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Fire Prevention and Emergency Preparedness International Sales and Marketing
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Appendix III: Review of Basic Fire Hazards
Industrial fire hazards are generally categorized into four groups: (i) Ignition Sources, (ii) Materials, (iii) Building Hazards and, most importantly, (iv) Personnel Hazards. Ignition Sources: All forms and types of energy can be considered a potential ignition source. Some frequent types of ignition sources found in industry are:
Materials: There are few materials that will not ignite and burn. Materials in a liquid, gas, or vapor state are typically more ignitable than solid fuels. Materials are rated by their combustibility and their ability to ignite and burn. Information is readily accessible to determine a materials-combustibility rating. Some common types of combustible materials found in industry are:
Building Hazards: Fire can spread rapidly through a building, causing major structural failure of roofs and walls. Depending on a building's design, fires can travel horizontally and vertically. Listed below are examples of how fire can travel throughout a building:
The building's structural materials will determine its ability to withstand a fire. Structural framing of wood is considered to have a limited resistance to fire. Steel members are subject to significant structural decreases at low fire temperatures unless they are protected by enclosures or treated with fire-resistive chemical coatings. Personnel Hazards: The primary fire hazards to personnel are escape routes to safety. The following considerations must be examined in determining the best methods of escape:
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Table of Contents Introduction Reference Guide
Appendix I Appendix II Appendix III Appendix IV Appendix V |
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