What is the fire triangle and why does it matter?
By Joe Cooper · · 3 min read
A fire needs three things: heat, fuel and oxygen. Take one away and the fire goes out. It is a simple way to think about preventing fires and putting them out.
The three elements
- Heat: a source of ignition such as a spark, hot surface, flame or electrical fault.
- Fuel: anything that burns, such as paper, cardboard, furniture, fat, flammable liquids.
- Oxygen: normally the air around us, sometimes added by oxygen supplies.
Using it to prevent fires
- Control sources of heat and ignition.
- Keep fuel such as stock and waste away from them.
- Know where oxygen supplies are and store them properly.
Using it to put fires out
Water cools, foam smothers, CO2 displaces oxygen and a fire blanket cuts off oxygen. Match the extinguisher to the fuel. Never use water on electrical equipment or cooking oil.
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General information based on GOV.UK guidance and common practice. It is not legal advice or a fire risk assessment. Your own fire risk assessment sets what applies to your premises. Sources: GOV.UK, Fire safety in the workplace.