Lesson 5: Fire Hazards

This flashcard set covers the fundamental components, causes, stages, and safety protocols regarding fire hazards as defined in the South East – Asia Institute of Trade and Technology module.

Fire

A chemical reaction and rapid oxidation process that occurs when substances combine with oxygen in the air, producing flame, heat, and light.

Fire Triangle

A model representing the three essential components needed for a fire to start: Fuel, Heat, and Oxygen.

Fuel

Any combustible or flammable material in solid, liquid, or gas form that must reach its ignition temperature and convert to gas before it can ignite.

Heat

A source of energy, such as matches, lightning, or sunlight, that raises fuel to its ignition point.

Oxygen (Fire Requirement)

A component present in the atmosphere at about 21 \text{%} by volume; a minimum of 16 \text{%} is needed to sustain a fire.

Fire Tetrahedron

An expanded concept of the fire triangle that adds a chemical chain reaction as the fourth essential component to maintain a fire.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)

The agency that identifies common causes of fire and provides safety guidelines in the Philippines.

Octopus connections

The hazardous practice of plugging multiple appliances into one socket, which can cause electrical overloading.

Arson

The deliberate setting of fires, which is a punishable act under Presidential Decree 1613.

Incipient Stage

The ignition stage of a fire where heat, fuel, and oxygen combine; the fire is still small enough to be extinguished with a portable fire extinguisher.

Growth Stage

The stage where fire spreads rapidly and hot gases rise to the ceiling, potentially leading to a flashover.

Flashover

A dangerous phenomenon during the growth stage involving the simultaneous ignition of all combustible materials in a room.

Fully Developed Stage

The fire stage characterized by maximum heat, significant destruction, and the rapid consumption of available oxygen.

Decay Stage

Also known as burnout, this is the stage where fuel and oxygen diminish, creating risks of backdraft if oxygen is suddenly reintroduced.

Backdraft

An explosive event that occurs in the decay stage when oxygen is suddenly reintroduced to a fire.

Conduction

A mode of heat transfer where heat travels through materials like metal, potentially igniting nearby combustibles.

Convection

A mode of heat transfer where heated air or gases rise, spreading fire to upper floors or ceilings.

Radiation

A mode of heat transfer where heat travels as electromagnetic waves, igniting objects without direct contact.

RA 9514

Also known as the Fire Code of the Philippines, which establishes fire safety standards.

RACE

A fire response acronym standing for Rescue, Alert, Contain, and Evacuate.

PASS

An acronym for operating a fire extinguisher: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.