https://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/fire.

htm
https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/fire/fire_prevention/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_safety

General fire safety hazards

Fires need three things to start – a source of ignition (heat), a source of fuel (something
that burns) and oxygen:

 sources of ignition include heaters, lighting, naked flames, electrical

equipment, smokers' materials (cigarettes, matches etc), and
anything else that can get very hot or cause sparks
 sources of fuel include wood, paper, plastic, rubber or foam, loose
packaging materials, waste rubbish and furniture
 sources of oxygen include the air around us

What do I have to do?

Employers (and/or building owners or occupiers) must carry out a fire safety risk
assessment and keep it up to date. This shares the same approach as health and
safety risk assessments and can be carried out either as part of an overall risk
assessment or as a separate exercise.

Based on the findings of the assessment, employers need to ensure that adequate and
appropriate fire safety measures are in place to minimise the risk of injury or loss of life
in the event of a fire.

To help prevent fire in the workplace, your risk assessment should identify what could
cause a fire to start, ie sources of ignition (heat or sparks) and substances that burn,
and the people who may be at risk.

Once you have identified the risks, you can take appropriate action to control them.
Consider whether you can avoid them altogether or, if this is not possible, how you can
reduce the risks and manage them. Also consider how you will protect people if there is
a fire.

 Carry out a fire safety risk assessment.

 Keep sources of ignition and flammable substances apart
 Avoid accidental fires, eg make sure heaters cannot be knocked
over
 Ensure good housekeeping at all times, eg avoid build-up of rubbish
that could burn
  Consider how to detect fires and how to warn people quickly if they
start, eg installing smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells
 Have the correct fire-fighting equipment for putting a fire out quickly.
 Keep fire always exits and escape routes clearly marked and
unobstructed.
 Ensure your workers receive appropriate training on procedures they
need to follow, including fire drills.
 Review and update your risk assessment regularly.

Key points to remember

 Think about the risks of fire and explosions from the substances you
use or create in your business and consider how you might remove
or reduce the risks
 Use supplier safety data sheets as a source of information about
which substances might be flammable
 Consider reducing the amount of flammable/explosive substances
you store on site
 Keep sources of ignition (eg naked flames, sparks) and substances
that burn (eg vapour, dusts) apart
 Get rid of flammable/explosive substances safely
 Review your risk assessment regularly
 Maintain good housekeeping, eg avoid build-up of rubbish, dust or
grease that could start a fire or make one worse

Top Tips for Fire Safety

 Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and
outside sleeping areas.
 Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.
 Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan
twice a year.
 If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP.
Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

The safest way to deal with fire is to prevent it.

Under Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) every
employer shall identify hazards, assess risks and have a written risk assessment, including any
unusual or other risks. To comply with Section 19, employers are required to carry out risk
assessments and to record these in the Safety Statement. A fire safety risk assessment should
be conducted. Fire prevention should form part of this.

A fire safety risk assessment should include

Fire Prevention

Fire Detection and Warning

Emergency Escape and Fire Fighting

Fire Prevention
The Fire Prevention Triangle - Heat, Oxygen and Fuel
A fire needs three elements - heat, oxygen and fuel.
Without heat, oxygen and fuel a fire will not start or spread. A key
strategy to prevent fire is to remove one or more
of heat, oxygen or fuel. The risk assessment should include detail on
all three elements to minimise the risk of a fire starting/ spreading.

A fire prevention strategy and a fire risk assessment should include detail and a full
consideration of all of the issues - including issues arising from heat, oxygen and fuel. Advice on
these three elements follows. This advice is not exhaustive and is given in no particular order.

Heat
Heat can be generated by work processes and is an essential part of some processes such as
cooking. This heat must be controlled and kept away from fuel unless carefully controlled. Heat
generated as a by-product of a process must be dealt with properly.
Heat Safeguards

 Ensure employees are aware of their responsibility to report dangers

 Control sources of ignition
 Have chimneys inspected and cleaned regularly
 Treat independent building uses, such as an office over a shop as separate
purpose groups and therefore compartmentalise from each other
 Ensure cooking food is always attended
 Use the Electricity Supply Board's Safety webpage
 Have regard to relevant Authority Safety Alerts, e.g. Mobile Phone "Expert XP-
Ex-1", Filling LPG Cylinders
 Use the Code of Practice For Avoiding Danger From Underground Services

Smoking

 Provide no-smoking signs at appropriate locations

 Ensure smoking area(s) are away from flammable materials
 Arrange for cigarettes and matches to be disposed of safely and away from other
combustible rubbish

Plant and Equipment

Plant and equipment which is not properly maintained can cause fires.

 Ensure all work equipment protects against catching fire or overheating

 Ensure proper housekeeping, such as preventing ventilation points on machinery
becoming clogged with dust or other materials - causing overheating
 Have electrical equipment serviced regularly by a competent person to prevent sparks
and fires
 Properly clean and maintain heat producing equipment such as burners, heat
exchangers, boilers (inspected and tested yearly), ovens, stoves, and fryers. Require
storage of flammables away from this equipment.
 Use a planned maintenance programme to properly maintain plant and equipment.
Review your programme if you already have one.
 A planned maintenance programme should deal with
o frictional heat (caused by loose drive belts, bearings which are not properly
lubricated or other moving parts)
o electrical malfunction
o flammable materials used in contact with hot surfaces
o leaking valves or flanges which allow seepage of flammable liquids or gases
 o static sparks (perhaps due to inadequate electrical earthing)

Portable Heaters

 Do not use portable heaters unnecessarily.

 They should have emergency tip-over switches, and thermostatic limiting controls.
 Turn them off if people leave the room or are going to sleep
 Ensure they are 1M away from anything that can burn
 Do not use them to dry clothes

Hot Work

Hot work often arises from construction and/ or maintenance activities. Hot
work is work that might generate sufficient heat, sparks or flame to cause a
fire. Hot work includes welding, flame cutting, soldering, brazing, grinding and
other equipment incorporating a flame, e.g. tar boilers, etc. Hot work can be
very dangerous and stringent controls must be in place.

 Identify all hot work

 Only allow hot work if no satisfactory alternative
 Ensure relevant contractors are aware of hot work procedures and controls
 Use a hot work permit system including
o fire-resistant protective clothing
o clear responsibility
o logging and audit processes
o routine checking and supervision
o item to be worked on removed to safe area
o remove or protect combustible or flammable materials
o prevent, suppress and control sparks
o prevent, suppress and control heat
o provision of and training on suitable fire-fighting equipment
o provision of a separate person to fire-watch and use fire-fighting equipment –
the fire watcher
o particular precautions for special risks, e.g. confined space
o leave workplace clean and safe
o final check of area at least 60 minutes after completed job and certainly prior to
premises being vacated
 Electrical safety

 All electrical equipment and installations designed, constructed, installed, maintained,

protected, and used to prevent danger
 Get a qualified electrical contractor to carry out installation and repairs to electrical
equipment and fittings
 Maintain proper pest control to avoid rodent damage to electric wiring and equipment

 Check electrical equipment and remove defective equipment

 Ensure electrical cords are in good condition
 Plug appliances and lights into separate electrical outlets
 Avoid using extension cords. If you require an outlet in an area where there
is none, have one installed by a qualified electrician.
 Use extension cords safety - not under carpets or across walking areas
 Use only one device per outlet

Arson

Deliberately started fires pose very significant risks to all types of workplace.

The possibility of arson should be considered as a component of your risk assessment and it is
one that you can do much to control. The majority of deliberately started fires occur in areas
with a known history of vandalism or fire-setting. Typically, local youths light the fires outside
the premises as an act of vandalism, using materials found nearby. Appropriate security
measures, including the protection of stored materials and the efficient and prompt removal of
rubbish, can therefore do much to alleviate this particular problem.

You should therefore seek advice from the local Gardaí or the fire authority who will involve the
other agencies as appropriate. Occasionally, arson attacks in the workplace are committed by
employees or ex-employees. Employers and other workers should be aware of this potential
threat and be alert for early signs, such as a series of unexplained small fires. Again, the Gardaí
or the local fire authority can provide further useful guidance.

 Provide adequate security: exterior/interior lighting, intrusion alarms, guard service,

well-secured access openings
 Prevent access by unauthorised personnel
 Keep flammables properly stored and secured

Oxygen
Oxygen gas is used

 in welding, flame cutting and other similar processes

 for helping people with breathing difficulties
 in hyperbaric chambers as a medical treatment
 in decompression chambers
 for food preservation and packaging
 in steelworks and chemical plants

The air we breathe contains about 21% oxygen. Pure oxygen at high pressure, such as from a
cylinder, can react violently with common materials such as oil and grease. Other materials may
catch fire spontaneously. Nearly all materials including textiles, rubber and even metals will
burn vigorously in oxygen.

With even a small increase in the oxygen level in the air to 24%, it becomes easier to start a fire,
which will then burn hotter and more fiercely than in normal air. It may be almost impossible to
put the fire out. A leaking valve or hose in a poorly ventilated room or confined space can
quickly increase the oxygen concentration to a dangerous level.

The main causes of fires and explosions when using oxygen are

 oxygen enrichment from leaking equipment

 use of materials not compatible with oxygen
 use of oxygen in equipment not designed for oxygen service
 incorrect or careless operation of oxygen equipment

Oxygen Safeguards
  Ensure employees are aware of their responsibility to report dangers
 See safeguards in the Code of Practice for Working in Confined Spaces
 Oxygen should never be used to “sweeten” the air in a confined space
 Where oxygen is used,
o follow safety advice from the supplier
o follow the safeguards on the safety data sheet
o keep the safety data sheet readily available
 Be aware of the dangers of oxygen if in doubt, ask
 Prevent oxygen enrichment by ensuring that equipment is leak-tight and in good
working order
 Check that ventilation is adequate
 Always use oxygen cylinders and equipment carefully and correctly
 Always open oxygen cylinder valves slowly
 Do not smoke where oxygen is being used
 Never use replacement parts which have not been specifically approved for oxygen
service
 Never use oxygen equipment above the pressures certified by the manufacturer
 Never use oil or grease to lubricate oxygen equipment
 Never use oxygen in equipment which is not designed for oxygen service
 Operators of locations storing large amounts of oxidising substances have duties under
the Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances
Regulations (COMAH Regulations)

Fuel
Workplaces in which large amounts of flammable materials are displayed, stored or used can
present a greater hazard than those where the amount kept is small.

In relation to fire, fuel consists of flammable material. Flammable material is material that
burns readily in a normal atmosphere. Flammable materials include flammable liquids (e.g.
petrol), flammable gasses (e.g. propane and butane) and flammable solids (e.g. charcoal,
paper). It is important to identify all flammable materials that are in your workplace so that
proper controls can be put in place.
Great care is required in the storage, handling and use of flammable materials. Safety Data
sheets may provide detailed advice.

Fuel Safeguards

 Ensure employees are aware of their responsibility to report dangers

 Follow the Authority’s advice on LPG
 Follow the Authority’s advice on explosive atmospheres and use the Guide to the Safety,
Health and Welfare at Work (General Application)Regulations2007 - Part 8:Explosive
Atmospheres
 Use the Code of Practice For Avoiding Danger From Underground Services
 Use Bord Gáis Networks safety webpage including Dial Before You Dig
 Ensure furnishings and fittings in places of assembly comply with the Code of Practice
for Fire Safety of Furnishings and Fittings in Places of Assembly
 Permit no timber lining on ceiling, corridor walls/ ceilings or stairways (only exception is
Class 0 MDF)
 Take care if placing notice boards in escape corridors/ routes as any paper on the board
could be fuel in the event of a fire
 Where there is a possibility of the presence of flammable gas/ vapour, conduct a full risk
assessment and consider the need for gas detection equipment
 Where gas detection equipment is needed, ensure it is properly installed, maintained
and serviced
 Operators of locations storing larger amounts of substances with flammable or
explosive properties have duties under the COMAH Regulations. (Note that the highly
flammable liquid threshold is 10 tonnes, while Hydrogen and Acetylene are both at 5
tonnes.)
 Flammable materials

 Identify all flammable materials so that proper controls can be put in place
 Identify use of substances with flammable vapours (e.g. some adhesives)
 Reduce quantities of flammable materials to the smallest amount necessary for running
the business and keep away from escape routes
 Replace highly flammable materials with less flammable ones
 Store remaining stocks of highly flammable materials properly outside, in a separate
building, or separated from the main workplace by fire-resisting construction
 Provide clearly marked separate storage for flammable chemicals, gas cylinders, and
waste materials
 Train employees on safe storage, handling and use of flammable materials
 Keep stocks of office stationery and supplies and flammable cleaners' materials in
separate cupboards or stores. They should be fire-resisting with a fire door if they open
onto a corridor or stairway escape route
 Catering and hospitality premises – see relevant sections of Safe Hospitality, e.g.
sections 1.13 LPG/ Gas Safety, 1.15 Fire Safety, 6.11 Flambé Lamps
 The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a webpage on combustible
dust with tabs, beginning with information for users unfamiliar with combustible
dust hazards
 See our information sheet on home heating oil (2 pages), and our information sheets on
storage of hazardous chemicals in Warehouses and Drum Stores (4 pages)
and Laboratories (4 pages)

Work on Gas Mains

See the press release "Construction firm fined €40,000 after workers sustain serious burn
injuries" and the UK article “PPE saved worker from moreserious burn injuries”

 This is highly specialised work and a detailed risk assessment must be conducted
 Detailed work instructions must be put in place
 Construction and Maintenance workers – see advice on planning construction and
maintenance activities at www.hsa.ie, e.g. precautions to avoid underground services
and/or overhead lines
 Advice should be sought from the gas supplier as needed
 Workers must be properly trained and supervised

Flammable liquids
Flammable liquids can present a significant risk of fire. Vapours evolved are usually
heavier than air and can travel long distances, so are more likely to reach a source
of ignition. Liquid leaks and dangerous vapours can arise from faulty storage (bulk
and containers), plant and process - design, installation, maintenance or use.
Ignition of the vapours from flammable liquids remains a possibility until the
concentration of the vapour in the air has reduced to a level which will not support
combustion.

 The quantity of flammable liquids in workrooms should be kept to a minimum, normally

no more than a half-day's or half a shifts supply
 Flammable liquids, including empty or part-used containers, should be stored safely.
Small quantities (Tens of Litres) of flammable liquids can be stored in the workroom if in
closed containers in a fire-resisting (e.g. metal), bin or cabinet fitted with means to
contain any leaks

Metal Storage for Flammable Chemicals to EN-14470-1

 Larger quantities should be stored in a properly designated store, either in

the open air (on well ventilated, impervious ground, away from ignition
sources) or in a suitably constructed storeroom
 Where large quantities of flammable liquids are used they should, where
possible, be conveyed by piping them through a closed system. Where a
connection in such a system is frequently uncoupled and remade, a
sealed-end coupling device should be used

 Flammable liquids should not be decanted within the store. Decanting should take place
in a well-ventilated area set aside for this purpose, with appropriate facilities to contain
and clear up any spillage
 Container lids should always be replaced after use, and no container should ever be
opened in such a way that it cannot be safely resealed
 Flammable liquids should be stored and handled in well ventilated conditions. Where
necessary, additional properly designed exhaust ventilation should be provided to
reduce the level of vapour concentration in the air

Containers for Flammable Liquid

 Storage containers should be kept covered and proprietary safety containers

with self-closing lids should be used for dispensing and applying small
quantities of flammable liquids

 There should be no potential ignition sources in areas where flammable liquids are used
or stored and flammable concentrations of vapour may be present at any time. Any
 electrical equipment used in these areas, including fire alarm and emergency lighting
systems, needs to be suitable for use in flammable atmospheres
 Petrol Stations – see Wetstock Inventory Control for Petrol Stations at www.hsa.ie
 See our information sheet on home heating oil (2 pages), and our information sheets on
storage of hazardous chemicals in Warehouses and Drum Stores (4 pages)
and Laboratories (4 pages)
 See our webpage on Chemicals Risk Assessment for advice on completing a chemical
agents risk assessment

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)

The use of plastic and composite intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for liquid storage has
increased. They have a number of advantages over traditional steel drums, in particular;
resistance to corrosion, efficient storage space use and ease of emptying when a valve is fitted.
Plastic IBCs are used for hydrocarbons for: wastes; fuels such as diesel; solvents such as white
spirit; lubricants; edible oils etc.

A number of serious fires in the UK started or spread because of the use

plastic IBCs for combustible liquids. A characteristic of these fires was the
rapid release of liquid from IBCs, inadequacy of bunding and damage
caused as a result of the unconfined flow of burning liquid. This
information is from HSE UK's advice on Intermediate Bulk Containers
(IBCs) which includes a very helpful video. The Chemical Business
Association and the Solvent Industry Association in consultation with the
HSE UK have produced Guidance for the storage of liquids in intermediate
bulk containers (22 pages)

Plastic components of IBCs are easily ignited. Liquid loss from IBCs can be rapid and
complete. In a fire, all of the liquid in unclad IBCs on level ground is likely to be released rapidly
(in 5-10 minutes) and can produce large spreading pool fires. Ullage explosions can be
extremely dangerous for anyone trying to fight the fire. Unless composite IBC design can
reduce the rate of liquid drainage in fires, the potential of fires continues to be very serious.

 IBC users should be aware of the risks

 Risk assessments for IBC storage should be based on the premise that liquid loss will be
rapid and complete
 Segregate IBCs and drums to avoid rapid catastrophic failure of drums and associated
fireballs and projectiles
 Kerbs and partitions in storage areas may be useful in checking the flow of liquid and
spread of fire
o For partitions to be effective, drainage must be carefully controlled
 All processes introducing a risk of ignition should be eliminated or tightly controlled
 Strict control of readily ignitable material is required
 IBC storage areas should be secure to deter casual vandalism
 Sites with large stocks of IBCs should consider drainage in the event of fire
o If there are sensitive targets nearby, substantial bunding may be required
 Manufacturers and re-conditioners should provide clear information on the potential
behaviour of IBCs in fire
 Manufacturers should explore improvements in design

Cleanliness and
housekeeping

 Avoid accumulations of combustible rubbish and waste and remove

at least daily and store away from the building
 Never store flammable or combustible rubbish, even temporarily, in
escape routes, or where it can contact potential sources of heat
 Position skips so that a fire will not put any structure at risk
 Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease build-up

 In catering, clean ventilation ducts on a regular basis to prevent grease build-up

 Flammable or combustible rubbish should not be stored, even as a temporary measure,
in escape routes such as corridors, stairways or lobbies, or where it can come into
contact with potential sources of heat
 Parts of the workplace which are not normally occupied, such as basements, store
rooms and any area where a fire could grow unnoticed, should be regularly inspected
and cleared of non-essential flammable materials and substances. You should also
protect such areas against entry by unauthorised people
 If the workplace has waste or derelict land nearby, you should keep any undergrowth
under control so that a fire cannot spread through dry grass, for example
 There should be no potential ignition sources in areas where flammable liquids are used
or stored and flammable concentrations of vapour may be present at any time. Any
electrical equipment used in these areas, including fire alarm and emergency lighting
systems, needs to be suitable for use in flammable atmospheres

Metal Container for Cloths Contaminated with Flammable Solvents

 Rags and cloths which have been used to mop up or apply flammable liquids
should be disposed of in metal containers with well-fitting lids and removed
from the workplace at the end of each shift or working day

 Handle material in accordance with the advice on the safety data sheet
 Keep safety data sheets readily available
 Keep safety data sheets safely available in the event of a fire so that the information is
available for emergency services
Fire Prevention Diagram
This diagram gives an overview of fire prevention for workplaces

Fire safety
Those responsible for workplaces and other buildings to which the public have access
can avoid them by taking responsibility for and adopting the right behaviours and
procedures.

This section covers general advice on fire safety and also provides guidance on
substances that cause fire and explosion.

General fire safety hazards

Fires need three things to start – a source of ignition (heat), a source of fuel
(something that burns) and oxygen:
  sources of ignition include heaters, lighting, naked flames, electrical equipment,
smokers’ materials (cigarettes, matches etc.), and anything else that can get
very hot or cause sparks;

 sources of fuel include wood, paper, plastic, rubber or foam, loose packaging
materials, waste rubbish and furniture;

 sources of oxygen include the air around us.

What should employers do?

Employers (and/or building owners or occupiers) should carry out a fire safety risk
assessment and keep it up to date. This shares the same approach as safety and
health risk assessments and can be carried out either as part of an overall risk
assessment or as a separate exercise.

Based on the findings of the assessment, employers need to ensure that adequate
and appropriate fire safety measures are in place to minimize the risk of injury or loss
of life in the event of a fire.

To help prevent fire in the workplace, their risk assessment should identify what could
cause a fire to start, i.e. sources of ignition (heat or sparks) and substances that burn,
and the people who may be at risk.

Once they have identified the risks, they can take appropriate action to control them.
They should consider whether they can avoid them altogether or, if this is not
possible, how they can reduce the risks and manage them. They should also consider
how they will protect people if there is a fire.

Employers should:

 Carry out a fire safety risk assessment.

 Keep sources of ignition and flammable substances apart.

 Avoid accidental fires, e.g. make sure heaters cannot be knocked over.

 Ensure good housekeeping at all times, e.g. avoid build-up of rubbish that could
burn.
  Consider how to detect fires and how to warn people quickly if they start, e.g.
installing smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells.

 Have the correct fire-fighting equipment for putting a fire out quickly.

 Keep fire exits and escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed at all times.

 Ensure their workers receive appropriate training on procedures they need to

follow, including fire drills.

 Review and update their risk assessment regularly.

Dangerous substances that cause fire and

explosion
Work which involves the storage, use or creation of chemicals, vapours, dusts etc. that
can readily burn or explode is hazardous. Each year people are injured at work by
flammable substances accidentally catching fire or exploding.

What are the hazards?

In addition to explosives which are not covered in this section many other substances
found in the workplace can cause fires or explosions. These range from the obvious,
such as flammable chemicals, petrol, cellulose paint thinners and welding gases, to
the less obvious – engine oil, grease, packaging materials, dusts from wood, flour and
sugar.

It is important to be aware of the risks and to control or get rid of them to prevent
accidents.

What should employers do?

To help prevent accidental fires or explosions, employers first need to identify:
  what substances, materials, processes etc. have the potential to cause such an
event, i.e. substances that burn or can explode and what might set them alight;

 the people who may be at risk/harmed.

Once they have identified the risks, they must consider what measures are needed to
reduce or remove the risk of people being harmed. This will include measures to
prevent these incidents happening in the first place, as well as precautions that will
protect people from harm if there is a fire or explosion.

Key points to remember

 Think about the risks of fire and explosions from the substances used or
created in the business and consider how they might remove or reduce the
risks.

 Use supplier safety data sheets as a source of information about which

substances might be flammable.

 Consider reducing the amount of flammable/explosive substances stored on

site.

 Keep sources of ignition (e.g. naked flames, sparks) and substances that burn
(e.g. vapour, dusts) apart.

 Dispose of flammable/explosive substances safely.

 Review the risk assessment regularly.

 Maintain good housekeeping, e.g. avoid build-up of rubbish, dust or grease

that could start a fire or make one worse.