Fire & Life Safety Awareness

The Fire Triangle

Fuels
Gases Plastics Flammable liquids Carpets Furniture Waste materials Paper & Boxes etc.

Sources of Ignition

Open flames Electrical Sparks Mechanical Sparks Hot surfaces

How to Extinguish a Fire

There are three fire extinguishing methods :

Starvation:- by removing fuel from fire. - by cutting of fuel supply [Most effective for gas fire]

Smothering:- blanketing of fuel by coating material, - by inserting of gas, steam/vaporizing liquid

Cooling:- natural cooling - water spray is the most commonly used

Classes of Fire
A - Free burning materials, paper, wood, plastics etc. B - Flammable liquids, petrol, solvents etc. C - Flammable gases, methane, hydrogen etc. D - Metals, potassium, sodium, magnesium etc. F - Cooking fats Electricity can be involved in any class of fire

Fire Extinguishers

Water - Wood, paper, cloth Foam Powder (Dry Chemical ) CO2 - Flammable Liquids and
Electrical Sources fires

Blanket

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Its easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you remember the acronym PASS:

Pull the pin

This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher

Aim at the base of the fire

Hit the fuel. If you aim at the flames... the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do no good.

Squeeze the top handle

This depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent.

Sweep from side to side

Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away, then slowly move forward. Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites.

The Final Rule

The final rule is to always position yourself with an exit or means of escape at your back before you attempt to use an extinguisher to put out a fire. In case the extinguisher malfunctions, or something unexpected happens, you need to be able to get out quickly. You dont want to become trapped.

Rules for Fighting Fires

. . . before deciding to fight the fire, keep these things in mind: Know what is burning. If you dont know whats burning, you wont know what kind of extinguisher to use. Even if you have an ABC fire extinguisher, there may be something in the fire that is going to explode or produce toxic fumes. Chances are you will know whats burning, or at least have a pretty good idea, but if you dont, let the fire department handle it.

Rules for Fighting Fires

. . . before deciding to fight the fire, keep these things in mind: Is the fire spreading rapidly beyond the point where it started? The time to use an extinguisher is at the beginning stages of the fire. If the fire is already spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the building. As you evacuate a building, close doors and windows behind you as you leave. This will help to slow the spread of smoke and fire.

Do not fight the fire if :

It is bigger than a waste paper bin One extinguisher is not enough Smoke is affecting your breathing You cannot see the way out Gas cylinders or chemicals are involved Your efforts are not reducing the size of the fire

Do not fight the fire if:

You dont have adequate or appropriate equipment.

If you dont have the correct type or large enough extinguisher, it is best not to try fighting the fire.

You might inhale toxic smoke.

When synthetic materials such as the nylon in carpeting or foam padding in a sofa burn, they can produce hydrogen cyanide, acrolein, and ammonia in addition to carbon monoxide. These gases can be fatal in very small amounts.

Your instincts tell you not to.

If you are uncomfortable with the situation for any reason, just let the fire department do their job.

Evacuation
Leave the building immediately Use the nearest exit Walk quickly but dont run closing doors behind you Do not delay your exit to collect your belongings Attend the Fire Assembly Point and report to the Fire Warden Do not return until told to do so

Evacuation
Fire Exit Routes
Corridors and stairways that form part of escape routes should be kept clear & hazard free at all times.

Emergency Evacuation Plan

There must be an emergency plan for dealing with any fire situation. Location of fire exits. Location of assembly points.

Prevention
Active Fire Protection

Sprinkler systems Alarms

Flammable waste must be stored tidily before disposal Do not burn rubbish onsite Flammable materials should be stored away from hazardous processes (e.g. welding and fabrication areas) All flammable materials must be stored with warning signs Smoking must be prohibited within 6m of flammable liquids and gases and NO SMOKING signs prominently displayed Heating and cooking appliances must be properly installed

Fire Prevention is much better than fire fighting