FIRE HAZARDS AND CONTROL

FIRE HAZARDS AND CONTROL

FIre

·               Fire is rapid chemical process in which oxygen combines with another substance in the presence of a 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 present in sufficient quantities. These form a structure known as fire triangle. If one of these elements is removed, fire will go out.

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HEAT

·               Heat acts as the source of ignition and anything that gives off heat can start a fire. (note that the source of ignition is not necessarily a flame, a spark or fire itself, but the heat they give off.)

·          Welding

·          Soldering irons

·          Hot plates

·          Ovens

·          Sparks

·          Grinding wheels

Fuel

·               The fuel for fires does not have to be recognised fuel in the sense of petrol or gas. It may be any combustible material.

·          Temperature

·          Carbon or hydrocarbon

·          Paper

·          Wood

·          Gases

Oxygen

·               The oxygen essential for combustion is usually supplied from surrounding air. However, the naturally present oxygen may be enhanced by the presence of other sources of oxygen such as compressed air, the pure oxygen in gas cylinders used for welding etc.

Classification of fires.

·               Class A.

·          These are fires involving solid materials, normally of an organic nature, such as paper, wood, coal and natural fibres.

·               Class B.

·          These are fires involving flammable liquids or liquefied solids, such as petrol, oil, grease,

   Fats and plant.

·               Class C.

·          These are fires involving gases or liquefied gases, such as methane, propane, and mains gases.

·               Class D.

·          These are fires where the fuel is a metal such as aluminium, sodium, potasssium or magnesium.

·               Class F.

·            These are fires fuelled by cooking fats, as in the case of deep fat frying.

Basic principles of heat tranmission and fire spreads.

uConvection

Conduction.

Fire Risk Assessment

uWe will be must ensure the following equipments.

uThat the workplace is equiped with apropriate fire fighting equipment, fire detectors and alarms etc.

uThat appropriate measures are taken for fire fighting, the nomination and training of workers to implement those measures, and the arranging of contacts with external emergancy services.

·          That emergency routes are kept clear and comply with any rules or regulations relating to routes, doors and signs.

·          That there is a suitable system of maintenance for fire precautions in relation to workplace procedures in general and to specific equipment and devices, which must kept in good working order and repair.

·               Site plan

·               .A site is useful for identifying all principal sources of ignition; they should be clearly marked on plan.

Identification of hazards and assessment of level of risk each presents.

·               General working policies- for example, no smoking.

·               Specific working practices- for example, the removal of waste on a more frequent basis, reducing the use of flammable substances where alternating is available, or using fixed electrical installation.

·               The physical condition of the premises- Eg., the sealing of any gaps around the pipe work running b/w rooms.

Identification of the fire control and evacuation measures.

·               Although the main effects must be reduce the likelihood of fire arising, consideration must be given to how a fire should be dealt with if the precautions are ineffective. This should cover the following points:

·          Warning systems- alarms and detectors.

·          Fire fighting equipments.

·          Evacuation procedures and escape routes, including signs and emergency lighting.

·          Testing maintenance and inspection procedures.

Fire control measures.

·               Controlling potential sources of ignition.

·               Controlling combustible materials.

Fire detection, warning and fire fighting equipments.

·               All workplaces must have arrangements for:

·          Sounding an alarm in the event of fire.

·          Fighting the fire.

(1) Detection and alarm systems.

 

Fire fighting equipments.

·               Marking of fire extinguisher.

·          Water                  -       Red

·          Chemical foam    -       cream

·          Carbon dioxide   -       Black

·          Dry powder                 -       Blue

Means of escape.

·                        STAIRS.

From the upper floor, escape should be by stairs- the use of lift and escalators is forbidden

·                        Passage ways.

           the escape route should be straight as possible, clear of obstruction and free of materials.

·                        Door ways.

           escape routes should have no doorways or openings which would restrict the flow of people.

·                        Emergency lighting.