FUNDAMENTALS OF FIRE SAFETY AND

PROTECTION SYSTEMS
(Understanding Fire Prevention, Detection, and Suppression)

OGHENENYORE NELSON PETER

Technical Safety Engineer
Dover Engineering

YP Team Member,
SPE Warri Section 104
OUTLINE

• Introduction to Fire Safety

• Fire Risk Assessment
• Active Fire Protection
• Fire and Gas Detection Systems
• Fire Suppression Systems
• Passive Fire Protection
• Portable Fire Extinguishers
• Emergency Response Plan
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Fire Safety Standards and Regulations
• Conclusion

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Introduction to Fire Safety

What is Fire Safety?

Fire safety refers to the precautions taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that
could result in damage to property, harm to individuals, or loss of life. It includes both active
and passive measures aimed at protecting people, property, and the environment from the
destructive effects of fire.

Objectives of Fire Protection Systems

• Protection of Life
• Protection of Property
• Continuity of Operations
• Environmental Protection
• Compliance with Legal Regulations
• Education and Training

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Introduction to Fire Safety

Fire Chemistry
Three components are necessary for a fire to begin.
1. Oxygen (usually from air)
2. Fuel
3. Heat

A fire starts and is sustained by a fourth essential

component; a free-radical chemical chain reaction
that enables the fire to continue as long as the three
other components remain available.
Fig 1: Fire Tetrahedron

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Introduction to Fire Safety

Types of Fire Fire Behavior and Spread

•Classes of Fire: •Stages of Fire Development
• Class A: Ordinary combustibles • Ignition
(wood, paper) • Growth
• Class B: Flammable liquids (oil, • Fully Developed
gasoline) • Decay
• Class C: Electrical equipment •Factors Influencing Fire Spread
• Class D: Combustible metals • Ventilation
(magnesium, titanium) • Materials
• Class K: Cooking oils and fats • Environment

Why Classification Matters

To know the firefighting method

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Fire Risk Assessment

IDENTIFY FIRE HAZARDS • Sources of Ignition (e.g., electrical equipment, heaters,

smoking)
• Flammable Substances (e.g., chemicals, fuel, paper)
• Oxygen Supply (natural air, oxygen cylinders)
IDENTIFY PEOPLE AT RISK • Employees, visitors, contractors, vulnerable groups
(disabled, elderly)
EVALUATE, REMOVE, OR • Fire Prevention Measures: Minimize ignition sources, and
REDUCE store flammable materials safely
• Fire Detection & Warning Systems: Smoke alarms, fire
alarms, sprinklers
• Firefighting Equipment: Extinguishers, hose reels
• Emergency Procedures: Evacuation plans, fire drills
RECORD, PLAN, AND TRAIN • Document findings, develop an emergency plan, and train
staff on fire safety procedures
REVIEW AND UPDATE • Assess new risks, and ensure systems and plans remain
REGULARLY effective.

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 Active Fire Protection

The active fire protection system aims to prevent the escalation of fire emergencies and
reduce the need for manual intervention. It complements, but does not replace, passive fire
protection. The presence of active systems should not compromise normal design standards
(such as spacing and layout) or operational precautions. Its effectiveness relies on the timely
and accurate detection of fire events.

Key Components:
•Detection Systems: Smoke detectors, heat detectors, flame
detectors.
•Alarm Systems: Fire alarms, control panels, notification
systems.
Suppression Systems: Portable Fire Extinguisher, Firewater
System (Fire Hydrant, Deluge System, Firewater Monitor)

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 Fire and Gas Detection Systems

The fire and gas detection system is intended to make an early detection of a fire or a gas leak
to allow corrective actions to be reliably taken which minimizes the risk to personnel and
damage to the plant.

F&G System Majority Voting involves configuring the Fire & Gas
system to require input from multiple detectors before triggering
executive actions. This method is typically used on a per-zone basis.
Purpose:
• Increase system integrity by reducing safety system unreliability.
• Minimize false alarms and avoid unnecessary plant shutdowns,
improving operational availability.

Type of Detectors
• Heat Detectors (enclosed areas).
• Flame Detectors (Detect ultraviolet or infrared light)
• Gas Detectors (LEL, UEL)
• Smoke Detectors

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 Fire Suppression Systems
Suppression Agent
• Water (Sprinkler Systems): Most common and widely used.
• Gas (CO₂, FM-200, Inergen): For areas where water may cause damage (e.g., data
centers).
• Chemical (Dry/Wet Chemicals): Used in kitchens or industrial environments.
• Foam: For flammable liquids or fuel-based fires.
Types of Systems:
• Wet Pipe Sprinklers: Constantly filled with water; discharges immediately when triggered.
• Dry Pipe Sprinklers: Pipes filled with air; water is released when heat triggers the valve.
• Pre-Action Systems: Require two triggers before water is released, reducing the risk of
accidental discharge.
• Gas-based Systems: Suitable for enclosed areas like server rooms where water is not
ideal e.g. CO2, Inergen (Nitrogen, Argon, CO₂ mix).

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Passive Fire Protection

The main function of the Passive Fire Protection (PFP) system is to ensure that structures,
piping, and equipment maintain sufficient fire resistance in terms of load-bearing capacity,
integrity, and insulation during a significant fire, helping to minimize overall damage and
consequences.

Key Components:
• Fire-Resistant Barriers: Walls, floors, and ceilings that resist
fire spread.
• Fireproofing: Materials (intumescent coatings, sprays)
applied to structural elements to enhance fire resistance.
• Fire Doors: Specially designed doors that prevent the
spread of fire and smoke.
• Fire Stopping: Sealing penetrations (e.g., pipes, cables) in
fire-resistant walls to maintain compartmentalization.

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 Portable Fire Extinguishers
• Types: Classified into A, B, C, D, and K • Usage: Follow the PASS method: Pull the
types, each designed to combat specific pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the
types of fires (e.g., solids, liquids, handle, and Sweep side to side.
electrical, metal, and cooking oils).

• Placement: Must be easily accessible, • Maintenance: Regular inspections are

visible, and strategically placed according to critical to ensure proper functionality and
hazard levels. compliance with safety regulations.

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 Emergency Response Planning

This involves every scope of fire safety and protection from start to finish.

• Detection
• Suppression
• Evacuation Procedures: Develop clear evacuation routes, muster points, and regular drills
to ensure personnel are prepared to respond quickly in an emergency.
• Coordination with Fire Response Teams: Establish communication protocols with local fire
departments and internal response teams for timely intervention.
• Regular Inspections & Maintenance: Ensure all fire safety equipment is routinely inspected,
tested, and maintained in working condition.
• Training: Provide all employees with regular fire safety and emergency response training.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Flame-Resistant (FR)
Firefighter Helmets Fire-Resistant Gloves
Clothing Fire-Proof Boots
Shields the head from heat, Protects hands from high
Protects against heat and Insulated to protect feet
falling debris, and other temperatures and sharp
flames, reducing the risk of from heat and sharp objects.
hazards. objects.
burns.

Self-Contained Breathing Thermal Protection Hoods –

Fire-Resistant Face Respiratory Masks
Apparatus (SCBA) Worn under helmets to
Shields/Visors Protect against inhaling
Provides clean air in provide additional heat and
Protects the face from heat, smoke or hazardous
environments with smoke or flame resistance for the
sparks, and debris. substances in the air.
hazardous fumes. head and neck.

Heat-Reflective Suits Ear Protection

Provides high-level Protects from loud noises
protection in extreme heat often associated with fire
environments. alarms and explosions.
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Fire Safety Standards and Regulations

NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code

Covers building design, construction, and protection to minimize fire hazards
and ensure safe evacuation.
NFPA 10 – Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
Specifies requirements for the selection, installation, inspection, and
maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.
NFPA 13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
Provides guidelines for the design and installation of automatic sprinkler
systems to control or suppress fires.
NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
Covers the installation, performance, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm
systems.
OSHA 1910.38 – Emergency Action Plans
Requires employers to have an emergency action plan for fire safety, including
evacuation routes, alarms, and training.
International Fire Code (IFC)
Provides comprehensive fire safety regulations for new and existing buildings,
fire prevention, and life safety systems.
API 2001 – Fire Protection in Refineries
Offers guidelines for fire prevention, protection, and emergency response in
refinery settings.

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Conclusion
Fire safety and protection systems are critical for safeguarding lives, property, and
operations across industries. Properly designed and maintained systems, including fire
alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers, combined with robust emergency plans, ensure swift
detection, suppression, and safe evacuation during a fire. Adherence to fire safety
standards and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential to
minimize fire risks and enhance preparedness. Regular inspections, employee training, and
a proactive safety culture further strengthen fire protection efforts, making workplaces safer
and more resilient against fire hazards.

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Thank you
Any questions?

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