WHAT IS FIRE?

Fire is a rapid chemical process in which oxygen combines with another substance in the presence of the source of heat energy. The reaction of
these elements is called combustion, and during the reaction, heat, light and flames are given off.

The Fire Triangle

Before a fire can start, three

components have to be
present in sufficient
quantities. These form a
structure known as the Fire
Triangle.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF FIRE

When a substance is heated to a certain critical temperature called its “ignition temperature” or “temperature of combustion” it will ignite
and continue to burn till the presence of fuel which may be in solid/Liquid /gaseous state, the proper temperature and uninterrupted supply
of oxygen (air).

THEORY OF FIRE

Extinguishing Media
-Removing the OXYGEN is called SMOTHERING
-Removing the FUEL
this process is known as STARVATION. This can be achieved by taking the fuel away from the fire
-Removing the HEAT is called COOLING

THE FIRE TRIANGLE

HEAT
Extinguishing a fire is
Heat acts as the source of ignition and anything that gives off heat that can
based on removing one of
start a fire. (Note that the source of ignition is not necessarily a
the elements of the fire
flame, a sparks or fire itself, but the heat they give off)
FUEL
It is important to be aware that the source of heat can not only
be equipment and activities which, by design, involve the
- production of heat but may also include a variety of other
circumstances with which heat may not be expected at all.
A range of equipment that could generate heat in proper use:
 Welding torches Ovens
 Blow lamp Electric fires
 Soldering irons Light bulbs
 Space heaters Electric irons etc….
 Hot plates

OXYGEN
FUEL The oxygen essential for combustion is usually
The fuel for the fire does not have to be recognized supplied from the surrounding air. However,
fuel in the sense of petrol or gas. It may be any the naturally present oxygen may be enhanced
combustible material.
by the presence of other sources of oxygen such
Most substances are combustible under the right as compressed air, the pure oxygen in gas
circumstances. Although those circumstances vary
for different materials, usually the temperature in Woods cylinder use for welding, or by the combustion
which combustion takes place. Carbon or of peroxide, nitrates and similar chemicals.
hydrocarbon based materials will burn readily at (These chemicals give off oxygen as they burn,
the sort of temperatures often generated in a work further aiding their own combustion. They are
place or domestic environment. The type of fuel is sometimes known as oxidizing agents)
also important because different substances behave
different ways when they burn. Note: That as the oxygen in an enclosed space is
used up by the fire, so the fire will go out)
CAUSES & CONSEQUENCES BASIC PRINCIPLES OF HEAT
OF FIRES TRANSMISSION & FIRE SPREAD

Workplace fires start when the heat generated by a deliberate DIRECT BURNING
work process, or by accidents, acts as a source of ignition on a
This occurs where heat is transferred directly by contact from
combustible material. All such fires are preventable by
one substance to another, thus if a piece of paper catches a
appropriate safety precautions, as we discuss later.
light then (the heat in a form of flames) can spread to the
Once a fire started it can spread very quickly by means of all next piece of paper and then to the next until the whole area
4 methods of heat transfer. is on fire.
 Direct burning Similarly, oil base paints on walls can spread fires, as can a
pool or trail of flammable liquid.
 Radiation
Note to that direct burning can take place across the gap
 Conduction
where the wind conditions allow the flames to be fanned and
 Convection thereby come into contact in other separate combustible
materials.

CAUSES & CONSEQUENCES OF

FIRES CAUSES & CONSEQUENCES OF FIRES
RADIATION
RADIATION cont…
Radiation is the general term for the process by which energy
The intensity of radiant heat diminishes with the distance
is lost from a source without direct contact. Heat radiation
from its source. however, depending on the temperature of
refers to the process whereby the heat given off by hot objects
the source, heat transfer may take place over quite large
passes through air and through certain types of transparent
distances.
materials such as glass. The radiant heat can in it self be
sufficient to act as a source of ignition. Example: A fire burning on one side of the street may be
sufficient to cause materials on the other side of the street to
Example 1: Radiator is an obvious source of heat and clothes
ignite.
which are left to dry too close to them may catch fire.
Example 2: Light bulbs give out heat (and in the case of
certain types of spot lights, a large amount of heat) and any
fabrics or flammable materials which are too close may start
to burn.

CAUSES & CONSEQUENCES OF FIRES CAUSES & CONSEQUENCES OF FIRES

CONDUCTION CONVECTION
Heat may be transferred to certain materials, known as conductors, without those Is the process whereby heat moves through a gas or liquid. When a gas or
materials them self actually burning. This is particularly the case with metals.
liquid, such as air or water, is heated it expand and become a less dense. As
Thus the heat generated by a fire (or any other process producing heat) may be
transferred to a separate location where it can act as a source of ignition.
a result it rises and cooler air or water is drawn into replace it, creating a
current
Convection currents created in the air by fire are a major means of fire
Heat spreads along conductor
spread. They may carry burning materials through the air and into contact
with other combustible materials and also, depending upon the intensity of
Conductor (Pipe) the fire and the heat generated, create a strong localized wind which may
Conduction fan the flames and cause flare ups.

Example : A house burning on one side of a street may be sufficient to cause

materials on the other side of the street to ignite.
HOT AIR RISES
This has important implications for many steel frame buildings which feature
widespread use of metal within the structure of the building (ex. Steel girders)
and the services runs through it e.g. pipes, and various types of ducting Cooler air is drawn Cooler air is
in drawn in
THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE
Fires are classified into four categories according to the fuel
type. The classification also serves as a basis for identifying the These are fires involving gases or liquefied solids
means of extinguishing different types of fire.

 Class A These are fires involving solid  Class - C Energized Electrical Fires
materials, normally of an organic nature
such as paper, wood, plastic, coal and
natural fibers. These fire usually These are fires where a fuel is metals
produced burning embers.
 Class D Metals like magnesium, D
 Class - B These are fires involving titanium, sodium, potassium, Aluminium
Flammable liquids or liquefied solids
Gasoline, kerosene, grease, fats and paints

FIRE PREVENTION TECHNIQUES FIRE PREVENTION TECHNIQUES

CLASS “A” FIRES – ORDINARY CLASS “B” FIRES – FLAMMABLE

COMBUSTIBLES: LIQUIDS OR GASES:

 Keep storage and working areas free of trash.  Consider nonflammable substitutes for cleaners.
 Place oily rages in covered containers.
 Ensure solvent tanks have fusible links on covers.
 Control smoking in the area.
 Only refuel equipment in well ventilated areas.
 Limit sources of possible ignition.
 Properly store flammable liquids.
 Use flammable liquids only in well ventilated
 Keep passages and fire doors clear at all times.
areas.
 Know the locations of fire extinguishers.
 Ensure storage drums are properly grounded.
 Restrict welding and cutting to authorized areas.

FIRE PREVENTION TECHNIQUES FIRE PREVENTION TECHNIQUES

CLASS “D” FIRES

CLASS “C” FIRES ELECTRICAL: D
COMBUSTIBLE METALS:

 Inspect wiring and insulation frequently.  Control dust and turnings.

 Ensure motors are kept clean and lubricated.  Follow established control procedures.
 Be cognizant of unusual odors.
 Never use wet sand or water to extinguish fires.
 Ensure outlets and connections are not overloaded.
 Never misuse fuses, look for correct rating.  Moisture releases oxygen which can fuel the fire.
 Keep motors free of dust and excess grease.  Metal fires can burn up to 5000 degrees.
 Ensure machinery is properly maintained.  Metals can be extremely difficult to extinguish.
 PORTABLE FIRE FIGHTING
EQUIPMENT IDENTIFYING THE PROPER FIRE
EXTINGUISHER
The main types of portable fire fighting equipment are
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. These are appliances designed  LOOK AT THE FACEPLATE
to be carried to the point of the fire and operated by
hand. They contain an extinguishing agent which is ACME FIRE
EXTINGUISHER

expelled by internal pressure on operating the release

mechanism and can be directed by means of a horn or
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
tube into the fire. The pressure may be by compression MULTI-PURPOSE
within the extinguisher or maybe the result of a DRY CHEMICAL
chemical reaction or release of gas from a cartridge,
triggered by the operation of the extinguisher

USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

 CHECK THE GAUGE

ACME FIRE
EXTINGUISHER

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

SPRAY FOAM
Spray foam extinguishers are fast DRY CHEMICAL POWDER
and powerful; they are ideal for
tackling both Class A & B fires Highly versatile in operation,
where petrol, oils and volatile these dry powder extinguishers
liquids may be involved. In use are suitable for Class “A” & “B”
they form a flame smothering seal type fire risks – electrical
over the surface of the material, hazards, flammable liquids and
preventing re-ignition of the gases. With its rapid
vapors. Ideal for multiple risk knockdown capability.
situations.
TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER
WATER H2O
TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Ideal for risk involving Class “A”
type fires such as wood, paper,
plastic, cartoon, rubber, fabrics. CARBON DIOXIDE CO2

This fire extinguisher is one of the Highly effective and non-

most efficient and useful ways of damaging in use CO2
putting out fires involving freely extinguishers are a convenient
combustible materials. Water answer for situations involving
works by rapidly cooling a fire Class “C “electrical hazards and
and this controllable-discharge flammable liquids. CO2 is
extinguishers can penetrate and harmless to delicate equipment
knock-out the most deep-seated and materials.
Class “A” type fires

HOW TO SELECT A FIRE

EXTINGUISHER HOW TO SELECT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Continued

 SELECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER DEPENDS  SELECTING A FIRE

ON: EXTINGUISHER DEPENDS ON:
 Nature of the combustibles or flammables.  The ambient conditions (wind, drafts, fumes etc.).
 Potential severity of the resulting fire. size,
 Adverse reactions of the extinguishing agent.
speed of travel, intensity etc.
 Effectiveness of the extinguisher on the type  Health and operational safety concerns.
material.  Upkeep and maintenance of the extinguisher.
 The ease of the use of the fire extinguisher.
 The personnel available to operate the
extinguisher. D
 The physical and emotional ability of the
user.

HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL

HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES
FIRES

 CLASS “A” FIRES – ORDINARY  CLASS “B” FIRES - FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR

COMBUSTIBLES: GASES:
 Point the extinguishing agent at the base of the fire.  Point the extinguishing agent at the base of the fire.
 Do not attempt to put out the flames.  Do not attempt to put out the flames.
 Cool the material below its ignition temperature.  Attempt to prevent oxygenation of the fire.
 Soak fibrous material to prevent re-ignition.  Close solvent tanks lids etc.
 Establish a fire watch to ensure no re-ignition occurs.  Know that the fire may flare up momentarily.
 Use water, foam or multi-purpose dry chemicals.  Use foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemicals
 HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES

 CLASS “C” FIRES – ELECTRICAL  CLASS “D” FIRES - COMBUSTIBLE METALS:

EQUIPMENT:
 Multi-purpose extinguishing agent leaves a residue.
 Extinguishing agent cannot conduct electricity.  The agent cools the metal to below its ignition temp.
 Disconnect power to the source ASAP.  These residues are harmful to electronic equipment.
 Ensure the extinguisher doesn’t make contact.  Attempt to prevent oxygenation of the fire.
 Do not attempt to use water based extinguishers.  Use agents that deprive oxygen.
 Electrical fires can effect circuitry “downstream”.  Know that metal fires burn extremely hot (5000
 Use carbon dioxide, dry chemicals deg.).

INSPECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

 INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS: CHECK

 INSPECTION PROCEDURES:
LIST

 Inspect fire extinguishers once per month.

 Know the locations of your fire extinguishers.
 Inspect more often if local fire codes require it.
 Determine the likely types of fires in the area.
 Have fire extinguishers serviced once per year.
 Ensure the extinguisher is the right type (A.B.C.D.).
 Service more often if local codes require it.
 Inspect for rust, dents or other signs of damage.
 Document the monthly inspections on the card.
 Inspect the seal for tampering or previous use.
 Inspect the gauge and feel the weight.
CHECK
LIST  Is the extinguisher full of agent?
 Ensure the pin, nozzle and nameplate are intact.
 Report missing or damaged extinguishers.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Many of the accidents & Fatalities occur during fire is due

to the panic behavior of the personals involved. Panic can
be defined as “A sudden and excessive feeling of alarm or
fear usually affecting a body of persons, originating in
some real or supposed danger, vaguely apprehended, and
leading to extravagant and injudicious efforts to secure
safety”.

In order to control this type of situations, Emergency

procedures shall be develop and exercises were stimulated
to prevent the unpredictable & unforeseen events.