The Importance Of Fire Fighting Gears And Fire Protection

By Author: Jo Alelsto
Total Articles: 405
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Fire is the most important and dangerous element in nature. Man was able to use it to his advantage several millennia ago. Fire cooks food, keeps our houses warm in winter, and produces light during dark moonless nights. Nonetheless, it does not only burn things; it destroys houses, properties and lives. It has been reported that 85% of deaths resulting from fire accidents occur in homes. Hence, it is only proper that fire prevention efforts be in order. It is imperative that all institutions and establishments should have fire fighting equipment ready in case of unfortunate accidents.

Fire is a hazard. At any given time, it can endanger human life and ruin property. In most instances, such unfortunate incidents occur as a result of negligence and even though authorities have spent so much effort educating people and informing everyone about prevention, we still see burned down houses, apartments, and buildings.

The first thing people should do is educate themselves about how fire is generated and the elements that keep it alive. The classic knowledge says fire is produced when there is enough heat, ...
... fuel and oxygen. The appropriate combination of these three factors would produce fire. Elimination of any of these factors would, therefore, extinguish flames. But in case of large fires, extinguishing of fire is not easy. This could start anywhere - in the kitchen, in chemical laboratories, in factories, in production areas, and anywhere else. Then it spreads radically to any direction and could kill and injure people and render everything to ashes.

In many countries, the installation of industrial fire fighting equipment in establishments is imperative. All buildings and institutions are also subject to engineering and structural inspections to ensure fire safety mechanisms. Fire drills are also regularly taught to employees of many offices and to students of many schools and institutions. Such drills are important to train everyone in case of emergencies. People should learn the basics when under such urgent situations. They should know emergency hotlines to call. Moreover, it is not enough to have fire safety gears and equipment. People should know how to use them. They would render useless to people who do not know how to use them when the situation arises.

On the other hand, house fires are often caused by incorrectly placed and defective kitchen stoves and faulty electrical wiring. Hence, better have your stoves, gas range, and LPG tanks checked for leaks. Also having curtains and flammable materials near sources of flame is not appropriate. Note further that approximately fifteen percent of house fire accidents occur as a result of lit cigarette sticks improperly disposed of. Smokers should, therefore, watch where they throw their cigarette. Children should be taught about the dangers of playing with matches and lighters. Candles should never be left lit. Appliances should be unplugged when everyone leaves home. Also regularly check wirings for worn out insulation. Furthermore, flammable liquids should be stored outdoors and must be kept in tightly closed containers. These reminders are but basic.

Fires do not just happen inland. Several maritime fire incidents are reported annually. Such accidents happen due to overheated machinery, electrical problems unchecked and internal explosions caused by various factors. Such fires may destroy the entire ship. This is why all ships have and should have advanced marine fire fighting equipment. But in most cases fire is preventable with proper information, measures, strategies and equipment. The crew should undergo fire drills. It is quite important to study ship structure and operations to pin down weak and hazard spots so as to deal about them more effectively and prevent future accidents. As earlier implied a large percentage of uncontrolled fire is due to human negligence. When the basic tasks are left undone, grim events happen in just a blink of an eye.
Jo is an author and publisher for 'Resmar Ltd' (http://www.resmar.co.uk), the preferred Marine Safety Equipment provider among the world's leading shipping industries as well as other major establishments. If your firm is looking for better quality yet reasonably priced fire fighting equipment then you should have a look at Resmar Ltd.