1. NEBOSH Fire Certificate Element 4 Part 2
Issue Oct 2011

2. Fire Protection in Buildings
We cant see it coming,, we cant hear it, we cant smell it but we know when it gets us.

3. FIRE EXTINGUISHER LOCATION, IDENTIFICATION AND USE

4. Fire Extinguisher
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE PROVIDED TO REMOVE PARTS OF THE TRIANGLE OF FIRE THEREBY PREVENTING COMBUSTION FROM CONTINUING.
COOLING
STARVATION
FUEL
HEAT
OXYGEN
SMOTHERING

5. CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES
There is not a universal fire-extinguishing agent and therefore there is a possibility that using particular types of fire extinguishers on ignited materials or liquids may make the fire considerably worse and place the fire fighter at risk.
Under British Standard EN-2 (Classification of Fires), fires have been divided into broad classifications for extinguishing purposes. This will assist in selecting the most effective fire-extinguishing agent to be used, on the most appropriate type of fire and burning material

6. SIGN, COLOUR & PICTOGRAM
CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES
Wood / Furnishings Etc
CLASS A:
 All solid materials, usually organic origin nature (contains compounds of carbon) and generally produce glowing embers - i.e. wood, textiles, curtains furniture and plastics
Flammable Liquids & Solids
Class B:
All flammable liquids and solids, which can also be sub-divided into:
Non-miscible with water (i.e. petrol, oils, solvents, paints & waxes)
Polar Liquid Fires (Hydrophilic/Miscible) with water (e.g. alcohol, methanol, acetone, propanol, & ethanol etc) - sometimes known as Polar Liquids.
Note: Hydrophilic = having an affinity with water / Miscible = 'capable of being mixed'
Fires involving Gases
CLASS C:
Class ‘C’ fires involve Natural Mains Gas, Liquid Petroleum Gases (e.g. LPG - Butane & Propane etc) and Medical or Industrial gases.

7. CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES Fires Involving Metals
SIGN, COLOUR & PICTOGRAM
CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES
Fires Involving Metals
CLASS D:
Class ‘D’ fires involving metals or powdered metals etc (where water is generally ineffective and / or dangerous).
Specialist Dry Powders are produced for certain Class ‘D’ fires (i.e. M28), particularly those involving alkali metals such as Sodium & Potassium. These Dry Powders extinguish metal fires by fusing the powder to form a crust, which excludes oxygen from the surface of the molten metal. A specific agent is added to prevent the powder from sinking into the surface of the molten metals
Electrical
Electrical fires are not considered to constitute a fire class on their own, as electricity is a source of ignition that will feed the fire until removed. When the electrical supply has been isolated, the fire can be treated (generally) as ‘Class A’ for extinguishing purposes. However, you should always isolate the supply before fighting the fire; if this is not possible then a non-electrical conducting extinguishing agent is to be used regardless of the power status, on all occasions.
Warning Note! - Some electrical equipment can store in capacitors, lethal voltages even if their power supply has been isolated. Always use extinguishers containing a non-electrical conducting extinguishing agent specifically designed for use on electrical equipment such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2) or Dry Powder.
High Temperature Cooking Oils
CLASS F:
 New class specifically dealing with high temperature ( 360°C) cooking oils used in large industrial catering kitchens, restaurants and takeaway establishments’ etc. Cooking oil fires, because of their high auto-ignition temperatures, are difficult to extinguish.
 Conventional extinguishers are not effective for cooking oil fires, as they do not cool sufficiently or may even cause flash back, thereby putting the operator at risk. These extinguishers contain a specially formulated wet chemical which, when applied to the burning liquid, cools and emulsifies the oil, extinguishing the flame, sealing the surface and preventing re-ignition.

8. WATER Red body with WHITE label
Fire Extinguisher Colour Scheme
European legislation dictates that all extinguishers have to have a Red body with an identifying label or band on it. The following colour codes apply:
WATER Red body with WHITE label
FOAM Red body with CREAM label
CO2 Red body with BLACK label
DRY POWDER Red body with BLUE label

10. 9 LTR WATER Red body with white labelling
Used on CLASS A fires involving solid materials such as paper, wood, solid plastics
Extinguishing method: COOLING & SMOTHERING
Do NOT use on Oil based fires, electrical fires or fires associated with electrical equipment.

11. 9 LTR FOAM Red body with a cream coloured identifying label or band
Used on CLASS B fires involving flammable liquids or liquefiable solids such as Petrol, Paint solvents
Extinguishing method:
Smothering
can also be used on class A fires

12. Dry Powder Red body with blue labelling Used on All CLASSES of fires
(except chip or fat pan fires)
Extinguishing method: SMOTHERING

13. Dry Powder
STANDARD DRY POWDER knocks down flames. Best for liquids such as grease, fats, oil, paint, petrol (except chip or fat pan fires).
MULTI-PURPOSE DRY POWDER knocks down flames and, on burning solids, melts to form a skin smothering the fire. Provides some cooling effect. Best for wood, cloth, paper, plastics, coal etc. Fires involving solids. Liquids such as grease, fats, oils, paint, petrol etc (except chip or fat pan fires).
Danger This type of extinguisher does not cool the fire very well and care has to be taken that the fire does not re-ignite. Additionally, although it is safe to use on live electrical equipment, it does not readily penetrate spaces inside the equipment and similar care has to be taken to ensure the fire does not re-ignite
The simplest method of which is usually to isolate the power supply. Smoldering material in deep seated fire such as upholstery or bedding can cause the fire to start up again.

14. CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
Red body with a black coloured identifying band or label
Provided for use where fires could be started by electrical equipment
Extinguishing method:
Smothering
WARNING: Gas from CO2 extinguishers can be harmful if used in confined spaces as it displaces oxygen in the air. Ventilate the area as soon as the fire has been extinguished.

15. HOSEREELS Red body with white labelling
Used on CLASS A fires involving solid materials such as paper, wood, solid plastics
Extinguishing method: COOLING & SMOTHERING
Do NOT use on Oil based fires, electrical fires or fires associated with electrical equipment.

16. FIRE BLANKET Red body case with white labelling- Blanket in side
Used on fires such as
Chip or fat pan fires, persons on fire
Extinguishing method: SMOTHERING
Fire blankets are made of fire resistant materials. They are particularly useful for smothering fat pan fires or for wrapping round a person whose clothing is on fire.

17. FIRE BLANKET How To Use:
Pull out the blanket from its case
Check the fire is smaller than the blanket.
Hold it well up in front of you by the top corners and keep your hands tucked in behind the blanket.
Place it over the fire and smother it.
Turn off power source. i.e. Gas/Electric
Don't take it back off for at least half an hour!
That will let the material cool down.

18. Portable Fire Fighting Equipment
Duration & Range of Discharge
3KG= 6 seconds
6 KG=9 seconds
10KG= 12 seconds
> 10kg= 15 seconds (all timings approx)
Range will vary check with manufactures data to ensure that you will not put the operator in danger by being too close to the seat of the fire

19. Portable Fire Fighting Equipment
Siting
On escape routes
Near to danger points (not too near that if required you would increase the danger to the operator)
Near to room exits (inside or out)
Multi story buildings same location on each floor
If possible in groups to form fire points
Travel no further than 30m to reach an extinguisher
If possible in a wall recess handle about 1m from floor (wall mounted) or on floor stands
Away from excesses of heat & cold

20. Portable Fire Fighting Equipment Maintenance
Monthly Inspection- Located in proper place, if discharged, correct pressure, any obvious damage
Annual Inspection & Maintenance- Thorough inspection, gas cartridges & replacement charges should be carried out by a competent person, may include internal & external inspection
Test by discharge intervals of 5 years (co2 10 years)
British Standards recommendations

21. Portable Fire Fighting Equipment Training Requirements
RRFSO 2005 does not specify training for fire extinguishers it does state “ Suitable & sufficient instruction & training on the appropriate precautions....to be taken by employee”
Further requires training should be carried out periodically.
Any person who may be called on to use a fire extinguisher should be trained in selection & practical use.

22. Passive Fire Fighting Systems
Passive systems are either fully automatic or allow fire fighting to be done remotely
Most are water systems but foam or gas may also be used
Their action is primarily containment and minimising damage caused by fire spread
Extinguishment is secondary

23. System Types Sprinklers
Water based system fully automatic or semi-automatic
Deluge/Drenching
Water or gas based system fully automatic or semi-automatic
Ventilation/Smoke Control

24. Sprinklers Various types Siting and number depends on fire risk
Wet pipe, Dry pipe, Alternate Pre-action.
Siting and number depends on fire risk

25. Typical Components

26. How Sprinklers Work Head fits onto water pipe
Glass vial or bi-metal closure prevent operation
Heat causes breakage/release releasing water under pressure
Deflector plate ensures spread & coverage

27. Drenchers Provides curtain of water to protect against radiant heat
Only vulnerable structures need cover
Fire resistance protects other structures

28. Drench in Action

29. Gaseous Systems Work by displacing air in workroom
Combustion cannot continue
Precautions required to prevent loss of life to occupants

30. INERGEN Storage

31. Ventilation/Smoke Control
Not fire fighting as such
Ventilation cut off to prevent fire spread
Smoke removed to allow evacuation in breathable conditions

32. Effects of Smoke

33. Ventilation

34. Shopping Malls

35. Smoke Control of Common Escape Route in Flats
There should be some means of ventilating common corridors/ lobbies to control smoke and so protect common stairs
This offers individual protection to that provided by the fire doors to the stair
Guidance on the design of smoke control systems using pressure differentials is available in BS EN :2005.

36. B5 Access and Facilities
The building shall be designed and constructed as to provide reasonable facilities to assist fire fighters in the protection of life.
Reasonable provision shall be made within the site of the building to enable fire appliances to gain access to the building.

37. Fire Service Access
Vehicle access for pump appliance within 45m of “all points”to blocks of flats
Or: provide fire mains (not in f/f shaft)
Fire mains
New standard BS 9990
Wet mains required for buildings over 50m
Dry mains
Access for pump within 18m

38. Fire Fighting Shafts/ Fire Mains

39. Private Fire Hydrants

40. Smoke Ventilators

41. Liaison with Fire Authority on Arrival
Liaison established before emergency situation
Procedures implemented & staff trained (ensure enough staff are available to carry out procedures(disabled evacuation etc)
Information pack plans of buildings, info on fire alarm system, water supplies, gas/ electric shut off valve locations, build construction hazards (asbestos)
Contents of building COSHH, acetylene
Out of hours procedures (emergency box location)