Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Figure 7.7
Typical fl ammable liquid sign
Figure 7.8
Typical fl ammable gas sign
Dusts
Dusts can be produced from many everyday and work-
place materials such as wood, coal, grain, sugar, syn-
thetic organic chemicals and certain metals. A cloud 
of combustible dust in the air can explode violently 
if ignited. Explosions and explosive materials are dis-
cussed later in this chapter.
7.2.5 Oxygen
The fi nal element of the fi re triangle that should be dis-
cussed is oxygen. Oxygen is contained as an element 
within the air that we breathe (19.6%) and therefore is 
available in any area that humans can live.
Figure 7.9
Typical oxidising agent sign
7.2.6 The chemical process
Conditions
Quite specifi c conditions are needed for the fi re pro-
cess to start and continue. In order for an evaluation of 
whether the conditions present the potential for fi re, it is 
essential to gather information as to the likelihood that 
the conditions will arise.
Flammable materials are provided with information 
sheets (Materials Safety Data Sheets – MSDS) which are 
produced by the manufacturer for onward transmission 
to the suppliers and ultimately the ‘end user’, as required 
by both the Chemical Hazards (Information Packaging 
for Supply) Regulations and HSWA, section 6.
The MSDS will include certain information which will 
help to analyse the fi re risks.
Certain fi 
re data is provided (based upon test 
conditions):
➤
Flashpoint
is the lowest temperature at which a sub-
stance will produce suffi cient vapour to fl ash across 
its surface momentarily when a fl ame is applied
➤
Firepoint
is the lowest temperature at which the 
heat from the combustion of the burning vapour is 

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