire Safety Housekeeping Practices 20

Fire Safety Precautions 20

The importance of fire safety drills in the workplace 21

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Fire Safety
What is fire?

Humans are usually curious about everything around them. It always led them to discover
something new. It is how humans are different from other animals on earth. It was out of that
curiosity that man discovered fire. Fire is the greatest discovery in all human history. According
to human history, it happened in the stone age. However, the reason for everything in the present
is discovering the fire.
Fire is a chemical reaction that converts fuel and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water.
As a result of it, it produces heat. This is a net production of energy. It is a visible effect of the
process of combustion.
There are different types of fires and they can be caused by a variety of different things
and may take place in any business or home. All companies must be aware of fire safety and
even if you are not working with clearly flammable materials, there is still a risk that fires can start.
The fuel must be heated to its ignition temperature for combustion to occur. The reaction
will keep going as long as there is enough heat, fuel, and oxygen. This is known as the fire triangle.
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Causes of Fire

1. Malicious Ignition
This is the most common cause of fire. The malicious or wilful fire raiser is often hard to
detect due to the fact that the evidence of his actions are likely to be destroyed by the fire that he
has started.

2. Misuse or Fault use of Electric Equipment

This type of misuse of electrical appliances or faulty appliances can be seen in homes as
well as in offices and workplaces due to ignorance or carelessness. But this can cause a fire.
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3. Cigarettes and Matches

Lighting a cigarette or match in a place where there is a risk of fire or throwing a burning
cigarette in such a place can cause a fire.

4. Machanical Heats and Sparks

Sparks or heat from mechanical activities such as working with machine parts or rubbing,
twisting, compression can cause a fire.
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5. Heating Plants

Most of factories use heating plants such as boilers to produce heating power or steams.
Sometimes workshops are using heating equipments to do their work. These kinds of heating
plants can be caused to start a fire.

6. Rubbish Burning

When disposed of garbage is incinerated, sparks can be thrown. It can cause a big fire.

Fire Behavior
There are several different behaviors that fire can show. Each one will work in a distinct
way to spread the flames and heat from a fire to new areas. Heat is passed from one area to
another through different objects and principles.
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The main principles of heat transfer

● Direct contact
● Conduction
● Radiation
● Convection
● Flashover
● Backdraught

Direct Contact
● The first way that a fire will spread is through direct contact.

This means that the flames themselves come into contact with other fuel sources which
also catch fire. The fire will travel along with the other source of fuel as long as it is combustible.
This is seen very often and a good example is when paper or cardboard is set alight – the flame
will travel down the fuel and spread.

Conduction
● Some materials may not be combustible themselves but could allow the fire to
spread through conduction.
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This is when the material does not burn but instead heats up to a high temperature when
in contact with fire. This high temperature passes to the other side of the material. If there is a fuel
source on the other side and the temperature is high enough, this can set on fire.
An example of conduction is through metal. If you heat a metal rod it is unlikely to catch
fire. However, it will heat up to high temperatures and could set fire to something on the other
side such as paper.

Radiation
● Heat is transferred through electromagnetic waves and not just through contact.

This is why we feel the heat from objects even if we do not touch them. If an object is
simply too close to a fire, it could pick up so many waves that its temperature reaches a point that
allows it to set alight.
An example of this could be if you place a magnifying glass on paper on a hot day. The
heat (in the form of radiation) from the sun is magnified and can set the paper on fire.

Convection
● Fire causes the air around it to heat up and smoke to be produced.

Warm air rises above cool air and therefore the air that is heated by flames will rise to the
roof or ceiling in a building. This process is known as convection.
When convection takes place, the heat from the air can become trapped on the ceiling
and, as the fire continues to burn, the heat will continue to rise. This build of heat can start new
fires if there is enough oxygen and a fuel source. For example, a lot of offices have suspended
ceiling tiles which may set alight if enough hot air rises during a fire.

Flashover
● This method of fire spreading is closely linked to convection.

Flashover happens when hot air from a fire rises to the top of a room which then radiates
enough heat for objects in the room to heat up. As furniture and other objects get hot, they will
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begin to give off flammable gases. This gas can result in the materials in the room quickly catching
fire simultaneously.
Flashover is what makes a fire spread very quickly. One minute, a fire can be seemingly
small but, if the surrounding objects have been heated up, they can quickly ignite into a large-
scale blaze.

Backdraught
● When a fire is not well ventilated, it can start to use up the limited oxygen that is
available.

This will cause the fire to die down and the flames to reduce. This can result in a large
number of areas where flammable gases are present but there is no actual fire due to oxygen
being limited. A sudden introduction of oxygen such as a door opening or window breaking can
then result in the fire starting again. These restarts will often be very explosive as oxygen rushes
back into the mix.
The risk of backdraught is the reason why people should never re-enter a building that
has been on fire. The opening of a door will allow oxygen to get back to the flames and could
easily end in an explosion.

Fire triangle
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The fire triangle, or combustion triangle, is the three components needed to ignite and
sustain a fire. The three ingredients of a fire triangle are; heat, fuel and oxygen.

Oxygen
To cause or spread a fire it needs an oxidizing agent such as oxygen. Without the oxidizing
agent, fire will not exist. Despite 21% of the Earth’s atmosphere being made up of oxygen, this
small amount is just enough to both ignite a fire and sustain it, should the other two elements be
present, too. A fire will only require 16% oxygen to burn, and so this oxidizing agent will
significantly accelerate the chemical reaction taking place.

Heat
Heat will also help to ignite a fire and keep it burning. As a combustible material succumbs
to fire, heat will be naturally produced. The only way in which this can be cooled is by the
application of water (for some types of fire). Other fires may need to be doused in foam or other
liquids or substances to either reduce the heat source or suffocate a fire.

Fuel
A fire cannot ignite without an object or material present to enable the fire to burn.
Businesses and homes contain a variety of different combustible materials that will help to fuel a
fire, including:

● Wood
● Paper
● Oil
● Fabric

While some materials burn more rapidly than others, a fire can still spread relatively easily,
particularly in the home. Even wallpaper can help to fuel a fire – a material that cannot be easily
removed from the home
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Types of Fire

Fire can be classified into 6 classes by the type of its fuel. Each of the fire classes can act
differently by the fuel. This means some of the fire classes can spread very fast. Every fire class
has unique behavior. So everyone must know about these fire classes when they have to use the
fire

Class A
A class A fire is burning flammable solids as fuel. Examples of these include paper and
wood. In this class of fire, it spreads slowly when compared to other classes except for
Class D fire. Because of the physical state of the fuel.

Class B
Class B fires are burning flammable liquids. Examples include petrol and paint. This type
of fire can be spread very fastly.
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Class C
Class C fires burn flammable gases. A couple of examples are propane and butane. This
type of fire can spread instantly. If gas is compressed into a room, it can explode.

Class D
Class D fires are burning flammable metals. These may include lithium or magnesium.

Electrical Fire
Any fire involving electrical equipment is classed as an electrical fire.

Class F
Class F fires are burning cooking oils or fat.

Fire Extinguishers
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Water Fire Extinguisher

Water fire extinguishers have a red label and Class A rating. They are suitable for
extinguishing fires involving solid combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles.

AFFF Foam Fire Extinguisher

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Aqueous film forming foam(AFFF) is a fire suppressant used to extinguish flammable

liquid fires such as fuel fires. AFFF is often used in shipboard and shore facility fire suppression
systems, fire fighting vehicles, and fire training facilities. Foam Extinguishers have a Crem Label.
Foam fire extinguishers can be used on Class A and Class B fires.

CO2 Fire Extinguishers

CO2 extinguishers are mainly used for electrical fire risks and are usually the main fire
extinguisher type provided in computer server rooms. They also put out Class B fires. CO2
extinguishers suffocate fires by displacing the oxygen the fire needs to burn. This type of
extinguisher has a black label.

ABC Powder Fire Extinguishers

ABC powder is made up of ammonium or mono-ammonium phosphate mixed with other

powders to improve the flow or add bulk. ABC powder is often referred to as general-purpose or
multi-purpose extinguisher powder and is capable to fight class A, B, and C fires. ABC powder
fire extinguishers have a blue label.
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Water Mist Fire Extinguishers

A water mist fire extinguisher contains and discharges deionized water in a spray that
forms a fine mist curtain. The water droplets are so fine that, while extremely powerful and efficient
at cooling and suffocating a fire, they leave no residue and do not leave the area soaking wet.
water mist fire extinguishers have a white label.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Wet chemical extinguishers have a yellow label. Wet chemical extinguishers are suitable
for use on Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats, such as lard, olive oil, sunflower oil, maize
oil, and butter. They are extremely effective when used correctly. The wet chemical rapidly knocks
the flames out, cools the burning oil, and chemically reacts to form a soap-like solution, sealing
the surface and preventing re-ignition. Although they are primarily designed for use on Class F
fires.
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Fire Blankets

Fire blankets are an important fire safety measure for properties. A fire blanket is made of
fire-resistant materials. They are particularly useful for smothering fat pan fires or wrapping
around a person whose clothing is on fire.

Fire action notices and fire safety signs

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Fire prevention methods

Fire protection
Protection is about reducing damage and saving lives when a fire occurs. Protection
measures can be split into active and passive. This includes using appropriate methods at work,
using good quality equipment (especially electrical equipment), and taking steps to prevent it in
the event of a pre-identified fire hazard.

Active control measures

Active control measures are safety measures that require action from a person or
situation. This means that active protection measures are either used or react when a fire takes
place. Examples include fire extinguishers and blankets which are used by people. Other
examples include sprinkler systems and emergency lighting as these are triggered when a fire
happens.

Passive control measures

Passive control measures are physical features that do not require any action in protecting
life. They are usually built into a building and are no different when a fire takes place to any other
day. They include fire exits, signs leading to the nearest exits, and any special fire safety
equipment built into the location (such as fire-resistant walls and doors).

How we react to fire

● Once a fire has taken hold, we must react calmly and quickly.
It is a lot easier to say this than do it in practice but carrying out regular fire drills and
having a good understanding of how fire spreads is a huge help. This knowledge will result in you
knowing what to do in situations where the fire is present and help you to avoid some of the
common mistakes people make.

● When no training is taken, people that are caught in a fire can make mistakes
such as –

○ Not knowing how long an evacuation takes.

○ Reacting slowly.
○ Not knowing the correct procedure.
○ Underestimating the way in which fire spreads.
○ Underestimating the time it takes for a fire to spread.

What to do when you hear the fire alarm

● If you ever hear a fire alarm you should stay calm and act according to the procedures
set out in your workplace.
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❖ Always
➢ Stay calm and act quickly.
➢ Leave near the nearest fire exit.
➢ Close doors and windows behind you.
➢ Assemble at the nearest designated assembly point.

❖ Never
➢ Spend time collecting belongings.
➢ Use lifts unless they are part of a specific personal evacuation plan.
➢ Attempt to tackle a fire without correct training.
➢ Go back into the building unless you are told it is safe to do so.

● When evacuating a building due to an alarm being raised, you should stay calm and not
take any risks. All belongings should be left as fire can quickly spread and the most
important thing is to get out of the building as quickly as possible.
● Lifts should not be used unless they are part of a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan
(these will be covered soon). This is due to the risk of the lift mechanisms being damaged
by fire as well as the elevator shaft being able to fill with smoke very easily.
● The nearest fire exit should be taken as long as this is safe to use. If it is smokey, stay low
to the ground and always remember to shut any windows and doors after you.

What to do if you cannot get out

At all times in the workplace, you should have access to an emergency exit. These exits
should never be blocked as you do not know if these will be needed at any point. However, if you
do become trapped in a building with no means of escape you must carry out certain steps.

● Firstly, if the emergency services have not yet been informed you must call them. If the
fire is not in the same room as you, make sure that the doors and internal windows are
shut. This will create a barrier between you and the fire.
● Grab any fabric that is available and place this in cracks around doors and windows to
stop any smoke or flames from entering. If possible, it is also best to wet this material first.
If an external window is present, open this and shout ‘Fire’.
● If any smoke does start to get into the room, use some material to cover your nose and
mouth and try to only breathe through your nose.

● If you are ever too close to a fire and your clothes catch alight, you can carry out the stop,
drop and roll technique.

○ STOP – the first thing to remember is to never run if your clothes catch fire. This
will add more oxygen to the flames and make the fire burn faster.
○ DROP – drop to the floor and lie down. This will stop the flames from moving up
your body vertically and burning your head and face.
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○ ROLL – Once on the floor, place your hands over your face and roll back and forth
to smother the flames. This will reduce the oxygen to the fire and work to extinguish
the flames.
○ DON’T STOP – Do not stop until the flames are out.

○ If someone else is present, they can use something like a rug or thick blanket to
smother the flames. If possible, this should be soaked in water first.

When to use a fire extinguisher

Fires should only ever be tackled if it is safe to do so. Without the correct training and
equipment, attempting to tackle a fire is extremely dangerous and should never be done.

Fires should only be extinguished if –

● Someone has raised an alarm.
● Someone has called the emergency services already.
● There are the right types of extinguishers available.
● You have undergone training to use an extinguisher.
● The fire is small and not growing.
● A safe route to an exit is available.

Fires should not be extinguished if –

● The room is filling with smoke.
● The fire is spreading.
● There are other flammable hazards around (such as gas canisters).
● More than one fire extinguisher is needed.

How to use a fire extinguisher

Different types of fire extinguishers can have different instructions for use so these should
be checked. However, in the case of a fire, it is unlikely that you will have time to read these
instructions fully so you can follow general advice with the PASS method.

The PASS method –

● PULL – Firstly pull the pin from the fire extinguisher. This may have a small
plastic seal around it (known as a tamper seal) which will break when the
pin is removed.
● AIM – Aim the nozzle low at the base of the fire and not at the flames.
● SQUEEZE – Squeeze the handle slowly until the fire extinguisher
discharges.
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● SWEEP – Sweep the nozzle from side to side in small motions at the base
of the fire. This will act to cover the base of the fire and should be continued
until the fire is out.

● If the fire reignites afterwards, repeat steps 2 to 4.

Good Fire Safety Housekeeping Practices

The way to minimize and prevent the risk of a fire breaking out is to follow good
housekeeping practices, at home and at work.

● Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor in the property and ensure they
are tested often.
● Ensure all appliances are switched off before you go to bed.
● Do not leave candles unattended.
● Equip your home with fire safety equipment.
● Ensure all cigarettes are extinguished in an ashtray.
● Do not leave anything close to an electric heater.
● Do not overload plug sockets.

Fire Safety Precautions

The term “fire precautions” refers to any measure that is undertaken to minimize the risk
of damage from fire to life or property. It includes the implementation and installation of policies
and equipment that are designed to prevent a fire, as well as those designed to suppress a fire
should one occur.

General fire precautions include:

1. Making emergency plans, developing escape routes, shelter-in-place measures,
and muster procedures.
2. Installing and maintaining fire fighting equipment, such as automatic fire
suppression devices.
3. Installing fire alarms.
4. Ensuring that all emergency escape routes are safe, unobstructed, and properly
marked so that they can be easily followed during an emergency.
5. Ensuring that the building or facility is equipped with the structural features
necessary to stop the spread of the fire long enough for individuals to escape
safely.
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The importance of fire safety drills in the workplace

1. It is a human tendency that we often panic during life-threatening situations like
fire. Through proper training, we can improve our reaction to the benefit of
ourselves and the people surrounding us.
2. Fire safety drills in the workplace can prove to be of great benefit for all the people
working there. If every employee knows how to respond in an emergency situation
and what steps must be taken to safely evacuate everyone, it can be quite helpful
for minimizing the damage caused.
3. Regular fire drills involving providing practical knowledge about safe evacuation
procedures must be carried out at least once a year. Through the drills, the
effectiveness of escape routes can also be assessed.
4. The more your employees are familiar with the steps one must follow during an
accidental fire, the more are the chances of eliminating the damage caused due to
fire. Moreover, it is the legal duty of every employer to organize a fire safety drill
for employees once a year.