Fire Safety and First Aid in Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering
Section outline
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FIRE SAFETY AND FIRST AID provides knowledge on the concept of fire safety and first aid in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for engineering. This course covers the importance of preventing fire hazards, using firefighting equipment, and following emergency evacuation procedures. The course also explains the basic principles of first aid, including how to give immediate care for common workplace injuries such as burns, cuts, falls, and chemical exposure. This helps ensure safety, quick response, and protection of workers in engineering environments.
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Module 1: Fire Safety
Fire is a chemical reaction caused by rapid oxidation or burning of a fuel.
For fire to occur, three elements (known as the fire triangle) must be present:-
Fuel – any combustible material (e.g., petrol, methanol, paper)
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Oxygen – at least 16% is needed to sustain combustion
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Heat – raises fuel to its ignition temperature
2. The Concept of Fire
Understanding fire behavior helps in preventing and controlling it effectively. Fire spreads when the three elements interact continuously.
3. Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is a handheld device used to control or extinguish small fires during emergencies.
It contains dry or wet chemicals designed for specific fire types.
4. Fire Safety Planning
Planning involves identifying fire risks, setting up safety procedures, and ensuring everyone knows how to respond in case of fire (e.g., evacuation routes, emergency contacts).
5. Fire Protection and Control Methods
These include:-
Preventive measures (avoiding ignition sources and maintaining equipment)
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Active control (using extinguishers, alarms, sprinklers)
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Emergency response (evacuation drills, fire wardens, rescue plans)
In short:
Fire safety focuses on understanding fire behavior, using proper extinguishing methods, and establishing preventive and emergency procedures to protect life and property.Module 2: First Aid
First Aid refers to the immediate help given to someone experiencing a medical emergency. Its purpose is to preserve life, prevent the condition from getting worse, and promote recovery until professional medical services take over. First Aid is usually carried out by individuals with basic medical or first responder training.
The module also highlights the principles of First Aid, which guide responders in handling emergencies correctly. Additionally, it introduces First Aid boxes, which contain essential items needed to provide quick and effective assistance during emergencies.
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