Student Handout

FIRE PROTECTION
Larry C. Alzaga OSHP Engr. Elmer P. Veluz OSHC

Introduction

Fire protection includes procedures for preventing, detecting, and extinguishing fires. The
objective of these procedures is to protect employees and property and ensure the continuity of
the plant’s operations

Fire Prevention

The Fire Safety Inspector plays a critical role in preventing fires from starting. He determines the
probability of a fire and other factors that would contribute to the fire’s spread in relation with the
plant’s materials, operations, process, utilities and layout. He also recommends the appropriate
fire prevention measures and extinguishment methods.
Fire Safety Inspection items includes an evaluation of:
1. Kinds, location and volume of combustible and flammable materials inside the plant.
2. Condition and maintenance of the plant’s electrical equipment and systems.
3. Possible sources of ignition from plant operations, processes, materials handling and poor
housekeeping.
4. Condition, location and maintenance of fire fighting equipment
5. Operational condition of the plant’s fire detection, alarm and signaling systems
6. Condition of emergency lighting, exits and signs
7. Organization and operational readiness of the plant’s fire response team
8. Employee reaction to fire emergencies, hence the need for training and fire / evacuation
drills

Fire Detection

Fire detection, alarms and signaling systems play a vital role in preventing / limiting personal
injuries, property damage and disruption of plant operations. They are essentially important in the
early stages of a fire in areas not frequented by employees. Early fire detection provides the fire
response team ample time and opportunity to extinguish the fire during its initial stages. They
also provide ample time for employees to evacuate the plant. Various kinds of detectors and alarm
signals provide employees and fire response teams an idea of the kind of emergency and
appropriate courses of action to take.

Fire Suppression

Fire suppression or fire fighting is the last line of defense against fires. They compose of fire
fighting equipment such as portable fire extinguishers, fire / chemical trucks, sprinkler /
extinguishing systems, fire fighting techniques and tactics and the myriad of procedures related to
fire command and control. It also provides for rescue and care of fire victims. Efficient fire
suppression is greatly dependent on early fire detection.
The Chemistry of Fire

Fire is a combustion process brought about by the combination of fuel, oxygen and heat. It
produces the by-products of combustion with the release of light and heat energy. It is further
propagated by the chain reaction of these three basic elements to produce more heat that burns
nearby fuel. Depriving a fire with fuel, oxygen or heat will effectively cause its extinguishment.

Classes of Fire and Fire Extinguishers

There are four general classifications of fires. These classifications are based on types of
combustibles and the extinguishing agent needed to extinguish each.

Class A Fires

Class A fires are fires from ordinary fibrous materials such as wood, paper, rags, rubbish, cloth,
etc. Types of fire extinguishers suitable for this class of fire are water and dry chemical / multi
purpose fire extinguishers. Sand, soil or mud is also suited to extinguish Class A fires.

Class B Fires

Class B fires are fires from vapor-air mixtures over the surface of petroleum products / flammable
liquids such as gasoline oil, grease, paint, thinners, etc. Types of fire extinguishers suitable for
this class of fire are dry chemicals, multipurpose dry chemicals, carbon dioxide (CO 2) and foam.
A steady stream of water will spread the fire to a bigger area. Under certain situations, proper
application of a fog stream may control the fire but not extinguish it.

Class C Fires

Class C fires occur in or near energized electrical equipment such as electrical

transformers, office machines, fans, motors, home appliances, power transmission lines,
etc. Types of fire extinguishers used for this class of fires are non-conductive such as dry
chemicals and carbon dioxide (CO2). NEVER USE WATER TO EXTINGUISH FIRES
FROM ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES OR EQUIPMENT.

Class D Fires

Class D fires are fires that occur in combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium,
zirconium, lithium, potassium and sodium. Normal extinguishing agents are not used on
this class of fire. These fires are extinguished using special techniques and special
extinguishing equipment and agents that do not increase the intensity of a fire because of
a chemical reaction between some extinguishing agents and the burning metal.

Methods of Fire Extinguishment

 Smothering - reducing the oxygen supply

 Cooling - reducing the rate of energy input
 Starvation - reducing the fuel supply.
Methods of Heat Transfer

 Direct contact – Fire directly ignites nearby objects

 Conduction – Heat is transferred through a material for example a cooking
pan where heat does not directly touch the food.
 Convection – Heat is transferred through the movement of hot air as in
when n you blow hot air from your mouth to warm your hands
 Radiation – Heat is transferred directly in the form of radiation as in heat
radiation emitted by the sun directly on your skin

Phases of Burning

 Incipient phase
 Free burning phase
 Smoldering phase
Portable Fire Extinguishers

An appliance designed to be carried and operated by hand. They contain an extinguishing

medium, which can be expelled by action of internal pressure and directed onto a fire.
Kinds of Portable Fire Extinguishers

 Water – (red) used to extinguish fires of common combustible materials

 Dry Chemical - (blue) suitable for extinguishing flammable liquids and
fires in electrical equipment
 Foam – (crème) suitable for extinguishing flammable liquids and
combustible materials
 Vaporizing liquids – (green) suitable to extinguish all kind of fires.
 Carbon dioxide – (black) suitable for extinguishing most tires involving
lived electrical equipment, delicate laboratory equipment and small fires
involving flammable liquid escaping over both vertical and horizontal
surfaces.

Fire Safety Recommendations

 Flammable liquids must not be stored in open containers. - legible labels

must also be able to identify the contents of the containers.
 Open flames and smoking are prohibited in all areas WHERE
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR GASES ARE STORED OR DISPENSED.
 Whenever there is a danger of static build-up and discharge in the
presence of flammable liquids or gases, all equipment must be bonded
together and earthed.
 Fire fighting equipment must be located in accessible places and regularly
maintained.
 Rubbish should be burned in an approved incinerator.
  When welding or cutting must not be done near exposed flammable
liquids or gases.
 Flammable dust in the work area should be removed or shield to prevent
ignition.
 When flammable materials cannot be removed from exposure to welding
or cutting sparks, it should be protected by shield of non-combustible or
fire resistant materials.
 Fire hazards inspections are an important part of an effective fire
prevention program.
 Each employee should know how to initiate a fire alarm and what to do in
case of fire.
 Flammable liquids must not be used to start or maintain fires except in, or
with, equipment specifically designed to use flammable liquids in this
way.
 Open fires should not be left unattended unless adequate precautions are
taken.

Inspection and Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers

 Maintain a stock of consumable materials and supplies of spare parts, such

likes; hoses. Pins, seals, tags, etc. that will be used in replacing the parts
that need to be replaced
 Established a record system and organized plan for checking and
inspecting fire extinguishers.
 Periodically check the pressure of the fire extinguishers and recharge them
as necessary
 Conduct periodic hydrostatic pressure test on the cylinders.
 Ensure that the fire extinguishers are sealed and the seals are not
tampered.
Inspection and Maintenance of Indoor Fire Hoses

 Reserve the hose for fire fighting use only

 Keep hose valves tight, since leakage will rot linen hose.
 Examine hoses visually each year for mildew, rot, and damage by
chemicals, vermin, and abrasions.
 Give hoses a pressure test after the fifth and eight year of service.
 Keep hoses clean. Wash woven jacket, lined hose with laundry soap if
necessary.
 Do hose jacket thoroughly after use and keep them dry.
Inspection and Maintenance of Outdoor Fire Hoses

 Periodically inspect and test woven jacket, lined hose to make sure that it
is in good condition.
 Run water through the hose at least twice a year. Store yard hose in
standard hose for protection against weather.
 Use fire hose only for fighting fires.
  Wash hose after using and dry them thoroughly before keeping them.
 If hose may be subjected to acids, and other corrosive materials, use
rubber covered, woven jacket, lined hose.

Organization of Emergency Response and Fire Brigade Teams

Principles of Organization
 Should be suited specifically to the needs, functions and capability of the
particular installation.
 Should be formed and staffed in accordance with the plan, and the responsibilities
and functions of the staff are defined in the plan
 THE BASIC CONCEPTS IS “ SELF PROTECTION”- this is accomplished by
organizing and training small groups of employees for the performance of
specialized task
 Consist of personnel on a “best qualified” basis, taking into consideration prior
training, experience or other special capabilities of the employee involved.
 Giving full consideration to the utilization of voluntary services offered by
interested and qualified employees, the assignment of self-protection
responsibilities viewed as an “additional duty” by the employee agency
Emergency Response Organization Requirements

 Planned and directed movement of building occupants

 First aid and medical self-help
 Fire fighting and control
 Rescue of injured / trapped personnel
 Minimizing damage to or by utilities
Typical Organization Structure of a Fire Response organization
 Chairman
 Assistant Chairman
 Communication
 Search and Rescue
 Evacuation
 Damage Control
 Medical
 Emergency Action Team