Fire Safety 1
Fire Theory Definition of fire Rapid, persistent chemical change that releases heat and light Accompanied by flame Produces rapid oxidation 2
Fire Tetrahedron A fire needs four main elements to occur 1. Fuel 2. Oxygen 3. Heat 4. Chemical reaction 3
Fire Classification NFPA s fire classification system is based on primary fuel A Solid combustibles B Hydrocarbon and alcohol based liquids and gases C Energized electrical equipment D Flammable metals K Kitchen fires 4
Workplace Fire Hazards Common workplace fire hazards Heating, electrical and mechanical equipment Storage and handling of combustible materials Proximity hazards Unauthorized smoking and poor smoking areas Conventional cooking 5
Fire Prevention Purpose Assess potential fire hazards Find ways to reduce risk of starting a fire Find ways to reduce risk of injury Fire prevention includes Educating workers Limiting ways a fire can start Limiting injuries Preparing workplace for a fire disaster 6
Fire Prevention Plan Companies must develop a fire prevention plan The plan must cover Potential fire hazards Procedures for fire prevention Fire evacuation plans Plan must be in writing and available to workers 7
Sources of Ignition Inspect jobsite for sources of ignition Identify and remove unnecessary materials Remove sources of ignition 8
Sources of Ignition Potential sources of ignition Tool selection Electrical equipment Static electricity Flash fires Hot work Kitchen fires Other fire prevention considerations 9
Prevention Good fire prevention Keep work areas clean and clutter free Know hazards of chemicals you work with Respect smoking restrictions Dispose of combustible materials Change oil soaked or contaminated clothing Clean up chemical spills and oil immediately 10
Protection Good fire protection practices Maintain and inspect all equipment routinely Keep fire lanes open and unobstructed Never block access to firefighting equipment Never move equipment or alter it in any way 11
Protection Essential part of workplace safety Forms of protection include Detection systems Portable extinguishers Fixed extinguisher systems Alarms Trained fire brigades Properly trained workers take part in the fire prevention system 12
Fire Detection Alert workers to the presence of fire Three forms of fire detection Heat Smoke Flame Alarms must work at all times Maintenance and repairs Done by qualified and designated workers 13
Alarm Systems Warns workers of fire Must have distinct sound Qualified worker must service, maintain and test 14
Fire Extinguishing Fire extinguishers eliminate elements of fire tetrahedron If tetrahedron is broken, fire will go out Additional cooling and water may be necessary 15
Methods Extinguishing methods include Cooling and quenching Smothering and blanketing Oxygen dilution Fuel removal Chemical flame inhibition 16
Methods Cooling and quenching Reduces temperature of fuel below ignition temperature Smothering and blanketing Separates fuel from oxygen 17
Methods Oxygen dilution Reduces amount of available oxygen Fuel removal Removes fuel source 18
Methods Chemical flame inhibition Interrupts combustion reaction Stops flaming Effective on gas and liquid fuels 19
Extinguisher Use To properly extinguish a fire use the PASS method Pull the pin Aim at the base of the fire Squeeze lever Sweep back and forth 20
Extinguisher Use Training Must be delivered by a qualified person Should be conducted at Initial employment At least annually thereafter Must cover Selecting correct type of extinguisher Discharging extinguisher in emergency situation 21
Training Train workers on What to do during an emergency Specific fire hazards Escape procedures Equipment use 22
Training Stop, drop and roll. If you catch on fire Do not run Drop where you are Cover face with hands Roll around to smother flames 23
Worker Responsibility Read warnings on product labels and MSDS Ask supervisor if any questions arise Turn off all electrical appliances Obey no smoking signs When evacuating, do not use the elevator Keep low on hands and knees Touch door handles gently with back of hand If outdoors, keep wind behind you 24
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