FIRE SAFETY TRAINING

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Fire is a serious threat, it maybe rare in an office
environment but it is important to be prepared coz you
never know when it strikes.

Preventing a fire in a workplace could a relatively easy

in comparison to repairing the damage caused, hence it
is important to aware of hazards in your surrounding
and eliminate them before it causes fatalities or serious
damage/disaster.

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Welcome to Fire Marshals
Training
 By the end of this training program you
should have the confidence to deal with a
real life fire situation in a calm and
controlled manner.
 Lesson Objectives
By the end of the lesson student should be able
to:
 Understand fire safety Legislations
 Define fire
 State the elements of fire
 State the causes and classes of fire
 Recognize the extinguisher colour coding
scheme
 Operate fire fighting equipments
 OBJECTIVES
I. Understand the basics of fire
II. Learn how to prevent fires
III. Learn how to control a fire incase it occurs
IV. Understand the importance of fire safety
training
V. Understand dangers of smoke& how to
maneuver in a smoke filled room
VI. Recognize extinguisher suitability for
individual risk
VII. Ensure proper evacuation,firesafety in the
event of emergency until back up arrives 5
 Life Safety
– The primary goal of fire safety efforts is to protect
building occupants from injury and to prevent loss of
life.
 Property Protection
– The secondary goal of fire safety is to prevent
property damage.
 Protection of Operations
– By preventing fires and limiting damage we can
assure that work operations will continue.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF A BRILLIANT
FIRE MARSHALL
 Swift and fast-obesity
 Non-discriminative- Tribal/Tribe all
 Alertness and READINESS
 Flexible enough-do other things
 Sacrifice-calling
 Knowledge- understand fire
 Organised- know where your tools are
 Calm and composed- to avoid panic
 Team player/ team spirit
 Creativity counts // right creativity
 Definition of Fire
 What is Fire?
- Fire is a chemical reaction involving three
essential elements before it occurs:
 Fuel.
 Heat and
 Oxygen.
 Each of these three elements must be present at
the same time to have a fire. A fire will burn until
one or more of the elements is removed.
Fuel
Any combustible material – solid, liquid or gas

Heat
Oxygen
The energy necessary to
The air we breathe is
increase the temperature of
about 21% oxygen –
fuel to where sufficient
fire needs only
vapors are given off for
16% oxygen
ignition to occur
 THE FIRE TRIANGLE
 The fire triangle remains a useful
means of describing a fire situation.

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FIRE TRIANGLE

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 FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

 In order to extinguish a fire elimination or

removal of any element that make up the
fire composition is necessary.
 The following principles explain the nature
of extinguishments of fires :-.

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1. LIMITATION OF TEMPERATURE
BY COOLING

NO FIRE

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2. LIMITATION OF FUEL BY STARVATION

NO FIRE

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3. LIMITATION OF OXYGEN BY
SMOOTHERING/ BLANKETING.

NO FIRE

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 CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES
 Fires are classified according to the materials
involved.
 The following is a modern fire classification, it
is extremely important to identify the class of
fire so that you can select the proper means of
extinguishing the fire.

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 Fire Classes
A Trash Wood Paper B Liquids Grease

 wood • gasoline
 paper • oil
 cloth • grease
 etc. • other solvents

C Electrical Equipment COMBUSTIBLE • magnesium

• sodium
• computers • potassium
• fax machine
D • titanium
• other energized • other
electrical equip.
flammable
METALS
metals
 Fire Classes (cont.)

CLASS K/F FIRES

• Fires involving combustible oils,

lards and fats in commercial
cooking.

K Cooking Media
 Questions?
Questions?

huh? ? zzzz.....
?
Fire extinguisher anatomy

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Pressurized water

 Class “A” fires only

 6 or 9 litres size
(up to 1 minute discharge time)
 Has pressure gauge to allow visual
capacity check
 30-40 ft. maximum effective range
 Can be started and stopped as
necessary
 Extinguishes by cooling burning
material below the ignition point.
 Weighs approximately 15kgs
 Colour coded Red
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 CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
• Class “B” or “C” fires
• Gas is maintained in liquid form @ a
A Trash Wood Paper
A Trash Wood Paper
pressure of 50 bars/750 psi
• (8-30 seconds discharge time)
• Has NO pressure gauge--capacity
verified by weight
B Liquids Grease
B Liquids Grease
• 3-8 ft. maximum effective range
• Extinguishes by smothering burning
materials
• Effectiveness decreases as
C Electrical Equipment
temperature of burning material
C Electrical Equipment
increases.
• Over 4% by volume in confined
space can cause suffocation
• Gas makes considerable noise
indicating its working
A Trash Wood Paper
A Trash Wood Paper
Dry Powder
• 1kg, 2kg, 3kg, 6kg, and 9kg
capacities
• ABC powder for burning
solids, burning liquids and if
B Liquids Grease
B Liquids Grease
specially trained, burning
gases
• Could be harmful in a
confined space, and will
C Electrical Equipment
contaminate prepared foods,
C Electrical Equipment
and delicate electronic
equipment
• Little cooling effect
• Colour coded blue
Dry chemical powder( NaHCO3)cont
Applicable: Effective on Class B & C and Class A
Sodium Carbonate melts and decomposes at 2700C on heating

2NaHCO3 heat(270 C) = H2O +CO2 +Na2CO3

Advantage:
Interrupts chemical chain reaction
Absorbs large quantities of heat
“Quick knockdown”

Disadvantage:
 Cause damage to computers & servers
Poor visibility
Breathing difficulties
Wind - influence
All dry powders are treated to improve their “flow” properties and reduce
“caking”. By small portion of very fine silica.
 Types of Fire Extinguishers
Foam
• Multi-Purpose Foam
Spray
• 9 litres, 6 litres or 2 litres
• Ideal for burning solids
and hydrocarbon liquids
(e.g. petrol, diesel etc.)
• Colour coded cream
Foam extinguishers
(AFFF) Aqueous Film Forming Foam
Foam: A fire fighting foam is simply a stable mass of small air-filled bubbles,
which have a lower density than oil, gasoline or water. Foam is made up of
three ingredients - water, foam concentrate and air.

Size: 2, 6 & 9 litres Applicable : Class B fires

Distance of discharge : 3 m Duration : 20 sec

Advantage
Flows freely over burning liquid surface

Disadvantage
Corrosive than plain water
Unsuitable for electrical fires
 FIRE BLANKETS
Fire blankets are made of fire
resistant materials (Fiber Glass).
How to Use
Place carefully over the fire. Keep
your hands shielded from the fire. Do
not waft the fire towards you.
OTHER FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS
SAND BUCKET SPRINKLER
SYSTEM

FIRE BEATERS GAS Suppression SYSTEM

 Other Fire Fighting Equipment
• Hose - Reels
 Questions?
Questions?

huh? ? zzzz.....
?
 ADVANTAGES OF HAND FIRE
APPLIANCES
 Portable – Easy to carry
 Prevent small fires from becoming
large and costly.
 Can be operated by unskilled person

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 How a fire extinguisher works
 When the handle of an extinguisher is
compressed, it opens an inner canister of
high-pressure gas that forces the
extinguishing agent from the main
cylinder through a siphon tube and out of
the nozzle.

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 Operation of extinguishers
Remember PASS

P = Pull the pin.

A = Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
S = Squeeze the handle.
S = Sweep from side to side.

The PASS Method will work on all types of

extinguishers.
Make sure your extinguisher can be
used in a fire emergency.
 The extinguisher should be mounted
on the wall.

 The area in front of the extinguisher

shall be clear of any obstructions

 The pressure gauge should be in the

green zone

 The inspection tag should show that

the extinguisher has been inspected
within the last 6 months.
 A fire extinguisher should only
be used to fight a fire when:

 There is a clear exit behind the

person using the fire extinguisher.
 The fire is small and contained (like in
a wastepaper basket).

And most important of all...

The fire is not spreading rapidly!
 How to use a fire extinguisher safely:
 Always stand with an exit at your back.

 Stand several feet back and away from the fire,

moving closer once the fire starts to diminish.

 Use a slow sweeping motion and aim the fire

extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.

 If possible, use a "buddy system" to have someone

back you up or to call for help if something goes
wrong.

 After putting out the fire be sure to watch the area

for a while to ensure the fire does not re-ignite.
Remember!
Extinguishers are only for dealing with small fires.

DO NOT CONTINUE TO FIGHT A FIRE IF:

 It is dangerous to do so,
 There is a possibility that your escape route may be cut
off by the fire or smoke,
 The fire continues to grow in spite of your efforts,
 There are gas cylinders threatened by a fire.
 If you have to withdraw, close windows and doors behind
you whenever possible.
 Do NOT use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire involving
burning gas. Turn off the gas supply if it is safe to do so,
or leave such fires to the fire brigade.
 Rules for Fighting Fires
When a fire is discovered…
 Assist any person in immediate danger to safety
 Activate the building fire alarm; Shout for help- Fire!
Fire! Fire! and Call Emergency No.
 Switch off electricity and air conditioning system to
prevent and slow the spread fire and smoke
 Know what is burning.
 Use the available suitable equipment to prevent the
spread of fire while awaiting fire brigades’ arrival.
 The time to use an extinguisher is at the beginning
stages of the fire.
 If the fire is spreading rapidly beyond its starting point
simply evacuate the building and close doors and
windows behind you as you leave.
 Rules cont…
Do not fight the fire if:
 You don’t have adequate or
appropriate equipment.

 You might inhale toxic smoke.

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 CAUSES OF FIRE
 Most fires are caused by people who fail to guard
against the following fire hazards:
 OPEN FLAMES: Burners, dryer, incinerators, etc,
that are not properly located or protected:
 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: motors, switches,
light, wiring that overheat, short circuits etc
 SPONTANEOUS IGNITION: slow build-up of heat
in piles of rubbish, oily rags and damp waste.
 FRICTION: Objects or material rubbing against
each other for example in poorly lubricated bearings
 PORTABLE HEATERS: Gas furnaces, stoves etc.
too close to combustibles.
 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND CHEMICALS: The
smallest sparks of static electricity can ignite petrol,
ether, alcohol, sodium, potassium etc.
 SMOKING: In prohibited areas, careless disposal of
ashes, cigarettes and matches.
 WELDING AND CUTTING: Without proper safety
precautions; should be done in a separate room if
possible.
 ARSON: Fires deliberately started. Report suspicious
persons or activities to security personnel promptly.
 MECHANICAL SPARKS: Caused by foreign metal
objects in machinery. Dropping and bumping machinery.
 HOT SURFACES: Combustibles placed too close to
flues, pipes, soldering irons etc.

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 FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
 Should focus on the safety in case of fire
of all ‘relevant persons’. And,
 Will help you identify the risks that can be
removed or reduced, and to decide the
nature and extent of the general fire
precautions you need to take
 Keep fire
doors
Keep Means of closed
Escape clear

Test alarm
regularly

Keep exit Store

door keys flammable
accessibl materials
e safely
 HOW TO PREVENT FIRES
BEFORE THEY START
 FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
perform your job, as it should be done. Know
and follow all required safety procedures. Stay
clear of prohibited areas.
 INSPECT EQUIPMENT
the equipment and machinery you use should be
inspected regularly and thoroughly. All fire
fighting equipment should be checked regularly
to be sure it is in top operating shape.

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 SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS
this should be exercised at all times by doing the
following:
a) WORK SAFELY:
Be aware of your places of work. Always keep it tidy.
Know what materials around you could ignite
accidentally . Wear proper clothing and keep it clean.
Handle and store dangerous materials with extreme care.
b) USE FLAMMABLES CAREFULLY:
Flammable liquids are to be handled with care. Use
approved storage containers, properly earthed.
Transport flammables carefully. avoid spills and drips,
follow all accepted disposal procedures.

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 CORRECT HAZARDS THAT YOU
FIND AT WORK AS FOLLOWS
REPORT all unsafe conditions such as dirty
machinery, frayed wires, overloaded circuits, poor
connections, spills of unprotected flammables, lack of
ashtrays, unattended flames, hot surfaces, repairs of
leaking flammables, pipes, gas lines etc.
REMEDY the dangerous situations yourself if it is
something you are qualified to handle. Fix and clean
machinery. Don’t let it overheat. Move combustibles
away from flames and hot surfaces. Repair leaking
flammables, pipes and gas lines.

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GOOD HOUSE –KEEPING: it should be part of your
daily routine to do the following:-
FLOOR: clear off shavings, rubbish and spills.
PASSAGEWAYS AND EXITS: They should be kept
clear.
STORAGE AREAS: Should be kept tidy.
CLOTHING: Should be clean.
Rubbish: safely contained
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT: Should be installed near
the fire risks.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: Should be protected.

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 Operating A Manual Call Point
In the event of a fire, break the glass of
the nearest manual call point that you
have located. This will cause the fire alarm
system to sound throughout the building.

Break glass of manual

call point
 WHAT TO DO INCASE OF FIRE
Do not panic, sound the alarm and evacuate people. Learn
the location of the nearest fire alarm call point. Follow
instructions for raising the alarm. Fight the fire using the
correct fire fighting agents as follows:-
 ORDINARY COMBUSTIBLES: Like wood, cloth, paper,
rubbish rags, shavings, packing materials. Use water. Do
not use water on electrical equipment.
 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: Fires involving motors,
controls, wiring or involving live electrical current. Use
CO2, dry powder.
 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND GASES: Fires fueled by
petrol, oil, greased, paint thinners, propane and others.
Use foam, dry powder or halon.
 COMBUSTIBLE METALS: Fires in magnesium, titanium,
zirconium, lithium, sodium etc. use special dry powder
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(sometimes known as dry compound).
 REMEMBER
a) On discovering a fire:-
 sound the nearest fire alarm provided
 Call for assistance and report. If reporting by
telephone, use the emergency calling details
as shown on telephone inset or building fire
notice.
 Attack the fire with extinguishing equipment
provided, but do not put yourself in danger.
 If the fire continues to grow, leave the
building ensuring that all fire doors are closed
and report to the pre-arranged assembly point
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b) On hearing the evacuation alarm
 Leave the building in an orderly manner and
assemble at a pre-arranged assembly point.
 Wait at the assembly point until there has
been a roll call. Do not leave assembly point
unless authorized.
 Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
 Close doors and windows, but do not put
yourself at risk.
 Do not use lifts during an emergency.
 Do not re-enter building until authorized to
do so. 53
 Fire Emergency
Procedures and Means of
Escape
 Emergency Evacuation
Objective
 To equip all of you with skills and
knowledge to enable you to;
 Ensure proper evacuation, fire safety in
the event of an emergency until back up
arrives.
 Definition: any exit affording means of escape in case of fire,
Emergency exit other than the means of exit in ordinary use.
located as far away from ordinary use (ingress) such that
nobody shall be trapped
Kept free from obstruction
Distinctively and conspicuously marked by a notice

Exit door  Open outwards unless it is a sliding door

Route of escape  Clearly marked in writing or signs indicating the direction of
exits
 Drawing showing evacuation route should be provided and
posted in prominent positions
Escape staircase  Kept free from obstruction
or ramp

Fire action  Sign with written instructions on what to do in the event of

instruction fire emergency should be displayed

Assembly point  Marked by  At a safe location at a distance from risk

a sign  Open space adequately aerated
 Must be
kept clear
When the alarm sounds in your area
 Do not consider anything else other than your
safety first
 Do not endanger your life or that of others
 Observe the fire action procedures at all times
 Do not assume there is time

 Do not assume it is a fire drill

 Respond to all fire alarms – always assume the

worst
 Follow evacuation procedures

 Get out using the safe designated exits, routes and

go to the fire assembly point
 Listen and follow the guidance of the emergency
fire marshal/warden
When the alarm sounds in your area
 Do not consider anything else other than your
safety first
 Do not endanger your life or that of others
 Observe the fire action procedures at all times
 Do not assume there is time

 Do not assume it is a fire drill

 Respond to all fire alarms – always assume the

worst
 Follow evacuation procedures

 Get out using the safe designated exits, routes and

go to the fire assembly point
 Listen and follow the guidance of the emergency
fire marshal/warden
 Walk briskly, and never turn back.
 Never take anything with you.
 Always follow the Fire Warden’s instructions.
 Before opening any door feel the door and door
handle. Never open a warm door as there could be a
fire behind it.
 If the door is hot when you feel it then take another
route. A window might be an option.
 If you encounter smoke during your evacuation,
drop to the floor and crawl.
 Close all doors behind you and all windows along
the way, as fresh air feeds fire.
 Assemble and remain at the evacuation assembly
point.
 Do NOT return to the building until you are told
by either the fire brigade or your immediate
supervisor that it is safe.
 Notify someone of any injuries you have

sustained, as soon as possible.

 Never cancel a fire alarm. Fire alarms should only

be reset by those directed to do so.

If for some reason you are unable to get out of the
building.
 Alert others of your presence – via a phone,

standing at a window, or by opening the window

and hanging a sheet or something to alert fire
fighters of your presence.
 Keep a wet cloth over your mouth.
 Stay as close to the ground as possible. Not only will
you be able to see better, there is more oxygen.
 Keep the door closed to stop smoke getting into the
room.
 Block up the cracks around the doors, if possible
with wet cloths, to stop smoke getting in.
 If there is a lot of smoke, keep your hand against the
wall to guide you if you need to move about.
 If your clothes catch fire, immediately drop to the
floor and roll around. This will help to extinguish
the flames.
Discovering a Fire
 If you ever discover a fire follow these steps:

 Remain calm.

 Sound the fire alarm and/or alert all the occupants

to evacuate.
 Alert the fire brigade (or your Security Staff –

depending on what procedures are currently in

place).
 Leave the building immediately via the closest escape

route. Never use the lift (elevator).

 Assemble with other staff at the evacuation assembly

point.
 Upon their arrival, inform the firefighters of the

situation.
If the fire is small, fight it!
 Use the nearest appropriate fire extinguisher to put out
the fire
 At this point the use of the correct extinguisher will
minimize damage to property
 Crouch low away from the heat and smoke, as this tend
to rise upwards
 Stay near a door; do not allow the fire to block your exit
 Stay away from confined areas
 Ensure upon putting out the fire it does not re-ignite,
remove further risk.
 Fires and evacuations are serious matters, therefore fire
drills are essential for the safety of all staff (and
visitors) of a workplace.
 End
Fire Safety Signs
 SMOKE AND DANGERS
 Smoke is a combination of lethal gases,
vapours and particles of partially burnt
materials. Most fires release smoke and
ALL smoke is dangerous - more than half
of fire related deaths are as a result of
smoke inhalation.
 Escaping Through Smoke
 If you become trapped by smoke, you
should:
– Lie on the floor;
– Breathe through your nose;
– Crawl to safety;
 In a fire, smoke will naturally rise leaving
some fresh air about 30cm to 60cm off the
floor.
What To Do If You Are Trapped
 If you see smoke coming from behind a
closed door, NEVER open it - there is the
possibility of a violent explosion as a result
of a sudden in rush of air. Remember that
without a supply of air (Oxygen) the fire
will suffocate.
What To Do If You Are Trapped
 Don’t panic. Stay calm and follow these
steps:

Enter a safe room, Shut the door Shout for help from
preferably one that behind you. Cover the window or other
overlooks a road. the bottom gap of openings to alert
the door with a passers-by. Then
blanket or rug, to wait for rescue to
prevent smoke arrive.
from seeping
through.
 If Your Clothing Catches Fire
Stop. Do not panic Whether indoors or Roll over and over to
and run. outdoors, drop down put out the flames.
immediately, Rolling smothers the
covering your face flames by removing
with your hands the oxygen.
Covering your face
with your hands
prevents the flames
from burning your
face and help keep
fumes and smoke from
reaching your lungs.
 WHAT TO DO AFTER A FIRE
After a fire, danger and injury are still possibilities.
It is extremely important to keep the following
information and safety standards in mind:

 Do not enter a fire-damaged building unless fire department says it is

okay .
 If the building is deemed unsafe to enter, secure to prevent possible
looting
 Know who to call after a fire (family members, tenant and insurance
company)
 Understand what happens with a "fire report"
 Consider the clean up requirements.
 Have an electrician check the wiring before the current is turned back
on. Do not attempt to reconnect any utilities yourself