Updated as of: 09-08-10

CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Definition of terms
• The Fire Theory
• The Fire Triangle
• Burning
• Properties of Flammable Materials
• Classification of Fire
• Fire Prevention
Continuation…..

• Safe Practices
• Emergency and Fire Alarms
• Fire Control Plan Symbols
• Emergency Muster List
• Fire Hazard and Spread of Fire
• Fire Detection System
• Smoke Detection Systems
 FIRE PREVENTION and FIRE
FIGHTING

• Aboard ship as well as shore, fire can either a friend or

an enemy, harnesses and controlled, fire is so much a
part of our everyday lives that we take it and its uses
for granted. But uncontrolled fire brings disaster- loss
of lives and millions of money and property damage.
For example, in the past years there were fire incidents
involving domestic and foreign vessels.
Continuation…..

• Fires have occurred and will continue to occur

on vessels that never had a fire before, it is up
to the crew to minimize the possibility of fire
and to minimize the damage that a fire can do if
one occurs.
THE PRINCIPLES OF SURVIVAL
IN RELATION TO FIRE

• Regular training and drills

• Preparedness for Fire Emergency
• Action to be taken when called to fire station
• Smoke and toxic fumes
 DEFINITION OF TERMS

• FIRE – rapid oxidation of combustible materials

• OXIDATION – chemical process where vapors mix with

oxygen creating heat

• OXYGEN – colorless, odorless gas and one of the

compositions of air, which is approximately 21% by
volume
Continuation…..

• HEAT – a form of energy generated by transformation

from CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL and PHYSICAL

SOURCES OF HEAT: Open flame, hot surface, sparks, etc.

• FUEL - any substance which reacts chemically with

oxygen and produces flames or burn

 3 states: SOLID, LIQUID, GAS

Continuation…..

• FIRE TRIANGLE - graphical representation of the three

elements of fire: OXYGEN, HEAT and FUEL

• CHAIN REACTION - series of events, each of which

cause or influence its succeeding events.

• FIRE TETRAHEDRON - solid figure with four triangular

faces illustrating how the chain reaction sequences
intersect with heat, fuel and oxygen to support and
sustain a fire.
 THE FIRE THEORY
• All particles are made up of extremely small particles
called molecules.

• Most important letter symbols with regards to fire

theory:

O – Oxygen
C – Carbon
H – Hydrogen
N – Nitrogen
Continuation…..

• The process leading up to chemical combination is

called a CHEMICAL REACTION and the result is the
formation of one or new substances.

• Fire is a case of oxidation where light and heat occur

and this type of oxidation is COMBUSTION.
 Condition for Fire to Occur are:

• Combustible substances – Fuel

• Sufficient amount of oxygen – Oxygen
• High enough temperature – Heat
• Unbroken Chain Reaction – Chain reaction
 OXYGEN SOURCE HEAT SOURCES
Normal Air contains To Reach Ignition
21% O2. Some fuel Temp Open Flames –
materials contain The sun Hot Surfaces
sufficient oxygen Sparks and Arc
within their make-up friction – Chemical
to support burning. action

SOLID LIQUID GAS

Bulky – Finely Divided – Dust Gasoline Kerosene Lacquer Natural Gases
Coal Plastic Wood Sugar Turpentine Alcohol Varnish Propane Butane
Paper Grain Cloth Hay Paint Olive Oil Cod Hydrogen Acetylene
Wax Cork Grease Leather Liver Oil Carbon Monoxide
others others others
Continuation…..

NOTE:

 If any sides of the triangle is missing, a fire cannot

start.
 If any side of the triangle is removed, the fire will go
out.
 Burning
• It is the rapid oxidation of million vapor molecules

• RADIATION FEEDBACK is the heat that radiates back to

the fuel.

Chain Reaction
• Burning vapors produces heat which releases and
ignites more vapor.
 Fire Tetrahedron
• The basic difference between the fire triangle and fire
tetrahedron:

Tetrahedron illustrates how flaming combustion is supported

and sustained through the chain reaction

The chain reaction keeps the other three faces from falling
apart
 PROPERTIES OF FLAMMABLE
MATERIALS
1. FLAMABILITY – measure how readily a material
ignites

• Self-igniting material – one can oxidize so quickly that it

ignites when heat is not lead away fast enough
• Highly flammable material – one which can be ignited
with a match
• Non-flammable material – require heating before it ignites
Continuation…..

2. IGNITION POINT - The temperature at which a

material oxidizes so quickly that it starts to burn.

3. BURNING TEMPERATURE - common combustible

materials lies between 149 to 538 degrees C.
Continuation…..

4. BURNING SPEED - depends on the quantities and

ratio of the reacting substances, the temperature and
the oxygen supply.

• SOLID – depends on its configuration

• LIQUID – depends on the viscosity of the fuel.
Continuation…..

5. THERMAL VALUE – the effect or significance of a

rising current of hot air. Energy derives from a
substance in a chemical reaction.

6. LOWER FLAMABLE LIMITS – is the minimum

proportion of vapor air mixture that can undergo
ignition if ignited.
Continuation…..

7. UPPER FLAMABLE LIMIT – maximum proportion

of vapor air mixture that can be ignited.

8. FLASH POINT TEMPERATURE – minimum

temperature at which a liquid fuel gives off sufficient
vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air near the
surface.
Continuation…..

9. FIRE POINT TEMPERATURE – the temperature at

which fuel will produce vapors sufficient to support
combustion

10. AUTO IGNITION TEMPERATURE – temperature

of the vapor/air mixture mixed in the correct
proportion that will self-ignite without outside
influence.
SPREAD OF FIRE
Continuation…..

• CONDUCTION - Is the transfer of heat through a

solid body

• RADIATION – is the transfer of heat through the a

source across an intervening space, and no materials
and substances are involved.

• CONVECTION – transfer of heat through the motion

of heated matter.
 FOUR PHASES OF FIRE
DEVELOPMENT

• Ignition Phase (incipient)

• Developing Phase (surface burning)
• Absolute Fire (depth fire in solid)
• Burning Out Phase

NOTE: if the fires is in the third phase, after raising the

alarm one must concentrate on restricting the fire.
 CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE
Classes of Fire Types of Fires Picture Symbol

A Wood, paper, cloth,

trash and other
ordinary materials
SOLID

B Gasoline, oil, paint

and other flammable
LIQUID and GAS
liquids
FIRE
Continuation…..

Classes of Fire Types of Fires Picture Symbol

May be used on fires

C involving live
electrical equipment
without danger to
ELECTRICAL FIRE the operator.

D Combustible metals
and combustible
METAL FIRE alloys
 METHODS OF
EXTINGUISHMENT
• COOLING – to reduce the temperature of a fuel
below its ignition temperature.

• SMOTHERING – separate fuel from oxygen

• OXYGEN DILUTION - reduce the amount of oxygen

below the needed amount to sustain combustion.

• CHAIN BREAKING - disrupt the chemical process

that sustains the fire
Continuation…..

• FUEL – removing fuel is called FUEL STARVATION

WATER – by cooling
FOAM – by smothering
DRY CHEMICAL – by chain breaking
DRY POWDER – by chain breaking
CARBON DIOXIDE – by oxygen dilution

NOTE: smothering is the method of separating fuel from

oxygen and also the most widely used method of
extinguishments
 BASIC WAYS IN PREVENTING
FIRE
1. FORMAL AND INFORMAL TRAINING - It is the
most important factor in any fire prevention program.

• Theory of Fire

• Classes of Fire

• Maintenance and use of portable fire extinguisher

Continuation…..

• Good Housekeeping

Cleaning rags and waste should be stored in covered

metal containers

Accumulations of oil rags should be place in cover

metal containers and discarded as soon as possible.

Accumulation of packaging materials should be

disposed of immediately
Continuation…..

Dunnage should only be stored in proper area.

Accumulation of sawdust

Accumulation of flammables in crew or passengers

quarters should be avoided.

Oil-soaked clothing or other flammables should never

be stored in crew lockers.
Continuation…..

Paints, varnish and so forth should be stored in the

paint locker when not in use even overnight.

Leaks in product should be cleaned up

Kerosene and solvents should be stored in appropriate

containers and approved locations

Oil-burner cleaning substances should not be left in

open containers in the boiler room
Continuation…..

Oil soaked clothing should not be worn

Grease filters and hoods over gallery ranges should be

cleaned regularly.

Avoid soot accumulations in boiler uptakes and air

heater.
2. Elimination and Control of Ignition Sources

• Not smoking in restricted area

• No overloading of electrical circuits

• Keeping flammable materials clear of steam pipes,

light bulbs and other sources of ignition
Continuation…..

• Thoroughly cleaning cargo holds before any cargo is

loaded.

• Removing cargo lights from holds when loading is

completed.

• Observing all precaution when welding or burning

• Eliminating the cause of static electricity

Continuation…..

• Awareness of the possibilities of spontaneous ignition,

and how to avoid it.

• Using approved flashlight and portable lights and non-

sparking tools on tank vessels

• Not using electric tools where a fire hazard may exist.

Continuation…..

• Following the instructions of the senior deck officer on

tank vessel when loading or discharging cargo.

• Continually observing cargo pumps during transfer

operations.
• Four plural safety procedures
No smoking in hazardous area

Ability to raise the alarm in case of fire quickly

Ability to extinguish fire using portable fire

extinguisher or other method

Ability to recognize fire hazard and take the

necessary steps to prevent fire.
 EMERGENCY AND FIRE
ALARMS

General Emergency Alarm – Seven or more short

blasts followed by one long blast on the ships whistle
and bells or klaxons or equivalent sounding in the
ship.
 Common Emergency Signals

• Fire and Emergency

• Man over board
• Abandon ship
• CO2 Alarm
• Boat Handling
FIRE CONTROL PLAN SYMBOL

Fire Control Push Control Space protected

Plan Plan Symbol by CO2

Main Vertical Emergency A – Class

Zone Fire Pump Division
 Continuation…..

A – Class Fire A – Class Fire Fire Pump

Door Door

International B – Class B – Class Fire

Shore Connection Divison Door
Continuation…..
 PERSONNEL SAFETY
PROCEDURES
• Firefighting Team in charge

• Fire Zone may not be entered unless ordered

• Familiarity with the fire zone and escape route

• Need to be properly equipped in entering the fire zone,

No lights and full of smoke

• What equipment is required?

 FIXED FIREFIGHTING
EQUIPMENT
Major Types of Fixed Firefighting Equipment

• Fire main system:

First line of defense against fire
Supplied water to all areas of the vessel
• Automatic and manual sprinkling system
• Foam system
• Dry chemical suppression system
• Carbon dioxide system
FIRE HAZARD AND SPREAD OF
FIRE
1. FIRE HAZARD IN THE ENGINE ROOM BOILER

• Combustible liquids
• Hot surfaces
• Defect in lagging, short-circuiting and overheating of
electrical motors, excess accumulation of oil in the
bilge
• Hot works
• Auto-ignition of oil dripping on hot surfaces
Continuation…..

2. FIRE HAZARD IN THE GALLEY

• Combustible liquids
• Electric ranges, oven, deep fryers, frying pan, and fan
flues
• Open flames, fuel lines, rubbish and grease
accumulation
• Overloaded circuit, electrical equipments, circuit
brittle, cracked insulation on wire, improper repair,
leaks in fuel lines and fittings, towels and rags.
Continuation…..

3. FIRE HAZARD IN THE ACCOMMODATION

• Combustible materials
• Unauthorized electrical connections
• Defective electrical connection
Continuation…..

4. HAZARD FROM CARGOES

• Oxidizing cargo
• Organic peroxide
• Explosives shall be stowed in magazine
• Self-heating and spontaneous combustion
• Compressed flammable gases
• Pyrophoric Cargoes
Continuation…..

5. NON-REGULATED CARGOES

• It may be subjected to spontaneous ignition

• Careless smoking or faulty electrical equipment may

ignite it; it could then act as a fuse if hazardous cargoes
are stowed nearby.
 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
AND REPAIR
• Lubrication and care

• Testing and inspection

• Repair or replacement

• Record keeping
 SAFE PRACTICES
1. SAFETY PROCEDURES

• No smoking in hazardous areas

• Ability to raise the alarm in case of fire quickly
• Ability to extinguish fire using portable fire
extinguisher or other method
• Ability to recognize fire hazard and take the necessary
steps to prevent fire
2. MEASURES FOR REDUCING HAZARDS IN THE
ENGINE ROOM

• Causes:
Combustible liquids leaking through faulty or damaged
connections
Oil-soaked insulation
Hot surfaces
Hot work
Auto ignition
Continuation…..

• Methods of containment:
Watertight doors
Fire doors
Dampers
Water sprays and screens, and remote control of
these where applicable.
Continuation…..

• Methods of detection:
Smoke detectors
High-temperature probes
Rate-of-rise of temperature probes
Patrols

• Fire Appliances
Fixed systems
Portable
Mobile
3. MEASURE FOR REDUCING FIRE HAZARD IN
THE GALLEY

• Causes:
Overheating of combustible liquids and fats
Overheating of deep-fat fryers
Hot surfaces
Defective electrical connections
Greasy fuels
Continuation…..

• Methods of containment:
Fire doors, ventilation and flue dampers
Fire blankets

• Methods of detection
Patrols

• Fire Appliances
Fixed system
Portable
4. MEASURE FOR REDUCING FIRE HAZARD IN
THE ACCOMMODATION

• Causes:
Combustible materials
Matches and cigarette smoking
Textiles adjacent to hot objects such as radiators and lamps
Defective and overloaded electrical systems
In a laundry, incorrect installation of a tumble drier or
failure to keep it clean
Continuation…..

• Methods of containment:
Fire doors and dampers
Sprinkler system
Fire-retardant materials in construction
Fire-retardant deck coverings
Fire retardant furnishings
Continuation…..

• Methods of detection
Smoke detectors
Temperature probes
Sprinkler system
Patrols

• Fire Appliances
Fixed system
Portable
5. MEASURE FOR REDUCING FIRE HAZARD IN
THE CARGO

• Potentially hazardous materials:

Paints and varnishes approved by an Administration
Lubricating oils
Cleaning fluids, paint thinners, paraffin
Fuel for motor lifeboats and emergency engines
Oxygen and acetylene cylinders
Continuation…..
• Approved storage areas for such materials:
Paint store
Deck locker

• Prohibited storage area for paints, oils, cleaning fluids

Accommodation
Machinery spaces

• Approved methods of handling between shore and

ship in order to avoid
Spillage Ignition from any cause
Delay in transporting the materials from shore to storage
FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM

CONSIST OF A NORMAL AND EMERGENCY

POWER SUPPLIES, A FIRE DETECTION
CONTROL UNIT, FIRE DETECTORS AND
VIBRATING BELLS.
 THE MAIN REQUIREMENTS OF A FIRE
DETECTIONSYSTEM

• Maximum speed of response to fire

• Identification of the area involved
• Free from defects giving rise to false alarms
• Capable of operating in difficult environmental
conditions
1. NORMAL SUPPLIES

• supplied either separate branch circuit from main

switchboard or by batteries

• Power supplied by storage batteries must be used

only for fire alarm and fire detection only.

• must be in pairs
2. EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES

Maybe supplied by separate branch circuit taken from

the emergency lighting and power system switchboard
or by storage batteries. If duplicate storage batteries
supply the normal power the battery being charged
may serve as the emergency power source.
3. FIRE DETECTION CONTROL UNIT

• red light – fire or smoke

• blue light – trouble in the system
• white light – that the power is on in the system
4. FIRE DETECTORS – sense and initiate a signal in
response to heat, smoke, flame and other indication of
fire.

• HEAT-ACTUATED FIRE DETECTOR

Fixed Temperature
Bi-metallic strip detector
Snap-action bi-metallic strip
Fusible metal link
Liquid expansion
 TEMPERATURE
CLASSIFICATION
• ORDINARY DEGREE – normal temperature at the
device doses not exceed 38˚C

• INTERMEDIATE DEGREE – normal temperature of the

devices exceed 38˚C out not 66˚C

• HARD DEGREE – normal temperature of the device

exceeds 66’C but not 107˚C
Continuation…..

RATING MAXIMUM MINIMUM

Ordinary 74˚C (165˚F) 57˚C (135˚)

Intermediate 107˚C (165˚F) 79˚C (135˚)
Hard 149˚C (165˚F) 121˚C (135˚)
 TYPES OF FIXED-
TEMPERATURE DETECTORS

• Bi-metallic strip detector

• Snap-action bi-metallic strip
• Thermostatic Cable
• Fusible metal link
• Liquid expansion
 RATE OF RISE DETECTORS
1. ADVANTAGES

• Slow rise in the temperature will not activate the

device
• It can be used in low as well as high temperature
• It responds more faster than fixed temperature
devices
• Unless destroyed, it is adjustable for reuse
Continuation…..

2. DISADVANTAGES

• It may sound a false alarm when a rapid increase in

temperature is not the result of fire

• It may not be activated by smoldering fire that

increases the air temperature slowly
 SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEMS
TYPES OF SMOKE DETECTORS

• Photoelectric Smoke Detectors

• Ionization
• Cloud Chamber
 SUPERVISED PATROLS AND
WATCHMEN SYSTEM

• Supervised Patrol – required on passenger vessels

whenever passengers are on board

• Watchmen Systems – vessels that are not required

to have supervised patrols. At night, suitable number
of watchmen must be stationed in the passenger’s
accommodation areas on each deck.
Continuation…..

DUTIES OF PATROLMEN AND WATCHMEN

• Time of discovery
• Exact location where fire or smoke was seen
• What doors are open and closed
• Who, if any one was in the area prior to discovery
• Other condition or circumstances that might have
bearing of the fire.
FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES
EQUIPMENTS

FIRE HOSES AND NOZZLES

Continuation…..

MOBILE APPARATUS

• Carbon Dioxide Cylinders

• Powder containers with propellant gas
• Foam Making equipment
Continuation…..
Continuation…..

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

• Water
• Foam
• Dry chemical
• Dry powder
• Carbon Dioxide
Continuation…..

REMEMBER the PASS-word

Continuation…..

WATER EXTINGUISHERS

• USE
Start at the bottom and work upward
Take care not to scatter any loose material
Ensure all glowing embers are dealt with

• HAZARD
It is not safe for use against fire involving live electrical
apparatus
Continuation…..

FOAM EXTINGUISHERS

• USE

Foam has excellent smothering qualities and so is

most effective against Class B fires. Foam must be
delivered in such a way as not to disturb the surface
of the fuel and the entire area of the fuel spill must
be covered by the foam.
Continuation…..

DRY CHEMICAL POWDER EXTINGUISHERS

• Effective against Class A, B and C fires.

• Always attack the fire from upwind
• The powder has no cooling properties.
 CLASSES OF FIRES
1. CLASS A – ordinary combustible

• Wood
• Cloth
• Paper
• Rubber
• Plastics

NOTE: Remember the word “ASH” for A

Continuation…..

2. CLASS B – flammable liquids

• Gasoline
• Oil
• Grease
• Oil Based Paint
• Lacquer

NOTE: Remember the word “BOIL” for B

Continuation…..

3. CLASS C – energized electrical equipment

• Wiring
• Fuse boxes
• Circuit Breakers
• Machinery and appliances

NOTE: Remember the word “CURRENT” for C

DIFFERENT FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
WATER AND FOAM FIRE EXTINGUISHER

• Utilizes the cooling, soaking and penetrating effect of a

45-55 ft. stream of water.
• Very effective for inexperienced operators for use as a
Class A fire extinguisher.
• Alcohol Resistant fire agent is effective on Class B
fires in a wide variety of materials such as alcohols,
polar solvents
Continuation…..

REGULAR DRY CHEMICAL

• Contain a siliconized sodium bicarbonate

• Economical Class B and C protection
• It smothers fire in flammable liquid and pressurized
gases
Continuation…..

MULTI-PURPOSE DRY CHEMICAL

• contain a specially fluidized and siliconized mono

ammonium phosphate chemical
• chemically insulates Class A fires
Continuation…..

PURPLE K DRY CHEMICAL

• contain specially fluidized and siliconized potassium

bicarbonate dry chemical
Continuation…..

CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER

• discharged as a white cloud of “snow”

Continuation…..
Continuation…..
PARTS OF A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Continuation…..
 FIREMAN’S OUTFIT

• Personal Equipment
• Breathing Apparatus
• Fireproof lifeline with
snap hook harness
 CONSTITUENT OF PERSONAL
EQUIPMENT

• Fire suit
• Gloves and shoes
• Hard helmet
• Safety lamp
• Fire axe
 BREATHING APPARATUS
1. SCBA – Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
Continuation…..

2. MSA – Mine Safety Apparatus

Continuation…..

3. CABA – Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus

Continuation…..

4. ELSA – Emergency Life Safety Apparatus

Continuation…..
Continuation…..
 PARTS
1. FACEMASK

• Head harness
• Neck strap
• Inhalation tube/hose
• Face piece/visor
• Nose cup
• Speaking diaphragm
• Pressure relief valve
Continuation…..

2. REGULATOR

• Two Types
 Air supply
 Gauge

• Parts
 Bypass valve
 Pressure control valve
 Alarm whistle/ bell
Continuation…..

• Air cylinder
 Cylinder control valve
 Pressure Gauge
 Pressure reducer

• Back Plate
 Shoulder strap
 Waist strap
 Cylinder clam
 LIFE LINE
• Consist of a woven steel-wire cable
• 15.25m (50 ft) in length
TENDER – WEARER WEARER – TENDER
PULLS ON PULLS ON
MEANING MEANING
THE LINE THE LINE

1 Are you okay? 1 I am okay

2 Advance 2 I am going in

Keep slack out of

3 Back out 3
my line

4 Come out quickly 4 I need help

Continuation…..

• Pulls and signal for OBA

No. of PULLS MEANING

1 O OKAY
2 A ADVANCE
3 T TAKE UP SLACK
4 H HELP