A REPORT ON

FIRE DRILL

AT PADANG BESAR FIRE FIGHTER DIVISION PERLIS

ON 10 MARCH 2010

Prepared by

R B KENNEDY ENIS

BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN MARINE TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA PERLIS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NO TITLE PAGE

Table of Contents i

List of Figures ii

1 Introduction 1

2 Findings 2

3 Recommendations 7

4 Conclusion 7

5 References 7

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LIST OF FIGURES

NO TITLE PAGE

1 Steps To Use Fire Extinguisher 3

2 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) 4

3 Mask 5

4 Fire-fighting Training 6

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

On 10 March 2010, my friend and I had the opportunity to undergone a fire

drill training that conducted by Padang Besar Firefighter Division. The

training was held at Padang Besar firefighter station which was about 30

kilometers from UiTM Perlis campus. This training was compulsory to every

students of programs Bachelor in Marine Technology to fulfill the academic

requirements under a navigation safety (MAR 580) subjects that taught by

Tuan Haji Idrus bin Shaari. The training methodology was used both theory

and practical.

1.2 Objectives

The objectives of this study were:

a. to experience the actual situations of fire, and

b. to view, learn and understand the techniques of fire drill.

c. how to use the fire-fighting equipments

d. how and where to evacuate

1.3 Problem Statements

The following were several problems faced during the training process:

a. crowding,

b. the equipments is not up-to-date, and

c. the program is not well organized.

1.4 Scope of Study

This study only covers as following:

a. using of common fire extinguisher,

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b. “smoke house” training, and

c. basic fire-fighting techniques.

1.5 Significant of Study

As a student, this kind of activity is able to further increase the knowledge of

fire emergencies where the students feel the experience with their own. As a

consequent, the students can be adapting the fire drill into others situations and

environments.

2.0 Findings

2.1 Basic Fire-fighting Equipments

2.1.1 Fire Extinguisher

In general, there are five types of fire extinguisher. Fire extinguisher is

labeled based on "Symbol" or "Letters of the Alphabet".

Fire

ClassesExplanation

A Extinguished fire from solid material like wood, paper,

cloth and other flammable object.

B Extinguished fire from liquid like oil, paint, varnish,

plastic and others.

C Extinguished fire from gasses like butane, acetylene,

electrical wiring, fuse box, electrical device and others.

D Extinguished fire from metal like potassium, sodium,

calcium and magnesium.

E Extinguished fire from cooking oil that is used

commercially.

Following are easy steps to use a fire extinguisher:

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Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher

Aim at the base of the fire

Squeeze the lever slowly

Sweep from side to side

Figure 1: Steps to use fire extinguisher

2.1.2 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

A self contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, sometimes referred to

as a Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA), air pack, or simply

Breathing Apparatus (BA) is a device worn by rescue workers,

firefighters, and others to provide breathable air in an IDLH

(Immediate Danger to Life and Health) Atmosphere. When not used

underwater, they are sometimes called industrial breathing sets. The

term "self-contained" means that the breathing set is not dependent on

a remote supply (e.g., through a long hose). If designed for use under

water, it is called SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing

apparatus).

An SCBA typically has three main components: a high-pressure tank, a

pressure regulator, and an inhalation connection (mouthpiece, mouth

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mask or face mask), connected together and mounted to a carrying

frame.

Figure 2: Self contained breathing apparatus

2.2 “Smoke House” Evacuation Training

In this training, the students has been gave a modified mask and the purposed

of the mask was to prevent a visions of the users. After that, the students have

to enter into the “smoke house”, where the “smoke house” is designed for

navigating an array of rooms, tunnels, shafts and other obstacles in darkness.

Following were the techniques of escaping the “smoke house”:

a. Walk in a row while sticking to each other.

b. The most in-front person will be automatically become a leader.

c. The leader must use his left hand and left knees as a sensor to navigate

a route in-side the “smoke house” while the other members follow

from behind in a line.

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d. Make sure all members is not separate by yelling a continuous

numbers, number 1 for the leader, number 2 for second persons who’s

behind the leader and so on.

Figure 3: Mask

2.3 Fire-fighting Training

In this training, the students has been experienced a job as a firefighter and

learned a fire-fighting techniques where the students have to wearied a fire

protections suit and acted as a firefighter to operated a fire emergency

operations that conducted by the trainers. By riding a firefighter truck, the

students have to controlled and fighting a fire at a designed location.

Following were the steps of using fire-fighter nozzle:

a. Attach the nozzle to the end of the fire hose. The hose has to be

specific to firefighting so it won't rupture under extreme water

pressure. The nozzle should screw onto the end of the hose attachment.

b. Aim the nozzle at the source of the fire once the hose is attached to the

nozzle and the other end is attached to a water source (normally a

hydrant or a pressure system from a fire truck).

c. Brace your back leg and stand with your feet about shoulder-width

apart to maintain your balance.

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d. Pull back on the lever located at the top of the nozzle to open the valve

and send water out of the nozzle towards the fire.

e. Grip the nozzle firmly and keep the hose under your back arm to brace

it as water comes through it.

f. Push the lever forward again once the fire is out to close the valve.

Figure 4: Fire-fighting training

3.0 Recommendations

Following are several recommendations for improvement:

3.1 Certificate of attendance

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As a recommendation, the students should be awards with a certificate of

attendance where it is as a proof that the students has been attended the course.

This certificate is important in applications of jobs as an additional value to

the student’s resume after their graduate. In principle, this course has giving a

benefit to the students but without a certificate, this course will be futile.

3.2 Improve and organize the course’s program

It is recommended that the course’s program should be improve and well

organize by the university and trainers.

4.0 Conclusion

On the whole, the objectives of this training have been achieved by students. The

students had a taste of their own experiences, as well as, this experience and learning

will be the starting point for students to venture into the world of safety.

5.0 References

Edwards J. D., 2007. High-rise Fire Fighting: An Analysis of Procedures for

Operational Effectiveness. Oakland Fire Department. USA.

Source from internet:

Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department; http://www.bomba.gov.my

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