Element 8:- Fire Hazards and Control

Causes of fire

Arson
Electrical faults
Misuse of electrical equipment
Smokers materials
Oil/gas heating equipment and portable heaters
Unsafe storage of materials
Use of flammable liquids or gases in unsuitable areas
Welding/hot work
Mechanical heat (Sparks/friction)

The fire triangle:-

Fuel, Source of ignition, Oxygen

Flash point:-

The temperature at which a vapour given off by substance will ignite

when brought to a source of ignition

Classes of fire

A Combustible solids (Coal, paper etc.)

B Flammable liquids (Alcohol, Petrol)
C Flammable gases (Butane , hydrogen , propane )
D Metals
F Cooking media (Vegetable oil or animal fats)

Method of Heat Transfer

Direct Contact:-

The flame and a combustible fuel are in direct contact and the
fuel heats up and eventually ignites.

Conduction:-

Heat travels within a solid material from hotter to cooler parts

Radiation:-
Heat is radiated through the air causing heating of a materials at a
distance from the fire.

Convection:-

Hot air rises in currents causing the build up of hot and unborn gases
under ceilings etc. and allows fire to spread from one room to another.

Fire precautions to minimise the risk to people in the event of fire

Suitable Fire/smoke detection

Fire Alarms:-

Suitable
Regular Testing
Contact with emergency services

Means of escape

Travel distances
Stairways
Fire doors
Signage
Emergency lighting
Assembly points

Means of fighting the fire

Suitable extinguishers
Properly sited extinguishers
Training in use of extinguishers
Extinguishers properly maintained

Emergency evacuation procedures

Fire marshals
Fire notices
Fire drills
Roll calls
Provisions for disabled
Limiting numbers of persons

Test ( 8 )
(a) Explain, using a suitable sketch, the
significance of the fire triangle
Part (a) of this question required candidates to explain, with a
clearly labelled diagram, that each side of the fire triangle
represents one of 3 elements, namely
Fuel
Oxygen
& a source of ignition
that must be present for combustion to occur
This part of the question was generally well answered

(b) Identify THREE methods of heat transfer &

explain how EACH can cause the spread of fire
The four methods of heat transfer that should have been
identified in answer to this question are
Conduction
Convection
Radiation
& direct burning
The last of these is normally considered a method in its
own right but is, in fact, a combination of the other methods
Having identified the methods, many candidates
appeared to find difficulty in explaining how each method
may cause the spread of fire
Sufficient understanding, however, could be demonstrated
by the appropriate use of practical examples For instance
 Heat can be transferred through metal beams or other parts
of a structure by conduction
It can be carried by rising air currents (convection) to
cause a build-up of hot gases under ceilings
It can be radiated through the air causing heating of
material at a distance from a fire
&, perhaps what is the most obvious method, combustible
material in direct contact with flames can itself catch fire

(c) Outline measures that should be taken to

minimise the risk of fire from electrical equipment
In answering part (c) of this question, Examiners expected
candidates to outline measures such as
The proper selection of equipment to ensure its suitability
for the task
Pre-use inspection by the user
Establishing correct fuse ratings, ensuring circuits &
sockets are not overloaded
Disconnecting or isolating the equipment when it is not in
use
& ensuring that electrical motors do not overheat (e.g. by
checking that vents are uncovered)
Additional measures include the need to
Uncoil cables (particularly extension leads) to prevent the
build up of heat & protecting cables form mechanical
damage
Importantly, electrical equipment & systems should be subject to
regular inspection, testing & maintenance by competent persons
This should ensure, for instance, that contacts are sound, thereby
reducing the likelihood of electrical arcing
 (d) Explain why water should not be used on fires
involving electrical equipment
For part (d) , most candidates could explain that using water on
an electrical fire can lead to electric shock since water is a good
conductor of electricity
Carbon dioxide & dry powder were correctly identified
as suitable extinguishing agents where electrical equipment
is involved but references to halon were discounted due to
the fact that its use has now been banned

Identify the FOUR methods of heat transfer &

explain how EACH can cause the spread of fire
The four methods of heat transfer that should have been
identified in answer to this question are
Conduction
Convection
Radiation
& direct burning
The last of these is normally considered a method in its
own right but is, in fact, a combination of the other methods
Having identified the methods, many candidates
appeared to find difficulty in explaining how each method
may cause the spread of fire
Sufficient understanding, however, could be demonstrated
by the appropriate use of practical examples
For instance
Heat can be transferred through metal beams or other parts
of a structure by conduction
It can be carried by rising air currents (convection) to
cause a build-up of hot gases under ceilings
It can be radiated through the air causing heating of
material at a distance from a fire
 &, perhaps what is the most obvious method, combustible
material in direct contact with flames can itself catch fire

List EIGHT ways of reducing the risk of fire

starting in a workplace
Candidates could have chosen from a list including
The control of smoking & smoking materials, good
housekeeping to prevent the accumulation of waste paper
& other combustible materials
Regular lubrication of machinery
Frequent inspection of electrical equipment for damage
Ensuring ventilation outlets on equipment are not
obstructed
Controlling hot work
Security measures to prevent arson
The provision of proper storage facilities for flammable
liquids
& the segregation of incompatible chemicals
Several candidates, perhaps in haste, did not pay
sufficient attention to the wording of the question &
included measures that were more relevant to a
situation where a fire had already broken out, such as
the
Provision of alarms
Fire-fighting equipment
& evacuation systems

Outline the requirements to ensure the safe evacuation of

persons from a building in the event of a fire

A good answer to this question would have included an outline

of such requirements as
The means for raising the alarm
An acceptable distance to the nearest available exit
 Escape routes of sufficient width
Clear signing of escape routes
The provision of emergency lighting
Escape routes kept clear of obstructions with the fire door
closed to prevent the spread of smoke
The provision of fire-fighting equipment
The appointment of fire marshals
Procedures for the evacuation of those with a physical
impairment (in relation to hearing, sight or mobility)
& the need to practice the evacuation plan at regular
intervals
Many candidates focused their answers on good evacuation
techniques & provided detailed information on what an
emergency evacuation plan should include
However, they did not address many of the above-
mentioned requirements, which are designed to ensure that
the evacuation plan works effectively

Outline the main requirements of a safe means

of escape from a building in the event of fire

At least 2 routes in opposite directions

Fire resistant walls 7 ceilings
Adequate size relative to numbers of persons
Within travel distance guidelines
Clearly marked/direction arrows
Emergency lighting
Exit route free from obstructions
Fire/smoke doors on route/self closing
Fixed stairs to upper floors
 Exit to safe place/assembly point
Emergency procedure/practiced fire drills

Outline the safety precautions that should be

taken when storing and using flammable
solvents

Suitable containers-metal/closed
Containers closed and stored
outdoors/protected against
sunlight
Fire resistant storeroom
Remove ignition sources e.g.: incompatible
materials
Prevent vapour build up
Mark stores/containers clearly
Measures to prevent spills e.g.: bunding/non
spill caps
Limit quantities used/stored
Fire fighting equipment/emergency procedures
Control flammable waste
Anti static clothing/earth bonding/training

Outline the factors to consider when carrying

out a fire risk assessment of a workplace

Flammable materials construction & use

 Sources of ignition
Work activities generating heat
Methods of control
Means of fire detection
Means of raising alarm
Means of fighting fire and maintenance of
equipment
Evacuation routes/Protection of evacuation
routes
Numbers of persons/Specially at risk
Fire prevention training/Fire drills

Outline the reasons for undertaking regular fire

drills in the workplace

satisfying a legal requirement, or one specified

in a fire certificate, to provide instruction to
employees on the action to be taken in
emergency situations;
checking that the alarm can be heard in all
parts of the premises;
testing the effectiveness of the evacuation
procedures both generally & in relation to
specific requirements (such as the need to
ensure the safety of disabled employees &
visitors);
 familiarising employees (particularly those
new to the undertaking) with the alarms,
evacuation procedures, escape routes &
assembly points so that, in the case of a real
emergency, they would know the actions to be
taken;
& providing an opportunity for fire wardens &
others with specific functions to practice their
designated roles

a) Identify FOUR different types of ignition

source that may cause a fire

Electrical arcing; Smoking materials; Hot work;

Chemical reaction; Hot surfaces; Friction; Static
electricity

b) Outline the ways of controlling each of the

ignition sources identified in a)

Electrical testing/protection e.g.: RCD

Signs/barriers/rules/confiscation
Permit to work/fire watch/housekeeping
Segregate incompatible materials
Isolation/shielding/ventilation
Planned maintenance/good design
Earth bonding/anti-static clothing/controlled
discharge
a) With reference to the fire triangle, outline
TWO methods of extinguishing fires

STARVATION:
limiting FUEL available

SMOTHERING:
limit OXYGEN supply/foam/ CO2/sand/fire blanket
COOLING:
limiting IGNITION & HEAT/water
CHEMICAL INTERFERENCE: dry powder

b) State the ways in which persons could be

harmed by a fire in work premises

Toxic fumes & gases (products of combustion)

Smoke (suffocation/loss of visibility)
Burning by heat/flames/explosion
Depletion of oxygen; Structural collapse
Panic/crushing/falls from building

a) Explain with a suitable sketch the meaning of

the term fire triangle
 OXYGEN FUEL

HEAT

b) List the sources of ignition that may cause a

fire to occur giving an example of EACH

Electricity: faulty wiring

Smoking material: discarded cigarette
Hot work: welding/cutting/grinding operations
Friction: unlubricated machine
Spontaneous combustion: organic dust
Hot Surfaces: heating appliances

Outline the measures that should be taken to

minimise the risk of an electrical fire

Sufficient circuits
No overloading of circuits
Correct fuses
No damage to insulation
No loose connections
 D0do not store flammable materials too close
to electrical equipment
Ensure cables do not overheat
Suitable inspections
Proper maintenance procedures

Explain the methods of heat transfer that

explain can cause the spread of fire.

Conduction:-
heat being transferred through metal beams or other
parts of a structure

Convection:-
heat can be carried by rising air currents to cause a
build-up of hot gases under ceilings
Radiation:-
heat travelling through the air causing heating of
material at a distance from a fire
Direct Contact:-
combustible material in direct contact with flames
can itself catch fire.

Explain the meaning of the term flashpoint

The temperature at which a vapour given off by a

substance will ignite when brought to a source of
ignition
Outline the precautions to be taken to reduce
the risk of fire when using flammable liquids in
the workplace

Suitable containers-metal/closed
Containers closed and stored
outdoors/protected against sunlight
Fire resistant storeroom
Remove ignition sources e.g.: incompatible
materials
Prevent vapour build up
Mark stores/containers clearly
Measures to prevent spills e.g.: bunding/non
spill caps
Limit quantities used/stored
Fire fighting equipment/emergency procedures
Control flammable waste
Anti static clothing/earth bonding/training

List EIGHT rules to follow that may reduce the

risk of fire starting in the workplace

1)Store flammable materials in designated areas

2)No smoking/smoking in designated areas only
3)Do not cover heater vents
4)Do not overload electrical sockets
 5)Switch off electrical appliances when not in
use
6)Do not allow flammable materials to
accumulate
7)Do not use/report faulty electrical equipment
8)Segregate incompatible/reactive chemical

Outline the issues that should be included in a

training programme for employees on the
emergency action to take in the event of fire

Means of raising alarm/sound of

alarm/emergency services
Fire evacuation routes/Fire evacuation signs
Assembly points/Places of safety/role call
Not to tackle fire
Types of fire extinguishers/Extinguishers to be
used to
maintain escape
Prevention of spread of fire/fire doors/close
windows
Not to use lifts
Evacuation in orderly manner/no running
Prevention of return/Disabled evacuation
procedure
 a) List FOUR sources of ignition which should
be considered when storing and using
flammable solvents

Electrical arcing/overheating e.g.: faulty

wiring, overloaded socket
Smoking materials e.g.: discarded
cigarette/matches
Hot work e.g.: welding/cutting/grinding
Chemical reaction/spontaneous combustion
Friction e.g.: unlubricated machines
Static electricity e.g.: lightening/high velocity
liquid discharge

b) Identify TWO extinguishing agents that can

be used on fires that involve flammable solvents
AND explain their mode of action

DRY POWDER:- Smothers with powder blanket

cools/chemically interacts & excluding oxygen
FOAM:- Smothers and cools, forms foam
blanket & excludes oxygen
CARBON DIOXIDE:- Smothers with inert gas
blanket excludes oxygen
SAND/FIRE BLANKET:- Smothers and
excludes oxygen
c) Outline the safety precautions that should be
taken when storing and using flammable
solvents

Suitable containers-metal/closed
Containers closed and stored
outdoors/protected against sunlight
Fire resistant storeroom
Remove ignition sources e.g.: incompatible
materials
Prevent vapour build up
Mark stores/containers clearly
Measures to prevent spills e.g.: bunding/non
spill caps
Limit quantities used/stored
Fire fighting equipment/emergency procedures
Control flammable waste
Anti static clothing/earth bonding/training

Outline the main factors to be considered in the

siting of fire extinguishers.

accessibility,
visibility,
proximity to exits & escape routes,
the means of supporting the equipment off the
ground & free from obstruction,
 the need to protect extinguishers from the
weather & other sources of damage

(b) Outline suitable arrangements for the

inspection & maintenance of fire
extinguishers in the workplace.

Inspection of fire extinguishers typically takes

the form of routine (perhaps monthly) visual
checks to ensure that the extinguishers are in
place, have not been discharged & bear no
obvious damage.
Maintenance , on the other hand, is something
rather more extensive & usually involves an
annual examination & test by a competent
person according to the manufacturers
instructions in order to ensure the integrity of
the extinguisher, with the removal &
replacement of equipment found to be faulty &
the date of the examination recorded on the
extinguisher

List EIGHT ways of reducing the risk of fire in

the workplace

Suitable security to prevent arson

Ensuring electrical equipment properly
maintained
 No smoking except in specified areas
Control use of oil/gas heating equipment and
portable heaters
Safe storage of materials
Flammable liquids or gases stored unsuitable
areas
Control of welding/hot work (Permit to work)
Maintenance to prevent mechanical heat
(Sparks/friction)

a) Outline of TWO advantages and TWO

disadvantages of using hose reels as a means of
extinguishing fires

Advantages Disadvantages
Comparatively Inexpensive Only suitable for class A
Harmless to health Poor siting giving partial
cover
Unlimited supply of water Hose may be snagged
Good water pressure May prevent closure of doors
Operators further away May create tripping hazard

Outline the requirements to ensure the safe

evacuation of persons from a building in the
event of a fire.
 the means for raising the alarm;
an acceptable distance to the nearest available
exit;
escape routes of sufficient width;
clear signing of escape routes;
the provision of emergency lighting;
escape routes kept clear of obstructions with
the fire door closed to prevent the spread of
smoke;
the provision of fire-fighting equipment;
the appointment of fire marshals;
procedures for the evacuation of those with a
physical impairment (in relation to hearing,
sight or mobility);& the need to practice the
evacuation plan at regular intervals.

a) In relation to the classification of fires give an

example of a material (fuel) that falls within
EACH category

Class Type of fuel Examples

A Combustible Coal, cloth. paper
solids
B Flammable Alcohol, petrol
liquids
C Flammable Butane, propane
 gases
D Flammable Aluminium, magnesium
metals
F Cooking media Vegetable oils, fats