Module 6 - Fire Hazards

Third Degree Burn

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 stiff, waxy white, leathery, tan or charred.

Heat

Liquid fuels, on the other hand, give of flammable vapor even in cold temperatures. Hence, fire may still be produced even in temperatures below 0°C. Petrol is an example of liquid fuel that can be ignited at 43°C below 0.

Oxidation

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.

Elements of the Fire Triangle

Fire is the process of rapid oxidation of any material resulting in burning.

Burns

are classified as first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree, depending on how deep and severe they penetrate the skin's surface.

Burns

can also lead to infections because the damages skin can no longer act as a barrier against harmful microorganisms.

Fire hazards

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

Fire Hazards

pose threats to life and property. It is, therefore, the prime object of safety systems to detect, remove or reduce the risk of fire threatened by these potential hazards.

Burns

tissue injuries caused by heat, electricity, radiation, or chemicals. They can cause pain, swelling, blistering, scarring, and in severe cases, even death.

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

-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 and tends to fill the topmost portion of an enclosed area. -Do not panic as this will keep you disoriented and make you lose your focus. -Evacuate the area or room by going to the nearest exit. If you are not familiar with the building's layout, follow arrows or directions that lead to the exit.

Faulty Wiring

-If installation was not done by qualified electrician -Capacity overload -If safety switches and correct fuses were not installed

Lighting

-Poor light fittings can cause heat build up -Lampshades are so close to light globes and lamp bases that can be knocked over easily -Recessed down lights are not properly insulated from wood paneling or ceiling timbers

C = Contain

Confine the fire as much as possible by closing the doors and windows behind you during evacuation

Top Causes of Fire

Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and home fires injuries. Smoking is the leading cause of civilian home fire deaths. Heating equipment is the second most common cause of home fire fatalities.

Heat

Most solid combustible materials ignite immediately because they instantly give off vapor and readily reach their ignition of flammable temperature. Other solids may take time to ignite because of their density such that the flammable vapor =s do not get released fast.

E = Extinguish

Only attempt to put out the fire if it is small, you have proper equipment and it is safe to do so yourself

How to use a fire extinguisher

P - PULL the pin in the handle A - AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire S - SQUEEZE the lever slowly S - SWEEP the extinguisher from side to side, covering area of the fire

In case of fire remember the R.A.C.E. acronym

R = rescue A = Activate Alarm C = Contain fire E = Evacuate

Smoking in Bed/Inside home

Smoking in bed can cause fire—tiny embers can smolder unnoticed and burst into flame much later

First Degree Burn

Superficial burns through only the epidermis.

Second Degree Burn

The depth if burn has reached into the dermis in this degree. Because of the severity, this part of the skin may not function anymore. Burns also can reach nerve endings, which is why second-degree burns are painful.

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.

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.

Third Degree Burn

a burn involving all layers of the skin; characterized by the destruction of the epidermis and dermis, with damage or destruction of subcutaneous tissue

Here are some basic guidelines in preparing a fire emergency plan:

-All operators should be reminded of safe shutdown procedures for equipment and facilities to prevent any damage or additional hazard. -All written emergency plans should always be updated, maintained, and tried on a regular basis. -A building's emergency evacuation layout plan should be posted conspicuously to constantly remind the members of the building of the proper procedure for emergencies.

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

-Do not use the elevators. Use the stairs to get out of the building. -Do not attempt to go back inside the building until it has been declared safe by the fire department.

Here are some basic guidelines in preparing a fire emergency plan:

-The contact number of government agencies such as the local fire departments should be made known. -The occupants of the building should know and where to report an emergency. The proper authority will know how to assess the situation and address it. -Occupants of the building should be made aware of emergency routes and exits.

Candles

-When candles are left unattended. Do not sleep with a burning candle -When curtains and other flammable items are close to burning candles

Children

-When children are playing with fire. Keep all matches, lighters and candles out of reach of small children -Children are not well oriented about fire hazards and fire safety

Flammable Liquids

-When flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, methylated spirits are not stored properly. Storage should be away from heat. -Unsafe handling and use of flammable liquids is a potential fire hazard

Kitchen stoves

-When left unattended -Electric cords, curtains. tea towels and oven clothes are so close to the stove top -When flowing sleeves are contacting gas flames

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

-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. -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.

If your clothes catch fire...

-do not panic or run -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 your face with your hands. Then roll over back and forth until the fire has been put out.

When there is a fire breakout, what are the two hazards need to be dealt?

1) Fire 2) Smoke

Fire Safety Escape Plan

1) Sound the alarm (test your detectors monthly) 2) Light the path (Install smoke alarm activated lights) 3) Know your way out (establish and practice your family's escape route)

Fire Safety Escape Plan

2.5 minutes: Average time to escape a house fire after the smoke alarm sounds

Second Degree Burn

A partial-thickness burn involving the epidermis and the dermis (eto yung nakaumbok tapos may tubig sa loob)

A = Activate Alarm

Alert others by activating available alarm system/ Contact 911 to report location of fire and alert on-site personnel

R = rescue

Assist anyone in immediate danger and help get them to a safe are as fast as possible

In assisting people who are burnt...

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

Fuel

Fire needs a fuel source or combustible material in order to burn. Fuels 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 times.

Fire Extinguisher: Water

For use on: -Wood, paper, textiles, etc. Do not use on: -flammable liquid -Live electrical equipment

Fire Extinguisher: Wet Chemical

For use on: -Wood, paper, textiles, etc. -Cooking oil fires Discharge entire contents on to fire from at least 1 meter distance

Fire Extinguisher: Foam

For use on: -Wood, paper, textiles, etc. -flammable liquid Do not use on: -Live electrical equipment

Fire Extinguisher: Dry Powder

For use on: -Wood, paper, textiles, etc. -flammable liquid -gaseous fires -Live electrical equipment

Fire Extinguisher: CO2

For use on: -flammable liquid -Live electrical equipment Do not use on: -Wood, paper, textiles, etc. -flammable metal fires -a confined space

Third Degree Burn

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.

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.

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 store in that material reacts with oxygen that is present in the air, giving off heat.

Fire triangle

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

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.

Fire Hazards

also include all types of potential threats to fire prevention practices, fire fighting, built-in fire safety systems and situations that restrict the escape of people from an affected building or area in the event of a fire.

In assisting people who are burnt...

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.

In assisting people who are burnt...

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 the 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.

In assisting people who are burnt...

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.

Fire Hazards

include all types of live flames, causes of sparks, hot objects, and chemicals that are potential for ignition, or that can aggravate a fire to become large and uncontrolled.

Blisters

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.

Common Fire Hazards

•A permanent extension cord •poorly installed or maintained electrical equipment •accumulated combustible dusts in factories

Common Fire Hazards

•Outdated or faulty wiring •Combustible materials stacked together •Wrong lightbulb wattage •Overheating heavy machinery