• What is fire?

• Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of

combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. The flame is the visible
portion of the fire. 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 will be different.

• Fire Triangle :-
Fire needs three elements to ignite. These three elements are:
1. Oxygen: When Oxygen in the air combines with flammable vapours given off by Fuels
they create a form of heat at a molecular level. Then, a source of ignition (a match or
spark, say) can cause it to combust. Without enough Oxygen, ignition cannot happen.
In the opposite way, if there is too much Oxygen then the vapours won't be
concentrated enough to ignite. The ratio of vapour to Oxygen is known as the
'explosive' or 'flammable' limit and is different for each gas or vapour.
2. Heat: Combustion occurs when flammable vapours mix with air (Oxygen) and are
ignited by a spark or flame. Solids give off flammable vapours by being heated. Certain
solids such as paper or flour appear to ignite almost instantly. This is because they give
off vapours and reach a flammable temperature almost immediately. In fact, fine dusts
dispersed in the air can explode because they give off vapours and ignite so quickly it
appear to happen instantly. Other solids like timber take longer to ignite because they
are more dense and so don't give off flammable vapours so easily. Liquids are a bit
different to solids. They are a lot more runny for a start. But, where solids need to be
heated to give off flammable vapours, some liquids give off vapours even in cold weather.

3. Fuel: Fuels can take almost any form: Solids like wood, fabric, rubber and plastic. Liquids
such as petrol, oil, cooking oil or even nail varnish remover. Gases like propane, butane and
'natural' gas. Different fuels burn at different rates and with different intensities.
The classes of fire

There are six classes of fire: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D,

‘Electrical’, and Class F.
– Class A fires – combustible materials: caused by flammable
solids, such as wood, paper, and fabric
– Class B fires – flammable liquids: such as petrol, turpentine or
paint
– Class C fires – flammable gases: like hydrogen, butane or
methane
– Class D fires – combustible metals: chemicals such as
magnesium, aluminum or potassium
– Electrical fires – electrical equipment: once the electrical item is
removed, the fire changes class
– Class F fires – cooking oils: typically a chip-pan fire
General Fire Fighting Equipment
Fire fighting systems and equipment vary depending on the age, size, use and type
of building construction. A building may contain some or all of the following
features:

•fire extinguishers

•fire hose reels

•fire hydrant systems

•automatic sprinkler systems.

1. Fire Extinguishers :-
Most buildings contain a variety of hand-held firefighting equipment. This range of
equipment is designed to help contain small fires before they spread and become too large
to control. Portable fire extinguishers are available with a number of different extinguishing
agents to help you combat a flame. A portable extinguisher may contain the following
substance:
•water
•foam
•dry powder
•CO2
•wet chemical

2. Fire Blankets :-
Fire blankets are designed to smother class F fires. That means flame that is fuelled by
cooking oils and fats. Naturally, fire blankets are installed in kitchen environments, where
the chance of a class F fire is the highest.
4. Signage
All fire equipment should be accompanied by standard signage. This helps users
identify the location and type of equipment they can access in an emergency. There is
a range of different regulations when it comes to fire safety signage.

5. Sprinklers
When it comes to the design, installation, and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems in
Australia, there are a number of standards that could apply to your building. The
following standards will influence the implementation of fire sprinklers in your space:
•AS 2118.6:2012 Standard for Automatic fire sprinkler systems Combined sprinkler
and hydrant systems in multistorey buildings
•AS 2118.1:2017 Standard for Automatic fire sprinkler systems General systems
•AS 1905.1:2005 Standard for Components for the protection of openings in fire-
resistant walls Fire-resistant doorsets
•AS 1760:2105 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems – System
design, installation and commissioning Fire.
Which fire extinguisher types are used for each class of fire?
Water Extinguishers
Overview:
Water extinguishers are the most common
fire extinguisher type for class A fire risk.
Most premises will require either water or
foam extinguishers.

Label Colour:
– Bright Red

Use for:
– Organic materials such as:
o Paper and cardboard
o Fabrics and textiles
o Wood and coal

Do not use for:

– Fires involving electrical equipment
– Kitchen fires
– Flammable gas and liquids
How water extinguishers work:
The water has a cooling effect on the fuel, causing it to burn much more slowly until
the flames are eventually extinguished.
Types of premises/business who may need water extinguishers:
– Buildings constructed of wood or other organic materials
– Premises where there are organic materials to be found such as:
o Offices
o Schools
o Hospitals
o Residential properties
o Warehouses
In fact most buildings need either water or foam extinguishers.
Where to locate water extinguishers:
– By the exits on a floor where a Class A fire risk has been identified
Water spray extinguishers – what’s the difference?:
Water spray extinguishers are equipped with a spray nozzle, rather than a jet nozzle,
meaning a greater surface area can be covered more quickly and the fire put out more
rapidly.
Water mist extinguishers – what’s the difference?:
Water mist extinguishers have a different type of nozzle again which releases
microscopic water particles. These particles ‘suffocate’ the fire and also create a wall
of mist between the fire and the person using the extinguisher, reducing the feeling of
heat.
Foam Extingusher :-

Overview:
Foam extinguishers are most common type
of fire extinguisher for Class B fires, but
also work on Class A fires as they are
water-based.

Label Colour:
– Cream

Use for:
– Organic materials such as:
o Paper and cardboard
o Fabrics and textiles
o Wood and coal
Plus:
– Flammable liquids, like paint and petrol

Do not use for:

– Kitchen fires
– Fires involving electrical equipment
– Flammable metals
How foam extinguishers work:
As with water extinguishers, foam extinguishers have a cooling effect on the fuel.
On burning liquids, the foaming agent creates a barrier between the flame and the
fuel, extinguishing the fire.

Types of premises/business who may need Foam extinguishers:

– Buildings constructed of wood or other organic materials
– Premises where there are organic materials to be found such as:
o Offices
o Schools
o Hospitals
o Residential properties
o Warehouses
– Buildings where flammable liquids are stored
In fact most buildings need either water or foam extinguishers

Where to locate foam extinguishers:

– By the exits on a floor where a Class A or Class B fire risk has been identified
Dry Powder Extinguishers :-

Overview:
Standard dry powder extinguishers are also called ‘ABC’ extinguishers because they tackle class A, B and C
fires, however they are not recommended for use in enclosed spaces. This is because the powder can be
easily inhaled, and also the residue is very difficult to clean up after. ABC powder extinguishers can also be
used on some electrical fires. Specialist dry powder extinguishers are used for flammable metals.

Label Colour:
– Blue

Use for:
– Organic materials such as:
o Paper and cardboard
o Fabrics and textiles
o Wood and coal
Plus:
– Flammable liquids, like paint and petrol
Plus:
– Flammable gases, like liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and acetylene
Plus:
– Fires involving electrical equipment up to 1000v
Specialist dry powder extinguishers are only used on flammable metals,
such as titanium and magnesium.

Do not use for:

– Fires involving cooking oil
– Fires involving electrical equipment over 1000v
– or in enclosed spaces, such as offices or residential properties
How dry powder extinguishers work:
Dry powder extinguishers smother fires by forming a barrier between the fuel and
the source of oxygen.

Types of premises/business who may need Dry Powder extinguishers:

– Businesses using flammable gases for chemical processes
– Premises where welding and flame cutting takes place
– Garage forecourts
– Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) dispensing plants
– Premises with large, commercial boiler rooms

Where to locate Dry Powder extinguishers:

– Place dry powder extinguishers near to the source of the fire risk.

Specialist Dry Powder extinguishers – what’s the difference?:

Specialist dry powder extinguishers work in the same way as standard dry powder
extinguishers but are for use with flammable metals only. There are 2 types of
specialist dry powder extinguishers – ‘L2’ which only tackles lithium fires, and
‘M28’, for all other flammable metal fires.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers

Overview:CO2 extinguishers are

predominantly used for electrical fire risks
and are usually the main fire extinguisher
type provided in computer server rooms.
They also put out Class B fires (flammable
liquids, such as paint and petroleum).

Label Colour:
– Black

Use for:
– Flammable liquids, like paint and petrol
– Electrical fires

Do not use for:

– Kitchen fires – especially chip-pan fires
– Combustible materials like paper, wood or
textiles
– Flammable metals
How CO2 extinguishers work:
CO2 extinguishers suffocate fires by displacing the oxygen the fire needs to burn

Types of premises/business who may need CO2 extinguishers:

– Premises with electrical equipment, such as:
o Offices
o Kitchens
o Construction sites
o Server rooms
All work vehicles should also carry a smaller 2kg CO2 extinguisher.

Where to locate CO2 extinguishers:

– Place near to the source of the fire risk and/or near the fire exits.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers :-

Overview:Wet chemical extinguishers are

designed for use on Class F fires, involving
cooking oils and fats. They can also be used
on Class A fires although it is more usual to
have a foam or water extinguisher for this type
of fire risk.

Label Colour:
– Yellow

Use for:
– Cooking oil/fat fires
– Organic materials such as:
o Paper and cardboard
o Fabrics and textiles
o Wood and coal

Do not use for:

– Flammable liquid or gas fires
– Electrical fires
– Flammable metals
How wet chemical extinguishers work:
Wet chemical extinguishers create a layer of foam on the surface of the burning oil
or fat, preventing oxygen from fuelling the fire any further. The spray also has a
cooling effect.

Types of premises/business who may need wet chemical extinguishers:

– Commercial kitchens
– Canteens

Where to locate wet chemical extinguishers:

– Place near to the source of the fire risk.
Fire hose reels
• Fire hose reels are provided for use by occupants as a 'first attack' fire fighting
measure but may, in some instances, also be used by firefighters.
When stowing a fire hose reel, it is important to first attach the nozzle end to the
hose reel valve, then close the hose reel valve, then open the nozzle to relieve
any pressure in the wound hose, then close the nozzle. This achieves two
principle objectives:
•A depressurised hose and hose reel seal will last longer than if permanently
pressurised.
•When the hose reel is next used, the operator will be forced to turn on the
isolating valve, thus charging the hose reel with pressurised water supply, before
being able to drag the hose to the fire. A potential danger exists if the operator
reaches the fire and finds no water is available because the hose reel valve is still
closed.
• Because hose reels are generally located next to an exit, in an emergency it is
possible to reach a safe place simply by following the hose.
In South Australia, a unique floor mounted swivel hose guide is often employed
which lays the hose at floor level, prior to being dragged by the operator. In
practice for a single person, this makes withdrawal of the hose much easier than
does the traditional high level swinging arm hose guide.
 Fire hydrant systems

• Fire hydrant systems are installed in buildings to help firefighters quickly attack
the fire. Essentially, a hydrant system is a water reticulation system used to
transport water in order to limit the amount of hose that firefighters have to lay,
thus speeding up the fire fighting process.

• Fire hydrants are for the sole use of trained firefighters (which includes factory
fire fighting teams). Because of the high pressures available serious injury can
occur if untrained persons attempt to operate the equipment connected to such
installations.

• Fire hydrant systems sometimes include ancillary parts essential to their

effective operation such as pumps, tanks and fire service booster connections.
These systems must be maintained and regularly tested if they are to be
effective when needed.

• The placement of such equipment needs to closely interface with fire service
operational procedure; simply complying with deemed to satisfy code provisions
is a potential recipe for disaster.
 Automatic Sprinkler Systems

• Time is essential in the control of fire. Automatic sprinkler systems are one of
the most reliable methods available for controlling fires. Today's automatic
fire sprinkler systems offer state of the art protection of life and property from the
effects of fire. Sprinkler heads are now available which are twenty times more
sensitive to fire than they were ten years ago.

• A sprinkler head is really an automatic (open once only) tap. The sprinkler head is
connected to a pressurised water system. When the fire heats up the sprinkler
head, it opens at a pre-set temperature, thus allowing pressurised water to be
sprayed both down onto the fire and also up to cool the hot smoky layer and the
building structure above the fire.

• This spray also wets combustible material in the vicinity of the fire, making it
difficult to ignite, thereby slowing down or preventing fire spread and growth.

• When a sprinkler head operates, the water pressure in the system drops,
activating an alarm which often automatically calls the fire service via a telephone
connection. Some people say sprinklers cause a lot of water damage. As has
been explained, only those sprinkler heads heated by the fire operate; all
sprinklers in a building do not operate at once.
• Usually non-fire water damage only occurs if the occupants carelessly damage
the system. Firefighters use much more water than a sprinkler system. The
combined damage from a fire and the water used by firefighters dramatically
exceeds that likely from a properly installed sprinkler system.

• Because, historically, complete extinguishment of fires has not been achieved, it is

traditional to consider that sprinklers only control fire growth until intervention
occurs by the fire service. Today, some sprinkler systems are designed for early
suppression and are considered to have failed if they do not extinguish the fire.

• Sprinkler systems are usually installed in high or large buildings and high fire
hazard occupancies. Statistics show that in a majority of cases where sprinklers
are installed the fire has been controlled by one sprinkler head alone.