1. PRACTICING FIRE SAFETY

2. HOW FIRES START
Fire is a chemical reaction involving rapid oxidation or burning of
fuel. It needs three elements to occur.
-Fuel: Fuel cam be any combustible material- solid, liquid
or gas. Most solids and liquids become a vapor or gas
before they will burn.
-Oxygen: The air we breathe is about 21 percent oxygen.
Fire only needs an atmosphere with at least 16% percent
oxygen.
-Heat: Heat is the energy necessary to increase the
temperature of the fuel to a point where sufficient vapors are
given off for ignition to occur.

3. CHEMICAL REACTION
A chain reaction can occur when the three elements of fire are
present in the proper conditions and proportion. Fire occurs
when this rapid oxidation, or burning takes place.
-Take any one of these factors away, and the fire cannot
occur or will be extinguished if it was already burning.

4. TETRAHEDRON THE FIRE TETRAHEDRON
The process we know as fire is a chemical reaction which involves
rapid oxidation or burning of a combustible material. In the past,
we learned that three elements, fuel, heat, and oxygen were necessary
for fire to start and continue burning, hence the fire triangle concept.
In recent years this concept has been expanded to include a fourth
element, that of the chemical reaction, thus creating the fire tetrahedron.

5. Cont.
The following is a brief description of each element and their interaction:
Fuel - May be any combustible material. Can be a solid, liquid, or gas. Typically solids and liquids must be heated to the point where they are converted into a vapor or gas before they will burn.
Oxygen - There must be at least 16% oxygen present for a fire to burn. This is usually not a problem since the air we breath is about 21% oxygen.

6. Cont.
Heat - Heat is the energy needed to increase the fuel’s temperature to the point where sufficient vapors are produced for ignition to occur.
Chemical Reaction - The chemical chain reaction know as fire occurs when fuel, oxygen and heat are present in the right conditions and amounts.

7. HOW FIRES ARE CLASSIFIED
CLASS A:
Ordinary combustibles or fibrous material such as
Wood, paper, cloth, rubber and some plastics.
CLASS B:
Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline,
kerosene, paint, paint thinner and propane.

8. Cont. CLASS C: Energized electrical equipment, such as appliances,
Switches, panel boxes and power tools.
CLASS D:
Certain combustible metals, such as magnesium,
Titanium, potassium and sodium. These metals burn
at high temperatures and give off sufficient oxygen
to support combustion. They may react violently
with water or other chemicals, and must be handled
with care.

9. Residence Life Safety Regulations for Residential Living
Candies, Incense, and Combustible Materials
Candles and incense are a fire hazard and are not permitted in the residence halls or apartments. Combustible materials such as gasoline, paint thinner, and oil lamps are not permitted within the residential facilities. Fire safety codes require strict compliance with this regulation. Propane grills are prohibited.

10. Cont. Fire Alarms, Fire Drills, and Residential Safety
Each residence hall has at least two fire drills per semester. These drills will not be announced and you must evacuate the building immediately each time the fire alarm sounds. Disciplinary action will be taken if a student does not evacuate the building.
The misuse of fire alarms, fire detection devices, or fire extinguishers constitutes a serious offense. Any resident who misuses such equipment or devices will be subject to prosecution and disciplinary action. Residents are responsible for any damage to the system and they will be held financially accountable. Fire and safety regulations strictly prohibit the use or storage within residential facilities of explosives, fireworks, live Christmas trees, flammable liquids, fire-arms, ammunition, and combustible engines of any kind.

11. WHEN NOT TO FIGHT A FIRE NEVER FIGHT A FIRE:
If the fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started.
If you can’t fight the fire with your back to an escape exit.
If the fire can block your only escape.
If you don’t have adequate fire-fighting equipment.
In any of these situation,
DON’T FIGHT THE FIRE YOURSELF.
CALL FOR HELP.

12. HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES
CLASS A- Extinguish ordinary combustibles by
cooling the material below its ignition temperature and
soaking the fibers to prevent re-ignition.
Use pressurized water, foam or multi-purpose (ABC
rated) dry chemical extinguisher. DO NOT USE
carbon dioxide or ordinary (BC-rated) dry chemical
extinguisher on Class A fires.

13. Cont. CLASS B: Extinguish flammable liquids, greases by
removing the oxygen, preventing the vapors from
reaching the ignition source or inhibiting the chemical
chain reaction.
Foam, carbon dioxide, ordinary (BC-rated) dry
chemical, multi-purpose dry chemical, and halon
extinguishers may be used to fight Class B fires.
CLASS C – Extinguish energized electrical
equipment by using an extinguishing agent that is not
capable of conducting electrical current.
Carbon dioxide, ordinary (BC-rated) dry chemical,
multi-purpose dry chemical and halon* fire
extinguishers may be used to fight Class C fires. DO
NOT USE WATER EXTINGUISHERS ON
ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.

14. Cont. CLASS D: Extinguish combustible metals such as
magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium with
dry powder extinguishing agents specially designated
for the material involved.
In most cases, they absorb the heat from the material,
cooling it below its ignition temperature.
NOTE: Multipurpose (ABC-rated) chemical extinguisher leave a
residue that can harm sensitive equipment, such as computers and
other electronic equipment. Because of this, carbon dioxide or halon
extinguishers are preferred in these instances because they leave very
little residue.

15. Cont. ABC dry powder residue is mildly corrosive to many metals. For
example, reside left over from the use of an ABC dry powder
extinguisher in the same room with a piano can seriously corrode
piano wires.

16. HOW TO IDENTIFY THE PROPER FIRE EXTINGUISHER
All ratings are showed on the extinguisher faceplate.
Some extinguishers are marked with multiple ratings such as AB,
BC and ABC. These extinguishers are capable of putting out more
than one class of fire.
Class A and B extinguishers carry a numerical rating that indicates
how large a fire an experienced person can safely put out with that
extinguisher.
Class C extinguishers have only a letter rating to indicate that the
extinguishing agent will not conduct electrical current. Class C
extinguisher must also carry a B rating.

17. HOW TO USE A PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Class D extinguishers carry only a letter rating indicating their
effectiveness on certain amounts of specific metals.
HOW TO USE A PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
REMEMBER THE ACRONYM, “P.A.S.S.”
P …….Pull the Pin
A ……..Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flame.
S ………Squeeze trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.
S ………Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the
area of the fire with the extinguishing agent.
NOTE: PULL A FIRE ALARM BOX AND ALERT OTHERS BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER.

18. Remember: …THEN LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Should your path of escape be threatened.
Should the extinguisher run out of agent.
Should the extinguisher prove to be ineffective.
Should you no longer be able to safely fight the fire.
Close the door on your way out of the area.
…THEN LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!!!!

19. HOW TO INSPECT YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Know the locations of the fire extinguishers in your work area.
Make sure the class of the extinguisher is safe to use on fires likely
to occur in the immediate area.
Check the plastic seal holding the pin in the extinguisher handle. Has
the extinguisher been tampered with or used before? Report any
broken/missing seals/pins to the Public Safety Office
Water, some foam, and dry chemical extinguishers have gauges
indicating the pressure inside the extinguisher. The pressure
needle should be in the “green” area (generally lbs.,
depending on the type of agent).

20. Cont. CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers are high pressure cylinders
with pressures ranging from 1500 lb to 2150 lb. These
extinguishers DO NOT have gauges and must be weighed by
Fire Safety Unit staff to determine the amount of contents
remaining.
Make sure the pin, nozzle and nameplate are intact.
One is encouraged to be aware of the condition of your area’s
extinguishers by visual inspection on a frequent basis to ensure
you have a working extinguisher there when you need one.
Report any missing, empty or damaged fire extinguishers to the
Public Safety Office ( ) whenever you notice any
discrepancies.

21. The Appearance of Different types of extinguishers
Generally, you can tell with a glance which type an extinguisher is
hanging on the wall, or in the cabinet, just by looking at its shape.
Check the labels of the extinguishers in your area and note the
color and shape/size of the extinguisher. This may help if someone
runs in to help you fight a fire with the WRONG extinguisher (i.e.
water on an electrical fire) – you can STOP them before they are
injured or make matters worse!
ABC-rated multipurpose dry powder extinguishers are the most
common on campus, particularly in the corridors fo academic
buildings. They are almost always RED in color and have either
a long narrow hose or no hose(just a short nozzle). These
extinguishers are very light (5-25lbs) Halon extinguishers look
virtually identical to ABC multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers

22. Cont.
Water extinguisher are generally found in the dormitories and are
usually SILVER (crome-metal) in color, have a flat bottom, have a
long narrow hose, are quite large (2-1/2 gallons).
CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers are generally red, have
a LARGE “tapered” nozzle (horn), are VERY HEAVY (15-
85 lbs). They are high-pressure cylinders.
Care should be used NOT TO DROP a co2 cylinder, if it
is damaged it can punch a hole through the nearest wall(s)
and end up on the other side of campus! (The containers
are quite sturdy, but don’t abuse them.) CO2 cylinders do
not have a pressure gauge-they must be weighed to
Determine the amount of contents.

23. Where can I find a fire extinguisher on campus
In the corridors of academic and office buildings, and inside very
large rooms.
In or immediately outside all laboratories where chemicals are
stored and used.
In or immediately outside mechanical spaces where motorized or
other equipment is present which might reasonably cause a fire.
In campus storage buildings, and mounted inside
certain university vehicles.
If you can’t find the fire extinguisher in your area, or feel you need
a different type/size or extinguisher for you area, contact The
Public Safety Office

24. RESIDENCE HALL FIRE SURVIVAL PROCEDURE
When You Move In:
Locate at least two emergency exits from your floor and
make sure they are free of obstruction
Note location of fire alarms, extinguishers or any other
emergency equipment available.
Note location of landmarks which may aid egress when
visibility is reduced by smoke.

25. ALWAYS: Refamiliarize yourself with standard fire drill procedures.
Become familiar with University fire and general safety
regulations.
ALWAYS:
Make sure the fire doors in halls and stair wells are closed
at all times.
Extinguish all cigarettes and matches and empty wastebaskets
often.
Close door to your room when you retire. Exit when fire
alarm sounds!!!!

26. NEVER: Smoke in bed. Burn candles.
Allow an open flame (cigarette, candle, torch, etc.)
or cooking appliance (coffee pot, hot plate, etc.) near
common combustible material, i.e., wood, paper, textiles, or
flammable liquid.
Ignore fire alarm.

27. If you leave your room in the event of a fire:
Remain calm. Act quickly, not rashly. Your objective is
survive. If you can exit safely, do so. If not, you must work
quickly to defend yourself against smoke and flame.
If you leave your room in the event of a fire:
Never open your door without first checking for heat or
smoke. Close doors behind you.
Do not allow doors to lock behind you. You may be forced
to return.

28. Cont. If smoke is encountered during egress, do not walk upright
…crawl. The air is cooler and less toxic nearer the floor.
Never use an elevator.
If smoke is present in a stairwell, avoid it. Choose another
route
If your clothes catch fire…stop, drop, and roll to extinguish
the flames.
If you are in a room where fire starts, try to extinguish the fire
if small. If the fire is too large, leave quickly. Close the door
and/ or call the Fire Department, dail 9,

29. IF YOU ARE TRAPPED IN YOUR ROOM:
Seal door/window cracks and ventilation grills with tape
(preferably duct tape) or towels and/or clothing (preferably
wet) to keep smoke out. If there is smoke in the room, open
the window to let it out. Hang out an article of cloth, large
enough for rescuers to see, out of a corner of the window.
Close the window again and seal cracks. Keep window closed
to prevent outside smoke from entering.
Do not break the window unless the room has been heavily
invaded by smoke and you must get air to survive. Remember;
stay close to the floor for air. Call the Public Safety Office (4911),
report the fire location and your situation. Tie a towel or
clothing (preferably wet) around your nose and mouth if
necessary to filter smoke. Do not jump!!