Fire Safety

&

EMERGENCY

PREPARDENESS

Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SL NO. CONTENTS PG NO.

1 INTRODUCTION 01

2 FIRE TRIANGLE 01-02

3 TYPES OF FIRE 03-05

4 FIRE

EXTINGUISHERS

05-08

5 HOME SAFETY 10-11

6 FIRE SAFETY IN

HIGH RISE

BUILDINGS

12-13

7 RESCUE

TECHNIQUES

14-15

8 POINTS TO

REMEMBER

16

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important responsibilities of everyone is the detection

and prevention of fires. When appropriate, staff, students and faculty

members should be trained in the proper and safe use of fire

extinguishers. This course of instruction is not designed to turn

participants into fire fighters, but rather equip them with the

knowledge and skills to detect and extinguish a fire only when it is

safe to do so.

FIRE TRIANGLE

Fire is a “triangle”. If one of three required elements is removed, there

is no longer a fire.

The three elements of a fire are:

1. Fuel

2. Oxygen

3. Heat

Fuel

Fires are classified by the type of fuel they burn. Fuel is everywhere

but it requires oxygen and heat to burn.

Anything will burn Paper, wood, cardboard, plastic, etc. fabric

Electrical equipment/wires

Flammable liquids, Cleaning material, Gases and fumes.

Oxygen

Oxygen is everywhere and cannot be easily controlled. Most fires are

extinguished by removing the oxygen. This can be accomplished

using something simple,

Such as: Pouring baking soda over a small stove fire, Using an

appropriate fire extinguisher (best approach)

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HEAT

Heat is the most readily controlled part of the fire triangle. But heat,

to include a spark or a chemical reaction, is how all fires start.

Heat Sources include: Smoking Material, Open flames, Heat

producing equipment (coffee maker), Faulty/ overloaded electrical

equipment or wiring Power tools, Friction, Sparks.

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Types of Fires

Which type of extinguisher should I use? First recognize that there

are four different kinds of fires, and fires are classified by the type of

fuel the burn. Depending on the type of fuel that is burning, this will

determine what fire extinguisher will be used.

Class A fires- Are ordinary combustible materials like burning paper,

woods, rages, plastic etc.

Class B fires- Involve flammable or combustible liquids such as

gasoline, oil, grease and paint.

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Class C fires- Involve energized electrical equipment, such as office

equipment, outlets, motors, power tools and heaters. Water is a

particularly dangerous extinguishing medium for class C fires because

of the risk of electrical shock.

Class D fires- Involve combustibles metals, such as magnesium,

aluminium, potassium, sodium. These material burn at extremely high

temperatures and ill react violently with water, air and/or other

chemicals. Class D fires are usually found only in industrial settings,

and should be extinguished with a dry powder chemical only.

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Note -Some fires may be combination of these. Your fire extinguisher

should have an ABC rating on it. These ratings will often have

numbers like 3-A: 40-B: C. In this example, the extinguisher has a

good fire fighting capacity for class A, B, and C fires.

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUSHERS

1. Water fire Extinguishers- Are a convenient extinguishing agent

but is only effective on Class A fires. The water cools the fuel

thereby reducing the heat. The maximum range of water based

fire extinguishers is 15 to 20 feet away from the fire.

2. Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers- Can be used on both Class B &

C fires. It extinguishes primarily through a smothering action by

establishing a cover between the fuel ant the surrounding air.

When using a carbon dioxide extinguisher, you should stand

3to6ft away from the fire to gain the maximum effectiveness.

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3. Dry Chemical Extinguishers- There are several different dry

chemical agents. The most common of all is sodium

bicarbonate, which is nothing more than baking soda. There is

also monoammoinum phosphate, which is considered a multi-

purpose agent that can work on Class A, B, and C fires. The

maximum range for this type of extinguisher is 12 to 20 feet

away from the fire.

4. Dry Powder Extinguishers- Are designed to extinguish Class D

fires, which are combustible metals such as, aluminium,

magnesium, sodium, and potassium,. Dry powder extinguishers

are used on Class D fires only. The maximum range for this type

of extinguisher is 12 to 20 feet away from the fire.

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FIRE EXTINGUISHER COMPONENTS

1. Carrying Handle/Operating lever

2. Locking pin

3. Pressure gauge (except for CO2 Extinguisher )

4. Discharge nozzle or horn

5. Instructional label

6. Inspection tag

FIRE EXTINGUISHER OPERATION – P.A.S.S

P – Pull the safety pin, this will you to discharge the extinguisher.

A – Aim the extinguisher the base of the fire, this will allow you to hit

the fuel.

S – Squeeze the top handle or lever; this will release the pressurized

extinguishing agent.

S- Sweep the extinguisher hose from side to side until the fire is

completely out.

Whenever possible, use the buddy system when using a fire

extinguisher. If you have doubt about your personal safety or if you

cannot extinguish a fir, leave immediately and close the doors (do not

lock them). Leave the area, but contact 108 to relay whatever

information you have about the fire.

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After pulling the pin on the fire extinguisher stand back several feet

from the fire, depress the handle, and sweep back and forth until the

fire is completely out. Wait and carefully check that the fire is out and

has not reignited. It it has reignited, spray again- but remember that a

typical fire extinguisher usually provides only 60 seconds of

extinguishing power.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER MAINTENANCE

1. Fire extinguishers should be mounted on the wall to prevent

being damaged.

2. The area in front of the extinguisher shall be kept clear at all

times.

3. The pressure gauge should be in the green zone at all times.

4. Fire extinguishers should be inspected on a monthly basis.

5. Know the location of all fire extinguishers in your facility.

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FIRE ACTION PLAN (FIRE RESPONSE)

RAISE THE FIRE ALARM

CALL THE FIRE BRIGADE

ATTACK THE FIRE

EVACUATE THE BUILDING

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HOME SAFETY

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little

as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a

working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced

regularly can save lives. Learn what else to do to keep your loved

ones safe!

Top Tips for Fire Safety

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside

bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

2. Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change

the batteries.

3. Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and

practice the plan twice a year.

4. If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and

CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or

anyone.

LPG Safety

LPG (liquefied Petroleum Gas) is stored under pressure under in the

cylinder in form of liquid. It is not only widely used as domestic

cooking gas, but is also used commercially and in automobiles as a

fuel. The main hazard associated with LPG is fire explosion even in

case of minor leakage.

SAFETY WHILE TAKING DOOR DELIVERY:

Check whether the valve sealing tag is intact and the safety

protection cap is in position.

Check leakage from valve by applying soap solution near valve.

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THE FOLLOWING SAFETY RULES TO BE FOLLOWED

WHILST LPG USAGE:

Always keep the LPG cylinder in upright position.

Keep the cylinder in a well-ventilated place, away from any

source of heat.

While moving the cylinder keep it upright, never roll the

cylinder.

Do not tilt or shake the cylinder to draw the last bitt of gas.

Clean the LPG rubber tube regularly to avoid it being bitten by

rats.

Never cover the rubber tube with metal guard or cover.

Use ISI marked good quality tube only and keep a spare one at

home.

Position the stove above the level of cylinder.

Never leave the stove unattended while it is in operation.

If the flame goes out during use, do not relight immediately.

DURING A GAS LEAKAGE FROM YOUR CYLINDER:

Close the burner knob and the cylinder valve and fix the safety

protection cap.

Do not check the leakage through open flame, instead use a soap

solution.

Open all the doors and windows for free ventilation.

Extinguish any open flame or amber.

When an LPG cylinder catches fire, if possible close doors and

windows and then call fire brigade.

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FIRE SAFETY IN HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

High-rise buildings are designed to resist fire, stop the spread of

smoke and provide a safe means of escape. Most fires don’t spread

further than one or two rooms.

However, it is vital that people remember exactly what to do in the

event of a fire so that they can protect themselves and their

families.This is particularly important for the more vulnerable

members of our communities, such as the over-60s, under-fives and

people with mobility issues.

Fire & Safety Tips for High-Rise Buildings

High-rise buildings are designed to resist fire, stop the spread of

smoke and provide a safe means of escape. Most fires don’t

spread further than one or two rooms.

However, it is vital that people remember exactly what to do in

the event of a fire so that they can protect themselves and their

families.

This is particularly important for the more vulnerable members

of our communities, such as the over-60s, under-fives and

people with mobility issues.

Make sure exits are kept clear of obstructions, and doors to

stairways are not damaged or faulty.

If it is too dangerous to follow your escape route because the

stairs and hallways are filled with smoke, ring 999 and stay

inside the safest room. Keep the door closed and use towels or

bedding at the bottom of the door to block the smoke.

If you're trapped, go to the balcony - but don’t think about

jumping. Wait for the fire and rescue service.

Use the stairs, not the lift, when leaving the building in the event

of a fire.

If there’s a fire in another flat in the building, you’re usually

safest in your own home, unless you’re affected by the heat or

smoke.

In the event of a fire, never assume that someone else has called

108. Make sure your neighbours know about the fire. Bang on

their doors on your way out. Page-12

Never tamper with internal fire mains (dry riser) inlets on

landings. These provide water to fire-fighters when there’s an

emergency. It could cost lives if they’re not working properly

when there’s a fire.

If you see a dry riser vandalised or damaged, report it

immediately to the manager of the building.

Never use or store bottled gas cylinders in high-rise flats.

Never park so you block access to high-rise flats. Access roads

are designed so that fire engines can get as close as possible to

fight fires.

If you smoke, make sure you put your cigarettes out properly,

EVACUATION PROCEDURE FOR A DISABLED PERSON IN

A HIGH-RISE BUILDING

1. On activation of the emergency alarm stop and collect

belongings that may be required in the evacuation.

2. Once your assistance arrives (or if you don’t require assistance)

make your way to a designated refuge point.

3. Remain at your refuge point with your assistant until it is safe to

evacuat. (Where possible use the communication at the refuge

point to ascertain if an evacuation is required or it’s a false alar

m. Your refuge point will offer a minimum of 30 minutes

protection against the spread of fire and smoke.

4. Once the area is clear if required with the support of your assista

nt make your way to the final exit of the building.

5. Once outside the building you or your assistant must report

the person in charge of the evacuation.

6. Remain out side the building until told to return by the person in

charge of the evacuation.

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Rescue Techniques

Page-14

SINGLE PERSON - SMOKE ROOM DRAG

FORE & AFT LIFT

Page-15

POINTS TO REMEMBER

You are not required to fight a fire, if you have the slightest doubt

about your ability to control the situation, do not fight the fire. Use

this mental checklist to make a fight-or- flight decision.

Before attempting to use an extinguisher, make sure all of the

following apply:

1. The building is being evacuated and the fire department has

been called.

2. The fire is small, contained not spreading beyond its starting

point.

3. The exit is clear, there is no imminent peril, and you can fight

the fire with your back to the exit.

4. Know what type of fuel is burning.

5. The proper extinguisher is on hand and you know how to

properly and safely use it.

Note- Fire extinguisher purchased at local hardware stores are often

only good for one usage and cannot be recharged, and must be thrown

away.

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