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FIRE PROTECTION
Larry C. Alzaga OSHP Engr. Elmer P. Veluz OSHC
Introduction
Fire protection includes procedures for preventing, detecting, and extinguishing fires. The
objective of these procedures is to protect employees and property and ensure the continuity of
the plant’s operations
Fire Prevention
The Fire Safety Inspector plays a critical role in preventing fires from starting. He determines the
probability of a fire and other factors that would contribute to the fire’s spread in relation with the
plant’s materials, operations, process, utilities and layout. He also recommends the appropriate
fire prevention measures and extinguishment methods.
Fire Safety Inspection items includes an evaluation of:
1. Kinds, location and volume of combustible and flammable materials inside the plant.
2. Condition and maintenance of the plant’s electrical equipment and systems.
3. Possible sources of ignition from plant operations, processes, materials handling and poor
housekeeping.
4. Condition, location and maintenance of fire fighting equipment
5. Operational condition of the plant’s fire detection, alarm and signaling systems
6. Condition of emergency lighting, exits and signs
7. Organization and operational readiness of the plant’s fire response team
8. Employee reaction to fire emergencies, hence the need for training and fire / evacuation
drills
Fire Detection
Fire detection, alarms and signaling systems play a vital role in preventing / limiting personal
injuries, property damage and disruption of plant operations. They are essentially important in the
early stages of a fire in areas not frequented by employees. Early fire detection provides the fire
response team ample time and opportunity to extinguish the fire during its initial stages. They
also provide ample time for employees to evacuate the plant. Various kinds of detectors and alarm
signals provide employees and fire response teams an idea of the kind of emergency and
appropriate courses of action to take.
Fire Suppression
Fire suppression or fire fighting is the last line of defense against fires. They compose of fire
fighting equipment such as portable fire extinguishers, fire / chemical trucks, sprinkler /
extinguishing systems, fire fighting techniques and tactics and the myriad of procedures related to
fire command and control. It also provides for rescue and care of fire victims. Efficient fire
suppression is greatly dependent on early fire detection.
The Chemistry of Fire
Fire is a combustion process brought about by the combination of fuel, oxygen and heat. It
produces the by-products of combustion with the release of light and heat energy. It is further
propagated by the chain reaction of these three basic elements to produce more heat that burns
nearby fuel. Depriving a fire with fuel, oxygen or heat will effectively cause its extinguishment.
There are four general classifications of fires. These classifications are based on types of
combustibles and the extinguishing agent needed to extinguish each.
Class A Fires
Class A fires are fires from ordinary fibrous materials such as wood, paper, rags, rubbish, cloth,
etc. Types of fire extinguishers suitable for this class of fire are water and dry chemical / multi
purpose fire extinguishers. Sand, soil or mud is also suited to extinguish Class A fires.
Class B Fires
Class B fires are fires from vapor-air mixtures over the surface of petroleum products / flammable
liquids such as gasoline oil, grease, paint, thinners, etc. Types of fire extinguishers suitable for
this class of fire are dry chemicals, multipurpose dry chemicals, carbon dioxide (CO 2) and foam.
A steady stream of water will spread the fire to a bigger area. Under certain situations, proper
application of a fog stream may control the fire but not extinguish it.
Class C Fires
Class D Fires
Class D fires are fires that occur in combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium,
zirconium, lithium, potassium and sodium. Normal extinguishing agents are not used on
this class of fire. These fires are extinguished using special techniques and special
extinguishing equipment and agents that do not increase the intensity of a fire because of
a chemical reaction between some extinguishing agents and the burning metal.
Phases of Burning
Incipient phase
Free burning phase
Smoldering phase
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Periodically inspect and test woven jacket, lined hose to make sure that it
is in good condition.
Run water through the hose at least twice a year. Store yard hose in
standard hose for protection against weather.
Use fire hose only for fighting fires.
Wash hose after using and dry them thoroughly before keeping them.
If hose may be subjected to acids, and other corrosive materials, use
rubber covered, woven jacket, lined hose.
Principles of Organization
Should be suited specifically to the needs, functions and capability of the
particular installation.
Should be formed and staffed in accordance with the plan, and the responsibilities
and functions of the staff are defined in the plan
THE BASIC CONCEPTS IS “ SELF PROTECTION”- this is accomplished by
organizing and training small groups of employees for the performance of
specialized task
Consist of personnel on a “best qualified” basis, taking into consideration prior
training, experience or other special capabilities of the employee involved.
Giving full consideration to the utilization of voluntary services offered by
interested and qualified employees, the assignment of self-protection
responsibilities viewed as an “additional duty” by the employee agency
Emergency Response Organization Requirements