With winter coming up and the known increased incidence of fires during colder months in South Africa, we thought it would be of utmost importance to touch on how fires can be prevented. In Gauteng, the temperatures have started dropping and with load shedding, in all likely hood of continuing during winter, people are going to try what they can to stay warm. The important safety thought here is, how do we do it safely without endangering ourselves, our families, co-workers, home and place of work?
How Does a Fire Start?
Let’s focus on how fires start or are ignited before we get to how it can be prevented. Going back to basics, we know that for a fire to ignite, oxygen, heat, and a fuel is needed. These 3 elements are called a “Fire Triangle” or “Triangle of Combustion”. By adding in a fourth element, chemical reaction, and you have a solid pyramid with four plane faces called a fire “tetrahedron”, from the Greek words “tesseris edres”.
A fire starts with:
- an external ignition source which is usually in the form of a flame or spark.
- the external ignition source heats the fuel under the presence of oxygen
- As both fuel and oxygen are heated, molecular activity increases.
- If properly heated, a self-sustaining chemical reaction is developed.
- The consequent chemical reaction will then escalate at a point where the external ignition source is no longer necessary for the propagation of the fire.
The important thing to remember is that if you remove any of the elements found in the “fire tetrahedron”, with the use of a fire extinguisher, the fire will cease to burn, or better yet if any of the elements are removed prior to a fire igniting, you will not have a fire.
How Can We Prevent Fires in the Workplace?
- Store flammable and combustible materials safely and away from the building
Any flammable or combustible materials such as oil, alcohols, acetone, or other chemicals are hazardous and increase the risk of fires if not stored well. Ensure they are kept away from the building and in appropriate containers with lids. - Ensure ventilation points are not blocked with dust or any other materials
Ensure proper housekeeping, such as preventing ventilation points on machinery becoming clogged with dust or other materials which can cause overheating. - Keep your working environment “clutter-free” to avoid fueling fires and preventing access to exit areas.
Avoid keeping a large number of boxes and paper as they can cause a fire to spread faster than usual. Boxes can also block access points or emergency exits making it difficult for people to exit the building safely. - Avoid the use of heating appliances, such as heaters at desks/workstations
We know that employees are known to bring heaters from home to plug under their workstations to stay warm in the office during winter. With “aircon wars” in the office, come to a mutual agreement on a temperature for the office to keep the majority satisfied and encourage warmer clothing/layers. - Do not overload extension leads at workstations, server rooms and lighting areas
Ensure that plug points at workstations, server rooms and lighting areas are only in use for their main or sole purpose. Overloading plugs or extension leads can increase the risk for sparks, which could result in fires. - Avoid keeping rubbish or waste on the premises and store them away from the buildings
Waste and rubbish add as fuels to fires and can be avoided with storing them away from the building. - In restaurants, clean cooking equipment regularly to prevent grease build up and fueling fire
Properly clean and maintain cooking equipment to avoid build up - Have a dedicated smoking area for employees, away from flammable and combustible materials.
If you do not provide a safe space for employees to smoke, they will find a spot during break times. Best practice would be to allocate a safe space for them away from flammable and combustible materials. - Ensure all staff are aware of the common causes of fires and enforce compliance regularly
It is good practice to include fire prevention and awareness in safety guidance/meetings to reduce the risk. - Ensure fire equipment are available and maintained
The last and most important step is to ensure that all fire equipment such as fire extinguishers, pumps, smoke detectors etc., are all serviced at the correct intervals/due date to ensure good working condition in the event of a fire or when needed. Not servicing fire equipment when due could result in malfunction and serve no purpose in the event of a fire.
Top Tips to Prevent Fires at Home
- Ensure cooking stoves and ovens are cleaned after use
Grease build-up can fuel fires. - Ensure all cooking appliances are switched off at the main after use
Cooking appliances can malfunction and switching them off after use at the mains is best. - In a world of loadshedding, be wise when using candles
• Only use a candle in a room where you or a family member is present
• Keep candles and heat appliances away from curtains or any other flammable material
• Extinguish candles when no longer needed - Extinguish cigarettes, fires & hot ash safely
Hot ash should only be removed once cooled down and put into a metal container. - Do not leave a fire unattended in a fireplace and clean regularly
Leaving fires unattended is a danger. Clean regular and ensure there are no coals left overnight or unattended. - Do not overload extension leads
Overloading extension leads can cause a spark and increase risk for fires - Hazardous Material & Safety
Keep any material that can burn at least 1 meter away from heaters/fireplace - Heater (Gas & Electric) safety
Remember to switch off heaters when going to bed or leaving the room. - Stover tops & Safety
Keep oven gloves, dish cloths & any other materials away from the stove top. - Cooking Safety
Never leave the kitchen while cooking. If you need to step out, switch the oven & stove off.
Now that you know how to prevent fires in both the workplace and at home, contact Elite Fire Protection today for your all maintenance, fire equipment supply, and installation to protect your people and your building. Also, do not forget to download your Fire Safety Checklist to help you be better prepared.