Module 8- Fire Hazard

• Topics


  • The Elements of Fire Triangle
  • Fire Starters
  • Precautionary Measures and Proper Procedures in Addressing a Fire Incident

  
• Fire is considerably a friend but once fire is not controlled it could be one of our greatest enemies. Irresponsibility may lead to disaster, and everything may change as fast as a split of a second.
• Based on the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), an average of 42 fire incidents were recorded from year 2013 to 2017. In all fire cases, loss of lives, jobs, investments and properties can literally go up in smoke just in a matter of hours. Knowledge on the behavior, causes, effects and safety tips can help save lives and properties.

  
• Fuel


  Any material that can be burned such as solid, liquid, or gas. Combustion takes place when fuel is converted into gaseous state as moisture is removed. This happens when vapor is escaping from any combustible material.
• Heat


  An energy that flows through object. Enough amount of heat would free the vapor from solid and liquid forms of fuel. The lowest temperature needed to form an ignitable mixture in air near the surface of the liquid is called the flash point. The higher the flashpoint, the more difficult it is to ignite the material. The ignition of fire to solid and liquid fuels varies. Most solid combustible materials ignite immediately. Other solid combustible materials take time to ignite due to its density.

  
• Oxygen


  It is an element, an estimated 21% of it can be found in the air. During the combustion process chemical reaction takes place. Oxygen is released and serves as an oxidizing agent for combustible materials. Without an oxidizing agent like oxygen there will be no fire even if heat and fuel are present.
• Fire extinguishment theory


  1. Removing the heat

  2. Removing the oxygen

  3. Removing the fuel

  
• Natural causes of fire

  • Lightning
  • Volcanic activities
  • Spontaneous combustion
• Man-made causes of fire

  • Cooking equipment
  • Heaters
  • Smoking in bedrooms
  • Candles
  • Curious children
  • Faulty wiring
  • Barbeques
  • Flammable liquids
  • Lighting
• Classification of fire


  Class A, B, C, D, K

  
• Types of fire extinguishers

  • Water and Foam
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Dry Chemical
  • Wet Chemical
  • Clean Agent
  • Dry Powder
  • Water Mist

  
• Classes of fire that can be extinguished by a particular chemical extinguisher

  • Class A, B, C, D, K

  
• Green and white fire safety signs

  Indicate a safe condition, show fire exit
• Blue fire safety signs

  Indicate a mandatory action or must do action
• Red fire safety signs

  Indicate prohibition or location of fire equipment
• Cooking safety


  1. Do not leave cooking unattended

  2. Keep pot/pan handles turned in

  3. Don't put flammable items near stove

  4. Cover fire with lid

  5. Turn off burner/oven

  6. Unplug microwave
• Cigarette safety


  1. Don't smoke in bed or near flammable materials

  2. Smoke outside

  3. Use deep, sturdy ashtray

  4. Douse butts in water/sand

  5. Don't smoke where oxygen is used
• Electrical safety


  1. Avoid overloading outlets

  2. Don't use extension cords for major appliances

  3. Call electrician if fuses blow often

  4. Match lamp bulb wattage to recommendation

  5. Use power strips carefully

  6. Don't place cords under carpets/mattresses

  7. Replace damaged cords
• Candle safety


  1. Use stable candle holders

  2. Keep candles 12 inches from flammable items

  3. Blow out candles when leaving room/going to bed

  4. Don't use candles near flammable substances
• Spontaneous combustion


  When a material can produce or accumulate its own heat and reach ignition temperature without external heat source
• Oily rags are the most common item ignited by spontaneous combustion, with the garage being the most common area of fire origin. To prevent these fires, store oily rags in non-combustible containers with lids closed, and soak and spread out before disposal.
• Different types of fire require different extinguishing methods. Some chemicals that can extinguish one type can cause violent reactions with others.

  
• Geologic Hazard


  Adverse geologic condition capable of causing widespread damage or loss of property and life
• Geohazard


  • Geological and environmental conditions involving long-term or short-term geological processes
• Mass Wasting


  The downslope movement of rock, regolith, and soil under the direct influence of gravity
• The controlling force of mass wasting is gravity
• Factors that trigger mass wasting


  • Saturation of material with water
  • Oversteepening of slopes
  • Removal of anchoring vegetation
  • Ground vibration from earthquakes
• Angle of Repose


  The steepest angle at which a material remains stable
• Liquefaction


  A process where water-saturated surface material loses their strength and behave as fluid-like masses that flow
• Types of Mass Wasting Motion

  • Flow
  • Fall
  • Slide
• Earthflow


  A type of mass wasting that leaves a scar on the slope of a hillside and forming a tongue- or teardrop-shaped mass that flows downslope

  
• Debris Flow


  A relatively rapid type of mass wasting that involves a flow of soil and regolith containing a large amount of water
• Mudflow


  When the material in a debris flow is primarily fine-grained
• Lahar


  Debris flow composed mainly of volcanic material on the flanks of volcanoes
• Talus Slope


  A cone-shaped accumulation of broken rock fragment that fall to the base of the cliff
• Rock Fall


  Quantity/sheets of rock that has fallen freely from a cliff face
• Avalanche


  Rock and debris that hurtle downslope at speeds exceeding 200kph
• Landslide


  Movement of consolidated rocks, debris, and soil due to gravity
• Mudslide


  Movement of mud due to gravity
• Rockslide


  Movement of rocks due to gravity