CONSTRUCTION
FIRE SAFETY
The “FIRE” triangle
The “Fire” Triangle identifies the
three components of fire:
FUEL
ENERGY (HEAT)
OXIDIZER (AIR)
If any one of these is missing, a fire
cannot continue THEREFORE…
Prevention is based on
minimizing one of the
components of the
“FIRE TRIANGLE”
COMMON CAUSES OF FIRE
Short circuit, overloading
or poor joints in
electrical cables.
 Defective electrical
wiring and equipment.

COMMON CAUSES OF FIRE


Improper use or storage of
flammable liquid such as thinner
and paint.
Excessive storage of
waste and scrapped
materials.
COMMON CAUSES OF FIRE
 Smoking
or use of naked flame.
 Machines with poor preventive
maintenance program leading to
overloading.
TYPES OF FUEL
SOLID - paper, wood, plastic
TYPES OF FUEL
LIQUID - gasoline, paint,
thinner, alcohol
TYPES OF FUEL
GAS – methane,
propane, butane,
natural gas
CLASSES OF FIRE
Depends on the type of fuel burning…
 Class “A” Fire = solid fuel
 Class “B” Fire = liquid fuel
 Class “C” Fire = energized electrical
equipment
 Class “D” Fire = combustible
metals
ex: magnesium, potassium, sodium
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
CLASSIFICATION
 Class A – ordinary combustibles (wood, cloth,
paper)
 Class B – flammable liquids, gases, greases
 Class C – energized electrical equipment
 Class D – combustible metals
Ordinary
Flammable
Electrical
A
B
C
Combustibles
Liquids
Equipment
Combustible
D
Metals
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
CLASSIFICATION
B
A
C
ABC
Fire Extinguisher – A portable
device use to put out fires of limited
size.
Type of fire Extinguisher
 Water based - Class A
 Foam based - Class A & B
 Carbon Dioxide(CO2) based –
Class B & C
 Dry powder based – Class A, B & C
HOW TO USE A FIRE
EXTINGUISHER
Remember the PASS word
P – Pull the pin
A- Aim at the base of fire
S – Squeeze the handle
S – Sweep side by side
Remember: Never turn your back
towards the fire, even if you think it is out.
Observe the wind direction.
If you have to turn off a fire, direct the
extinguisher at the base of the flame.
When NOT to fight Fire
You don’t know what is burning.
 The fire is spreading beyond the spot
where it started.
 You don’t have adequate or
appropriate equipment.
 You might inhale toxic smoke.
 Your instincts tell you not to.

Fire Extinguisher have limits…
The operator must know how to use
it.
 The extinguisher must be on an easy
reach, in working order, and fully
charged.
 The operator must have a clear
escape route that will not blocked by
fire.

Fire Extinguisher have limits…
The extinguisher must match the
type of fire being fought.
 The extinguisher must be large
enough to put out the fire.

Some Fire Prevention Tips…
Store flammable materials
especially LPG cylinders properly.
 LPG cylinders should be stored
outside buildings in a well ventilated
and secure areas.
 Properly secure LPG, oxygen and
acetylene tanks.

Some Fire Prevention Tips…
LPG supplies should be turn-off at
the cylinder when not in use, LPG
equipment and fittings should be
properly maintained.
 Keep pressured tanks on an upright
position. Do not stack cylinders
especially acetylene tanks on its
side.

Some Fire Prevention Tips…

Pressured tanks are to be
handled and transferred properly.
YES
Some Fire Prevention Tips…
Consider the need for special
precautions in areas where flammable
atmospheres may develop.
 Avoid burning waste materials on site
wherever possible.
 Conduct color coding scheme on a
monthly basis on all electrical
equipment.

Some Fire Prevention Tips…
Make sure everyone abide rules on
smoking. Provide smoking and no
smoking areas.
 Conduct proper segregation of
construction materials.
 Avoid unnecessary stockpiling of
combustible materials.

Some Fire Prevention Tips…
Implement a “no smoking policy” on
the construction site and provide a
smoking area.
 Keep site tidy and make sure rubbish
is cleared away promptly and
regularly.

Preparing for an Emergency when it
Happens…
Raising the alarm
 Can be heard by everyone working
on site over normal background
noise
 Will work when needed
 Can be activated immediately
 Notify Project Engineer
Preparing for an Emergency when it
Happens…
Means of escape
 Clear any obstruction on access ways
and ladders.
 Provide at least 2 escape routes.
 Travel distances to safety are reduced
to minimum.
Preparing for an Emergency when it
Happens…
Means of escape
 Escape routes and emergency exits
are clearly signed.
 Identify and designate assembly point.
 Transport vehicle should be readily
available if necessary.
Preparing for an Emergency
when it Happens…
Providing Information
Fire action notices should be clearly
displayed where everyone on site will
see them, for example at fire points,
site entrances or canteen areas.
What should you use to
smother a small grease fire in
a kitchen?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Water
Metal lid or pot cover
Fire extinguisher
Paper towels
Answer: b. metal lid or pot cover
What type of fire extinguisher
is suitable for extinguishing
electrical fires?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Class A
Class B
Class C
Class D
Answer: c. Class C
What is the first thing you
should do if your clothes
catch fire?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Run to find help
Stop, drop, and roll
Remove the burning clothes immediately
Use water to put out the flames
Answer: b. stop, drop, and roll
Which of the following is NOT
a recommended way to exit a
building during a fire?
a.
b.
c.
d.
elevator
staircase
fire escape
exit door
Answer: a. elevator
What should you do if you
encounter a closed door
during a fire evacuation?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Kick the door open
Open the door slowly and exit if safe
Ignore the door and keep moving
Use your cellphone to call for help
Answer: b. open the door
slowly and exit if safe
THE END