Page 351 - IGC BOOK

Preventing Fire and Fire Spread 10.2

Control Measures to Minimise the Risk of Fire in a Workplace

Fire must be prevented at the starting stage; fire preventions are based on the fire triangle.

• Control fuel sources
• Control ignitions sources
• Control oxygen sources

Control of Combustible and Flammable Materials

Combustible materials (such as paper, cloth, and wood),

Flammable liquids (such as solvents, oils) and

Flammable gases (such as acetylene, propane, and methane) are all potential fuels and should be
stored,

The best practice is to eliminate the combustible and flammable material entirely from the
workplace. This might be done, for example, by disposing of old stocks of materials and substances
that are no longer needed.

If combustible and flammable materials cannot be eliminated or substituted, then the quantities of
these materials present in the workplace should be minimised. This requires good stock control,
housekeeping and waste management.

For any combustible and flammable materials that remain, arrangements must be made for their
safe use and storage.

For example, if Acetylene and Oxygen is present in a workplace, the following arrangements should
be made:

• Cylinders (gas bottles) should be stored outside.
• The storage area should be fenced with a secure, lockable gate.
• Warning signs should be displayed.
• Ignition sources should be eliminated from the area.
• Bottles should be chained upright.
• The storage area should be separate from other buildings.
• Empty and full bottles should be kept separate.
• Oxygen bottles should not be stored with Acetylene.
• Only those bottles required should be removed from the storage area and returned after use.

ENSIGN | Unit IG2 – Element 10 –Fire 6