​Firefighting

Firefighting Techniques:

The firefighting techniques are based on removing one or more components that constitute a fire. These techniques are as follows:

• Starvation: Removing fuel from the fire
• Smothering: Removing or limiting the amount of oxygen around fire
• Cooling: Removing or reducing the heat of the fire
• Stopping the Chemical Chain Reaction: Inhibiting free radicals that are thrown off the flames of fire

Firefighting Equipment:

The firefighting equipment found at workplaces are:

• Portable Fire Extinguishers: Quick and effective means to extinguish fire
  

• Fire Blankets: Used to physical smother fires in cooking areas, and burning clothes
  

• Fire Hose Reels: Installed in buildings to help fire teams fight fire
  

• Sprinkler Systems: Installed in critical areas to damp down the fire
  

Fire Extinguishers:

Fire extinguishers come with different types of extinguishing agents, such as, Water, Foam, Dry Powder, Carbon dioxide, and Wet Chemical. The chart below shows the type of fire extinguishers that can be used on various classes of fire.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher:

Remember the acronym "PASS"

• PULL the pin.
• AIM the nozzle at the base of fire.
• SQUEEZE the lever in a controlled manner to release the agent.
• SWEEP the nozzle from side to side until the fire is extinguished.
  

"Never attempt to fight a fire unless it is safe to do so"

What if Person's Clothes catch Fire?

Use the STOP…DROP…ROLL technique.

If the person's clothes catch fire, do the following:

• Stop (do not run).
• Drop to the floor in a prone position and cover the face with hands.
• Roll over on the floor to smother the fire.
• Use fire blanket if available and perform the process.