Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention and Fire Safety

Fires are one of the most dangerous and life threatening things that could happen within various types of establishments. Working on a nature reserve and in the hotel industry, i have definitely become more safety cautious and aware of all safety and fire hazards.


As part of my Hotel, Lodge and Resort Management course, i have to know the following:

• what types of fire hazards there are
• how to identify them
• how to prevent a hazard from causing a fire
  
• what procedures to follow in case of a fire
  

Hazards can be any of the following:

Loose wires/faulty wiring
Open gas bottles/stoves
Shortage
Mixing of the wrong flammable chemicals
Cigarettes which are not disposed of properly

It is a lot easier to prevent a fire from happening than fighting a out of control fire. Always be alert, report faulty equipment, get it fixed, remove any hazard or barrier that might prevent you from following correct procedures.


There are 3 components that are necessary for a fire to start, if one of the 3 is not present or is removed, the fire doesn't happen or it is extinguished, these components are:

1. fuel - something to burn
2. air - oxygen to keep the fire going
3. heat - gas, electricity

How to extinguish a fire:

1. starving - remove the fuel
2. smothering - remove the air
3. cooling - remove the heat

Procedure to follow when a fire occurs:

• Stay calm, assess the fire, where it is; what type of fire; how big
• Sound the alarm
• Inform the Manager on duty, who will then notify the fire brigade
• Assist guests and other staff members
• Close all windows and doors and turn of electrical equipment, as you evacuate
• Evacuate to assembly point

All staff members should be trained and educated on the different types of fire extinguishers and other fire fighting equipment, like a fire blanket and smoke detectors.

When extinguishing a fire, always aim at the source of the fire, the bottom, and kill it.

All establishments must have fire fighting equipment, located throughout the building, well marked with a sign saying what it is and where, so it is easy to find and use during a emergency.


Different types of fire extinguishers:

• Water(red) - Water is used for fire in ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper ext.
• Foam(cream) - Puts out fires by forming a blanket of foam over the top of the fire and smothering it.Can be used for natural materials
• Carbon dioxide(black) - Used for fires of inflammable liquids and has the advantage that it does not conduct electricity
• Dry powder(blue) - Commonly used for fat fires. It does not conduct electricity
• Halon(green) - Known as BCF , bromochlorodifluoromethane. It does not conduct electricity. It is a gas, and creates a thick cloud and may irritate the users throat

Fires are extremely dangerous and hazards should not be overlooked. In the hospitality industry there are a lot of fire hazards, that is why staff should be properly trained, so that they know exactly what to do, how to do it and who to ask for help.

Simple example of oil catching fire in a kitchen