FIRE SAFETY ORIENTATION

FIRE pREVENTION
AND CONTROL

Department of Labor and Employment

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH CENTER
 FIRE SAFETY ORIENTATION

Objectives:
• To learn fire prevention strategies
• To know the different devices for early detection of fire
• To determine the different methods of fire
extinguishment

Department of Labor and Employment

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 Fire Hazard

Any condition or act which increases or may cause

an increase in the probability of the occurrence of
fire, or which may obstruct, delay, hinder or
interfere with fire fighting operations and the
safeguarding of life and property.

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 Common Fire Hazards in the Workplace

Every year, a number of fires break out in workplaces resulting in serious

damage to property and even injury and death.
These could be prevented with more care and attention. One of the best
ways to protect workplaces against fire is to educate staff on the causes of
fire and encourage them to be vigilant and report any potential fire hazards,
so that they can be dealt with swiftly.
Although each working environment is different, the following are some
common workplace fire hazards to look out for and how to reduce the risk of
them causing a fire.

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Waste and combustible material being stored on site

Build-up of waste such as paper, cardboard and other combustible materials

are common to workplaces. If this is not disposed of regularly, it provides
plenty of fuel for any potential fires should they break out. All it takes is a
source of ignition and it could result in a fire that burns rapidly.

For this reason every workplace should avoid storing rubbish on site, or if the
workplace must store – make sure it is in a designated area, away from main
buildings and any potential sources of ignition.

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 ?

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 Flammable liquids and vapours

Industrial warehouses and factories may store large amounts of flammable

liquids and vapours stored. These hazards are also present in such
locations as garages, hotels and kitchens. Flammable liquids can ignite
instantly when they come into contact with a spark or naked flame. Vapours
are also particularly dangerous as they spread out, carrying the risk of an
explosion with devastating consequences.

To reduce the risk of a fire, always ensure that flammable liquid and solvent
containers are sealed properly and if any spills do happen, they are cleaned
up immediately.

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 • Procedures to control accumulations of flammable
and combustible waste materials

Cans of paint left open,

not stored or disposed
of upon completion of
work

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 Dust build-up

Dust and powder from wood, plastic and metal operations can cause
explosions in enclosed spaces if there is no proper ventilation. Exhaust
hoods and fans should be installed in places where there is a risk of dust in
the air.
Equipment and machinery that heats up when used should also be kept
clean and free of grease and dust so that this does not burn, starting a fire.

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 Processes/Objects that generate heat

As one of the three elements required to start a fire, heat generated from
electrical equipment and machinery can pose a real threat. Ensure
combustible materials such as paper are kept away from such heat sources
and unplug any equipment that is not being used if possible. Electrical
equipment or machinery should never be left on overnight unless absolutely
necessary.

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 Faulty electrical equipment

The leading cause of fires is still electrical in nature. Fires caused by

electrical equipment are one of the most common types of fire in the
workplace as well.
Keep an eye out for any signs of loose cabling or damaged plugs and
replace any faulty equipment. All electrical equipment should be regularly
checked and tested by qualified personnel.

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 Overloading Power Sockets

While this is a common cause of electrical fires, it is one that can easily be
avoided too. Too many appliances plugged into the same socket or using
faulty extension leads can result in overheating and potentially a fire. Using
one plug in each socket and not using appliances that total more than the
capacity of the electrical circuit across the whole socket can lessen the fire
risk from power sockets.

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 Smoking

If not put out and disposed of properly, discarded cigarettes can

very easily cause fires.

If smoking is allowed to take place near areas where flammable

materials are present, it is particularly hazardous.

Designated smoking areas should be allocated away from main

buildings and flammables. Encouraging staff to make sure their
cigarettes are properly put out and using specially provided bins
helps to minimize risk.

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 Human error and negligence

One of the most common causes of fires in the workplace is simply human
error. Negligence through such things as improper use of equipment,
accidents, spilling drinks over electrical equipment and leaving cooking
unattended are just some of the simple ways fires can start.

Proper and effective training coupled with constructive advices to staffs

can help reduce mistakes and negligence.

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 SECTION 10.2.4.2 FIRE CODE
CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARD OF CONTENTS

The hazard of contents of any building or structure shall

be classified as follows:

Low Hazard
Those of such low combustibility that no self-propagating fire therein
can occur and that consequently, the only probable danger requiring the
use of emergency exits will be from panic, fumes or smoke or fire from
some external source.

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 SECTION 10.2.4.2 FIRE CODE
CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARD OF CONTENTS

Moderate Hazard
Those which are liable to burn with moderate rapidity or to give off a
considerable volume of smoke but from which neither poisonous fumes
nor explosions are to be expected in the event of fire.

High Hazard
Those which are liable to burn with extreme rapidity or from which
poisonous gases or explosions are to be expected in the event of
fire.

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 Fire Code Fire Safety Measures General Requirements

Every building or structure shall be designed, constructed, equipped,

maintained and operated to avoid danger to the lives and ensure safety of its
occupants from fire, smoke, vapor and fumes, during the period of escape
from the building or structure.

All occupants or lessees of buildings, structures or facilities shall organize

themselves and develop and implement fire safety programs to include among
others, fire prevention in the premises, notification of the BFP on the existence
of a fire, evacuation of persons and initial fire fighting. The building owner shall
take the initiative of formulating the fire safety program for his building and of
organizing the occupants to implement the programs.

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Principles of Fire Prevention and Control

 Prevent the Outbreak of Fire

 Provide for Early Detection
 Prevent the Spread of Fire - Prompt
Extinguishment

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 Take any one of these
factors away, and the fire
cannot occur.

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 … can be achieved by controlling:

a. the source of heat;

b. the source of fuel; and,

c. the circumstances by which the two are

brought together.

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 Prevention of Class “A” Fires
 Maintain a high standard of housekeeping.
 Keep combustibles, such as paper products, linens, and
clothing, away from heat producing devices.
 Keep storage and working areas free of trash.
 Place oily rags in metal covered containers.
 Limit sources of possible ignition.
 Provision of adequate ventilation in storage areas.

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GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Good housekeeping means there is a clean and orderly place
for everything.

• Good Housekeeping is important in order:

– To reduce amounts of flammable and combustible materials.
– To reduce ignition hazards.
– To ensure safe emergency evacuation of occupants.
– To allow for quick emergency response.

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 Important Notes:

• No storage of materials in corridors and stairways. A

cluttered hallway could slow down emergency evacuation.

• Storage must not exceed a plane of 18 inches below

sprinkler heads or smoke detectors. Storage that breaks
this plane may prevent sprinkler heads from fully covering
room during a fire.

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 Prevention of Class “B” Fires
 Properly store flammable liquids.
 Always keep stoves that use LPG’s in good condition
 Store gas cylinders securely. Cap cylinders when they are
not in use.
 Practice safe storage of chemicals
 No Smoking Policy must be strictly implemented in high risk
area.

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Storing Flammable and Combustible Liquids
• Flammable liquids must be stored away from ignition sources
in cool, well ventilated areas away from incompatible
materials
• Limit the amount of flammable and combustible liquids to the
minimum amount necessary.
• Room storage limits of flammable and combustible materials
depend on various factors such as sprinklers, and storage
cabinets.

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 Safety Cans

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 Prevention of Class “C” Fires
 Installation of required electrical components
 Inspect wiring and insulation frequently.
 Ensure motors are kept clean and lubricated.
 Be cognizant of unusual odors.
 Ensure outlets and connections are not overloaded.
 Never misuse fuses, look for correct rating.
 Keep motors free of dust and excess grease.
 Ensure machinery is properly maintained.

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 Prevention of Class “D” Fires
 Employees who work with combustible metals should receive training on the
associated hazards
 Work with combustible metals should always be performed inside a certified
chemical fume hood
 Control of metal dust and turnings.
 Avoid moisture in storage of combustible metals that may release oxygen which
can fuel the fire.
Note:
 Metal fires can burn up to 5000 degrees. D
 Metals can be extremely difficult to extinguish.
 Never use wet sand or water to extinguish fires.
As a general rule, the best course of action is to allow the fire to burn itself
out if the fire can be safely isolated.

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 HOT WORKS
Definitions:
Hot Work is any work using open flames or sources
of heat that could ignite materials in the work area.

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Examples of hot work are:
 welding
 torching
 brazing
 propane soldering
 oxyacetylene cutting
 grinding ferrous metals

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 HOT WORK PERMITS
A hot work permit is a permit in order to perform work that involves a source of
ignition when flammable materials are in the vicinity or that can be considered a
fire hazard.

A hot work permit aims to maintain safety and control over potentially
hazardous hot work operations. The hot work permit system reinforces to
workers the safety requirements of their work situation.

Procedures:
Before beginning hot work, contact the Fire Marshal or Safety
Officer to have a Hot Work Permit issued.

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 HOT-WORK PERMITS
Permits are issued for the specific job being done, and for a specific
time period.

The Fire Marshal or Safety Officer has the responsibility to verify that all
necessary precautions have been taken at the worksite.

Anything that can burn must be removed from the immediate work
area.

Should other precautions fail, trained personnel will be needed with fire
fighting equipment to extinguish any fires which start. Personnel and
equipment must be readily available before the permit is issued.

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Provide for Early Detection …

Fire Detection and Alarm System

A complete protective signaling and control system
including fire detection, alarm and communication.

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 OSHS Rule 1948: Alarm Systems
1948.01: Sounding Devices:
(1) All buildings having two or more stories in height shall be equipped with
fire alarm system and signals of distinctive quality and pitch clearly
audible to all persons inside the building.
(2) Hand-operated sending stations of fire alarm boxes shall be provided
on every floor and located that the travel to reach a station is not more
than thirty (30) meters for industrial and commercial establishments
with moderate or low hazard occupancy.
(3) Fire-alarm stations shall be conspicuous, readily accessible, and in the
natural path of escape from fire.
(4) Hand operated sending stations of fire alarm boxes shall be provided
on every floor and located such that the travel to reach a station is not
more than sixty-one (61) meters for business establishments with
moderate or low hazard occupancy.

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 DETECTION SYSTEM

A fire detection system recognizes when a fire is

occurring and activates the fire alarm system.

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 Smoke Detectors - An alarm device that monitors
continuously the air condition for the presence of
smoke.

 Ionization
 Photoelectric

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 Heat Detectors

 Fixed temperature types

Which respond when the detection element reaches a
predetermined temperature

 Rate-of-rise type
Which respond to an increase in heat at a rate greater than
some predetermined value.

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 Gas Detectors
A gas detector is a device which detects the presence of
various gases within an area, usually as part of a safety
system. Gas detectors can be used to detect combustible
and flammable substances.

A gas detector can sound an alarm to operators in the area

where the leak is occurring, giving them the opportunity to
leave the area. They may also be used in firefighting.

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ALARM SIGNALING SYSTEM -

TO WARN OCCUPANTS OF THE BUILDING

OF INCIPIENT FIRE

FIRE ALARM

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Fire Alarms

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 Fire Siren
Fire Bell

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SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

- TO LIMIT THE SPREAD OF FIRE AND

POSSIBLY EXTINGUISH IT

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Principle of Fire Extinguishing

Take any one of these factors

away, and the fire will be
extinguished if it was already
burning.

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Principle of Fire Extinguishing
1. One way to stop a fire is to remove heat. This cools the fuel to
below the ignition point, interrupting the combustion cycle.
2. To remove oxygen, you can smother the fire so it is not exposed
to air. One way to smother a small fire is to cover it with a heavy
blanket. Another way is to dump nonflammable material, such as
sand or baking soda on top of it.
3. Removing the fuel is the most difficult approach for most fires. In
a house fire, for example, the house itself is potential fuel. The
fuel will only be removed once the fire has burned all of it up.

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 Stopping fire in its initial stage
• For Class A fire – cooling the heated fuel, water is the
best extinguisher

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 Stopping fire in its initial stage
• For Class B fire – cut-off oxygen supply, if possible,
put a metal cover or wet blanket. If fire is on the
ground, sand and soil will be useful.

WET BLANKET

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 Stopping fire in its initial stage
• For Class C fire – cut off power at the main switch
to de-energize the circuit. The fire may be treated
then as Class “A” type of fire.

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 Stopping fire in its initial stage
• For Class D fire – use only appropriate fire
extinguisher. Never use water on class D fire to
avoid metal explosion.

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 OSHS Rule 1944: Fire-Fighting Facilities
1944.02: Water Supply:
(1) Where connection from a public water supply system is not available,
an adequate private water supply reservoir capable of supplying all fire
fighting systems for eight (8)hours shall be provided.
(2) Supply system, including tanks or reservoirs and pumps, shall be
located and protected that their operation or use will not be impaired
by a fire in the workplace.
1944.03: Hydrants:
(1) Hydrants shall be of the same types and sizes as those used by the
local public fire department and located or protected that they will not
be exposed to mechanical damage from vehicles.

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 OSHS Rule 1944: Fire-Fighting Facilities

1944.04: Hose:
(1)Hose couplings, outside hydrants or standing nipples shall
be of the same type and size as those used by the local
public fire department.
(2)Hose shall be thoroughly drained and dried after each use,
and tested at frequent intervals or at least once every four (4)
months.

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 Most Common Permanent
Fire Extinguisher System

 Fire Hydrant System

 Standpipe and Hose with nozzle
 Automatic Sprinkler System

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 Fire Hydrant System

A fire hydrant system is a water supply with a sufficient pressure and flow
delivered through pipes throughout a building to strategically located
network of valves for fire-fighting purposes.

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 Standpipe System

A system of vertical pipes in a building to which

fire hoses can be attached on each floor,
including a system by which water is made
available to water outlets as needed.

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Standpipe and Hose System

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 Fire Hose
A fire hose (or firehose) is a high-pressure hose that carries
water or other fire retardant (such as foam) to a fire to extinguish
it. Outdoors, it attaches either to a fire engine or a fire hydrant.
Indoors, it can permanently attach to a building's standpipe
system.

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 Fire-Hose Nozzle

A device for generating and directing a stream of water, foam,

or other fire-extinguishing substance.

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 Combination, Pistol-Grip Nozzle

Full Fog

A combination solid bore and fog nozzle, provides

maximum reach and penetration, while still providing
the benefits of a fog stream as the situation dictates.
This versatile nozzle has the ability for large flows at
reduced pressures, and is well suited for multiple
applications: interior, exterior, and high rise attacks,,
foam applications, direct and indirect attacks, cooling,
protection, and ventilation.

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Hose Box. A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves and other
equipment are stored and arranged for fire fighting.

Hose Reel. A cylindrical device turning on an axis around which a

fire hose is wound and connected.

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 Sprinkler System
An integrated network of hydraulically designed piping
system installed in a building, structure or area with outlets
arranged in a systematic pattern and intervals which
automatically discharges water when activated by heat or
combustion products from a fire.

There are types of sprinkler system which are designed to

manually distribute water through sprinkler heads usually in
the ceiling area when supplied by water from the hydrant
system.

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 Automatic Sprinkler System

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 Automatic Sprinkler System

In case of fire, glass bulb or the metallic strip of sprinkler melts &
water is automatically released over the affected area.

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 FIRE SAFETY ORIENTATION

SUMMARY:
A fire prevention plan must include:
– list of all major fire hazards,
– proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous
materials,
– potential ignition sources and their control, and
– the type of fire protection equipment necessary to control
each major hazard.
Department of Labor and Employment
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FIRE SAFETY ORIENTATION

Department of Labor and Employment

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH CENTER