Lecture 6

Professional Ethics in
Engineering
(ECC 2100)

25/10/2024
Fire Prevention and Protection
 Fire Protection

Fire is a chemical reaction

that requires three elements
to be present for the reaction
to take place and continue.
The three elements are:
Heat, or an ignition source
Fuel
Oxygen
 Fire Protection
These three elements typically are referred to as the “fire
triangle.” Fire is the result of the reaction between the fuel
and oxygen in the air. Scientists developed the concept of a
fire triangle to aid in understanding of the cause of fires
and how they can be prevented and extinguished.
Heat, fuel and oxygen must combine in a precise way for a
fire to start and continue to burn. If one element of the fire
triangle is not present or removed, fire will not start or, if
already burning, will extinguish.
 Fire Protection
Ignition sources can include any material, equipment or
operation that emits a spark or flame—including obvious
items, such as torches, as well as less obvious items, such as
static electricity and grinding operations. Equipment or
components that radiate heat, such as kettles, catalytic
converters and mufflers, also can be ignition sources. Fuel
sources include combustible materials, such as wood, paper,
trash and clothing; flammable liquids, such as gasoline or
solvents; and flammable gases, such as propane or natural gas
 Fire Protection
Oxygen in the fire triangle comes from the air in the
atmosphere. Air contains approximately 79 percent nitrogen
and 21 percent oxygen. OSHA describes a hazardous
atmosphere as one which is oxygen-deficient because it has
less than 19.5 percent oxygen, or oxygen enriched because
it has greater than 23.5 percent oxygen. Either instance is
regarded by OSHA as an atmosphere immediately
dangerous to life and health (IDLH) for reasons unrelated
to the presence of fire. Depending on the type of fuel
involved, fires can occur with much lower volume of oxygen
present than needed to support human respiration.
 Fire Classifications
Class A — fires involving ordinary combustibles, such
as paper, trash, some plastics, wood and cloth. A rule
of thumb is if it leaves an ash behind, it is a Class A
fire.
 Fire Classifications
Class B — fires involving flammable gases or liquids,
such as propane, oil and gasoline.
 Fire Classifications
Class C—fires involving energized electrical
components.
 Fire Classifications
Class D — fires involving metal. A rule of thumb is if the name
of the metal ends with the letters “um,” it is a Class D fire.
Examples of this are aluminum, magnesium, beryllium and
sodium. These types of fires usually occur in industrial,
manufacturing, or laboratory settings when the metal fines -
tiny, thin pieces of metal, often shavings or dust generated
during the machining process ignite, becoming the fuel element
in the fire triangle (fuel, oxygen, heat plus a chemical reaction).
 Fire Classifications
Class K — fires involving vegetable or animal
cooking oils or fats; common in commercial
cooking operations using deep fat fryers.
Fire Classifications
 Fire Extinguishers
There are different types of fire extinguishers designed to
put out the different classes of fire. The wrong
extinguisher actually may make a fire emergency
worse. For example, failing to use a Crated extinguisher
on energized electrical components may endanger
workers by causing the extinguishing material to be
electrified by the energized components that are on fire.
C-rated fire extinguishers put out the fire by using a
chemical that does not conduct electricity.
 Before Using a Fire Extinguisher
Make sure you have an unobstructed escape route at your
back
Fire should be small, confined and not spreading, e.g.
trash can fire
Always sound the alarm
Know department emergency procedures
Know that the extinguisher is right for the job
Be trained on how to use an extinguisher
When You Should Not Fight a
Fire?
It is bigger than a waste paper bin
One extinguisher is not enough
No proper extinguisher or equipment
Fire has spread beyond its point of origin
Smoke is affecting your breathing
You cannot see the way out
Gas cylinders or chemicals are involved
Your efforts are not reducing the size of the fire
Instincts tell you to GET OUT!!!
Fire Extinguishers
 Fire Extinguishers
Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher

Multipurpose (ABC) dry chemical extinguishers contain an

ammonium phosphate base which can be used on all
types of fires and is the least expensive of the
extinguishing agents.
 Fire Extinguishers
Wet Chemical

K
The Class K extinguisher is the ideal choice for use on cooking appliances including
deep fat fryers and solid fuel cooking appliances. They contain a low PH potassium
acetate base. The extinguishing agent discharges as a fine mist which helps prevent
grease splash and fire reflash while cooling the appliance.
 Fire Extinguishers
Foam—alcohol-resistant and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) types
Expensive; effective on Class B only; and
aqueous film-forming limited shelf life
 Fire Extinguishers
Water
Good only for Class
A fires
 Fire Extinguishers
Water
 Fire Extinguishers
Metal X

D, B, C
Expensive; must be kept dry; ineffective on A
 Fire Extinguishers
CO2
B, C
CO2 extinguishers may be used on
most mechanical and electrical
fires. Because they areless effective
on ordinary combustible (class A)
fires, CO2 fire extinguishers are
usually only rated BC depending
on the size of the extinguisher.
 Fire Extinguishers
CO2

If used in confined areas,

will create oxygen
deficiency; not effective in
windy conditions; can cause
frostbite during discharge;
typically not used in roofing
industry.
 Fire Extinguishers
Halon
B, C
Expensive; not effective in windy conditions;
toxic gases may be released in extremely hot
fires because of decomposition. Halons are
fire extinguishing agents which are gaseous
when discharged in the aircraft environment.
Halons have, until recently, been in almost
universal use in aircraft fire extinguishers,
both portable and fixed. They exist in two
forms - as Halon 1211, and as Halon 1301.
 Fire Extinguishers
Halon
Halon fire suppression systems are generally
considered to be safe to use in occupied spaces,
although prolonged exposure to the gas should be
avoided. It’s rather the environmental impact of halon
gases that makes the use of this gas so controversial.
In 1987 an international treaty known as the Montreal
Protocol recognised halon as a substance that
contributes to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone
layer. Subsequent production and manufacturing of
new halon products has been banned globally.
Fire Extinguishers
 Fire Extinguishers
 In buildings, all fire extinguishers will be mounted on a wall and properly
marked.
 All vehicles will carry at least one ABC-rated extinguisher.
 When at a job site, all employees will know the location of each fire
extinguisher.
 Before using an extinguisher, all employees will be trained and familiar with
the PASS method of firefighting.
 Each fire extinguisher will be inspected monthly to make sure it is in its
designated location and has not been tampered with or actuated.
Each fire extinguisher will be clearly visible with nothing obstructing or
obscuring it from view.
All fire extinguishers will be examined at least yearly and/or recharged or repaired
to ensure operability and safety. A tag must be attached to show the maintenance
or recharge date and the signature or initials of the person performing the service.
What To Do If Your Clothes Catch
Fire?
 Fire Escape Tips
 Do not waste time collecting valuables
 Crawl low under the smoke and keep your mouth covered.
 The smoke contains toxic gases which can disorient and overcome you.
 Use the back of your hand to feel the door to see if it’s hot, which indicates fire is on
the other side. Do not open door. Look for another escape route
 If the door is cool, open it slowly. Quickly shut the door if smoke or heat comes in.
 If your room door is hot, do not open it. Instead, seal the door with wet towels or
sheets.
 Turn off the fans and air conditioners.
 Signal from your window with a flashlight or light-colored sheet, towel or article of
clothing.
 Don't Forget
Fire spreads in minutes
Always think fire prevention / fire safety
Follow your company procedures and call Civil
Defense.
 STAY ALERT , STAY ALIVE
 Further Equipment
Fire Hose Reels and Cabinets

Provide a steady and controllable supply of water to combat fires. Typically installed
in strategic locations within buildings, they consist of a long hose reel with a nozzle
that can be adjusted for spray and jet functions.
 Further Equipment
Fire Hose Reels and Cabinets
 Fire Blanket
Further Equipment

Fire blankets are safety devices made from fire-resistant materials like fibreglass or
asbestos. They are designed to extinguish small fires at their initial stage by depriving
the fire of oxygen.
Fire Blanket
Further Equipment
Further Equipment
Fire Bucket
Fire buckets are a vital part of fire
safety. They are used to contain and
dispose of any burning material that
may be present in the building. The
fire bucket is typically filled with sand,
water, or a combination of both, and it
should be placed near any source of
ignition that could create a potential
fire hazard. Fire buckets can also
extinguish small fires before they
spread, reducing the risk of property
damage and injury.
 Further Equipment
Fire Bucket
 References

https://leakdetection.co.uk/information/fire-triangle/

https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-class-a-fire-extinguisher-used-for

https://hct-world.com/what-is-a-class-d-fire/

https://www.sccfd.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/community_education/2017Fire_Exting
uisher_handout_FINAL.pdf

https://tryallenergy.com.gy/product/proline-multi-purpose-dry-chemical-fire-extinguisher-abc-ty
pe-wall-hanger-5-lb/

https://www.americanfiresupply.com/sites/default/files/products/fire_extinguisher_-_wet_chemi
cal.pdf

https://industracare.com/products/fire-extinguisher-water-rpvc-sign?variant=32813632076

https://emergency.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/TMS-Fire-Extinguisher-Training.pdf

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/co2-fire-extinguisherhow-works-limitations-edwin-lihanda

https://www.hseblog.com/types-fire-extinguishers/
QUESTIONS?
THANK
YOU?