Fire Safety and Response Planning
Domain scope
This domain tests fire chemistry, fire risk assessment, prevention, detection, extinguishing and evacuation. You must match extinguishers to fire class and explain passive and active protection.
Core rules and concepts
- Fire needs fuel, oxygen, heat and an uninhibited chain reaction; removing one side prevents or extinguishes fire.
- Classes: A solids, B flammable liquids, C flammable gases, D metals, E electrical equipment, F cooking oils and fats. Match the extinguishing medium to the class.
- Fire risk assessment: identify ignition sources, fuel, oxygen and people at risk; reduce fuel and ignition; add detection, alarms, extinguishers, hose reels, sprinklers and passive compartmentation.
- Use RACE (rescue, alarm, contain, extinguish or evacuate) and PASS (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) only when trained and safe.
- Keep exits, routes and assembly points clear; test alarms and service equipment; train and drill.
Worked example
A paint store holds 200 litres of solvent. The fire risk assessment identifies class B flammable liquids, ignition from electrical equipment and poor ventilation. Controls: replace solvent-based paint where possible, store in a bunded cabinet, bond and earth containers, use an exhaust fan, install a foam extinguisher and prohibit smoking. Water jets are unsuitable because they spread solvent.
Traps
Using water on electrical or cooking-oil fires; blocking exits; storing flammables near ignition; skipping drills; and treating an extinguisher as a substitute for prevention.