Fire is something that should never be underestimated, especially when it relates to buildings and structures. It is crucial to understand just how fast fire spreads in a building, regardless of the size. We all know how merciless it can be, with the recent Bailey Road tragedy which took fresh 46 lives. The illegal operating business and storing of gas cylinders carelessly for other reasons.
Let’s explore what is a fire triangle and the three main ways in which fire can spread.
A fire triangle is a model that is used to represent the three elements that are necessary for combustion (which is a process through which a substance reacts with oxygen or any oxidizers, releasing energy in the form of light and heat, in short burning of fuel) These three elements are heat, oxygen, and fuel. The heat represents the energy source that is used to raise the temperature of the fuel to the point where it starts to burn. Oxygen represents the oxidizer that is required for the fuel to react and produce heat, smoke, and carbon dioxide. Finally, fuel represents the substance that is being burned to produce heat and light.
A fire can quickly escalate from a manageable one to a dangerous one within 30 seconds due to factors like synthetic materials, wood, and wall hangings. Within 1 minute, smoke fills a room, rises to the ceiling, and descends. After 3 minutes, temperatures can reach over 300 degrees and spread to other places. After 5 minutes, the heat from the fire source ignites its surroundings, causing a 'flashover'.
Smoke, the main cause of fire-related deaths, fills the room after 60 seconds. On average, it takes only 5 minutes for a home to be completely engulfed, with commercial buildings taking slightly longer based on their size.
They can spread through three main ways:
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Convection
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Conduction
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Radiation
Convection occurs when heat rises from the initial source, causing the fire to travel upwards and horizontally.
Conduction occurs when fire spreads through direct contact between combustible materials, such as steel beams. Radiation, the emission of energy in rays or waves, causes flammable materials to increase in temperature, igniting the fire.
Radiation refers to the emissions of waves or rays. A large fire will cause heat energy to radiate through space, causing other flammable materials to increase in temperature to the point where it ignites.
The preventive measures-
Installing smoke detectors: Installing smoke detectors on every level of the building and ensuring they are in proper working condition by regularly testing and replacing batteries as needed.
Conduct regular inspections: Regularly inspect electrical systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and other potential fire hazards to identify and address any issues promptly.
Implement proper storage and handling of flammable materials: Store flammable materials in designated areas away from ignition sources, and follow proper handling and disposal procedures.
Maintain fire safety equipment: Ensure fire extinguishers, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency exit signs are regularly inspected, maintained, and in good working order.
Implement fire safety protocols: Establish and communicate fire safety protocols, including evacuation plans, designated meeting points, and emergency contact information. Conduct regular fire drills to familiarize occupants with evacuation procedures.
Provide fire safety training: Educate building occupants on fire safety practices, including proper use of fire extinguishers, evacuation procedures, and prevention measures.
Use a fire extinguisher when the fire is fire is small and manageable, individuals with proper training can attempt to extinguish it using suitable fire extinguishers. The PASS technique should be followed which is a widely recognized method for effectively using a fire extinguisher. It stands for:
PULL the pin: Start by pulling the pin located on the top or side of the fire extinguisher. This pin is designed to prevent accidental discharge.
AIM at the base of the fire: Once the pin is pulled, aim the nozzle or hose of the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire. It's important to direct the extinguishing agent at the source of the flames rather than the flames themselves. This helps to smother the fire by cutting off its supply of oxygen.
SQUEEZE the handle: Firmly squeeze the handle or lever of the fire extinguisher. This action releases the extinguishing agent, such as water, foam, or dry chemical, from the canister. Maintain a steady grip on the handle while operating the extinguisher.
SWEEP from side to side: While continuing to squeeze the handle, sweep the extinguishing agent from side to side across the base of the fire. This sweeping motion helps to cover a wider area and ensures effective extinguishment. Aim to completely douse the flames until they are fully extinguished.
During the raging fire, every second counts. While the fire extinguishers are a must-have, another underrated method emerges: Intumescent paint. This coating holds the power to significantly slow the spread of flames. In this way, the fire won’t spread immediately. Giving extra time for occupants to evacuate and saving lives. Remember never attempt to fight a large or rapidly spreading fire. It's always better to be safe than sorry. If you're unsure about the severity of the fire, evacuate immediately.
Paint is composed of several components:
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A base called binder
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Intumescent agent
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Char-forming agent
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Pigments and fillers
The base is made of materials like acrylics, epoxies, and silicates. The intumescent agent, typically ammonium polyphosphate (APP), is responsible for the paint's fire-resistant properties. When exposed to high heat, APP decomposes into a non-combustible gas and a phosphoric acid residue. This gas bubbles expand the paint, while the phosphoric acid reacts with the char-forming agents, such as PET and melamine, to form a stable, fire-resistant char layer. This char layer acts as a barrier, insulating the underlying surface from heat and delaying the spread of fire.
The question is how it works. The paint works in a different transformation when it is exposed to heat it holds the power to significantly expand itself up to 50 times its original state. Which eventually creates a char layer beneath the materials that acts as a barrier, protecting the underlying materials from direct heat. This not only delays the flame progressions but also prevents the fire from engulfing the whole structure. Minimizing the property damage and reducing the risk of causalities.
Therefore, next time you see any unassuming pain coating, remember- it could be the silent guardian standing between you and a potential tragedy.
This writer is a student. She can be reached at introscience4@gmail.com
