NEBOSH

Page: 124

WEEK 2 ELEMENT 5

Fire Hazards & Control

NEBOSH

Page: 125

The Triangle of Fire

Oxygen Heat
Source of ignition

Smothering Cooling

Fuel
Starving

NEBOSH

Page: 126

THE FIRE TRIANGLE Extinguishing Fire

1) Cooling the fire by removing the heat 2) Starving the fire of fuel
3) Smothering the fire by limiting the
oxygen supply

NEBOSH

Page: 126

SOURCES OF IGNITION
Naked flames Electricity (Overheating/Arcing) Smoking materials Hot work (Welding, burning) Chemical reactions (Giving off heat) Heating appliances (Hot surfaces) Friction (Inadequate lubrication) Static electricity Lightning Improper storage of flammable materials Lack of inspection and supervision

NEBOSH

Page: 126

Harm to persons from fire

Main effects
Being burnt Inhaling toxic fumes Effects of smoke inhalation Depletion of oxygen supply

Other effects
Collapse of building Crush or other injury sustained while escaping

NEBOSH

Page: 126

Flash-point and Flammable

Flash-point
This is the lowest temperature at which the vapour given off by a substance will ignite when brought in contact with a source of ignition

Fire-point
When the fire point is reached sufficient gas or vapour is being given off to sustain a flame when in contact with a source of ignition

NEBOSH

Page: 128

Flash-point and Flammable

Auto-Ignition Temperature
This is the temperature at which gases or vapour will ignite without any external source of ignition

Flammable
Liquids with a flash point between 32oC and 55oC

Highly flammable
Liquids with a flash point below 32oC

NEBOSH

Page: 128

Principal Causes of the spread of fire

Conduction
Movement of heat through materials

Convection
Movement of hotter gases up through the air

NEBOSH

Page: 128

Principal Causes of the spread of fire

Radiation
Transfer of heat through the air

Direct Burning
Combustible materials in contact with naked flame

NEBOSH

Page: 128

CAUSES OF FIRE
Deliberate (Arson) Electrical faults Misuse of electrical equipment Smokers materials Smoking in prohibited areas Loss of control burning rubbish Heating equipment Unsafe storage of materials Flammable liquids/gases Welding/hot work Mechanical heat (Friction)

NEBOSH

Page: 128

Classification of Fires
Class
A B C D F
Fires involving electrical equipment

Type of fuel
Combustible solids Flammable liquids or liquified solids Flammable gases Flammable metals

Combustible cooking media

Electrical - classified according to the
source of ignition rather than fuel source

NEBOSH

Page: 128

Extinguishing Agents
Class
A B C D F

Type of Extinguisher
Water, Dry powder, CO2, Foam Foam, CO2 , Dry powder Dry Powder, water mist, Foam Sand, Soda ash, Talc The foam congeals on the top of the oil CO2, Dry Powder

Electrical

NEBOSH

Page: 129

Minimising Risk Of Electrical Fire

Pre-inspection by users Suitability of equipment Inspection/maintenance by competent persons Avoid misuse of equipment Prevent overloading of circuits Correct design and rating for task Isolate if not in use Improved means of protection e.g. RCD High standards of housekeeping Staff awareness training

NEBOSH

Page: 130

Fire Risk Assessment

1)
2)

3)

4) 5)

Identify hazards: The three elements of the triangle of fire Identify who could be harmed: Persons at risk particularly the disabled etc. Evaluate the risks and adequacy of precautions:Considering prevention, protection and precautions Record findings: Prepare an emergency plan Review: If no longer valid

NEBOSH

Page: 130

Factors To Consider In Fire Risk Assessment

Construction and use of building Flammable materials Sources of ignition Work activities generating heat Methods of control Means of fire detection Means of raising the alarm Means of fighting fire/maintenance of equipment Evacuation routes/Protection of routes Numbers of persons at risk Fire prevention training/fire drills

NEBOSH

Page: 131

Prevention, Protection & Precautions

1) Fire Prevention
Control measures to reduce the risk of fire

Starting
2) Fire Protection
Structural measures to reduce the risk of fire

Spreading
3) Fire Precautions
Measures taken to reduce the risk in the

Event of fire

NEBOSH

Page: 131

Fire Prevention
Aim to keep the three sides of the fire triangle apart:

Eliminate or reduce the storage of flammable materials Control of ignition sources Control smoking materials Good housekeeping Lubrication of machinery to prevent friction No overloading of electrical systems Regular inspections of electrical systems Ventilation outlets not obstructed Controlling hot work with permits etc. Proper storage of flammable materials Segregation of incompatible chemicals Security to prevent arson Regular Inspection and supervision

NEBOSH

Page: 131

Storage of Highly Flammable Liquids and Gases

Minimum quantities Suitable fixed storage tanks Keep upright in well ventilated area Clear marking of containers Clearly marked storage area Spillage controls Adequate ventilation Suitable fire fighting equipment Trained competent staff Adequate warning signs

NEBOSH

Page: 132

FIRE PROTECTION
Compartmentation
Splitting a building into separate sealed areas made of fire-resisting materials
Restricts the spread of fire and smoke within a building

Depends upon:
the use of the building building height floor area compartment volume

NEBOSH

Page: 132

Fire Protection (2)

Fire resistant materials
Primary construction: the main fabric of the building

Secondary construction: internal partitioning

Bricks Concrete Structural steel

NEBOSH

Page: 132

Fire Precautions
a) Fire/smoke detection b) Fire alarms c) Means of escape d) Means of fighting the fire e) Emergency evacuation procedures

NEBOSH

Page: 132

Fire/Smoke Detection

Smoke detection Heat/Flame detection

NEBOSH

Page: 132

Fire Alarms
Gongs, Bells etc.
Break glass points Automatic systems:Continuous detection Alarm sounding

Call the Fire Brigade Indicate location of fire

Trigger extinguishers

NEBOSH

Page: 133

Means of Escape - Definition

A means of escape is a continuous path along which a person can travel from wherever he/she may be in the building and reach safety by his own unaided efforts

NEBOSH

Page: 133

Suitability of a Means of Escape

Number of employees to use it Any people with special needs Fire resistance of structure Position/Number of escape routes Contents which are readily ignitable Open wells, open staircases Use of building

NEBOSH

Page: 133
MEANS OF ESCAPE MAIN REQUIREMENTS

Multiple exits Fire resistance of structure Adequate size for numbers Travel distance Clearly marked exits Emergency lighting
Exit free of obstructions

Final exit door

Unlocked opening outwards Fire smoke doors self closing Fixed stairs to upper floors Exit to safe place Suitable assembly point

NEBOSH

Page: 134

MEANS OF FIGHTING FIRE

Method
Remove oxygen

Aim
Smother the fire

Means
Introduces a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen, e.g. a lid, mineral fibre blanket, foam, sand or carbon dioxide Uses water etc. Some of the heat is transferred to the water and some is used up in the conversion of water to steam

Remove heat

Reduce the temperature of the fuel and surroundings to below the ignition temperature

Remove fuel

Shut off the supply of flammable gases or liquids

Use of valves etc.

1) 2)

Portable extinguishers e.g. hand held or on a trolley Fixed installations e.g. Hose reel, flood, sprinklers

NEBOSH

Page: 135

Fixed Fire Fighting Equipment

Hose Reel

Sprinkler

NEBOSH

Page: 135

Hose Reels
Permanently connected to the mains water supply. Should be sited in a location which covers the whole area.
Advantages
Inexpensive, Effective Harmless to health Unlimited supply of water at good pressure Greater force than sprinkler Operators need not be too close to the fire

Disadvantages
Only suitable for class A fires Poor siting may cause inadequate coverage Hose could be kinked Could stop fire doors closing May create trip hazards

NEBOSH

Page: 135

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

A network of water pipes with spray heads normally at ceiling height is installed in vulnerable areas
Advantages
Large coverage of water to prevent the spread of fire in large open plan buildings where compartmentalisation is not practical

Disadvantages
Only suitable for Class A fires Causes damage to equipment and furnishings

NEBOSH

Page: 135

Total Flooding Systems

A high concentration of an extinguishing gas (usually carbon dioxide) is automatically dumped in an enclosed area
Advantages Extinguishes fire without causing unnecessary damage to important equipment such as electrical equipment and computer rooms Disadvantages Harmful to health System must be disconnected when people enter the protected area

NEBOSH

Page: 136

Portable Fire Fighting Equipment

Type
Water Dry powder Foam Carbon Dioxide

Colour Code
Red Blue Cream Black

Fire Class
A All B All F B Cools the fuel and surroundings Smothers the fire Smothers burning liquids Cools and excludes oxygen Cools and excludes oxygen Smothers the fire

Congealing Canary Foam Yellow Fire Blanket None

NEBOSH

Page: 136

Fire Extinguishers (1)

Water:- Class A Lowers the ignition temperature. Prevents re-ignition. Only to be used on Class A fires Foam:- Class B Excludes oxygen Blanket effect Suitable for Class B fires Aqueous Film Forming Foam

Red

Cream

NEBOSH

Page: 136

Fire Extinguishers (2)

Dry Powder:- Class A, B, C
Powder has a smothering effect but no cooling properties Can be used on all types of fire

Carbon Dioxide:- Class B, E

High pressure cylinder containing liquified CO2 Liquid vaporises in contact with air Safe to use on electrical fires and burning liquids

Blue

Black

NEBOSH

Inspection & Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers

Inspection
Routine (perhaps monthly) visual checks to ensure extinguishers are in place, not been discharged or damaged

Maintenance
Involves an annual examination by a competent person with the removal and replacement of equipment found faulty and the date of the inspection recorded

NEBOSH

Page: 136

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

1. 2) 3) 4) 5) Daily checks (Fire Warden) Weekly inspection (Fire Warden) Annually serviced (competent person) Five yearly extended service/discharge Twenty yearly overhaul/replacement

NEBOSH

Page: 137

SITING OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Accessibility Proximity to exits/Escape routes Visibility and signage Located off ground with adequate support Suitable type Protection against damage and weather

NEBOSH

Page: 137

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Means of raising the alarm Contacting the emergency services Fire evacuation routes Fire evacuation signs Who are and the role of fire marshals Assembly points/place of safety/role call When not to tackle a fire Types of extinguishers Prevention of spread of fire e.g. closing fire doors Not to use lifts Evacuation in an orderly fashion Prevention of return Disabled evacuation procedure

NEBOSH

Page: 138

Practice Drills
Practice drills should be undertaken to:
Checking alarm can be heard throughout the premises Testing the effectiveness of the evacuation procedure

Familiarising employees with the alarms etc.

Giving fire wardens to practice their roles Satisfy a legal requirement e.g. fire certificate and to provide instruction to employees on action to be taken

NEBOSH

Page: 138

Other areas of fire procedures

Fire Marshals/Wardens Fire instruction notices Assembly points Roll calls Provision for disabled