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Basic Introduction
by @ashwinsid for make benefit of glorious twitter users & their fraands.
fire [fi(-)r ] noun fire is a rapid oxidation process that creates light, heat, and smoke, and varies in intensity. it is commonly used to describe either a fuel in a state of combustion (e.g., a campfire, or a lit fireplace or stove) or a violent, destructive and uncontrolled burning (e.g., in buildings)
What is Fire
Fire, the common term given to the combustion reaction which results from interaction of HEAT + FUEL + OXYGEN. This combination is called Triangle of Fire. Fuels involved can be in three states: SOLID, LIQUID, GAS. HEAT, SMOKE, LIGHT, GASES are by-products of the reaction.
Triangle of Fire
Timeline of a Fire
Flashover
TEMPERATURE
Ignition
Growth
Development
Decay
Fires are very difficult to control once it crosses the flashover stage. Therefore, calling fire brigade ASAP makes all the difference
Types of Fire
Class A Solids
Solid combustibles like Wood, Paper, Cloth, Rubbish, Plastics
Class B Liquids
Liquids like Gasoline, Oil, Petrol, Diesel, Grease, Acetone
Class C Gases
Gases like LPG, Methane, Propane
Class D Metals
Metals like potassium, sodium, aluminum, magnesium
Class E Electrical
Fires involving electricity and electrical components
Stages of Fires
TIME FACTOR Incipient Stage Blaze Stage 0 -10 Minutes Over 10 Minutes 0 -1 Minutes Over 1 Minute 0 - 30 Seconds Over 30 Seconds Leads To a Fire of any above classes
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers put out fires by taking away one or more elements from the triangle of fire.
REMEMBER: Extinguishers Will have a label indicating what type of fire it can extinguish. Not all extinguishers can be used for all types of fires.
DO NOT USE AN EXTINGUISHER IF YOU DONT KNOW ITS USE OR HOW TO USE IT
P A S S
Summary
IF YOUR OFFICE /HIGH RISE BUILDING IS ON FIRE 1. Alert everyone by shouting fire fire. 2. If you are trained, try to extinguish the fire if it is in a small area. 3. Evacuate from the building, use emergency staircase. NO LIFTS. 4. DO NOT waste time collecting belongings. Just GET OUT. 5. Pull fire alarm trigger to alert the whole building. 6. Do not lock any doors. If a room is empty, just close the door. 7. Avoid climbing up the stairs/balconies. Go down the stairs. 8. Assemble in a common area away from the building. 9. Once outside the building, call fire brigade if theyre yet to arrive. 10. Do not go back inside the building till all clear is declared. 11. Do not go away from the site. Stay put with the entire team. 12. If you are not trained, do not try to be a hero. Save yourself. 13. Direct the fire brigade to a particular floor if someone is stuck. 14. Let the professionals do their job. Do not volunteer unless asked.
Summary
IF YOU ARE STUCK INSIDE A ROOM / ON TOP FLOORS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. If the room door is hot, DO NOT OPEN. Stay inside Seal the door gaps with cloth, tape, to prevent smoke leakage Call the fire brigade and inform them of your location If smoke is in the room, cover your nose & mouth with wet cloth JUMPING OUT OF A HIGHRISE WINDOW IS NOT AN OPTION Inhaling smoke will disorient you & eventually cause death Do not panic. Stay calm. Your presence of mind will save you Wait for fire brigade to reach your floor from stairs/windows
Summary
IF YOUR CLOTHES ARE ON FIRE 1. DO NOT RUN 2. STOP where you are. DROP to ground. ROLL over repeatedly 3. Once flames are squashed, remove the clothing
IF OTHERS CLOTHES ARE ON FIRE 1. 2. 3. 4. Make them stop where they are Cover them with a blanket or wet clothing When they are wrapped, the flames are extinguished Their burnt clothes have to be removed immediately If suffering from burns, get first aid as early as possible.
Remember
Our mind will not work normally during emergencies due to adrenaline rush & confusion. So staying calm is most important Emergencies are unexpected. You will realize the potential harm and danger only when you go through it. So be prepared The smallest mistakes can cause major damage. Have presence of mind, use common sense. Organize your home/work area. Discard trash. Do not overload electrical sockets. Do regular cleanup. Never underestimate fire. Never overestimate your abilities.
NOTE: This document is for general awareness. Please contact your office management /professionals to ensure you have information specific to your building. Do not solely depend on the tips mentioned here. The author of this document is not liable for any loss or damage whatsoever to any life or property. This document is made available freely to create awareness and not as a reference material/guide for emergency use. Contact a qualified expert for specific advise on life and fire safety.