Basic fire warden

The objective is that at the end of the Fire Warden /
Marshal course you will:
• Have a greater understanding of the fire precautions that are built
into your workplace
• Recognise the hazards and the threat posed by fire to people,
property and jobs
• Be equipped to carry out your fire safety management
responsibilities effectively
• Understand why it is essential that fire emergency procedures are
implemented and monitored on a daily basis
• Distinguish between the different types of extinguishers and their
limitations and the fires for which they are suited.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and behaviour of fire
• Be aware of the measures that can be taken to minimise the
chances and effect of an arson attack
BASIC FIRE WARDEN COURSE

Quite simply because fire COSTS!
Workplace fires are estimated to cost industry over 1 billion
each year and in extreme cases, some companies are unable
to resume business because the fire damage is so extensive.
According to the Home Office, UK fire brigades attended over 36,000
workplace fires in 1997. These resulted in the deaths of 30 people, while
over 2,600 employees were injured after they suffered burns or the effects of
smoke inhalation.
Why must we train Fire Wardens?

This course is designed to train staff in their duties to
act as Fire Wardens within the workplace in accordance
with the
Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 (RRFSO).
What is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?
The government is bringing about better regulationS, by regulating only where necessary and in a
manner that is more suited to the needs of modern business and commerce.
The Order, made under the Regulatory Reform Act 2001 replaces many of the references to fire safety in
other legislation such as the Fire Precautions Act, Licensing Act and Housing Acts with a simple, single
Order. It requires any person who exercises some level of control in premises to take reasonable steps to
reduce the risk from fire and ensure occupants can safely escape if a fire does occur.
In such premises achieving fire safety is often a matter of common sense but you will have to ensure
that sufficient time is put aside to work through the necessary steps. In more complicated premises or
those with a high life risk more expert help may be required.

Fire is the oxidation of a combustible material releasing
heat, light, and various reaction products such as carbon
dioxide and water. If hot enough, the gases may become
ionized to produce plasma.Depending on the substances
alight, and any impurities outside, the color of the flame
and the fire's intensity might vary.
Fire in its most common form can result in conflagration,
which has the potential to cause physical damage
through burning.

PRINCIPLE OF COMBUSTION
FIRE is a hazard that endangers life and property. There are many causes of
fire in the workplace, however, the main cause includes:
• Malicious ignition
• Electrical faults
• Misuse of electrical equipment
• Smokers’ materials
• Oil/ gas heating equipments and portable heaters
• Unsafe storage of materials
• Use of flammable liquids or gases in unsuitable areas
• Welding / hot work
• Mechanical heating

THE FIRE TRIANGLE
These three components are commonly referred to as the fire triangle:
• Oxygen
• Fuel
• Heat or Ignition Source

OXYGEN
OXYGEN SOURCES includes:
• Atmosphere
• Oxygen / Air Cylinders
• Compressors & Piped Systems
• Ventilation Systems
• Oxidizing Chemicals
• Nitric Acid
• Combustible substances containing oxygen

FUEL
FUELS are either:
• Combustible Solids
• Flammable Liquids
• Most Organic Elements such as:
– Flammable dusts
– Flammable gases
– Flammable Liquids
– Flammable Chemicals
– Electrical Equipments
– Paper, Card, Wood, Plastic, Rubber, Foam
– Furniture, Textile, Fixtures, Fittings and Waste Materials

SOURCE OF IGNITION / HEAT
IGNITION SOURCE includes the following:
• Naked Flames
• Hot Surface, Heaters, Smokers Materials
• Hot Works
• Mechanical and Electrical
• Igniting
• Chemical

FIRE TERMINOLOGY
FLASH POINT
The flash point of a substance or preparation is an indication of its
flammability. Capable of being ignited by an outside source of heat. The
lower the flash point, the greater the hazard.
FIRE POINT
The fire point of a fuel is the temperature at which it will continue to burn
after ignition. Sufficient gases / vapours is being given off to sustain a
flame when ignited by an outside source of heat.
AUTO-IGNITION TEMPERATURE
The auto-ignition temperature or kindling point of a substance is the lowest
temperature at which it will spontaneously ignite in a normal atmosphere
without an external source of ignition, such as a flame or spark.

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES
There is NO international standard for fire classification, and classification varies
from country to country.
CLASS TYPE OF FUEL EXAMPLE FUELS
A Combustible solids Coal, cardboard, cloth, paper, wood
B Flammable liquids or
liquefied solids
Alcohol, acetone, petrol, waxes
C Flammable gases
Butane, hydrogen, natural gas,
propane
D Flammable metals Aluminium, magnesium, titanium
F Combustible cooking
media
Vegetable or animal oil and fats
FIRES INVOLVING
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTS
Electrical
Classified according to the source
of ignition rather than fuel source

HEAT TRANSMISSION & THE SPREAD OF FIRE
HEAT is transmitted and fire spreads by:
• Direct contact
• Conduction
• Radiation
• Convection

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
It is important to identify hazards and assess risks in order to determine the
adequacy of precautions to prevent fires as well as minimise
consequences in the event of a fire.
The information required will include:
• Description of the area and activities
• Map to show fire hazards and precautions

FIRE RISK ASSESMENT (cont…)
RISK ASSESMENT involves 5 steps:
1. Look for the hazards
2. Decide who might be harmed and how?
3. Evaluate the risk and decide whether existing precautions are
adequate or more should be done.
4. Record the findings and prepare an emergency plan
5. Review the assessment and revise it if necessary

1. LOOK FOR HAZARDS
• Oxygen sources
• Fuel sources
• Ignition sources
2. DECIDE WHO MIGHT BE HARMED AND HOW
• Identify the people affected, especially vulnerable persons.
3. EVALUATE THE RISK AND DECIDE
• Fire prevention
• Fire protection
• Fire precautions

4. RECORD THE FINDINGS AND PREPARE AN EMERGENCY
PLAN
• Includes a prioritised, allocated, and dated action plan
5. REVIEW THE ASSESMENT AND REVISE IT IF NECESSARY
• If no longer valid, after significant change, or an elapse of
time

PREVENTION, PROTECTION AND PRECAUTIONS
FIRE PREVENTION
• Is a control measure to reduce the risk of a fire from
occurring.
• The aim of fire prevention is to keep the three sides of the
fire triangle apart i.e. oxygen, fuel and ignition sources or
heat.
– This involves the following:
• Elimination or reduction in the use and storage of flammable
and combustible materials.
• Control of ignition sources
• Keeping materials well clear of sources of ignition
• Safe system of work involving ignition sources
• Good housekeeping
• Storage of small quantities of highly flammable liquids
• Segregation of highly flammable materials
• Electrical safety

FIRE PROTECTION
• Deals with the structural measures, which is aim to prevent
the spread of fire and smoke which may include fire resistant
materials.

YOUR ZX2e
• The ZX2e intelligent fire alarm control panel has been
designed to help with the normal operation of a fire detection
system.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS
• Are measures taken to minimize the risk to people in the vent of a fire
occurring. These includes fire/smoke detection, fire alarms, means of
escape means of fighting the fire, emergency evacuating procedures and
limiting the numbers of persons in the premises.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERFIRE EXTINGUISHER
FUEL CLASSIFICATION
• Fires are classified according to the type of fuel
that is burning.
• If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on
the wrong class of fire, you might make matters
worse.
• Its very important to understand the four
different fire (fuel) classifications…

FIRE CLASSIFICATION
Most fire extinguishers will have a pictograph label telling
you which types of fire the extinguisher is designed to
fight.
For example, a simple water extinguisher might have a
label like this…
…which means it should only be used on Class A fires.

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight
different classes of fire.
The 3 most common types of fire extinguishers are:
1. Water (APW)
2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
3. Dry Chemical (ABC, BC, DC)
4. Foam

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERTYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER
1.1. Water (APW) Fire Extinguishers
Large silver fire
extinguishers that stand
about 2 feet tall and
weigh about 25 pounds
when full.
APW stands for “Air-
Pressurized Water.”
Filled with ordinary tap
water and pressurized
air, they are essentially
large squirt guns.

Water (APW) Fire Extinguishers
APW’s
extinguish fire
by taking away
the “heat”
element of the
Fire Triangle.

APW’s are designed for Class A fires only:
Wood, paper, cloth.
Using water on a flammable liquid fire could cause
the fire to spread.
Using water on an electrical fire increases the risk of
electrocution. If you have no choice but to use an
APW on an electrical fire, make sure the electrical
equipment is un-plugged or de-energized.

APWs will be found in older buildings, particularly in public
hallways, as well as in Residence Halls.
They will also be found in computer
laboratories. It is important to remember,
however, that computer equipment must be
disconnected from its electrical source before
using a water extinguisher on it.

2. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
CO2 cylinders most commonly are colored black. They range in
size from 5 lbs to 100 lbs or larger. On larger sizes, the horn will
be at the end of a long, flexible hose.
The pressure in
a CO2
extinguisher is
so great, bits of
dry ice may
shoot out of the
horn!

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
CO2s will frequently be found in laboratories, mechanical
rooms, kitchens, and flammable liquid storage areas.
CO2’s are designed for Class B and C
(Flammable Liquids and Electrical Sources)
fires only!
In accordance with NFPA regulations (and manufacturers’
recommendations), all CO2 extinguishers must undergo
hydrostatic testing and recharge every 5 years.

CO2 is very cold as it
comes out of the
extinguisher, so it
cools the fuel as
well.
Carbon dioxide is a
non-flammable gas
that takes away the
oxygen element of
the fire triangle.
Without oxygen,
there is no fire.

Class A materials may also smolder and
re-ignite.
A CO2 may be ineffective in
extinguishing a Class A fire because it
may not be able to displace enough
oxygen to successfully put the fire
out.

Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers
“ABC” fire extinguishers are filled with a fine yellow
powder. The greatest portion of this powder is composed
of monoammonium phosphate. The extinguishers are
pressurized with nitrogen.
ABC extinguishers are
red. On campus, they
range in size from 5
to 20 lbs.

You may see them labeled:
• DC (for “Dry Chemical”)
• ABC (can be used on Class A, B, or C fires)
• BC (designed for use on Class B and C fires)
Dry chemical
extinguishers come in
a variety of types…

3.3. Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers
The powder also
works to interrupt
the chemical
reaction of fire.
These extinguishers
are very effective at
putting out fire.
Dry chemical
extinguishers put out
fire by coating the fuel
with a thin layer of
dust. This separates
the fuel from the
oxygen in the air.

An “ABC” extinguisher will have a label
like this, indicating it may be used on
Class A, B and C fires.
It is extremely important to identify which types of dry
chemical extinguishers are located in your area!
You don’t want to mistakenly use a “BC” extinguisher on a
Class A fire thinking that it was an “ABC” extinguisher.

Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers1
Dry chemical extinguishers with
powder designed for Class B and C fires
(“BC” extinguishers) may be located in
places such as commercial kitchens
and areas with flammable liquids.
On campus, you will find ABC’s in public hallways of new
buildings, in laboratories, break rooms, offices, chemical
storage areas, mechanical rooms, University vehicles, etc.

4. Foam Extinguisher. (AFFF)
Fires involving solids. Liquids such as
grease, fats, oil, paint, petrol,etc but not
on domestic chip or fat pan fires. Can
be used on class A fires but not
recommended.
Danger
Do not use on domestic chip or fat pan
fires.

Foam Extinguisher. (AFFF)
How to Use
For fires involving solids, point the jet at the base
of the flames and keep it moving across the area
of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.
For fire involving liquids, do not aim the jet
straight into the liquid. Where the liquid on fire is
in a container, point the jet at the inside edge of
the container or on a nearby surface above the
burning liquid. Allow the foam to build up and flow
across the liquid.

Foam Extinguisher. (AFFF)
How it Works
They are mainly water based,
with a foaming agent so that
the foam can float on top of
the burning liquid and break
the interaction between the
flames and the fuel surface.

How to Use a Fire ExtinguisherHow to Use a Fire Extinguisher
It’s easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if
you remember the acronym PASS:
PPull
AAim
SSqueeze
SSweep

PPull the pin…
This will allowThis will allow
you toyou to
discharge thedischarge the
extinguisherextinguisher

AAim at the base of the fire…
Hit the fuel.Hit the fuel.
If you aim atIf you aim at
the flames...the flames...
… the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do
no good.

SSqueeze the top handle…
This depresses aThis depresses a
button thatbutton that
releases thereleases the
pressurizedpressurized
extinguishingextinguishing
agent.agent.

SSweep from side to side…
.. until the fire is.. until the fire is
completely out.completely out.
Start using the extinguisher
from a safe distance away,
then slowly move forward.
Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case
it re-ignites.

Rules for Fighting FiresRules for Fighting Fires
Fires can be very dangerous and you should always be certain
that you will not endanger yourself or others when attempting
to put out a fire.
For this reason, when a fire is discovered…
1. Assist any person in immediate danger to safety, if it
can be accomplished without risk to yourself.
2. Call 997 or activate the building fire alarm. The fire
alarm will notify the fire department and other building
occupants and shut off the air handling system to
prevent the spread of smoke.
If the fire is small (and Only after having done these
2 things), you may attempt to use an extinguisher to
put it out. However . . . .However . . . .

. . . before deciding to fight the fire, keep these
things in mind:
1. Know what is burning. If you don’t know what’s
burning, you won’t know what kind of extinguisher to
use.
2. Even if you have an ABC fire extinguisher, there may be
something in the fire that is going to explode or
produce toxic fumes.
Chances are you will know what’s burning, or at
least have a pretty good idea, but if you don’t, let
the fire department handle it.

. . . before deciding to fight the fire, keep these
things in mind:
3. Is the fire spreading rapidly beyond the point where it
started? The time to use an extinguisher is at the
beginning stages of the fire.
4. If the fire is already spreading quickly, it is best to
simply evacuate the building.
As you evacuate a building, close doors and windows
behind you as you leave. This will help to slow the
spread of smoke and fire.

Do not fight the fire if:
 You don’t have adequate or appropriate equipment.
If you don’t have the correct type or large enough
extinguisher, it is best not to try fighting the fire.
 You might inhale toxic smoke. When synthetic
materials such as the nylon in carpeting or foam
padding in a sofa burn, they can produce hydrogen
cyanide, acrolein, and ammonia in addition to carbon
monoxide. These gases can be fatal in very small
amounts.
 Your instincts tell you not to. If you are
uncomfortable with the situation for any reason, just
let the fire department do their job.

The final rule is to always position yourself with an exit
or means of escape at your back before you attempt to
use an extinguisher to put out a fire.
In case the extinguisher malfunctions, or something
unexpected happens, you need to be able to get out
quickly. You don’t want to become trapped.

Basic fire warden

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