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BASIC FIRE SAFETY

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-Fire is a chemical reaction of 3 elements.
What is FIRE?
Need all three
components to start a
fire.
Fire extinguishers
remove one or more
of the components.

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The Fire Triangle identifies the three
components of any Fire:

Fuel paper, wood, flammable gas, energized
electrical equipment, etc...
Energy (heat), sufficient to support combustion.
Often referred to as the ignition source.
Oxidizer (air)

IF ANY ONE OF THESE IS MISSING, A FIRE
CANNOT CONTINUE.
What is FIRE? (Contd.)
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The Combustion Process

TEMPERATURE
THE FIRE TETRAHEDRON
(NEW CONCEPT)
FUEL
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Types of
Fire Class Fire Type Materials involved
A General
Wood, paper, cloth, trash
etc

B
Flammable
Liquids
Flammable solvents, liquids,
Oils, Greases, Paints etc
C
1. Electrical
2. Flammable
Gases
Energized electrical
equipment and All
flammable gases
D Metals
Water reactive Chemicals,
Combustible metals etc
D
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Fire Extinguisher Anatomy
DISCHARGE HOSE
DISCHARGE NOZZLE
DISCHARGE ORIFICE
BODY
DATA PLATE
CARRYING
HANDLE
PRESSURE GAUGE
(not found on CO
2

extinguishers)
DISCHARGE LEVER
DISCHARGE LOCKING PIN
AND SEAL
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Different Kinds of Fire Extinguishers
The 4 most common fire
extinguishers:

Water Type
Mechanical Foam
Dry Chemical Powder
Carbon Dioxide

Each kind of extinguisher
has a specific use
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Fire Class

Suitability of Extinguishers

Water

M/F
ABC DCP

CO
2


Sand

Class A





-

-

Class B











-

Class C











-

Class D





(Spl.
Grade)





Applications of Fire Extinguishers
Note: X- means can be used on Small surface fires.


-

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How to use a Fire Extinguisher
Remember this easy acronym when using an
extinguisher - P.A.S.S.

Pull the pin.
Aim the nozzle.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep side to side at the base of the fire.
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Fire Extinguisher Summary
EXTINGUISHER WORKS AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST
PRESSURIZED
WATER
COOLING
MECHANICAL
FOAM
BLANKETING
DRY CHEMICAL
POWDER
SMOTHERING
CARBON
DIOXIDE
SMOTHERING
DRY SAND BLANKETING
D
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Major Fires
Fire Hydrant System
- Pressure in the System: 7.0 Kg/Cm
2

- Water Reservoir Capacity: 2 times than pump capacity
- Main Pump: 273 m
3
/Hr
- Diesel Engine Pump (Stand by): 273 m
3
/Hr
- Jokey Pump: 10 m
3
/Hr
# Single Hydrants,
# Water monitors,
# Water Sprinklers,
# Mobile Foam Monitors
# Different nozzles
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Major Fires (Contd.)
Fire Suppression System

- FM 200 (or) Carbon dioxide
- DCP flooding system
- Water Sprinklers
- Foam spray system etc...
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Major Fires (Contd.)
Mutual aid/ External Help

- Fire Tenders
- External Agencies
- External Experts
- Regulatory Authorities etc...
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Fire Emergency Response
Rescue rescue clients in immediate danger.


Alert Shout Fire! Fire! (or) Pull fire alarm (or)
Dial emergency phone number.

Contain Close all doors and windows.

Extinguish/ Evacuate Extinguish small fires,
evacuate clients, if appropriate.
R
A
C
E
Remember to RACE during a fire
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Response at Fire situation
FUEL
IGNITION
Indoor Fire
X
AIR
Outdoor Fire
FUEL
IGNITION
AIR
X
X
X
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Know department emergency procedures and evacuation
routes.
Know locations of extinguishers in your area and how to
use them.
Always sound the alarm regardless of fire size.
Avoid smoky conditions.
Ensure area is evacuated.
Dont attempt to fight unless:
Alarm is sounded.
Fire is small and contained.
You have safe egress route (can be reached without
exposure to fire).
Available extinguishers are rated for size and type of
fire.
Evacuate! If in doubt.
Firefighting Decision Criteria
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Most Fire Deaths are NOT BurnVictims!
Causes of Death in Fires - SMOKE
Hydrogen cyanide
Hydro cyanic acid
Carbon monoxide
Other toxic vapors
Trauma (non-burn)
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Most Important
Only fight a fire in the incipient stage

NEVER fight a fire if any of the following apply:
- Dont have the proper extinguisher or equipment.
- Fire has spread beyond its point of origin.
- Your instincts tell you GET OUT

When NOT to Fight FIRE?
- Remember to keep an exit to your back.
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1. STOP! Do not run! (Running only makes the fire bigger)
2. DROP! (Drop to the ground or floor)
3. ROLL! (Roll over and over until the flames are
smothered. Cover face with hands)
You should stop drop and roll,
only when your clothes are on fire.
If your clothes
catch fire, it's
normal to be a bit
scared, but try
not to panic.



By learning how
to Stop, Drop,
and Roll, you will
have a better
chance of being
okay.

STOP, DROP and ROLL
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FIRE PREVENTION
Prevention is always better than Control. To pre
prevent the Fire accidents we have to eliminate
the common Fire Hazards of the work are
Heat generating appliances.
Static Electricity and Short circuits.
Non-Flame proof equipments.
Storage and handling of flammables/combustibles.
Open flames and Hot surfaces.
Exothermic reactions leads to explosions.
Vehicles and equipment and other unsafe acts &
conditions.
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Fire can be prevented by
considering the following
issues

Flame proof equipment
Good housekeeping
Proper Ventilation
Anti Static measures
Personnel awareness
Work procedures
Safe work practices
Right tools
FIRE PREVENTION (contd)
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Remember the Following
1. Portable fire extinguishers are suitable for small
fires. i.e. The fires are in the incipient stage.
2. Portable fire extinguishers can be handled by any
work place personnel, who had aware in its
handling.
3. If the Fire is large leave it to ERT members
(Firefighting), they can control the fire by using
Fire hydrant / Other appropriate measures.
4. All new entrants should be instructed in Fire safety
awareness and emergency evacuation plans.