8.3. Basic Principles of Fire
– Fire is a process that emits light and heat. To sustain most fires, three elements must be available at the same time: elevated temperature, oxygen, and fuel.
– Fire spreads from an ignition source to a fuel source to other fuel sources.
– The spread can either be by conduction, convection and radiation.
– Conduction transfers heat through contact with solid material.
– Convection transfers heat through heated air.
– Radiation heat transfers through electromagnetic waves given off by flames.
Fuels
– Paper & Boxes etc.
– Expanded polystyrene beads
– Plastics
– Solvents
– Carpets
– Furniture
– Waste materials
Classes of Fire
Common Causes of FIRE
– Machines not properly maintained leading to overloading
– Smoking or use of naked flame
– Excessive storage of waste and scrap materials
– Improper use or storage of flammable liquid e.g. thinner and paint
– Short-circuiting, overloading or poor joints in electrical cables
– Defective electrical equipment and wiring