FIRE Flashcards
What are the definitions of fire types?
Ignition and Combustion: Rapid chemical reactions between fuel and oxygen, releasing heat and light.
Flames: Visible manifestation of combustion; categorized as pre-mixed or diffusion flames.
Flash Point: Temperature at which fuel gases flash when ignition source applied.
Fire Point: Temperature at which fuel vapours sustain ignition.
Spontaneous Ignition Temperature: Temperature at which vapors ignite without external flame.
What are the definitions of fire growth?
Heat Transfer: Conduction, convection, and radiation facilitate fire growth.
Enclosed Space Behavior: Fire behaves differently in enclosed spaces due to increased radiant heat.
Stages of Fire: Growth, stability, and cooling stages after ignition.
Critical Stage: Flames reaching the ceiling dramatically increase radiant heat.
Flashover: Sudden transition when remaining combustibles ignite rapidly.
What are the categories of deliberate fires?
Financial Gain
Concealing a Crime
Malicious Vandalism
Casual Vandalism
Act of Terrorism
What types of fuel limitations are present in material choice for a building?
Reducing Fire Dangers:
Control of fire load and smoke load limits material available for combustion and smoke production.
Types of Fuel Influenced by Designers:
Building Fabric
Building Contents
How does fire relate to building fabric?
Fire Safety Terms:
Ignitability, Combustibility, Fire Propagation, Surface Spread of Flame, Potential for Smoke Obscuration, Fire Resistance.
Structural Elements and Internal Finishes:
Structural elements must not be fuel sources; internal finishes need careful specification.
Influence of Materials on Fire Properties:
Materials behind surface finishes affect fire properties.
How does building contents affect a fire?
Fire Risk Assessment:
Different materials pose varying fire risks (e.g., textiles, furniture, plastics).
Testing and Classification:
Regulations control materials for wall and ceiling surfaces to limit fire spread.
How is fire safety incorporated into the design of a building?
Communication:
Fire Detection Communication:
Importance of communicating fire location to occupants and fire service upon detection.
Automated Response:
Triggers automated response systems upon fire detection.
Escape:
Designing for Safe Evacuation:
Buildings should facilitate occupants’ safe escape in case of fire.
Escape Route Considerations:
Escape routes must be short and uncomplicated.
Containment:
Criticality of Fire Containment:
Design’s ability to contain fires is vital for property and occupant safety.
Passive and Active Containment Measures:
Passive measures involve building structure; active measures require communication.
What is passive structural protection from fire?
Fire Resistance Assessment:
Structural fire protection depends on escape needs and extinguishment time.
Guidelines for Fire Resistance:
Recommendations for fire resistance based on building type and anticipated fuel load.
Passive Fire Resistance:
Defining Fire Resistance:
Ability of structural elements to maintain functionality under heat exposure.
Methods of Enhancing Fire Resistance:
Oversizing, Insulation, Dissipation
What is passive compartmentation in terms of fire protection?
Purpose and Principles:
Dividing buildings into fire and smoke-tight areas to contain fire spread.
Design Considerations:
No weak points in barriers; services must maintain fire resistance.
What is passive envelope protection?
Limiting Fire Threats:
Measures to prevent fire spread to adjoining properties and limit ignition risks.
What are the active measures of fire protection?
Active Pressurisation:
Smoke Control Strategy:
Maintaining air pressure in protected areas to prevent smoke ingress.
Active Venting:
Smoke Containment:
Allowing smoke to escape outside to contain it within fire area.
What extinguishment agents can be used to combat fires?
Common Extinguishing Agents:
Water, Foam, Carbon Dioxide, Dry Powder, Halon
Methods of Application:
Manual firefighting, Auto-suppression, Fire service intervention
What is fire service intervention in building design?
Access and Equipment Requirements:
Need for safe ‘bridgeheads’ and access to firefighting equipment.
Bridgeheads are usually a safe position inside the building from which to carry out fire fighting operations.
What are the three elements required for combustion to occur?
Oxygen, heat, and a fuel source.
What is the flash point?
The temperature at which a fuel must be heated for the gases given off to flash when an ignition source is applied.
