TOPIC 2 : THE NATURE

OF FIRE
CAPTAIN JOMER D. PASCUA, MM
PROFESSOR
VIDEOS :
Fire Fighting at Sea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JavSVuQ-08

How to Distinguish Between the Different Classes of

Fire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8PrA_AOa6w

Firefighting drill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ2_hV_jtt8
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
LO 1. Recognize the nature of fire
1.1 Identify the conditions required for fire to occur
1.2 Describe the classes of fire
LO 2.1. Relate flammable materials to fire
Hazard
2.1.1 Define fire hazard
2.1.2 Identify the kinds of flammable
Materials
2.1.3 Describe the conditions that predispose a
situation to fire hazard
LO 1. RECOGNIZE THE NATURE OF FIRE
1.1 IDENTIFY THE CONDITIONS REQUIRED
FOR FIRE TO OCCUR
The Fire Triangle
In order to understand how fire extinguishers work, you
first need to know a little bit about fire.
Four things must be present at the same time in order to
produce fire:
• Enough oxygen to sustain combustion,
• Enough heat to raise the material to its ignition
temperature,
• Some sort of fuel or combustible material, and
• The chemical, exothermic reaction that is fire.
1.1 IDENTIFY THE CONDITIONS REQUIRED
FOR FIRE TO OCCUR
Take a look at the following diagram, called the "Fire
Triangle“
1.1 IDENTIFY THE CONDITIONS REQUIRED
FOR FIRE TO OCCUR
Oxygen, heat, and fuel are frequently
referred to as the "fire triangle." Add in the
fourth element, the chemical reaction, and
you actually have a fire "tetrahedron." The
important thing to remember is: take any
of these four things away, and you will not
have a fire or the fire will be extinguished.
1.1 IDENTIFY THE CONDITIONS REQUIRED
FOR FIRE TO OCCUR

Essentially, fire extinguishers put out fire

by taking away one or more elements of
the fire triangle/tetrahedron.

Fire safety, at its most basic, is based

upon the principle of keeping fuel sources
and ignition sources separate.
LO 1.2 DESCRIBE THE CLASSES OF FIRE
Classification of Fire as per ISO 3941
• Class A fires involving solid materials, usually of
an organic nature, in which combustion normally
takes place with the formation of glowing embers
• Class B fires involving liquids or liquefiable
solids
• Class C fires involving gases
• fires involving electrical
• Class D fires involving metals
• Class F fires involving cooking media (vegetable
LO 2.1. RELATE FLAMMABLE MATERIALS TO FIRE
2.1.1 DEFINE FIRE HAZARD
2.1.2 IDENTIFY THE KINDS OF FLAMMABLE MATERIALS
Hazards
A hazard is something that poses danger,
peril, risk, or difficulty. On the golf course a
lake can be a hazard. A wet floor can be a
slipping hazard. This module covers three
other types of hazards: common fire hazards,
special fire hazards, and hazardous materials.
Part of this module covers fire hazards and
part hazardous materials.
2.1.2 IDENTIFY THE KINDS OF FLAMMABLE
MATERIALS
The term fire hazard is used by both fire
professionals and the lay public. What does it
mean? Any actions, materials, or conditions that
might increase the size or severity of a fire or that
might cause a fire to start are called fire hazards.
The hazard might be a fuel that is easy to ignite or a
heat source like a defective appliance. The hazard
could be an action like thawing a pipe with a torch
or an omission like failing to have a wood stove
chimney cleaned.
2.1.2 IDENTIFY THE KINDS OF FLAMMABLE
MATERIALS
Common fire hazards are found in most
occupancies and are not associated with any special
occupancy. Smoking, trash, electrical appliances,
storage, and heating are common to most occupancy
types. However, smoke-free workplaces are making
smoking a less common problem. Special fire
hazards are linked to some specific process or
activity in particular occupancies. Chemicals, spray
painting, welding, combustible dusts, and flammable
liquids are examples of special fire hazards.
2.1.2 IDENTIFY THE KINDS OF FLAMMABLE
MATERIALS
The first part of the module starts with
ignition sources, covers the heat hazards, and
finishes with the fuel hazards. The handling
and storage of combustibles and use or
misuse of ignition sources create a nearly
infinite variety of hazardous conditions. The
inspector is responsible for recognizing those
conditions and taking proper action.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD
Common Fire Hazards in the Workplace
Waste and combustible material being stored on site
In many workplaces, in particular offices, there can
be a build-up of waste such as paper, cardboard and
other combustible materials. If this is not disposed of
regularly, it provides plenty of fuel for any potential fires
should they break out. All it takes is a source of
ignition, for example a discarded cigarette to set this
alight and it could result in a fire that burns rapidly.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD

For this reason you should avoid

storing rubbish on site is possible,
or if you must – make sure it is in a
designated area, away from main
buildings and any potential
sources of ignition.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD

Flammable liquids and vapours

This may be more of a threat in some
types of workplace than others. Those
particularly at risk include industrial
warehouses and factories where there
may be large amounts of flammable
liquids and vapours stored.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD
This can also cover anywhere that these
materials are present such as garages, hotels
and kitchens. Flammable liquids can ignite
instantly when they come into contact with a
spark or naked flame. Vapours are also
particularly dangerous as they spread out,
carrying the risk of an explosion with
devastating consequences.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD

To reduce the risk of a fire,

always ensure that flammable
liquid and solvent containers are
sealed properly and if any spills do
happen, they are cleaned up
immediately.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD
Dust build-up
Dust and powder from wood, plastic and metal
operations can cause explosions in enclosed
spaces if there is no proper ventilation. Extraction
fans should be installed in places where there is a
risk of dust in the air, for example in environments
such as mines and factories. Equipment and
machinery that heats up when used should also be
kept clean and free of grease and dust so that this
does not burn, starting a fire.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD
Objects that generate heat
Heat is one of the vital ingredients of fire. Some
electrical equipment and machinery warms up when
used providing the potential for a fire to start. Make
sure you keep combustible materials such as paper
away from heat sources and remember to unplug
any equipment that is not being used if possible.
Never leave any electrical equipment or machinery
on overnight unless it is necessary.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD
Faulty electrical equipment
Fires caused by electrical equipment are
one of the most common types of fire in
the workplace. Look out for any signs of
loose cabling, damaged plugs and replace
any faulty equipment. All electrical
equipment should be regularly checked
and PAT tested by an expert.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD

Overloading power sockets

This is a fairly common cause of electrical fires
but it is one that is easily avoided. If too many
appliances are plugged into the same socket or if
faulty extension cords are used, this can result in
overheating and potentially a fire. Always make sure
that you use one plug in each socket and don’t use
appliances that total more than 13amps or 3000
watts across the whole socket.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD
Smoking
Discarded cigarettes can cause fires if not put out and
disposed of properly. Smoking can be especially
hazardous if it is allowed to take place near areas where
flammable materials are present. Therefore a designated
smoking area should be allocated in your workplace away
from main buildings and flammables. Staff should also be
encouraged to make sure that any cigarettes are put out
properly and to use specially provided bins for their
cigarettes.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD

Human error and negligence

It has to be said that one of the most
common causes of fires in the workplace is
human error. Fires can occur as a result of
negligence in a variety of different ways
including improper use of equipment,
accidents, drinks being spilt over electrical
equipment and leaving cooking unattended.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD

Although you cannot completely

remove the human error factor, through
proper training you can take steps to
reduce it by providing effective training
and guidance for your staff advising on
best fire safety practice.
2.1.3 DESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS THAT
PREDISPOSE A SITUATION TO FIRE HAZARD

If the worst does happen and a fire starts,

having fire fighting equipment on site such as
fire extinguishers, blankets and hose reels are
vital for bringing fires under control. However
you should use caution and make sure that all
staff are trained to use the correct type of fire
extinguisher as incorrect usage can be
dangerous.