Fire Safety and Prevention
Core knowledge
Understand the fire triangle (fuel, oxygen, heat) and fire tetrahedron (adding the chemical chain reaction). Know the classes of fire - A (solids), B (flammable liquids), C (gases), D (metals), F (cooking oils) - and the matching extinguishing agents. Learn the principles of prevention: control ignition sources, control fuel, control oxygen, and manage housekeeping. Understand fire detection and alarm systems, means of escape, compartmentation, fire doors, signage and the difference between passive and active fire protection. Know the types of extinguisher and their safe use (PASS: pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).
Traps
- Using water on electrical or cooking-oil fires.
- Confusing fire prevention (stopping ignition) with fire protection (limiting spread and impact).
- Assuming a fire extinguisher is the first action; evacuation and alarm come first unless trained and safe.
- Forgetting that fire doors must be kept closed and unobstructed.
- Mixing up fire classes and extinguisher types.
Worked example / rule of thumb
A small waste-paper fire in a bin. Class A. Action: raise alarm, evacuate if needed, use water or foam extinguisher only if trained and the fire is small and escape is clear. Rule of thumb: if in doubt, get out and call for help. Extinguishers are for trained staff tackling small fires with a clear escape route.
Practical skills
Identify ignition and fuel sources on a site, explain the purpose of compartmentation, and describe a fire risk assessment.