What are the fire prevention actions?

Many accidental and even natural fires can be avoided with some simple prevention actions. Let’s get to know them:

Smoking ban;

In addition to the restriction on cigarette consumption in closed spaces, which has existed since 2011 thanks to Law prohibiting smoking in areas close to flammable materials, fuels or other dangerous products also reduces the chances of fires.

Another example is the ban on cigarettes at gas stations, as both the cigarette itself and its ashes, in addition to the flames caused by matches and lighters, can cause a fire.

Material storage:

It is not enough to prohibit smoking near dangerous products: the materials must be stored correctly, especially those that may present some type of risk. To do this, one must consider the packaging used, the conditions of the storage location and even the distance between the products. For more blogs click here

Proper storage must be accompanied by appropriate cleaning of the site, risk labels and sheets such as MSDS, signage and other safety instructions.

Environmental de-energization:

In both companies and homes, it is recommended that the space be de-energized by turning off equipment that is not in use. In addition to correctly turning off machines and devices after working hours, if possible, unplug them from the socket and carry out other recommended de-energization procedures. Click Here for fire warden Course

Respect electrical technical standards:

Electrical technical standards, as mentioned above, offer guidelines to avoid fires and other damage to electrical installations. Check the applicable standards and follow them correctly to ensure that the electrical design and electronic equipment are not responsible for possible fires.

What to do in case of fire?

When identifying a fire source, it is necessary to follow measures recommended by the Fire Department to preserve the health and safety of occupants. Look:

General alarm:

The first step is to issue a general alert to inform everyone present that there is a fire outbreak and that procedures must be initiated. Most Fire Prevention and Fighting systems have alarms that go off automatically when smoke or extreme heat is detected, but if there is no automatic system, trigger a manual alarm.

It is very important to alert everyone present in the building and begin the evacuation process, as we will see below.

Furthermore, it is necessary to call the Fire Department to contain the flames.

Evacuation of the building:

After the alarm is issued, people present in the space must begin evacuation. Ideally, training should be carried out periodically to guide employees and occupants of the site on the correct measures in the event of a fire, including the evacuation procedure.

Exit must be via the stairs and emergency doors, never via the elevator. If it is not possible to leave the location, wait for guidance from the firefighters. Click here for Fire Safety Course

Fire fighting:

Finally, firefighting is recommended to prevent the spread of flames, but must be done by a qualified person, such as a fire brigade. First, the general electrical switch must be turned off; then, it is necessary to use appropriate equipment to contain the fire.

There are three main methods used to fight fire, they are:

Muffle:

In class B and K fires, smothering is recommended, which consists of containing the flames with a damp, but not wet, blanket or towel, or even a lid.

Smothering reduces the oxygen concentration in the area, helping to contain the fire. It can also be done using foam fire extinguishers.

Isolation:

In isolation, the focus of the flames is isolated so as not to spread. This is done by removing the burning material or removing other materials from the proximity of the flames, preventing them from catching on other items.

Cooling:

Finally, cooling seeks to completely eliminate heat by cooling the source of the fire until the flames are extinguished and no longer generate vapors or gases. Cooling can be done with water or a fire extinguisher, but you need to keep an eye on the fire rating to use appropriate resources.

If in doubt, proceed with evacuation and call the Fire Department to continue fighting the fire properly and safely.

What are the basic principles of Fire Prevention and Fighting?

Some basic principles can make all the difference in Fire Prevention and Fighting, helping both to avoid fire and to control it, should it happen. Let’s get to know these principles:

Adoption of safety standards:

The Fire Prevention and Fighting project must be based on relevant safety standards, which take into account the risks to which the company is exposed. This includes providing PPE, EPCs, fire-fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and emergency exits, and also restricting the use of cigarettes, unauthorized electrical equipment (such as heaters) and other items that could start a fire.

Furthermore, safety standards must be publicized so that all employees are aware of their rights and duties and know the correct procedures to prevent and control fire.

Correct storage of materials:

Chemicals, flammable products, fabric, paper, cotton, rubber, gasoline and paints, among others, must be stored correctly, as they present a high degree of combustion risk.

Therefore, those responsible must be aware of the fire classes and have the appropriate extinguishers.

Carrying out periodic inspections and maintenance:

Electrical equipment, such as transformers, generators, motors and even computers also fall into fire classes. Periodic inspections must be carried out to help increase energy efficiency, and preventive maintenance must be carried out to identify possible risks and thus prevent fires due to misuse or malfunction.

Team training:

Some companies form fire brigades internally, preparing employees for evacuation and fire containment measures, which is mandatory in companies with more than 20 employees.

Even if your company does not need a brigade, training the entire team can make a difference in cases of accidents, providing information on activities that can cause fires, control methods and first aid measures.

Fire detection and extinguishing systems:

Investing in quality firefighting equipment is essential for occupant safety. Some examples are smoke, heat, temperature and flame detectors, alarm and detection center, audible alerts, among others.

These systems require preventive maintenance to function properly, especially in an emergency situation, so also invest in a maintenance plan to ensure that the equipment is always ready for use.