Fire Hazards

• Fire hazards


  • Anything which can increase the likelihood of fire
• Fires can cause major disasters and loss of lives in buildings such as offices, hotels, shopping centers, hospitals, schools and homes
• Such disasters can be avoided if proper fire safety is practiced
• The best prevention is to eliminate fire hazards
• As a responsible citizen, you need to know what fire hazards are and what you should do to remove them from your place of work or in your own home
• Fire hazards

  • All types of live flames
  • Causes of sparks
  • Hot objects
  • Chemicals that are potential for ignition, or that can aggravate a fire to become large and uncontrolled
• Fire hazards also include

  • All types of potential threats to fire prevention practices
  • Firefighting
  • Built-in fire safety systems
  • Situations that restrict the escape of people from an affected building or area in the event of a fire
• Common fire hazards at home, in public places, transports and work places

  • All types of flames used for any work
  • Electric wires, higher loads, loose connections and old electrical equipment
  • All cooking and heat generating appliances
  • All works and situations where fire is essential such as welding, cutting, metal casting etc.
  • Improper stowage of tools, equipment and items during and at the end of the day's work
  • Smoking and personal lighters and matches
  • Fireworks, pyrotechniques, ammunitions and explosives
• Common fire hazards at home, in public places, transports and work places

  • Improper and unauthorized stowage of flammable and hazardous materials and chemicals especially the flammable ones
  • Insufficient capacity and numbers of emergency exits and stairs
  • Hindrance to sight or reach firefighting equipment, markings and alarm systems
  • Insufficient numbers and types of fire extinguishers
  • Absence of fire detection and alarm system
  • Violation of building and fire codes
• Fire triangle


  A simple model for understanding the necessary ingredients for most fires. The triangle illustrates the three elements fire needs to ignite: heat, fuel, and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen).
• Fire naturally occurs when the elements of the fire triangle are present and combined in the right mixture
• Fire is actually an event rather than a thing
• Fire can be prevented or extinguished by removing any one of the elements in the fire triangle
• Covering fire with a fire blanket

  • Removes the oxygen part of the triangle and can extinguish a fire
• Accidents and Carelessness


  Most fires are not caused by carelessness, they are caused by everyday living that is almost impossible for us to change
• Electrical Wiring, Electrical Outlets and Faulty Wiring


  Many fires are caused by electrical wiring, particularly in older homes with aluminum wiring
• Appliances


  Lamps, toasters and even baby monitors can short out and cause fires, especially older appliances and extension cords
• Heating


  Heating is a major cause of residential fire deaths
• Unattended Stoves


  A major source of residential fires, often due to unattended pots or burners left on accidentally
• Children Playing with Matches


  Children and grandchildren playing with matches are a major source of home fires, and a significant factor in fire fatalities
• Educating parents and grandparents to the seriousness of children playing with matches is paramount
• Preparing for a fire

  • Having a disaster plan with an evacuation plan that has been practiced
  • Ensuring everyone knows the fastest way to the nearest stairwell
  • Being able to open windows, screens, security bars, and doors
  • Having smoke alarms installed and batteries changed regularly
  • Keeping household fire extinguishers handy
• During a fire

  • Escape should be the top priority, leave immediately and do not try to gather belongings
  • Get as low as possible if there is smoke
  • Feel doors before opening them to check for fire on the other side
  • Once out, contact emergency services immediately and do not go back into the building
• After a fire

  • Wait for the fire department to say it is safe to return
  • Contact relevant agencies like insurance, landlord, etc.
  • Collect valuable items and assess the damage
  • Let police know the property will be unoccupied
• Proper procedures in addressing a fire incident

  1. Familiarize yourself with exits and have a plan

  2. If you discover a fire, activate the alarm and exit immediately, call authorities

  3. If the alarm is activated, exit using stairs, assist others, assemble at designated area

  4. If caught in smoke, crawl low and cover mouth

  5. If trapped, seal room and signal from window

  6. If clothing is on fire, stop, drop and roll

  7. Only use fire extinguisher if very small fire and you are trained
• Total and immediate evacuation is the safest response, regardless of property damage