CalGEO - The California Geotechnical Engineering Association

Industry News

August 26, 2009
Fire Prevention

By Craig Hill, Earth Systems, Inc.

Fortunately, the majority of companies seldom have to deal with fires. Unfortunately if a fire does occur it can be life threatening and devastating to any business. Whether it be a fire in the office or lab that destroys equipment and records, or a fire in the field that jeopardizes the health and safety of our employees and the public, it is important for each of us to always be alert for fire hazards and take all the necessary steps to prevent a fire from starting.

What is Fire
Fire is a chemical reaction resulting from a mixture of the following three components.

• Fuel (paper, oil, wood, etc.)
• Oxygen (present in the air)
• Heat (from flame, electricity, friction, or chemical reaction)

Fire Prevention
To prevent a fire, be sure fuel, oxygen and heat don't mix.

Housekeeping

• Keep work areas clean.
• Dispose of waste properly and promptly.
• Remove weeds and dry brush from areas adjoining buildings and work areas.
• Allow smoking in approved areas only.

Electrical hazards

• Keep electrical cords and wires in good condition.
• Keep electrical equipment properly grounded.
• Keep ignitable material away from lights and machinery.
• Don't overload circuits, fuses or outlets.
• Provide electrical enclosures with tight fitting covers.

Chemical hazards

• Review MSDSs for all chemicals used on the job.
• Properly store chemicals.
• Use flammable chemicals in well ventilated areas only.
• Do not use flammable chemicals for cleaning purposes.
• Clean up chemical spills immediately.
• Keep flammable chemicals away from ignition sources.
• Dispose of flammable chemical waste as soon as possible.

Welding hazards

• Remove flammable materials from welding areas.
• Use approved heat resistant shields to protect nearby areas from sparks.
• Keep a fire extinguisher available.
• Inspect the area for smoldering materials when work is complete.
• Do not weld or cut closed tanks or containers which have held flammable materials until all explosion hazards have been eliminated.

Drilling and Field Operation Hazards

• Let someone in the office know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• If possible notify the property owner when you intend to drill.
• If portable radios are available take one with you.
• Carry a fire extinguisher when driving off-road; be sure the extinguisher is fully charged and keep it within easy reach.
• If conditions are windy, be extra careful.
• When drilling or parking, try to select a location free of high brush or grass; if this is not possible you should try to clear the area you will be working (particularly around the exhaust) with a shovel or hoe.
• While drilling or working be constantly alert; periodically observe the area beneath and around the rig or your vehicle.
• Do not smoke in areas of high grass or brush.
• Be sure to inspect the area carefully before you leave.

Fire Suppression

Fire extinguishers are to be available in appropriate work areas and as required by law. Fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly and serviced annually. There are four classes of fire extinguishers Classes A, B, C, and D:

Class A. Class A extinguishers are used on ordinary materials like wood, paper, cloth or trash. Class A extinguishers are numbered 1-A, 2-A, etc. The larger the number, the larger fire it can handle. A 2-A extinguisher has twice the capacity of a 1-A extinguisher. Class A extinguishers should be kept within 75 feet of the area they are likely to be used.

Class B. Class B extinguishers are used to fight fires involving gases or flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline, paint solvents and grease. Class B extinguishers are also labeled with numbers. A 5-B extinguisher should be able to suppress a 5 foot square fire, a 10-B extinguisher should be able to suppress a 10 foot square fire etc. Class B extinguishers should be kept within 50 feet of the area they are likely to be used.

Class C. Class C extinguishers are used to fight electrical fires. Class C extinguishers are not numbered. Never use water to fight an electrical fire.

Combination ABC or BC. Combination extinguishers are used to fight fires of one or more of the classes described above.

Class D. Class D extinguishers are used to fight fires involving combustible metals such as sodium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, powdered aluminum and titanium. Class D extinguishers are not numbered. They should be kept within 75 feet of the area they are to be used.

Use of the fire extinguisher:

1. Pull the pin.
2. Stand about 8 feet from the fire.
3. Aim the hose at the base of the fire.
4. Squeeze the trigger.

Do not risk your life trying to extinguish a fire which may get out of control.

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