Fires most often start from inattention: an appliance left on, an overloaded socket, a cigarette, a flammable material next to a heat source. Most of them can be prevented. This lesson is about preventing fires. What to do in a fire is in the next lesson.
The legal basis
The Fire Protection Act (No. 133/1985 Sb.) imposes duties on everyone. Under its § 17, individuals must act so that a fire does not start. This applies in particular when handling heaters, electrical and gas appliances, flammable substances and open flames. They must also keep access to electricity distribution equipment and to the shut-off valves for gas, water and heating, and must not make it impossible to use fire extinguishers.
The employer has further duties. If it carries out activities with increased or high fire risk, it must provide regular employee training in fire protection (§ 16). Depending on the nature of the operation, it must also mark escape routes, maintain fire extinguishers and keep the required documentation. The details are set out in Decree No. 246/2001 Sb.
What burns: the fire triangle
Three things are needed at the same time for a fire:
- a flammable material (paper, wood, plastics, liquids, gases),
- oxygen (air),
- a source of ignition (flame, spark, hot surface, electric arc).
If you remove any one of them, a fire will not start or will go out.
The most common causes
- Electrical appliances and wiring. Overloaded extension leads, damaged cables, appliances left running unattended. Do not "daisy-chain" appliances.
- Smoking. You may smoke only where it is permitted. Cigarette ends belong in a non-flammable container, not in a bin with paper.
- Flammable substances. Store solvents, paints, gases and cleaning products only in designated places, in the right containers and away from heat sources.
- Work with open flames. Welding, grinding and flame cutting may be done only by designated people and according to the employer's instructions.
- Heaters and kitchen appliances. Do not cover them. Do not dry things on them.
- Clutter. Piles of cardboard, paper and waste are fuel.
What you can do every day
- Keep escape routes and exits clear. Store nothing there, not even for a moment.
- Do not block access to fire extinguishers, hydrants and switchboards.
- Do not wedge open fire doors. Doors should stay closed or close by themselves.
- At the end of the shift, switch off machines and appliances that should not be running.
- Keep flammable materials in small quantities and in closed containers.
- Mark and report damaged equipment.
- Do not repair electrical equipment unless you are professionally qualified to do so.
The worst mistakes
- A fire extinguisher blocked by a door or a cupboard.
- An emergency exit locked or blocked by cabinets.
- Welding without supervision and without an extinguishing agent within reach.
- A fire detector switched off or covered.
Fire protection and the employer
When you keep things tidy, observe prohibitions and know the escape routes, you are meeting your duties. The employer is responsible for fire protection documentation, for inspections and servicing of fire extinguishers, hydrants and electrical equipment, and for preventive fire inspections of the workplace. It records them in the fire log (požární kniha; Decree No. 246/2001 Sb., § 37).
Summary
- A fire needs a flammable material, oxygen and a source of ignition.
- Most fires start from electricity, smoking, flammable materials and clutter.
- Keep escape routes and access to fire extinguishers clear.
- Under the law, everyone has a duty to prevent fires (§ 17).