Presented By: Gerard Ramos

DOLE Accredited Safety Practitioner

4 March 2004
 Basic Fire Safety
Prevention, Preparedness & Control
Topics Outline
Part I - Lecture
• Introduction
• Key Definition / Aspects in Fire Safety
• Fire Extinguishers (types, how to use, precautions, inspection, maintenance, etc.)
• Common Fire Hazards / Causes of Fire
• Who are most at risk?
• How Can Fires be Prevented?
• How Can Fires be Controlled?
• How to RACE during a Fire?
• What if Someone Catches on Fire?
• Fire Watch Requirement / Duties
• Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Building Fire Safety (Mercantile Occupancy)
• Summary

Part II – Film Viewing and Practical Application 2

• Proper Fire Inspection
 Introduction
Fire is the leading “man-made” disaster that causes property losses and
deaths. It’s therefore imperative that every possible means of preventing
fire be put in place, by every responsible member of the society, at work,
at home, everywhere.

 Assess current compliance status against standard practices

 Identify opportunities of improvement

 Develop and implement an effective fire prevention program

 Promote a fire free working and living environment

3

4 March 2004
 What is Fire?

4 March 2004
 Key Definition

chemical reaction
 What is a fire?
A fire is a chemical reaction

Heat
that involves 3 elements:
fuel, oxygen and heat

 Fire Equation:
Oxygen + Heat + Fuel = Fire

 Fundamental principle of fire prevention

“ Elimination of any of the 3 elements, will prevent fire”
5

4 March 2004
  Elements of Fire
1. Fuel - Any combustible material: solid, liquid or gas.
2. Oxygen - The air we breathe is about 21 percent
oxygen. Fire only needs an atmosphere with
at least 16 percent oxygen.
3. Heat - Heat is the energy necessary to increase the
temp. of the fuel to a point where sufficient
vapors are given off for ignition to occur.
Also known as ignition source (Ex.: welding /
cutting, fuel driven equipment, spark producing activities,
smoking, etc.)

4. Chemical Reaction - A chain reaction can occur when the

other three elements are present
in the proper condition and
proportion. 6

4 March 2004
 Terms and Definitions

4 March 2004
 • Fire prevention – measures or actions specifically
directed towards preventing the inception of fires and
minimizing the severity of fires should they occur.

• Fire protection – refers to the method of providing for

the control or extinguishment of fires. Includes
provision for fire suppression, alarm and detection
system.

4 March 2004
 • Fire hazard – any situation, process, material or condition that, on
the basis of applicable data, has the potential to cause a fire or
explosion or provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or
intensity of fire or explosion and is considered as threat to life or
property.

• Fire trap – a building or structure or workplace unsafe in case of

fire or explosion because it will burn easily or because it lacks
adequate exits or fire escapes or may have adequate exits but
obstructed or inaccessible in case of need to escape from fire.

4 March 2004
 • Fire-Rating – The time duration that a material shall withstand a
standard fire exposure test.

• Building Code of the Phils. – Prescribes specific standards in

design, construction occupancy and used of buildings and facilities.

10

4 March 2004
 • Flammable Liquid – a liquid with flash point below 38
o
C (100 oF)
• Combustible Liquid – a liquid with flash point of 38 oC
(100 oF) or higher
• Flash Point – the minimum temp. at which liquid gives
off sufficient vapor to form an ignitable mixture with
the air near its surface.
Examples of FP of common flammable / combustible liquids:
 Gasoline …………. - 43 oC
 Alcohol …………. 13 oC
 Diesel Fuel …………. 52 oC
“The lower the FP, the higher the degree of flammability” 11

4 March 2004
 Flammable Range
The range of concentration of flammable vapor in the air, between the Lower
Flammable Limit and Upper Flammable Limit, that will propagate flame if
ignited.

12

4 March 2004
  Fire Classifications

Class Class Class Class

D
Special type of fire
involving metals i.e.
Fires in any ordinary Fires in flammable Fires in “LIVE” magnesium,
combustible liquids, electrical lithium, sodium,
materials i.e. trash, gases, grease, equipment titanium, potassium
wood, paper, etc tars, oil, etc and radioactive
materials
13

4 March 2004
 Fire Extinguishers

ABC Dry Chemical CO2 Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers
14

4 March 2004
 How To Use Fire Extinguisher?

P - pull the pin or puncture cartridge

A - aim at base of flame
S - squeeze the trigger
S - sweep from side to side Wind

APP. 3 Meters 15
( 10 feet )
4 March 2004
 Precaution in Using Dry Chemical Fire
Extinguishers

 Dry chemical
extinguishers leave a
residue that can harm
sensitive equipment, such
as computers and other
electronic equipment.
Carbon dioxide or halon
extinguishers are
preferred in these
instances because they
leave very little residue.

16
4 March 2004
 Precaution in using Dry Chemical Fire
Extinguishers
 Watch for re-flash / re-ignition from deep seated fires
 Extinguishing agent cannot penetrate below burning surface

Burning Material

Mode of Extinguishing Action

(Multipurpose Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher)
17
4 March 2004
 Precaution in using CO2 Fire Extinguishers

• Discharge horn is
extremely cold and can
cause frostbite if touched
during operation. Hold by
the handle. Hold here

• Asphyxiation hazard Frostbite

(CO2 is an inert gas) Hazard
Don’t
Touch

18
4 March 2004
 Identifying Fire Extinguisher
All ratings are shown on
the extinguisher face
plate. Some
extinguishers are marked
with multiple ratings
such as AB, BC, and ABC.
These extinguishers are
capable of putting out
more than one class of
fire.

19
4 March 2004
 Fire Extinguishers’ Distribution Criteria /
Maintenance
• Visible from all directions (free of sight obstructions)
• Easily accessible (within immediate reach), no obstructions
• Near normal path of travel (entrance / exit ways)
• Within 23 m (75 ft) max. travel distance (Class A Hazards)
• Within 15 m (50 ft) max. travel distance (Class B Hazards)
• Elevated off the ground / floor
• Reasonably away from immediate source of fire (i.e. not mounted on an
operating machine; outside flammable storage room, etc.)
• Properly identified
• Regular inspection (monthly as minimum)
• Periodic hydrostatic test
20
4 March 2004
 Inspection of Fire Extinguishers

21
4 March 2004
 Inspection of Fire Extinguishers
• Inspection tag / coding
• Plastic seal
• Locking pin
• Gauge (stored pressure)
• CO2 Cartridge (cartridge type)
• Weight (CO2 type)
• Visibility/ accessibility
• Nozzle
• Shell, bottom
• Label
• General condition
22
4 March 2004
 23

4 March 2004
 24
4 March 2004
Flammable

thiner

oxygen

paint

25
 26
4 March 2004
 27

4 March 2004
 28

4 March 2004
 Common Fire Hazards…

29
4 March 2004
 30
4 March 2004
 Use Safety Can

31
4 March 2004
 Grease

Grease

Greasy / Oily Rags

32

4 March 2004
 33

4 March 2004
34
35
 36
4 March 2004
 Who are Most at Risk ?
•Senior citizens
•Children under the age of five
•Disabled / ill persons

37

4 March 2004
 38

4 March 2004
  How can fires be prevented?

Class Preventive Measures

Maintain good housekeeping
Place oily / greasy rags in
covered containers (potential source of
spontaneous combustion)
Keep open flame operations
isolated / controlled (35 Ft clear radius
min.)
100 % spark containment (use of
Fires in any ordinary
combustible
fire blanket or non combustible barrier for hot
Materials i.e. trash, wood, work)
paper, etc
39

4 March 2004
  Preventive Measures

Good storage practice:

• Protected / isolated / ventilated storage
area
Class
• Use safety can for flammable liquids

Ventilation

Flammable liquids
or gases

40

4 March 2004
  Preventive Measures
 Proper handling

Class

Flammable liquids
or gases

safety can
41

4 March 2004
 • Preventive Measures
Never allow open flame / source of ignition
near flammable liquids / gases (35 Ft. clear
radius min.)

Class

Restrict smoking

Flammable liquids
or gases

42

4 March 2004
 • Preventive Measures
Understand MSDS

Class

Flammable liquids
or gases

43

4 March 2004
  Preventive Measures

Class Look for old wiring, worn insulation, broken and loose
electrical fittings.
Prevent motors from overheating by keeping them clean and
in good working order.
Utility lights should always have some type of wire guard over
them. Heat from an uncovered light bulb can easily ignite
ordinary combustibles.
Never install a fuse rated higher than specified for the circuit.
Investigate any appliance or electrical equipment that smells
strange. Unusual odors can be the first sign of electrical fire.
Don't overload wall outlets. Two outlets should have no more
than two plugs.
Fires in “LIVE” Good maintenance program of all electrical appliances
Electrical equipment

44

4 March 2004
 • Remember the fundamental principle of fire
prevention…

OX
AT

YG
HE FIRE

EN
FUEL

45

4 March 2004
 46

4 March 2004
 How can fires be controlled / extinguished?

Class
• Class A - Extinguish ordinary
combustibles by cooling the
material below its ignition
temperature and soaking the
fibers to prevent re-ignition.
Use pressurized water, foam
or multi-purpose dry
chemical extinguishers.

Fires in any ordinary combustible

Materials i.e. trash, wood, paper, etc
47

4 March 2004
 Class • Class B - Extinguish flammable
liquids, greases, or gases by
removing the oxygen, preventing
the vapors from reaching the
ignition source. Foam, carbon
dioxide, ordinary dry chemical
and halon extinguishers may be
used to fight Class B fires.
Follow MSDS.
Flammable liquids or gases
48

4 March 2004
 Class • Class C - Extinguish energized electrical
equipment by using an extinguishing
agent that is not capable of conducting
electrical current. Carbon dioxide,
ordinary dry chemical, multipurpose
dry chemical and halon fire
extinguishers may be used to fight
Class C fires. DO NOT USE water
extinguishers on energized electrical
equipment.

Fires in “LIVE”
Electrical equipment
49

4 March 2004
 Class • Class D - Extinguish
combustible metals such as
magnesium, titanium,
potassium and sodium with
dry powder extinguishing

D agents designated for the

material involved.

50

4 March 2004
 How Can Fires be Controlled …
• Remember ….

Fight Class A Fire with Type A Fire – X

Fight Class B Fire with Type B Fire – X

Fight Class C Fire with Type C Fire – X

Fight Class D Fire with Type D Fire – X

51

4 March 2004
 What To Do In Case of Fire?
• First Rule – KEEP CALM!
• Remember how to R A C E during a fire
R – rescue personnel in immediate danger
A – alert others; yell out “fire, fire!” or activate fire alarm
C – contain; close doors, windows (don’t lock)
E – extinguish / evacuate; extinguish manageable
fire, apply PASS method / evacuate the area. If fire is beyond
control, call Fire Dept. (888)

52

4 March 2004
 Never Attempt to Fight a Fire If…
Your instinct tells you not to do so
You don’t know what is burning
You suspect toxic fumes that you might inhale
There is no sure “way out” behind you
Your escape route is obstructed
There is no fire extinguisher nearby
The fire is beyond control

53

4 March 2004
 What If Trapped in a Building?
 Never open a closed door without feeling it first. If the door is
hot, try another exit.
 Get to your hands and knees and crawl. The possibility of
inhaling smoke is less near the floor.
 Make use of any available shield such as blankets or tarps -
these will help you get out of the area with less risk of injury.
Wet handkerchief or clothes over your nose will also help cut
down the smoke intake.
 Exit via stairway, NEVER USE elevator. Proceed to pre-
designated safe assembly area and NEVER re-enter a burning
building.
54

4 March 2004
 What If Someone Catches On Fire?
Stop - where you are
Drop - to the floor or ground
Roll - around on the floor or ground
STOP, DROP and ROLL …This will smother the flames,
possibly saving your life.
If a co-worker catches on fire, smother the flames by
grabbing a blanket or rug and wrapping him up in it. That
could save him from serious burns or even death.

55

4 March 2004
 Emergency Preparedness Plan
(Essential elements)
Emergency Response Team Leader / In-charge.

Locations of primary and secondary escape routes.

Defined duties of Emergency Action Leaders, such as verifying that

all employees have evacuated to safe area.

Actions required for disabled workers (where applicable) such as,

each being assigned with an emergency action leader
Posted emergency contact numbers (e.g. 998 KSA Fire Dept,
company number)
Employees’ training

56

4 March 2004
 Emergency Response Team
(Sample Organization)

Em e rg e nc y Re s pons e Te am
Org anization

Em e rg e nc y Te am Le ade r

TEAM I TEAM II TEAM III

Eme rg e ncy Action Le ad e r Eme rg e ncy Action Le ad e r Eme rg e ncy Action Le ad e r

Me mb e r Me mb e r Me mb e r

Me mb e r Me mb e r Me mb e r

Me mb e r Me mb e r Me mb e r

Important: Specific tasks of each Action Leader and Team Member

should be outlined, according to applicable setting.
57
4 March 2004
 Building Evacuation Plan
(Sample)

MUSTER
POINT

FIRE EXIT PLAN

N T S

58
4 March 2004
 Employees’ Training

59

4 March 2004
 Without proper awareness & training ….

60
4 March 2004
 Building Fire Safety

• Exit details
• Emergency Lighting
• Alarm / detection system
• Fire suppression system

61

4 March 2004
 Building Fire Safety
• Exit Details
Fire exit doors of fire resistive materials
Exit door opens outward
Equipped with self-closing mechanism
Equipped with panic hardware (manual release device)
Electric actuated exit doors to have means for manual operation
All exits discharge to a safe access outside the building without obstruction
Escape route maintained free of any obstruction
2 exits minimum, remote from each other
100 ft. maximum travel distance
100 persons per minute per exit width

62

4 March 2004
 • Emergency Lighting
Shall automatically illuminate
the access, stairways, exit
doors, corridors / hall ways in
case of power failure

• Markings
“EXIT” markings shall be
illuminated
Visible / no obstruction

63

4 March 2004
 • Alarm System
Manual fire alarm boxes in
the path of escape
Accessible / no obstruction
Periodic test
Alarm transmission to
nearest fire service
department

64

4 March 2004
 • Automatic Smoke Detection and
Alarm Initiation
Periodic test

• Fire Suppression System

Wet standpipe / automatic
sprinkler system
Periodic test
Accessible / no obstruction
65

4 March 2004
 Summary
AT

OX
HE

YG

FIRE
EN

FUEL

Knowledge

Awareness

Preparedness

66

4 March 2004
 THANK YOU

67

4 March 2004