FIRE SAFETY

Fire is a form of a chemical reaction that involves the rapid oxidation of combustible fuel
(material) with the subsquent liberation of heat and light.
Types of fire
As far as safety is concerned, there are two types of fire;
a) controlled (safe) fire.
 There is good control on the size, duration, temperature, smoke and fumes of fire.
 This is used in our daily life such as cooking, heating (by gas, coal or kerosene), car, aeroplane
and rocket engines.
 It requires the presence of air (oxygen), fuel and heat (ignition source).
 These components are termed the fire-triangle.
b) uncontrolled (dangerous) fire.
 There is no control on the size, duration, temperature (1000 oC or more), smoke and fumes of fire.
 This type of fire occurs due to the accidental (or due to criminal act) spread of fire to catch
combustible materials.
 In addition to oxygen, fuel and heat, this type of fire requires an uninhbited chain reaction.
 In an uninhbited chain reaction burning continues and may even accelerate.
 This chain reaction occurs due to the breakdown and recombination of the molecules that will add
to the fuel of the fire.
Effects of uncontrolled fire
a) human loss: burning from extreme heat; suffocation from smoke and fumes and death
b) Structural damage: damage to labs, offices and buildings
c) Material damage: damage to instruments, equipments, furniture and supplies
d) Disruption of work
e) Financial losses
Fire Safety Equipments and devices.
 Smoke & heat detectors (usually in the ceiling)
 Fire and emergency alarms (switched on by emergency buttons or handles)
 Fire and emergency lights (red)
 Water sprinklers (usually in the ceiling)
 Fire extiguishers (various types according to class of fire)
 Water hydrants with attached hose
 Fire blanket (to wrap around the burned person or to cover devices on fire)
 Emergency exits signs and lights
 Fire and emergency exits
 Fire and emergency stairs and escapes
 Fire break area (for assembly of people)
General fire safety considerations
1- LEARN NOT TO BURN
2- Each lab (hospital) must hold compulsary fire drills (including lectures, demonstrations and practice on
fire and the use of fire fiting equipments)
3- Each lab (hospital) MUST have the following fire alert and fighting equipments;
a) smoke and heat detectors
b) fire alarm & emergency buttons(switches)
FIRE SAFETY LECTURE-16 NOV 2015
c) fire alarm sound system (whole hospital)
d) water sprinklers
e) various types of fire-extinguishers
f) connected water hose reel
g) unobstructed fire & emergency exit
h) push bar type fire escape doors
i) fire blankets
j) emergency shower
4- Fire extinguishers must be always full and operational
5- Fire extinguishers must be checked regularly
6- Fire extinguishers must be placed in unobstructed, easy to access and well signed location
7- Do not obstruct corridors and exits with any furniture or equipments
8- Lab doors must be fire resistant and have a fire resistant glass window
9- Lab doors must be kept shut all the time to compartementalize fire
10- Coridors and lab sections must have automatic fire shut doors to compartementalize fire
11- All sections must have clear fire break and evacuation area
12- If you discover fire; DO NOT PANIC, BE CALM BUT ACT SERIOUSLY
a- phone the Fire Brigade (civil Defence) or Safety Department
b- sound the alarm
c- switch off the electricity power breaker
d- if fire is small, then use the suitable fire fighting equipment properly (fire extinguisher, fire
blanket)
e- if fire is not small; evacuate the area and go through the emegency exits to the nearest fire break
area
f- do not stop to collect personal or other belongings
g- never use the elevator
h- walk down the stairs in a continuous flow movement
i- DO NOT RUSH or CAUSE STAMPEDE, serious injuries and death may occur
k- once outside the building assemble in the fire-break area outside
l- do not re-enter the lab or building unless it is declared safe by the fire brigade
m- REMEMBER; Even after the fire has been extinguished there may still be small pockets of fire,
very hot elements, and the danger of collapse of walls, roofs or the whole building
n- record the incident in a record book
13- When you hear an alarm; DO NOT PANIC, BE CALM BUT ACT SERIOUSLY
a- make sure that you understand the alarm ringing system of the hospital
b- if it indicates serious fire; then evacuate the area immediately and go through the emegency exits
to the nearest fire break area
c- do not stop to collect personal or other belongings
d- never use the elevator
e- walk down the stairs in a continuous flow movement
f- DO NOT RUSH or CAUSE STAMPEDE, serious injuries and death may occur
g- once outside the building assemble in the fire-break area outside
h- do not re-enter the lab or building unless it is declared safe by the fire brigade
i- REMEMBER; Even after the fire has been extinguished there may still be small pockets of fire,
very hot elements, and the danger of collapse of walls, roofs or the whole building
TAKE FIRE SERIOUSLY EVEN IF IT IS A SMALL ONE.
0 Stable: substances which will remain stable when exposed to heat, pressure or water.
FIRE SAFETY LECTURE-16 NOV 2015
Types of Fire Extinguishers
There are many different types of extinguishers. It is essential that you familiarize yourself with the location and
operation of fire extinguishers in your home or workplace!
Stored-Pressure Water Extinguishers:
These extinguishers are suitable for use on Class A fires only (ordinary combustibles). Caution: DO NOT use these
extinguishers on Class B,C or D fires! Standard water extinguishers contain 2 1/2 gallons of water. Under normal
conditions, stream reach is 15-30 feet. Discharge time is 30-60 seconds. These extinguishers must be protected
against freezing if they will be exposed to temperatures less than 40 degrees F (4 degrees C).
Film-Forming-Fluoroprotein (FFFP) Foam Extinguishers:
These extinguishers are designed for use on Class A and B fires. They are essentially 2 1/2 gallon water
extinguishers with a FFFP foam additive. When using this type of extinguisher on a Class B fire, you must be
careful to avoid splashing liquid fuels. The foam has the ability to make water float on fuels that are lighter than
water.
Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishers:
Halon 1211, or bromochlorodifluoromethane extinguishers, are primarly designed for Class B and C fires. Hand
carried extinguishers are available in sizes from 2 1/2 to 22 pounds. Caution: when used in a confined area, halon
can cause dizziness and loss of coordination. You should immediately evacuate an area after using an extinguisher
of this type. Larger wheeled units are available up to 150 pounds. Stream reach is about 8 to 18 feet. Discharge time
is dependent on the size of extinguisher.
Dry Chemical Extinguishers (Hand Carried):
Dry chemical fire extinguishers are the most common extinguishers at Davis-Monthan AFB. They are two types
available: those rated for Class B and C fires, and those rated for Class A, B, and C fires. These extinguishers are
available from 2 1/2 to 30 pounds. Caution: when used indoors, these extinguishers will produce a thick cloud of
dust, which obscures vision and may cause choking. They have a range of 5-20 feet, although they can be easily
affected by wind. Discharge time is 10-25 seconds.
Using Hand-Held Fire Extinguishers
Extinguishers have their limits
A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the Fire
Department arrives. Portable extinguishers are not designed to fight a large or spreading fire. Even against small
fires, they are useful only under the following conditions:
 An extinguisher must be large enough for the fire at hand. It must be available and in working order, fully
charged.
 The operator must know how to use the extinguisher quickly, without taking time to read directions in an
emergency.
 The operator must be strong enough to lift and operate the extinguisher.
It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher- simply follow the steps- "P-A-S-S"
P
ull the Pin: Pull the pin
at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being pressed. Break the plastic seal as the pin is pulled.
A
im: Aim the nozzle or outlet toward the fire. Some hose assemblies are clipped to the extinguisher body.
Release the hose and point.
S
queeze: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. The handle can be released to stop the discharge
at any time. Before approaching the fire, try a very short test burst to ensure proper operation.
S
weep: Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it is out. After the fire is out, watch for remaining
smoldering hot spots or possible reflash of flammable liquids. Make sure the fire is out.
FIRE SAFETY LECTURE-16 NOV 2015
When to Fight a Fire
Be certain to report any fire before attempting to extinguish it!
Fight a fire only if:
 The Fire Department has been called.
 Everyone has left or is leaving the building.
 The fire is small and confined to the immediate area where it started.
 You can fight the fire with your back to a safe escape route.
 Your extinguisher is rated for the type of fire you are fighting, and is in good working order.
 You have had training in use of the extinguisher and are confident that you can operate it effectively.
If you have the slightest doubt about whether or not to fight the fire- DON'T! Instead, get out, and close the door
behind you.
Do not fight a fire if:
 The fire is spreading beyond the immediate area where it started, or is already a large fire.
 The fire could block your escape route.
 You are unsure of the proper operation of the extinguisher.
 You are in doubt whether the extinguisher you are holding is appropriate for the type of fire.
If any of these conditions are true, leave immediately, close off the area, and leave the fire to the Fire Department.
Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing : The purpose of the Personal Protective Equipment program is to
protect employees from work place hazards and the risk of injury through the use of personal protective equipment
(PPE). PPE is not a substitute for more effective control methods and its use will be considered only when other
means of protection against hazards are not adequate or feasible. It will be used in conjunction with other controls
unless no other means of hazard control exist.
This program addresses general PPE requirements, including eye and face, head, foot and leg, hand and arm, and
body (torso) protection. Separate programs exist for respiratory protection, hearing protection, electrical protection
and fall protection.
PPE such as protective clothing, respirators, safety glasses/goggles, and gloves shall be used to protect against
chemical, radiological, biological, or mechanical hazards and irritants capable of causing injury through physical
contact, absorption or inhalation. Safety goggles, disposable gloves, laboratory coats and other protective clothing
are standard for routine laboratory activities when working with hazardous materials.
Laboratories must also provide personal protective equipment (i.e. safety glasses, laboratory coat) for visitors and
post signs indicating what PPE is required where hazardous materials are in use. Gloves must be removed before
leaving the lab, and lab coats may only be worn in research areas.
PPE should not be worn in break areas, offices, bathrooms or other areas where personnel would expect an
environment free of contamination with hazardous materials. Personal protective equipment is not typically supplied
by EH&S. However, EH&S will assist with recommendations on specific types and uses of protective equipment.
Responsibilities Supervisors Supervisors have the primary responsibility for implementation of the PPE Program
in their work area. This includes: • Conducting a hazard assessment in their work area. • Determining what type of
PPE is required. • Ordering the necessary equipment. • Ensuring the employees are trained on the proper use, care
and cleaning of PPE. • Ensuring the employees are wearing PPE. • Seeking assistance from EH&S to evaluate
hazards. • Maintaining records on hazard assessments. • Replacing defective or damaged equipment immediately.
Employees Employees have the primary responsibility for wearing and cleaning the assigned PPE in accordance
with the training received.
Departments have the primary responsibility for purchasing PPE for employees. Environmental Health and Safety
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) has the primary responsibility for the development, implementation and
administration of the PPE Program. This includes: • Assisting in conducting hazard assessments. • Providing
training and technical assistance to supervisors on the proper selection, use and cleaning of PPE Workplace Hazard
Assessment Supervisors will conduct a walk-through survey of each work area or operation to identify potential
hazards.
Each survey will be documented using a Hazard Assessment form. This form will identify hazards present or likely
to be present in the work area, suggest PPE or other controls needed, and will serve as certification of the hazard
assessment performed. The certification of hazard assessment is a written document detailing the hazard assessment
for particular tasks and is required by OSHA.
The supervisor may delegate the hazard assessment process, but cannot reassign or disclaim the responsibility. The
supervisor is responsible for ensuring that hazard assessments are performed and the certification(s) completed,
signed, dated, and available. This certification of hazard assessment should be reviewed annually and updated
anytime a new task which presents a hazard is introduced into the workplace. Re-inspection of the work area may
also be required whenever there has been a reported incident or injury. Supervisors may choose to use any of the
following Hazard Assessment Certification formats or devise their own format that’s approved by EH&S.
Examples of hazard assessment certification forms: PPE Hazard Assessment Certification – long form PPE
Hazard Assessment Certification – short form Potential hazards may be physical or health-related and a
comprehensive hazard assessment should identify hazards in both categories. Examples of physical hazards include
moving objects, fluctuating temperatures, high intensity lighting, rolling or pinching objects, electrical connections
and sharp edges. Examples of health hazards include overexposure to harmful dusts, chemicals or radiation. The
hazard assessment should begin with a walk-through survey of the work area to develop a list of potential hazards in
the following basic hazard categories: • Impact • Penetration • Compression (roll-over) • Electrical • Chemical •
Heat/cold • Harmful dust • Light (optical) radiation • Biological • Radioactive • Noise In addition to noting the basic
layout of the facility and reviewing any history of occupational illnesses or injuries, things to look for during the
walk-through survey include: • Sources of electricity. • Sources of motion such as machines or processes where
movement may exist that could result in an impact between personnel and equipment. • Sources of high
temperatures that could result in burns, eye injuries or fire. • Types of chemicals used in the workplace. • Sources of
harmful dusts. • Sources of light radiation, such as welding, brazing, cutting, furnaces, heat treating, high intensity
lights, etc. • The potential for falling or dropping objects. • Sharp objects that could poke, cut, stab or puncture. •
Biologic hazards such as blood or other potentially infected material. • Sources of Ionizing radiation (radioactive
materials) • Ability to avoid or minimize accidental exposure through work practices When the walk-through is
complete, the supervisor should organize and analyze the data so that it may be efficiently used in determining the
proper types of PPE required at the worksite.
The supervisor should become aware of the different types of PPE available and the levels of protection offered. It is
definitely a good idea to select PPE that will provide a level of protection greater than the minimum required to
protect employees from hazards. The workplace should be periodically reassessed for any changes in conditions,
equipment or operating procedures that could affect or create occupational hazards. This periodic reassessment
should also include a review of injury and illness records to spot any trends or areas of concern, and the initiation of
appropriate corrective action as indicated. The suitability of existing PPE, including an evaluation of its condition
and age, should be included in the reassessment. Documentation of the hazard assessment is required through a
written certification that includes the following information: •
Identification of the workplace evaluated. • Name of the person conducting the assessment. • Date of the assessment.
• Identification of the document certifying completion of the hazard assessment. Cleaning and Maintenance of PPE
It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure their PPE is clean and properly maintained. Cleaning is particularly
important for eye and face protection where dirty or fogged lenses could impair vision. PPE should be inspected,
cleaned and maintained at regular intervals as instructed by the supervisor or recommended by the manufacturer. It
is also important to ensure that contaminated PPE, which cannot be decontaminated, is disposed of in a manner that
protects employees from exposure to hazards. Training Certification Employees required to wear PPE will receive
training on its proper use and care prior to using the equipment. The training will include the following: • When PPE
is needed. • What PPE is needed. • How to properly wear and adjust the PPE. • Limitation of the PPE. • Proper care,
maintenance and disposal of PPE. Once trained, employees must demonstrate that they understand how to use their
assigned PPE, or they will be retrained. Retraining will be necessary in the following situations: • An incident
occurs which indicates the employee has not retained the training on the proper use of the PPE. • New equipment or
processes are introduced to the workplace. • Changes in the employee’s job duties require different PPE. • Changes
in the style or type of PPE used makes the previous training out-of-date. • The employee is observed incorrectly
using the assigned PPE. The supervisor must ensure and verify that each affected employee has received and
understood the required training through a written certification for each employee. The training certification is an
OSHA requirement and will contain the name of the employee trained, date of training and identify the PPE covered
in the training. These certificates should be kept in the employee’s training file. EH&S provides PPE training for
respirator use to those employees enrolled in the respirator program. For most other PPE use, supervisors are
required to provide and document employee training. Consult the Safety Manual or contact EH&S for guidance
regarding proper use and care of PPE. Contact EH&S for assistance in evaluating workplace hazards to determine
PPE requirements and for recommendations on types of PPE available.
Examples of PPE training certifications: PPE Training Certification - by job classification or task PPE Training
Certification – single employee Sequence of Implementation 1. Conduct and document PPE assessment for each
work task or assignment. 2. Select PPE. 3. Communicate selection decisions to employee. 4. Provide PPE (obtain,
purchase, rent, etc.). 5. Train each affected employee. 6. Test employee understanding. 7. Document training. 8.
Retrain as necessary. 9. Enforce the requirements. Specific Personal Protective Equipment Gloves Eye and Face
Protection Head Protection Body Protection including Laboratory Coats and Other Protective Clothing Respiratory
Protection Hearing Conservation Foot and Leg Protection Proper Care and Use of PPE or Gloves Outside of the Lab
or Work Area University policy requires the use of appropriate gloves, safety glasses, lab coats, and other personal
protective equipment within the laboratory.
All contaminated, potentially contaminated, or the perception of potentially contaminated protective clothing and
equipment beyond the lab may create a hazard or project a careless image to both colleagues and visitors. Wearing
gloves outside the lab should be minimized, except to move hazardous materials between laboratories (if approved
by departmental policies). Instead, transport chemicals from place to place on a cart, in a clean secondary container,
or in a bottle carrier with secure handles. If there is a need to transport hazardous materials, use a clean, ungloved
hand to touch common surfaces and a gloved hand to carry the items: the one-glove rule. Alternatively, package the
material so it may be handled without gloves. Departments may have additional policies. (Do not transport
chemicals, dry ice or cryogenic liquid in a private vehicle. Be aware that strict federal and state regulations address
the transport of hazardous (i.e., biological, chemical, radiological) materials on public roads.
Contact EHS for further information or assistance.) Gloves should never come in contact with door handles, elevator
buttons, telephones, lavatory faucets, vending machines, bottled-water dispensers, ice-making machines, or other
surfaces outside the laboratory. Additional Information and Resources • CDC guide to chemical protective clothing •
ANSI Z87.1 and ANSI Z136.1 • OSHA