A Study Book for the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety: Essential Health and Safety Guide

This essential health and safety guide is designed to meet the learning requirements of the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety specification (units FSC1 and FSC2). It provides an excellent reference for anyone who has fire safety responsibilities in a small to medium sized organisation anywhere in the world. The guide provides the knowledge and understanding, when combined with relevant experience, to carry out an effective fire risk assessment, as well as embed good practice in the workplace. The practical and informative approach of the guide will provide Health and Safety Managers, Facilities Managers and others with a perspective of the significance of fire risk within the workplace, and understanding of fire and explosion protection and prevention principles. Fire Service Personnel will also find the publication of benefit in developing their underpinning knowledge as part of the Integrated Personal Development System.

Table of Contents:
Preface v List of abbreviations x Element 1: Managing fire safety 01 1.1 Moral and financial reasons for managing fire safety 02 1.2 The role of national governments and international bodies in developing frameworks for the regulation of fire safety 06 Sources of reference 16 Study questions 16 Element 2: Principles of fire and explosion 17 2.1 The principles of combustion, fire growth and fire spread 18 2.2 The ignition of solids, liquids and gases 28 2.3 Explosion and explosive combustion 31 Sources of reference 35 Study questions 36 Element 3: Fuel, oxygen and ignition sources and control measures 37 3.1 Sources of fuel, oxygen and ignition sources 38 3.2 Appropriate control measures to minimise fire and explosion risks 46 Sources of reference 60 Study questions 60 Element 4: Fire protection of buildings 61 4.1 The means of fire protection and prevention 62 4.2 Means of escape 71 4.3 The methods and systems available to give early warning of fire 85 4.4 Classification of fires, extinguishing media and portable fire-fighting equipment 94 4.5 The method of operation and maintenance of fixed installation systems 100 4.6 Requirements for ensuring access for the fire service is provided and maintained 107 Sources of reference 109 Study questions 110 Element 5: Safety of people in the event of a fire 111 5.1 Fire emergency plan 112 5.2 Fire evacuation 118 5.3 Behaviours of people in the event of a fire 121 5.4 Appropriate training requirements 129 Sources of reference 132 Study questions 132 Element 6: Fire safety risk assessment 133 6.1 Objectives of fire safety risk assessments 134 6.2 Principles and practice of fire safety risk assessments 137 6.3 Matters to be considered in a risk assessment of substances capable of forming a flammable or explosive atmosphere 151 Sources of reference 152 Study questions 153 Relevant Statutory Provisions 155 Assessment 185 Revision and examination guidance 205 Index 217