Author: User

Fire Suppression
Upon discovery of a fire, and based on it's state, you may choose to attempt to suppress the blaze. There is a wide range of suppressants available to us . These include
Water
Blankets
Sand/soil
Foam
Compressed Fire Extinguisher
(dry chemical, carbon dioxide etc)
Please examine with me the different types of fire and the recommended extinguishing media:
Class A—. Normal combustibles– water works well against fires supported by wood, paper and cloth.
Class B—Fires involving flammable liquids such as petroleum can be extinguished using Foam, Carbon Dioxide and Dry Chemical (i.e. The Extinguisher)
Class C– Electrically energized fires. Suppressants, which works well are Carbon Dioxide and Dry Chemical.
Class D– Fires involving flammable metals. Here the recommended extinguishing media are Class D compressed extinguishers created specially for fires of this nature. Dry sand and ash are also effective
Rules for Fighting Fire
The rules for fighting fire are described as the 3 “A”s
Activate the building’s alarm system and notify the fire department.
Assist persons in immediate danger and those incapable of exiting on their own.
Attempt to extinguish the fire
How to use the Fire Extinguisher
A four step procedure is used. It is referred to by the acronym P.A.S.S
Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher
Aim the nozzle towards the base of the fire.
(Stand approximately 8 feet (four – five steps) away from the fire and………)
Squeeze the handles together
Sweep the nozzle from side to side

Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Item Activity Frequency
Fire Extinguisher Inspection Monthly
Service Annually
Smoke Detector Test Monthly
Service Annually
Electronic Alarms Test Monthly
Service Annually
Fire Hose Inspection Annually
Automatic Suppression
System Inspection Semi-Annually
Sprinkler System Inspection Annually
Service Annually/as
necessary
Electricity Supply Suspend Monthly
.

Fire Safety

Fire is a ever present threat to the safety of life and property.
It can occur at any time, and in any place, We must be prepared!

Theory of Fire
Fire is seen as one of the most destructive forces of nature. An uncontained fire has the potential to disrupt business, social and family activities; destroy lives and properties.
Without over simplifying the process; fire occurs when a chemical reaction takes place in the presence of a Fuel source, a Heat source, and Oxygen.
The triangle of Combustion illustrates the elements needed to cause and sustain a fire.
TRIANGLE OF COMBUSTION

Classification of Fire
Fires are classified based on their primary fuel source. These are shown below:
Class A—Class A fires are those that have as there primary fuel source combustibles or fibrous material, such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and some plastics.
Class B — Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, paint, paint thinners and propane, form their primary fuel source.
Class C—Class C fires have as their fuel source electrically energized equipment, such as appliances, switches, panel boxes and power tools.
Class D—•Certain combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium are the fuel sources for Class D fires.

Prevention
Only light fires in designated area
Smoke only in designated areas
Keep matches /lighters out of the reach of children
Cook only in designated areas
Do not overload electrical circuits
Do not tamper with electrical supply systems or fire safety systems.
Turn off appropriate appliances at the end of the work day.
Know how to turn off LPG (i.e. cooking gas)
Do not leave fires unattended
Unplug electrical appliance when not in use.
Know how to operate electrical breakers.
Support your systems with a Fire suppression equipment.
Ensure persons know how to use fire suppression equipment.
Install/maintain fire detection systems.
Report/address broken electrical fitting or any other hazardous condition to your supervisor.
Store flammable/combustible materials away from spark– producing sources.
Check all appliances, electrical cords and plugs for cracks and frays.
Never use electrical appliance near water. Do not touch electrical appliance when wet.
Read labels for product incompatibility and store accordingly
Adhere to the National Building code of Jamaica
Produced by Safety & Emergency Management Systems
© 2006
Alarm & Detection
Detection
Fire Detection systems vary from the senses of human beings and animals, to highly sophisticated electronic systems.
The most common electronic alarm systems in Jamaica are Smoke Detectors and Heat Sensors.
Smoke Detector - detects one or more changes in the protected environment that are indicative of the development of fire conditions. For example, if there is too much smoke in a room, the smoke detector gives off a “beeping” sound to alert persons that there is an emergency at hand.
Heat Sensor - works in a similar manner to the smoke detector. The only difference is that it takes excess heat to trigger the alarm.
Alarm
A fire alarm system may include a horn and strobe combination, a bell or a siren. The former is unique as it produces both an audible and a visual signal. Ideally, the systems are connected so that once the detection system is activated all alarm systems in the facility will operate in unison.
Fire alarms may also be activated by a pull station. These systems vary in type and method of activation. Get to know how to operate the one in your facility.
On the discovery of a fire, raise an alarm by any means possible. Where an alarm system exists, activate it. In the absence of a fire alarm system shout “FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!” to alert other persons.
Make noise to attract attention. Bang on metal, wood or anything that you can find. The aim is to attract attention.
Call the fire department by dialing 110(Preferablly from the OUTSIDE of the building.)
Vacate the building and move to the designated Assembly Point (s).