L2 Oct22 Fire and Fire Protection Flashcards
Identify and describe the dangers associated with smoke inhalation following a fire in a
building. (4 marks)
Particles
Partially burned, and completely burned substances are potentially small enough to penetrate
the respiratory system’s protective mechanisms, and deposit in the lungs. Some are actively
toxic, whilst others will cause irritation to the eyes and digestive system.
Vapours
Such fine droplets of liquid can lead to poisoning if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Toxic gases
The most common of these, carbon monoxide (CO), can be fatal, even in small quantities, as
it irreversibly replaces oxygen in the bloodstream. Others, such a hydrogen cyanide generated
from the burning of plastics, can interfere with cellular respiration.
As well as the production of smoke, fire can debilitate or kill through a depletion in oxygen
levels, either by consuming the oxygen, or by displacing it with other gases.
Aside from smoke, heat is also a respiratory hazard, given that superheated gases will burn
the respiratory tract. Should these gasses be hot enough, then even the intake of just one
breath is likely to kill.
State four factors that affect the length of time it takes a person to react to a fire alarm. (4
marks)
- The regularity of the alarm being heard (e.g. false alarms)
- Whether able bodied or physically impaired, e.g. visually or hearing impaired, in a wheel chair
or elderly - Physical state, i.e. Sleeping or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fire drill discipline
- The reaction of others within the location, i.e. the ‘herd’ mindset
Describe the purpose of passive fire protection and provide two examples of the way that
passive fire protection measures protect a building. (4 marks)
Passive fire protection (PFP) is designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, protect a building’s structural integrity, and provide occupants with more time to evacuate safely.
Fire resisting walls and floors contain a fire within the compartment of origin for a given period of time.
PFP measures to structural elements allow evacuation before the effects of fire cause collapse
One of the factors that affects the fire resistance of a building is integrity. Identify and describe
the two other factors. (4 marks)
Stability
The ability of the buildings structure to resist the effects of heat from a fire without significant loss of stability/load bearing capacity giving time for evacuation. examples are Sacraficial timber or Steel protection… thin film intumescent etc.
Insulation, the ability to resist excessive heat transfer from one compartment to another preventing combustion by radiant heat. 140degree average or 180degree at any one point
Identify and briefly describe two different types of fire suppression equipment available within
a building. (4 marks)
Sprinkler
heads release water when activated by heat from a fire - same for mist - and dry powder also gasseous
Fire blankets can also be used to suppress cooking fires
