Basic fire warden

The objective is that at the end of the Fire Warden / Marshal course you will:

• Have a greater understanding of the fire precautions that are built into your workplace

• Recognise the hazards and the threat posed by fire to people, property and jobs

• Be equipped to carry out your fire safety management responsibilities effectively

• Understand why it is essential that fire emergency procedures are implemented and monitored on a daily basis

• Distinguish between the different types of extinguishers and their limitations and the fires for which they are suited.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and behaviour of fire • Be aware of the measures that can be taken to minimise the

chances and effect of an arson attack

BASIC FIRE WARDEN COURSE


Quite simply because fire COSTS!Workplace fires are estimated to cost industry over 1 billion each year and in extreme cases, some companies are unable to resume business because the fire damage is so extensive.

According to the Home Office, UK fire brigades attended over 36,000 workplace fires in 1997. These resulted in the deaths of 30 people, while over 2,600 employees were injured after they suffered burns or the effects of smoke inhalation.

Why must we train Fire Wardens?

This course is designed to train staff in their duties to act as Fire Wardens within the workplace in accordance

with theRegulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 (RRFSO).

What is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?

The government is bringing about better regulationS, by regulating only where necessary and in a manner that is more suited to the needs of modern business and commerce.

The Order, made under the Regulatory Reform Act 2001 replaces many of the references to fire safety in other legislation such as the Fire Precautions Act, Licensing Act and Housing Acts with a simple, single Order. It requires any person who exercises some level of control in premises to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and ensure occupants can safely escape if a fire does occur.

In such premises achieving fire safety is often a matter of common sense but you will have to ensure that sufficient time is put aside to work through the necessary steps. In more complicated premises or those with a high life risk more expert help may be required.


http://www.fire.gov.uk/


Fire is the oxidation of a combustible material releasing heat, light, and various reaction products such as carbon dioxide and water. If hot enough, the gases may become ionized to produce plasma. Depending on the substances alight, and any impurities outside, the color of the flame and the fire's intensity might vary.

Fire in its most common form can result in conflagration, which has the potential to cause physical damage through burning.

PRINCIPLE OF COMBUSTIONFIRE is a hazard that endangers life and property. There are many causes of

fire in the workplace, however, the main cause includes:

• Malicious ignition• Electrical faults• Misuse of electrical equipment• Smokers’ materials• Oil/ gas heating equipments and portable heaters• Unsafe storage of materials• Use of flammable liquids or gases in unsuitable areas• Welding / hot work• Mechanical heating


THE FIRE TRIANGLEThese three components are commonly referred to as the fire triangle:• Oxygen• Fuel• Heat or Ignition Source


OXYGEN

OXYGEN SOURCES includes:

• Atmosphere

• Oxygen / Air Cylinders

• Compressors & Piped Systems

• Ventilation Systems

• Oxidizing Chemicals

• Nitric Acid

• Combustible substances containing oxygen


FUEL

FUELS are either:

• Combustible Solids• Flammable Liquids• Most Organic Elements such as:

– Flammable dusts– Flammable gases– Flammable Liquids– Flammable Chemicals– Electrical Equipments– Paper, Card, Wood, Plastic, Rubber, Foam– Furniture, Textile, Fixtures, Fittings and Waste Materials


SOURCE OF IGNITION / HEAT

IGNITION SOURCE includes the following:

• Naked Flames• Hot Surface, Heaters, Smokers Materials• Hot Works• Mechanical and Electrical• Igniting • Chemical


FIRE TERMINOLOGYFLASH POINT

The flash point of a substance or preparation is an indication of its flammability. Capable of being ignited by an outside source of heat. The lower the flash point, the greater the hazard.

FIRE POINT The fire point of a fuel is the temperature at which it will continue to burn after ignition. Sufficient gases / vapours is being given off to sustain a flame when ignited by an outside source of heat.

AUTO-IGNITION TEMPERATUREThe auto-ignition temperature or kindling point of a substance is the lowest

temperature at which it will spontaneously ignite in a normal atmosphere without an external source of ignition, such as a flame or spark.


CLASSIFICATION OF FIRESThere is NO international standard for fire classification, and classification varies from country to country.


CLASS TYPE OF FUEL EXAMPLE FUELS

A Combustible solids Coal, cardboard, cloth, paper, wood

B Flammable liquids or liquefied solids

Alcohol, acetone, petrol, waxes

C Flammable gasesButane, hydrogen, natural gas,

propane

D Flammable metals Aluminium, magnesium, titanium

F Combustible cooking media

Vegetable or animal oil and fats

FIRES INVOLVING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTS

ElectricalClassified according to the source of ignition rather than fuel source

HEAT TRANSMISSION & THE SPREAD OF FIRE

HEAT is transmitted and fire spreads by:

• Direct contact

• Conduction

• Radiation

• Convection


FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

It is important to identify hazards and assess risks in order to determine the adequacy of precautions to prevent fires as well as minimise consequences in the event of a fire.

The information required will include:

• Description of the area and activities

• Map to show fire hazards and precautions


FIRE RISK ASSESMENT (cont…)

RISK ASSESMENT involves 5 steps:

1. Look for the hazards

2. Decide who might be harmed and how?

3. Evaluate the risk and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or more should be done.

4. Record the findings and prepare an emergency plan

5. Review the assessment and revise it if necessary


1. LOOK FOR HAZARDS• Oxygen sources• Fuel sources• Ignition sources

2. DECIDE WHO MIGHT BE HARMED AND HOW • Identify the people affected, especially vulnerable persons.

3. EVALUATE THE RISK AND DECIDE • Fire prevention• Fire protection• Fire precautions


4. RECORD THE FINDINGS AND PREPARE AN EMERGENCY PLAN

• Includes a prioritised, allocated, and dated action plan

5. REVIEW THE ASSESMENT AND REVISE IT IF NECESSARY• If no longer valid, after significant change, or an elapse of

time


PREVENTION, PROTECTION AND PRECAUTIONS

FIRE PREVENTION• Is a control measure to reduce the risk of a fire from

occurring.• The aim of fire prevention is to keep the three sides of the

fire triangle apart i.e. oxygen, fuel and ignition sources or heat.

– This involves the following:• Elimination or reduction in the use and storage of flammable

and combustible materials.• Control of ignition sources• Keeping materials well clear of sources of ignition• Safe system of work involving ignition sources• Good housekeeping• Storage of small quantities of highly flammable liquids• Segregation of highly flammable materials• Electrical safety



FIRE PROTECTION• Deals with the structural measures, which is aim to prevent

the spread of fire and smoke which may include fire resistant materials.


YOUR ZX2e

• The ZX2e intelligent fire alarm control panel has been designed to help with the normal operation of a fire detection system.



FIRE PRECAUTIONS• Are measures taken to minimize the risk to people in the vent of a fire

occurring. These includes fire/smoke detection, fire alarms, means of escape means of fighting the fire, emergency evacuating procedures and limiting the numbers of persons in the premises.


FIRE EXTINGUISHERFIRE EXTINGUISHER

FUEL CLASSIFICATION

• Fires are classified according to the type of fuel that is burning.

• If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on the wrong class of fire, you might make matters worse.

• Its very important to understand the four different fire (fuel) classifications…

FIRE CLASSIFICATION

Most fire extinguishers will have a pictograph label telling you which types of fire the extinguisher is designed to fight.

For example, a simple water extinguisher might have a label like this…

…which means it should only be used on Class A fires.


TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different classes of fire.

The 3 most common types of fire extinguishers are:1. Water (APW)

2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

3. Dry Chemical (ABC, BC, DC)

4. Foam


TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERTYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

1.1. Water (APW) Fire ExtinguishersLarge silver fire extinguishers that stand about 2 feet tall and weigh about 25 pounds when full.

APW stands for “Air-Pressurized Water.”

Filled with ordinary tap water and pressurized air, they are essentially large squirt guns.


Water (APW) Fire Extinguishers

APW’s extinguish fire by taking away the “heat” element of the Fire Triangle.



APW’s are designed for Class A fires only:Wood, paper, cloth.

Using water on a flammable liquid fire could cause the fire to spread.

Using water on an electrical fire increases the risk of electrocution. If you have no choice but to use an APW on an electrical fire, make sure the electrical equipment is un-plugged or de-energized.



APWs will be found in older buildings, particularly in public hallways, as well as in Residence Halls.

They will also be found in computer laboratories. It is important to remember, however, that computer equipment must be disconnected from its electrical source before using a water extinguisher on it.


2. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers

CO2 cylinders most commonly are colored black. They range in size from 5 lbs to 100 lbs or larger. On larger sizes, the horn will be at the end of a long, flexible hose.

The pressure in a CO2

extinguisher is so great, bits of dry ice may shoot out of the horn!


Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers

CO2s will frequently be found in laboratories, mechanical rooms, kitchens, and flammable liquid storage areas.

CO2’s are designed for Class B and C(Flammable Liquids and Electrical Sources)fires only!

In accordance with NFPA regulations (and manufacturers’ recommendations), all CO2 extinguishers must undergo hydrostatic testing and recharge every 5 years.



CO2 is very cold as it comes out of the extinguisher, so it cools the fuel as well.

Carbon dioxide is a non-flammable gas that takes away the oxygen element of the fire triangle. Without oxygen, there is no fire.



Class A materials may also smolder and re-ignite.

A CO2 may be ineffective in extinguishing a Class A fire because it may not be able to displace enough oxygen to successfully put the fire out.


Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers

“ABC” fire extinguishers are filled with a fine yellow powder. The greatest portion of this powder is composed of monoammonium phosphate. The extinguishers are pressurized with nitrogen.

ABC extinguishers are red. On campus, they range in size from 5 to 20 lbs.



You may see them labeled:

• DC (for “Dry Chemical”)• ABC (can be used on Class A, B, or C fires)• BC (designed for use on Class B and C fires)

Dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types…


3.3. Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers

The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire. These extinguishers are very effective at putting out fire.

Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust. This separates the fuel from the oxygen in the air.



An “ABC” extinguisher will have a label like this, indicating it may be used on Class A, B and C fires.

It is extremely important to identify which types of dry chemical extinguishers are located in your area!

You don’t want to mistakenly use a “BC” extinguisher on a Class A fire thinking that it was an “ABC” extinguisher.


Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers1

Dry chemical extinguishers with powder designed for Class B and C fires (“BC” extinguishers) may be located in places such as commercial kitchens and areas with flammable liquids.

On campus, you will find ABC’s in public hallways of new buildings, in laboratories, break rooms, offices, chemical storage areas, mechanical rooms, University vehicles, etc.


4. Foam Extinguisher. (AFFF)

Fires involving solids. Liquids such as grease, fats, oil, paint, petrol,etc but not on domestic chip or fat pan fires. Can be used on class A fires but not recommended.

Danger

Do not use on domestic chip or fat pan fires.


Foam Extinguisher. (AFFF)

How to Use

For fires involving solids, point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.

For fire involving liquids, do not aim the jet straight into the liquid. Where the liquid on fire is in a container, point the jet at the inside edge of the container or on a nearby surface above the burning liquid. Allow the foam to build up and flow across the liquid.


Foam Extinguisher. (AFFF)

How it Works

They are mainly water based, with a foaming agent so that the foam can float on top of the burning liquid and break the interaction between the flames and the fuel surface.


How to Use a Fire ExtinguisherHow to Use a Fire ExtinguisherIt’s easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you remember the acronym PASS:

PPull

AAim

SSqueeze

SSweep


How to Use a Fire ExtinguisherHow to Use a Fire ExtinguisherPPull the pin…

This will allow This will allow you to you to discharge the discharge the extinguisherextinguisher


How to Use a Fire ExtinguisherHow to Use a Fire ExtinguisherAAim at the base of the fire…

Hit the fuel.Hit the fuel.

If you aim at If you aim at the flames...the flames... … the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do no good.


How to Use a Fire ExtinguisherHow to Use a Fire Extinguisher


SSqueeze the top handle…

This depresses a This depresses a button that button that releases the releases the pressurized pressurized extinguishing extinguishing agent. agent.

How to Use a Fire ExtinguisherHow to Use a Fire Extinguisher


SSweep from side to side…

.. until the fire is .. until the fire is completely out. completely out.

Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away, then slowly move forward.

Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites.

Rules for Fighting FiresRules for Fighting FiresFires can be very dangerous and you should always be certain that you will not endanger yourself or others when attempting to put out a fire.

For this reason, when a fire is discovered…

1. Assist any person in immediate danger to safety, if it can be accomplished without risk to yourself.

2. Call 997 or activate the building fire alarm. The fire alarm will notify the fire department and other building occupants and shut off the air handling system to prevent the spread of smoke.

If the fire is small (and Only after having done these 2 things), you may attempt to use an extinguisher to put it out. However . . . .However . . . .


Rules for Fighting FiresRules for Fighting Fires

. . . before deciding to fight the fire, keep these things in mind:

1. Know what is burning. If you don’t know what’s burning, you won’t know what kind of extinguisher to use.

2. Even if you have an ABC fire extinguisher, there may be something in the fire that is going to explode or produce toxic fumes.

Chances are you will know what’s burning, or at least have a pretty good idea, but if you don’t, let the fire department handle it.


Rules for Fighting FiresRules for Fighting Fires. . . before deciding to fight the fire, keep these things in mind:

3. Is the fire spreading rapidly beyond the point where it started? The time to use an extinguisher is at the beginning stages of the fire.

4. If the fire is already spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the building.

As you evacuate a building, close doors and windows behind you as you leave. This will help to slow the spread of smoke and fire.




Do not fight the fire if:

You don’t have adequate or appropriate equipment. If you don’t have the correct type or large enough extinguisher, it is best not to try fighting the fire.

You might inhale toxic smoke. When synthetic materials such as the nylon in carpeting or foam padding in a sofa burn, they can produce hydrogen cyanide, acrolein, and ammonia in addition to carbon monoxide. These gases can be fatal in very small amounts.

Your instincts tell you not to. If you are uncomfortable with the situation for any reason, just let the fire department do their job.



The final rule is to always position yourself with an exit or means of escape at your back before you attempt to use an extinguisher to put out a fire.

In case the extinguisher malfunctions, or something unexpected happens, you need to be able to get out quickly. You don’t want to become trapped.

Basic fire warden

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