Understanding Fire Hazards

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Questions and Answers

In the context of fire hazards, what is the most accurate description of how a fire evolves into a significant disaster?

  • A fire is caused solely by human negligence, independent of environmental conditions or the presence of flammable materials.
  • A fire spontaneously ignites due to unpredictable chemical reactions, bypassing the typical stages of fire development.
  • A fire rapidly consumes all available oxygen in a confined space, immediately leading to structural collapse.
  • A fire gradually escalates as an object is exposed to elevated temperatures over time, initiating combustion and subsequent spread. (correct)

How has the traditional fire triangle been updated to better explain modern understandings of fire dynamics?

  • By integrating 'chemical chain reaction' as a crucial component of sustained combustion. (correct)
  • By replacing 'heat' with 'energy' to account for exothermic reactions beyond simple temperature elevation.
  • By removing ‘fuel’ as it will always be a factor
  • By emphasizing the role of 'oxygen concentration' in predicting the intensity of a fire.

What is the MOST critical factor that defines fire as rapid oxidation?

  • The volume of smoke produced during combustion.
  • The quantity of heat released into the surrounding environment.
  • The intensity of light emitted from the flames.
  • The speed at which molecular movement leads to gas expansion and combustion. (correct)

Which statement BEST describes how modern fire safety reconstructs the fire triangle?

<p>Modern fire safety has reconstructed it to become a fire tetragon, including the chain of chemical reactions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the inclusion of 'chemical chain reaction' refine our understanding of fire dynamics?

<p>It explains why a fire can persist even when initial ignition sources are removed, due to the continued release of free radicals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, what is a common characteristic of nearly all fire accidents?

<p>They are, in the majority, completely avoidable through preventive measures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might the decay phase, also known as the burnout phase, still be considered dangerous despite the fire's apparent reduction in intensity?

<p>The potential of backdraft. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the 'growth phase' or 'incipient phase' of a fire that makes it critical for early detection and suppression?

<p>Heat transfer intensifies, accelerating the ignition of more fuel sources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a 'backdraft' condition typically arise during a fire, and why is it hazardous?

<p>It results from a sudden influx of oxygen into a smoldering, oxygen-depleted environment containing combustible gases. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of fire development would opening a door or window most likely lead to a backdraft, and why does this pose a danger?

<p>Decay Phase - the introduction of oxygen into a smoldering environment can cause an explosion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a Class A fire from a Class B fire in terms of the combustible materials involved?

<p>Class A fires involve materials that produce ash, such as paper and wood, while Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fire extinguisher is explicitly designed to combat fires involving cooking oils and fats?

<p>Class K (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances would a fire be classified as a Class C fire?

<p>When the fire involves electrical equipment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth during a fire?

<p>To prevent gas intake. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is adherence to safety standards considered the top measure in preventing fire-related disasters?

<p>Because it addresses a range of preventive actions that protect the population. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a fire starts in an open area and is not immediately extinguished, what is the typical progression?

<p>The fire will die off as the source of the burning is used up. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action should you take if your clothes catch on fire?

<p>Stop, drop to the ground, and roll over with your hands over your face. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the fully-developed phase, which gas is particularly dangerous and abundant?

<p>Carbon Monoxide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text implies that fires need what to exist?

<p>Heat, fuel, oxygen, and a chemical chain reaction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you are caught in a fire, why should you stay low to the ground?

<p>Because the temperature is cooler near the ground. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What signifies the ignition phase of a fire?

<p>The first minute of a starting fire. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should one never re-enter their home if a fire has occurred?

<p>Until a fire official says it is safe to do so. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines when a fire transitions into the 'fully-developed phase'?

<p>When the fire has reached its highest point. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, what should you do first if you discover a fire has started?

<p>Immediately evacuate the area and alert others. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate key toward fire safety?

<p>Adherance to fire safety standards. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why can acting upon a fire in its ignition phase save lives and property?

<p>Because this is the stage where a fire extinguisher will prove efficient. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

While trying to escape a fire, you encounter a closed door. Why should you check the door for heat before opening it?

<p>To assess if there is fire on the other side. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fire hazards is most preventable?

<p>All the above. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Fire Hazards

A common disaster, occurring when an object is subjected to high temperatures and begins to burn.

Fire Triangle

A combination of oxygen, fuel, and heat/temperature that allows fire to exist.

Chain of Chemical Reaction

The component added to the fire triangle that explains why a fire doesn't die instantly.

Fire

The rapid oxidation of objects at raised temperatures, producing smoke, heat, and light.

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Causes of Fire Accidents

Includes carelessness, electrical equipment, and smoking.

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Ignition Phase

The first minute of a fire – can be put out by fire extinguishers, saving lives and property.

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Growth Phase / Incipient Phase

Fire increases in size as more fuel sources ignite; heat transfer is rapid.

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Fully-developed Phase / Free-Burning Phase

The fire has reached its peak; heat is very high, oxygen levels are low, and carbon monoxide is abundant.

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Decay Phase / Burnout Phase

Available fuel is depleted, and the fire loses intensity; still dangerous due to backdraft.

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Back Draft

An explosive surge in a fire produced by the sudden mixing of air with other combustible gases.

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Class A Fires

Materials that produce ash such as paper, wood, cloth, and plastics.

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Class B Fires

Liquids that boil when exposed to extreme heat such as gasoline and propane.

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Class C Fires

Fires involving electrical equipment.

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Class D Fires

Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium and lithium.

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Class K Fires

Cooking oil and fatty substances.

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Adherance to Fire Safety

Top measure to prevent unwanted disasters brought about by fire.

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During A Fire

Cover mouth and nose with a damp cloth and crawl low to the ground.

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Study Notes

  • Fire hazards are common and devastating disasters
  • Fire typically occurs when an object is exposed to high temperatures for a period of time causing it to burn

The Fire Triangle

  • Fire is a combination of components
  • The three main components of fire are oxygen, fuel, and heat/temperature
  • These three components are known as the "Fire Triangle"

Chain of Chemical Reaction

  • Fire safety practitioners reconstructed the fire triangle to include the "chain of chemical reaction"
  • The "chain of chemical reaction" was added to answer "how does fire not die instantly?"

Fire

  • Fire involves the rapid oxidation of objects at high temperatures
  • Fire gives off byproducts like smoke, heat, and light
  • The reaction is rapid; the movement of molecules due to heat creates the quick expansion of gases undergoing combustion

Causes of Fire Accidents

  • Fire accidents can be caused by many sources and are often preventable
  • Potential causes are carelessness and accidents
  • Potential causes are electrical equipment
  • Potential causes are smoking or lighting of fire material

Stages of Fire

  • Fires in open areas die off as the burning source is exhausted
  • Ignition Phase: The first minute of a starting fire, which can be put out by fire extinguishers. Acting in this phase may save lives and property
  • Growth or Incipient Phase: Fire starts to grow as more fuel sources ignite, and heat transfer is rapid
  • Fully-Developed or Free-Burning Phase: Fire reaches its peak; heat is very high, and oxygen levels are near zero, and air temperature is about 700° C.
  • Carbon Monoxide is abundant and highly toxic
  • Decay or Burnout Phase: The available fuel source is depleted, and the fire loses intensity but remains dangerous due to the phenomenon called Back Draft

Back Draft

  • Back Draft is an explosive surge in a fire caused by the sudden mixing of air with other combustible gases

Fire Classes

  • Class A: Materials that produce ash, like paper, wood, cloth, and plastics
  • Class B: Liquids that boil when exposed to extreme heat, such as gasoline, propane, and other solutions/solvents
  • Class C: Electrical fire
  • Class D: Combustible metals like magnesium and lithium
  • Class K: Cooking oil and fatty substances

Fire Safety Measures

  • Adhering to fire safety standards is the best way to prevent unwanted disasters
  • During a fire, cover your mouth and nose with a damp towel or cloth to prevent gas intake and stay low to the ground where temperatures are cooler

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