In the oil and gas sector, operations are critical. So, dealing with fire requires a proper understanding of fire principles and extinguishing techniques. This article will help you better understand fire safety.
Principles of Fire:
Fire is a rapid chemical reaction in which oxygen combines with fuel (substance) in the presence of a source of heat. This process, which produces fire, is called Combustion.
How does a Fire Work:
Fire has three main components. To start a fire, you need all three components. This is also called the fire triangle; three factors support combustion:
Fuel: This can be in the form of Solid, Liquid or Gas.
Oxygen: Oxygen is present in the atmosphere at 19.5% to 23%, which is good enough to start a fire.
Heat: The minimum temperature required to ignite a fire. This is also known as an ignition source.
During this reaction, Heat, Flames and Smoke are produced.
Principles of Heat Transmission:
Principles of heat transmission help spread fire from one place to another. The three main principles of heat transmission are:
Direct Burning: Direct burning is when a substance burns itself in the presence of fuel, oxygen, and heat.
Convection: In this principle, hot air rises and cold air sinks. Hot gases generated from the fire rise straight up from the fire,
Inside Building: Convection helps spread the fire inside the building; hot gases rise and form a layer beneath the ceiling. When these hot gases touch combustible materials inside the building, such as wood, clothes, curtains, or paper, the heat is enough to ignite them. As a result, the fire builds and spreads rapidly inside the building.
Outdoor: A fire can carry burning embers on the wind until the air cools and the embers drop to the ground. This is a common way forest fires spread.
Conduction: This is the principle by which heat can be transferred through solid materials, such as copper, because some metals conduct heat very efficiently. Similarly, a metal spoon heats up in a saucepan on the hob.
Radiation: Heat energy can be radiated through air as infrared waves. Radiant heat generated by a fire shines onto nearby surfaces.
Causes of Fires:
Some of main causes of fire are as below:
- Electrical Equipment
- Deliberate Ignition
- Arson
- Hot work
- Smoking
- Cooking Appliances
- Heating Appliances
- Mechanical Heat
- Chemical Reactions
- Unsafe use and storage of flammable liquids and gases
Consequences:
- People Killed and injured
- Damage to buildings and property
- Environment Damage
Types of Fire According to NFPA
Class A: Wood, Paper, Cloth, Foam, Plastics.
Class B: Flammable liquids, Oil, Grease, Petrol, Diesel, Gases.
Class C: ElectricalClass D: Combustible metals, potassium, magnesium, aluminum etc.
In case of Fire: (FIRE method for Fire Safety)
- If you find a fire, raise the alarm.
- By raising alarm or Inform others and emergency response team.
- Gather at assembly points restricts others to enter at the fire place.
- Make area clear for Extinguish/ Evacuate personal and fire.
Fire Extinguishing Techniques:
Understanding the correct fire extinguishing technique is critical for fire safety– not only to control the fire but also to prevent terrible damage.
Below are the primary fire-extinguishing techniques used in real-world and oil and gas operations.
Cooling (Temperature Reduction)
Cooling works by removing heat from a fire, lowering the temperature below the ignition point. Since heat is one of the fire triangle’s elements, removing heat can stop a fire.
Point to ponder: Cooling can be done by water, so this is not suitable for hydrocarbon pool fires directly, as water can spread burning oil and reduce fire safety
Smothering (Oxygen Removal)
Smothering can extinguish a fire by cutting off its oxygen supply; oxygen is part of the fire triangle and essential for combustion. It works by using foam, Carbon dioxide, or inert gas to create a barrier between fuel and oxygen.
Point to ponder: For fire safety, this is highly effective in the oil and gas industry for CLASS B Fire (flammable liquids).
Starvation (Fuel Removal)
Starvation removes or isolates the fuel source, and because fuel is an essential component of the fire triangle, the fire can no longer sustain itself. This is done by cutting off the supply of fuel by shutting off valves, isolating, or stopping the flow of hydrocarbons
Chemical Inhabitation:
This is also called chain reaction interruption; this method interrupts the chemical reaction occurring in the fire. A dry chemical powder fire extinguisher interferes with the combustion process at the molecular level.
Fire Safety Emergency Evacuation Procedure:
Every single workplace has an emergency plan and procedure. A fire emergency also requires a specifically pre-developed emergency evacuation procedure and emergency plan that emphasises personal and fire safety; some of its key points are as follows:
- In case of fire:
- Sound the alarm
- Verbal announcement
- Leave the area and move to nearest and safest assembly points
- Who is likely to be in premises
- Action to be taken on discovering fire
- Escape routes
- Fire – Fighting equipment
- Training
Emergency procedures and plans for the oil and gas industry should be developed according to OSHA and IOSH guidelines.
Point to Ponder: Good housekeeping, waste-free, tidy, well-ordered areas play an important role in the prevention of fire
Fire Safety under the Safe System of Work:
Fire can be prevented by following a safe system of work at the work site, or for any activity with a high risk of fire. Activities like hot work can be controlled by implementing controls during the activity, such as:
- Permit-to-Work System: identifying hazards and mitigation.
- Removal of combustible material and proper, safe storage
- Ensure fire extinguisher equipment is readily available at the work site and that workers are trained to use it for small fires.
- Monitor after work is finished, and maintain good housekeeping before and after work.
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