Reasons Why Spread Fire - Fire and Safety

Reasons Why Spread Fire ?

1. Failure of Early Detection
2. Absence of Compartments in Building Structure
3. Compartments Undermined
4. Materials Inappropriately Stored 
   

1. Failure of Early Detection

Early detection of fire spread can be delayed by:

• No detection system or patrols
• No alarm system in place
• People not knowing or confusing the sound of the alarm
• Not promptly extinguished due to no hoses or extinguishers
• Fire Starts in Unoccupied area
• Fire Starts out of normal work hours
• Numerous hot working tasks conducted - therefore smells of burning ignored

2. Absence of Compartments in Building Structure
Fire spread within a building can result from an absence of compartments:

• Open plan office
• False ceilings
• The structure under construction or alteration is complete and has reduced separation between levels and/or sections on a level.

3. Compartments Undermined
Fire Spread within a building can result compartments being undermined:

• Fire doors wedged open
• Poor maintenance of door structure
• Holes may be designed to pass through compartments and are waiting fitment of services and subsequent sealing
• Holes cut for ducts or doorways or to provide temporary access to locate/remove equipment.
• Compartments may be progressively created in buildings under alteration, thus increasing the risk of fire spread.

4. Materials Inappropriately Stored
Inappropriate storage of materials can cause of fire spread:

• Flammable liquids not controlled - too much or in unsuitable containers.
• Boxes in corridors, under stairways or in access routes.
• Off cuts of wood and saw dust left in the area where work has taken place.
• Packing materials used in the process, such as shredded paper, polystyrene, bubble wrap, etc.,
• Pallets and plastic covering left near to ignition sources.

Safety Courses in Chennai | Nebosh Courses in Chennai | OHSAS 18001 | Apply Now !

Fire extinguishers are colour-codes

Fire extinguishers are colour-coded; each colour denotes the type of extinguishing agent that is contained in the extinguisher.

The different types are: Water, AFFF Foam, Dry powder, Carbon Dioxide and Wet Chemical.

Fires are Categorised into Classes:

Class A - Flammable solids or freely burning material
Class B - Flammable liquids,
Class C - Flammable gases,
Class F - Cooking oils. There is also the hazard of electrical fires involving electrical appliances or wiring.

It is always important to use the correct extinguisher on each type of fire. Use of the wrong type could cause the fire to flare up.

Class A fires should be tackled with Water, AFFF foam or dry powder extinguishers.

Class B fires should be tackled with AFFF foam, Dry powder or carbon dioxide extinguishers.

Class C fires should be tackled by isolating the gas/liquid supply and not primarily by use of a fire extinguisher. Only a Dry Powder extinguisher should be used.

Class F fires should be tackled with only a Wet Chemical fire extinguisher.

Electrical hazards should be tackled with either Dry Powder or Carbon Dioxide extinguishers.

Safety Courses in Chennai | Nebosh Courses in Chennai | OHSAS 18001 | Apply Now !

First Aid Kit

An all around loaded first-aid kit, kept inside simple span, is a need in each home. Having supplies assembled early will help you handle a crisis immediately. You ought to keep one first-aid kit in your home and one in each car. Additionally make sure to bring an first-aid kit on family vacations.

You can purchase a first aid kit at drugstores or a local Red Cross office, or make one of your own. If you decide to make one, choose containers for your kits that are roomy, durable, easy to carry, and simple to open. Plastic tackle boxes or containers for storing art supplies are ideal, since they're lightweight, have handles, and offer a lot of space.

Include the following in each of your first-aid kits:

• first-aid manual
• sterile gauze pads of different sizes
• adhesive tape
• adhesive bandages in several sizes
• elastic bandage
• a splint
• antiseptic wipes
• soap
• antibiotic ointment
• antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
• hydrocortisone cream (1%)
• acetaminophen and ibuprofen
• extra prescription medications (if the family is going on vacation)
• tweezers
• sharp scissors
• safety pins
• disposable instant cold packs
• calamine lotion
• alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
• thermometer
• tooth preservation kit
• plastic non-latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• flashlight and extra batteries
• a blanket
• mouthpiece for administering CPR (can be obtained from your local Red Cross)
• your list of emergency phone numbers
• blanket (stored nearby)

After you've stocked your first-aid kits:

• Read the entire first-aid manual so you'll understand how to use the contents of your kits. (If your kids are old enough to understand, review the manuals with them.)
• Store first-aid kits in places that are out of children's reach but easily accessible for adults.
• Check the kits regularly. Replace missing items or medicines that may have expired.
• Check the flashlight batteries to make sure they work.
• If you're flying, be sure to pack the first-aid kit in your checked luggage. Many of the items won't be permitted in your carry-on bags.

Resourse : kidhealth.org

Fire Classes

Fire classes

Class A – Organic solids, such as paper and wood organic solids

Class B – Flammable liquids and Liquefied solids

Class C – Flammable gases

Class D – Metals

Class F – Cooking fat and oil

CLASSIFICATION	TYPE OF MATERIAL	EXAMPLES
CLASS A	SOILD COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL	WOOD, PAPER ,PLASTIC,CLOTH
CLASS B	FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND LIQUIFIED SOLIDS	PETROL, DIESEL, LUBRICATION OILS, WAX, GREASE
CLASS C	FLAMMABLE GASES	ACETYLENE , LPG, PROPANE, BUTANE
CLASS D	FLAMMABLE METALS	SODIUM, POTTASIUM, LITHIUM
CLASS F	COMBUSTIBLE COOKING MEDIA	COOKIN OIL & FATS

Fire Safety Courses in Chennai | Nebosh courses in Chennai