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SYLLABUS
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Introduction to Fire Safety
Fire safety refers to the precautions taken to prevent or minimize the damage caused by fire, ensuring
the safety of people, property, and the environment.
Importance:
• Protects human life and critical infrastructure
• Complies with legal and building codes
• Reduces financial and environmental losses
• Essential for disaster preparedness
Basics of Fire Science
Fire Triangle:
The three essential elements for fire:
1. Fuel (combustible material)
2. Oxygen (air)
3. Heat (ignition source)
Fire Tetrahedron (with Chemical Chain
Reaction):
• Includes the fourth element—chain
reaction—that sustains combustion.
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Classes of Fire
Fires are classified based on the type of combustible material involved, and this classification
helps in choosing the correct firefighting method and extinguisher.
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Fire Prevention Strategies
• Avoid accumulation of flammable materials
• Use non-combustible building materials
• Safe electrical wiring and load management
• Regular maintenance of machines and utilities
• Hazard signage and warnings in high-risk zones
Table of Fire Safety Design Concepts
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Fire Protection Systems
Passive Fire Protection (PFP):
• Fire-resistant walls, doors, ceilings
• Compartmentalization and fireproofing materials
• Fire doors, dampers, intumescent coatings
Active Fire Protection (AFP):
a. Detection Systems: b. Alarm Systems: c. Suppression Systems:
• Smoke detectors • Manual call points • Water-based (sprinklers,
• Heat detectors • Audible alarms hydrants)
• Flame detectors • Fire alarm control • Gas-based (CO₂, FM-200)
panels • Foam and powder systems
• Fire extinguishers (Class A to K
specific)
Emergency Planning and Response
• Evacuation Plans:
➢ Clearly marked emergency exits
➢ Fire escape maps and signage
➢ Refuge areas for persons with disabilities
• Fire Drills and Training:
➢ Periodic mock drills
➢ Use of fire extinguishers
➢ Training employees on fire response
Fire Safety Equipment
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Fire Extinguishers Techniques
1. PASS Technique (Using a Fire Extinguisher)
• P – Pull the pin (break the tamper seal)
• A – Aim low, at the base of the fire
• S – Squeeze the handle slowly and evenly
• S – Sweep the nozzle side to side across the base
This method ensures the fire is attacked at its root and prevents re-ignition.
2. RACE Procedure (General Fire Emergency Response)
RACE is used in fire emergency action, especially in buildings or institutions:
• R – Rescue anyone in immediate danger
• A – Alarm: pull fire alarm or alert others
• C – Confine the fire by closing doors/windows
• E – Extinguish or Evacuate, depending on the situation
This is more of a safety protocol than a suppression method, often paired with PASS.
3. STOP, DROP, and ROLL (Personal Fire Safety)
Used when a person’s clothes catch fire:
• STOP – Don’t run; stop immediately
• DROP – To the ground and cover your face
• ROLL – Over and over to smother the flames
This helps cut off the oxygen feeding the fire on clothing.
4. Triangle/Tetrahedron of Fire Control
To extinguish a fire, remove at least one of the four elements:
1. Heat (use water, foam, dry powder)
2. Fuel (remove combustible materials)
3. Oxygen (use CO₂ or foam to smother)
4. Chemical Reaction (use clean agents like FM-200)
This approach underpins how different extinguishing agents are selected.
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5. Fire Blanket Smothering Technique
• Lay the fire blanket gently over small fires (e.g., kitchen pan, clothing)
• Cut off oxygen supply to extinguish flame
• Ideal for grease fires, clothing, or small electrical fires
6. Using Sand or Soil
• For small fires (especially Class B or C outdoors):
• Throw sand or dry soil over the fire
• Blocks oxygen and cools down the flame
Often used in labs, workshops, or outdoor settings.
7. Water Spray or Fogging Technique
Used for cooling and controlling fire spread:
• Spray in fog pattern rather than a solid stream
• Prevents steam burns and increases surface coverage
• Not used on electrical or oil fires!
8. Fire Hose Reel Technique
• Turn on the valve fully
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
• Use controlled side-to-side sweeping motion
Examples of Fire Safety Design Measures
• Fire Zoning: Divide building into zones separated by fire-rated walls to limit fire size.
• Fire Doors: Automatic or self-closing doors rated to resist fire and prevent smoke movement.
• Sprinkler Systems: Activate automatically upon detecting heat to suppress fire.
• Emergency Lighting and Signage: Illuminate escape paths and exits during power failure.
• Fire Alarm Systems: Integrate smoke detectors, manual call points, and sirens.
Fire Safety Laws and Standards
Common Standards:
• NBC (India) – National Building Code
• NFPA (USA) – National Fire Protection Association
• IS codes (India) – IS 2190 (Extinguishers), IS 2189 (Detection)
• OSHA (USA) – Workplace safety
• ISO 45001 – Occupational health & safety
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National Building Code (NBC) on Fire Safety
The National Building Code (NBC) of India, published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), provides
comprehensive guidelines for fire safety in buildings, primarily covered under Part 4: Fire and Life
Safety.
Key Highlights of NBC (India) on Fire Safety
• Scope: Part 4 of the NBC deals specifically with fire prevention, life safety, and fire protection
requirements for all types of buildings.
• Fire Zones: The code prescribes demarcation of fire zones and restricts certain types of
construction based on the risk profile of each zone.
• Classification: Buildings are categorized by occupancy (e.g., residential, institutional,
mercantile, industrial) and construction type, with specific fire resistance requirements for
structural and non-structural elements.
• Protection Requirements: It details provisions for fire exits, escape routes, fire detection and
alarm systems, firefighting equipment (e.g., wet risers, sprinklers, hose reels), and the use of
fire-resistant building materials.
• High-rise Buildings: Additional requirements, such as fire lifts, pressurized staircases, control
rooms, and alarms, apply to high-rise structures.
• Alarms and Equipment: Mandatory installation of fire alarm systems, extinguishers, automatic
sprinklers, and control rooms in designated buildings.
• Qualified Personnel: Appointment of trained fire officers and conduct of regular fire drills is
required for certain occupancy types and high-rise buildings.
• Boiler Room & Basement Provisions: Special design and construction standards for potentially
hazardous areas like boiler rooms and basements.
Compliance and Enforcement
• The NBC prescribes minimum standards for fire safety but encourages adoption of higher
standards wherever possible.
• Compliance is enforced via state and local building bye-laws, often requiring clearance from
the Chief Fire Officer for high-risk buildings.
Objective
The overarching aim is to minimize danger to life and property from fire, focusing on both passive
(design, materials) and active (alarms, sprinklers) fire protection measures. While absolute safety
cannot be guaranteed, the NBC outlines reasonable steps to significantly reduce fire risks in all
occupancies.
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ISO 45001 and Fire Safety
Fire audits are an essential component for ISO 45001 compliance. These audits involve reviewing fire
safety policies, emergency plans, employee training, and physical inspections to identify and mitigate
potential fire hazards such as faulty wiring, blocked exits, improper storage of flammable materials, or
inadequate fire equipment.
ISO 45001 requires organizations to integrate risk assessment and emergency preparedness into their
management systems. This means organizations must:
• Identify fire risks as part of their overall hazard identification process.
• Maintain up-to-date fire prevention and emergency response plans.
• Conduct regular fire drills and training for employees to ensure preparedness.
• Keep clear documentation on fire safety policies, equipment maintenance, and incident
investigations.
Key Requirements for Fire Safety under ISO 45001
• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Regularly evaluate the workplace for potential fire
risks.
• Emergency Preparedness: Develop and test comprehensive fire emergency plans, including
evacuation procedures and firefighting measures.
• Employee Training: Ensure all workers are trained in fire safety procedures and the use of
firefighting equipment.
• Continuous Improvement: Review and update fire safety practices based on audit findings and
incident investigations.
• Legal Compliance: Stay aligned with national and local fire safety regulations as part of the ISO
45001 management system.
Essential Steps during Fire Break
At the time of a fire break, the following essential steps should be followed to maximize safety and
ensure an effective evacuation:
• Alert others immediately: Warn people in the immediate area that there is a fire.
• Activate the nearest fire alarm: Sound the alarm to alert everyone in the building. If no alarm
is available, call emergency services (e.g., 911) right away.
• Evacuate the building quickly and calmly:
➢ Leave using the nearest safe exit—do not use elevators.
➢ Close doors behind you as you exit to help contain the fire, if time permits.
➢ Assist anyone who may have mobility impairments, provided it is safe to do so.
• Avoid smoke and fire: Before opening a door, feel it for heat. If hot, find another way out. Stay
low under smoke if necessary.
• Proceed to the assembly area: Go to the pre-designated assembly point, away from the
building (at least 30 meters or more as instructed).
• Report any missing persons or important information: Tell emergency personnel about anyone
unaccounted for and provide details about the fire if possible.
• Do not re-enter the building: Only return when emergency services give clear permission—it
may not be safe even if the alarm stops
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QUESTIONS
Why is fire safety considered a critical priority in industrial and workplace settings,
and how do the economic and human consequences of fire incidents emphasize this
importance?
Fire safety is critical because industrial fires can spread rapidly, putting lives and valuable assets at risk
within seconds. For example, in India., industrial and manufacturing fires caused hundreds of crores
of rupees each year in property damage, highlighting the economic magnitude of these incidents.
Beyond property damage, fires lead to operational disruption, loss of productivity, and potentially
tragic loss of life. These severe consequences stress why comprehensive fire safety—ranging from
prevention to emergency response—is essential to protect both human welfare and business
continuity.
How do specific causes of industrial fires, such as electrical malfunctions and poor
housekeeping, inform fire prevention strategies in workplaces?
Industrial fires commonly arise from preventable causes like overloaded electrical circuits, damaged
wiring, and improper storage of flammable materials. Poor housekeeping can exacerbate fire risk by
allowing accumulation of combustible debris or combustible dust. Understanding these root causes
guides targeted fire prevention strategies, such as regular electrical system maintenance, strict
protocols for chemical storage, and improved housekeeping standards. Such focused measures play a
pivotal role in reducing fire incidents, thereby safeguarding employees and minimizing potential
financial losses.
In what ways do management practices, employee education, and engineering
controls collectively contribute to a robust fire safety system in industrial
environments?
A robust industrial fire safety system integrates multiple layers: management establishes policies and
regular safety inspections; employee education ensures that staff recognize hazards and know how to
respond; engineering controls like sprinklers and fire alarms actively detect and suppress fires early.
This multifaceted approach not only prevents accidents but also limits damage and enhances
workplace resilience. Additionally, it can reduce insurance premiums and improve compliance with
regulations, fostering both safety and economic benefits
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What are the key fire detection and suppression system methods used in industrial
settings, and how do these systems contribute to early fire hazard control?
Early detection is critical for controlling industrial fire hazards because it allows prompt response to
prevent escalation. Industrial facilities install advanced fire detection methods like heat detectors,
smoke detectors (including aspirating types for sensitive equipment), and integrated fire alarm systems
that alert personnel and emergency services automatically. Suppression systems vary by
environment—for example, foam systems for flammable liquids, clean agent systems for electronics,
and inert gas systems to reduce oxygen. These technologies work together to detect, alert, and
suppress fires early, minimizing damage and risk to workers and assets.
How do regular equipment maintenance and workplace housekeeping practices
prevent fire hazards in industrial environments?
Consistent maintenance of machinery and electrical systems prevents fire risks like overheating,
arcing, or electrical faults—common ignition sources in industry. In parallel, good housekeeping
reduces accumulated combustible materials such as dust, waste, and improperly stored flammable
substances, which serve as fuel for fires. For example, switching off machinery when unattended,
regular cleaning, proper waste disposal, and safe storage of flammable liquids dramatically reduce the
likelihood of fires starting or spreading. Together, these practices eliminate or control ignition sources
and fuels, which are fundamental principles in fire hazard control.
Why is implementing comprehensive fire safety plans and employee training essential
for effectively controlling fire hazards in industries?
Fire safety plans integrate hazard identification, risk assessments, prevention measures, emergency
procedures, and regular inspections into a coordinated strategy tailored to the specific industrial
environment. Assigning responsibilities (e.g., monitoring escape routes or shutting off utilities) ensures
accountability. Employee training equips workers with knowledge of fire risks, detection methods, and
response techniques including extinguisher use (e.g., PASS method). Well-informed and prepared
employees can act swiftly to prevent fire escalation, properly use fire safety equipment, and support
evacuation efforts—making plan implementation and training critical controls in minimizing industrial
fire hazards.
Why is it important to aim at the base of the fire rather than the flames when using
a fire extinguisher, and how does this technique improve the chances of successful
firefighting?
Aiming at the base of the fire targets the fuel source that is actually burning, which is essential to
extinguishing the fire effectively. Spraying the extinguisher at the flames alone is ineffective because
flames are simply the visible part of the combustion process—while the heat source and fuel at the
base continue to burn. Focusing on the base interrupts the chemical reaction and cools or smothers
the fuel, stopping the fire. This technique ensures efficient use of the extinguishing agent and increases
the likelihood of putting the fire out quickly without waste.
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Describe the significance of the P.A.S.S. method in fire extinguisher operation and
explain how each step contributes to fire suppression.
The P.A.S.S. acronym — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep — provides a simple, memorable guideline for
operating a fire extinguisher correctly under stress.
• Pull: Removing the safety pin unlocks the extinguisher, making it operational.
• Aim: Directing the nozzle at the fire’s base ensures the extinguishing agent reaches the fuel.
• Squeeze: Pressing the handle releases the extinguishing agent in a controlled stream.
• Sweep: Moving the nozzle side to side covers the entire fuel area, increasing fire suppression
efficacy.
Each step is critical. Skipping or improperly executing any part reduces effectiveness and can allow the
fire to spread or reignite. P.A.S.S. is a standardized process taught globally to ensure users respond
efficiently and safely.
What challenges might individuals face during the 'Sweep' step of using a fire
extinguisher, and how can proper training help overcome these difficulties?
• During the Sweep step, individuals must continuously move the nozzle side to side at the base
of the fire while maintaining steady aim and pressure. Challenges include managing the
extinguisher’s weight, maintaining calm under pressure, aiming correctly, and judging how far
to advance safely. Poor execution might lead to uneven coverage, wasted agent, or increased
risk.
• Proper training familiarizes users with the extinguisher’s operation, builds muscle memory,
and teaches judgment about sweep speed and distance from the fire. Training also emphasizes
the importance of maintaining awareness of surroundings, such as escape routes and personal
safety, enabling effective and confident use during emergencies.
How do the types of fire extinguishing agents influence the choice of fire extinguishing
techniques, and why is it important to match the agent to the fire class?
Different extinguishing agents (water, foam, dry chemical, CO2, clean agents) are specialized for
particular fire classes because each fire involves different fuels and hazards (e.g., electrical, flammable
liquids, metals). For example, using water on an electrical or grease fire can be dangerous and
ineffective; CO2 or dry chemical agents are better suited.
The technique may vary: foam spreads to smother flammable liquid fires, dry chemical interrupts
chemical reactions, and CO2 displaces oxygen. Knowing which agent to use and how to apply it ensures
the fire is extinguished safely and efficiently, prevents injury, and avoids worsening the fire.
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