In the last blog of mine, we have seen the importance of evacuation and its process when there is a fire.

In this blog, let us discuss how to prevent Fire in the places where we live and work.
Fire has been an integral part of human life since time immemorial. It is even being worshiped in many places and has its own special place in many a Mythology. In today’s modern world, it is utilized for many things ranging from the food we cook, to power rockets into outer space. We just cannot imagine life without a fire.
‘FIRE IS A WONDERFUL SERVANT BUT A BAD MASTER, when used properly it lights up life, but creates havoc and destruction when out of control.’ Hence the trick is to prevent fire and if one knows it can prevent fire accidents.

To do this understanding of Fire chemistry is a must. Fire is a chemical reaction called combustion that takes place between Fuel and Heat supported by Oxygen. A Fuel is defined as any material which can burn. A fuel can be Solid, Liquid, or Gas which are nothing but the three states of matter. For a fire to be ignited we require oxygen of 16%, which is abundantly available. A very interesting fact here is Oxygen does not burn by itself unlike some gases but without it, fire cannot happen. But the major part is played by heat without which nothing can burn. There are many sources of heat around us like Sparks and Arcs, Chemical Reactions, Gas Compression, Open Flames, hot surfaces, Static Electricity and last but not the least The Sun itself. When the heat is increased and there is fuel nearby, a fire is bound to happen. A fourth element called Chain Reaction is also there but it is too technical to explain in a short blog.
So, now the question is:
How do we do fire prevention ?
Fire prevention can be done by

1. Not overloading Electrical Sockets.
2. Not keeping flammable material near sources of heat.
3. Using good quality Electrical wires and Switches.
4. Periodical Maintenance of electrical appliances.
5. Not overloading equipments beyond rated capacities.
6. Not charging mobiles and laptops in beds and pillows.
7. Not smoking in Beds.
8. Not leaving electrical irons and heaters unattended.
9. Not leaving the kitchen unattended while cooking.
10. Not giving matches or Lighters to Children.

One of the major threats of Fire in India is the use of LPG cylinders for cooking, about which I will be covering in my next blog. Meanwhile let us think on the points of fire prevention and the ways to implement them. One of the good practices adopted by industries and factories is a concept called 5S which is a Japanese form of Housekeeping to prevent fires. However the best line on Fire Prevention is A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN PLACE.

We shall discuss a lot more in my upcoming blogs. Till then, think safe and be safe.

V.SESHADRI.
Sr. Corporate Trainer.
Usha Fire  Safety Equipments Pvt Ltd.
Chennai.
Mobile number 9840814353

In my last blog we have discussed how fire accidents are causing loss of life and destruction of property. But the question remains can Fire accidents be prevented?  Yes we can. Preventing Fire is easier than fighting a fire. However, the most important factor is to know the process of proper evacuation. Today   people love to work and live in tall buildings, technically known as high rise buildings. The taller the building, the better the view but it comes with a plethora of risks. Though there are rules and regulations in place they are hardly followed. More about that later but let us concentrate on how to save lives first.

We lose lives in any Emergency situation because of 2 reasons.

1. WE DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO!

2. WE DONT KNOW WHERE TO GO!

In many a workplace having trained Emergency Responders has paid dividends. Anyone with proper training can save lives.

Let us first understand what to do when there is a FIRE? The answer is there in the very word itself.

F- FIND.        I- INFORM   R—RESPOND       AND     E-EVACUATE.

The First step is to find the fire. This can be done by the God given human-detectors like Eyes, Nose, Skin and Ears. Or it can be done by the modern equipments like Smoke Detectors. Once, a fire is detected, the next step is to “Inform or Warn”. This can be done by either activating the Fire Alarm call point, or by shouting aloud. Once, this is done, the next step is to respond by immediately trying to fight the fire if one is trained. But if you are not trained you need to Evacuate immediately through the Emergency Exits and assemble at a place well away from the building. Evacuation is the best way to save lives during a fire accident.

The Following steps need to be kept in mind while evacuating.

1.        Use exits which are safe and near to you.
2.        Listen to the announcements.
3.        Walk Fast. Never use LIFTS.
4.        Use only Staircases and walk on one side of the staircase.
5.        Reach your designated assembly point.
6.        Once out, never try to enter the building for any purpose.
7.        Wait for further Instructions.
8.       Elders, Expectant mothers and physically challenged people should be given the first priority.

The best way to practise all this is to conduct Evacuation Drills at periodical intervals both at home and work places.

The biggest obstacle and killer in Fire situations is not Fire itself but Smoke. In smoke, the most deadly killers are Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN). To avoid inhaling the killer smoke, we need to wet a cloth, tie it around the nose and mouth and crawl out to safety. When you Crawl, Smoke being lighter than air, will go up and at the same time, the path which you are taking will be Visible. This is what a 10 year old girl by name ZEN did when there was a fire in Crystal Towers in Mumbai to save not only her life but also that of three other families living on that floor.

If your clothes catch fire, remember to Stop Drop and Roll by covering your face with your hands. By doing this, we can avoid severe burn injuries. The best first aid for burns is pouring water on the affected parts. Saving your life is more important than fire fighting. Share the evacuation process to your loved ones.

We shall see the entire chemistry of Fire and prevention in my nextblog. Till then be safe and take your evacuation drills very seriously.

SESHADRI VARADARAJAN.
Call me @ 9840814353.
Or write to me @ seshadri3225@gmail.com

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