FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM

Fire Triangle

Elements of Fire

• HeatHeat

• OxygenOxygen

• FuelFuel

Fire Triangle

Three methods for control fire:

Removing heat.

Cutting off the fuel supply.

Cutting off the air supply.

 Class A fires involve solid materials of an organic nature such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and plastics that do not melt.

 Class B fires involves liquids. They include petrol, diesel, thinners, oils, paints, wax, cooking fat and plastics that melt.

  Class C fires involve electricity.

 Class D fires involve flammable metals such as magnesium, aluminium, titanium, sodium and potassium.

Types of Fire:

Causes of fireThe following are the chief causes of fire in a building: Smoking Electrical Wiring Heating and Cooking Equipment Children Playing with Matches Open Flames and Sparks Flammable Liquids Chimneys Lighting

An ignition source can be:

§A Spark

§Static electricity §Arcs from electrical equipment, faulty or otherwise

§A lit cigarette

§A hot light bulb

HOW TO CONTROL FIRE

Fire Extinguishers

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Four main types: Water-type

Foam

Carbon dioxide

BCF and BTM

1. Water-type The spray of water cools

the fire.

For fires caused by solid combustibles (e.g. wood, paper)

Disadvantage: Not suitable for fires involving

flammable liquid or electricity.

Water can conduct electricity and may cause electrical shocks.

The flammable liquid may float on water and spread the fire further.

2. Foam The foam cuts off the air

supply and provides some cooling.

For fires caused by liquid combustibles.

Not suitable for fires involving electricity.

Disadvantage:

Not suitable for fires involving electricity.

Foam can conduct electricity and may cause electrical shock.

3. Carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide cuts off

the air supply of the fire.

For most types of fires.

Suitable for fires caused by electricity and liquid combustibles.

Advantage:

Suitable for fires caused by electricity and liquid combustibles.

Carbon dioxide has a higher density. It surrounds the fire and cut off the air supply.

Carbon dioxide does not conduct electricity. It covers the flammable liquid and cut off the air supply.

4. BTM and BCF BTM = Bromotrifluromethane

BCF = Bromochlorodifluromethane

Caution!!! BTM and BCF are TOXIC!!!

4. BTM and BCF The fire extinguisher contains

a liquid which is pressurized with carbon dioxide.

For most types of fires.

Suitable for fires caused by electricity and liquid combustibles.

Improper Storage in front of Electrical Panel

Improper Mechanical Room Storage

Maintain at least a 3ft clearance from heating surfaces, air ducts, heaters, and lighting fixtures. Storage of combustible materials in mechanical rooms is prohibited.

All storage must be at least 3 ft from electrical panels. In some emergency situations it will be necessary to access these panels quickly.

What’s A Fire Door?

Fire doors are designed to withstand fire, heat and smoke for a period of 20-minutes to 3 hours.Corridor laboratory doors should have a 60 minute rating.Fire Doors are required to:

Be Self Closing: fire doors should have a door closure that pulls doors completely shut after the door has been openedHave Positive latching: a positive latch locks a door in place so can open swing open freely.

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Water -- Sprays a mist when activated by the heat of a fire

Halon -- Sprays a halogenated chemical onto the fire. Halons decompose to toxic gases when heated. Use must be carefully planned.