Lesson 2 – How Fires Start and Common Causes

2.1 The fire triangle

A fire normally requires three elements:

1. Heat – an ignition source;
2. Fuel – something capable of burning; and
3. Oxygen – usually obtained from the surrounding air.

These elements are known as the fire triangle.

Removing one element can prevent a fire from starting or continuing.

Examples

2.2 Common workplace fire causes

Common causes include:

• Faulty electrical equipment;
• Overloaded sockets;
• Damaged cables;
• Inappropriate extension leads;
• Portable heaters;
• Cooking equipment;
• Smoking materials;
• Lithium-ion batteries;
• Unsafe charging;
• Combustible waste;
• Arson;
• Poorly stored flammable materials;
• Hot work;
• Blocked ventilation;
• Poor maintenance; and
• Human error.

2.3 Common residential fire causes

During property visits, staff may encounter risks involving:

• Unattended cooking;
• Candles;
• Smoking;
• Portable heaters;
• Open fires;
• Damaged electrical appliances;
• Overloaded extension leads;
• E-bike or e-scooter batteries;
• Faulty chargers;
• Combustible materials near heat;
• Blocked escape routes;
• Unsafe modifications;
• Arson; or
• Children having access to ignition sources.

2.4 Electrical hazards

Warning signs may include:

• Scorch marks;
• Burning smells;
• Hot plugs or sockets;
• Exposed wiring;
• Buzzing or crackling;
• Repeatedly tripping circuits;
• Damaged cables;
• Multiple adaptors connected together;
• Loose sockets;
• Appliances used near water; or
• Chargers that are damaged or unusually hot.

Employees should:

• Stop using visibly unsafe office equipment where safe to do so;
• Isolate it only if trained and it can be done safely;
• Mark or remove it from use in accordance with policy;
• Report it promptly; and
• Avoid attempting repairs.

2.5 Portable heaters

Portable heaters may create risks when they are:

• Too close to paper, curtains or furniture;
• Left unattended;
• Covered;
• Used with an unsuitable extension lead;
• Damaged;
• Positioned where they can be knocked over; or
• Used to dry clothing.

Only approved equipment should be used in MyEstate workplaces.

2.6 Lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are found in:

• Mobile phones;
• Laptops;
• Power banks;
• E-bikes;
• E-scooters;
• Cordless tools; and
• Other rechargeable devices.

Possible warning signs include:

• Swelling;
• Excessive heat;
• Hissing;
• Leaking;
• Unusual smells;
• Smoke;
• Damage after impact; or
• A charger or battery behaving abnormally.

Employees should not handle a smoking or burning battery. They should raise the alarm, evacuate and call emergency services.

Lesson 2 key point

Fire prevention begins by separating ignition sources from combustible materials and reporting unsafe equipment before it causes a fire.