Title: Predictable and Unpredictable Events
Course: 2016FA-MCO-110-401 > Section: Module 6: Safety and Security

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Fire

Fire Drills

Fire drills are often mandated by the state and instituted by the in-house fire marshal or environmental health and safety (EHS) officer. In smaller or standalone operations these positions may not exist. If this is the case one should work with local municipality to establish a fire drill procedure and document both process and occurrence of on-going drills.

Fire Extinguishers

Fires should really be handled on a case by case basis, sometimes firefighting actions taken by MCO personnel is prohibited by site rules, insurance requirements, etc.  Generally speaking, if a fire is clearly small enough to be attacked with an appropriate class handheld fire extinguisher, MCO personnel may do so.  Otherwise, the best course of action is to evacuate the area, allow installed fire protection systems to do their job, and notify emergency personnel.  In all cases, human life is priority.  Even if the most critical piece of equipment in the facility is on fire, and you think you can put it out, but someone is injured nearby, they are your priority.

Other advice that may pertain to certain fire situations include:

- Don’t wait - Call internal emergency personnel or the fire department immediately.
- Activate local alarm systems.
- Save lives first – then equipment.
- Does your building have an automatic fire suppression system – if so what type of system is it – wet, dry, preaction?
- The type of fire will determine what type of fire extinguishing agent is required

Fire Extinguisher Classifications

Fires and fire extinguishers are classified using a letter symbol system which describes the type of fire they can extinguish:

Class A: Ordinary combustibles

Class B/C: Flammable liquid and gas

Class C or Class E: Electrical

Class D: Metal

Class K or Class F: Cooking oils and fats (kitchen fires)

Natural Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are often difficult to detect. Once detected one must act quickly – call 911, then emergency personnel and evacuate the area. If you can smell the leak it will smell like rotten eggs. You may hear a hissing noise or a large pipe may have a roaring type sound. You may see dirt or dust blowing near the leak or if in water you would see bubbles. If you put detergent on a suspected leaking pipe or connector it will bubble. Do not use anything that would cause a spark including lighters, matches, cigarettes, telephones (including cellular), flashlights or motorized equipment. Don’t operate gas pipe valves on your own - if there is a leak as this may worsen the situation.

Watch this video on YouTube: Detecting a Natural Gas Leak

Objectives met:
- C6
- 6.5
- 6.6