Presented By: Gerard Ramos
DOLE Accredited Safety Practitioner
4 March 2004
Basic Fire Safety
Prevention, Preparedness & Control
Topics Outline
Part I - Lecture
• Introduction
• Key Definition / Aspects in Fire Safety
• Fire Extinguishers (types, how to use, precautions, inspection, maintenance, etc.)
• Common Fire Hazards / Causes of Fire
• Who are most at risk?
• How Can Fires be Prevented?
• How Can Fires be Controlled?
• How to RACE during a Fire?
• What if Someone Catches on Fire?
• Fire Watch Requirement / Duties
• Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Building Fire Safety (Mercantile Occupancy)
• Summary
Part II – Film Viewing and Practical Application 2
• Proper Fire Inspection
Introduction
Fire is the leading “man-made” disaster that causes property losses and
deaths. It’s therefore imperative that every possible means of preventing
fire be put in place, by every responsible member of the society, at work,
at home, everywhere.
Assess current compliance status against standard practices
Identify opportunities of improvement
Develop and implement an effective fire prevention program
Promote a fire free working and living environment
3
4 March 2004
What is Fire?
4 March 2004
Key Definition
chemical reaction
What is a fire?
A fire is a chemical reaction
Heat
that involves 3 elements:
fuel, oxygen and heat
Fire Equation:
Oxygen + Heat + Fuel = Fire
Fundamental principle of fire prevention
“ Elimination of any of the 3 elements, will prevent fire”
5
4 March 2004
Elements of Fire
1. Fuel - Any combustible material: solid, liquid or gas.
2. Oxygen - The air we breathe is about 21 percent
oxygen. Fire only needs an atmosphere with
at least 16 percent oxygen.
3. Heat - Heat is the energy necessary to increase the
temp. of the fuel to a point where sufficient
vapors are given off for ignition to occur.
Also known as ignition source (Ex.: welding /
cutting, fuel driven equipment, spark producing activities,
smoking, etc.)
4. Chemical Reaction - A chain reaction can occur when the
other three elements are present
in the proper condition and
proportion. 6
4 March 2004
Terms and Definitions
4 March 2004
• Fire prevention – measures or actions specifically
directed towards preventing the inception of fires and
minimizing the severity of fires should they occur.
• Fire protection – refers to the method of providing for
the control or extinguishment of fires. Includes
provision for fire suppression, alarm and detection
system.
4 March 2004
• Fire hazard – any situation, process, material or condition that, on
the basis of applicable data, has the potential to cause a fire or
explosion or provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or
intensity of fire or explosion and is considered as threat to life or
property.
• Fire trap – a building or structure or workplace unsafe in case of
fire or explosion because it will burn easily or because it lacks
adequate exits or fire escapes or may have adequate exits but
obstructed or inaccessible in case of need to escape from fire.
4 March 2004
• Fire-Rating – The time duration that a material shall withstand a
standard fire exposure test.
• Building Code of the Phils. – Prescribes specific standards in
design, construction occupancy and used of buildings and facilities.
10
4 March 2004
• Flammable Liquid – a liquid with flash point below 38
o
C (100 oF)
• Combustible Liquid – a liquid with flash point of 38 oC
(100 oF) or higher
• Flash Point – the minimum temp. at which liquid gives
off sufficient vapor to form an ignitable mixture with
the air near its surface.
Examples of FP of common flammable / combustible liquids:
Gasoline …………. - 43 oC
Alcohol …………. 13 oC
Diesel Fuel …………. 52 oC
“The lower the FP, the higher the degree of flammability” 11
4 March 2004
Flammable Range
The range of concentration of flammable vapor in the air, between the Lower
Flammable Limit and Upper Flammable Limit, that will propagate flame if
ignited.
12
4 March 2004
Fire Classifications
Class Class Class Class
D
Special type of fire
involving metals i.e.
Fires in any ordinary Fires in flammable Fires in “LIVE” magnesium,
combustible liquids, electrical lithium, sodium,
materials i.e. trash, gases, grease, equipment titanium, potassium
wood, paper, etc tars, oil, etc and radioactive
materials
13
4 March 2004
Fire Extinguishers
ABC Dry Chemical CO2 Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers
14
4 March 2004
How To Use Fire Extinguisher?
P - pull the pin or puncture cartridge
A - aim at base of flame
S - squeeze the trigger
S - sweep from side to side Wind
APP. 3 Meters 15
( 10 feet )
4 March 2004
Precaution in Using Dry Chemical Fire
Extinguishers
Dry chemical
extinguishers leave a
residue that can harm
sensitive equipment, such
as computers and other
electronic equipment.
Carbon dioxide or halon
extinguishers are
preferred in these
instances because they
leave very little residue.
16
4 March 2004
Precaution in using Dry Chemical Fire
Extinguishers
Watch for re-flash / re-ignition from deep seated fires
Extinguishing agent cannot penetrate below burning surface
Burning Material
Mode of Extinguishing Action
(Multipurpose Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher)
17
4 March 2004
Precaution in using CO2 Fire Extinguishers
• Discharge horn is
extremely cold and can
cause frostbite if touched
during operation. Hold by
the handle. Hold here
• Asphyxiation hazard Frostbite
(CO2 is an inert gas) Hazard
Don’t
Touch
18
4 March 2004
Identifying Fire Extinguisher
All ratings are shown on
the extinguisher face
plate. Some
extinguishers are marked
with multiple ratings
such as AB, BC, and ABC.
These extinguishers are
capable of putting out
more than one class of
fire.
19
4 March 2004
Fire Extinguishers’ Distribution Criteria /
Maintenance
• Visible from all directions (free of sight obstructions)
• Easily accessible (within immediate reach), no obstructions
• Near normal path of travel (entrance / exit ways)
• Within 23 m (75 ft) max. travel distance (Class A Hazards)
• Within 15 m (50 ft) max. travel distance (Class B Hazards)
• Elevated off the ground / floor
• Reasonably away from immediate source of fire (i.e. not mounted on an
operating machine; outside flammable storage room, etc.)
• Properly identified
• Regular inspection (monthly as minimum)
• Periodic hydrostatic test
20
4 March 2004
Inspection of Fire Extinguishers
21
4 March 2004
Inspection of Fire Extinguishers
• Inspection tag / coding
• Plastic seal
• Locking pin
• Gauge (stored pressure)
• CO2 Cartridge (cartridge type)
• Weight (CO2 type)
• Visibility/ accessibility
• Nozzle
• Shell, bottom
• Label
• General condition
22
4 March 2004
23
4 March 2004
24
4 March 2004
Flammable
thiner
oxygen
paint
25
26
4 March 2004
27
4 March 2004
28
4 March 2004
Common Fire Hazards…
29
4 March 2004
30
4 March 2004
Use Safety Can
31
4 March 2004
Grease
Grease
Greasy / Oily Rags
32
4 March 2004
33
4 March 2004
34
35
36
4 March 2004
Who are Most at Risk ?
•Senior citizens
•Children under the age of five
•Disabled / ill persons
37
4 March 2004
38
4 March 2004
How can fires be prevented?
Class Preventive Measures
Maintain good housekeeping
Place oily / greasy rags in
covered containers (potential source of
spontaneous combustion)
Keep open flame operations
isolated / controlled (35 Ft clear radius
min.)
100 % spark containment (use of
Fires in any ordinary
combustible
fire blanket or non combustible barrier for hot
Materials i.e. trash, wood, work)
paper, etc
39
4 March 2004
Preventive Measures
Good storage practice:
• Protected / isolated / ventilated storage
area
Class
• Use safety can for flammable liquids
Ventilation
Flammable liquids
or gases
40
4 March 2004
Preventive Measures
Proper handling
Class
Flammable liquids
or gases
safety can
41
4 March 2004
• Preventive Measures
Never allow open flame / source of ignition
near flammable liquids / gases (35 Ft. clear
radius min.)
Class
Restrict smoking
Flammable liquids
or gases
42
4 March 2004
• Preventive Measures
Understand MSDS
Class
Flammable liquids
or gases
43
4 March 2004
Preventive Measures
Class Look for old wiring, worn insulation, broken and loose
electrical fittings.
Prevent motors from overheating by keeping them clean and
in good working order.
Utility lights should always have some type of wire guard over
them. Heat from an uncovered light bulb can easily ignite
ordinary combustibles.
Never install a fuse rated higher than specified for the circuit.
Investigate any appliance or electrical equipment that smells
strange. Unusual odors can be the first sign of electrical fire.
Don't overload wall outlets. Two outlets should have no more
than two plugs.
Fires in “LIVE” Good maintenance program of all electrical appliances
Electrical equipment
44
4 March 2004
• Remember the fundamental principle of fire
prevention…
OX
AT
YG
HE FIRE
EN
FUEL
45
4 March 2004
46
4 March 2004
How can fires be controlled / extinguished?
Class
• Class A - Extinguish ordinary
combustibles by cooling the
material below its ignition
temperature and soaking the
fibers to prevent re-ignition.
Use pressurized water, foam
or multi-purpose dry
chemical extinguishers.
Fires in any ordinary combustible
Materials i.e. trash, wood, paper, etc
47
4 March 2004
Class • Class B - Extinguish flammable
liquids, greases, or gases by
removing the oxygen, preventing
the vapors from reaching the
ignition source. Foam, carbon
dioxide, ordinary dry chemical
and halon extinguishers may be
used to fight Class B fires.
Follow MSDS.
Flammable liquids or gases
48
4 March 2004
Class • Class C - Extinguish energized electrical
equipment by using an extinguishing
agent that is not capable of conducting
electrical current. Carbon dioxide,
ordinary dry chemical, multipurpose
dry chemical and halon fire
extinguishers may be used to fight
Class C fires. DO NOT USE water
extinguishers on energized electrical
equipment.
Fires in “LIVE”
Electrical equipment
49
4 March 2004
Class • Class D - Extinguish
combustible metals such as
magnesium, titanium,
potassium and sodium with
dry powder extinguishing
D agents designated for the
material involved.
50
4 March 2004
How Can Fires be Controlled …
• Remember ….
Fight Class A Fire with Type A Fire – X
Fight Class B Fire with Type B Fire – X
Fight Class C Fire with Type C Fire – X
Fight Class D Fire with Type D Fire – X
51
4 March 2004
What To Do In Case of Fire?
• First Rule – KEEP CALM!
• Remember how to R A C E during a fire
R – rescue personnel in immediate danger
A – alert others; yell out “fire, fire!” or activate fire alarm
C – contain; close doors, windows (don’t lock)
E – extinguish / evacuate; extinguish manageable
fire, apply PASS method / evacuate the area. If fire is beyond
control, call Fire Dept. (888)
52
4 March 2004
Never Attempt to Fight a Fire If…
Your instinct tells you not to do so
You don’t know what is burning
You suspect toxic fumes that you might inhale
There is no sure “way out” behind you
Your escape route is obstructed
There is no fire extinguisher nearby
The fire is beyond control
53
4 March 2004
What If Trapped in a Building?
Never open a closed door without feeling it first. If the door is
hot, try another exit.
Get to your hands and knees and crawl. The possibility of
inhaling smoke is less near the floor.
Make use of any available shield such as blankets or tarps -
these will help you get out of the area with less risk of injury.
Wet handkerchief or clothes over your nose will also help cut
down the smoke intake.
Exit via stairway, NEVER USE elevator. Proceed to pre-
designated safe assembly area and NEVER re-enter a burning
building.
54
4 March 2004
What If Someone Catches On Fire?
Stop - where you are
Drop - to the floor or ground
Roll - around on the floor or ground
STOP, DROP and ROLL …This will smother the flames,
possibly saving your life.
If a co-worker catches on fire, smother the flames by
grabbing a blanket or rug and wrapping him up in it. That
could save him from serious burns or even death.
55
4 March 2004
Emergency Preparedness Plan
(Essential elements)
Emergency Response Team Leader / In-charge.
Locations of primary and secondary escape routes.
Defined duties of Emergency Action Leaders, such as verifying that
all employees have evacuated to safe area.
Actions required for disabled workers (where applicable) such as,
each being assigned with an emergency action leader
Posted emergency contact numbers (e.g. 998 KSA Fire Dept,
company number)
Employees’ training
56
4 March 2004
Emergency Response Team
(Sample Organization)
Em e rg e nc y Re s pons e Te am
Org anization
Em e rg e nc y Te am Le ade r
TEAM I TEAM II TEAM III
Eme rg e ncy Action Le ad e r Eme rg e ncy Action Le ad e r Eme rg e ncy Action Le ad e r
Me mb e r Me mb e r Me mb e r
Me mb e r Me mb e r Me mb e r
Me mb e r Me mb e r Me mb e r
Important: Specific tasks of each Action Leader and Team Member
should be outlined, according to applicable setting.
57
4 March 2004
Building Evacuation Plan
(Sample)
MUSTER
POINT
FIRE EXIT PLAN
N T S
58
4 March 2004
Employees’ Training
59
4 March 2004
Without proper awareness & training ….
60
4 March 2004
Building Fire Safety
• Exit details
• Emergency Lighting
• Alarm / detection system
• Fire suppression system
61
4 March 2004
Building Fire Safety
• Exit Details
Fire exit doors of fire resistive materials
Exit door opens outward
Equipped with self-closing mechanism
Equipped with panic hardware (manual release device)
Electric actuated exit doors to have means for manual operation
All exits discharge to a safe access outside the building without obstruction
Escape route maintained free of any obstruction
2 exits minimum, remote from each other
100 ft. maximum travel distance
100 persons per minute per exit width
62
4 March 2004
• Emergency Lighting
Shall automatically illuminate
the access, stairways, exit
doors, corridors / hall ways in
case of power failure
• Markings
“EXIT” markings shall be
illuminated
Visible / no obstruction
63
4 March 2004
• Alarm System
Manual fire alarm boxes in
the path of escape
Accessible / no obstruction
Periodic test
Alarm transmission to
nearest fire service
department
64
4 March 2004
• Automatic Smoke Detection and
Alarm Initiation
Periodic test
• Fire Suppression System
Wet standpipe / automatic
sprinkler system
Periodic test
Accessible / no obstruction
65
4 March 2004
Summary
AT
OX
HE
YG
FIRE
EN
FUEL
Knowledge
Awareness
Preparedness
66
4 March 2004
THANK YOU
67
4 March 2004
