FIRE SAFETY

 

Fire

As a process, fire can take many forms, all of which involve chemical reaction between combustible elements, oxygen from the air and heat to meet our industrial and domestic needs. But unchecked and uncontrolled Fires can cause untold material damage and human suffering.

 

Where can fire start?

  • Transformer
  • Air Conditioner
  • Server Room
  • Battery Charger Room
  • Plant Room
  • Kitchen / Pantry
  • Any Work Place

Cause of Fire

  • Faulty Electrical Equipments / Wiring
  • Poor Housekeeping
  • Overloaded Electrical Systems
  • Over Heating of Equipment / Servers
  • Careless Handling of Fire
  • Cigarettes, Naked Flames, Inflammable Materials, etc.
  • Spontaneous Combustion (Direct / Indirect)

 

How can one detect fire?

Manual - Use of senses like sight, hearing or smell

Systems - Smoke detectors and Heat sensors

 

Methods to douse fire

  • Use of Water
  • Use of Foam
  • Beating
  • Blanketing
  • Use of Sand
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Dry Chemical Powder

Classification of fire

  • Type "A" (Solids): Paper, Wood, Fabric, etc.
  • Type "B" (Liquids): Petroleum Products, Paint, Oil, etc.
  • Type "C" (Gases): LPG, CNG, Hydrogen, Acetylenes, Electricity Cable Wires, etc.
  • Type "D" (Metals): Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, etc.

 

Don'ts

a. Use water to extinguish electrical fires, as electrical shocks can pass through water.

b. Use water to extinguish oil / grease fires. Water and oil don't mix, when you dump water on a grease fire, it sinks right through to the bottom of the pan and evaporates instantly, spreading flaming oil everywhere.

 

Common Types of fire extinguishers

 

  • Water: For only class "A" fires
  • Dry Chemical: For general use and all classes of fire i.e. "A", "B" and "C"
  • Co2 and Halon: For "B" and "C" classes of fire. Best for burning liquids, electronics, etc.

 

What do you do when you in case of burning odour or smoke?

 

  • Call 101
  • Switch off main electricity
  • Disconnect Equipment
  • Notify Security & Floor Monitors

 

How to react upon discovery of fire?

 

  • Activate Building Alarm (if any)
  • Call 101 or Fire Dept.
  • Evacuate everyone in an organized manner, starting with those in immediate danger.
  • Ensure that all doors & windows are closed to contain the fire.
  • Treat all fires as dangerous.