Assignment 1

Science at Work

Task 4 Fighting Fire

One of the most common hazards in scientific workplaces is fire. All workplaces must be equipped with fire-fighting equipment, but this equipment varies with the type of hazard associated with the type of work undertaken. There are several different types of fire extinguisher that may be used for fighting small fires, and it is important that the right one is used for the particular type of fire.

1. Using your text books for reference, complete the Tables on Task Sheet 5 by giving the correct colour code for each type of fire extinguisher, the type of fire that each is used for, and the types of substances that can cause each type of fire. (Note that some modern fire extinguishers are coloured red with an additional colour flash which indicates the contents of the extinguisher.)
   
2. Answer the following questions as fully as you can.

• Describe how you would deal with a chip pan fire at home. Clearly explain why the use of a fire extinguisher is not suitable.
  
• Why should you never use a water-based fire extinguisher on an electrical fire? Which type of extinguisher(s) would be suitable?
  
• Write a Risk Assessment which gives the main hazards and risks from fire in your home. For each hazard and risk identified, suggest how these may be reduced.
  
• Read the following carefully:-

A group of students were carrying out an experiment involving the use of a highly flammable liquid. One of the students reached across the bench for a pen and accidentally knocked the bottle of flammable liquid with his elbow. Some of the liquid spilt onto the bench and it also ran onto the floor of the laboratory. A Bunsen burner was alight nearby and as a result a fire began. There were some student notes, worksheets and other scraps of paper left on the bench that caught fire, together with bags and litter left on the floor next to the bench.

Using the description of this laboratory fire, write down the precautions that the students should have taken before starting the experiment.