Fire Safety
Prevention, Response, and Protection
Why Fire Safety Matters
Fire safety is everyone's responsibility. Understanding fire hazards, prevention strategies, and emergency response procedures can mean the difference between life and death.
- Workplace fires cause 200+ deaths annually
- 5,000+ workplace fire injuries each year
- $3+ billion in direct property damage
- Most workplace fires are preventable
Learning Objectives:
- Identify common fire hazards in the workplace
- Apply fire prevention best practices
- Understand the fire triangle and classes of fire
- Demonstrate proper fire extinguisher use (PASS technique)
- Execute safe evacuation procedures
Understanding Fire: The Fire Triangle
Three elements must be present for fire to exist
Fire requires three elements to ignite and sustain. Remove any one of these, and the fire cannot exist. This principle is the foundation of fire prevention and suppression.
Common Workplace Fire Hazards
Know what to look for
Fire hazards exist in every workplace. Being able to recognize them is the first step in prevention.
- Electrical hazards: Overloaded outlets, damaged cords, faulty equipment, poor wiring
- Flammable materials: Improperly stored chemicals, gasoline, solvents, cleaning agents
- Hot work operations: Welding, cutting, grinding, brazing without proper permits
- Smoking materials: Cigarettes in unauthorized areas, improper disposal
- Heating equipment: Space heaters near combustibles, unmaintained HVAC systems
- Cooking equipment: Unattended stoves, grease buildup in kitchens
- Poor housekeeping: Trash accumulation, blocked exits, cluttered storage
- Arson: Intentional fires, often targeting unoccupied areas
Fire Prevention Best Practices
Your daily responsibilities
Fire prevention is a shared responsibility. Follow these practices every day:
Keep Work Areas Clean
Remove trash regularly, don't let combustible materials accumulate, maintain clear pathways and exits.
Store Flammables Properly
Use approved containers, keep away from heat sources, store in designated areas with proper ventilation.
Inspect Electrical Equipment
Check cords for damage, don't overload outlets, unplug equipment when not in use, report defects immediately.
Follow Hot Work Procedures
Obtain permits before welding/cutting, have fire watch present, keep extinguisher nearby, inspect area after completion.
Maintain Fire Safety Equipment
Don't block extinguishers or exits, report damaged equipment, participate in fire drills, know alarm locations.
Classes of Fire
Different fires require different suppression methods
Fires are classified by the type of fuel involved. Using the wrong extinguisher can be ineffective or dangerous.
Fire Extinguisher Types
Matching extinguishers to fire classes
Different extinguishers contain different suppression agents. Most workplaces use ABC extinguishers for versatility.
- Water (Class A): Most common for ordinary combustibles. Cools the fire. Never use on electrical or grease fires.
- CO₂ (Class B, C): Carbon dioxide displaces oxygen. Good for electrical fires. Leaves no residue but provides no cooling.
- Dry Chemical ABC (Class A, B, C): Most versatile. Contains monoammonium phosphate. Interrupts chemical reaction. Most common in workplaces.
- Dry Chemical BC (Class B, C): Sodium or potassium bicarbonate. For flammable liquids and electrical. Not effective on Class A.
- Wet Chemical (Class K): Potassium-based solution. Specifically designed for kitchen fires. Creates soapy foam that cools and suppresses.
- Dry Powder (Class D): Special compounds for metal fires. Each metal may require specific agent (sodium chloride, copper powder, etc.).
The PASS Technique
How to use a fire extinguisher effectively
PASS is an acronym that helps you remember the four steps for proper fire extinguisher use. Memorize this technique—it could save your life.
- Fire alarm has been activated
- Building evacuation has started
- You have a clear escape route behind you
- Fire is small and contained (no larger than a trash can)
- You have the correct type of extinguisher
PASS Technique: Step-by-Step
Detailed instructions for each step
PULL the Pin
Hold the extinguisher upright. Pull the safety pin located at the top handle. This breaks the tamper seal and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some pins require twisting or turning before pulling.
AIM Low
Stand 6-10 feet away from the fire (follow extinguisher label for exact distance). Point the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, not the flames. The base is where the fuel is located.
SQUEEZE the Handle
Squeeze the handles together firmly. This releases the extinguishing agent. Release the handle to stop discharge. Keep the extinguisher upright to maintain pressure.
SWEEP Side to Side
Move the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire. Start at the near edge and work your way back, covering the entire fuel source. Continue until the fire is completely out.
- Fire is spreading rapidly
- Fire blocks your exit path
- Smoke makes it hard to breathe
- You don't have the correct extinguisher
- You're not trained or confident
- Multiple extinguishers are needed
When the Fire Alarm Sounds
Immediate action required
Fire alarms save lives. Never ignore a fire alarm, even if you think it's a drill or false alarm. Every second counts in a fire emergency.
- Stop work immediately - Leave tools, belongings, and materials
- Alert others - Notify anyone who may not have heard the alarm
- Close doors - Close (don't lock) doors behind you to contain fire and smoke
- Use stairs only - Never use elevators during fire emergencies
- Follow exit signs - Move to the nearest safe exit
- Stay low if smoke is present - Crawl to stay below smoke level
- Go to assembly point - Don't leave until accounted for
- Don't go back for personal belongings
- Don't use elevators (they may malfunction or open on fire floor)
- Don't investigate before evacuating
- Don't assume it's a false alarm or drill
- Don't re-enter until emergency personnel give all-clear
Evacuation Procedures
Know your escape routes
Effective evacuation requires planning and practice. Your workplace should have clearly marked exits and an evacuation plan.
Know Two Ways Out
Identify at least two exit routes from every area you work in. Primary and alternate routes ensure you have options if one is blocked.
Check Before Opening Doors
Feel the door with the back of your hand. If it's hot, don't open it—fire is on the other side. Use alternate route. If cool, open slowly and be ready to close quickly.
Stay Low in Smoke
Smoke and heat rise. Breathable air is near the floor. If encountering smoke, get down and crawl. Cover your nose and mouth with cloth if possible.
Go to Assembly Point
Once outside, move to your designated assembly point. Stay there so emergency personnel can account for everyone. Don't leave the area or re-enter the building.
Assist Others if Safe
Help coworkers with disabilities, injuries, or language barriers if you can do so safely. Never put yourself in danger. Alert emergency personnel about anyone who needs assistance.
- Participate in all fire drills seriously
- Review evacuation maps posted in your work area
- Know where fire extinguishers and pull stations are located
- Keep exits and pathways clear of obstructions
- Report blocked exits or inoperable emergency equipment
Special Fire Safety Situations
Additional scenarios to understand
Some fire situations require specific responses. Know how to react in these scenarios:
If Your Clothes Catch Fire
STOP, DROP, and ROLL. Stop moving immediately. Drop to the ground. Cover your face with hands. Roll over and over to smother flames. Do NOT run—running fans the flames.
If Trapped in a Room
Close the door. Seal cracks with cloth or tape. Signal for help at the window. Call 911 and give your exact location. Don't break windows unless necessary (smoke may rush in).
High-Rise Buildings
Know stairwell locations. Never use elevators. If smoke in stairwell, try alternate stairwell. If all stairwells blocked, return to office, close door, seal cracks, and call for help.
Assisting People with Disabilities
Ask how you can help—don't assume. For wheelchair users: If safe, help evacuate using evacuation chair or carry. If not safe, help to stairwell landing and alert firefighters immediately.
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