CONSTRUCTION FIRE

SAFETY
 The “FIRE” triangle

The “Fire” Triangle identifies

the three components of fire:
FUEL
ENERGY (HEAT)
OXIDIZER (AIR)

If any one of these is missing, a

fire cannot continue
THEREFORE…
Prevention is based on
minimizing one of the
components of the

“FIRE TRIANGLE”
COMMON CAUSES OF FIRE

 Short circuit, overloading

or poor joints in
electrical cables.
 Defective electrical
wiring and equipment.
 COMMON CAUSES OF FIRE
 Improper use or storage of
flammable liquid such as thinner
and paint.
 Excessive storage of
waste and scrapped
materials.
 COMMON CAUSES OF FIRE

 Smoking or use of naked flame.

 Machines with poor preventive
maintenance program leading to
overloading.
 TYPES OF FUEL
SOLID - paper, wood, plastic
 TYPES OF FUEL
LIQUID - gasoline,
paint, thinner, alcohol
 TYPES OF FUEL

GAS – methane,
propane,
butane,
natural gas
 CLASSES OF FIRE
Depends on the type of fuel burning…
 Class “A” Fire = solid fuel

 Class “B” Fire = liquid fuel

 Class “C” Fire = energized

electrical equipment
 Class “D” Fire = combustible
metals
ex: magnesium, potassium, sodium
 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
CLASSIFICATION
 Class A – ordinary combustibles (wood,
cloth, paper)
 Class B – flammable liquids, gases, greases
 Class C – energized electrical equipment
 Class D – combustible metals
Combustible
Ordinary Flammable Electrical

A
Combustibles
B
Liquids
C
Equipment
D
Metals
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
CLASSIFICATION

A B

C ABC
Fire Extinguisher – A portable
device use to put out fires of limited
size.
Type of fire Extinguisher
 Water based - Class A

 Foam based - Class A & B

 Carbon Dioxide(CO2) based –

Class B & C
 Dry powder based – Class A, B & C
 HOW TO USE A FIRE
EXTINGUISHER

Remember the PASS word

P – Pull the pin
A- Aim at the base of fire
S – Squeeze the handle
S – Sweep side by side
Remember: Never turn your back
towards the fire, even if you think it is
out. Observe the wind direction.
If you have to turn off a fire, direct the
extinguisher at the base of the flame.
 When NOT to fight Fire
 You don’t know what is burning.
 The fire is spreading beyond the spot
where it started.
 You don’t have adequate or
appropriate equipment.
 You might inhale toxic smoke.

 Your instincts tell you not to.

 Fire Extinguisher have
limits…
 The operator must know how to use it.
 The extinguisher must be on an easy
reach, in working order, and fully
charged.
 The operator must have a clear escape
route that will not be blocked by fire.
 Fire Extinguisher have
limits…
 The extinguisher must match the
type of fire being fought.
 The extinguisher must be large
enough to put out the fire.
Some Fire Prevention Tips…

 Store flammable materials especially

LPG cylinders properly.
 LPG cylinders should be stored
outside buildings in a well ventilated
and secure areas.
 Properly secure LPG, oxygen and
acetylene tanks.
Some Fire Prevention Tips…

 LPG supplies should be turn-off at

the cylinder when not in use, LPG
equipment and fittings should be
properly maintained.
 Keep pressured tanks on an upright
position. Do not stack cylinders
especially acetylene tanks on its side.
Some Fire Prevention Tips…
 Pressuredtanks are to be handled
and transferred properly.

YES
Some Fire Prevention Tips…

 Make sure everyone abide rules on

smoking. Provide smoking and no
smoking areas.
 Conduct proper segregation of
construction materials.
 Avoid unnecessary stockpiling of
combustible materials.
Some Fire Prevention Tips…

 Implement a “no smoking policy” on

the construction site and provide a
smoking area.
 Keep site tidy and make sure rubbish
is cleared away promptly and
regularly.
 Preparing for an Emergency
when it Happens…

Raising the alarm

 Can be heard by everyone working
on site over normal background noise
 Will work when needed

 Can be activated immediately

 Notify Project Engineer

 Preparing for an Emergency
when it Happens…
Means of escape
 Clear any obstruction on access ways
and ladders.
 Provide at least 2 escape routes.

 Travel distances to safety are reduced

to minimum.
 Preparing for an Emergency
when it Happens…
Means of escape
 Escape routes and emergency exits
are clearly signed.
 Identify and designate assembly point.

 Transport vehicle should be readily

available if necessary.
Preparing for an Emergency
when it Happens…
Providing Information
Fire action notices should be clearly
displayed where everyone on site will
see them, for example at fire points, site
entrances or canteen areas.
THE END
Engr. Espiritu Q. Magpatoc
OSH Consultant
DOLE Accreditation No. 1030-073013-OSHC-043
E-mail Address:
boy_magpatoc@yahoo.com