BEAT THE HEAT:

Fire Safety & Prevention Seminar

Theme: Sunog ay iwasan,

Pagiging handa ay laging tatandaan,
Para sa kaligtasan ng karamihan.
 Elements of Fire

The Fire Triangle

The fire triangle or combustion is a simple model for understanding the

necessary ingredients for most fire. It is also a simple way of understanding the
elements of fire.

The triangle below illustrate the presence of the three elements a fire needs to
ignite; these are: heat, fuel, and oxidizing agent also known as oxygen

Each side of the triangle represents one of the three ingredients needed
to have fire oxygen, heat, and fuel demonstrating the independence
of these ingredients in creating and sustaining fire.

Fire is an event that is natural when it occurs as the elements

are present and combine in the right mixture.

Fire occurs whenever combustible fuel in the

presence of oxygen at an extremely high
temperature becomes gas. Flames are the
visual indicator of the heated gas. Fire
can also occur from lower-temperature sources. Over time, combustible materials
such as smoldering embers can reach their ignition temperature.

The explanations on the elements of fire are given below:

1. Heat
A heat source is responsible for the initial ignition of fire, and is also needed to
maintain the fire and enable it to spread. Heat allows fire to spread by drying out
and preheating nearby fuel and warming surrounding air.
2. Fuel
Fuel is any kind of combustible material. Its characterized by moisture content,
size, shape, quantity and the arrangement in which it is spread over the
landscape. The moisture content determines how easily it will burn
3. Oxygen
Air contains about 21 percent oxygen, and most fires require at least 16 percent
oxygen content to burn. Oxygen supports the chemical processes that occur
during fire. When fuel burns, it reacts with oxygen from the surrounding.

Classification of Fire
 In understanding the fire below and chemistry, we need to understand the five
classifications of fires.

Class A Fire Fires involving ordinary combustible materials, such as

wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics. Water is used in a cooling
or quenching effect to reduce the temperature of the burning material below
its ignition temperature.
Class B Fire Fires involving flammable liquids, greases and gases. The
smothering or blanketing effect of oxygen exclusion is most effective. Other
extinguishing methods include removal fuel and temperature reduction.
Class C Fire Fires involving energized electrical equipment. This fire can
sometime be controlled by a non-conducting extinguishing agent. The safest
procedure is always to attempt to de-energize high voltage circuits and treats
as a Class A or B fire depending upon the fuel involved.
Class D Fire Fires involving combustible metals, such as magnesium,
titanium, zirconium, sodium, and potassium - chemicals. The extremely
high temperature of some burning metals makes water and other common
extinguishing agents ineffective. There is no agent available that will
effectively control fires in all combustible metals. Special extinguish agents
are available for control of fire in each of the metals and are marked
specifically for that metal.
Class K Fire Class K is a new classification of fire as of 1998 and involves
fires in combustible cooking fuels such as vegetable or animal fats. Its
fuel is similar to Class B fuels but involves high temperature cooking oils and
therefore has special characteristics. Class K agents are usually wet
chemicals, water-based solutions of potassium carbonate-based chemical,
potassium acetate- based chemical, or potassium citrate-based chemical or a
combination. These agents are usually used in fixed systems, but some
extinguishers are available. (Vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking
appliances)

Types of Fire

Not all fires are the same. Different fuels create different fires and require different types
of fire extinguishing agents.

Class A
Class A fires are fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, trash,
and plastics.
 Class B
Class B fires are fires in flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum oil and
paint. Class B fires also include flammable gases such as propane and butane.
Class B fires do not include fires involving cooking oils and grease.

Class C
Class C fires are fires involving energized electical equipment such as motors,
transformers, and appliances. Remove the power and the Class C fire becomes
one of the other classes of fire.

Class D
Class D fires are fires in combustible metals such as potassium, sodium,
aluminum, and magnesium.

Class K
Class K fires are fires in cooking oils and greases such as animals
fats and vegetable fats.

Some types of fire extinguishing agents can be used on more than one class of fire.
Others have warnings where it would be dangerous for the operator to use a particular
fire extinguishing agent.
 FIRE

UNINTENTION
INTENTIONAL
AL

REASON PURPOSE ARSON ACCIDENT

Stages of Fire

According to the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) there are 5
stages of fire, namely:

1. Incipient.
This first stage begins when the three elements, heat, oxygen and a fuel
source combine and have a chemical reaction resulting in fire. This stage is
also known as Ignition and is usually represented by a very small fire which
often (and hopefully) goes out its own, before the following stages are
reached. Recognizing fire in this stage provides a best chance at suppression
or escape.
2. Growth.
The growth stage is where the structures fire load and oxygen are used as
fuel for the fire. There are numerous factors affecting the growth stage
including where the fire started, what combustible were near it, ceiling height
and the potential for thermal layering. It is during this shortest of the 5
stages when a deadly flashover can occur; potentially trapping, injuring or
killing firefighters.
3. Flashover.
Flashover is the transition between the growth and the fully developed fire
stages and is not a specific event such as ignition. During flashover,
conditions in the compartment charge very rapidly as the fire changes from
one that is dominated by the burning of the materials first ignited to one that
involved all of the exposed combustible surfaces within the compartment.
4. Fully Developed.
When the growth stage has reached its maximum and all combustible
materials have been ignited, fire is considered fully developed. This is the
hottest phase of fire and the most dangerous for anybody trapped within.
 5. Decay.
Usually the longest stage of fire, the decay stage is characterized by a
significant decrease in oxygen or fuel, putting an end to the fire. Two common
dangers during this stage are first the existence of non-flaming
combustibles, which can potentially start a new fire if not fully extinguished.
Second, there is he danger of a back draft when an oxygen is reintroduced to
a volatile, confined space.

Why we cant use water at all times to eliminate fire

You cant use water when from:

Electricity wire It can cause explosion.
Hydrocarbon fire From chemicals because it could cause even larger
fire.
Metal fire Nothing could happen because of its enormous heat
conducted by the metal.
Oil fire Structure of oil that if mixed with water, it could even make more
fire to ignite.

Parts and Use of Fire Extinguisher

It is important to know the locations and the types of extinguishers in your workplace
prior to actually using one.

Fire extinguishers can be heavy, so it's a good idea to practice picking up and holding
an extinguisher to get an idea of the weight and feel. Take time to read the operating
instructions and warnings found on the fire extinguisher label. Not all fire extinguishers
look alike. Practice releasing the discharge hose or horn and aiming it at the base of an
imagined fire. Do not pull the pin or squeeze the lever. This will break the extinguisher
seal and cause it to lose pressure.
When it is time to use the extinguisher on a fire, just remember PASS!

Pull the pin.

Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire from the recommended safe distance.

Squeeze the operating lever to discharge the fire extinguishing agent.

Starting at the recommended distance, Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side until
the fire is out. Move forward or around the fire area as the fire diminishes. Watch the
area in case of re-ignition
Evacuation drill & Emergency procedure

Fire drills are critical for ensuring the safety of the staff, students, residents and clientele
that enter your business, building or property. Practicing scheduled fire drills will help
ensure individuals have the knowledge to safety escape a fire without injuring
themselves or others.

The Alberta Fire Code suggests that fire drills are conducted by the person that is
responsible for the building. It is also required that fire drills are held at intervals no
greater than every 12 months (once a year), with the following exceptions

Day-care centers and major occupancies one fire drill per month

Elementary schools and high schools at least three fire drills per school term
(spring and fall), totaling six fire drills per school year.

Use the Fire Drill Report Template to record the results of your fire drill.

Pre-Fire Drill Procedures

To be conducted by supervisory staff or maintenance personnel.

1. Contact the fire alarm monitoring company and advise them of the upcoming fire drill.
Ensure to supply the monitoring company with the estimated timeline to conduct the fire
drill.

2. Contact the Regional Emergency Services (RES) non-emergency line at 780-743-

7061. Ensure to supply Dispatch with the estimated timeline to conduct the fire drill.

Initiating the Fire Drill

Is there a Fire Drill feature on the panel?

Yes utilize this feature to activate alarms for the purpose of the fire drill.

No activate the nearest manual pull station.

2. Record the time from the activation of the fire alarm to the evacuation of all staff,
students and clientele.

During the Fire Drill

Supervisory staffs are to monitor the evacuation process and note any of the following:

Are individuals closing the doors upon exiting rooms?

 Are individuals remaining calm and proceeding towards the nearest exit?

Are individuals assembling at the designated muster point?

Are fire wardens (if applicable) ensuring the safe evacuation of all individuals?

Are all individuals being accounted for (if applicable)?

Are exits guarded to prevent re-entry into the building?

After the Fire Drill

1. Record the total evacuation time in the evacuation checklist report.

2. Silence the alarms, reset the manual pull station and reset the fire alarm system.

3. Ensure the fire alarm system is back to normal operating condition.

4. Inform individuals that they can re-enter the building.

5. Contact the fire alarm monitoring company and RES dispatch to advise that the fire
drill is complete.

6. Re-evaluate any concerns that arose during the fire drill and discuss as a group (ex.
safety meeting).
7. Keep record of the fire drill and any notes on the evacuation checklist report.
Fire Safety Tips
Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die in fires, more than 25,000 are injured in fires,
and more than 100 firefighters are killed while on duty. Eighty three percent of all civilian
fire deaths occurred in residences. Many of these fires could have been prevented.

Cooking is the third leading cause of fire deaths and the leading cause of injury among
people ages 65 and older.

Direct loss due to fires is estimated at nearly $8.6 billion annually. Intentionally set
structure fires resulted in an estimated $664 million in property damage.

In order to protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire.

Fire is FAST. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five
minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.
Fire is DARK. Fire produces gases that make you disoriented and drowsy.
Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep.
Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three- to-
one ratio.
Fire is HOT. Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames.
Inhaling the superhot air can sear your lungs.

FIRE PREVENTION TIPS BEFORE A FIRE

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your
property in the event of a fire:

SMOKE ALARMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of
dying in a fire by half.
Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence, including the basement.
Install a working carbon monoxide detector in the common area of the
bedrooms.
Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once
a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.

COOKING SAFETY

Never leave cooking unattended.

Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.
Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames
Never use the range or oven to heat your home.

ESCAPING THE FIRE

Have an escape plan. Review escape routes with your family.

Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut.
Teach family members to stay low to the floor, where the air is safer, when
escaping from a fire.
 In high-rise, never lock fire exits or doorways, halls or stairways. Never prop
stairway or other fire doors open.

HEATING SOURCE

Place space heaters at least three feet away from flammable/combustible

materials.
Use only the type of fuel designated for your space heater.

MATCHES/LIGHTERS AND SMOKING

Keep matches/lighters away from children.

Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated.
If you must smoke, do it responsibly.

ELECTRICAL WIRING

Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs

Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high traffic
areas.
Do not overload extension cords or outlets.

ASK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO INSPECT YOUR HOME FOR FIRE SAFETY AND
PREVENTION

DURING A FIRE

If your clothes catch on fire, you should:

Stop, drop, and roll until the fire is extinguished.

DO NOT PANIC

Do not assume someone else already called the fire department get out of the
house then call the Fire Department.

ESCAPE A FIRE

Check closed doors with the back of your hand to feel for heat before you open
them.
If the door is hot do not open it. Find a second way out, such as a window. If
you cannot escape through a window, hang a white sheet outside the window to
alert firefighters to your presence.
Stuff the cracks around the door with towels, rags, bedding or tape and cover
vents to keep smoke out.
If there is a phone in the room where you are trapped, call the fire department
again and tell them exactly where you are.
If the door is cold slowly open it and ensure that fire and/or smoke is not
blocking your escape route. If your escape route is blocked, shut the door and
 use another escape route.
If clear, leave immediately and close the door behind you. Be prepared to crawl.

AFTER A FIRE

Once you are out of the building, STAY OUT! Do not go back inside for any
reason.
If you are with a burn victim or are a burn victim yourself call 911, cool and
cover your burns until emergency units arrive.
If you are a tenant contact the landlord.
Tell the fire department if you know of anyone trapped in the building.
Only enter when the fire department tells you it is safe to do so.