Understanding the fire triangle is crucial for fire safety, as it helps you to both prevent fires in the first place and extinguish them effectively if the worst does happen.
At Surrey Tech Services Ltd, we’re committed to helping both domestic and commercial clients keep their premises and property safe. That’s why we’re using our expertise this month to talk you through the fire triangle – a popular way of demonstrating the elements needed for fire – so that you can apply the knowledge for your safety.
3 Elements of the fire triangle
There are three necessary elements in the fire triangle, each of which is required for a fire to start and sustain itself.
- Heat. There has to be heat as the essential energy for combustion. This could come from a variety of sources, including a hot surface or an electrical fault.
- Fuel. A fire requires a fuel of some sort, something that can ignite and keep the fire going. Common sources include wood, paper, gases and flammable liquids.
- Oxygen. This is an essential element for any fire, as oxygen has to be present for combustion to occur. Normal air contains enough oxygen to support fires, while any additional airflow or oxygen canisters pose a heightened risk of starting or spreading fire.
How to break the fire triangle
You need only remove one side of the fire triangle to break it. That means you only have to take away one element and you will effectively extinguish a fire. Here’s how:
- You can remove heat through water, extinguishers and other cooling agents. Staying on top of electrical safety and being vigilant around necessary sources of heat can help to prevent fires in the first place.
- You can remove fuel by properly storing any highly flammable materials. To this end, fire doors and compartmentation are ideal for preventing the spread of fuels or allowing fires to reach further fuel sources.
- You can remove oxygen by utilising fire safety equipment that displaces oxygen. This could be in the form of automatic suppression systems or extinguishers. CO2 extinguishers are especially effective at this task, but should be used with caution as there is a risk of asphyxiation if used in smaller or confined spaces.
Which element of the fire triangle does a fire blanket remove?
With the previous section in mind, you may have already worked out that fire blankets remove oxygen from the fire triangle. Smothering flames with specially designed fire-resistant material means the flames don’t have sufficient oxygen to be sustained.
Fire blankets are suitable for smaller fires, which is why they’re ideal for kitchens in homes and businesses. To use a fire blanket, you simply pull it firmly from its container, hold it by the corners and carefully place it over any flames to smother them. You should leave the fire blanket in place until the flames are completely extinguished.
Fire protection services from Surrey Tech Services Ltd
At Surrey Tech Services Ltd, we offer a full range of fire protection services. As well as our advice and expertise on the components of the fire triangle, you can benefit from the following wherever you are in London and the home counties:
- High-quality fire extinguishers
- The latest fire alarm technology
- Precise, compliant fire door installation
- Fire stopping services
- Fire risk assessments for buildings
Call us today for a free site survey, expert advice and round-the-clock support.
