Step 1

Understanding Fire

The Fire Triangle

Fire requires three elements to exist, known as the Fire Triangle. Remove any one element, and the fire cannot sustain itself.

🔥 Heat: Energy source to ignite and maintain combustion (spark, flame, hot surface)
🪵 Fuel: Combustible material (wood, paper, gas, chemicals, fabrics)
💨 Oxygen: Air containing oxygen (minimum 16% concentration needed)

💡 Key Insight: Fire prevention focuses on keeping these three elements separated. Fire suppression works by removing one or more elements.

Step 2

How Fire Catches & Spreads

Stages of Fire Development

Incipient Stage: Initial ignition, small flames, limited heat, smoke begins to develop
Growth Stage: Fire intensifies, temperature rises rapidly, smoke production increases
Fully Developed: Maximum heat release, complete room involvement, flashover possible
Decay Stage: Fuel depletes, fire intensity decreases, risk of collapse increases

Common Ignition Sources in Workplace

Electrical equipment: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, damaged cords
Smoking materials: Cigarettes, matches, lighters in non-designated areas
Hot work operations: Welding, cutting, grinding producing sparks
Heating equipment: Space heaters, ovens, furnaces, boilers
Chemical reactions: Spontaneous combustion, reactive materials mixing
Static electricity: Especially near flammable liquids and gases
Open flames: Bunsen burners, torches, candles

Step 3

Fire Hazards in the Workplace

⚠️ Major Fire Hazards

🔌 Electrical Hazards

• Overloaded power outlets and extension cords
• Damaged or frayed electrical cords
• Improper wiring and unauthorized modifications
• Electrical equipment left running unattended
• Poor maintenance of electrical systems

🧪 Flammable Materials

• Gasoline, solvents, and cleaning fluids
• Chemicals stored improperly or near heat sources
• Combustible dusts (wood, metal, grain)
• Flammable gases (propane, acetylene, natural gas)
• Oil-soaked rags and waste materials

🚬 Human Factors

• Smoking in prohibited areas
• Improper disposal of smoking materials
• Careless hot work without proper permits
• Blocked fire exits and emergency routes
• Lack of awareness and training

🏭 Equipment & Machinery

• Overheating machinery and friction points
• Poor maintenance of heating systems
• Inadequate ventilation systems
• Portable heaters placed near combustibles
• Kitchen equipment and cooking appliances

🗄️ Storage Issues

• Clutter and excessive combustible materials
• Improper storage blocking sprinklers or exits
• Flammable liquids not in approved containers
• Waste accumulation and poor housekeeping
• Storage too close to ignition sources

Step 4

Classes of Fire

🔵 Class A: Ordinary Combustibles

Materials: Wood, paper, cloth, rubber, plastics, trash

Extinguisher: Water, foam, dry chemical (multi-purpose)

🔴 Class B: Flammable Liquids & Gases

Materials: Gasoline, oil, grease, paint, solvents, propane, natural gas

Extinguisher: CO₂, dry chemical, foam (NEVER use water)

🟡 Class C: Electrical Equipment

Materials: Energized electrical equipment, wiring, circuit breakers, motors

Extinguisher: CO₂, dry chemical (non-conductive agents only)

⚪ Class D: Combustible Metals

Materials: Magnesium, titanium, potassium, sodium, aluminum powder

Extinguisher: Dry powder agents (specific to metal type)

🟤 Class K: Kitchen Fires

Materials: Cooking oils, animal fats, vegetable fats (high-temperature fires)

Extinguisher: Wet chemical extinguisher (saponification agents)

Step 5

Fire Extinguishers

Types of Fire Extinguishers

💧 Water Extinguisher (Class A)

For ordinary combustibles only. Cools the fire by removing heat.

❄️ CO₂ Extinguisher (Class B & C)

Displaces oxygen, safe for electrical fires. Leaves no residue.

🔴 Dry Chemical (ABC – Multi-Purpose)

Most versatile. Works on Class A, B, and C fires. Interrupts chemical chain reaction.

🟡 Wet Chemical (Class K)

Specifically for kitchen fires. Creates a barrier on cooking oils.

🟠 Foam Extinguisher (Class A & B)

Creates a blanket that seals the fire and prevents oxygen from reaching it.

How to Use: PASS Method

🔽

P – PULL the pin

Break the tamper seal and pull the safety pin

🎯

A – AIM low

Point the nozzle at the base of the fire (not the flames)

💪

S – SQUEEZE the handle

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly to discharge

↔️

S – SWEEP side to side

Sweep from side to side at the base until fire is out

⚠️ Important: Stand 6-10 feet away. Always have an escape route behind you. If fire reignites or doesn’t go out, evacuate immediately.

Step 6

Fire Prevention Measures

✅ Preventive Actions

🏢 Housekeeping & Organization

Maintain clean, clutter-free work areas
Properly dispose of waste materials daily
Store flammable materials in approved containers
Keep combustibles away from heat sources (minimum 3 feet)
Ensure clear access to fire exits and equipment

⚡ Electrical Safety

Inspect cords and equipment regularly for damage
Avoid overloading outlets and power strips
Unplug equipment when not in use
Keep electrical panels accessible (36″ clearance)
Use only approved, listed electrical equipment
Schedule regular electrical system maintenance

🔧 Equipment & Machinery

Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules
Keep machinery clean and free of grease buildup
Ensure proper ventilation for heat-producing equipment
Never bypass safety features or controls
Report unusual odors, sounds, or overheating immediately

🧪 Hazardous Materials

Store chemicals in proper containers with labels
Keep flammable liquids in approved safety cabinets
Maintain proper ventilation in storage areas
Never mix incompatible chemicals
Dispose of oily rags in self-closing metal containers
Keep MSDS/SDS readily accessible

🚬 Smoking & Open Flames

Enforce designated smoking areas only
Provide proper ash receptacles (sand-filled)
Prohibit smoking near flammable materials
Obtain hot work permits before welding/cutting
Have fire watch during and after hot work

🔔 Detection & Suppression Systems

Test smoke detectors monthly
Inspect fire sprinklers quarterly (keep clear below)
Check extinguishers monthly (pressure gauge in green)
Schedule annual professional inspections
Replace batteries in detectors annually
Never paint over or obstruct sprinkler heads

💚 Remember: Prevention is always better than firefighting. A few minutes of vigilance can save lives and property.

Step 7

Emergency Response Procedures

🚨 RACE Protocol

R – RESCUE

Remove anyone in immediate danger if safe to do so. Never risk your own life.

A – ALARM

Activate the fire alarm immediately. Call emergency services (911). Alert others in the building.

C – CONFINE

Close doors and windows to contain the fire and smoke. Do not lock doors.

E – EXTINGUISH / EVACUATE

Use extinguisher only if fire is small and contained. Otherwise, evacuate immediately following marked routes.

🚪 Evacuation Procedures

Stay calm – Panic causes poor decisions
Use stairs only – Never use elevators during fire
Stay low – Crawl if necessary; smoke and heat rise
Feel doors before opening – Use back of hand; if hot, use alternate route
Close doors behind you – Slows fire spread
Know two exit routes – Primary and secondary escape paths
Go to assembly point – Allow headcount verification
Never go back inside – Wait for emergency responders
Assist others if safe – Help disabled or injured persons
Account for everyone – Report missing persons to fire department

☁️ If Trapped in Smoke

Seal cracks around doors with wet towels or clothing
Call 911 and give your exact location
Signal from window (light-colored cloth, flashlight)
Stay near window at floor level for fresh air
Do not break windows unless absolutely necessary

🔥 Stop, Drop, and Roll

If your clothing catches fire:

STOP – Do not run; running fans flames
DROP – Drop to the ground immediately
ROLL – Roll back and forth to smother flames
COOL – Cool burns with water, seek medical help

Step 8

Training & Fire Drills

📚 Required Training

Initial Employee Training

• Fire hazards specific to job duties
• Location and use of fire extinguishers
• Evacuation routes and assembly points
• Alarm activation procedures
• Role in emergency response plan

Ongoing Training Requirements

• Annual refresher training for all employees
• Training when new hazards are introduced
• Practice with extinguishers (hands-on recommended)
• Updates when procedures change
• Specialized training for fire wardens/marshals

🚨 Fire Drill Requirements

Frequency: Conduct drills at least quarterly (every 3 months)
Timing: Vary times to include all shifts and scenarios
Participation: All employees must participate (no exceptions)
Documentation: Record date, time, duration, and issues encountered
Evaluation: Review performance and identify areas for improvement
Unannounced: Some drills should be unannounced for realism
Debriefing: Hold meeting after each drill to discuss findings

👥 Fire Warden Responsibilities

Ensure orderly evacuation of assigned areas
Check all rooms, restrooms, and spaces
Guide occupants to nearest safe exit
Assist persons with disabilities
Conduct headcount at assembly point
Report status to emergency coordinator
Prevent re-entry until “all clear” is given

Step 9

Daily Fire Safety Checklist

✅ Morning Inspection

All exit routes are clear and unobstructed
Exit signs are illuminated and visible
Fire doors close properly and are not propped open
Electrical equipment appears in good condition
No extension cords running under carpets or through walls
Flammable materials stored properly
Waste containers are not overflowing
Heating equipment is away from combustibles

✅ Weekly Checks

Fire extinguishers are in place and accessible
Extinguisher pressure gauges are in the green zone
Safety pins and tamper seals are intact
No visible damage to extinguishers
Evacuation route maps are posted and current
Emergency contact numbers are displayed
Fire alarm pull stations are accessible

✅ Monthly Verification

Test smoke detectors (press test button)
Inspect emergency lighting (test battery backup)
Verify sprinkler heads are not painted or obstructed
Check that fire doors operate smoothly
Review and update emergency contact lists
Document all inspections and maintenance

✅ End of Day

Turn off all non-essential electrical equipment
Unplug coffee makers, space heaters, and appliances
Dispose of all trash and recyclables
Ensure hot work areas have cooled down
Lock flammable material storage cabinets
Close all windows and doors as appropriate
Arm security/fire alarm systems

Key Takeaways

🛡️

Prevention First

Most fires are preventable through proper housekeeping, maintenance, and awareness. Make fire safety a daily habit.

🧯

Know Your Equipment

Understand the different classes of fire and which extinguisher to use. Remember PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

🚨

React Quickly

Follow RACE protocol: Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate. Every second counts in a fire emergency.

🎓

Stay Trained

Regular training and drills ensure everyone knows what to do. Practice builds muscle memory and confidence.

“Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

Your vigilance and preparedness can save lives, protect property, and prevent devastating losses. Stay alert, stay safe.