Technical Information for Managers and Competent Persons

The following information can be used as an aide memoir to train and give refresher training to staff

What is Fire?

Fire is a chemical reaction, which involves oxygen and any substance that will burn.  The existence of a fire is dependent on the presence of three things – fuel, a source of ignition/heat and oxygen.  This is known as the Fire Triangle

Fires start when all three are brought together and can be put out by removing one or more of the three elements.  In the average premises fire hazards will fall into fuel or heat/ignition sources, as oxygen will be present in the air in the surrounding space 

Potential sources of fuel: anything that burns is a potential fuel, examples include:

• Solids: textiles, wood, paper, card, plastics, rubber, PU foam, furniture, fixtures/fittings, packaging, waste materials etc.
• Flammable liquids such as cooking oils, solvents and adhesives (petrol, white spirit, methylated spirits, paraffin, thinners etc.), paints, varnish etc.
• Flammable Gases: Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), acetylene;
• Paper and Materials  
• displays, books, clothing, decorations;
• props and scenery in drama departments;
• cloakrooms in circulation areas in schools;
• textiles and soft furnishings, such as hanging curtains on stages, costumes in drama departments;
• waste and litter products, particularly finely divided items such as swarf and wood shavings, off cuts, and dust in design, art and engineering areas;
• gymnasium mats and crash pads with cellular foam fillings;

Potential sources of ignition could include:

• naked flames, matches, pilot lights, cookers etc.
• hot surfaces: electrical, gas or oil-fired heaters, (fixed or portable) heaters, engines, boilers, machinery, lighting (for example halogen lamps), electrical equipment etc.
• Hot work: gas welding, grinding, flame cutting, use of Bunsen Burners.
• Food technology areas;
• Friction: drive belts, worn bearings etc.
• Sparks: static electricity, metal impact, grinding, electrical/contacts/switches etc.
• Arson, (for example deliberate ignition, vandalism);
• Poor electrical installations, e.g. overloads, heating from bunched cables, damaged cables, faulty or misused electrical equipment,
• Technology, art and craft facilities;
• Chemical agents in laboratories;