Types of Hazards

1.
2.
3.
4.

Chemicalhazards
Physicalhazards
Biologicalhazards
Psychologicalhazards

5. Fire Hazards
6. SafetyHazard
7. WorkOrganizationHazards
8. Noisehazards
9. Electrical
10.Lightinghazards
11.Vibrationhazards
12.Temperaturehazards
13.Radiationhazards
14.Otherhazards

Types of Hazards
Fire Hazards
Fireisoneofthemostcommonhazardsintheworkplace.
Statistics from the Seattle Fire Department Fire Prevention
Division indicate that close to 80,000 workplace fire incidents
occurannuallyintheUnitedStates.
Fire hazards in the workplace include overloaded sockets,
dysfunctionalfirealarms,improperstorageofflammables,faulty
electricalappliancesandblockedfireexits.
Employees must understand all the escape routes in their
workplaces.
Theymustalsoundergofiredrillsinpreparationtoevacuatethe
buildingwhenafireoccurs.

Fire Hazards
Onanaverage,inIndia,everyyear,about 25,000 persons die
duetofiresandrelatedcauses.
Femaleaccountsforabout66%ofthosekilledinfireaccidents.
Estimated that about 42 females &21 males die every day in
Indiaduetofire.
According to statistics released by National Crime Records
Bureau, fire accounts for about 5.9% of the total deaths
reported due to natural and un-natural causes during the year
2012.
Could have been prevented, had we taken enough fire
protectionmeasures.
No comprehensive data available in India on economic losses
suffered on account of fires. However, (estimate) major losses
reported by the Indian Insurance Companies year 2007-08
indicate,thatabout45%oftheclaimsareduetofirelosses.

Fire Hazard
According to Fire Risk Survey (FRS) 2013, carried out by
Pinkerton & Federation of Indian Chambers and Industry,
in India, fire accounted for 8.45% of the overall ranking of
risks.
FRSalsorevealedthatfireshasbeenratedasthe 5th highest
risk in industry in 2013.
FRSalsorevealedthatinindustrywiseriskranking,firetake
2nd place in hospitality, 4th place in IT, Manufacturing,
SecurityServiceProvidersand6th place in infrastructure.
leading cause for fire - electric defaults are regarded as the
majorcauseoffires.
In Mumbai about 75% of fire-related incidents occur because
ofshortcircuitcausedbyloosewiring.

Fire Hazard
Firesarecausedalmostentirelybypeople,eitherthrough
theiractions,whichmaybeaccidentalordeliberateand
malicious or through their failure to make appropriate
precautionssuchas,forexample,
regular inspection, maintenance & repair of
defective equipment.
Inadequately maintained machines can be fire
prone.
The overheating of bearing, due to insufficient
lubrication or the presence of dust, and
heat caused by friction are common causes of fire.

Fire Hazards..
Fires start when source of ignition comes into contact with
combustible material.
If we can control all sources of ignition and combustible
material,youcangreatlyreducethepotentialforfire.
Wasteandrubbisharefriendsoffire.
Majorfiresstartinstorageareaandwarehousesthanproduction
areas.
Poorly stored goods, even though they are not flammable, may
helptospreadfireandhinderfirefightersgainingaccesstothe
seatofthefireorreducetheeffectivenessofsprinklersystems.
Goods neatly stored with gangways may help to inhibit the
spreadoffire.

Prevention Strategy
Aneffective fire prevention strategyisanessentialfeatureof
fire protection. However, regardless of the efficiency of a fire
preventionstrategy,somefiresinevitablyoccur.
There exists large number of different types of firefighting
equipment and suppression systems like CO2 to suit specific
requirements.
Automatic fire sprinklers coupled with detection are the most
effective fire protection system found in High Rise buildings
whichcan,notonlydetectthefires,butalsoextinguishthefires
intheinitialstageitself.
Application of Water Mist in various situations is gaining
momentumeveryday.
Itisestimatedthatafirediscoveredwithintwoorthreeminutes
ofitsoutbreakmaybeextinguishedwithlessthan1000litresof
water.

Prevention Strategy
However,ifthewaterisnotapplieduntil5to10minuteslater,
whichisprobablytheshortesttimeinwhichafirebrigademay
reach the scene of the fire, the fire will have grown to such
proportionsthatbetween50to100timesasmuchwatermaybe
neededforextinguishingthefire.
Thesuccessfuluseofanytypeoffireequipmentdependsupon
theelementssuchasequipment,maintenanceandtraining.
Itisvitalthatanoccupierensures,itsemployeesaretrainedfor
andunderstandwhatisrequiredduringanoutbreakoffire.
It is observed that lack of knowledge in the area of fire and
inadequate training in emergency drills, delay the firefighting
operations.
Probably adequate fire safety training and periodic emergency
drillscanmaketheemergencyresponsemoreeffective.

Fire Hazard

Fire Science
Elements are needed to start a
fire

The Fire
Tetrahedron

HEAT
CHEMICAL
CHAIN
REACTION

FUEL

Fire Science

Each of these three elements must be present at

the same time to have a fire. A fire will burn until
one or more of the elements is removed.

Fuel
Any combustible material solid, liquid or gas
Oxygen
The air we
breathe is
about 21%
oxygen fire
needs only
16% oxygen

Heat
The energy
necessary to
increase the
temperature of fuel
to where sufficient
vapors are given
off for ignition to
occur

Fire Science
FUEL CAN BE

LIQUID :Grease, Oil, Fuel;

SOLID :Wood, Paper, Metal;

GAS :Natural Gas, Propane, Acetylene.

There are 4 classes of fire

Class A
Ordinary combustibles or fibrous material, such as
wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and some plastics.
Class B
Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline,
kerosene, paint, paint thinners and propane.
Class C
Energized electrical equipment, such as
appliances, switches, panel boxes and power
tools.
Class D
Certain combustible metals, such as
magnesium, titanium, potassium, and sodium.

CLASS
A
FIRES-Ordinary
combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth.

CLASS C FIRES Energized electrical equipment

CLASS B FIRES - Flammable

liquids such as oil, grease

CLASS D FIRES Flammable Metals

To Prevent Fires
Class

Ordinary Combustibles:

Class

Flammable liquids or gases:

Keepstorageandworkingareasfreeofgarbage.
Placeoilyrags/clothsincoveredcontainers.

Dont refuel gasoline-powered equipment in a confined

space, in the presence of an open flame, or while the
equipment is hot.
Keep flammable liquids stored in a tightly closed
container and away from spark producing sources.
Use flammable liquids only in well ventilated areas.

To Prevent Fires
Class

Electrical Equipment:

Never install a fuse rated higher than specified for the

circuit.
Investigate any appliance or electrical equipment that
smellsstrange.Unusualodorscanbethefirstsignofa
potentialfire.
Utility lights should always have some type of wire
guardoverthem.

Be prepared for a fire emergency

Checkthelocationoffirealarmsandknowhowtheywork.

Learnyourbuildingevacuationplan.

Knowwhereyourtwonearestexitsarelocated.
Learnhowdoorsswingandwherestairslead.

Makesurenothingblocksfirepulls,extinguishers
andemergencyexits.

Learnthesoundofyourbuildingfirealarm.

Postemergencynumbers(includingsecurity
andfirstaid)nearyourtelephone.

Makesureyouknowwhattodoifthefirealarmsounds.
Planyourescape.

When you notice a fire

Pull the nearest fire alarm pull station while exiting
the floor.
If there is no pull station:
Dial 100?
Emergency Number

OR Alternate
Emergency Number

Do not assume that anyone else has already called

the fire department.
Stay calm and be prepared to answer the
operators questions regarding the emergency.
EVACUATE !

When you hear the fire alarm

Leave at once, taking direction from
the emergency warden.
Do not delay yourself by gathering
personal items. Your safety always comes first.
Before you open any door, feel the door with the
back of your hand. If the door is cold, slowly open
it a crack.
If there is no smoke in hallways or stairwells,
follow your buildings evacuation plan. Get out
quickly using designated fire exits.

When you hear the fire alarm (contd)..

Close doors behind you, however do NOT
lock the door. Locking the door hinders the
fire departments search and rescue
efforts.
The stairway will be your primary escape
route. Never, never use elevators under
any circumstances.
Once in the stairway, proceed down to the
first floor and out of the building. Never go
up.

If you are trapped in smoke or heat

Before you open any door, feel the door with the back of
your hand. If the door is warm to the touch, DO NOT
attempt to open the door.
Stuff the cracks around doors with towels, rags, clothing
or tape, and cover vents to keep out smoke.
Stay low to the floor, and if possible, cover your mouth
and nose with a damp cloth or dust mask to help you
breathe.
If there is a phone in the room where
you are trapped, call the fire department
to tell them exactly where you are located.
Do this even if you see fire apparatus
on the street below.

If you are trapped (continued)

Waitatawindowandsignalforhelp.Donot
panicorjump!!WAIT!
Ifpossible,openthewindowatthetop
orbottom,butdonotbreakit,youmay
needtoclosethewindowifsmokerushesin.
Bepatient.Rescuingalltheoccupants
ofabuildingcantakeseveralhours.

After a fire emergency

Onceyouareoutofthebuilding,STAYOUT!
Donotgobackinsideforanyreason.
Reporttoyourwardenforrollcallatyour
designatedassemblypoint.
Tellthefiredepartmentviayourwardenifyou
knowofanyonetrappedinsidethebuilding.
Onlyre-enterifandwhenthefiredepartment
tellsyouitissafetodoso.

In the event of a fire, your personal safety

is your most important concern.
Remember you are
not required to fight a fire.
The best way to fight fire is to prevent it

BEFORE you consider fighting a fire . . .

Callthefiredepartment.
Confirmthatthefireissmallandisnot
spreading.
Confirmyouhaveasafepathtoanexitnot
threatenedbythefire.
Youknowwhatkindof
extinguisherisrequired
andthecorrectextinguisher
isimmediatelyathand.

NEVER fight a fire if . . .

The fire is spreading beyond the immediate
areainwhichitstarted,orifitisalreadyalarge
fire.
Thefirecouldblockyourescaperoute.
You are unsure of the proper operation of the
extinguisher.
Youdoubtthattheextinguisheryouareholding
is designed for the type of fire at hand or is
largeenoughtofightthefire.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers
Extinguisher Rating System

Fire Extinguishers..
Types Of Extinguishers..

Carbon Dioxide(CO2)

Fire Extinguishers
Types Of Extinguishers

Stored pressure dry

powder (ABC)

Fire Extinguishers- Sizes

Min. size is 2A:10BC. No. indicates the no. of sq. ft. & letter
indicates the type of fire.
Minimum size is 2A & the largest above is 10BC
No. indicates sq. ft. coverage & letter indicates type of fire.
2 sq. ft for Class A (wood, paper, rubber, etc.)
10 sq ft. for Class B (grease, oil, paint) & C (electrical fire)

Fire Extinguishers

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
Ensure that each area has
the proper type fire
extinguisher!

Multi-Class Ratings
Many extinguishers available today can be used on different
types of fires and will be labeled with more than one
designator, e.g. A-B, B-C, or A-B-C.
This label shows that this
extinguisher can be used on
ordinary combustibles (A) or
flammable liquids (B).
The red slash through the last
symbol tells you that the
extinguisher cannot
be used on electrical fires (C).
Be advised that most fire
extinguishers will function for
less than 40 seconds.

New Style of Labeling

Old Style of Labeling

10 Tips on How and When to Use a

Fire Extinguisher
Most fires start small. Except for explosions,
fires can usually be brought under control if
they are attacked correctly with the right type
and size of extinguisher within the first 2
minutes!

A fire extinguisher should be "listed and

labeled" by an independent testing laboratory.
The higher the rating number on an A or B
extinguisher, the more fire it can put out. Be
careful, high-rated units are often heavier
models. Make sure you can hold and operate
the model you are using.

10 Tips.Fire Extinguisher

Before attempting to fight a small

fire, be sure everyone is out of the area.
Ensure someone has called the fire
department.
If the fire starts to spread or threatens
your escape path, get out immediately!

The operator must know how to use the

extinguisher quickly without taking time to
read directions during an emergency.
Remember that the extinguishers need care
and must be recharged after every use.

IF YOU FIGHT A FIRE, REMEMBER THE WORD

PASS
PULL . . . AIM . . . SQUEEZE . . . SWEEP

PULL... the pin. Some extinguishers

require releasing a lock latch,
pressing a puncture lever or other
motion.

AIM... low, pointing the

extinguisher nozzle (or it's horn
or hose) at the base of the fire.

SQUEEZE... the handle. This

releases the extinguishing
agent.

SWEEP... from side to side at the

base of the fire until it appears to be out.
Watch the fire area in case fire breaks
out again, and repeat use of extinguisher
if necessary.

Read and follow the directions on

your extinguisher. If you have the
slightest doubt about whether or not to
fight a fire DONT! Get out and close
the door behind you.

Remember!
Your Safety Comes First
When in doubt,
leave the fire
fighting to the
professionals

Fire Evacuation Plan

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE
FOLLOW YOUR AGENCYS FIRE
EVACUATION PLAN

Fire Evacuation Plan

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE
TRAPPED IN A BUILDING
Dont panic
Try to find a secondary exit
Feel doors for heat with your hand
If the door is hot, dont open it!
If you cant find another exit, stay where you are
Seal doors and vents to prevent smoke penetration.
If possible call 100 and report your exact location.
Stay low to avoid smoke and heat.

Evacuation Plan
The plan should be reviewed and, if possible,
approved by:
Fire officials (either State or Local officials)
Office of State Buildings.
Fire Drillsare conducted at least once each
year, but some agencies may require them
more frequently.

Evacuation Plan
FireDrillscont.
Remember to DOCUMENT:
Date&time
Employees&visitorspresent
Outsidemeetinglocation
Headcount
Timeofentiredrill

Fire Extinguishers

Knowwherefireextinguishersarelocatedinyourworkplace
Learnhowtousethemeffectively
Neverleaveanextinguishedfireunattended
INSPECTIONS:
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) defines
an inspection as a quick check that the extinguisher is
availableandwillfunction
NFPArequiresextinguishersbeinspected
frequentlyifcircumstances requireit

monthly,ormore

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
WHO CAN INSPECT A FIRE
EXTINGUISHER

Anyone.
NFPA says
required

minimal

knowledge

Fire Extinguishers
Inspection Procedures
Extinguisher located in designated place?
Obstructions to access or visibility?
Operating Instructions on nameplate legible
& facing outward?
Seals & tamper indicators in place & intact?

Fire Extinguishers

Determinefullnessbyweightorbyhefting.Invert&shakeit
willhelpensurecakingorhardeningofpowderhasnot
occurred.

Visually examine for obvious physical damage, corrosion,

leakage,oracloggednozzle.

Checktoseeifthepressuregaugeisinoperablerange.

Maintenance
NFPA defines maintenance as a thorough check of the
extinguisher.

How Often Should Maintenance Be Performed

The NFPA says that maintenance should be performed
at least annually

Fire Extinguishers
Maintenance Recordkeeping
NFPArequiresthatatagbeattachedtotheextinguisher
indicating:
1. Themonth&yearthemaintenancewasperformed,
and
2. Identificationoftheperson&thecompany
performingthework.

Other Features of Fire Protection

Sprinklers

Types of Control Valves

These are not applicable to all agencies. Primarily apply to large

agencies such as hospitals, perhaps some universities where fire
hosesystemsareused.

Other Features of Fire Protection

Alarms

Other Features of Fire Protection

Detectors

Other Features of Fire Protection

Fire Doors

Fire doors are often located in newer buildings. They are either shut
automaticallywhenanalarmisengagedorareshutbyemployees.Their
function is to keep the fire from spreading by keeping oxygen flow
behind.

Other Features of Fire Protection

Suppression Systems

TheseareusedinCLASS Kfiresthatoccurwhereagencieshave
largekitchens&requirespecialfiresuppressionsystemstoprevent
fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking such
asvegetableoranimaloils&fats.

The Mantralaya Fire, Mumbai 21st June, 2012 A Case Study

Case Study
BIHAR STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY 2nd
Floor, Pant Bhawan, Patna -800001
TheIncident-ThefirebrokeoutinMantralayaatapproximately
2.40 PM on 21st of June 2012.
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire broke out on the 4th
Floor of the Main building of Mantralaya causing 5 deaths,
rendered 14 people injured, caused immense damage to the
buildingandlossofimportantgovernmentrecords.
Rescue Operation BEST (agency that supplies electricity to
Mantralaya) switched off the electrical supply to the building
immediately.TheFireBrigadeannouncedaBrigadeCalland21
fireengines,17waterjets,10Jumbotankers,3ambulancesand
4fire engines with hydraulic platforms were made available at
thesiteforrescuepurpose.
Hospitals were alerted to be in readiness in case of any
eventualities.

Case Study

TwohelicoptersoftheIndianNavywerepressedintoserviceto
evacuate those trapped inside the building but returned without
any success as nobody could be found on the terrace of the
buildinginsouthMumbai.
Contingents of the anti-terror force-Force One and Quick
Response Teams of Mumbai police assisted the fire brigade in
tryingtobringtheblazeundercontrol.
Onagivenday,Mantralayaseesapproximately3000employees
andequalnumberofvisitors.
On the unfortunate day, as soon as the fire broke out,
approximately4000peoplewereimmediatelyevacuatedthrough
different exits in the building.Atotal of 65 persons who could
notbeevacuatedearlierwererescuedbytheFireBrigade.

Case Study
Casualties-There were 5 deaths in total. The deceased
weresuffocatedandcharredtodeath.
14 persons were partially or seriously injured. The
major causes of injury were minor burns, suffocation,
inhalationoftoxicgasesandfracture.
The injured were admitted to the city hospitals. Some
wereshiftedtoCCUwhileothersweredischargedafter
treatment.
Property Damage- The fire which had broken out on
the4thfloor,spreadtothe5thandsubsequentlytothe
6th floorof the Mantralaya. Different Departments had
sustaineddifferentdegreesofdamages.

Case Study
One of the worst affected departments is the Relief,
Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Department. Not only
the chamber of the relief commissioner was gutted, but also the
nervecenterofDisasterManagementthatistheEOCwastotally
charredbytheunprecedentedfire.
The Government was quick to commence the Disaster
Management coordination activities froma temporary EOC
located in the nearby office space i.e. Barrack no 08. Photo
showingthepropertydestroyedinsidethebuilding.
SomeoftheworstaffecteddepartmentswereHome,Revenueand
Forest, Urban Development, General Administration and Relief
and Rehabilitation. Besides this, there were many other
departmentsthatwerepartiallydestroyed.Theyincludedeventhe
officeofHonbleCMandHonbleDyCM.

Case Study

The Cause- Thecauseoffireisstillbeinginvestigated.Butsomeof

the sources claim that the fire broke out because of short circuit
followed by explosion in the air conditioning system. The
investigation is still on and the Fire Brigade Services will be
submittingadetailedreportinaweekstime.
StructuralSafetyAuditdonebyNDMA&PWD.AteamledbyProf
Ravi Sinha, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Bombay and a
teamfromtheNationalDisasterManagementAuthorityundertooka
rapidstructuralsafetyaudit.
They inspected the building on June 23, 2012 and expressed the
opinion that no major structural damage has been caused to the
structure of the building which still remains sound and safe .all
structural columns and beams are safe. The treatment required
involvesre-electrification,removalofnewlyaddedsteelstructureson
7floor,andinclusionoffiresafetyfeatureslikefireresistantcoating
to partitions electric ducts and insertion of concrete blocks between
officespacestostopspreadoffire,

Case Study

The Loop hole - in its final report on the Mantralaya fire, the
Mumbai fire brigade is likely point out that thegovernments
failure to implement the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life
Safety MeasureAct, 2006, in its own headquarters, is one of the
mainreasonsforthedisaster.
Fire brigade officials, who met on Sunday to discuss their 12hour-long operation and their audit report, stated, During our
operation,werealizedthatnothingmandatedintheActhadbeen
followed.
There was not even a hotline between Mantralaya and the fire
brigade, which couldhave alerted us immediately, (HT, June
25th). They also added that government had failed toinstall and
maintainfire-fightingequipmentsuchassmokedetectionsystem,
analogueaddressable fire alarm arrangement, fire extinguishers,
sprinklers,hosereelandtankstoringadequatewater,whichwere
mademandatorybytheAct.

Case Study
Under the Act, the fire brigade isresponsible for
ensuring that all important buildings follow the
guidelines.ButithasnojurisdictionoverMantralaya,
which is the responsibility of the public works
department.
Thefirewentuncontrollablebecauseofthelackofa
disaster control plan and huge volumes ofwood and
paper in the offices. The excessive use of wooden
partitionsinthebuildingactedasfueltothefirethus
ragingitbeyondanyonescontrol.

Case Study
Lessons Learned- The followinglessonscanbelearnedfromthe
mishapatMantralaya.
1. All the government buildings, hospitals, offices etc. should
strictlyfollowtheFireCodeandByelaws1.
2. There needs to be a proper maintenance of all the firefighting
equipmentwithinthebuilding.
3.Alltheestablishmentsmentionedaboveneedtohaveproperfire
andelectricalsafetyaudit.
4. A proper Disaster Communication channel is a must and it
shouldbetestedfromtimetotimesoastorespondefficientlyin
thePlatinumMinutes2andthusminimizethelosses.
5. Government should make it mandatory for all the government
buildings, hospitals, offices etc. to have an Office Disaster
Management Plan and a Business Continuity Plan and there
shouldberegulartestingoftheplanstoastokeepitupdated.

Case Study
6.Sincedataisverycrucial,thereshouldbedatabackupbestpractices
adoptedsoastosecurethedigitaldatabymethodssuchasmirroring
ortape-vaulting.
7. There needs to be proper training given to the employees and staffs
andmock-drillsneedtobeconductedatregularintervals.
8. The Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) should be multi hazard
resistantandthereshouldbealternativesitesplannedforthesamein
case there is any failure of primary EOC.ConclusionIt was very
unfortunate and tragic that the seat of power of Maharashtra was
gutted in a fire.Though it did not cause many human deaths
(comparedtothenumberofpeopletrappedinsidethebuildingatthe
time of fire), it caused huge property damage, loss of important
governmentrecords and valuable data. Besides this, it revealed the
darker side of preparedness against firethat Mantralaya was
unpreparedfor.

Case Study
The Mantralaya, the most powerful administrative andlegislative
system in the state, failed to comply with the Maharashtra Fire
PreventionandLife1FireCodeandByelawssuchasfirefighting
shaft, width of stair cases, evacuation strategies, structural safety
andservices, firefighting equipment and their maintenance etc.2
Thefirst10minutesimmediatelyafterdisaster
Safety Measure Act, 2006. Non-implementation of the act, weak
emergency managementsystem, non-maintenance of firefighting
system such as alarm, smoke detectors, sprinklers, hosepipe etc.
aggravated the fire response. Also, the disaster communication
channel was noteffective as there was no hotline between the
Mantralaya and Fire brigade and this delayed theresponse by 20
minutes.Sources: HT, ToI, Deccan Chronicle Mumbai edition
publishedbetween22ndand26thJune,StatusReportpublishedby
R&R cell on 26th June, 1800 Hrs., Photo Courtesy: Deccan
Chronicle,MumbaiEd,22ndJune.

Conclusion