Fire Safety and Prevention

1. Fire Safety and Prevention

2. Topics • Goals of a Fire Prevention Program • Fire Prevention Strategy • Methods of Fire extinguishing • Housekeeping Issues • Electrical Fire Hazards • Types of Extinguishers • How to use Fire Extinguishers • Evacuation

3. Fire Prevention Goals • Life Safety • The primary goal of fire safety efforts is to protect building occupants from injury and to prevent loss of life. • Property Protection • The secondary goal of fire safety is to prevent property damage. • Protection of Operations • By preventing fires and limiting damage we can assure that work operations will continue.

4. The Strategy of Preventing a Fire • A fire must have three things to ignite and maintain combustion: • Fuel • Heat • Oxygen • The basic strategy of fire prevention is to control or isolate sources of fuel and heat in order to prevent combustion. If all three are not present in sufficient quantities a fire will not ignite or a fire will not be able to sustain combustion

5. FIRE TRIANGLE ( FOH ) • FUEL A combustible substance either solid, liquid or gas • OXYGEN usually air which contains approx. 20 % oxygen. • Heat Required heat, it varies from material to material.

6. Risks of Fire Impact on the organisation: • Structural damage to buildings • Loss – financial, reputation, facilities, research, expertise, and lost work Impact on the environment: • Pollution – water, air, soil, flora & fauna.

7. Risks of Fire Impact on human life: • Physical injuries e.g. burns, smoke inhalation! • Psychological effects e.g. post traumatic stress syndrome • Occupational issues e.g. loss of earnings, unemployment, work related stress. • Loss of life

8. Fire at Bradford11th May 1985 • Time? • How many died? • Why? • 3-4 Minutes • 56 people lost their lives, 265 injured • Cause – match or cigarette stubbed out in a polystyrene cup, fuelled by rubbish underneath wooden stand. • Very Poor standards of fire safety & housekeeping

9. Methods of Fire Extinguishing( SBC) • Starvation – Removal of fuel This is a method in which the surrounding materials are removed from the seat of fire to starve, without supply of fuel the fire will be starved and extinguished. For example – fire in a Field can be starved by removing the material which caught fire.

10. Methods of Fire Extinguishing( SBC) • Blanketing / Smothering – Removal of oxygen In this method the oxygen supply of the fire ares will be cut off. Naturally the fire will be off because of lack of oxygen. For example – fire in a Bowl can be extinguished by covering it with plate Blanket on human

11. Methods of Fire Extinguishing( SBC) • Cooling– Removal of Heat Water is normally used for cooling the fire because it has the greatest heat absorbing It is the best fire fighting media for solid fires like Wood, Leaves, Cotton & Charcoal . But it should not be used in • Inflammable liquid Fires – petrol • Gas Fires - Nitrine • Metal Fires – Sodium & Potassium.

12. Housekeeping Good housekeeping habits are an important part of a safe workplace. Why is good housekeeping important? • To reduce amounts of flammable and combustible materials. • To reduce ignition hazards. • To ensure safe emergency evacuation of occupants. • To allow for quick emergency response.

13. General Housekeeping Guidelines • Work areas, aisles, walkways, stairways, and equipmentshould be kept clear of loose materials, trash, scraps, etc. • Never block aisles, fire exits, emergency equipment, or alarm pull stations with equipment or materials. • Avoid build up of combustible trash and waste such as paper, wood, cardboard, etc. • Keep use and storage of flammables and combustibles to a minimum. • Clean up all spills such as grease, oil, or water immediately. A delay could result in accidents.

14. Storage Guidelines • No storage is allowed in corridors and stairwells. A cluttered hallway could slow down emergency evacuation. • Storage must not exceed a plane of 18 inches below sprinkler heads or smoke detectors. Storage that breaks this plane may prevent sprinkler heads from fully covering room during a fire. NOTICE Storage guidelines are applicable to all locations within ISU buildings and are not limited to storage rooms. This includes stored materials in offices, labs, etc. A simulated example of how storage can protrude into 18 inch plane below sprinkler heads.

15. Maintain at least a 3ft clearance from heating surfaces, air ducts, heaters, and lighting fixtures. Storage of combustible materials in mechanical rooms is prohibited. Storage Guidelines • All storage must be at least 3 ft from electrical panels. In some emergency situations it will be necessary to access these panels quickly. Improper Mechanical Room Storage Improper Storage in front of Electrical Panel

16. Fire Safety-Electrical Issues • Electrical hazards are the cause of numerous workplace fires each year. Faulty electrical equipment or misuse of equipment produces heat and sparks that serve as ignition sources in the presence of flammable and combustible materials. • Examples of common ignition hazards: • overloading circuits • use of unapproved electrical devices • damaged or worn wiring

17. Electrical Fire Safety • Extension cords • Extension cords are only approved for temporary use. They may only be used for a period of three days or less. Instead of using extension cords contact Operations Dept. to install permanent wiring. • When using extension cords check for defaults such as frays, brittleness, or broken wires. • Never place extension cords in high traffic areas where they can be damaged by being stepped on or run over by equipment.

18. ElectricalFireSafety • Multi-plug strips • Should only be used for office equipment such as computers, printers, and fax machines. • Other common items such as microwaves, refrigerators, and copy machines must be plugged directly into wall outlets. • Multi-plug strips should have a fuse or circuit breaker and be ISI Marked.

19. Avoid the following improper and hazardous practices: Never use three prong adapters that allow a three pronged plug to plug into a two prong outlet. Never use any item with a damaged or frayed electrical cord. Space Heaters are not allowed in the premises Never daisy chain or piggy back multi-plug strips and electrical cords (plugging strips and cords into each other). ElectricalFireSafety Piggy-backed multi-plug strips

20. Selecting the correct type of extinguisher to use

21. Selecting the correct type of extinguisher to use

22. Selecting the correct type of extinguisher to use

23. Types of Fire Extinguishers Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different classes of fire. The 3 most common types of fire extinguishers are: • Water (APW) • Carbon Dioxide (CO2) • Dry Chemical (ABC, BC, DC)

24. Types of Fire Extinguishers 1. Water (APW) Fire Extinguishers Large silver fire extinguishers that stand about 2 feet tall and weigh about 25 pounds when full. APW stands for “Air-Pressurized Water.” Filled with ordinary tap water and pressurized air, they are essentially large squirt guns.

25. Types of Fire Extinguishers 1. Water (APW) Fire Extinguishers APW’s extinguish fire by taking away the “heat” element of the Fire Triangle.

26. Types of Fire Extinguishers 1. Water (APW) Fire Extinguishers APW’s are designed for Class A fires only: Wood, paper, cloth. • Using water on a flammable liquid fire could cause the fire to spread. • Using water on an electrical fire increases the risk of electrocution. If you have no choice but to use an APW on an electrical fire, make sure the electrical equipment is un-plugged or de-energized.

27. Types of Fire Extinguishers 1. Water (APW) Fire Extinguishers APWs will be found in older buildings, particularly in public hallways, as well as in Residence Halls. They will also be found in computer laboratories. It is important to remember, however, that computer equipment must be disconnected from its electrical source before using a water extinguisher on it.

28. Types of Fire Extinguishers 2. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers The pressure in a CO2 extinguisher is so great, bits of dry ice may shoot out of the horn! CO2 cylinders are red. They range in size from 5 lbs to 100 lbs or larger. On larger sizes, the horn will be at the end of a long, flexible hose.

29. Types of Fire Extinguishers 2. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers CO2’s are designed for Class B and C (Flammable Liquids and Electrical Sources)fires only! CO2s will frequently be found in laboratories, mechanical rooms, kitchens, and flammable liquid storage areas. In accordance with NFPA regulations (and manufacturers’ recommendations), all CO2 extinguishers at OSU undergo hydrostatic testing and recharge every 5 years.

30. Types of Fire Extinguishers 2. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers Carbon dioxide is a non-flammable gas that takes away the oxygen element of the fire triangle. Without oxygen, there is no fire. CO2 is very cold as it comes out of the extinguisher, so it cools the fuel as well.

31. Types of Fire Extinguishers 2. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers A CO2 may be ineffective in extinguishing a Class A fire because it may not be able to displace enough oxygen to successfully put the fire out. Class A materials may also smolder and re-ignite.

32. Types of Fire Extinguishers 3. Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust. This separates the fuel from the oxygen in the air. The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire. These extinguishers are very effective at putting out fire.

33. Types of Fire Extinguishers 3. Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers ABC extinguishers are red. On campus, they range in size from 5 to 20 lbs. At OSU, “ABC” fire extinguishers are filled with a fine yellow powder. The greatest portion of this powder is composed of monoammonium phosphate. The extinguishers are pressurized with nitrogen.

34. Types of Fire Extinguishers 3. Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers Dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types… • You may see them labeled: • DC (for “Dry Chemical”) • ABC (can be used on Class A, B, or C fires) • BC (designed for use on Class B and C fires)

35. Types of Fire Extinguishers 3. Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers It is extremely important to identify which types of dry chemical extinguishers are located in your area! An “ABC” extinguisher will have a label like this, indicating it may be used on Class A, B and C fires. You don’t want to mistakenly use a “BC” extinguisher on a ClassAfire thinking that it was an “ABC” extinguisher.

36. Types of Fire Extinguishers 3. Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers Dry chemical extinguishers with powder designed for Class B and C fires (“BC” extinguishers) may be located in places such as commercial kitchens and areas with flammable liquids. On campus, you will find ABC’s in public hallways of new buildings, in laboratories, break rooms, offices, chemical storage areas, mechanical rooms, University vehicles, etc.

37. P.A.S.S. PULL AIM SQUEEZE SWEEP How to Use a Fire Extinguisher It’s easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you remember the acronym PASS: • Pull • Aim • Squeeze • Sweep

38. How to Use a Fire ExtinguisherExtinguishers Common Features • Locking pin • Carrying handle / operating lever • Pressure gauge • Label : • Type (Water, C02, Dry Chemical) • Classification (A, B, C) • NFPA capacity Rating • Instructions • Discharge nozzle or horn

39. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Pull the pin… This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher

40. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Aim at the base of the fire… Hit the fuel. If you aim at the flames... … the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do no good.

41. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Squeeze the top handle… This depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent.

42. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Sweep from side to side… .. until the fire is completely out. Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away, then slowly move forward. Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites.

43. Points to Remember • Before attempting to use any fire extinguisher always check the label to ensure it is suitable and safe to use. • In fires involving electrical equipment and gaseous fires, the prime need is to SWITCH THE SUPPLY OFF! • Extinguishing before the supply is off may cause an explosion or electric shock.

44. Fighting a Fire! Only fight a fire ….. • when an exit is to your back • when it is small and in the early stages • when you have the correct fire equipment & you know how to use it • when the equipment is depleted leave the area as quickly as possible. Remember - if in doubt get out!

45. Indications of Fire/Emergency • Fire alarm sounder &/or strobe lights(main indication) Other indications may be…. • Flickering lights / power failure • Smoke/dust– smell &/or sight • Unusual sounds e.g. glass shattering • Unexplained spark generation • Smell of fuels e.g. gas • Unexplained heat levels

46. If You Discover A Fire: • Activate the alarm by operating the nearest “break glass unit” • If it is safe to do so, extinguish the fire using the equipment provided • Leave the building promptly – do not use the lift! If you hear an alarm DO NOT assume it is a drill, Your life may depend on it!

47. Evacuation Procedure(all Staff, Clients, Visitors, Contractors) • Evacuate the building using the nearest and safest exit, ensuring the safe shutdown of equipment/electricity/gas. • Visitors should be escorted to safety by the person they are visiting.

48. Evacuation Procedure • Form a single file on both sides of the corridor or stairway and leave the centre passageway clear. • Any person in common areas or moving between areas, should join the lines of people exiting the area. • The last person in the line closes the door • Evacuation marshals will sweep/search their designated areas.

49. Evacuation Procedure • Disperse from the building and go to the nearest assembly point. • The Incident Controller will provide the emergency services with details of casualties or persons needing assistance with evacuation • No person shall re-enter the building until the all clear has been given by the Incident Controller.

50. Evacuation Marshals/Sweepers Evacuation Marshals/Sweepers are designated for planned evacuations. It is the responsibility of each evacuation marshal/sweeper: • To “sweep/search” all rooms in their designated area to ensure that everyone is evacuated and directed to the nearest available exit (only if it is safe to do so). • To exit via the nearest available escape route, once the search is complete. • To assemble at a designated point, informing the Incident Controller (Porter on Duty/another elected person) present of any persons in need of assistance. This information is then relayed to the Emergency Services by the Incident Controller.