BASIC FIRE SAFETY

M. SRINIVASA RAO
- Manager EHS
Aptuit Laurus Pvt. Limited,
J. N. Pharma City,
Visakhapatnam 531021
Andhra Pradesh
Mobile: +919652989892

What is FIRE?

-Fire is a chemical reaction of 3 elements.

Need
all
three
components to start a
fire.
Fire
extinguishers
remove one or more
of the components.

What is FIRE? (Contd.)

The Fire Triangle identifies the three
components of any Fire:
Fuel paper, wood, flammable gas, energized
electrical equipment, etc...
Energy (heat), sufficient to support combustion.
Often referred to as the ignition source.
Oxidizer (air)
IF ANY ONE OF THESE IS MISSING, A FIRE
CANNOT CONTINUE.
3

The Combustion Process

THE FIRE TETRAHEDRON
(NEW CONCEPT)

FUEL

OX

YG
E

IN N
A
CH TIO
AC
E
R

TEMPERATURE

Types of
Fire Class

Materials involved

General

Wood, paper, cloth, trash

etc

Flammable
Liquids

Flammable solvents, liquids,

Oils, Greases, Paints etc

1. Electrical
Energized electrical
2. Flammable equipment
and All
Gases
flammable gases

Fire Type

Metals

Water reactive Chemicals,

Combustible metals etc

Fire Extinguisher Anatomy

DISCHARGE LEVER

DISCHARGE LOCKING PIN

AND SEAL

PRESSURE GAUGE
(not found on CO2
extinguishers)

CARRYING
HANDLE

DISCHARGE HOSE

DATA PLATE

DISCHARGE NOZZLE

DISCHARGE ORIFICE
6

BODY

Different Kinds of Fire Extinguishers

The 4 most common fire
extinguishers:
Water Type
Mechanical Foam
Dry Chemical Powder
Carbon Dioxide

Each kind of extinguisher has

a specific use

Applications of Fire Extinguishers

Suitability of Extinguishers
Fire Class

Water

M/F

ABC

DCP

CO2

Sand

Class A

Class B

Class C

Class D

(Spl.

Grade)

Note: X- means can be used on Small surface fires.

8

How to use a Fire Extinguisher

Remember this easy acronym when using an
extinguisher - P.A.S.S.

Pull the pin.

Aim the nozzle.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep side to side at the base of the fire.
9

Fire Extinguisher Summary

EXTINGUISHER

WORKS AS

PRESSURIZED
WATER

COOLING

MECHANICAL
FOAM

BLANKETING

DRY CHEMICAL
POWDER

SMOTHERING

CARBON
DIOXIDE

SMOTHERING

DRY SAND

BLANKETING

10

EFFECTIVE AGAINST

Major Fires
Fire Hydrant System
- Pressure in the System: 7.0 Kg/Cm2
- Water Reservoir Capacity: 2 times than pump capacity
- Main Pump: 273 m3/Hr
- Diesel Engine Pump (Stand by): 273 m3/Hr
- Jokey Pump: 10 m3/Hr
# Single Hydrants,
# Water monitors,
# Water Sprinklers,
# Mobile Foam Monitors
# Different nozzles
11

Major Fires (Contd.)

Fire Suppression System
- FM 200 (or) Carbon dioxide
- DCP flooding system
- Water Sprinklers
- Foam spray system etc...

12

Major Fires (Contd.)

Mutual aid/ External Help
- Fire Tenders
- External Agencies
- External Experts
- Regulatory Authorities etc...

13

Fire Emergency Response

Remember to RACE during a fire

R
A
C
E
14

Rescue rescue clients in immediate danger.

Alert Shout Fire! Fire! (or) Pull fire alarm (or)
Dial emergency phone number.
Contain Close all doors and windows.
Extinguish/ Evacuate Extinguish small fires,
evacuate clients, if appropriate.

Response at Fire situation

Indoor Fire
FUEL

X
IGNITION

15

AIR

Outdoor Fire

FUEL

IGNITION

AIR

Firefighting Decision Criteria

Know department emergency procedures and evacuation
routes.
Know locations of extinguishers in your area and how to
use them.
Always sound the alarm regardless of fire size.
Avoid smoky conditions.
Ensure area is evacuated.
Dont attempt to fight unless:
Alarm is sounded.
Fire is small and contained.
You have safe egress route (can be reached without
exposure to fire).
Available extinguishers are rated for size and type of
fire.
Evacuate! If in doubt.
16

Most Fire Deaths are NOT BurnVictims!

Causes of Death in Fires SMOKE

Hydrogen cyanide
Hydro cyanic acid
Carbon monoxide
Other toxic vapors
Trauma (non-burn)

17

Most Important
Only fight a fire in the incipient stage
NEVER fight a fire if any of the following apply:
- Dont have the proper extinguisher or equipment.
- Fire has spread beyond its point of origin.
- Your instincts tell you GET OUT
When NOT to Fight FIRE?
- Remember to keep an exit to your back.

18

STOP, DROP and ROLL

If your clothes
catch
fire,
it's
normal to be a bit
scared, but try
not to panic.

By learning how
to
Stop,
Drop,
and Roll, you will
have
a
better
chance of being
okay.

19

STOP! Do not run! (Running only makes the fire bigger)

2. DROP! (Drop to the ground or floor)
3. ROLL! (Roll over and over until the flames are
smothered. Cover face with hands)
1.

You should stop drop and roll,

only when your clothes are on fire.

FIRE PREVENTION
Prevention is always better than Control. To pre
prevent the Fire accidents we have to eliminate
the common Fire Hazards of the work are
Heat generating appliances.
Static Electricity and Short circuits.
Non-Flame proof equipments.
Storage and handling of flammables/combustibles.
Open flames and Hot surfaces.
Exothermic reactions leads to explosions.
Vehicles and equipment and other unsafe acts &
conditions.

20

FIRE PREVENTION (contd)

Fire can be prevented by
considering the following
issues
Flame proof equipment
Good housekeeping
Proper Ventilation
Anti Static measures
Personnel awareness
Work procedures
Safe work practices
Right tools

21

Remember the Following

1. Portable fire extinguishers are suitable for small

fires. i.e. The fires are in the incipient stage.
2. Portable fire extinguishers can be handled by any
work place personnel, who had aware in its
handling.
3. If the Fire is large leave it to ERT members
(Firefighting), they can control the fire by using
Fire hydrant / Other appropriate measures.
4. All new entrants should be instructed in Fire safety
awareness and emergency evacuation plans.

22