A A RAICHUR Technical Advisor National Safety Council HQO, New Mumbai Ex;:DGM Safety Corporate Office Hindustan Petroleum Corporation

What is Fire Burning /Combustion/Fire It is a chemical reaction of a substances with oxygen. This involves heat and usually accompanied by visual flame or incandescence

Fire will start generally Flammable material or fuel is in vapors form or in finely divided particles Oxygen either from air or oxidizer is supplied A portion of material must be heated to a temperature at which the combustion is initiated Burning /Combustion/Fire It is a chemical reaction of a substances with oxygen. This involves heat and usually accompanied by visual flame or incandescence

CHEMISTRY OF FIRE Fuel Heat Oxygen

How Does a Fire Work? Three components Need all three components to start a fire

THE FIRE TETRAHEDRON FUEL TEMPERATURE

CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRES A Ordinary combustibles - wood, paper Extinguish using: water B Flammable liquids - oil, grease Extinguish using: foam C Gas fuel under pressure - Propane, Butane Extinguish by: cooling and isolating the supply Electrical equipment - switchgear, motors Extinguish by: isolate supply, allow to cool

Types of Fires Basis for classification Solid >liquid > Vapor + Oxygen Liquid> Vapor + Oxygen GAS / Vapor + Oxygen > FIRE > FIRE > FIRE Rate of chemical reaction differs, hence being exothermic reaction, methods of fire fighting differs

Types of Fires Class A Fires of combustible materials of organic nature such as Wood, paper, cloth, trash Solid : initial heat used for phase conversion liquid then vapor Heat emitted is less. Rate of reaction is slow Simple method of cooling with water, application of sand can extinguishes the fires

Types of Fires Class B Flammable liquids, oil, gas, grease Liquids initial heat used for phase conversion to vapor Heat emitted is moderate Rate of reaction is moderate Blanketing effect,covering liquid surface is needed

Types of Fires Class C Gas fires Fires involving flammable gases under pressure includeing liquefied gases Initial heat used directly for ignition Heat emitted is very high 1200 o C Very high Rate of reaction Inhibit the burning gas, cut the source of fuel

Types of Fires Class D Combustible metals E.g. magnesium, aluminum, sodium,molten metals Heat is used directly for oxidation Heat is emitted very very high Special powders/ techniques are used Class E Electrical no more in existence power cut off it becomes class A fire

Fire Classes A Trash Wood Paper C GAS FIRES wood cloth paper rubber many plastics GAS FIRES B Liquids Grease gasoline oil grease tar oil-based paint lacquer flammable gases D METALS COMBUSTIBLE magnesium sodium potassium titanium zirconium other flammable metals

Extinguishing fire Presence of fuel Presence of Oxygen AVOID The attainment and maintenance of certain minimum temperature. Propagation of chain reaction.

Extinguishment Methods Starvation Smothering Cooling Break -Chain reaction

Starvation It may be achieved in three ways. Viz. by removing combustible material from neighborhood of fire e.g. drainage of burning oil tank or by removing fire from neighborhood of combustible material like pulling apart a burning hay stack or by subdividing the burning material e.g. emulsification of surface of the burning oil.

Smothering IT may be achieved by reducing the oxygen content of the atmosphere in the immediate neighborhood of burning material. The general procedure in method of this type is to prevent or impede, the access of fresh air to the seat of fire and allow the combustion to reduce the oxygen in the confined atmosphere until it extinguishes itself. The important example of this type is blanketing by foam which limits the supply of air and also tends to prevent the formation of flammable vapours.

Cooling If the rate at which heat is generated by combustion is less than the rate at which it is dissipated through various agencies the fire can not persist. In applying this principle to fire extinction, the first step is to accelerate the speed with which heat is removed from fire, thus reducing the temperature of burning mass, as a consequence the rate at which heat is produced. In due course the rate at which heat is lost from the fire exceeds the rate of heat production and the fire dies e.g. application of water on fire.

Break -Chain reaction Inhibition of Chain Reaction is achieved by trapping the free radicals and preventing them from continuing the chain reaction e.g. Halon or DCP application.

Extinguishing media Water Carbon Di Oxide DCP powder Foam Halon

Extinguishing action of Water Cooling : it absorbs 540 cal/gm of heat as Latent Heat of vaporization from fire, thus cooling is effected Smothering : Water on fire vapourises into steam, it expands 1600 times and the steam thus formed in large volume displaces the oxygen in the vicinity of fire. Hence helps in smothering of the fire.

Extinguishing action of Water Emulsification : emulsify with various fuels like alcohol render it non combustible Dilution : may be used on water soluble fuels Fire Protection systems are also based on water as extinguishing media, some of such examples are Water Sprinkler Systems, Fire Water Hydrant Systems etc.

Extinguishing action of CO 2 Carbon Di Oxide : Smothering: replaces air in the vicinity of fire and forms inert atmosphere. Cooling: is effected due to sudden expansion of CO2, but this cooling effect is negligible The protection systems based on CO 2 are mainly used in the electrical hazards such as Generating & distributing plants, High energy switch gears etc.

Extinguishing action of DCP (Dry chemical powder) Inhibition of chain reaction : Fine particles of DCP trap the free radicals, inhibiting the chain reaction. Smothering : fine particles of powder form cloud over fire and thus displace the oxygen present in the vicinity of fire to effect smothering Cooling :This powder also absorbs heat while changing its state and some cooling takes place.

Extinguishing action of Foam Blanketing : Foam spreads over the burning liquid surface forming a blanket. prevents the access of air to the seat of fire. This gives the smothering action Cooling : the water drained from the foam causes cooling, Fixed Foam Protection systems : foam pourer/chambers/extinguishers are normally employed in the storage and handling of Flammable Liquids.

Extinguishing action of Halons (Halogenated hydrocarbon) interferes the chain reaction : Due to high temperatures of fire, Halons dissociate and ions thus formed, combines with active free radicals (chain carriers) of chain reaction to form complexes. This is the fastest and cleanest of the all extinguishing agents, but this being CFC is now being phased out of the conventional usage. The use of Halon is still paramount in the Military & Space installations mainly for the explosion suppression systems.

Best way to fight a fire is not let one start in first place-by-good plant design layout, safe operation and maintenance practices. Prevention is better than cure is an adage that is more valuable than anything else for FIRE

Cause of fires /accidents in office premises Electricity House keeping Office equipment Chemicals

CABLES!!!!!! ELECTRICAL SAFEGUARDING LOOSE LYING CABLES CAN CAUSE A TRIPPING HAZARD ELECTROCUTION PEOPLE CAN HOOK ON CABLES AND PULL EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT FROM TABLES THEY ARE UNTIDY IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT TO FIX THEM.

ELECTRICAL SAFEGUARDING NO UNAUTHORISED PERSON MAY TAMPER WITH ANY ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE OR DISTRIBUTION BOARD. DO NOT OVERLOAD SOCKETS. ASK FOR AN ADDITTIONAL POINT TO BE INSTALLED IF A MACHINE TRIP OR AN ELECTRICAL CABLE BECOME WARM TO THE TOUCH, IT MUST BE DISCONNECTED AND REPORTED WIHTOUT DELAY CABLE AND EXTENSION CORDS SHOULD NOT BE RUN UNPROTECTED BENEATH CARPETING NOR SHOULD THEY SPAN WALKWAYS WITHOUT BEING SECURED IN AN ENCAPSULATION DEVICE.

ELECTRICAL SAFEGUARDING DO NOT USE TAPED JOINTS TO CONNECT CABLES SINCE THEY DON T HAVE SUFFICIENT INSULATION OR PROTECTION FROM LIQUIDS. DO CARRY OUT YOUR OWN VISUAL INSPECTIONS OF PLUGS AND LEADS AND GET THEM REPAIRED AS NECESSARY. LOOK OUT FOR: PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE CABLE DAMAGE TO THE PLUGS INSECURE CONNECTIONS TO THE PLUG DO SWITCH OFF EQUIPMENT BEFORE UNPLUGGING AND BEFORE CLEANING

STACKING AND STORAGE LIGHT OBJECTS STORED ON TOP AND HEAVY OBJECTS IN THE BOTTOM - ALSO IN FILING CABINETS. BOXES, FILES AND OTHER HEAVY ARTICLES MUST NOT BE STACKED ON TOP OF CABINETS, CUPBOARDS OR WINDOW SILLS. KEEP PASSAGES CLEAR AND FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT UNOBSTRUCTED.

SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS PREVENT THEM BY REMEMBERING THE FOLLOWING: DO NOT ALLOW CABLING TO CREATE A TRIPPING HAZARD CLEAR UP SPILLAGES QUICKLY DO NOT BLOCK PASSAGEWAYS KEEP OFFICE AREAS CLEAN KEEP STACKING AND STORAGE AREAS SAFE

SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS WATCH OUT FOR: WORN OR LOOSE CARPETS BROKEN STAIR TREAD EDGES CHIPPED FLOORBOARDS AND TILES WATCH WHERE YOU WALK! HIGH HEELS PICK UP OBJECTS THAT FALL - PENCILS ETC

STAIRS DISTRACTION ON STAIRS TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME DON T LOAD YOUR ARMS SO FULL OF MATERIALS THAT YOU CAN T SEE KEEP ONE HAND ON THE HANDRAIL DON T CONGREGATE ON STAIRS OR LANDINGS KEEP STAIRS WELL LIGHTED

FILING CABINETS CLOSE THE DRAWERS! DON T OPEN ALL THE DRAWERS AT THE SAME TIME USE THE HANDLE TO CLOSE THE DRAWER

OFFICE MACHINES LEARN HOW TO OPERATE THEM SAFELY BEFORE YOU USE THEM LOOSE CLOTHING, JEWELLERY, LONG FLOWING HAIR TO BE KEPT OUT OF MACHINES. KEEP HANDS AND FINGERS CLEAR OF PAPER INLET AT THE SHREDDER. SWITCH THE MACHINE OFF BEFORE TRYING TO CLEAR A BLOCKAGE.

OFFICE MACHINES IF YOU NOTICE A TINGLING SENSATION WHEN TOUCHING A MACHINE OR SEE SMOKING OR SPARKING, UNPLUG IT IMMEDIATELY AND REPORT IT! PUT A SIGN ON THE MACHINE INDICATING TO OTHERS THAT IT IS OUT OF ORDER

Chemicals Scent bottles Lighters Room fresheners Lipsticks Polishing material

ACCIDENT/FIRE REPORTING REPORT ALL INJURIES ON DUTY ON THE SAME DAY Report fires properly Your name Location Stand by if possible to guide the fire crew

FIRE, what is my job? 4/25/2012

Ensure that- The extinguisher is not blocked by equipment, cloth or other object that could interfere with access in an emergency. The pressure should be at recommended level. The needle should be in the green zonenot too high and not too low 21.8.2010 43

Portable Fire Extinguishers- Inaccessible positions 21.8.2010 45

Portable Fire Extinguishers- Inaccessible positions Hidden behind material stack 46

21.8.2010 Behind and above delicate equipment [computers] 47

21.8.2010 High and not easy to access 48

The pin and the tamper seal are intact There are no leaks, rust, chemical deposits or other signs of abuse. Wipe off any corrosive chemicals that may have deposited on the extinguisher. Fire Extinguishers should be placed as near as possible to exits without hindering the escape routes. 49

The Extinguishers should be mounted at 1mts from the ground level. It is necessary to construct suitable shades to protect the extinguishers from excessive heat, cold as well as corrosive environment. The location where the extinguishers are installed should be clearly marked with proper sign. 50

FIRE PROCEDURE TWO FIRE ALARM SIGNALS: ALARM A ALARM B 4/25/2012

FIRE PROCEDURE ALARM A: (Small fire) INDICATES A FIRE IN A SPECIFIC AREA CONTINUOUS SHORT BLASTS AT 5 SECOND INTERVALS ALL PERSONNEL TO STAY AT THEIR WORKPLACES FIRE MARSHALS TO GATHER AT FIRE TEAM 4/25/2012

FIRE PROCEDURE ALARM B: (Evacuation) 4/25/2012 A FIRE EXISTS IN THE AREA LONG UNINTERRUPTED BLASTS AT 30 SECOND INTERVALS PERSONNEL IN THE AREA TO EVACUATE AND ASSEMBLE AT GATHERING POINTS FIRE TEAMS MUST GATHER AND ASSIST FIRE MARSHALS IN MAKING SURE ALL AREAS ARE CLEAR

EVACUATION PROCEDURES SOUND ALARM B FOR: BOMB THREATS FLOODS EARTHQUAKES HURRICANES/TORNADOES 4/25/2012

KEEP YOUR HEAD! 4/25/2012 DO NOT PANIC!

KNOW THE EXITS! ENSURE EASY ACCESS TO THE SAFEST WAY 4/25/2012 OUT!

Exit Doors Good Bad

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS! 4/25/2012 STAY AT WORKPLACE AND ADHERE TO ANY INSTRUCTIONS THAT ARE GIVEN

PREVENT CHAOS! 4/25/2012 DO NOT RUN, BUT WALK AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE TO THE NEAREST EXIT (OR AS INSTRUCTED)

GUESS WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY??? & for preventing accidents & fire

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY

SAFETY IS A RIGHT NOT A PRIVILEGE Let us recap What we talked about

ONLY WORK ON EQUIPMENT IF YOU ARE AUTHORIZED TO DO SO!

FOR YOUR OWN BENEFIT.. MAKE SURE THAT YOU RELAX ENOUGH AT HOME

SYMBOLIC SAFETY SIGNS

BLUE MANDATORY GREEN INFORMATORY / GENERAL

RED LINE AROUND RED PICTOGRAM INFORMATORY - FIRE EQUIPMENT We know what is fire, And type of fires, type of extinguisher we going to use if need arise

WATCH OUT FOR UNSAFE CONDITIONS REPORT THEM

HOUSEKEEPING

DON T WORK ON ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT IF YOU ARE NOT QUALIFIED

NO FOOLING, TEASING FELLOW EMPLOYEES

DON T DRINK ON DUTY

QUESTIONS??? aaraichur@yahoo.co.in