The Fire Prevention Triangle - Heat, Oxygen and Fuel A fire needs three elements - heat, oxygen and fuel. Without heat, oxygen and fuel a fire will not start or spread. A key strategy to prevent fire is to remove one or more of heat, oxygen or fuel. The risk assessment should include detail on all three elements to minimise the risk of a fire starting/ spreading.
Fire Detection All workplaces should have arrangements for detecting fire. IS 3218 gives a basis for assessing what type of detection system will be appropriate for a workplace and will also give guidance of its installation.
Fire Warning In almost all buildings, a suitable electrically operated fire warning system, with manual call points positioned both on exit routes and adjacent to final exits should be installed. This should have sufficient sounders for the warning to be clearly heard throughout the workplace. The sound used as a fire warning should be distinct from other sounds in the workplace and, where background noise levels are high or an employee has a hearing impairment, it may also be necessary to install a visual alarm such as a distinctive flashing or rotating light.
