Fire Safety : Don't give fire a chance

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Chapter : Fire Safety 🔥

Don't give fire a chance

There is plenty of air, fuel and ignition sources at every workplace. So we have all got to be on our toes to prevent fire.

Heat Protection:

Heat protection refers to measures designed to prevent or minimize heat transfer from a fire to adjacent areas or structures. The primary goal of heat protection is to:

• Prevent ignition: Prevent the ignition of combustible materials in adjacent areas.
• Reduce heat damage: Minimize heat damage to structures, equipment, and personnel.

Examples of heat protection measures include:

• Fire-resistant materials: Using materials with high fire-resistance ratings, such as fire-resistant glass or ceramic.
• Insulation: Installing insulation to reduce heat transfer.
• Fire-stopping: Sealing gaps and joints with fire-stopping materials.

Smoke Protection:

Smoke protection refers to measures designed to prevent or minimize the spread of smoke from a fire to adjacent areas. The primary goal of smoke protection is to:

• Prevent smoke migration: Prevent smoke from spreading to adjacent areas, including escape routes and safe zones.
• Maintain tenable conditions: Maintain conditions that allow people to safely evacuate or occupy a space.

Examples of smoke protection measures include:

• Smoke barriers: Installing smoke barriers, such as smoke curtains or smoke doors.
• Smoke dampers: Installing smoke dampers in HVAC systems to prevent smoke spread.
• Pressurization systems: Using pressurization systems to maintain a positive pressure in safe zones.

Key differences:

• Purpose: Heat protection focuses on preventing heat transfer, while smoke protection focuses on preventing smoke spread.
• Design: Heat protection measures often involve materials and designs that provide thermal insulation, while smoke protection measures involve designs and materials that prevent smoke migration.
• Consequences: Heat protection failures can lead to ignition and heat damage, while smoke protection failures can lead to smoke inhalation and reduced visibility.

Here are some ways.

• Store all combustibles away from ignition source.  
• Protect the equipment from falling hot metal while overhead flame cutting or welding is carried out.   
• Use fire resistant blanket for covering the equipment and fire watch is made available with fire extinguisher.  
• Do not smoke near flammables materials or in “NO SMOKING” area.  
• Report any possible fire hazard you notice.      
• Help protect temporary electric wiring from possible damage.  
• Ensure the distribution is NOT OVERLOADED  In case of fire in or near live electrical equipment, use dry chemical extinguisher, not water.  
• In hot work jobs, be sure combustibles are safe from ignition. Have a FIRE EXTINGUISHER handy for welding and cutting operations or when open flame equipment is used.  
• Know where the closest fire extinguisher is located. Know how to use it. Check to see that fire extinguisher is in clear, in proper condition and ready for instant use.  
• We do everything we can to try to keep our workplaces fire –safe-but it takes your help, all the time.

What will you do when there is fire?

Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station, call plant emergency no and report the exact location of the fire. Do not hesitate in activating the fire alarm pull station upon detection of fore and/or smoke.

Close all doors in the fire area to confine fire and smoke.

Evacuate: When the alarm sounds, immediately evacuate the site by the nearest Assembly point or stairwell or exit; DO NOT use elevators. Once outside, report to your supervisor

NOTE. if you are in home or office then open the windows slightly at the top and bottom if possible. This will allow heat and smoke to vent out at the top, while letting in fresh air in from the bottom