Fire Hazards and

Life Safety
PRESENTED BY:
WATER BENDERS
 THREE ELEMENTS OF THE FIRE
TRIANGLE

FIRE IS A CHAIN REACTION. FOR HEAT

COMBUSTION TO CONTINUE, THERE CHEMICAL

CHAIN
MUST BE A CONSTANT SOURCE OF REACTION

FUEL, OXYGEN, AND HEAT OXYGEN

FUEL
 A fire must have three things to ignite and maintain
combustion:
Fuel
Heat
Oxygen
The basic strategy of fire prevention is to control or isolate sources
of fuel and heat in order to prevent combustion.

If all three are not present in sufficient quantities a fire will not
ignite or a fire will not be able to sustain combustion
 THREE METHODS OF HEAT TRANSFER
• CONDUCTION, CONVECTION AND RADIATION.
• CONDUCTION IS DIRECT THERMAL ENERGY TRANSFER. METALS ARE VERY GOOD
CONDUCTORS OF HEAT. CONCRETE IS A POOR CONDUCTOR AND HENCE A GOOD
INSULATOR.
• CONVECTION IS HEAT TRANSFER THROUGH THE MOVEMENT OF HOT GASES.
CONVECTION DETERMINES THE GENERAL DIRECTION OF THE SPREAD OF A FIRE.
• RADIATION IS ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE TRANSFER OF HEAT TO A SOLID. A FIRE IN
ONE OIL TANK CAN SPREAD TO NEARBY TANKS THROUGH RADIATED HEAT, RAISING
THE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE OF THE OTHER TANK CONTENTS. SUN’S
RADIATION OF HEAT.
FIRE IS A CHEMICAL REACTION
• FIRE OR COMBUSTION IS A CHEMICAL REACTION BETWEEN OXYGEN AND A
COMBUSTIBLE FLUID.
• COMBUSTION IS THE PROCESS BY WHICH FIRE CONVERTS FUEL AND OXYGEN
INTO ENERGY, USUALLY IN THE FORM OF HEAT.
• THE IGNITION POINT OR COMBUSTION POINT IS THE TEMPERATURE AT WHICH A
GIVEN FUEL CAN BURST INTO FLAME.
 Toxic Chemicals often produced by fires
The major chemical products of combustion: Acrolein, Ammonia, Carbon
dioxide, Carbon monoxide, Hydrogen Chloride, Hydrogen Sulfide, Nitrogen
dioxide, and Sulfur dioxide.
 NFPA HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
• NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) RED, BLUE, YELLOW AND WHITE
DIAMOND IS USED ON PRODUCT LABELS, SHIPPING CARTONS AND BUILDINGS.
RATINGS WITHIN EACH CATEGORY ARE 0 TO 4, WHERE 0 REPRESENTS NO HAZARD;
AND 4 THE MOST SEVERE HAZARD LEVEL. COLORS REFER TO A SPECIFIC CATEGORY
OF HAZARD:
• RED = FLAMMABILITY (FIRE HAZARD)
• BLUE = HEALTH (HEALTH HAZARD)
• YELLOW = REACTIVITY (CHEMICAL HAZARD)
• WHITE = SPECIAL INFORMATION (SPECIAL HAZARDS PRESENTED BY THE MATERIAL
WRITTEN IN)
CLASS “A” FIRES - Ordinary combustibles such
as wood, paper, cloth.
CLASS “B” FIRES - Flammable liquids such
as oil, grease
CLASS “C” FIRES - Energized electrical
equipment
CLASS “D” FIRES - Flammable Metals
 Carbon
Carbon is found in almost every flammable substance.
When a substance burns, the carbon is released and then combines with
oxygen that must be present to form either carbon dioxide or carbon
monoxide.
CARBON MONOXIDE AND CARBON DIOXIDE
• CARBON DIOXIDE IS PRODUCED WHEN THERE IS MORE OXYGEN THAN THE FIRE NEEDS. IT IS NOT
TOXIC, BUT CAN BE PRODUCED IN SUCH VOLUMES THAT IT SERIOUSLY REDUCES THE
CONCENTRATION OF OXYGEN IN THE AIR SURROUNDING THE FIRE SITE.

• CARBON MONOXIDE, A COLORLESS, ODORLESS, DEADLY GAS, IS THE RESULT OF INCOMPLETE

COMBUSTION OF A FUEL. IT IS PRODUCED WHEN THERE IS INSUFFICIENT OXYGEN TO BURN THE
FUEL COMPLETELY.
 Pile of oil soaked rags in a closed container

Spontaneous combustion: A classic example of spontaneous

combustion is a pile of oil soaked rags. The fibers of the rags expose
a large surface area to oxidation. The porous nature of the rags allow
additional oxygen to be absorbed, replacing the oxygen already
consumed. When the temperature rises sufficiently, the surfaces of
the oil on the rags vaporize. Spontaneous combustion is rare, but it
can happen.
 SOMETHING IN THE ROOM THAT WILL NOT
BURN

• ALMOST EVERYTHING IN AN INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT CAN BURN.

• METAL FURNITURE, MACHINES, PLASTER, AND CONCRETE BLOCK WALLS ARE
USUALLY PAINTED. MOST PAINTS AND LACQUERS WILL EASILY CATCH FIRE.
• THE PRINCIPAL METHOD OF FIRE PREVENTION IS PASSIVE – THE ABSENCE OF
SUFFICIENT HEAT.
 FUEL CAN BE

LIQUID: Grease, Oil, Fuel;

SOLID: Wood, Paper, Metal;
GAS: Natural Gas, Propane, Acetylene.
 HARMFUL EFFECTS TO HUMANS

National Fire Protection Association statistics show that most people die in fires
from suffocating or breathing smoke and toxic fumes.
The number one killer in fires is carbon monoxide, which is produced in virtually
all fires involving organic compounds. Carbon monoxide is produced in large
volumes and can quickly reach lethal dosage concentrations.
Carbon dioxide can lead to suffocation because it can be produced in large
volumes, depleting oxygen from the air.
Many fire extinguishers use carbon dioxide because of its ability to starve the
fire of oxygen while simultaneously cooling the fire.
 Common Extinguishing Agents

Water
Carbon Dioxide
Dry Chemical
Multipurpose Dry Chemical
Halon
 Water
Advantages DISADVANTAGES

• Removes heat
• CONDUCTS ELECTRICITY
• Inexpensive
• MAY SPREAD CLASS B FIRES
• Effective on Class A fires • FREEZES
• Non-toxic • MAY CREATE RUN-OFF
• Plentiful
 CARBON DIOXIDE

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• REDUCES OXYGEN • REQUIRES A LARGE
VOLUME.
• EFFECTIVE ON B AND C
FIRES • TOXIC AT > 4%
• NO RESIDUE • DISSIPATES QUICKLY
• VAPOR DENSITY=1.5
 DRY CHEMICAL (SODIUM BICARBONATE)

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
•INTERRUPTS •LEAVES A RESIDUE
REACTION •OBSCURES VISION
•EFFECTIVE ON B AND •ABSORBS MOISTURE
C FIRES
•MAY BE IRRITATING
•NOT CONSIDERED •MAY CAUSE
TOXIC
SPLASHES
 MULTIPURPOSE DRY CHEMICAL
(AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE)
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
•INTERRUPTS •OBSCURES VISION
REACTION
•MAY BE
•EFFECTIVE ON A, B, IRRITATING
AND C FIRES
•NON-CONDUCTIVE •MAY CAUSE
SPLASHES
 HALON

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
•INTERRUPTS REACTION •TOXIC AT > 10%
•EFFECTIVE ON A, B,AND C •EXPOSURE EFFECTS
FIRES UNKNOWN
•NO RESIDUE •DECOMPOSITION IN FIRE
•NO CHILLING EFFECT ON •VAPOR DENSITY>5
EQUIPMENT. •RESTRICTED PRODUCTION
SMOKE
Fire /Life
Safety
 MEANS OF EGRESS
•EXITS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.
•DOORS MUST BE SIDE-HINGED AND SWING OUT.
•EXITS MUST BE CLEARLY RECOGNIZABLE.
•EXITS MUST DISCHARGE DIRECTLY TO AN OPEN SPACE.
•EXITS MUST BE FREE OF OBSTRUCTIONS.
•DEVICES MUST NOT PREVENT THE USE OF EXITS.
• Signs must clearly identify exits or ways to exits.
• Signs must designate “Not An Exit” when confusing.
• Exit sign letting must be 6” x 3/4”.
• Exit signs must be illuminated.
• Exits must be readily visible.
Fire Protection
• Extinguishers must be mounted and identified so they are readily
available.
• Only approved extinguishers can be used.
• Extinguishers must be fully charged.
• Extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly, maintained annually,
and tested periodically.
• Employees must be trained annually in the use of extinguishers.
• TRUE or FALSE. All companies must have extinguishers and have trained
employees use them.
Fire safety inspections
Remember to include specific areas in your safety
inspection forms.

Ask for examples from your class:

Open containers of chemicals
Non-labeled containers
Frayed electrical cords
The best way to fight fire is to prevent it !!!!!!!
 Examples of fire safety inspections
• LOCKED OR BLOCKED • EXIT SIGNS BLOCKED
EXITS (COMMON HAZARD) EXITS/ISLES/HALLWAYS
• TRASH OR DEBRIS • FIRE EXTINGUISHER HAZARDS
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
COOKING HAZARDS • EMERGENCY LIGHTING
HAZARDS
CHEMICAL, GAS
CYLINDERS/ SYSTEM, AND • EMERGENCY STAIRWAY
LABS DOORS BLOCKED OR PROPPED
OPEN
• SMOKING AREAS
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.

As a general rule, No more than 10 gallons of flammable materials should be outside of

approved flammable liquid storage cabinets or approved storage rooms.

Room storage limits of flammable and combustible materials depend on various factors
such as sprinklers, and storage cabinets. Refer to the table on the following slide for
storage guidelines.
Safety Equipments
 TYPES OF CONTROL VALVES
These are not
applicable to all agencies.
Primarily apply to large
agencies such as
hospitals, perhaps some
universities where fire
hose systems are used.
OTHER FEATURES OF FIRE
PROTECTION
SPRINKLERS
ALARMS
 DETECTORS & STOBES

Examples of alarms systems and strobe lights.

 FIRE DOORS

Fire doors are often located in newer buildings. They are either shut automatically
when an alarm is engaged or are shut by employees. Their function is to keep the fire
from spreading by keeping oxygen flow behind.
 SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

These are used in CLASS K fires – that occur where agencies have large kitchens &
require special fire suppression systems to prevent fires in cooking appliances that
involve combustible cooking such as vegetable or animal oils & fats.
 Inspections of Fire Extinguisher

• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) defines an

inspection as a “quick check” that the extinguisher is available
and will function
 NFPA requires extinguishers be inspected monthly, or more
frequently if circumstances require it
 WHO CAN INSPECT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Anyone.
NFPA says “minimal knowledge required”
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?
 Determine fullness by weight or by “hefting.” Invert & shake it will help
ensure “caking” or hardening of powder has not occurred.
Visually examine for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage,
or a clogged nozzle.
Check to see if the pressure gauge is in operable range. Maintenance
should be done annually.

INSPECTION TAG:
MAINTENANCE TAGS

These are the different types of tags that appear on fire extinguishers. The 2 on the
right are obviously ones that appear if something’s wrong with the extinguisher & needs
repair or replacement.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
EXTINGUISHER RATING SYSTEM
 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS:

Carbon Dioxide
(CO2)
 Stored pressure dry
powder (ABC)

Dry Powder
 Clean agent type
extinguishers (Halon)

Clean Agent – Halon

 Case Study
The Situation

Today, more than ever, Public School Systems are tasked to reduce costs and
standardize their fire protection services including testing, inspection, and maintenance
throughout their facilities.

It used to be common practice for School Systems to partner with multiple fire protection
companies to support some aspect of their fire protection systems, including:
 Fire alarms, sprinkler or suppression
 Authorized dealer of an OEM Manufacture or product lines
 Only one of several geographic region(s) 
These one off solutions were cdostly and cumbersome to manage and coordinate
effectively.
The Solution
In the spring of 2012, Fire & Life Safety America petitioned a large school district in
North Carolina to consider changing these ineffective existing fire protection services,
arguing that they did not serve the fiscal or operational interests of the school system.
After presenting the petition at a council meeting, the school system voted to allow
FLSA to furnish a uniform specification that can be used to solicit for a single provider to
support the totality of the fire protection program including the several hundred
locations, and both fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems. FLSA further suggested a
requirement that the chosen provider manage the reports and documentation
associated with the testing and inspections of these systems, efficiently removing this
responsibility from the school system administrators. The bid specification was well
receive by the school system.
FLSA was awarded the agreement in July 2012 and renewed the agreement in July 2013.
The Value
 Complete inventory of facility’s life safety devices utilizing Building Reports
technology which allows the school system’s facilities department the ability
to review and manage all of their inspection reports online using one login
address.
 Consistent review and plan of action for all deficiencies.
 FLSA has partnered with Box.net, and also utilized our company IT group to
build effective integrated tools and processes for managing and measuring
the requirements of our customer consistently.
END