BOSH6
BOSH6
Fire Safety
In this Module, we will talk about fire safety. Having a fire in the workplace is one of the most
highly preventable situations IF and only IF we follow all the safety regulations and use our
common sense as well as our awareness in looking out for possible fire hazards. It may seem
too common for some thus, we often overlook these fire safety tips, and before we know it,
everything will have gone up in smoke. To prevent all this from happening, do take this
module seriously for your sake as well as that of your loved ones.
This module aims to introduce you to the chemistry and behavior of fire and principles of fire
prevention and control. The triangle of fire demonstrates how fire occurs and the principles
of extinguishing fire. Fire is caused by variety of factors, all of which can be prevented and
controlled. Most fires start small and can be controlled through immediate response and
knowledge of extinguishing medium.
Prevention and control of the hazards from fire should be a part of the safety program in
each workplace, and even in your own home.
Objectives
Flammable substance – is a substance having a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C) and vapor
pressure not exceeding 20 psia at 100 °F. Examples of flammable substances with their
flashpoint are shown below:
Flashpoint
Flammable substances °F °C
Gasoline -45 -42.8
Ether -49 -45
Acetone 0 -17.8
Alcohol 55 12.8
Flashpoint - the lowest temperature at which fuel begins to give off flammable vapors and
form an ignitable mixture in air.
Which is more dangerous: a substance with low flashpoint or a substance with a high
flashpoint?
Answer: The lower the flashpoint, the more dangerous a substance is.
• Oxygen
From our definition of FIRE, we need oxygen which combines with fuel while burning.
Normally, the air has 21% oxygen and 78% while nitrogen.
What we form with these three elements is called the Fire Triangle. This model shows us that
to have fire we need three elements. And if these elements are combined at the right
proportion, we will have fire.
The fire triangle demonstrates the principles of extinguishing fire. If we remove any of the
three legs of the triangle, we will be able to extinguish the fire.
A. Removing fuel
Taking away fuel from a fire is difficult and often times dangerous. However, there are
examples that can be employed in controlling fire such as:
B. Removing oxygen
Oxygen cannot be eliminated completely so what one can do is:
1. Separate it from the fire through smothering the burning area with
a non-combustible material – this is called “suffocating the fire.”
Examples:
- If there are oil spills, you can cover it with wet
blanket or you can throw sand or soil on it.
- Covering with foam
- Smothering it with inert gas
Light candle with inverted glass on top of the candle, then lower the glass until the middle of
the candle as illustrated below. Flame will also be extinguished as in the first example.
From the above illustrations, extinguishment using the oxygen side of the triangle can be
accomplished by totally eliminating oxygen or by reducing the concentration of oxygen
below the level that will support combustion.
C. Removing heat
If we reduce the heat below the kindling point or flashpoint, we stop the release of
combustible vapors and gases and extinguish the fire. To achieve this, it is necessary to
remove the heat at a greater rate than the total heat that is being evolved from the fire. The
most common agent used is water or incorporated in foam.
Example:
- After cooking barbeque we normally put off the
charcoal using water applied directly to the flame.
In order for fire to propagate continuously, there must be uninhibited and continuous chain
reaction. Speed up the process and an explosion results.
Interrupt the chain reaction by inhibiting the oxidation process and the production of
flammable vapors that react with oxygen, then we extinguish the fire.
In summary, control of fires can be accomplished by removing one of the sides of the triangle
and/or inhibiting the chain reaction.
There are four classes of fires, categorized according to the kind of material that is burning.
For the first three classes of fires, there are two sets of color-coded icons commonly used.
One or both kinds of icons appear on most fire extinguishers to indicate the kinds of fire
against which the unit is intended to be used.
There is only one icon used to indicate the fourth (class D) kind of fire. Class D fires involve
uncommon materials and occur in fairly specialized situations. Note that any given fire can
fall into more than one class; a fire that involves both burning paper and kitchen grease
would be a Class AB fire.
Knowing the classification of fires is important for the speedy extinguishment and safety of
the fire fighters. Using the wrong extinguishing medium may cause the fire to spread and
endanger the fire fighters.
We prevent fire by preventing the combination of the three elements at the right proportion.
Ordinarily, oxygen is the most difficult of the three factors to control, since it is in the air and
is a necessity of life. But fuel and heat can be controlled. Therefore the simplest control
measures will have to do with fuel and heat. Actually, control in this sense merely means
keeping them separated.
It will be good to examine the hazards from which most fires originate. These are
sometimes described as causes of fire.
Causes of Fire
(NSO 2007)
Electrical (28.9%) Static electricity (1.0%)
Open flames (torch) (10.5%) Electrical machines (1.0%)
Unattended cooking (5.3%) Fireworks (0.7%)
Lighted candles or oil lamp (4.3%) Chemicals (0.5%)
Cigarette butts/smoking (3.1%) Bomb Explosion (0.1%)
Spontaneous combustion (2.4%) Lightning (0.1%)
Lighted matchstick or (2.1%) Unknown, others (40.0%)
lighter
LPG explosion (1.2%)
Electricity
Hazards of electricity involve electrocution and fire. Usually, fire is caused by overheating,
arcs and sparks.
Overheating happens when there is overloading of system, short circuit and poor insulation.
These are caused by improper wiring connection/practice, tampering with safety devices
such as fuse and circuit breakers, and old and poorly maintained electrical installation.
Arcs and sparks normally happen when one opens or closes a circuit. The danger arises when
arcs and sparks occur in a flammable or explosive atmosphere which could result to
explosion.
To control arcs and sparks, use explosion proof equipment or intrinsically safe devices.
Mechanical heat
Heated surfaces on furnaces, flues, heating devices and light bulbs can cause fires if
flammable or combustible materials are close enough to absorb sufficient heat to cause
combustion. Care should be taken to ensure that all such devices are properly installed,
especially with respect to clearance and barrier materials.
Friction sparks
Friction generates heat. Excessive heat generated by friction causes a very high percentage
of industrial fires. Fire usually results from:
• overheated power-transmission bearings and shafting from
poor lubrication and excessive dust
• jamming of work material during production
• incorrect tension adjustment of belt-driven machinery. If the
belt is too tight or too loose, excessive friction could develop
• Control
▪ Preventive maintenance program to keep bearings well
oiled and do not run hot. And keep accumulation of
flammable dust or lint on them to a minimum.
▪ Keep oil holes of bearings covered to prevent dust and
gritty substances from entering the bearings.
Open flames
Carelessly discarded cigarettes, pipe embers, and cigars are a major source of fire. Prohibit
smoking, especially in woodworking shops, textile mills, four mills, grain elevators, and places
where flammable liquids or combustible products are manufactured, stored or used.
Spontaneous ignition results from a chemical reaction where there is a slow generation of
heat from oxidation of organic compounds that, under certain conditions, is accelerated until
the ignition temperature of the fuel is reached.
It is a condition usually found only in quantities of bulk material packed loosely enough, with
large amount of surface to be exposed to oxidation, yet without adequate air circulation to
dissipate heat.
Hazardous sparks such as globules of molten, burning metal or hot slag are produced by both
welding and cutting operations. Sparks from cutting, particularly oxy-fuel gas cutting, are
generally more hazardous than those from welding because the sparks are more numerous
and travel greater distances.
Static Electricity is electricity at rest. It is formed by the contact and separation of dissimilar
materials. Examples that produce static electricity:
• flow of fluid through a pipe
• agitation and mixing
• splash filing
• Control
Bonding and grounding are key control measures for fire related to static electricity. Bonding
is done to eliminate a difference in static charge potential between objects. The purpose of
grounding is to eliminate the difference in static charge potential between an object and
ground. Bonding and grounding are effective only when the bonded objects are conductive.
Highly flammable or combustible materials – Take care that the following materials are
not stored with machinery or near any type of electrical or heat source.
Highly flammable materials may include:
• Hay and straw
• Bedding material (especially sawdust and shredded newspaper)
• Cobwebs, dust, and grain dust
• Horse blankets
• Paint
• Fertilizer
• Pesticides and herbicides
Accelerants - Accelerants are substances that increase the speed at which a fire spreads. All
accelerants are highly flammable or combustible, but not all highly flammable or
combustible materials are accelerants. Accelerants must be stored in approved containers
and properly labeled as such (plastic milk bottles do not qualify as approved containers for
storing chemicals). An updated list of all chemicals in the workplace should be maintained.
The list should include the name of the chemical, date purchased, the quantity of the
chemical, and the place of storage on the farm. This list should be kept in a safe, handy place
such as an office (not in the building where the products are stored). In case of a fire, the list
should be given to the fireperson in charge to
Except for explosions, most fires start out as small ones. At the initial stage, extinguishing a
fire seldom presents much of a problem. Once the fire begins to gain headway, it may
develop into conflagration of disastrous proportions. Fire can be more easily controlled if
detected early. It is critical that fire be extinguished in the first five minutes.
a. Smoke detectors
▪ Monitor changes within the area
▪ Provide early warning
▪ Changing stages in the development of fire
▪ When smoke is produced
c. Flame detectors
Once a fire is discovered, it is of prime importance to confine it to the smallest area possible
- that is, to prevent its spread. This can be accomplished by details of construction and by
safe practices, but neither is sufficient alone. An understanding of the means by which heat
is transmitted will be of value in taking the necessary steps to prevent the spread of fire.
These are the three (3) methods of heat transfer and how it can be controlled
Control
Barriers are one means of control that will limit the area of a fire or at least retard its spread.
Examples are: firewalls, fire doors, shutters or louvers, fire stops, baffles, fire dampers, fire
windows, parapets, dikes and enclosures of vertical openings
In providing for prompt extinguishment, the two categories of fire extinguishers should be
kept in mind – permanent or “built-in” extinguishers and portable fire extinguishers.
▪ Portable extinguishers
These are used extensively to lessen the danger from fire. After such a system is installed, its
proper maintenance and regular inspection is suggested to ensure its usefulness when
needed.
Portable fire extinguishers are also called first-aid fire extinguishers since they are intended
to be used for incipient fires. They contain a limited supply of an extinguishing medium.
These appliances are designed for use on fires of specific classes.
2. The right type for each class of fire that may occur in the area
3. In sufficient quantity
- The number of fire extinguishers must be computed according to
the floor area, the degree of hazard of fire that may occur and
the class of fire.
4. Located where they are easily accessible for immediate use and
the location is kept accessible and clearly identified.
Extinguishers should be subjected to maintenance not more than one year apart or when
specifically indicated by an inspection
Once a fire is discovered in a building, the first and foremost step is the prompt evacuation
of all personnel to a safe place. People should be trained on orderly evacuation through fire
drills. Exits that will empty the ordinary structure in ample time to prevent loss of life or injury
should be also a primary concern.
• Smoking should never be permitted in any storage area, tack room or lounge.
“No-Smoking” signs should be posted in these areas and at all exterior
entrances. Butt cans should be provided as an incentive to extinguish all
cigarettes.
• Exit doors should be clearly marked.
• Aisles should be raked or swept clean at all times. Vacuum up cobwebs and dust
regularly. Wipe dust/dirt off light fixtures, outlet covers, switches and panel
boxes
V. Lightning protection
Remember:
• The Fire Triangle demonstrates how fire starts and how it could be
extinguished
• The principle of fire prevention and control programs involves prevention,
prompt action to extinguish the fire, and safe evacuation of occupants.
• With these principles in mind you can help
- Prevent fires in your workplace
- Safeguard your property
- Protect many lives
If your clothing catches fire, it is a natural response to panic and run to the nearest shower
or fire blanket. Don't do it! Running will just fan the flames and increase the potential for
serious injury. The correct response is to Stop, Drop, and Roll on the ground to extinguish
the flames. Cover your face with your hands to protect your face and lungs. If one of your
colleagues catches fire, panics, and starts to run, tackle him or her and smother the flames.
The information given here is intended as an introduction to fires and fire extinguishers. It is
not a comprehensive reference. Be aware that fires are dangerous, and many aspects of fire
safety are not discussed here. For more in-depth information and hands-on training, contact
your local Fire Marshal's office.
Combustion
Combustion is a chemical reaction in which a fuel is rapidly oxidized. Three things are
required to sustain a fire:
• Oxygen (more properly, an oxidizing agent)
• Fuel (a reducing agent)
• Heat
Therefore, to kill a fire, you must deny the fire one or more of these three things. You
may:
• Exclude oxygen from the fire.
• Remove the fuel on which the fire is feeding.
• Lower the temperature.
Fire extinguishers are categorized according to the substances that they contain and by class
of fire. Extinguishers are rated for use against only certain kinds of fires, and will carry an
ABCD marking to indicate the classes of fire against which they may properly be used. For
example, an extinguisher rated for class B and C fires is called (and marked) a type BC
extinguisher.
Notes:
1. Fire extinguishers should never be used on classes of fires for which they are not
rated. In some cases (e.g. water used on a Class D fire), the extinguisher can
actually make the fire worse!
2. Never use water on a class C fire -- shock hazard.
3. Some dry-chemical extinguishers are rated BC, others are rated ABC. Those
rated BC contain sodium or potassium bicarbonate; those rated ABC contain
ammonium phosphate.
4. Extinguishing agents for class D fires are usually applied with a scoop or shovel.
The information given here describes how a fire extinguisher should be used to fight a fire.
However, do not believe, because you have read this, that you know how to use a fire
extinguisher! If you really want to learn how to use a fire extinguisher properly (and you
should), you should seek out a hands-on training class in which you will have the opportunity
to put out some real fires using portable extinguishers.
To remember how to use a fire extinguisher, think of putting out the
fire as a test you must PASS.
Pull the locking pin.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the trigger all the way closed.
Sweep the extinguisher discharge side to side over the area of the fire.
In the event of a fire, your personal safety is your most important concern. You
are not required to fight a fire. If all of the following conditions are met, then
you may choose to use a fire extinguisher against the fire. If any of the conditions
is not met, or you have even the slightest doubt about your personal safety, do
not fight the fire.
We hope you’ll be better equipped, after studying this module, to keep fires
from happening in your surroundings.