Element 8:- Fire Hazards and Control

Question 1

Causes of fire:

Answer 1

• Arson
• Electrical faults
• Misuse of electrical equipment
• Smokers’ materials
• Oil/gas heating equipment + portable heaters
• Unsafe storage of materials
• Use of flammable liquids / gases in unsuitable areas
• Welding/hot work
• Mechanical heat (Sparks/friction)

Question 2

The fire triangle:-

Answer 2

Fuel, Source of ignition, Oxygen

Question 3

Flash point:-

Answer 3

temperature at which a vapour given off by substance will ignite when brought to source of ignition

Question 4

Classes of fire:

Answer 4

A Combustible solids (Coal, paper etc.)
B Flammable liquids (Alcohol, Petrol)
C Flammable gases (Butane, hydrogen, propane)
D Metals
F Cooking media (Vegetable oil or animal fats)

Question 5

Method of Heat Transfer:

Answer 5

Direct Contact:
– flame + combustible fuel are in direct contact + fuel heats up + eventually ignites.

Conduction:
– Heat travels within a solid material from hotter to cooler parts

Radiation:
– Heat is radiated through the air causing heating of a materials at a distance from the fire.

Convection:
– Hot air rises in currents causing the build up of hot + unburnt gases under ceilings etc. + allows fire to spread from one room to another.

Question 6

Fire precautions to minimise the risk to people in the event of fire

Answer 6

Suitable Fire/smoke detection

Fire Alarms:-
• Suitable
• Regular Testing
• Contact with emergency services

Question 7

Means of escape in fire:

Answer 7

• Travel Distances
• Stairways
• Fire doors
• Signage
• Emergency lighting
• Assembly points

Question 8

Means of fighting the fire:

Answer 8

• Suitable extinguishers
• Properly sited extinguishers
• Training in the use of extinguishers
• Extinguishers properly maintained

Question 9

Emergency evacuation procedures:

Answer 9

• Fire marshals
• Fire notices
• Fire drills
• Roll calls
• Provisions for disabled