Page 353 - IGC BOOK

• Keep ducts and flue stacks clean.

• If appropriate, use a Permit-To-Work system [Ref. 1] to control work that may result in
a fire hazard, such as welding or flame cutting.

• Operate a safe smoking policy by designating smoking areas and prohibiting smoking
elsewhere.

• Enforcing a prohibition on matches, lighters and other potential naked flame sources
in areas with a high fire risk.
• Ensure that all equipment that could provide a source of ignition when unattended or
not in use is left in a safe condition i.e. turned off or isolated.
• Making sure that any smouldering material (including smokers' material) is properly
extinguished.
• Taking precautions to avoid the risk of arson.

Control Oxygen Sources
Ways to reduce the amount of oxygen available to a fire include:

• Closing all doors, windows and other openings that are not required for ventilation,
especially out of working hours.
• Shutting down ventilation systems that are not essential to the function of the
workplace.
• Not storing oxidising materials near or with any other heat source or flammable
materials.

• Controlling the use and storage of oxygen cylinders, ensuring that they are not leaking,
and their location is adequately ventilated.
• Ensuring oxygen-enriched vents from inert gas generators or similar are located outside the
building and away from fuel sources and ignition sources.

Use of Electrical Equipment in Flammable Atmospheres

Explosive atmospheres can be caused by flammable gases, mists or vapours or by combustible dusts. If
there is enough of the substance, mixed with air, then all it needs is a source of ignition to cause an
explosion.
ATEX Directive (ATEX Workplace Directive and ATEX Equipment), regulate the control of
flammable atmospheres and the use of electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres. The
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), requires the employer
to classify hazardous locations by zones and then take steps to control the risk of fire and explosion.

ENSIGN | Unit IG2 – Element 10 –Fire 8