Fire Safety

The Stats Fire death statistics throughout the united states –2.1 Million Fires Reported Per Year –5,100 Average Civilian Deaths –28,500 Injuries –9.6 Billion Dollars in Losses

Definitions Carbon dioxide (co2) Combustible Combustion Conduction Convection

Definitions Fire cause Fire prevention code Flammable Flash point Ignition source Ignition temperature

Combustion Chemical reaction between –Combustible material (fuel) –Oxygen –Ignition source Rapid oxidation of combustible material accompanied by a release of energy in the form of heat and light

Types of Heat Energy Chemical –heat of combustion –spontaneous heating –heat of decomposition –heat of solution

Electrical –Resistance Heating –Dielectric Heating –Induction Heating –Leakage Current Heating –Heat from Arcing –Static Electricity Heating –Heat Generated by Lighting Types of Heat Energy

Mechanical –Frictional heat –Frictional sparks –Heat of compression Nuclear heat energy –Nuclear Fission and Fusion Types of Heat Energy

Fire Tetrahedron Triangle is out…. Tetrahedron is in… Consists of 4 Sides Oxygen Fuel HeatChain of reaction

Three Phases of Fire Incipient –Oxygen content in air not reduced Hot smoldering –Flame may cease to exist if area is airtight –Burning reduced to glowing embers –Dense smoke fills the room Free-burning

Fire Hazards Any –Material –Condition –Or act That contributes to the start of a fire, or Increases the extent and severity of a fire

2 Types 0f Fire Hazards Common –Likely to be found in almost all occupancies –Not associated with a specific: Occupancy Process or activity Special –arises from the process or operations taking place in the space

General Fire Safety Housekeeping –Storage & Disposal of Trash & Debris –Containers - selected by waste type general smoking materials oily rags highly combustible materials

Waste Containers Locate away from –Heat sources Space heaters; Furnaces; Steam pipes –Flammable & combustible liquids –Directly under combustible objects Exterior cans –Locate away from buildings so a trash fire will not spread to the building

Flammable Trash Cans Dispose of flammable waste in: –non-combustible container –with self closing, tight fitting lid Oily or Greasy Materials –store in trash can with airtight lids supported by legs so the bottom is several inches off the floor

Housekeeping Outside Keep roofs, yards, courts, vacant lots & open spaces –Free of wastepaper –Weeds –Litter –Combustible waste & rubbish

Types Of Fires Class A –wood, cloth, paper, cardboard Class B –flammable or combustible liquids, gases Class C –energized electrical equipment Class D –combustible metal

Fire Extinguishers Ratings –based on use by untrained operator –8 inch deep layer of flammable liquid Class A Class B Class C Class D

Placement Readily visible –Near points of entry & exit –Protected from vandalism Uniformly distributed –No more than 50 feet travel distance to fire for class B materials –No more than 75 feet travel distance to fire for class A materials

Easily accessible –Free from blockage –Near normal paths of travel –Mounted no more than 5 feet off ground –Large extinguishers (+40 pounds) mounted on wheels Placement

Fire Extinguishers Inspect monthly - ensure: –In proper location and it is accessible –Discharge nozzle or horn is not obstructed, cracked or dirty –Operating instructions on the nameplate are legible –Lock pins and tamper seals are in place –Extinguisher is full and ready for use –Extinguisher has an inspection tag

Summary Statistics Definitions Combustion principles Fire tetrahedron 3 phases of fire Fire hazards General fire safety Types of fires Portable fire extinguishers