Health and Safety Information Bulletin 06 - Fire Prevention

The fire prevention triangle

• A fire needs three elements – heat, oxygen and fuel
• Without heat, oxygen and fuel a fire will not start or spread. To prevent fires – ensure to remove one or more of the elements

Combustible and flammable materials that could cause a fire

Combustible and flammable materials:

• Flammable liquids (e.g. chemicals, cleaning agents, petrol, oils and greases)
• Flammable solids (e.g. paper, cardboard)
• Flammable gasses (e.g. propane and butane)

How to avoid potential fires

• 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 waste skips so that a fire will not put any structure at risk
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease build-up

How to avoid potential fires

• 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
• Identify all flammable materials so that proper controls can be put in place
• Train employees on safe storage, handling and use of flammable materials
• Keep flammables properly stored and secured