Natural Disaster ; Fire

Definitions
Fire is rapid, self-sustaining oxidation process accompanied by the evolution of heat and light in varying intensities. Fire is believed to be based on three elements being present: fuel, heat and oxidizer.

Types
Natural: : Fires which are considered as natural are basically earthquake, volcanic eruption and lightning - generated fires.

Manmade: Fire caused by human/machine errors are considered as manmade fires, e.g.industrial or chemical fire disasters, fires at social gatherings due to Electrical short circuit fires,accidental fire and kitchen-fires.

List Of Major Work Place Fire Hazards:

Flammable chemicals: found in laboratories, shops, art studios, maintenance activities (painting, cleaning, auto repair) engines, boilers and other heating appliances. Processes involving open flame: Welding, brazing and similar operations, cooking, smoking, and some lab operations. Heat producing devices: Drying (both in the laundries and laboratories), cooking, heat producing devices such as hot plates and space heaters Use and disposal of chemicals: Experiments in labs, hazardous waste handling, oily rags in art studios, and shops. Electrical equipment: Short circuits and malfunctioning equipment.

Causal/Contributing Factors
Causes include: Cooking/heating equipment Intentional Electrical Open flame or ember Appliance, tool or air conditioning Child playing Other heat source Natural causes: earthquake, volcanic eruption and lightening Other equipment Smoking material

Contributing factors
Principal factors contributing to fires across the globe include: Wood shingle / thatched roofs High wind Congested access Inadequate water distribution system Lack of exposure protection3 Inadequate public protection (i.e. fire department inadequacies) Unusual hot or dry weather conditions Delay in discovery of fire Inadequate personal fire protection Delay in raining the alarm

Dos & Donts What to do Before a Fire

Smoke Alarms ; Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half Heating Sources ; Never use gasoline, benzene, naphtha, or similar flammable liquids indoors. Matches and Smoking; Keep open flames away from walls, furniture, drapery, and flammable items Electrical Wiring ; Have the electrical wiring in your residence checked by an electrician.

What to do During a Fire

If your clothes catch on fire, you should: - Stop, drop, and roll - until the fire is extinguished. Running only makes the fire burn faster. To escape a fire, you should: - Check closed doors for heat before you open them -Use the palm of your hand or fingers to test for heat burning those areas could impair your ability to escape a fire (i.e., ladders and crawling).

What to do After a Fire

If you are with burn victims, or are a burn victim yourself, call 101, cool and cover burns to reduce chance of further injury or infection. If you detect heat or smoke when entering a damaged building, evacuate immediately. If you are a tenant, contact the landlord. If you must leave your home because a building inspector says the building is unsafe, ask someone you trust to watch the property during your absence.

Example of Natural Disaster ; Fire.

Work Place Fire Hazards