Fire Triangle

Elements of Fire
Heat
Fuel
Oxygen

Fire Triangle

Three methods for control fire:

Removing heat.

Cutting off the fuel supply.

Cutting off the air supply.

Types of Fire:
Class A fires involve solid materials of an organic nature such as
wood, paper, cloth, rubber and plastics that do not melt.

Class B fires involves liquids. They include petrol, diesel,

thinners, oils, paints, wax, cooking fat and plastics that melt.

Class C fires involve electricity.

Class D fires involve flammable metals such as magnesium,

aluminium, titanium, sodium and potassium.

Causes of fire
The following are the chief causes of fire in a building:
Smoking
Electrical Wiring
Heating and Cooking Equipment
Children Playing with Matches
Open Flames and Sparks
Flammable Liquids Chimneys
Lighting

Anignitionsourcecanbe:
A Spark
Static electricity
Arcs from electrical equipment, faulty or
otherwise
A lit cigarette
A hot light bulb

HOWTOCONTROLFIRE

Fire Extinguishers

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first page.

Four main types:

Water-type

Foam

Carbon dioxide

BCF and BTM

1. Water-type

The spray of water cools

the fire.

For fires caused by solid

combustibles (e.g.
wood, paper)

Disadvantage:

Not suitable for fires involving

flammable liquid or electricity.

Water can conduct electricity and may

cause electrical shocks.

The flammable liquid may float on

water and spread the fire further.

2. Foam

The foam cuts off the air

supply and provides some
cooling.

For fires caused by liquid

combustibles.

Not suitable for fires

involving electricity.

Disadvantage:

Not suitable for fires involving electricity.

Foam can conduct electricity and may

cause electrical shock.

3. Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide cuts off

the air supply of the fire.

For most types of fires.

Suitable for fires caused

by electricity and liquid
combustibles.

Advantage:

Suitable for fires caused by electricity and liquid

combustibles.

Carbon dioxide has a higher density. It surrounds the

fire and cut off the air supply.

Carbon dioxide does not conduct electricity. It covers

the flammable liquid and cut off the air supply.

4. BTM and BCF

BTM = Bromotrifluromethane

BCF = Bromochlorodifluromethane

Caution!!!

BTM and BCF are TOXIC!!!

4. BTM and BCF

The fire extinguisher contains

a liquid which is pressurized
with carbon dioxide.

For most types of fires.

Suitable for fires caused by

electricity and liquid
combustibles.

All storage must be

at least 3 ft from
electrical panels. In
some emergency
situations it will be
necessary to access
these panels
quickly.

Maintain at least a 3ft clearance

from heating surfaces, air ducts,
heaters, and lighting fixtures.
Storage of combustible materials in
mechanical rooms is prohibited.
Improper Storage in front
of Electrical Panel

Improper Mechanical
Room Storage

Whats A Fire Door?

Fire doors are designed to withstand fire,
heat and smoke for a period of 20-minutes
to 3 hours.
Corridor laboratory doors should have a
60 minute rating.
Fire Doors are required to:
Be Self Closing: fire doors should
have a door closure that pulls doors
completely shut after the door has
been opened
Have Positive latching: a positive
latch locks a door in place so can
open swing open freely.

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Water -- Sprays a mist when activated by

the heat of a fire
Halon -- Sprays a halogenated chemical
onto the fire. Halons decompose to toxic
gases when heated. Use must be
carefully planned.