FIRE PROTECTIONS

Fire: fire is a form of chemical reactions that involves the repaid oxidation of
combustible fuel(material) with subsequent liberation of heat and light.
Types of fire
As far as safety is concerned, there are two types of fire;
Controlled(safe) fire
I. There is good control of the size, duration, temperature, smoke and fumes of
fire
II. This is used in our daily life such as cooking, heating (by gas, cool or
kerosene) car, areophane and rocket engines.
III. It requires the present of air(oxygen), fuel and heat (ignition source)
IV. This compound is termed as fire triangle
Uncontrolled (dangerous fire).
I. There is no control on the size duration temperature (1000oC or more),
smoke and fumes of fire.
II. This type of fire occurs due accidental (or due criminal act) spread of fire to
catch combustible material.
III. In addition to oxygen fuel and heat this type of fire requires an un inhibited
chain reaction.
IV. In an un inhibited chain reaction, burning continues and may even
accelerate.
V. This chain reaction occurs due to the breakdown and recombination of the
molecules that will add to the fuel of the fire.
Effect of uncontrolled fire
I. Human loss: burning from extreme heat; suffocation from smoke and fumes
and death
II. Structural damage: damage to labs, offices, and buildings
III. Disruption of work
IV. Financial losses
FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND DEVICES
1. smoke and heat detectors (usually in the ceilings)
2. fire and emergency alarms (switch on by emergent button or handles)
3. fire and emergency light(red).
4. water sprinklers (usually in the the ceilings)
5. fire extinguishers (various types according the class of fire)
6. water hydrant with attached hose fire blanket (to wrapped around the burnt
person or to cover devices on fire)
7. emergency exits signs and lights
8. fire and emergency stairs and escape
9. fire break areas (for assemble of people).

CLASSES OF FIRE
Fire can cause loss of lives, jobs equipment, materials and buildings. For all
practical purposes there are three main classes of fires; A B &C

Class A fires (Solids)

Fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper & cloth.

Good housekeeping should help to keep materials like packaging and waste
reduced, minimizing risks Water extinguisher is one of the most popular types of
extinguishers used class A fire. It can handle most fires involving solids.

The majorities of fires are in this class and can be most effectively extinguished
by cooling with water.
Class B fires (liquids)

Fires from flammable liquids such as paraffin, petrol, paint, varnishes, oil and
from greases and fats.
Many of the fluids, liquids and chemicals used in workplaces can be flammable or
explosive. Like cleaning fluids, solvents, fuels, inks, adhesives and paints.

Make sure you know what flammable liquids are used in your workplace, and
carry out a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’ (COSHH) assessment
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health assessments are a legal requirement,
for any hazardous substances. This about safe storage and use of these substances,
keep them in labeled containers and away from sources of ignition. Should a class
B fire ignite, foam or powder extinguishers are the best types of extinguishers to
attack this type of fire.
Class C fires (gases)

Class C fires are fires involving gases. This could be natural gas, Liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) or other types of gases forming a flammable or explosive
atmosphere.
Work with gas is dangerous, and increases fire risk. Keep stored gases in sealed
containers in a safe storage area, and ensure that gas work is carried out by
competent persons.
While extinguishers can be used on class C gas fires, the only safe method to
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attack this type of fire is to shut off the gas supply. The best type of extinguisher to
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put out the fire when the supply of gas is off is a dry powder extinguisher
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Fires involving live electrical equipment and wiring. The safest method of
extinguishing is to displace the oxygen by projecting a gas or dry powder into the
vicinity of the fire.
Class D fires (Metals)
Metals are not often thought of as a combustible material, some types of metal can
be, like sodium. Metals are also good conductors, helping a fire spread. All metals
will soften and melt at high temperature, which can be a big problem when metal
joists and columns are present in a fire as structural elements.
Water can actually act as an accelerate on metal fires, so how would you tackle a
class D fire? There are dry powder extinguishers developed to tackle metal fires.
The powder inside the extinguisher may vary depending on the type of metal risk it
is designed for. Small metal fires can sometimes be smothered with dry earth or
sand.

Electrical Fires
This is not strictly a class (class E) of fire, because electricity is more or a source
of ignition than a fuel. However, fires in live electrical equipment are an additional
hazard. You don't want to be using water, or any other conductor as that could be
fatal.

Electrical fires are not given their own full class, as they can fall into any of the
classifications. After all it is not the electricity burning but surrounding material
that has been set alight by the electric current.

To avoid electric fire;

Making sure electrical equipment and installations are installed correctly, and
inspected and maintained, will help to reduce the risk of this type of fire.

Class F (Cooking Fats & Oils)

Deep fat frying and spillages of flammable oils near to heat sources in kitchens
can result in a class F fire.
Never leave food or frying equipment unattended during use. The only type of
fire extinguisher approved for use on cooking oils and fats is the wet chemical
extinguisher. For small class F fires, you could also use a fire blanket.

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While you shouldn't use water to attack an electrical fire, you can use other types

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of fire extinguishers. Like carbon dioxide, and dry powder in low voltage
situations. Always turn off the power supply if you can.

In the event of a fire:

The following precautions should be observed at all times.
i) Know the correct fire drill and the positions of fire alarms,

firefighting equipment and emergency exits.

ii) Know the correct appliance to use for a particular type of fire and

know how to use it.

iii) Don’t bock fire exits.

iv) Don’t use fire appliances for any purpose other than intended.

v) Never smoke in no smoking areas

vi) vi) Always ensure that matches and cigarettes are put out before

throwing them away

vii) vii) Avoid spillage of flammable liquids.

Extinguishers and fighting procedures

1. Water type

These are usually operated by striking a plunger to release a gas which pressures
the water and
forces it out of the nozzle. They are stable only for class-A fires.

● The jet should be directed at the base of the fire and be kept moving across
the area of the
fire.

2. Chemical foam type

● These may be operated by inverting the extinguisher or by releasing a

plunger allowing two solutions to mix and produce foam. The materials
includes, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonates etc.
● They are used on class B fires involving flammable liquids.
● The jet is directed with a gentle sweeping movement, allowing the
foam to drop down and
lie on the Surface of the liquid.
● This smothers the fire by excluding oxygen.

3. Carbon-dioxide (CO2 ) type

These are operated by squeezing the discharge lever which allows the liquid CO 2
to be discharged as a gas. They are used on class c fires where after the current has
been switched off the discharge horn is directed straight at the fire.

4. Dry powder pressure type.

This type contains a pressurized as and a dry chemical agent. After the release
lever has been operated discharge is controlled by a nozzle at the end of the nose.

These are used on class c fires in the same way as the CO2 type.
Use of fire extinguishers

Table 1: Uses of fire extinguishers

Class of fire Type of fire extinguisher

Water Foam Co 2 Dry

powder

A Ordinary fires: wood, paper, Yes Yes No No

cloth
B Flammable liquids: petrol, No Yes Yes Yes
paraffin
C Electrical equipment No No Yes Yes

Fire precautions

Fire is a great danger in a workshop and care must be taken not to start a fire. The
main causes of
fire are:

1. Careless storage of flammable materials.

2. Careless electrical maintenance.

3. People throwing away cigarettes.

Electrical safety

● Electrical can’t be seen we only see the effect due to it.

 ● Because of this care must be taken when using electricity. There are
two main causes of
accidents due to electricity.

These are

(i) Carelessness: this arises because of laxity. When electricians have

worked for long period they tend to assume the high standards of safety
required and start to maintain equipment when it’ s live and as a result an
accident can easily occur.

(ii) Ignorance and inexperience. Most of the electrical tasks appear very

simple when carried out by well-trained electricians. When unqualified

personnel attempt to do the same they are usually unable and they leave
the tasks uncompleted. This is dangerous
to the others. The safety precaution in any electrical

installation is to

i) Prevent electric shock.

ii) Prevent the occurrence of fire due to electrical fires.

Electric shock

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Figure 1: Touching live and earth or live and neutral makes a person part of
the electrical circuit and can lead to an electric shock.

● Electric shock occurs when a person becomes part of the electrical

circuit.
● One gets electric shock when he or she is in contact with two objects
that are at different
potentials.
● The person completes the circuit to earth and the current flows
through him/or her.
The damage done to the human body will depend on the following factors:
i) Voltage between the two

points ii) The amount of current

flowing

ii) The time taken for the

current to flow

Also, the level or intensity of the shock will depend upon factors, such as age,
fitness and the circumstances in which the shock is received. The lethal level is
approximately 50 mA, above which muscles contract, the heart flutters and
breathing stops. A shock above the 50-mA level is therefore fatal unless the person
is quickly separated from the supply. Below 50 mA only an unpleasant tingling
sensation may be experienced or you may be thrown across a room, roof or
ladder, but the resulting fall may lead to serious injury.

● The methods used to prevent electric shock are;

i) Earthing the metallic and any equipment within the

installation ii) Using all the insulated wiring systems

Operation of hand-held fire extinguishers

The operator must be strong enough to lift and operate the fire extinguishers. Its
easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher simply follow the steps “PASS”.
P ull the pin: pull the pin at the top of extinguisher that keeps the handle from
being press. Break the plastic seal as the pin is pulled.

A im: aim the nozzle or outlet towards the extinguisher or some hose assembles
are clipped to the extinguisher body. To release the hose and point.

S queeze: squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agents. The handle can
be released to stop the discharge at any time. Before approaching try a very short
test burst to ensure proper operation.

S weep: sweep from side to side at the base of fire until it is out. After the fire is
out, watch for the remaining smoldering hots spots or possible reflash of
flammable liquid. Make sure the fire is completely out.
DETECTION, ALARM AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS.
Fire detection, alarm and communications systems are critical for early fire
warnings, occupants, evacuation and emergency respond coordination. This system
integrates sensors, alarms and notification methods to ensure rapid response.
1. Fire detection systems.
Fire detection systems identifies smoke, flame, heat or gas to trigger alarm.
a). types of fire detectors.
Detector type How it works Best for
Smoke detector Detect smoke particles Early stage fire (class
A)
Ionization Uses radioactive materials to Fast burning fire
detect fast flames
Photo electric Uses light scattering for Smoldering fires
smoldering fires
Air sampling (ASD) Continuously monitors air for Data centers, clean
 smoke rooms
Heat detectors Activate at a set temperature or Kitchens, garage
rapid rise (where smoke is
normal)
Fixed temperature Triggers at 57 degree or higher Small, confined
spaces.
Rate of rise Alarms if temperature spikes Areas with sadden fire
rapidly risk
Flame detectors Detect infrared or UV light High risk industrial
areas.
Carbon monoxide Detects carbomonoxide from Furnace rooms,
(CO) incomplete combustion packing garages
Multi sensor Confined heat, smoke and CO High accuracy
detection environments

b) Detector placement guidelines

I. ceiling mounted (away from vent/fans).
II. Avoid death air spaces (near corners or beams)
2. Fire alarm systems

Fire alarm systems alerts occupants and emergency respondents;

a). Types of fire alarm systems
System types descriptions uses
conventional Divides buildings into Small buildings (offices,
zone (e.g. zone 3 fire) shops)
addressable Each device has a unique Large/complex
ID for precise location buildings/hospitals)
wireless Use radio signals instead Uses historic buildings,
 of wiring retrophiles
Voice evacuation Provide spoken High occupant
instructions (e.g. exit buildings(malls)
now)

b). alarm notification devices

audible alarms (hones, bells, syringes)
visual alarm (strobe lights)
tactile alarms (vibrating pad for hearing)

Emergency communication systems:

Ensures coordinated evacuation and real time alert.

Types of emergency communication systems;
system functions Examples used
Mass notification (MNS) Sense alert via pa, SMS, Campus, stadiums
digital signage
Two-way communication Allows respondents to High rises, elevators
talk with trapped people
Distributed recipient mass Integrates email texts and Cooperates offices,
notification (DRMNS) calls universities.

STANDPIPE, SPRINKLERS AND HVAC FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

FOR BUILDINGS
Standpipe systems
Standpipes are vertical pipes that delivers water for firefighting, either manually
(by fire fighters) or automatically pre-filled systems.
Types of standpipe systems
types description Use case
Case I 2.5”Outlet for fire department use High-rises, warehouses
only
Case II 1.5”outlet for occupant and uses Low-rise offices, schools.
hose pipe connection.
Case III Combines; 15”(occupant) and Mixed-use buildings.
2.5”fire fighter)
Automatic wet Pipe always filled with water, Most common in heated
pressurized. buildings.
Automatic dry Pipes filled with pressurized air Freezing environments
(water on demand)
manual No water until fire department Temporary structures
connects

Key components
Risers (vertical pipes)
Hoses stations (pre-connected hose for class II & III)
Fire department connections; it’s the inlet connection for pumper trucks)
Pressure-regulating devices in building (it ensures proper water flow).

Fire sprinkler systems

Automatic suppress fire by discharging water when heat is detected.
Types of sprinkler systems

types description Use case

Wet pipe Pipes always filled with Offices, school buildings
water (fast responses)
Dry pipe Pipes filled with Freezing areas (parking
pressurized air (water garages)
 released when a valve
opens)
Pre-action Requires fire detection Data centers museums.
before water fills pipe.
deluge Open nozzles, floods High-hazard (aircraft
entire area when hangars).
triggered.

Key components
Sprinkler heads: (fusible link/glass bulb triggers at 1350F-1650F)
Control valves: (regulate water flow).
Alarm valve: (triggers alarm when water flows).
Water supply: (tanks, fire pumps)

HVAC systems fire protection overview

HVAC systems are spread smoke and fire if not properly designed.
Fire protection measures includes;
Smoke control systems
Smoke dampers (close automatically to block smoke in ducts).
Pressurization (stair wells positively pressurized to keep smoke out)
Exhaust systems (remove smoke from atriums or large spaces)