Basic Occupational Safety and

Health
Engr. Shan Michael A. Adrias
CE, RMP, SE, ME-1
 Fire
Fire is a chemical reaction between a flammable
or combustible material and oxygen. This
process converts the flammable or combustible
materials and oxygen into energy.

Other by-products of fire include light, smoke

and other gases. Many of these gases such as
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and are toxic
to humans.
 The Fire Triangle
• The fire triangle illustrates the elements necessary
for fire to start and the methods of extinguishment.
Each side represents an essential ingredient for fire.
The three elements are Fuel, Oxygen, and Heat.
 UNDERSTANDING THE FIRE TRIANGLE
• Fuel: Any material that will burn is classified as fuel.
Examples of combustible materials include: paper, oil,
woods, gases, fabrics, liquid, plastics, and rubbers.

• Oxygen: We need oxygen which combines with fuel

while burning. Normally, the air has 21% oxygen and
78% while nitrogen. Oxygen supports the chemical
processes that occur during fire. The process is known
as oxidation. This is when fuel burns and reacts with
oxygen from the surrounding air, releasing heat and
generating combustion product such as gas, smoke
and embers.
UNDERSTANDING THE FIRE TRIANGLE

• Heat: Completes the chemistry of fire Even if

found together, fuel and oxygen will not burn.
An example is a piece of paper. This fuel is
exposed to oxygen in the air but will not burn.
Why? Because we need to introduce the third
element which is Heat.
 How to extinguish a fire?
The fire triangle demonstrates the principles of
extinguishing fire. If we remove any of the three
legs of the triangle, we will be able to extinguish
the fire.
 A. Removing fuel
Taking away fuel from a fire is difficult and often times
dangerous. However, there are examples that can be
employed in controlling fire such as:

Example:

LPG tank flame at the nozzle of the valve is best

extinguished by shutting off the valve. When there is
no fuel supply the flame will die out.
 B. Removing oxygen
Oxygen cannot be eliminated completely so what
one can do is:
Separate it from the fire through smothering the
burning area with a non-combustible material –
this is called “suffocating the fire.”

Example:

If there are oil spills, you can cover it with wet

blanket or you can throw sand or soil on it.
 C. Removing heat
If we reduce the heat below the kindling point or
flashpoint, we stop the release of combustible vapors
and gases and extinguish the fire. To achieve this, it is
necessary to remove the heat at a greater rate than the
total heat that is being evolved from the fire. The most
common agent used is water or incorporated in foam.

Example:

After cooking barbeque we normally put off the

charcoal using water applied directly to the flame.
 D. Interrupting the chain reaction

• In order for fire to propagate continuously, there must

be uninhibited and continuous chain reaction. Speed
up the process and an explosion results.
• Interrupt the chain reaction by inhibiting the oxidation
process and the production of flammable vapors that
react with oxygen, then we extinguish the fire.

Example:

Use of dry chemicals extinguishes fire with this principle.

 SUMMARY

In summary, control of fires can be

accomplished by removing one of the sides
of the triangle and/or inhibiting the chain
reaction.
 Classification of fires
• There are classes of fires, categorized
according to the kind of material that is
burning. There are sets of color-coded icons
commonly used. One or both kinds of icons
appear on most fire extinguishers to indicate
the kinds of fire against which the unit is
intended to be used.
 Class A (Ash)
Class A fires are those fueled by materials that
when they burn, leave a residue in the form of
ash. Such as paper, wood, cloth, rubber, and
certain plastics.
 Class B (Barrel)
Class B fires involve flammable liquids and
gasses, such as gasoline, paint thinner, kitchen
grease, propane, and acetylene.
 Class C (Current)
• Fires that involve energized electrical wiring or
equipment (motors, computers, panel boxes)
are Class C fires. Note that if the electricity to
the equipment is cut, a Class C fire becomes
one of the other three types of fires.
 Class D
Class D fires involve combustible metals such as
magnesium, sodium, titanium, etc.
 Class K
Class K Fire that involves combustible cooking
fuels such as vegetable or animal oils and fats.
 Portable Fire Extinguishers

These are used extensively to lessen the danger

from fire. Portable fire extinguishers are also called
first-aid fire extinguishers since they are intended
to be used for incipient fires. They contain a limited
supply of an extinguishing medium. These
appliances are designed for use on fires of specific
classes.
THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
PARTS
 Operating the extinguisher

• Always carefully read the instructions on the side of

the extinguisher, and make everyone staying in the
house aware of where it is and how to use it.
• Most extinguishers require a safety pin or clip to be
removed before a trigger can be operated.
 Operating the extinguisher
• Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire,
keeping yourself low, and work the
extinguisher in a sweeping motion from left to
right.
• Don't start too close to the fire ( most
extinguishers are designed to be operated
from about 2 - 3 meters away).
 Remember the PASS – word:

• P - pull the pin

• A - aim low
• S - squeeze the lever above the handle
• S - sweep from side to side
Fire extinguishers should only be used
in the following circumstances:

• When everyone has been evacuated and

accounted for at a safe meeting place.

• When the fire service has been called.

• When it is safe to do so considering the size

and location of the fire.
 Fire extinguishers should only be used
in the following circumstances:

• Access to the fire is unrestricted and a safe retreat is

possible at all times.

• Remember life is more important than property, don't

put yourself or others at risk.

• Only when everyone is outside and the fire service has

been called, should you attempt to put the fire out,
and only if it is contained and you can safely escape.
Where should I install the fire extinguisher?

• Fire Extinguishers should be wall mounted above

the normal reach of children, and in or near the
kitchen.

• If it is in the kitchen, don't put it to close to the stove

or cooking surfaces.

• Ideally have another extinguisher in the garage and

one in the car.
 Maintenance
• As distinguished from inspection means a complete and
thorough examination of each extinguisher

• Extinguishers should be subjected to maintenance not more

than one year apart or when specifically indicated by an
inspection

• The three basic items to be checked are:

- mechanical parts
- extinguishing agent
- expelling means
 In the absence of modern fire extinguishers, the
following can be used to stop fire in its initial stage.
(REVIEW)

• For A fire - water is the best.

• For B fire – a wet sack, towel, cloth, or blanket

will do. Sand and soil are very useful.

• For C fire - the main switch is the first

consideration. Pull it down to cut off the current.
What is useful on A & B can also be useful here.
ALWAYS REMEMBER: 
 
Use a portable fire extinguisher
only if the fire is small. Don’t try
to suppress a large fire. Stand with
an exit at your back.
Principles of fire prevention and
control

Prevent the outbreak of fire

We prevent fire by preventing the combination of the three

elements at the right proportion. Ordinarily, oxygen is the
most difficult of the three factors to control, since it is in the air
and is a necessity of life. But fuel and heat can be controlled.
Therefore the simplest control measures will have to do with
fuel and heat.

It will be good to examine the hazards from which most fires

originate. These are sometimes described as causes of fire.
Common causes of fires
 Electricity
Hazards of electricity involve electrocution and fire. Usually,
fire is caused by overheating, arcs and sparks.

Overheating happens when there is overloading of system,

short circuit and poor insulation. These are caused by
improper wiring connection/practice, tampering with safety
devices such as fuse and circuit breakers, and old and poorly
maintained electrical installation.
Control:

• Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of

electrical installation - employ trained and licensed
electrician - follow Philippine Electrical Code and
Occupational Safety and Health Standards.

• Arcs and sparks normally happen when one opens or

closes a circuit. The danger arises when arcs and
sparks occur in a flammable or explosive atmosphere
which could result to explosion. To control arcs and
sparks, use explosion proof equipment or
intrinsically safe devices.
Open flames
Carelessly discarded cigarettes, pipe embers, and
cigars are a major source of fire. Prohibit smoking,
especially in woodworking shops, textile mills, four
mills, grain elevators, and places where flammable
liquids or combustible products are manufactured,
stored or used.

Control:
providing a "No Smoking Area" at specified times
where supervision can be maintained.
 Accelerants
Accelerants are substances that increase the speed at
which a fire spreads. All accelerants are highly flammable
or combustible, but not all highly flammable or
combustible materials are accelerants. Accelerants must
be stored in approved containers and properly labeled.

Common accelerants include:

• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Oil
• Aerosol can
 Ignition Sources
An ignition source is something that can cause an accelerant
or flammable material to ignite.

Examples of ignition sources are:

• Cigarettes and matches

• Sparks from welding machines and machinery (trucks,
tractors, mowers)
• Motors and Heaters
• Electrical appliances
• Electrical fixtures and wires
• Batteries
 Provide for early detection of fire

Except for explosions, most fires start out as

small ones. At the initial stage, extinguishing a
fire seldom presents much of a problem. Once
the fire begins to gain headway, it may develop
into conflagration of disastrous proportions.
Fire can be more easily controlled if detected
early. It is critical that fire be extinguished in the
first five minutes.
Detection serves to:

• Warn the fire brigade to start extinguishing procedure

• Warn occupants to escape

Means of detection include:

• Human observer
• Automatic sprinklers
• Smoke, flame and heat detectors
Provide for prompt and orderly
evacuation of personnel

Once a fire is discovered in a building, the first

and foremost step is the prompt evacuation of all
personnel to a safe place. People should be
trained on orderly evacuation through fire drills.
Exits that will empty the ordinary structure in
ample time to prevent loss of life or injury should
be also a primary concern.
RACE
Exit requirements for life safety
in case of fire:

• At least two ways out remote from each other

• Additional exits according to number of persons
and relative fire danger
• Evacuation drills well planned, frequently practiced
(at least twice a year)
• Exits are well-marked, clear, unobstructed and well
lighted
• Regular exit drills
• Makeshift fire escapes are often dangerous
General fire safety precautions

• Smoking should never be permitted in any

storage area, tack room or lounge. “No-
Smoking” signs should be posted in these
areas and at all exterior entrances.
• Exit doors should be clearly marked.
• Aisles should be raked or swept clean at all
times. Weeds, twigs, and other trash should
be kept mowed or picked up from around the
outside of the building.
General fire safety precautions

• Paper storage should not be near lights, fans, electrical

boxes, heaters or outlets.
• Flammable substances should be kept elsewhere outside the
building.
• Vehicles and machinery should be stored in a separate
building.
• A fire hose and buckets should be available and kept for the
purpose of extinguishing class A fires rapidly.
• Practice fire drills should be held so employees and boarders
are familiar with their responsibilities should a real fire occur.
 General note on fire safety

If your clothing catches fire, it is a natural

response to panic and run to the nearest shower
or fire blanket. Don't do it! Running will just fan
the flames and increase the potential for serious
injury. The correct response is to Stop, Drop, and
Roll on the ground to extinguish the flames. Cover
your face with your hands to protect your face and
lungs.
If your clothes catches fire…
 When should you fight a fire?

In the event of a fire, your personal safety is your most

important concern. You are not required to fight a fire.
If all of the following conditions are met, then you may
choose to use a fire extinguisher against the fire. If any
of the conditions is not met, or you have even the
slightest doubt about your personal safety, do not
fight the fire.
Attempt to use a fire extinguisher
if and only if:

• The fire alarm has been pulled and fire

department has been called.
• The fire is small and contained.
• You know your escape route and can fight the fire
with your back to the exit.
• You know what kind of extinguisher is required.
• The correct extinguisher is immediately at hand.
• You have been trained in how to use the
extinguisher.
NCR FIRE INCIDENTS
1. KENTEX FACTORY

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May 13, 2015 over 70 Filipino workers died in
the Kentex factory fire in Valenzuela.

Investigation:

• Flammable chemicals used in manufacturing

slippers have no proper storage, which, some
suggest, may be the reason why an explosion was
triggered when the chemicals were ignited by
sparks from welding activities to fix the door of
the main entrance.
• Footwear factory had no fire exits (Locked)
• Windows where the workers could have
escaped were covered with wires.
• Workers were unaware of fire safety standards
and have not attended fire drills before.
• The accident could have been prevented if
occupational health and safety standards were
met and prioritized. The initial investigation
suggests negligence on the part of the company
for failing to comply with the safety standards
and to provide a conducive work environment
for its employees.
2. MANOR HOTEL

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el-fire-kills-75
Manor Hotel Fire in Quezon City, on August 18, 2001,
killed 75 guest.

Investigation:

• The fire, believed to have been caused by an

electrical fault: overheating of an air conditioning
system.

• Inadequate fire safety: The hotel lacked safety

measures such as water sprinklers, as well as fire
alarms, emergency lights and fire exits.
• Although some of the corpses had burns, virtually
all of the victims died of suffocation or smoke
inhalation. The only marks on their bodies were
black patches of soot around their mouths and
nostrils.
• Many of the victims are thought to have suffocated
in their rooms after finding windows and fire
escapes sealed.
• Firemen said the victims were trapped in their
rooms by the anti-burglar iron bars, while many of
the fire exits were blocked or locked.
• There would have been more people rescued if
there had been no iron grills on the windows.
THE ESCAPE PLAN
THE ESCAPE PLAN
THE ESCAPE PLAN
THE ESCAPE PLAN
THE ESCAPE PLAN
THE ESCAPE PLAN
FIRE PREVENTION MONTH: MARCH
 FIRE PREVENTION MONTH:
MARCH

March is fire prevention month where the

government is taking initiatives to inform the
public of the real dangers from possible fire
incidents looming every summer season. With
information dissemination campaigns, public
fire drills and talks, raising public awareness on
the issue of fire prevention is a good way to
keep everyone vigilant.
Summary and Conclusions

• The Fire Triangle demonstrates how fire starts and how it could
be extinguished.

• The principle of fire prevention and control programs involves

prevention, prompt action to extinguish the fire, and safe
evacuation of occupants.

• With these principles in mind you can help: Prevent fire in

your workplace, Safeguard your property , Protect many lives.