FIRE SAFETY

Definition: Fire is a chemical reaction involving rapid oxidation or burning of a fuel. It needs three elements to occur: 1. FUEL- can be any combustible material 2. OXYGEN - Fire needs at least 16 percent 3. HEAT - Heat is the energy necessary to increase the temperature of the fuel to a point where sufficient vapors are given off for ignition to occur. CHEMICAL REACTION A chain reaction can occur when the three elements of fire are present in the proper conditions and proportions. Fire occurs when this rapid oxidation, or burning takes place. Take any one of these factors away, and the fire cannot occur or will be extinguished if it was already burning.

Open flames Hot surfaces Chemical reactions Static electricity Electrical equipment watch out for :
Hot plugs and sockets Fuses that blow for no obvious reason Lights flickering Brown scorch marks on sockets and plugs

Hot work : grinding, welding, drilling, blasting Friction Lightning

Class A = Ordinary combustible material (wood, cloth, paper) Class B = Flammable liquids, combustible liquids, flammable gases Class C = Electrical Class D = Metals (Magnesium, titanium) Class K = Fires in cooking appliances that involve cooking media

Note: Easy way to remember the four classes of fires: A - Paper B Oils POE M C - Electric D - Metal

All ratings are shows on the extinguisher faceplate. 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. Class A and B extinguishers carry a numerical rating that indicates how large a fire an experienced person can safely put out with that extinguisher. Class C extinguishers have only a letter rating to indicate that the extinguishing agent will not conduct electrical current. Class C extinguishers must also carry a Class A or B rating. Class D extinguishers carry only a letter rating indicating their effectiveness on certain amounts of specific metals.

Purpose : To buy time for occupiers to escape To kill the fire in its early stages Indicates the origin of fire to fire investigators

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER TYPES

Fire Extinguisher

9.0kg ABC DRY POWDER

2.2 kg CO2 GAS

Use of Fire Extinguishers

P Pull the Pin A Aim low S Squeeze the handle

S Sweep from side to side

PASS METHOD
P Pull the pin A Aim the nozzle S Squeeze the handle S Sweep from side to side

PASS METHOD
When using a fire extinguisher, the following word may help you remember how to operate the extinguisher - P.A.S.S: 1. 2. Pull the safety pin on the extinguisher before use. Most extinguishers require you to pull a pin which allows you to depress the handle. Make sure the extinguisher is on the ground before pulling pin to avoid static discharge. Aim low at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle and release the extinguishing material. Sweep from side to side and keep spraying a continuous flow of extinguishing agent at the base of the fire.

3. 4. 5.

You fight a Fire only within the first few minutes.

After that you maybe fighting for your life.