Fire

1. Unit: OH&S Dennis Williams 1
FIRE PREVENTION
Fires rarely occur naturally. As a rule, personal carelessness causes
fire. Unfortunately, innocent people suffer injury or death along with
careless individuals. By practicing the fire prevention rules below, you
can help prevent injury to yourself and others.
1. Learn the location of fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
2. Become familiar with the operation of all types of extinguishers
located in the work area or building.
3. Nothing shall be hung on fire extinguishers, and the area
around them must be kept clear so that they may be reached
without delay, if fire breaks out.
4. Rags containing flammable materials are to be placed in a
covered metal container.
5. Kerosene, paints, lacquer, thinner, chemicals, and other
finishing or cleansing materials are to be used in a well-
ventilated area. They should never be used near an open
flame.
There are four classes of fires. The classes and methods of
extinguishing are:
Class A.
Fires involving combustible materials such as wood, paper or
cloth. To extinguish, cool and quench with water, pump-type tanks
or soda and acid extinguishers. CO2 (carbon dioxide) type
extinguishers may be used.

2. Unit: OH&S Dennis Williams 2
FIRE PREVENTION CONTD.
Class B.
Fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, grease thinner
and paint. Foam or co2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers may be used to
smother the burning fuel.
Class C.
Fires involving electrical equipment; use a non-conducting type extinguisher
such as co2 (carbon dioxide) or dry powder to extinguish the flame.
Class D.
Fires involving combustible metals.
• In the event of any fire in the workplace set off an alarm.
• Should a person’s clothing catch fire, smother the flame with a blanket. If
possible lay him/her on the floor and roll him in the blanket. Never use co2 on
a person.
• Fire extinguishers range differ according to
the type being used. The range for a co2
extinguisher is 3-8 feet (1-2 meters).
How to use a co2 fire extinguisher
1. Pull the pin.
Fig. 3.: Shows a fire
extinguisher

3. Unit: OH&S Dennis Williams 3
FIRE PREVENTION CONTD.
2. Direct the hose at the base of the fire.
3. Squeese the lever and smother the flame by sweeping from out to
in.
Maintenance of fire extinguishers
• Fire extinguishers must be inspected at regular intervals and be
maintained if required; so as to make them reliable in the event of
a fire.
• Some fire extinguishers have an annual interval for inspection,
while some like the co2 have a semi-annual interval for inspection.
The method of checking fire extinguishers differs with the type.
Some are weighed, air pressure is checked on the ones that are
provided with a pressure gauge, while some are discharge and
recharged.

4. Unit: OH&S Dennis Williams 4
RESPONSES TO EMERGENCIES SUCH AS:
FIRES, EXPLOSION, TOXIC FUMES, FLOOD &
ELECTROCUTION
Fire/Explosion
1. Call on professional persons for help immediately.
2. Set off an alarm.
3. Alert all persons in the work area of the emergency.
4. Suspend work immediately.
5. Isolate equipment from power source.
Flood
1. Alert all persons in the work area about the flood.
2. Suspend work immediately.
3. Secure documents and other items, if possible.
4. Identify safe location away from flood water.
5. Remain in position until rescued or flood water subsides.
Toxic Fumes Caused By Fire/Explosion
1. Set off alarm system
2. Alert person of the emergency
3. Suspend work immediately
Electrocution
1. Turn off power immediately with designated switch if possible.
2. If it is not possible to turn off the power, use a non-conducting
material to dislodge the person from the current source.
3. Set off alarm system
4. Suspend work immediately.