Fire Hazards and

Life Safety
 Fire Hazards Defined

an object, building etc that could

easily catch fire or cause a fire
and thereby endanger life
 Source of Fire Hazards
Types of Fire Sources/Materials
Class A Fires Solid Materials: Wood, Plastics, Textile,
Paper, Clothing
Class B Fires Flammable liquids and gasses

Class C Fires Electrical (Live electricity situations, exclude

fires in other materials started by electricity
Combustible, easily oxidized metal such as
Class D Fires Aluminum, Magnesium, Titanium and Zirconium

Special Categories Extremely active oxidizers or mixtures, flammable

containing oxygen, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide and
solid missile proppelant
 Fire Dangers to Humans
Product Fuels Pathology
Acrolein Cellulose, fatty substance, wood and paints Highly toxic, irritant to eyes and
respiratory system
Ammonia Wool, silk, nylon, melamine, refrigerants, hydrogen - Somewhat toxic irritants to eyes and
nitrogen compound respiratory system
Carbon Dioxide All carbon and organic compounds Not toxic but depletes available oxygen

Carbon Monoxide All carbon and organic compounds Can be deadly

Hydrogen Chloride Wool, silk, nylon, paper, polyurethane, rubber, Quickly lethal asphyxiant (death by
leather, plastic, wood suffocation)
Hydrogen Sulfide Sulfur-containing compounds, rubber, crude oil Highly toxic gas, strong odor of rotten
eggs but quickly destroy sense of smell
Nitrogen Dioxide Cellulose nitrate, celluloid, textiles and other Lung irritant, causing death or damage
nitrogen oxides
Sulfur Dioxide Sulfur and sulfur-containing compounds Toxic irritant
 Detection of Fire Hazards
Many automatic fire detection systems are used today in industries.
- Thermal expansion detectors,
- Heat sensitive insulation,
- Photoelectric Fires,
- Ionization or radiation sensor and
- Ultraviolet or I.R. detectors
These sound an alarm through which fire flames are detected.
Thermal expansion detectors
Heat sensitive insulation
Photoelectric Fires
Ionization or radiation sensor
Ultraviolet or I.R. detectors
 Reduction of Fire Hazards
5 Things You Can Do Now to Reduce Fire Hazards
• Identify Fire Hazards in Your Workplace. Identifying the fire hazards in
your workplace should be your first step. ...
• Install Smoke Detectors. ...
• Have Fire Extinguishers on Each Floor. ...
• Hire Professionals for Fire Risk Assessment. ...
• Have an Evacuation Plan.
 Development of Fire Safety Standards
• Fire safety standards are created to prevent or lower the incidence of
fires that cause death, injury, property damage and the destruction of
natural resources
 OSHA Fire Standards
• Fire safety: OSHA recommends that all employers have a fire prevention
plan. A plan is mandatory when required by an OSHA standard
• Exit Routes
• Walking/Working Surfaces
• Medical and First Aid: OSHA requires employers to provide medical and
first-aid personnel and supplies commensurate with the hazards of the work
place
Life Safety
 Flame-Resistant Clothing
• Flame-resistant clothing refers to any
clothing items that are designed and
specifically manufactured to protect wearers
from potential intermittent flames and
thermal exposure. It also allow workers to do
their job in an environments and situations
that would otherwise be too Hazardous, all
with a very low risk of injury.
Fire Safety Programs
 Emergency procedures/Evacuation drill
• Emergency escape routes
• Procedures for employees who must remain to operate critical equipment before
evacuating
• Procedures for evacuating occupants who need assistance
• Procedures for accounting for employees and occupants
• Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for rescue and medical aid
• Preferred and alternative means of notifying occupants of a fire or emergency
• Preferred and alternative means of notifying the fire department of the emergency
• Identification and assignment of personnel who can be contacted for further
information
• Description of emergency/alarm communication system and preprogrammed voice
messages, where provided
 Regular fire Safety inspection
• Fire Safety Equipment
Fire prevention and safety equipment are a vital factor in fire inspections. Fire
extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire sprinkler systems all play a vital role in
fire prevention. It is important therefore to ensure that all equipment is in working
order and in compliance with fire safety codes.
• Fire, Exit Routes
This section ensures that there are no obstructions to people exiting the building in
case of a fire emergency. This includes pathways, exits, aisles, and walkways.
• Good Practices for Fire Safety
This section ensures that adequate measures towards fire prevention in the facility.
 Fire Safety Equipment Inspection
• The stipulated number of extinguishers are present (within 75 feet distance from any place in
your facility).
• The size, rating, and type of fire extinguishers match the requirement for your kind of
business. (At least a 2A-10BC size rating).
• The extinguishers, fire alarm panels, and fire sprinklers have been serviced and inspected
within the previous 12 months.
• All extinguishers are mounted on the wall in keeping with the specified fire safety
recommendations (the top of the unit must be no higher than 3.5 feet if extinguishers are
greater than 40 pounds and 5 feet if lighter.)
• There are no warning lights on your fire alarm panel.
• There is adequate clearance around fire sprinkler deflectors (at least 18 inches, according to
the NFPA).
• There are no signs of leakage, physical damage or corrosion on any of the equipment.
• The valves, hose connections, and water pressure are adequate to the requirements of the fire
code.
 Fire Exit Routes Inspection
• At least two stipulated fire exits are present.
• All exit doors are unlocked at all times of occupancy.
• Aisles that lead to and away from fire exits are unobstructed.
• The pathway that leads to exit doors is wide enough (at least 36 inches wide.)
• Fire exits are provided with panic hardware.
• All doors to fire exits can be easily opened in case of emergency.
• Easy access to fire protection equipment like fire extinguishers and fire alarm control
panel.
• The paths to the exits are well lit and clearly marked.
• The exit signs have backup batteries (to allow for a minimum of 90 minutes power
backup) in case the lights go off during a fire emergency.
 Good Practices for Safety Inspection
• All combustible materials are stored in fireproof cabinets.
• The number of people in your premises doesn’t exceed the maximum
occupancy limits at any time (NFPA 101 6.1 gives more information on the
specific requirements for different types of structures.)
• Electrical sockets are not overloaded and there are no improper multi-plug
adapters used.
• All electrical panels are easily accessible and there are no obstructions to their
use.
• All potentially flammable materials are kept away from electrical panels.
(Usually, a 3 feet clearance is required.)
 Maintenance and Servicing of Fire Equipment
• Fire alarms- “Common faults” – Many faults for alarm systems involve power
failures, requiring a system to be reset, but ground faults can also put the system
out of action by knocking out the power to certain circuits. Also, a rare
occurrence, but if your premises sustain water damage this could knock out your
system if the water manages to encroach on the circuits.
• Fire Suppression System- “Common faults” – With very little electronic
equipment attached to the system and no human input required, fire suppression
systems are less likely to develop faults. However, it could be that the suppressant
simply needs topping up or that a part has become damaged and needs repair.
• FIRE DOORS- “Common faults” – Whether a door has become jammed,
the seals are missing or the hinges haven’t been fitted correctly, there is a lot
which can go wrong with a fire door.
• SPRINKLER SYSTEMS- “Common faults” – There are many things
which can impact the performance of a sprinkler system, particularly if it sits
unused for years on end – pressure being of particular importance here. Rust
is one of the most common causes of faults for the components, along with
the water in the system freezing and causing pipes to burst.
• EMERGENCY LIGHTING- “Common faults” – A battery powered
piece of equipment, one of the most common faults for emergency lighting
not working is dead batteries. If not the batteries then the lamps themselves
could be at fault, leaving people in the dark.
• FIRE EXTINGUISHERS- “Common faults” – Fire extinguishers are
usually sitting around for years on end before use, leaving them prone to
rusting and weakening. In addition to this, you may not realize when someone
has tampered with an extinguisher, releasing the contents and turning it into a
dud when someone actually needs it.
• Fire extinguishers should be serviced by a BAFE approved company to
guarantee they have been inspected by a certified engineer. By servicing and
maintaining all the different extinguishers you have on site you can ensure the
safety of your staff, visitors and your premises.
 Staff Training
• Within any commercial setting, it’s a legal requirement for certain
members of staff to be trained in fire safety procedures – becoming
your environment’s designated fire wardens as a result. The person
trained should have a clear understanding of the overall duties and
responsibilities they have as a fire warden. This will include: what
action they should take on the discovery of a fire, know the
difference between different fire classes, which extinguisher to use
for which fire and what the evacuation procedure is.
Information to Occupants
Keeping of Records
 Emergency Planning
• You may discover unrecognized hazardous conditions that would aggravate an emergency
situation and you can work to eliminate them. The planning process may bring to light
deficiencies, such as the lack of resources (equipment, trained personnel, supplies), or items
that can be corrected before an emergency occurs. In addition, an emergency plan promotes
safety awareness and shows the organization's commitment to the safety of workers.
• The lack of an emergency plan could lead to severe losses such as multiple casualties and
possible financial collapse of the organization.
• Since emergencies will occur, preplanning is necessary. An urgent need for rapid decisions,
shortage of time, and lack of resources and trained personnel can lead to chaos during an
emergency. Time and circumstances in an emergency mean that normal channels of authority
and communication cannot be relied upon to function routinely. The stress of the situation
can lead to poor judgment resulting in severe losses. A well thought out, well organized
emergency response plan will help to eliminate these issues.
 Explosives Hazards
An explosion is a rapid expansion of gases. Many
explosions occur when gases are exposed to a source
of heat- such as fire, sparks, even static electricity-or
an increase in pressure. Explosions can also be
caused by chemical reactions. For instance, when two
or more incompatible substances are combined, they
may explode. Some chemicals can even explode if
exposed to air or water.
 How to Reduce Explosion Risk
• Keep explosives from heat.
• Use only approved storage and transfer containers.
• Make sure containers are grounded and bonded before transferring flammable liquids.
• Report equipment malfunctions immediately.
• Make sure ventilation equipment is working properly. Monitor the air when using explosive
materials in confined spaces.
• Clean up spills quickly and get rid of oily rags daily.
• Keep your work area clean. Dust can trigger an explosion.
• Stay alert for leaks and other danger signals.
• Observe “No Smoking” signs.
• Keep aisles clear so that emergency equipment can be moved quickly.
• Know where fire-fighting equipment is stored and how to use it.
OSHA’s Firefighting Options
 Self-assessment in Fire Protection
• Fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for every workplace. Even a small
fire could have fatal consequences and will have serious financial implications
for any business.
Safety Point Why? How do you do
this?
By law a competent A competent person will By developing your own
person must carry out a have the knowledge to knowledge, training a
fire risk assessment of identify the risks and suitable, interested
the premises. suggest practical member of staff, or
precautions you can take. employing a qualified
advisor. Ask for
information from your
Fire Authority.
 Fire Safety Risk Assessment
1. Identify Fire Hazards
-sources of ignition such as naked flames
-sources of fuel such as flammable liquids
-sources of oxygen such as the air around us
2. Identify People at Risk
-people in and around the premises and
-people who are especially at risk
3. Evaluate, remove or reduce, and protect from risk
-Evaluate the risk of a fire starting
-Evaluate the risk to people from a fire
-Remove or reduce fire hazards
-Remove or reduce the risks to people from a fire
-Protect people by providing fire precautions
4. Record, plan, inform, instruct and train
-Record any major findings and action you have taken
-Discuss and work with other responsible people
-Prepare an emergency plan
-Inform and instruct relevant people
-Provide training
5. Review
-Review your fire-risk assessment regularly
-Make changes where necessary
Thank You!!!