Module 14

Fire

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Cost of work place fires in
Millions of (1994-98)
10,000,000

9,000,000

8,000,000

7,000,000

6,000,000

5,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

0
Arson Electricity Pending Explosives Unknown Electric Smoking Other
Heating

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 The principles of combustion

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Definitions

Flash Point
Temperature giving off gas and vapours to
ignite momentarily by an outside source of
heat.

Fire Point
Temperature giving off gas and vapours to
sustain a flame when ignited by an
outside source of heat.

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Definitions

Auto or Self Ignition

Temperature giving off gas and vapours
which will ignite without any external
source of ignition

Flash Over
More than one material reaching Flash
Point at the same time.

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Fire Classification
Class A - carbonaceous materials
Class B - flammable liquids
B1 soluble in water, B2 not soluble in water

Class C - flammable gases

Class D - metals
Electrical (Class E)
considered by many to be a source of heat
Class F - Cooking oils and fats
CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 The spread of fire

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Main Causes Of Fire In The
Workplace
Electrical faults (poor connections)
Misuse of electrical equipment (overloaded
circuits)
Smokers materials
Malicious ignition
Oil / gas heating equipment and portable
heaters
Unsafe storage of material
Welding / hot work
Mechanical heat (sparks / friction)
CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Fire safety
Minimise the risk by
good design and maintenance

control over equipment usage

no smoking, site security

permits for hot work

good housekeeping.

Passive and active fire protection systems

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 The Highly Flammable Liquids and
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Regulations
1972
Flashpoint <32 C propane / butane
O

Storage when not in use

Marking
Ventilation
Sources of ignition
Solid residues
Quantity as small SFARP for manufacture no more
than 50L

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Fire and Smoke Detection

Heat Detectors
Fusible links

Ionising Detectors
Light Scatter
Flame detectors
Fire alarms must be audible, inspected,
maintained and tested
CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Means of escape

Must be
Unobstructed

Adequately lit

Identified

Maximum travel distance

18m if only one exit

35m if more than one exit

(NORMAL RISK FOR OFFICES)
CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Fire Extinguishers

Water
CO2
Foam
Dry Powder
Special Powders
Used only when safe to do so, by trained persons

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Fixed systems

Sprinklers - wet or dry systems

Flood systems

Note - Halon to be removed by end 2004

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 Fire Precautions Act 1971
Use and means of escape
Fighting the fire and raising the alarm
Explosive or HFLs
Fire Certification
maintenance of the means of escape

training

keeping of records

limitations on numbers
CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 The Fire Precautions (Workplace)
Regulations 1997, as amended
Fire Fighting And Fire Detection
Appropriate equipment, detectors and alarms
Internal measures including nominated persons
Contacts with external emergency services
Emergency Routes And Exits
Kept clear at all times
Direct route to a place of safety
Maintenance
Subjected to a suitable system of maintenance.
Efficient state, efficient working order, good repair
CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1
 The Fire Precautions (Workplace)
Regulations 1997, as amended

Amendments To Management Regulations

Reg. 3 Risk Assessment
Reg. 7 Health and Safety Assistance
Reg. 10 Information for Employees
Reg. 11 Co-operation and Co-ordination
Reg. 12 Working in Host Employers Undertaking

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1