HOW FIRE OCCUR Triangle of fire

•FOUR ELEMENTS ARE NEEDED TO CREATE A FIRE: FUEL, OXYGEN,

HEAT, AND A CHEMICAL REACTION. ... A FIRE ONLY NEEDS AN
ATMOSPHERE OF 16% OXYGEN. HEAT IS THE ENERGY
NECESSARY TO INCREASE THE TEMPERATURE OF THE FUEL TO A
POINT WHERE SUFFICIENT VAPORS ARE GIVEN OFF FOR IGNITION
TO OCCUR.
CLASSES OF FIRE
 Every workplace that has potential fire hazards must be equipped

FIRE HAZARDS with a sufficient number of conveniently located and easily

accessible fire exits.

FIRE HAZARDS ARE WORKPLACE HAZARDS THAT The following fire hazards are found in various workplaces:
INVOLVE THE PRESENCE OF FLAME OR THE RISK
OF AN UNCONTROLLED FIRE. • Open flames used in various applications (such as welding)
• Electric wires, higher loads, loose connections, and old electrical
FIRE HAZARDS INCLUDE: equipment
• LIVE FLAMES • All cooking and heat generating appliances
• Smoking and the use of personal lighters or matches
• SPARKS • Improper or unauthorized stowage of flammable and hazardous
• HOT OBJECTS materials and chemicals
• Insufficient capacity and numbers of emergency exits and stairs
• FLAMMABLE CHEMICALS • Hindrance to sight or reach fire fighting equipment, markings, and
• CHEMICALS THAT CAN AGGRAVATE A FIRE alarm systems
• Insufficient numbers and types of fire extinguishers
• Absence of fire detection and alarm system
• Violation of building and fire codes
KINDS OF
FLAMMABLE
MATERIAL
FLAMMABLE &
COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
ARE LIQUIDS THAT CAN BURN. THEY ARE CLASSIFIED, OR GROUPED, AS
EITHER FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE BY THEIR FLASHPOINTS. GENERALLY
SPEAKING, FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS WILL IGNITE (CATCH ON FIRE) AND BURN
EASILY AT NORMAL WORKING TEMPERATURES. COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS HAVE
THE ABILITY TO BURN AT TEMPERATURES THAT ARE USUALLY ABOVE
WORKING TEMPERATURES.
Flammable Aerosol
-is an aerosol that contains a component that is classified as
flammable, whether it is liquid, gas or solid. There are two
categories of flammable aerosols. A Category 1 flammable gas
contains 85% or less flammable components. A Category 2
flammable gas contains less than 1% flammable components. These
categories are also based upon technical criteria, such as the heat
of combustion, ignition test distance, flame height and flame
durability.
FLAMMABLE SOLIDS
-are any materials in the solid phase of
matter that can readily undergo
combustion in the presence of a source of
ignition under standard circumstances, i.e.
without: Artificially changing variables
such as pressure or density
GENERAL SAFETY
PRACTICES THAT
WILL PREVENT THE
OCCURRENCE OF
FIRE
FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES MAY NEED TO
INCLUDE MATTERS SUCH AS:
• SECURITY PROVISIONS TO HELP PREVENT WILFUL FIRE RAISING AND ARSON;
• PROHIBITION ON SMOKING;
• POSITIONING OF HEAT SOURCES TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL;
• SYSTEMS OF WORK TO PREVENT ACCUMULATION OF EASILY IGNITABLE RUBBISH OR PAPER;
• CONTROL OF CONTRACTORS OR EMPLOYEES USING BLOWLAMPS, CUTTING OR WELDING EQUIPMENT;
• RISK ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL IN THE PURCHASING OF ARTICLES AND SUBSTANCES TO AVOID THE
INTRODUCTION OF FIRE HAZARDS WHERE POSSIBLE;
• RISK ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL FOR THE USE OF ARTICLES AND SUBSTANCES WHICH
POSE FIRE HAZARDS TO AVOID THE MANIFESTATION OF FIRE RISKS;
• MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMES FOR ELECTRICAL WIRING AND APPLIANCES;
• TEMPERATURE CONTROL THAT AVOIDS NEED FOR PORTABLE HEATERS OR COOLERS;
• DESIGN OR POSITIONING OF HEATERS, MACHINERY OR OFFICE EQUIPMENT SO THAT
VENTILATORS CANNOT BE OBSTRUCTED;
• ADEQUATE CLEANING OF WORK AREAS;
• ADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF COOKING FACILITIES;
• SPECIAL ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS, SUCH AS TO MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR A FIRE TO
BEGIN OR TAKE HOLD BY CONTROLLING THE PRESENCE OF OXYGEN, FUEL OR ENERGY. THESE
THREE COMPONENTS, THE SO-CALLED 'FIRE TRIANGLE', ARE THE THREE PREREQUISITES
FOR FIRE.
LOCATION OF FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
AND EMERGENCY ESCAPE ROUTES ON
BOARD
• 1. FIRE RETARDANT BULKHEAD: DIFFERENT CLASS OF BULKHEAD SUCH CLASS-A, CLASS-B AND CLASS-C ARE USED ON
BOARD SHIP FOR CONSTRUCTION OF BULKHEAD IN AREAS LIKE ACCOMMODATION, MACHINERY SPACE, PUMP ROOM ETC. THE
MAIN APPLICATIONS OF SUCH BULKHEAD ARE TO CONTAIN OR RESTRICT THE SPREAD OF FIRE IN SENSITIVE AREAS.

• 2. FIRE DOORS: FIRE DOORS ARE FITTED IN FIRE RETARDANT BULKHEAD TO PROVIDE ACCESS FROM THE SAME. THEY ARE
SELF CLOSING TYPE DOORS WITH NO HOLD BACK ARRANGEMENT.

• 3. FIRE DAMPERS: DAMPERS ARE PROVIDED IN THE VENTILATION SYSTEM OF CARGO HOLDS, ENGINE ROOM,
ACCOMMODATION ETC. IN ORDER TO BLOCK OUT EXCESSIVE OXYGEN SUPPLY TO THE FIRE. FOR THIS, IT IS NECESSARY
THAT OPEN AND SHUT POSITION CLEARLY MARKED FOR FIRE DAMPERS.

• 4. FIRE PUMPS: AS PER REGULATION, A SHIP MUST HAVE MAIN FIRE PUMP AND AN EMERGENCY POWER PUMP OF APPROVED
TYPE AND CAPACITY. THE LOCATION OF THE EMERGENCY FIRE PUMP MUST BE OUTSIDE THE SPACE WHERE MAIN FIRE PUMP
IS LOCATED.

• 5. FIRE MAIN PIPING AND VALVES: THE FIRE MAIN PIPING WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE MAIN AND EMERGENCY FIRE PUMP
MUST BE OF APPROVE TYPE AND CAPACITY. ISOLATION AND RELIEF VALVES MUST BE PROVIDED IN THE LINE TO AVOID OVER
PRESSURE OF THE SAME.
• 6. FIRE HOSE AND NOZZLES: FIRE HOSES WITH LENGTH OF AT LEAST 10 METERS ARE
USED IN SHIPS. NUMBER AND DIAMETER OF THE HOSES ARE DETERMINED BY THE
CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY. NOZZLE OF DIAMETERS 12 M, 16 M AND 19 M USED ON SHIP
ARE OF DUAL PURPOSE TYPES- JET AND SPRAY MODE.
• 7. FIRE HYDRANTS: FIRE HOSES ARE CONNECTED TO FIRE HYDRANTS FROM WHICH
THE WATER SUPPLY IS CONTROLLED. THEY ARE MADE UP OF HEAT RETARDANT
MATERIAL TO GET LEAST AFFECTED FROM THE SUB ZERO TEMPERATURES AND ALSO
TO ENSURE THAT HOSES CAN BE EASILY COUPLED WITH THEM.
• 8. PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS OF CO2, FOAM
AND DRY CHEMICAL POWDER ARE PROVIDED IN ACCOMMODATION, DECK AND
MACHINERY SPACES CARRIED ALONG WITH NUMBER OF SPARES AS GIVEN BY THE
REGULATION.
• 9. FIXED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM: CO2, FOAM AND WATER ARE USED IN THIS
TYPE OF SYSTEM, WHICH IS INSTALLED AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS ON THE SHIP AND
IS REMOTELY CONTROLLED FROM OUTSIDE THE SPACE TO BE PROTECTED.
• 10. INERT GAS SYSTEM: THE INERT GAS SYSTEM IS PROVIDED IN THE OIL TANKERS OF
20000 DWT AND ABOVE AND THOSE WHICH ARE FITTED WITH CRUDE OIL WASHING.
THE IG SYSTEM IS TO PROTECT CARGO SPACE FROM ANY FIRE HAZARDS.
• 11. FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEMS ARE INSTALLED IN CARGO AREA, ACCOMMODATION, DECK AREAS, AND
MACHINERY SPACES ALONG WITH ALARM SYSTEM TO NOTIFY ANY OUTBREAK OF FIRE OR SMOKE AT THE EARLIEST.

• 12. REMOTE SHUT AND STOP SYSTEM: THE REMOTE STATION SHUTDOWN IS PROVIDED TO ALL FUEL LINES FROM
FUEL OIL AND DIESEL OIL TANKS IN THE MACHINERY SPACE AND WHICH IS DONE BY QUICK CLOSING VALVES.
REMOTE STOP SYSTEM IS ALSO PROVIDED TO STOP THE MACHINERIES LIKE FUEL PUMPS, PURIFIER, VENTILATION
FANS, BOILER ETC. IN THE EVENT OF FIRE IN THE ENGINE ROOM OR BEFORE DISCHARGING FIXED FIRE FIGHTING
SYSTEM IN THE E/R.

• 13. EEBD: EEBD (EMERGENCY ESCAPE BREATHING DEVICE) IS USED TO ESCAPE FROM A ROOM ON FIRE OR FILLED
WITH SMOKE. THE LOCATION AND SPARES OF THE SAME MUST BE AS PER THE REQUIREMENTS GIVEN IN FSS CODE.

• 14. FIRE FIGHTER’S OUTFIT: FIRE FIGHTER’S OUTFIT IS USED TO FIGHT A FIRE ON THE SHIP MADE UP OF FIRE
RETARDANT MATERIAL OF APPROVED TYPE. FOR A CARGO SHIP AT LEAST 2 OUTFITS AND FOR PASSENGER SHIP AT
LEAST 4 OUTFITS MUST BE PRESENT ONBOARD.

• 15. INTERNATIONAL SHORE CONNECTION (ISC): ISC IS USED TO CONNECT SHORE WATER TO THE SHIP SYSTEM TO
FIGHT FIRE WHEN THE SHIP FIRE PUMP SYSTEM IS NOT OPERATIONAL AND IS ON PORT, LAY OFF OR DRY DOCK. THE
SIZE AND DIMENSIONS ARE STANDARD FOR ALL THE SHIP AND AT LEAST ONE COUPLING WITH GASKET MUST BE
PRESENT ONBOARD.

• 16. MEANS OF ESCAPE: ESCAPE ROUTES AND PASSAGES MUST BE PROVIDED AT DIFFERENT LOCATION OF THE SHIP
ALONG WITH LADDERS AND SUPPORTS LEADING TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE SIZE AND LOCATION ARE DESIGNED AS
PER THE REGULATION.
 STEPS TO BE DONE UPON DISCOVERY OF FIRE
• RAISE THE ALARM.

• INFORM THE MASTER

• REDUCE THE VESSELS SPEED & ENGAGE MANUAL STEERING.DISPLAY NUC ( NOT UNDER
COMMAND) LIGHTS,WEATHER REPORTS, OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH OTHER VESSELS IN THE VICINITY AND SEND
URGENCY SIGNAL.

• CLOSE ALL VENTILATION, FIRE AND WATERTIGHT DOORS.

• MUSTER ALL CREW- TAKE A HEAD COUNT. EMERGENCY FIRE P/P RUNNING.

• ISOLATE ALL ELECTRICAL UNITS. COMMENCE BOUNDARY COOLING.

• FIGHT FIRE BY CONVENTIONAL MEANS.

• MAIN FIRE PARTY TO BE PROPERLY EQUIPPED. BACK UP PARTY READY AT ALL TIMES.

• C/O NOT TO ENTER AS HE MONITORS PROGRESS AND COMMUNICATION WITH THE BRIDGE. PROPER
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BRIDGE AND ENGINE ROOM. KEEP BRIDGE INFORMED ACCORDINGLY OF SEQUENCE OF
EVENTS.

• AT ALL TIMES FIRE FIGHTERS TO BE WELL EQUIPPED WITH BREATHING APPARATUS AND FIREMAN SUIT. CHECKS ON
APPARATUS MUST BE CARRIED OUT PRIOR TO ENTERING SPACE.
TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Water and Foam
Water and Foam fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by taking away
the heat element of the fire triangle. Foam agents also separate
the oxygen element from the other elements.
Water extinguishers are for Class A fires only - they should not be used
on Class B or C fires. The discharge stream could spread the flammable
liquid in a Class B fire or could create a shock hazard on a Class C fire.

Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers extinguish fire by taking
away the oxygen element of the fire triangle and also be
removing the heat with a very cold discharge.
Carbon dioxide can be used on Class B & C fires. They are
usually ineffective on Class A fires.
Dry Chemical
Dry Chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting
the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.
Today's most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical
that is effective on Class A, B, and C fires. This agent also works by creating a
barrier between the oxygen element and the fuelelement on Class A fires.
Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B & C fires only. It is important to use the correct
extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to re-
ignite after apparently being extinguished succesfully.

Wet Chemical
Wet Chemical is a new agent that extinguishes the fire by removing the heat of the
fire triangle and prevents re-ignition by creating a barrier between
the oxygen and fuel elements.
Wet chemical of Class K extinguishers were developed for modern, high efficiency
deep fat fryers in commercial cooking operations. Some may also be used on Class A
fires in commercial kitchens.

Clean Agent
Halogenated or Clean Agent extinguishers include the halon agents as well as the newer
and less ozone depleting halocarbon agents. They extinguish the fire by interrupting
the chemical reaction and/or removing heat from the fire triangle.
Clean agent extinguishers are effective on Class A, B and C fires. Smaller sized handheld
extinguishers are not large enough to obtain a 1A rating and may carry only a Class B and C
rating.
Dry Powder
Dry Powder extinguishers are similar to dry chemical except that they
extinguish the fire by separating the fuel from the oxygen element or by
removing the heat element of the fire triangle.
However, dry powder extinguishers are for Class D or combustible metal
fires, only. They are ineffective on all other classes of fires.

Water Mist
Water Mist extinguishers are a recent development that extinguish the
fire by taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. They are an
alternative to the clean agent extinguishers where contamination is a
concern.
Water mist extinguishers are primarily for Class A fires, although they
are safe for use on Class C fires as well.
Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical
Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by
interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.
Like the stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers, the multipurpose dry chemical is
effective on Class A, B, and C fires. This agent also works by creating a barrier
between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A fires.
Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B & C fires only. It is important to use the correct
extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to re-
ignite after apparently being extinguished successfully.
 HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRE USING
WATER, SAND, BLANKET
• WATER: WATER WILL PUT OUT YOUR FIRE AS LONG AS ITS NOT AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. POURING
WATER ON A FIRE THAT STARTED ELECTRICALLY COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. TO PUT OUT A FIRE
WITH WATER, FILL A BUCKET AND QUICKLY DUMP IT OVER THE FIRE CONTINUING TO FILL BUCKETS.

• SAND: SAND OR DIRT IS A GREAT WAY TO PUT OUT A FIRE IF YOU DON’T HAVE A FIRE
EXTINGUISHER. IF YOU ARE OUTDOORS WHEN THE FIRE TAKES PLACE SIMPLY GRAB A BUCKET OF
SAND OUT OF YOUR CHILD’S SANDBOX, OR SOME DIRT OUT OF THE FLOWER GARDEN. THINKING
QUICKLY AND THROWING THE DIRT ONTO YOUR FIRE WILL SURELY PUT IT OUT QUICKLY.

• BLANKET: IF YOU HAVE NO OTHER OPTIONS, GRAB A BLANKET, COAT OR A RUG THAT ISN’T
FLAMMABLE AND SMOTHER IT OVER THE FIRE. BE SURE TO NOT LIFT THE BLANKET UP FOR AT
LEAST 5 MINUTES. A FIRE NEEDS OXYGEN TO BREATHE, AND LIFTING THE BLANKET UP WOULD GIVE
IT MORE OXYGEN TO STAY BURNING. BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL IF USING A BLANKET, AS HOT FIRE
MAY CAUSE THE BLANKET TO FLAME UP. HOWEVER, TRYING TO PUT IT OUT WITH A BLANKET IS
BETTER THAN NOTHING.
HOW TO EXTINGUISH EXTENSIVE FIRE
USING A CO2 FIRE-EXTINGUISHER
- IS USED ON CLASS B FIRES, AS WELL AS THOSE
INVOLVING A LARGE AMOUNT OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT,
AND WILL HAVE A BLACK LABEL. TO EXTINGUISH A FIRE
WITH A CO2 EXTINGUISHER, AIM THE HORN AT THE BASE
OF THE FIRE AND SWEEP THE JET ACROSS THE AREA OF
THE FIRE. NEVER HOLD THE HORN, AS IT COULD FREEZE
YOUR SKIN.