Page 352 - IGC BOOK

Control Fuel Sources

Inventories of potential fuel for a fire must be reduced to a practical minimum, subject to
operational requirements. Some ways to reduce the potential fuel for a fire include:
• Remove flammable materials and substances or reduce quantities to the minimum
required for business operation.
• Replace flammable materials and substances with less hazardous alternatives.

• Ensure flammable materials, liquids (and vapours) and gases are handled,
transported, stored, and used properly.

• Ensure adequate separation distances between flammable materials, especially in
storage areas.
• Store highly flammable substances in fire-resisting stores.

• Where it is necessary to keep highly flammable materials in work areas, make certain that
only the minimum quantity is present and that the material is kept in a fire-resistant
cabinet.

• Remove or alternatively, cover or treat large areas of flammable wall and ceiling linings
with fire resistant material/coating.

• Ensure that flammable waste materials and rubbish are not allowed to build up and are
carefully stored prior to disposal.

• Take action to avoid storage areas being vulnerable to arson or vandalism.
• Ensure good housekeeping.

• Improve the fire resistance of the construction of the workplace.

Control Ignition Sources

Group Companies must seek to reduce the hazard from potential ignition sources by
such actions as:
• Remove unnecessary sources of heat or replace them with safer alternatives and
ensure that heat-producing equipment is used in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions and is properly maintained.
• Installing machinery and equipment that has been specifically designed to minimise the
risk of fire or explosion, rather than machinery and equipment that has not.
• Ensure that all electrical fuses, circuit breakers and similar protective devices are of the
correct rating and fit for purpose.

• Ensure that sources of heat do not arise from faulty or overloaded electrical or
mechanical equipment including overheated bearings.

ENSIGN | Unit IG2 – Element 10 –Fire 7