BASIC FIRE SAFETY M. SRINIVASA RAO - Manager – EHS Aptuit Laurus Pvt. Limited, J. N. Pharma City, Visakhapatnam – 531021 Andhra Pradesh Mobile: +919652989892

-Fire is a chemical reaction of 3 elements. What is FIRE? -Fire is a chemical reaction of 3 elements. Need all three components to start a fire. Fire extinguishers remove one or more of the components.

What is FIRE? (Contd….) The “Fire Triangle” identifies the three components of any Fire: Fuel paper, wood, flammable gas, energized electrical equipment, etc... Energy (heat), sufficient to support combustion. Often referred to as the ignition source. Oxidizer (air) IF ANY ONE OF THESE IS MISSING, A FIRE CANNOT CONTINUE.

The Combustion Process THE FIRE TETRAHEDRON (NEW CONCEPT) CHAIN REACTION OXYGEN FUEL TEMPERATURE

Types of D Fire Class Fire Type Materials involved A B C D General Wood, paper, cloth, trash etc… B Flammable Liquids Flammable solvents, liquids, Oils, Greases, Paints etc… C Electrical Flammable Gases Energized electrical equipment and All flammable gases D Metals Water reactive Chemicals, Combustible metals etc… D

Fire Extinguisher Anatomy PRESSURE GAUGE (not found on CO2 extinguishers) DISCHARGE LEVER DISCHARGE LOCKING PIN AND SEAL CARRYING HANDLE DISCHARGE HOSE DATA PLATE DISCHARGE NOZZLE BODY DISCHARGE ORIFICE

Different Kinds of Fire Extinguishers The 4 most common fire extinguishers: Water Type Mechanical Foam Dry Chemical Powder Carbon Dioxide Each kind of extinguisher has a specific use

Applications of Fire Extinguishers Fire Class Suitability of Extinguishers Water M/F ABC DCP CO2 Sand Class A   - Class B  - Class C Class D (Spl. Grade) -  Note: X- means can be used on Small surface fires.

Sweep side to side at the base of the fire. How to use a Fire Extinguisher Remember this easy acronym when using an extinguisher - P.A.S.S. Pull the pin. Aim the nozzle. Squeeze the handle. Sweep side to side at the base of the fire.

Fire Extinguisher Summary WORKS AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST PRESSURIZED WATER COOLING MECHANICAL FOAM BLANKETING DRY CHEMICAL POWDER SMOTHERING CARBON DIOXIDE DRY SAND D

Major Fires Fire Hydrant System - Pressure in the System: 7.0 Kg/Cm2 - Water Reservoir Capacity: 2 times than pump capacity - Main Pump: 273 m3/Hr - Diesel Engine Pump (Stand by): 273 m3/Hr - Jokey Pump: 10 m3/Hr # Single Hydrants, # Water monitors, # Water Sprinklers, # Mobile Foam Monitors # Different nozzles

Major Fires (Contd.) Fire Suppression System - FM 200 (or) Carbon dioxide - DCP flooding system - Water Sprinklers - Foam spray system etc...

Major Fires (Contd.) Mutual aid/ External Help - Fire Tenders - External Agencies - External Experts - Regulatory Authorities etc...

R A C E Fire Emergency Response Remember to RACE during a fire Rescue – rescue clients in immediate danger. Alert – Shout Fire! Fire! (or) Pull fire alarm (or) Dial emergency phone number. Contain – Close all doors and windows. Extinguish/ Evacuate – Extinguish small fires, evacuate clients, if appropriate. A C E

X X X X Outdoor Fire Indoor Fire Response at Fire situation AIR AIR FUEL FUEL IGNITION IGNITION

Firefighting Decision Criteria Know department emergency procedures and evacuation routes. Know locations of extinguishers in your area and how to use them. Always sound the alarm regardless of fire size. Avoid smoky conditions. Ensure area is evacuated. Don’t attempt to fight unless: Alarm is sounded. Fire is small and contained. You have safe egress route (can be reached without exposure to fire). Available extinguishers are rated for size and type of fire. Evacuate! If in doubt.

Most Fire Deaths are NOT BurnVictims! Causes of Death in Fires - SMOKE Hydrogen cyanide Hydro cyanic acid Carbon monoxide Other toxic vapors Trauma (non-burn)

Most Important Only fight a fire in the incipient stage NEVER fight a fire if any of the following apply: - Don’t have the proper extinguisher or equipment. - Fire has spread beyond its point of origin. - Your instincts tell you GET OUT When NOT to Fight FIRE? - Remember to keep an exit to your back.

You should stop drop and roll, only when your clothes are on fire. If your clothes catch fire, it's normal to be a bit scared, but try not to panic.   By learning how to Stop, Drop, and Roll, you will have a better chance of being okay. 1. STOP! Do not run! (Running only makes the fire bigger)  2. DROP! (Drop to the ground or floor)  3. ROLL! (Roll over and over until the flames are smothered. Cover face with hands) You should stop drop and roll,  only when your clothes are on fire. 

FIRE PREVENTION Prevention is always better than Control. To pre prevent the Fire accidents we have to eliminate the common Fire Hazards of the work are Heat generating appliances. Static Electricity and Short circuits. Non-Flame proof equipments. Storage and handling of flammables/combustibles. Open flames and Hot surfaces. Exothermic reactions leads to explosions. Vehicles and equipment and other unsafe acts & conditions.

FIRE PREVENTION (contd…) Fire can be prevented by considering the following issues Flame proof equipment Good housekeeping Proper Ventilation Anti Static measures Personnel awareness Work procedures Safe work practices Right tools

Remember the Following Portable fire extinguishers are suitable for small fires. i.e. The fires are in the incipient stage. Portable fire extinguishers can be handled by any work place personnel, who had aware in its handling. If the Fire is large leave it to ERT members (Firefighting), they can control the fire by using Fire hydrant / Other appropriate measures. All new entrants should be instructed in Fire safety awareness and emergency evacuation plans.

THANK YOU....