Fire Safety and Evacuation
Fire needs three things: fuel, heat, and oxygen (the fire triangle). Fire safety is about keeping them apart and being ready if they meet. Know the classes of fire - solids (A), flammable liquids (B), flammable gases (C), metals (D), electrical (E), and cooking oils (F) - because the wrong extinguisher makes things worse. Water conducts electricity and spreads oil fires; CO2 and dry powder are suitable for electrical fires; foam suits flammable liquids.
Know your site: extinguisher locations and types, alarm call points, escape routes, fire doors, assembly point, and the location of the fire panel. Fire doors must be kept closed and never propped open - they hold back smoke and fire. Escape routes must be clear and unlocked from the inside. Do not block exits with stock or equipment.
Evacuation procedure: on alarm, stop work, evacuate by the nearest safe route, do not use lifts, close doors, assist those who need help, report to the assembly point, and remain there until told otherwise. Do not re-enter for belongings or to "check." Fire wardens sweep areas and report.
Traps: candidates choose water for electrical or oil fires, assume an extinguisher is always the right first action (evacuation and calling the fire service come first for anything beyond a small, contained fire), or re-enter a building during roll call.
Rule of thumb: If the fire is bigger than a wastebasket and growing, get out and call - do not fight it.
Worked example: A small wastebasket fire in an office. Raise the alarm, ensure people are leaving, use a suitable extinguisher only if trained and it is safe with a clear exit behind you, then evacuate and report.