Fire Prevention & Means Of Escape

FIRE IT IS A SELF - SUSTAINED EXOTHERMIC CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION IN WHICH FUEL MOLECULES ARE BROKEN IN THE PRESENCE OF OXYGEN AND HEAT.

FLAME FLAME IS A COLUMN OF HOT GASES WHICH BECOMES LUMINESCENT DUE TO INCREASE IN TEMPERATURE.

FUEL HEAT

OXYGEN

CHAIN REACTION

TETRAHEDRON OF FIRE

Extinguishing Medias WATER

JET SPRAY FOG

MIST

FOAM

CHEMICAL

MECHANICAL

VAPOURISING LIQUIDS

CO2

HALON

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE

 CLASS A: Solid combustible materials of organic nature such as wood, paper, rubber, plastics etc.  Cooling effect of water essential for extinction of fire

 CLASS B: Flammable liquids or liquefiable solids or like.  Blanketing effect is essential for extinction of fire

 CLASS C: Flammable gases under pressure including liquefied gases  Inhibition of the burning gas at fast rate with an inert gas, powder or vaporizing liquid essential for extinction of fire

 CLASS D: Combustible metals like Na, Mg, Zn, Al, K etc.  Special Dry Powders required for extinguishments

SUITABILITY OF EXTINGUISHERS  CLASS A  CLASS B Vaporizing

: Water expelling type Extinguishers : Foam, Dry Powder,

Liquid extinguishers  CLASS C : Dry Powder, Vaporizing Liquid extinguishers  CLASS D : Special Dry Powder extinguisher

WATER GAS CARTRIDGE EXTINGUISHER  9 litre capacity  Contains water – 9lit  CO2 gas cartridge – approx 90g CO2

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT  Should expel min. 95% water when fully discharged  When operated, should maintain a jet of not less than 7 m for min. 60 sec

MAINTENANCE 

MONTHLY  Water charge to be replaced  Cartridge to be replaced if charge loss > 10%

 OTHERS  Performance / discharge to be tested once in 5 yrs.

MECHANICAL FOAM EXTINGUISHER    

9 lit, 50 lit (Trolley mounted) Foam Compound (Liquid) Gas cartridge in 9 lit–approx 60g CO2 Gas cylinder in 50 lit - approx 300g CO2

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT  Should expel min. 95% charge when discharged fully  When operated, should maintain a jet of not less than 5m for min 30s

MAINTENANCE  MONTHLY  Check liquid level  Body to be checked externally for any damage  Replace gas cartridge if charge loss > 10%  OTHERS  Performance / discharge to be tested once in 2 yrs.

CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHER    

Portable - 2Kg, 3Kg, 5Kg cap Trolley Mounted - 7Kg, 9Kg, 22.5Kg Gas filled at approx 51 bar Expansion ratio 1:450

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT  Shall expel not less than 95% of the charge in the form of continuous discharge when fully discharged

MAINTENANCE  MONTHLY  Body to be checked externally for any damage  Cylinder to be refilled if the charge loss > 10%  OTHERS  Performance/discharge to be tested once in 5 yrs.

      

DRY CHEMICAL POWDER EXTINGUISHER

Dry Chemical Powder CO2 gas cartridge or cylinder 2Kg – approx. 40g CO2 5Kg – approx. 120g CO2 10Kg – approx. 200g CO2 25Kg – approx. 1Kg CO2 50Kg – approx. 2Kg CO2

PERFORMANCE

 Shall expel min. 85% DCP when fully discharged

MAINTENANCE  MONTHLY  Check body externally for any damage  Replace gas cartridge if charge loss > 10%  Check powder for caking  OTHERS  Performance / discharge to be tested once in 5 yrs.

RECOMMENDED SCALE OF EQUIPMENT TO BE INSTALLED CLASS A  LOW HAZARD OCCUPANCY – Pvt. dwellings, Flats, Tutorials etc  One 9 litre water expelling extinguisher for every 600m2 of floor area or part thereof  Min.2 Ext. per compartment/floor  Ext. available within 25m radius



ORDINARY HAZARD OCCUPANCY

– Multistoried buildings, Hospitals, Shops etc

Schools,

Min.4 Ext. per compartment/floor Ext. available within 25m radius

HIGH HAZARD OCCUPANCY

–

Assembly halls (Seat cap.>1000), Saw Mills, Cold Storage, Warehouses storing combustible materials etc.  Same as OH above  In addition, one 50 lit Soda Acid or eqv Ext. for every 100m 2 floor area

SPECIAL HAZARD OCCUPANCY – Offices, banks, Record Room, Computer installations etc.  One 4.5/5Kg CO2 Ext. for every 100m2 floor area or part thereof  Min. two ext. available within 10m radius

CLASS B  LOW HAZARD OCCUPANCY – Small processing plants, pilot plants  One 9 litre foam extinguisher for every 600m2 of floor area or part thereof  Min.2 Ext. per compartment/floor Ext. available within 25m radius–  ORDINARY HAZARD OCCUPANCY Laboratories, workshops, industrial canteens, generator room, paint godown etc  Two 9 litre foam extinguisher or 5Kg DCP Ext. (or one of each type) for every 600m2 of floor area or part thereof  Min.4 Ext. per compartment/floor  Ext. available within 15m radius

 HIGH HAZARD OCCUPANCY

–

Petroleum processing units, chemical plants, ETPs, Tank Farms, Marine Terminals etc.  Same as OH above  In addition, one 50 lit Foam Ext. for every 100m 2 floor area  One 150 lit. Foam Engine (Ext.) for every 300m2 floor area

CLASS C LOW HAZARD OCCUPANCY – Small kitchens having LPG connection, electrical heaters etc  One 2Kg DCP extinguisher for every 20m2 of floor area or part thereof  Ext. available within 15m radius ORDINARY HAZARD OCCUPANCY – LPG Distribution Godowns etc  Two 10Kg DCP extinguisher or 6.8Kg CO2 Ext for every 100m2 of floor area or part thereof  Min. one Ext. of same type per compartment/floor  Ext. available within 15m radius



HIGH HAZARD OCCUPANCY –

Fertilizer Plants, LPG Bottling Plants, Petrochemical Plants etc Same as OH above Min. two ext. of same type per compartment/room Ext. available within 10m radius

CLASS D  HIGH HAZARD OCCUPANCY All processes involving highly flammable materials, reactive metals/alloys including their storage  One 10Kg Special Dry Powder Extinguisher for every 100m2 floor area  Min. two extinguishers per compartment/floor  Ext. available within 10m radius

A

NEVER

ALWAYS

Use cloth for lifting utensil from burning stove

Use insulated lifter for lifting Utensil for your safety

A

NEVER

Throw burning match sticks, its dangerous

ALWAYS Throw match sticks after putting it off in dust bin or use gas lighter

A

NEVER

ALWAYS

Refill burning and hot stove

Put off stoves to refill

A

NEVER Smoke in bed, its dangerous

ALWAYS Use ashtray while smoking

A

NEVER Keep portable heaters and clothes near each other, its dangerous

ALWAYS Keep safe distance between portable heaters and cloths

A

NEVER Use naked wire in socket

ALWAYS Use proper plug, socket to avoid accident

A

NEVER

ALWAYS

Allow children to enjoy crackers alone

Enjoy crackers with elders around

A

NEVER

ALWAYS

Keep inflammable material near fire, its dangerous

Keep safe distance from open fire

A

NEVER

ALWAYS

Keep diyas near clothes, it may cause fire

Enjoy prayer by placing diyas properly

A

NEVER Relax after noticing the fire alarm

ALWAYS Attend fire alarm immediately

A

NEVER Use water on electrical fire

ALWAYS Cut of main power supply & Use fire Extinguishers

A

NEVER

ALWAYS

Keep loose Electric appliances near children

Use proper fitting & right place for sockets

A

NEVER

ALWAYS

Keep iron press on while attending other works

Keep iron press switched off attending other works

Fire

accidents are increasing in the industries. Such fires not only result in huge loss of lives and property but also disrupt production in the Industry. This leaflet gives you advice on how to prevent fire in Industries.

COMMON CAUSE OF INDUSTRIAL FIRES • Leaks and spillage of flammable / Combustible material • Electrical short circuiting/overloading. • Over heated bare surfaces/heaters/electric lamps. • Welding/cutting/soldering and other hot work. • Equipment failure. • Smoking in prohibited areas. • Chemical reaction/runway reaction.

•Chemical reaction/runway reaction. •Frictional heat/spark. •Spontaneous combustion. •Static sparks/combustion sparks. •Naked live wires. •Molten substances.

BASIC PREVENTIVE MEASURES • Ensure high house keeping standard. • Cover trash containers tightly and empty them regularly. • Segregate flammable material from source of ignition. • Promptly eliminate oil/gas leaks and clean spillage of Flammable material. • Strictly adhere to work permit instructions for welding, cutting and other hot work in areas where flammables are present.

incompatible • Store chemical separately. • Where flammables are stores and used, ensure adequate ventilation, prohibits smoking, and use flame proof electric equipments.

• Keep fuses and control boxes clean and closed. • Avoid multi socket connections.

• Electrical repair should be carried out by qualified personnel. • Don’t use damaged electrical cords and avoid temporary connections. • Lubricate, maintain and align all machines /equipments to prevent generation of heat. ALWAYS MAINTAIN FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENTS IN HIGH STANDARD AND CHECK AT REGULAR INTERVAL.

FIREWORKS SAFETY Traditionally fireworks form an integral part of celebrating Diwali, marriage ceremony and other such happy occasion. But in many cases, happy occasions become gloomy and laughter turns tears due to indiscriminate use of fireworks without taking safety precautions. Some carefulness, some safety cautiousness could help in saving such odd events to make the celebration more bright and purposeful. Some safety precautions while using fireworks/crackers shop are as under :-

Do’s 1. Carefully read the fire safety instructions and precautions written on fireworks. 2. Always keep a bucket of water and sand ready while igniting fireworks. 3. Always immerse the used/exhausted fireworks like sparkles, rockets into a bucket of water or dry loose sand. 4. Light fireworks at arms length and keeping your face away. 5. Close the windows and opening of your house properly to prevent ingress of lightened flying crackers.

6.Use only standard make fire crackers. 7.Elder’s supervision is a must while children play with fire crackers. 8.It is safe to play fire crackers in open grounds and open places. 9.Rockets, flower pots and other flying crackers should not be displayed near thatched houses and hay stacks.

10. Firecrackers like sparklers should be lighted away from the body. 11. Wear tight cotton clothes while playing fire crackers. 12. Wear shoes, safety.

spectacles

for

13.Show concern for old age people, children and woman while playing crackers. 14.If you receive burn injuries accidentally, pour cold water until pain subsides and consult a doctor.

Don’ts 1. Never allow children to light fireworks in absence of elders. 2. Don’t relight fireworks that failed to ignite. 3. Don’t light fireworks very close to the buildings. 4. Don’t leave lighted oil lamps, agarbattis or candles on the floor or near fireworks. 5. Don’t store scrap or any other combustible material in and around the buildings. 6. Don’t allow firecrackers display inside the house.

7. Don’t hold flowerpots, atom bombs, ladies in hand during display. 8. Don’t allow children near dangerous and high sounding fire crackers. 9. Don’t display firecrackers near the cracker’s shop. 10.Don’t throw lighted firecrackers indiscriminately into the open. 11.Don’t relight or handle mal-functioning fireworks. 12.Never ignite fireworks in a closed container. 13.Rockets should not be launched in the congested area.

FIREWORK’S/CRACKER’S SHOP 1. Don’t use combustible material for constructing cracker’s shop. 2. Keep safe distance between the firework shops. 3. Keep authorized quality of fireworks. 4. Don’t allow anyone to play fireworks near shop. 5. Don’t burn candle, lighter, match box in shop. 6. Don’t smoke in shop.

7. Don’t use damaged or loose hanging electrical wires in shop. 8. Keep safe distance between light bulbs and crackers near fireworks shops. 9. Keep water, sand buckets and fire extinguishers ready as recommended by local fire brigade. FOLLOW FIRE PRECAUTIONS, PREVENT FIRE

Fire safety arrangements and pre-planning can save many lives. If a fire occurs in your home, your chances of survival will depend on how quickly and safely you are able to get out. This Slide show gives you advice on how to prevent fire, and how to protect yourself in the event of a fire.

SMOKE DETECTOR FOR EARLY ALERT •By giving an advance alert call, a smoke alarm can give you those precious few minutes of warning which would help you and your family to get out safely. •Smoke alarms are available in market and are simple to install choose an alarm which meets Indian Standards. •Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to fix and position the alarm.

SMOKE ALARMS FOR HEARING IMPAIRED PEOPLE For people who can not hear conventional smoke alarm, there are special devices available, which make use of a vibrating pad or flashing light, instead of the auditory signal. The vibrating pad alarms are particularly useful for deaf and blind people.

ADVANCE PLAN – ESCAPE ROUTE If a fire occurs in your home you may have to get out in dark and difficult conditions. Escaping from a fire will be a lot easier if you have already planned your escape route and where to go.

• Make sure that your planned escape route is free from obstructions and that there are no loose floor coverings that could trip you. • If you have serious mobility difficulties, you may wish to consider having your bedroom on the ground floor. If this is practical, it should be as near as possible to an exit way. • If you would need assistance to make your escape, it is vital that you have some means of summoning help by your bed, i.e. buzzer, intercom or telephone. There are also systems available which will automatically dial on your telephone line to summon help or send a signal to a manned control room.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE •If a possible, close the door of the room, where the fire is close all doors behind you as you leave. This will help delay the spread of fire and smoke. •Before opening a closed door use the back of your hand to touch it. Don’t open if you feel hot – the fire will be on the other side.

• Get everyone out, as quickly as possible. Don’t try to pick up valuables. Make your way out, as safely as you can and try not to panic. It will help you to plan your escape route now rather than waiting until the fire reaches you. • Contact the fire brigade. Clearly state the address of the fire. • Never go back into the house until a fire officer has told you it is safe to do so.

IF YOU ARE CUT OFF BY FIRE • Try to remain calm • If you are unable to use the door because of flames or smoke, close the door and use towel or bed to sheet to block any gaps. This will help stop smoke spreading into the room. • Try to make your way to the window. If the room becomes smoky, crawl along the floor where it’s easier to breathe. • Open the window and try to attract the attention of others who can alert the fire brigade. Wait for the fire brigade to arrive.

• The fire brigade should arrive in a matter of minutes. If you are in immediate danger and your room is not too high from the ground, drop cushions or bedding to the ground below to break your fall from the window. If you can, get out feet first and lower yourself to the full length of your arms before dropping.

HOW TO PREVENT FIRES • Unplug all electrical appliances not designed to stay on. • Make sure no cigarettes are still burning. • Before emptying ashtrays make sure the contents are cold. • Put a guard around open fires. • Switch off portable room heaters. • Close the doors of unoccupied rooms.

ELECTRICAL FIRE PRECAUTION Electricity is a major cause of fire accidents. About 60% fires are of electric origin on account of electric short circuit, overheating, overloading, use of non standard appliances, illegal taping of electrical wires, improper electrical wiring, carelessness and ignorance etc. It can lead to fires and fatal accidents, if proper fire precautions are not followed. Such fire incidents can be minimized, if adequate fire precautions are observed. This leaflet will brief about the main areas of electrical hazard in your home and explains how you can stop fire starting.

1. PLUGS AND FLEXES • Some appliances are designed to be left “ON” all the time. Check the manufacture’s instructions or if you are unsure,

with the shop where you bought it. All other electrical appliances should be switched off and unplugged when not in use. Remove plugs carefully, don’t remove them by pulling the flexes.

• Use a 3-pin plug which conforms to the Indian Standards and carries the ISI marks. • Overloading the sockets by using several adapters into the one socket can cause it to overheat and catch fire. Use a good quality adapter and ensure it has the correct fuse.

2. WIRING A PLUG Learn the wiring colors and make sure you follow the instructions as given by the manufacturers when fitting a plug.

3. FUSE/MCB Always use the correct fuse/MCB for the equipments you are using and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

4.COOKING GADGETS • Always make sure that sauce pans are in a safe position. Flexes from electrical equipments, such as kettles and toasters should be kept well away from the open fire and tea towels etc, should never be dried over the gadgets. • Never leave a sauce pan unattended with the heat turned on and be especially careful when using chip pans with oil of fat. • Make sure that ovens are left on after use.

5.WARNING • • • •

Look out for warning signs. Dangerous wiring. Hot plugs and sockets. Fuses that blow for no obvious reason • Light flickering. • Brown scorch marks on socket and plugs. You should ask your electrician to check your wiring thoroughly if you see any of the danger signs.

6. ELECRIC BLANKETS • Many fires and deaths are due to blankets being left accidentally switched on. As with all electrical equipment, it is important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. • Check the instructions to see if you should switch your blanket when you get into bed. • Under blankets should always be tied to the bed and be switched off before you get into bed. • All electric blankets should be kept dry and flat and should be serviced every two to three years. The shop where you bought it can tell you about servicing arrangements.

7. HEATERS • Make sure you don’t sit too close to the heater to keep warm. You could easily set light to your clothes or your chair, particularly if you fall asleep. • Heaters should always stand in a safe place where they cannot be tripped over. They should be kept well away from furniture and soft furnishings, such as curtains and cushions. Do not position heaters where objects may fall onto them. Portable heaters should never be placed close to beds or used to dry clothes. • As with open fires, make sure that all heaters are correctly guarded. If you have young children at home, make sure you use an all enclosed guard with your heater as well.

Do’s • Use ISI certified appliances • Use good quality fuses of correct rating, miniature circuit breakers and earth leakage circuit breakers. • Use one socket for one appliance. • Switch off the electric should of fire affected areas. • Fuses and switches should be mounted on metallic cubicles for greater safety against fire.

• Replace broken plugs and switches immediately. • Keep the electrical wires away from hot and wet surfaces. • Switch off appliances after use and remove plugs from socket. • Switch off the Main switch when leaving the premises home for a long duration

Don’ts • Don’t use substandard fixtures, appliances. • Never have temporary or naked joints on wiring. • Don’t lay wires under carpets, mats or doorways. They get crushed, resulting in short circuiting . • Don’t allow appliances cords to dangle. • Don’t place bare wire ends in a socket.

Fire safety in high-rise building is very crucial. Fire claims huge loss of lives and property in the High Rise Buildings each year. This slide show has been produced for people who live in high rise buildings and tells you what to do if a fire breaks out. Read it carefully, implement fire prevention techniques and keep this leaflet for references. Though high-rise buildings has been designed and built with safety in mind. The walls, the doors between flats, stairs and corridors are specially designed to resist fire; check smoke to some extent. As per national building code,

high-rise building should have Smoke Detectors, Sprinklers, first aid fire fighting systems, PA system, adequate water supply, Fire pumps, Fire escape routes, Firemen Lift, Service Shaft enclosures, compartmentation, approved electrical system, refuse area etc. outside the high-rise buildings, adequate access roads and surrounding areas are so designed so as the emergency vehicles can get as near as possible. In most cases the fire escape procedure is the same as for a single family dwelling: “Get Out and Stay Out”. Sometimes, however, it’s safest to stay in the building, separating yourself from the effects of a fire and wait to be rescued.

ADVANCE PLANNING

Consult your building management and fire department in advance and learn what you are expected to do • If you discover a fire, sound the alarm and call the fire brigade. If you hear instructions over your building’s public address system, listen carefully and do as you are told. You might be told to stay where you are. •Follow your evacuation plan, unless you see smoke or other signs of fire.

BE PREPARED • Know where to find building’s fire alarms and learn how to use them. • Learn the sound of your building fire alarms. • Make sure everyone in your home knows where to go if the fire alarm sounds and practice your escape plan together. Your building management should display evacuation plans prominently, where everyone can see them. • Some evacuation plans may have you to go to a “safe area” inside the building and wait for firemen to supervise your escape.

• Know atleast two escape routes from every room in your apartment. • Count the doors between your living unit and to nearest building exit. You may have to escape a fire in the dark. • In some high-rise fires the safe thing to do is protect from the fire and stay until the fire department comes.

IF YOU LEAVE • Alert any other people in the flat. • Leave the room at once and close the door behind you. Don’t tackle the fire yourself unless it is safe to do so. • Leave the flat and when everyone is out, close the front door. Don’t use balconies unless they are part of an official escape route. • Call the fire brigade • Exit quickly, closing all doors behind you to slow the spread of fire and smoke.

• If you encounter soke or flames use another escape route. If you have to escape through smoke crawl low. Heat and smoke rise above. Cleaner air will be 1 to 2 feet above the floor. • Test door before you open them. Kneel or crouch, reach up high and touch the door, knob and the space between the door and its frame with the back of your hand. If the door is hot, don’t open it. If the door feels cool, open it carefully and be ready to slam it shut if smoke or heat rushes in.

• Never use a lift in case of fire; it may stop between floors or at where the fire is. Go directly to a staircase free of smoke and flame. • Once you are out, tell the fire department if you know anyone trappedin the building. Do not go back inside for any reason until the firemen tell you it is safe.

IF YOU STAY • If you cannot escape safely or if you are instructed to stay where you are, be clam and protect yourself. • If possible, go to a room with an outside window and telephone closing all doors between you and the fire. • Use duct tape or stuff the gas in the door with towels tracks or bedding and cover vents to keep smoke out of the room. • If there is a phone in the room where you are trapped, call the fire brigade and tell them exactly where you are. • Do this even if you can see fire tender from your window.

• Wait at a window and signal for help with a flash light beam, if you have one or by waving a bedsheet or other bright coloured cloth. • If possible open the window at the top and bottom to allow fresh air in, but close it quickly if smoke from outside comes in. • Do not break the window. • Be patient. Rescuing all the occupants of a high-rise building can take several hours.

FIRE DETECTORS, FIRST AID FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM Find who is responsible maintaining your building fire safety systems- such as fire/smoke, check doors, fire alarms, emergency lighting system, and fire sprinkler system. Do not hesitate to report the defect quickly. If the problem is not corrected, report the situation to your fire brigade. Make sure that nothing blocks or otherwise interferes in the fire fighting systems inside or outside your living units.

EXITS Never lock or block fire exits. Keep waste material away from escape route. Fire door not only provide a way out during a fire, they also slow the spread of the effect of fires= and smoke. Never prop fire doors open.

IF A FIRE BREAKS OUT ELSEWHERE IN YORU BUILDING It will normally be safe for you to stay in your own flat. But if your flat is affected by the heat or smoke, leave at once closing windows and doors behind you.

DO’s • Fire orders should be implemented in the Building with role and responsibilities of all occupants. • Good House keeping • Use ashtrays while smoking and deposit smoked butts in them after extinguishing. • All receptacles for waste should be emptied at regular intervals. • Correct rated wire and electrical appliance etc. should be used.

• Faulty electrical appliance should be repaired/ replaced immediately. • Electrical safety devices such as MB, GCD, Switches and Fuses should confirm to correct rating of Circuit. • Welding/cutting jobs should be carried out under strict supervision. • Keep smoke/fire check doors closed. • Keep means of escape clear of obstructions. • Evacuation drills should be conducted at regular intervals.

• Impart elementary fire fighting training to occupants. • Emergency organization must be set up. • Fire safety equipments should be maintained in High standard and check at regular interval.

DON’Ts

• Don’t dispose of lighted cigarette ends carelessly. • Don’t plug too many electric appliances in one socket. • Don’t store L.P.Gas against Gas Cylinders rules. • Don’t apply any paint of Fire Detectors / Sprinkler Heads. • Don’t engage unqualified contractors for the servicing of fire fighting system. • Don’t think that fire safety is others jobs • Don’t relax after hearing fire/emergency call.

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE ROUTE In case of ‘FIRE’ in your home, would you know what to do? This slide show explains How to make a safe exit from your home. “FIRE PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN FIGHTING”

Fire fighting is a specialized job and best left to the professional fire fighters. Make your escape plan and get out alive. Talk everybody in your home and make an escape plan today.

Once out, stay out! Never go back into the building, until the firemen say it is safe!

• Draw a map of your home. Show every room door, and window and the location of all fire safety arrangements. • Mark an easy way out of each room. Then find a second way out. • Help the grown-ups pick a meeting place outside in front of your home. That’s where everyone goes when they escape a fire. • Learn the emergency Fire Service number 101. Call once you get outside.

ADVANCE PLAN

Make sure that you have “Safe Escape Plan” in case of Fire involving, everyone in your home, especially children, the elderly and disabled. • By following the advice in this leaflet and planning your escape route together, you can save lives of your family members, relatives, and community members. • Make sure everyone knows where to find door and window keys. • The best escape route is your normal way in and out of your home so keep it clear.

• Think of the difficulties you may have getting out, for example in the middle of the night. • Choose a second escape route, in case the first one is blocked. • If you can’t escape, you will need to find a room to wait in until the Fire Service arrive. Choose a safe room, ideally one with a phone, and a window that opens.

IN CASE OF FIRE Keep calm. Act quickly. Tell everyone in your home. “Don’t delay – get everyone out”. • Don’t waste time investigating and collecting valuables. • Before you open a door, check it with the back of your hand. If it hot, don’t open it – fire is on the other side. Remember to shut doors behind you.

IN CASE ESCAPE ROUTE IS BLOCKED • Get everyone into one room, with a window that opens, and shut the door. • Put cushions and bedding around the bottom of the door to block out smoke. • Open the window and call for help. IF YOU CAN’T GET OUT, FIND A SAFE PLACE TO WAIT

GET OUT OF A WINDOW • If you’re on the ground or first floor, you may be able to escape through a window. If you are higher up, only consider this if you are in immediate danger. • If you need to break a window, use a heavy object to break the glass in the bottom corner. Then knock out the glass. Be careful of jagged edges, make them safe by laying a towel or blanket over them. • Break your fall with cushions and bedding. Remember, don’t jump – lower yourself before dropping. IF THERE’S SMOKE KEEP LOW TO GROUND WHERE THE AIR IS CLEANER.

THE

IF YOUR CLOTHES CATCH FIRE • Don’t run around, you will fan the flames and make them burn faster. • Lie down and roll around. It makes it harder for the fire to spread and smothers the flame. • Smother the flames with a heavy material, like a coat, blanket or a fire blanket.

STAY OUT Don’t go back in for anything, even if there’s someone left inside. Wait for the Fire Service and give them as much information as possible.

IF THERE IS A FIRE GET OUT STAY OUT AND CALL 101 or nearest fire brigade

YOUR EMERGENCY CALL • Once you’ve escaped, call 101. These calls are free. • You can also call the local fire station number. Speak slowly and clearly. • Give complete address. • Explain if anyone is trapped, give his location.

DRAW A PLAN AND CREATE A CHECKLIST

Going out of your own home sounds easy, but everything looks very different when it’s full of smoke. So practice your plan.

HOME FIRE DRILLS CAN BE FUN • Start the drill by shouting : “Fire!” “Everybody out!” • Follow your escape plan and leave the building quickly. • Pretend some way outs are blocked by flame or smoke. Use your second way out of a room. • Go directly to the meeting place.

ESCAPE TIPS • If you see smoke as you escape try another escape route. • If you have to escape through smoke, crawl low to your exit. Keep your head one to two feet (30 to 60 centimeters) above the floor. That’s where the air will be cleanest. • Test door knobs and the space between the door and its frame with the back of your hand before opening doors. If the door is hot, try another escape route. If its cool, open it slowly. Be ready to slam the door shut if the smoke pours through. • Never go back into the building for any reason-until it’s safe to do so. If someone is trapped inside, tell the firemen.

FIT A SMOKE ALARM The best way for you to protect yourself and your home is to install smoke alarm. Make sure you test the battery every week. If you need help or advice on which is the most suitable smoke alarm for your home, where to install it, contact your local Fire Service (Fire Station). They will be happy to give you advice. Smoke alarms save lives. Fit on every floor of your home and test the batteries regularly.

REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE • Last thing at night – You are far more likely to be killed or injured in a fire during the night. Get used to checking your home, before you go to bed. • Turn off and unplug all electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on – like your freezer or VCR for example. • Check the electrical cooker is turned off • Don’t leave the washing machine on. • Turn room heaters off and put up fire guards. • Put out candles and cigarettes properly. • Close inside doors.

Fire extinguishers play an important role in First Aid Fire Fighting and are not expected to deal large fire. They are all very valuable in the early stages of a fire when used promptly and effectively. The usefulness dpends upon the knowlrdge of person in handling extinguishers, their selection and maintenance.

HOW TO USE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Its easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you cam remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.

Pull the pin or safety clip. This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.

Aim at the base of the fire. If you aim at the flames ( which is frequently the temptation), the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do no good. You need want to hit the fuel.

Squeeze/ Open the top handle or lever. This depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent in the extinguisher. Sweep from side to side until the fire is completely out. Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away, then move forward. Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites.

SELECTION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Various types of Fire Extinguishers are available but all are not equally effective on all types of fire. For all practical purpose the basic types of fires can be grouped in to the following classes. A. Class-A Fires : Fire involving combustible materials of Organic nature, such as wood, paper, rubber and many plastics etc., where the cooling effect of water is essential for extinguishing fire. B. Class-B Fires : Fires involving flammable liquids, flammable solids or the like where a blanketing effect is essential.

C. Class-C Fires : Fires involving flammable gases under pressure including liquefied gases, where it is necessary to inhibit the burning gas at fast rate with an inert gas, powder or vaporizing liquid for extinguishment. D. Class-D Fire : Fires involving combustible metal, such Magnesium, aluminium, zinc sodium etc, when the burning metals are reactive to water containing agents and in certain cases carbon dioxide and ordinary dry powders. These fires require special media and techniques to extinguish.

SUITABILITY OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS The types of extinguisher mentioned below against each Class of fire are generally most suitable. It may however, be noted that this is only for guidance and does not cover special cases. A. Class A Fire Water Expelling Type Extinguisher B. Class B Fire

Foam, Dry Chemical Powder, Carbon dioxide extinguisher

C. Class C Fire

Dry powder and Carbon dioxide extinguisher

D. Class D Fire

Extinguisher designed for expelling special Dry Chemical Powder

FOLLOWING PROCEDURE SHOULD BE FOLLOWED FOR QUARTERLY MAINTANENCE, INSPECTION AND TESTING OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER GENERAL • Make sure the extinguisher is in proper condition and shall not be accidentally discharged. • Clean the exterior of the extinguisher, polish the painted portion with wax polish, the brass parts with metal polish and chromium plated parts with silver polish.

• Check the nozzle outlet, vent holes in the threaded portion of the cap for clogging and check the plunger is in fully extended position and is clean. • Check the cap washer; grease the threads of cap, plunger rod. • Check all mechanical parts thoroughly • Check the proper labels.

Dry Powder Type Fire Extinguisher • Remove gas cartridge from the cap. Weight the cartridge and compare its mass wit full mass of cartridge marked on it, if loss of mass, be replaced by new cartridge. • Examine the nozzle, hose, vent holes, piercing mechanism of cap cartridge holder, grease and wipe clean. • Charge it and fit the cartridge and other fittings. • Give the serial number and record in proper register.

CO2 Type Fire Extinguisher • Weight the extinguisher; compare mass against the mass marked on it for fully charged extinguisher. It should be sent for refilling if there is a loss of mass. • Examine hose, horn and valve assembly. • Give the serial number and record it in register.

Mechanical Foam Fire Extinguisher • Remove gas cartridge from the cap. Weight the cartridge and compare its mass with full mass of cartridge marked on it, if the loss of mass, be replaced by new cartridge. • Examine the nozzle, hose, vent hose, piercing mechanism of cap cartridge holder, grease and wipe clean. • Charge it and fit the cartridge and other fittings. • Give the serial number and record in proper register.

Water CO2 type Fire Extinguisher • Remove gas cartridge from the cap. Weight the cartridge and compare its mass with full mass of cartridge marked on it, if the loss of mass, be replaced by new cartridge. • Examine the nozzle, hose, vent hose, piercing mechanism of cap cartridge holder, grease and wipe clean. • Charge it and fit the cartridge and other fittings. • Give the serial number and record in proper register.

ABC Pressure Type Fire Extinguisher • Check the pressure of extinguisher from the pressure guage and if found lesss than the required pressure send for refilling. • Examine the nozzle, hose, vent holes and clean it • Give the serial number and record in proper register.

THERE ARE DIFFERENT CLASSES OF FIRE Your choice of extinguisher for your particular fire is crucial in controlling a fire. Sl No.

TYPE OF EXTINGUISHER

CLASS

MATERIAL INVOLVED IN FIRE

HAZARD AREA

EXINGUISHING METHOD

WARNING

1

Water (CO2)

A

Organic solids. Office, hospital, e.g. wood, paper, cloth, Theaters, Banks, Restaurants etc. etc.

Penetrates cools. Even Do not use on live deep seated “A” class fires electrical equipments.

2

Mechanical Foam (AFFF)

B

Inflammable liquids

Petrol storage depots, A thick Foam Blanket over Do not use on live Manufacturing units of the burning liquid, cutting of electrical equipments. Paints and inflammable oxygen supply liquids

3

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

B,C

Inflammable liquids, gases & electrical appliances

Motor pump rooms, Aim at the base of fire from Laboratories, museums close range. CO2 being and process control heavier settles below and area cuts off oxygen supply

CO2 can cause asphyxiation in a confined space. Ventilate area after extinguishing fire.

4

Dry Chemical Powder

B,C

Inflammable liquids & gases

Storage areas of LPG, Chemically interfaces with Acetylene petrol, the combustion chain industrial solvents and electrical equipment

Do not use in very confined spaces as cloud of powder reduces visibility

5

ABC Powder (Pressure type)

A,B,C

Organic solids, Inflammable liquids & gases

Open storage Chemically interfaces with generator rooms, heat the combustion chain treatment shops

Do not use in very confined spaces as cloud of powder reduces visibility

SURVIVAL GUIDE IN CASE OF FIRE WHAT IS FIRE : Fire is a chemical reaction in which heat, light and smoke evolve. To generate fire, heat, fuel and oxygen is essentially required in balance ratio. Shortage of anyone restrict occurrence of fire.

FIRE GROWS FAST : It is now established that a small flame can get completely out of control in seconds and turn into a major fire. It can fill up a home with black thicksmoke very quickly. In minutes a home can be engulfed in flames. There is very short time to “ESCAPE”.

“Each second count in Escape”.

FIRE IS ‘HOT’ & DARK : Fire generates heat that can kill. Temperature in a room varies from 100 degree at floor level to 600 degree at eye level. Inhaling super hot air will scorch your lungs. Heat can melt clothes to your skin. In just 5 minutes a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once. Fire brings darkness even it starts bright. It produces black thick smoke which reduces visibility.

Escape from heat ! Escape before darkness !

FIRE IS DEADLY : Fire produces heat, smoke and toxic gases. Smoke and toxic gases travel faster than heat hence they kill more people than flames do. Breathing even small amount of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door.

FIRES DO HAPPEN : Fire occurs frequently in Home, Industries, Office, etc. PREVENT FIRES. You should make sure that you and others know (i) What to do if fire does break out? (ii) What would you do if you or any member discovers a fire? (iii) How would you and others escape?

“SAFETY TIPS FOR SURVIVAL” WHAT TO DO : In the event of a fire, always remember that time is precious and every second counts. Follow the following tips :(i) Stay calm, don’t panic and don’t run. (ii) Raise alarm and alert everyone in your premises. (iii) Escape first and then call for help. (iv) Use nearest available exit routes.

(v) While leaving the premises, close all doors and windows behind you if possible but must ensure that nobody is left behind and you are safe. (vi) Use only escape routes because they are built for the purpose. (vii) Use staircases. “Don’t use lifts”. (viii) If you come to closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the door knob and the cracks between the door and door frame to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the

door and make sure it is surely closed, then use your alternate escape route. (ix) If you are trapped in smoke-logged area, lie down and keep your nose close to floor and crawl towards an exit point. (x) If you become trapped in your room, close the door and block any gaps which might let smoke or fumes through. Shout from the window to attract the attention of rescue team as well as others.

WHAT NOT TO DO : i. Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. ii. Never go back into a burning building for any reason. iii.Teach children not to hide from firemen. If someone is missing, tell the firemen. They are equipped to perform rescues safely. iv.Don’t secure open fire and smoke check doors as they limit the spread of fire and smoke when in closed position.

v. Don’t be tempted to clutter the stairs, corridors and lobbies as they are your escape routes. vi. Never use lift in case of fire. Always use staircase. vii. Do not stop to collect belongings. viii. Don’t shout or run. This tends to cause panic to others.

IN CASE OF

FIRE! DIAL

HELP N0: OR CONTACT THE NEAREST FIRE STATION FOLLOW FIRE PRECAUTIONS, PREVENT FIRE