ONE DAY BASIC

FIRE COURSE

FIRE FIGHTING PRINCIPLES

INTRODUCTION

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 1) The objective of basic fire training is to teach the
fundamentals of fire fighting, using the various items of fire
fighting equipment to be found in our work area, so that
personnel on the spot will be able to deal effectively with an
outbreak.
2) Time is important factor in fire fighting and the man on the
spot with some training is more valuable for fighting a fire
than the full time fire brigade. This is more so because a
prompt action may extinguish a fire before it develops into
an inferno.
3) As fires are not welcome because they disturb our
operational function, cost money, and may involve loss of
lives, more and more attention is being focused on Fire
Prevention in the form of optimizing the reliability, control
and safeguarding of not only our production facilities, but
also the offices, workshops, residential accommodation, etc
4) Despite the best efforts of preventing fire, fires do occurs
time to time. Application of preventive/protective measures
to control or limit fire damage are therefore part of our daily
operational routine. And, that is why personnel are trained
on how to fight fire at the initial stage to control the spread
and possibly extinguish the fire.
The subject will cover the following headings:
1) Theory of combustion
2) Methods of fire extinction
3) Common causes of fire
4) Portable fire extinguishers
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 5) Evacuation procedure
6) Practical fire demonstration
THEORY OF COMBUSTION
1.1 DEFINITION OF FIRE
Fire or combustion is a process of oxidation characterized
with the production of heat, flame and smoke. Or fire is the
process of burning.
1.2 TRIANGLE OF COMBUSTION
There are three essential elements of combustion; these
substances must be present for combustion

HEAT OXYGEN
FIRE

a) High temperature FUEL

b) Fuel or combustible material
c) Oxygen in air
An understanding of these elements will enable us see more
clearly the role they play in combustion process.
1.3 HEAT
Heat is a form of energy, and flows from an area of high
temperature to the area of low temperature. Heat and
temperature is not the same thing, and must not be

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 confused. For combustion to take place, most substance
must be heated rather rapidly.
Heat for ignition can come from many sources. Open flame,
electricity, hot surfaces, friction, etc. After ignition
temperature has been reached, burning will continue as long
as the fuel remains above the temperature. The amount of
heat produced during a fire is called heat of combustion.
1.4 FUEL
Fuel is defined as anything that can burn; it exists in three
basic forms, that is, solid, liquid or gas. Fuels may be in
these forms, but combustion normally occurs only when a
fuel is in the gaseous or vapour state. Solids and liquids,
therefore must have applied energy, usually heat, to
vapourize them before oxygen can react with the fuel in
combustion.
1.5 Solid Fuels: Example: wood, paper, furniture, rubbish, dry
grass, textiles, etc
1.6 liquid Fuels: Example: crude oil, petrol, kerosene, cooking
oil, plants, thinners, etc
1.7 Gaseous Fuel: Example: LPG, butane acetylene, propane
and natural gases, etc
1.8 Oxygen
Oxygen forms 21% of the total volume of air. It is great
supporter of life and combustion. Most fires draw their
oxygen from air. Some materials, however, contain enough
oxygen in a form that is liberated to support.

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1.9 Flash Point: Lowest temperature at which a substance
gives off sufficient flammable vapour to ignite, if a flame is
applied, but will not continued to burn.
1.10 Ignition Temperature: Lowest temperature a substance at
which sustained combustion can be initiated.
1.11 Spontaneous Ignition Temperature: This is the lowest
temperature at which the substance will ignite
spontaneously, that is, the substance will burn without the
introduction of a flame or other ignition source.
1.12 Fire Spread: Fire can spread by:
a) Conduction: Heat transmission or travelling through metal
objects or through unprotected steel work, e.g. walls, floors,
beams, steel girders and deck plating.
b) Convection: Circulation of heat or fire spreading from a
lower to a higher level through openings such as doors,
windows, corridors, staircases and lift shafts.
c) Radiation: A mode transferring energy by electromagnetic
waves without an intervening medium.
METHODS OF FIRE EXTINCTION
2.1 The triangle of fire extinction
Fire can usually take place only when the three basic elements
as discussed earlier are present. It follows therefore that
removal of any one of these three factors will result in the
extinction of fire. The classic FIRE TRIANGLE in which each side
represents one of the three factors necessary for combustion
illustrates this.

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 (STARVATION)
(COOLING)
FUEL
HEAT
TOE

OXYGEN
(SMOTHERING/BLANKETING)())
2.2 Starvation
This is the removal or limitation of fuel supply to a fire, e.g.
closing gas/supply to a burning cooker. Removal the risk item
from the fire or the fire from the risk item is starvation. Another
example is the evacuation of nearby materials from the fire.
2.3 Smothering
This refers to the cutting off of oxygen supply to a fire, e.g. use
of fire blanket or a cover lid on a frying pan on fire.
2.4 Cooling
This refers to the reduction of heat below ignition temperature
achievable mainly by water application.
CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE AND EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
Fires are classified into four categories according to the types
of materials involved. Materials are grouped and given a class
of fire.
3.1 A Fire involving solids and Cooling by application of
free burning materials water
usually of an organic
nature, e.g. wood, paper,
textile, furniture, etc. They
are domestic in nature.
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3.2 B Fires involving flammable Starvation by cutting off the
liquids or liquefiable solids, supply. Smothering by
e.g. petrol, kerosene, application of a suitable
cooking oil, wax, paints, cover. Use of foam, DCP or
spirits, varnish, etc CO2 Extinguisher.
3.3 C Fires involving gases, e.g. Starvation by cutting off the
LPGs, Butane, Propane, supply and/or allow to burn
Acetylene, and Natural gas out
3.4 D Fire involving metals, e.g. Smothering by the use of
Potassium, Sodium, special fire fighting dry
Calcium, Magnesium, chemical, e.g. T.E.C.
Copper, Zinc, etc (Ternary-Eutectic-Chloride)
and Sodium Bicarbonate,
Alternatively, use dry sand
cement, etc.

3.5 Electric fires

It is considered that electricity do not constitute a class of fire
any more, since any fire involving, or started by electrical
equipment, when the power is switched off or the fuses pulled
out, it now falls into class A which is the insulting material.
The normal procedure in such circumstances is to cut off the
electricity and use CO2 Extinguisher on what is burning. Only
when this cannot be done with certainty will special
Extinguisher agents be required which are non-conductors of
electricity and non-damaging to equipment; these include dry
powders and carbon dioxide, although the latter’s cooling and
condensation effects many sensitive electronic equipment.
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 Never use water on electrical equipment as water is a good
conductor of electricity. Shock or electrocution may result if
water is used on live electrical equipment.
EXTINGUISHER AND COLOUR-CODING
Colours have been allocated to all portable fire extinguishers
for ease of identification.
a) Carbon dioxide (CO2) Black
b) Dry chemical powder (DCP) Blue
c) Foam Cream
d) Water/CO2 Red
e) Halogens Green

ADVANTAGES OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

• They are light in weight
• One person is require to operate
• They are instantaneous in action
• They are reliable if well maintained
COMMON CAUSES OF FIRES
5.1 Naked Light
Matches, burning cigarettes, flares and open fires are obvious
ignition sources.
5.2 Heating System
The most dangerous sources connected with heating system
are those created by the boiler or furnace and its flue hot
ashes, sparks from the chimney and over heating in the flue.
Remedy
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 Examine connecting leads from time to time and replace or
report the worn out part immediately
5.3 Cutting, Welding and Riveting
Sparks, hot electrodes stubs or discarded rivets may fall onto
combustible materials.
Remedy:
Keep cutting and welding area from any flammable
combustible materials.
5.4 Electrical Equipment and Wiring
Arcing and over heating are the basic faults that cause
electrical fires.
Remedy:
Have electrical equipment installations inspected and tested at
least once a month. Keep temporary extension wiring to a
minimum. Avoid overloading existing circuits.
Maintenance/repairs should be undertaken only by competent
technicians.
5.5 Spontaneous Ignitions
Spontaneous combustion of oily rags or similar wastes can
occur under poor storage conditions.
Remedy:
Strict vigilance and careful storage are the only precautions
against spontaneous ignitions. Keep oily rags and the like away
from hot surfaces. Maintain good housekeeping.
5.6 Frictional Heat and Sparks

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 Frictional heat on bearing and conveyors is the obvious source
of ignition. The presence of metals and foreign bodies in
materials being processed may produce heat and sparks.
Remedy:
Regular maintenance and strict vigilance by removing grits and
foreign particles during processes are required.
5.7 flammable Liquids
The degree of the hazard involved is determined by the
flammable characteristics of the vapour of a liquid. The hazard
becomes most evident when liquid is placed in open containers
or when spills or leakage occurs.
Remedy:
Take extra precaution with flammable liquids. Stocks should be
stored in a well ventilated detached single storey building of
non-combustible constructions. Handle flammable liquids only
at a safe distance from possible sources of ignition. Clean off
spills immediately.
5.8 Machinery
Worn and defective parts are apt to sparks as well as over-
heating.
Remedy:
Have machines regularly services and replace worn our parts.
Make sure that electrical appliances are switched off at the
main switch after use.
6 FIGHTING PETROLEUM GAS/FIRES
It is a standard operating procedure to approach any fire
emergency with utmost caution and in a thoughtful way, and
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 ensuring that in a deliberate manner, position is taken for quick
retreat when life is threatened. Thus, safeguarding the lives of
all concerned must take priority in each activity initiated to
tackle petroleum/gas fires. The raising of alarm therefore for
others to evacuate before fighting the fire is of paramount
importance.
The carefully positioning of fire fighting equipment relative to
the terrain and wind direction requires adequate consideration.
These activities should be accomplished as rapidly as is
consistent with safety. Points to note are that:
a) Flammable liquids are in the Class B classification. Foam,
DCP and CO2 can be used to extinguish fire involving them.
b) In all cases the FIRE SERVICE fighting the fire
c) Do not panic, and do not play the hero nor take undue risks.
d) Never use water on burning liquid fires because this could
erupt dangerously and increase the surface area of the fire.
e) When applying the fire fighting media direct stream to the
base of fire. When using foam apply on the wall of the fuel
container and allow flowing steadily and covering the entire
fuel surface.
f) When fire gets beyond what you can control, evacuate the
area.
7 fire Prevention
The primary goal of a Fire Prevention Programme is to reduce
or eliminate fire in our workplace by highlighting fire safety
awareness to all employees and providing them with
information necessary to recognize hazardous conditions and
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 to take appropriate actions before such conditions result in a
fire emergency.
The risk of fire is ever present, at homes, in offices, workshops
and in the field. The best fire extinction is to prevent its
occurrence by taking simple fire precautions.
7a) Good House-Keeping
This is the simplest and yet the most neglected of fire
precautions. Fire hazard can be considerably reduced simply
through general tidiness, the proper disposal of waste and the
limitation of exposed flammable materials.

FIRE SAFETY ASSESSMENT

Fire safety assessment has four elements, namely:
a) Hazard Identification
Identify/evaluate the credible fire hazards
b) Fire Prevention Measures
Determine/evaluate measures to prevent releases/fires,
ignition and limit fuel flow in case fire occurs.
c) Fire Protection Measures
Determine/evaluate the measures aimed at
preventing/minimizing escalation.
d) Determine/evaluate the fire fighting measures required for
the residual hazards.
COMMON CAUSES OF FIRES
1) CARELESSNESS
• Welding torches
• Grinding sparks
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 • Cutting materials
• Flammable vapours
• Naked light
• Faulty electrical appliances
• Unprotected candle base
• Leaking gas valves
• Overloading of electric circuits,
• short circuiting and arching
• spontaneous ignition
• gas explosion
• unattended cooling stove/gas
2) ARSON OR INTENTIONAL ACTS
• Political activists
• Bank fraud
• Concealment of evident in the court
• Insurance claim
• Grievances at work
• Civil disturbance
3) NATURAL CAUSES
• Lightening strike
• Hurricane/wild wind
• Earthquake
• Volcanic eruption
EVACUATION PROCEDURES
On noticing fire:

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 • Raise an alarm by breaking the glass of the alarm call point
and pressing the button.
• CALL the fire service – Dial 144, give your name and
location of fire
• Attack the fire with extinguisher available.
• Leave the building
• Do not use the lift, use the stair case
• Be calm, do not panic
• Assemble at muster point for a roll call
On hearing the alarm
• Leave the through the exit route
• Shut off and close the door
• Be calm and do not panic
• Do not use the lift, use the staircase
• Assemble at the muster point for a roll call

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