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MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

CASE STUDY 2

DUW 10012 – OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND

HEALTH

PREPARED BY:

NAME NO MATRIK

NURALYSHA PUTRI BINTI HARI 10DLS21F2046

NUR AQILAH BINTI ZAKARIA 10DLS21F2007

NUR FARHANA BINTI BAHAROM 10DLS21F2072

NUR NABILAH BINTI AZHAR 10DLS21F2044

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

The origin of fire is tied to the origin of plants. Plants are responsible for two of the
three elements essential to the existence of fire: oxygen and fuel. The third element,
a heat source, has been available throughout the history of Earth mainly through
lightning (Pausas and Keeley 2009).
Plants and trees smoldering from a lightning strike or any source of hot coals may
have been the first resources exploited by humans to control fire. Friction using the
flint-and-steel method, where hot sparks are struck from a piece of steel or iron onto
suitable tinder, was a commonly used primitive technique for making fire. Fire was
used as a tool to clear ground for human habitats, to facilitate travel, to kill vermin, to
hunt, to regenerate plant food sources (for both humans and livestock), to use for
signaling, and even to use in warfare among tribes. Fire in its most common form
can result in  conflagration, which has the potential to cause physical damage
through burning. Fire is an important process that affects ecological systems around
the globe. The positive effects of fire include stimulating growth and maintaining
various ecological systems. Its negative effects include hazard to life and property,
atmospheric pollution, and water contamination.

2.0 ELEMENT OF FIRE

Fire is a chemical reaction that requires three elements to be present for the reaction
to take place and continue. The three elements are:
 Heat
 Fuel
 Oxygen
These three elements typically are referred to as the “fire triangle.” Fire is the result
of the reaction between the fuel and oxygen in the air. Scientists developed the
concept of a fire triangle to aid in understanding of the cause of fires and how they
can be prevented and extinguished. Heat, fuel and oxygen must combine in a
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precise way for a fire to start and continue to burn. If one element of the fire triangle
is not present or removed, fire will not start or, if already burning, will extinguish.
Ignition sources can include any material, equipment or operation that emits a spark
or flame including obvious items, such as torches, as well as less obvious items,
such as static electricity and grinding operations. Equipment or components that
radiate heat, such as kettles, catalytic converters and mufflers, also can be ignition
sources. Fuel sources include combustible materials, such as wood, paper, trash
and clothing; flammable liquids, such as gasoline or solvents; and flammable gases,
such as propane or natural gas. Oxygen in the fire triangle comes from the air in the
atmosphere. Air contains approximately 79 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen.
OSHA describes a hazardous atmosphere as one which is oxygen-deficient because
it has less than 19.5 percent oxygen, or oxygen enriched because it has greater than
23.5 percent oxygen. Either instance is regarded by OSHA as an atmosphere
immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) for reasons unrelated to the
presence of fire. Depending on the type of fuel involved, fires can occur with much
lower volume of oxygen present than needed to support human respiration. Every
roofing project has all three of the fire triangle elements present in abundance. The
key to preventing fires is to keep heat and ignition sources away from materials,
equipment and structures that could act as fuel to complete the fire triangle.

3.0 FIRE SPREAD AND HOW TO CONTROL THEM

Fire can spread by convection is the process of heat transfer by the movement of
fluids. The heated fluid rises and the colder fluid sinks, causing a continuous
circulation. This process is responsible for the transfer of heat from the Sun to the
Earth’s surface, and also for the movement of heated air or water in a room or body.
Convection can be either forced or natural. Forced convection occurs when a fluid is
moved by an external force, such as a fan or pump. Natural convection occurs when
the fluid is moved by buoyancy forces, which occur when the density of the fluid
decreases with increasing temperature.

Secondly fire can spread through Radiation is the transfer of heat by

electromagnetic waves. This process does not require a material to be in contact
with the object that is emitting the radiation. Radiation can travel through a vacuum,
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which makes it very efficient at transferring heat over long distances. The Sun is a
good example of how radiation can be used to transfer heat. The Sun emits
electromagnetic radiation, which travels through space and is then absorbed by the
Earth’s atmosphere. This absorbs the heat, which is then radiated back towards the
surface of the planet. This process warms the Earth’s surface and makes it habitable
for life.Fire also spreads by radiation. Hot gases radiate heat, which can then ignite
nearby combustible materials. This is why it is important to keep flammable materials
away from heat sources.

Also, fire can spread through direct burning is the process of fire spread by direct
contact between the flame and the material. This is the most common form of fire
spread, as it only requires a small amount of heat to ignite most materials.For
example, paper is a very flammable material and it only takes a small flame to set it
alight. Once the paper is burning, the heat from the flame will cause it to ignite other
nearby materials. This can then create a chain reaction, with the fire spreading
rapidly through a room or building.

There are many different causes of fires in workplaces, but some of the most
common include:

 Electrical equipment: Faulty or poorly maintained electrical equipment

is a common cause of workplace fires. This includes items such as
electrical cables, plugs, and sockets.
 Smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires in the home, and it
is also a significant cause of workplace fires.
 Heating equipment: Faulty or poorly maintained heating equipment,
such as radiators and boilers, can also be a fire hazard.
 Arson: Arson is a common cause of fires in commercial premises, such
as shops and offices.
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HOW TO CONTROL FIRE FROM SPREAD

As always when it comes to fire protection, stopping a fire from starting at all is
the best way to deal with the risks of a blaze. For commercial, industrial or non-
residential properties, fire safety training for staff can play an important role in
stopping a fire from breaking out.  Unfortunately, preventative measures can
sometimes be by passed. If this is the case, then it’s important that you have
appropriate measures in place. This includes fire doors which are a great way of
stopping a fire from moving from room to room as quickly as it otherwise would.
Many commercial buildings have lifts in place, which can actually encourage the
spread of fire. They act like chimneys, and provide an ideal passage to upper floors,
helping a fire reach them faster than they ordinarily would. With this in mind, it’s vital
to have something in place to keep the fire at bay for as long as possible if you have
lifts on your property.  Smoke inhalation is potentially more harmful and deadly than
the fire itself. So as well as preventing the fire from spreading, keeping the smoke
contained is important, too. Having fire stopping measures in place can
compartmentalise the fire and its smoke, sealing any gaps, openings or areas where
they may escape.  Finally, the best way to stop a fire from spreading once it has
started is to extinguish it immediately. Having fire extinguisher installed on your
property can help quickly and efficiently put out a fire, but remember different types
of fires require different extinguishers, so speak to your fire protection provider about
what is suitable for your property.
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4.0 TYPES OF FIRES

 Class A : Solid materials such as wood or paper, fabric  

          and some plastics.
 Class B : Liquids or gas such as alcohol, ether, 
                gasoline or grease.
 Class C : Electrical failure from appliances, electronic
                equipment and wiring
 Class D : Metallic substances such as sodium,titanium,
                zirconium, magnesium.
 Class K : Grease or oil fires specifically from cooking

2.0 FIRE CLASSIFICATION

 Class A - Ordinary Combustisles

Class A fires are generally the most common types of fires out of the different
classes of fires. These fires occur when ordinary combustible materials such as
wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and plastics ignite.

 Class B - Flammable Liquids & Gases

Class B fires use flammable liquids and gases as a fuel source. These fires typically
use petroleum greases, gasoline, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers,
alcohols, and flammable gases as a fuel base.

 Class C – Electrical Fires

Class C fires are electrical fires caused by electrical components and energized
electrical equipment such as wiring, controls, motors, machinery, and appliances.
These types of fires are common in industries that make use of heavy electrical
equipment such as data centres and industrial manufacturing facilities.
 Class D – Combustible Metals
Class D fires use combustible metallic substances as a fuel source. These types of
fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium,
lithium, and potassium.
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 Class K – Grease / Cooking Fires

Class K fires use combustible cooking oils, fats, and grease as a fuel source.
Spillages of cooking oils near the many heat sources found in commercial kitchens
often result in Class K fires.

6.0 Fire Extinguisher Types

 Class A : Fire caused by combustible carbon-based solids such as paper,

wood or textiles
 Class B :Fire caused by flammable liquids eg paraffin, petrol, diesel or oil
(but not cooking oil)
 Class C: Fire caused by flammable gases, eg butane, propane or methane
 Class D : Fire caused by burning metals, eg aluminium, lithium or
magnesium
 Class E: Fires caused by electrical equipment (indicated by an electric
spark symbol and not the letter E)
 Class F: Fire caused by fats and cooking oils.

7.0 FIRE EXTINGUISHER OPERATION

1. Pull ( pin )
Pull pin at the top of the extinguisher, breaking the seal. When in place, the
pin keeps the handle from being pressed and accidentally operating the
extinguisher. Immediately test the extinguisher. (Aiming away from the
operator) This is to ensure the extinguisher works and also shows the
operator how far the stream travels
2. Aim
Approach the fire standing at a safe distance. Aim the nozzle or outlet towards
the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze
Squeeze the handles together to discharge the extinguishing agent inside. To
stop discharge, release the handles.
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4. Sweep
Sweep the nozzle from side to side as you approach the fire, directing the
extinguishing agent at the base of the flames. After an A Class fire is
extinguished, probe for smouldering hot spots that could reignite the fuel.

8.0 Fire Extinguisher Placement

Portable fire extinguishers can be an effective early response to a developing fire, if

they are installed and used properly. In this section, we are going to review general
information about the placement and spacing of portable fire extinguishers

9.0 Photograph

10.0 Conclusion
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Firefighters are sworn to protect and serve the people in their community. Home
safety visits are a powerful and effective tool to protect and serve. When you
respond to a fire and the people are waiting for you outside, they are safe and you
and the other firefighters are safer too. When your fire department takes on the task
of implementing a program such as this, you can take comfort knowing that your
work will make your community a safer place to live. The information, advice and
education from the home safety visit, as well as the alarms that are installed, will
very likely save lives, injuries and property damage.

REFERENCES

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_triangle

https://www.target-fire.co.uk/resource-centre/how-do-fires-

https://vanguard-fire.com/what-are-the-5-different-classes-of-fires/amp

https://www.fst.co.za/what-are-the-5-different-classes-of-fire/
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