Module 8: Fire Hazard

At the end of this module, I can:

 Recognize and identify elements of the fire triangle in different situations.

 Analyze and explain the different causes of fires.

 Determine the various degrees of burns (enrichment).

 Observe and apply precautionary measures and proper procedures in addressing a fire
incident.

 Apply basic response procedures during a fire incident.

 Follow fire emergency and evacuation plans.

Fires can be devastating. They lead to property loSs, injuries, environmental damage, and
sometimes fatalities.

It is therefore essential that everyone has safety knowvledge in the prevention of fires and
preparedness in dealing with them.

Fire Triangle

Fire is the process of rapid oxidation of any material resulting in burning. Oxidation
means that oxygen molecules interact with different substances in the environment, making it
unstable and thus creating a reaction. When burning happens, heat, light, and other reaction
products are released.

A fire triangle is a model that shows the three essential components that when present together
can start a fire and sustain it-fuel, heat, and oxygen.

 Fuel - Fire needs a fuel source or combustible material in order to burn. Fuel comes in
different forms: solid (e.g. wood. paper, plastic), liquid (e.g.. gasoline, kerosene,
acetone), and gas (e.g., methane, propane, acetylene). Different types of fuel burn at
different rates.

 Heat - This is needed to start and continue the combustion process. Combustion happens
when flammable vapor mix with air (oxygen) and is ignited by a spark or flame. In
 essence, when the ignition temperature (heat) of the fuel (any material) is reached,
combustion reaction happens, This is because the energy stored in that material reacts
with the oxygen that is present in the air, giving off heat. Most solid combustible
materials ignite immediately because they instantly give off vapor and readily reach their
ignition or flammable temperature. Other solids may take time to ignite because of their
density such that the flammable vapors do not get released fast. Liquid fuels, on the other
hand, give off flammable vapor even in cold temperatures. Hence, fire may still be
produced even in temperatures below 0°C. Petrol is an example of a liquid fuel that can
be ignited at 43°C below 0.

 Oxygen- This constitutes about 21% of the air around us. Oxygen reacts with flammable
vapors given off by fuels, and the reaction releases heat. The magnitude of the fire,
whether it is going to be explosive or flammable, depends on the ratio between the
oxygen and fuel.

Fire hazards can happen anywhere because all the three components are present everywhere. Fire
will not cease until one or more of the components are removed.

Causes of Fire

Generally, there are two causes of fire: natural and man-made The natural causes of fire
are those that result from natural hazards such as lightning and volcanic activities. Lightning
triggers fire because it carries with it a large amount of energy that can induce ignition
temperature changes in the material (fuel) that it comes in contact with. So, when lightning
strikes, say on a hut or grass, the ignition temperature of the hut or grass is suddenly reached,
causing combustion to take place at once. The other natural cause of fire is volcanic eruptions.
Fire can be generated by the objects that get burned along the path of lava or by ejected
pyroclastic materials from a volcano. When these objects come in contact with combustible
materials, such as plants, fire can happen. Similarly, when there is land movement due to seismic
activities, damaged power lines or power circuits may ignite a fire.

On the other hand, man-made causes of fire are those caused by human or machine
errors. Here are some examples:

 Electrical wirings. Faulty wiring, short circuits, overloaded circuits, and loose wiring
connections may induce fire in any structure or building. To prevent electrical fires, avoid
overloading the circuits and overheating electrical appliances; check electrical cords and
replace old, worn wirings; and get an electrical engineer or licensed electrician to check
your electrical wirings and connections, especially if you detect any electrical
malfunction.

 Unattended ignition sources. A lighted candle, an improvised gas lamp, a cooking stove,
and other sources of ignition which are left unattended may topple and/or burn nearby
 flammable objects. Never leave an open flame unattended, and keep combustibles away
from it to prevent fire.

 Cigarettes. Cigarette butts that are not properly put out and are thrown carelessly can
spark a fire. The glowing ember from a discarded cigarette can come in contact with a
flammable material and cause fire. Careless smoking such as falling asleep at night with a
lit cigarette can also start a fire. To prevent creating fire, make sure that the cigarette is
fully extinguished before throwing it. If you see someone carelessly dispose of a
cigarette, kindly call his or her attention to put out the cigarette properly.

 Chemicals at home. Many hazardous and flammable substances can be found at home.
Pesticides, lighter fluids, gasoline, thinners, spray paints, kerosene, dry cleaning agents,
paint solvents, and nail polish are flammable liquids that are used for a wide variety of
purposes in the household. These substances contain chemicals that when mixed with air
will give off vapor that can ignite and burn when an ignition source is present.
Flammable liquids should be kept closed and stored in proper containers. Do not store
flammable liquids in the same cabinets with other dangerous substances because they can
react violently. Make sure they are kept away from any ignition source and away from
children.

 Gasoline leaks from vehicles. A gasoline (fuel) leak from a vehicle is likely caused by
corrosion, a worn-out seal or gasket, or a broken fuel injector. A leak from the tank,
engine, fuel pump, or motor compartment can be dangerous because these places get very
hot. With enough heat and gas, along with the oxygen in the air, one spark can ignite the
gas and start a fire. One indicator of an imminent car explosion is the release of a strong
gas smell where gas is leaking. If you detect a strong gas odor, immediately take your car
to an auto repair shop and have it checked and repaired by a professional mechanic.

Classification of Burns

Burns are tissue injuries caused by heat, electricity, radiation, or chemicals. They can
cause pain, swelling, blistering, scarring, and in severe cases, even death. Burns can also lead to
infections because the damaged skin can no longer act as a barrier against harmful
microorganisms.

Burns are classified as first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree, depending on how

pic

Fig 82 Classification of burns according to depth (a) first-degree burn, (b), second-degree burn
and (c) third-degree burn
Source htp:/www.medstudentlc.com/page.php?id=84 (accessed on 19 June 2015)

First-degree Burns. A first degree burn affects only the outer layer of the skin called the
epidermis. Because the damage is slight, the person is still able to function well with tolerable
pain. The area that is burned is red and dry without any blisters. There is change in color of the
skin to some extent (see Figure 8.3).

pic

Fig. 8.3. Example of first-degree burn from sunburn

Source: http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/burns/slide-show/323/#0 (accessed on 26 June 2015)

Second-degree Burns. The depth of burn has reached into the dermis in this degree. Because of
the severity, this part of the skin may not function anymore Blisters are usually the first sign of
second-degree burns. The fluid beneath the skin spreads until the epidermis falls away, opening
the dermis to the outside environment. When this happens, the function of the skin to retain fluid
and heat, and block infection, no longer happens. Burns also can reach nerve endings, which is
why second-degree burns are painful (see Figure 8.4).

pic

Fig. 8.4 Presence of blisters on second-degree burns

Source http.//www.healthline.com/health/burnst#BurnLevels2 (accessed on 26 June 2015)

Third-degree Burns. Here, the epidermis, dermis, and even the underlying fat tissue are
damaged. This is the most serious burn. The muscle and even the bone may be affected. Aside
from the loss of function of the skin in terms of protection, and fluid and heat retention, many
nerve cells die such that the victim may no longer feel anything. The burnt area of the skin may
appear white or charred (see Figure 8.5).

pic

Fig. 8.5. Burnt tissues of a third-degree burn Source: http://www.derma-gel.net/casedegree-

When there 1s a fire breakout, two hazards need to be dealt with: fire and smoke in most
cases, Smoke is the primary cause of fatalities due to suffocation. A thick smoke makes escape
difficult not only because it covers the pathway, it also irritates the eye and disrupts breathing.

Here are some tips on what you can do in case of building fires:

1. Find an area where smoke has not yet reached. If there is a lot of smoke, stay low and
crawl on your hands and knees. Smoke naturally rises or tends to fill the topmost portion
of an enclosed area.

2. Do not panic as this will keep you disoriented and make you lose your focus.

3. Evacuate the area or room by going to the nearest exit. If you are not familiar with the
building's layout, follow the arrows or directions that lead to the exit.

4. While evacuating the room, leave it closed to prevent the entry of smoke. Do not lock the
door to allow others to escape in the same route or passage.

5. If you can, assist people with special needs, but do not carry them downstairs.Going
down with a load may impede an immediate escape. Notify emergency personnel if you
know or suspect someone is still inside the building.
6. Do not use the elevators. Use the stairs to get out of the building.

7. Do not attempt to go back inside the building until it has been declared safe by the fire
department.

If your clothes catch fire

1. Do not panic or run.

2. Do the stop, drop, and roll method. Stop immediately or stay where you are. Running will
make the fire worse as the fire will grow with added oxygen. Drop to the ground and
cover you face with your hands. Then roll over back and forth until the fire has been put
out.

In assisting people who are burnt

1. Do not attempt to remove the clothing. In second- to third-degree burns, clothes may
stick to the skin, and removing the clothes may aggravate the injury and expose the skin
more to infection. If clean cotton cloth or gauze is available, use it to carefully cover the
burned area.
 2. Do not attempt to treat a third-degree burn on your own. Bring the burn victim to the
hospital or call for medical assistance immediately. While help is on its way, elevate the
burned part above the level of the victim's heart. Do not undress the victim, and do not
move clothing that was stuck to the burn.

3. Do not soak or immerse burns in cold water, apply ice or ice water, or apply any ointment
Do not put butter or oil directly on the burned area. Do not break blisters that form over
the burn. Burns are open wounds that require aeration for faster healing. Cold water may
temporarily stop bleeding and reduce some pain, but it can extend the damage of the
burnt area. These things may cause more damage to the burned parts.

4. Check vital signs such as breathing and blood circulation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) might be necessary.

Fire Emergency and Evacuation Plans

The key element to a successful and effective fire emergency response plan is to make
sure it is accessible to all concerned people. Training and drills should be conducted regularly for
everyone to be familiar with the emergency procedures. Here are some basic guidelines in
preparing a fire emergency plan:

1. The contact number of government agencies such as the local fire departments should be
made known.

2. The occupants of the building should know how and where to report an emergency. The
proper authority will know how to assess the situation and address it.

3. Occupants of the building should be made aware of emergency routes and exits.

4. All operators should be reminded of safe shutdown procedures for equipment and
facilities to prevent any damage or additional hazard.

5. All written emergency plans should always be updated, maintained, and tried on a regular
basis.

6. A building's emergency evacuation layout plan should be posted conspicuously to