Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
The first component of the tetrahedron is fuel. Fuel can be any combustible material such as: solid (such as <br /> wood, paper, or cloth), liquid (such as gasoline) or gas (such as acetylene or propane). Solids and liquids <br /> generally convert to gases or vapors before they will burn. <br /> Another component of the tetrahedron is oxygen. Fire needs an atmosphere with at least 16 percent <br /> oxygen. <br /> Heat is also a component of the tetrahedron. Heat is the energy necessary to increase the temperature <br /> of the fuel source to a point in which sufficient vapors are emitted for ignition to occur. <br /> The final side of the tetrahedron represents a chemical chain. When these components are brought <br /> together in the proper conditions and preparations, fire will develop. Take away any one of these elements, <br /> and the fire cannot exist or will be extinguished if it was already burning. <br /> Fires are classified into four groups according to sources of fuel: Class A, B, C, and D based on the type <br /> of fuel source. Table 1 below describes the classifications of fire which can be used in making hazard <br /> assessment. <br /> Class A Ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cloth and some rubber and plastic <br /> materials. <br /> Class B Flammable or combustible liquids, flammable gases, greases and similar materials, and some <br /> rubber and plastic materials. <br /> Class C Energized electrical equipment, power supply circuits, and related materials. <br /> Class D Combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium and potassium. <br /> III. DETERMINING FIRE HAZARDS <br /> This section consists of two steps: first, identifying the existing fire hazards in the workplace and, second, <br /> taking action to resolve them. <br /> The inspection checklist, in Appendix A, provides a guide for precise fire-safe practices that must be <br /> followed. The location of these major fire hazards are denoted in Appendix C. Also included in Appendix C <br /> is a listing of the personnel responsible for the maintenance of the equipment and systems installed to <br /> prevent or control fires. <br /> Material hazards shall be identified, as evident on the specific Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and <br /> labeled on containers as soon as they arrive in the workplace. The identification system shall also <br /> include incorporation into the company's hazard communication program. <br /> 101Page <br />