Understanding the Fire

15th June 2012

This report is solely for the internal use. No part of it may be circulated, quoted, or reproduced for distribution outside the company organization without prior written
approval from ACC. This material was used during an oral presentation; it is not a complete record of the discussion.

Fire

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A few facts
Over 150 major fires occurs in workplaces on an annual

Basis.
Fire is the third leading cause of accidental deaths in the

world. As per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157

guidelines

(Portable Fire Extinguishers and Their Use)

Fire is fast! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get

completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It

takes only minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house.

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What we are going to Learn:

What fire is.

Classifications of fire.
Leading fire causes.
Fire prevention.
Importance of portable fire extinguishers
Types of portable fire extinguishers.
How to use a portable fire extinguisher.
Making the right decision.
Reporting an emergency.

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What Fire is ?
Fire is a self sustaining process of
rapid chemical reaction between oxygen
and

combustible

material,

which

results in the release of heat, light,

flames, and smoke.
For fire to exist, the three elements
must be present at the same time.

Heat

Oxygen

Fuel

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Classification: What Type of Fire do I have?

Class A (Solid)

Class A fires are those that

occur in materials such as
wood, paper, and rags.

The cooling effects of water

or

of

solutions

containing

large percentages of water

are of first importance in
extinguishing these fires.

For

extinguishes

these

types of fire we have to use

water

or

other

agent.
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Class

A'

Classification of fire

Class B (Oil fire)

Class B fires are those that

occur

in

the

vapor-air

mixture over the surface of

flammable liquids such as
gasoline, oil, grease, paints,
and thinners.

Solid streams of water are

likely to spread the fire, but
under certain circumstances
water

fog

nozzles

prove

effective.
Generally foam are used.
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Classification of fire

Class C (Gas fire)

Where
flammable

Fires,

involving

gases

such

as

propane, butane or natural

gas are called as Class 'C
fires. fires involve leaking
gas it is often dangerous to
extinguish the fire until the
leak has been sealed.

Such

fires

extinguished

can
by

be
the

extinguishing mediums like

Dry Chemical Powder
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Classification of fire

Class D (Combustible)

Fires that occur in combustible metals

such

as

magnesium,

titanium,

zirconium, lithium, and sodium.

Normal extinguishing agents generally

should not be used on metal fires as
there, is a danger in most cases of
increasing

the

intensity

of

the

fire

because of a chemical reaction between

some

extinguishing

agents

and

the

burning metal.

Dry chemical type extinguishers are

used on these type of fire.
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Properties of fire
Fire grows fast
In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control
and turn into a major fire. It is now established that a small flame can get
completely out of control in seconds and turn into a major fire. In minutes
a home can be engulfed in flames. There is very short time to "ESCAPE".
"Each second count in Escape".

Fire is "HOT" & "DARK"

Fire generates heat that can kill. Temperature in a room varies from 100
degree at floor level to 600 degree at eye level. Inhaling super hot air will
scorch your lungs. Heat can melt clothes to your skin. In just 5 minutes a
room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once. Fire brings
darkness even it starts bright. It produces black thick smoke which
reduces visibility.
Escape from heat!
Escape before darkness!
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Leading Causes of Fire

The sources of fire in the workplace arise from either inadequately
controlled ignition sources or combustible materials, the general examples
include:
Electrical faults (poor connections, damaged insulation etc)
Misuse of electrical equipment (overloaded circuits)
Unsafe storage of materials
Use of flammable liquids or gases in unsuitable areas
Welding/hot work
Mechanical heat (sparks/friction)
Hot work permit system not followed.

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Leading Cause of fire

Keeping the engine of trucks in 'ON' position while the operation is in

progress.
Landing of crackers (flying type) from surrounding areas into

hazardous area.
Clicking of a cigarette lighter.

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Consequences of fire
Death - Overcome by toxic gases and smoke and Burns
Personal Injury Mostly due to poor fire resistance of building

materials
Loss of business and jobs Many businesses do not start up again

after a significant fire.

Transport disruption - due to fire & smoke blocking the routes leading

to Rail routes, roads and even to reach airports .

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Principles of fire extinguishing

1

Sm
ot

he
rin

l
va
mo
Re

Cooling

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What is the importance of

portable fire extinguishers?

It is our first line of

defense!

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Portable fire extinguishers

Water type fire extinguisher
Operation
Their operation principle is based on

the reducing the temperature of the

burning materials below their
ignition temperature

Precaution
While Punching the extinguisher

never keep mouth above the valve.

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Portable fire extinguishers

Foam type fire extinguisher

Operation
It can be operated by removing
safety pin
Puncher CO2 gas cartridges by firmly
hitting plunder
When the spring loaded plunger
struck it punctures the seal of C02
gas cartridge. The C02 mixes with the
solution of water and AFFF and foam
is formed. The foam is discharged
through the branch pipe due to the
pressure built up inside by C02

Precautions
Always direct the stream against the
inside wall of the container - never
discharge the foam stream directly into
the burning liquid because it may case
the fire to spread out of the container
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Portable fire extinguishers

CO2 type fire extinguisher

Operation
Hold the extinguisher in upright
position, pull locking ring pin, Open
the valve by turning the hand wheel

Precautions
Always direct the C02 gas at base of
flame and continue even after fire has
gone out to minimize the possibility of
re-flash. Apply in a slow sweeping action
Fire-fighting effectiveness is reduced
under windy conditions because CO2 is a
gas and The discharge horn becomes
very cold during use, therefore, do not
touch it
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Portable fire extinguishers

ABC fire extinguisher

Operation

As the name suggest it will be used

in A, B and C class of fire
It can be operated by removing safety
pin
Then Squeeze the lever and direct
the hose toward the fire .

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Portable fire extinguishers

Dry chemical powder fire extinguisher

Operation
It can be operated by removing
safety pin
Puncher CO2 gas cartridges by firmly
hitting plunder
When the spring loaded plunger
struck it punctures the seal of C02
gas cartridge. The C02 mixes with the
Dry chemical powder. The powder is
discharged through the branch pipe
due to the pressure built up inside by
C02

Precautions
Always used as last option to extinguish
fire as it may resulted in Corrosion of
machinery.

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Know your fire extinguishers

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How To Use an Extinguisher

The P.A.S.S. Method

Aim the hose
or nozzle.

Pull

the pin.

Squeeze the lever.

Sweep
the

agent.
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General Rules

Never Fight a Fire if you don't know what is burning - Even if you have an
ABC extinguisher, there may be something in the fire which is going to explode or
produce highly toxic smoke.

Never Fight a Fire if the fire is spreading rapidly beyond the spot where it
started - If the fire is already spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the
building, closing doors and windows behind you as you leave.

Never Fight a fire if you don't have adequate or appropriate equipment - If

you don't have the correct type or large enough extinguisher, it is best not to try to
fight the fire

Never fight a fire if you might inhale toxic smoke - Gases from man made
materials can be fatal in very small amounts.

Never fight a fire if your instincts tell you not to.

The final rule is to always position yourself with an exit or means of escape

at your back before you attempt to use an extinguisher to put out a fire.

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Making the Right decision

You are trained in the use of extinguishers.

You know what is burning.
Fire is not spreading rapidly.

Smoke and heat has not filled the area.

You have a clear path of escape.
Follow your instincts.

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Dont Forget
In the event of a fire, always, remember that time is precious and every second counts.
1. Stay calm, don't panic and don't run.
2. Raise alarm and alert everyone in your premises.
3. Escape first and then call for help.
4. Use nearest available exit routes.
5. While leaving the premises, close all doors and windows behind you if possible but must
ensure that anybody is left behind and you are safe.
6. Use only escapes routes because they are built for the purpose.
7. Use Staircases. "Don't use Lifts'.
8. If you come to a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the
doorknob and the cracks between the door and door frame to make sure that fire is not on
the other side. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool,
open it carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. If heat and
smoke come in, slam the door and make sure it is surely closed, then use your alternate
escape route.
9. If you are trapped in smoke logged area, lay down and keep your nose close to floor and
crawl towards an exit point.
10.If you become trapped in your room closes the door and blocks any gaps which might let
smoke or fumes through. Shout from the window to attract the attention of rescue team as
well as others.

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Never Do It
1. Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth

covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost your life.
2. Never go back into a burning building for any reason.

3. Teach children not to hide from fire-fighters. If someone is missing, tell the fire-fighters.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

They are equipped to perform rescues safely.

Don't secure open fire/smoke check door open as they limit the spread of fire smoke when
in closed position.
Don't be tempted to clutter the stairs, corridors and lobbies as they are your escape routes.
Never use the lift. It you have to leave the building use the staircases.
Do not stop to collect belongings.
Don't shout or run. This tends to cause panic to others.

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Reporting an Emergency
The person who identifies the fire will inform about the situation over
telephone numbers at emergency telephone number 400.
The timekeeper whoever in the shift at that time will inform to the
incident controller (HoD/ Site Controller) of the respective areas
The incident controller (HoD) will rush the spot to assess the situation.
Once the situation demands the immediate coarse of action, he will
contact to the emergency controller (Ch. Mgr. Maint. who is the competent
authority to declare the emergency) and request him to declare the
emergency.

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Finally, The fire is nothing but Planning and Practice

Fire is a preventable threat

Prevention is the best option

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Thank you

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