- Using OSHA Definitions:
1-Flammable Liquids: flammable liquid is described as any liquid that has a flash point below 37.8oC (1000F). However, this does not include any mixture that has elements with flashpoints of below 37.8oC (1000F), whose total form about 99% of the entire volume of the mixture.
2-Combustible Liquids: a liquid is any liquid which has a flash point of or above 37.8oC (1000F) (OSHA, 2013).
Differences between Flammable and Combustible:
The main difference between flammable liquids’ vapor can be kindled at relatively lower temperatures as compared to combustible liquids. Therefore, it is easy for a flammable liquid to catch fire as compared to combustible liquids
- Interview:
- Person’s age and sex. Male, 25 years old
- What is his/her understanding of fire?
According his understanding, fire is one of the most dangerous tragedies that people face from time to time.
- What actions would he/she take in case of fire or emergency (home and work/school)
He stated that the first action he would take in case of fire is to flee for safety through emergency exists, and thereafter seek help from the neighbors and contacting fire fighters through their emergency number
- Does he/she know the location of their smoke detectors and the extinguisher at home and at work/school?
he is aware of their location because they are situated where they can be seen easily and around areas where fire is likely to occur.
- Does he/she know have any plans for exit at home and/or at work/school?
He has exit plans at home and at the workplace, because the exit route is clearly indicated using visible light signs.
- Other questions you may feel of interests of your understanding of human differences as it pertains to the concept of fire.
The other questions that the responded reacted to is how risky or dangerous is fire?
- Person’s age and sex. a male, of between 30-35 years
- What is his/her understanding of fire?
He stated that he perceives fire outbreaks among the dangerous disasters
- What actions would he/she take in case of fire or emergency (home and work/school)
He was not sure of the steps he could take
- Does he/she know the location of their smoke detectors and the extinguisher at home and at work/school?
He is aware of the location of smoke detectors and extinguishers because they are located at the exits and around areas that have high chances of being a source of fire.
- Does he/she know have any plans for exit at home and/or at work/school?
He had no clear exit plans and the only thing he could do is to follow the directions that have been put along the emergency exits.
- Other questions you may feel of interests of your understanding of human differences as it pertains to the concept of fire.
Are you aware of the location of the first aid kit at your home/school?
- Person’s age and sex. Female of between 20 to 23 years old
- What is his/her understanding of fire?
Having experienced a fire accident at her home, she asserted that she clearly understands how catastrophic fire can be.
- What actions would he/she take in case of fire or emergency (home and work/school)
The first action to take is to try to exit the building, and then call for help from those who are close while waiting for the fire fighters
- Does he/she know the location of their smoke detectors and the extinguisher at home and at work/school?
Initially, she was not interested on knowing the location of the smoke detectors and extinguishers at home and at the workplace, or how these gadgets work. However, following the fire incident, she has known the importance of these gadgets and has taken an effort of checking where they are located and how they work.
- Does he/she know have any plans for exit at home and/or at work/school?
she now has exit plans at home as well as at the workplace in case of a fire outbreak.
- Other questions you may feel of interests of your understanding of human differences as it pertains to the concept of fire.
What is the right safety procedure to follow in case of a fire outbreak
- Person’s age and sex. a woman in her 50s
- What is his/her understanding of fire?
She understands that fire is very risky and dangerous both at the workplace and at home.
- What actions would he/she take in case of fire or emergency (home and work/school)
The first action to take in case of a fire outbreak is to prevent it from spreading. The next step is to contact the relevant authorities, especially the fire department, to give their expertise in putting off the fire
- Does he/she know the location of their smoke detectors and the extinguisher at home and at work/school?
She stated that she was aware of the location of smoke detectors and extinguishers at home and at the workplace
- Does he/she know have any plans for exit at home and/or at work/school?
She is also conversant with the exit plans at work and at home.
- Other questions you may feel of interests of your understanding of human differences as it pertains to the concept of fire.
How important is it to know the emergency exits?
- Person’s age and sex. A young boy, of about 17 years
- What is his/her understanding of fire?
He explained that he is aware that fire is very dangerous, and is likely to cause great damage or even death in case of an outbreak.
- What actions would he/she take in case of fire or emergency (home and work/school)
He was not sure of what he could do
- Does he/she know the location of their smoke detectors and the extinguisher at home and at work/school?
He has never taken interest of knowing the location of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
- Does he/she know have any plans for exit at home and/or at work/school?
He has no exit plans, because he has never had first-hand experience of fire outbreak.
- Other questions you may feel of interests of your understanding of human differences as it pertains to the concept of fire.
Why haven’t you taken the initiative of knowing how to deal with fire, yet you understand its dangers?
- Summary of the interview:
Based on the above responses, it is evident that the respondents are aware of how dangerous fire is. In addition, at least all of them have a clue on what to do in case of a fire outbreak. Furthermore, they are also aware where the smoke detectors and extinguishers are located. Therefore, they are some-how prepared
- “Fire in America” Video
- First video (Chicago Fire):
- Event Explanation:
Answer
In 1871, Chicago was the fastest growing city in the United States. However, most constructions during this period were made of wood as well as other combustible materials. The city experienced long periods of drought, which were accompanied with high winds. In October 1871, the city experienced one of the worst fire outbreaks in the history of America.
- Why It Occurred?
The fire started in a farm after a lantern fell onto hay and caught fire. As a result of the drought, the fire spread at a very high rate damaging property and causing deaths. Particularly, the fire destroyed almost 1/3 of the buildings in the city and more than 250 deaths. The fire also spread fast because the firefighters followed wrong directions. In fact, the firefighters were overdone by the fire and it burned and burned out when fuel ran out.
- Safety Measures Came From the Incident (Codes/ Limitations):
Some of the changes that were made after the fire include: new construction materials and spacing were put in place in constructions, an anniversary of the tragedy, known as the National Fire Prevention Week was set on the first week of October every year
Second video (Great Peshtigo Fire)
- Event Explanation:
It was one of the deadliest fires to be ever experienced in America. It occurred in the same day as the Chicago fire occurred, but little attention was taken on it because the medial concentrated on the former.
- Why It Occurred?
The fire, which occurred in Michigan and Wisconsin, erupted as a result of the drought, hurricane force winds. It caused serious damage to property, and deaths of more than 1,500.
- Safety Measures Came From the Incident (Codes/ Limitations):
Building codes were improved, especially with regard to the construction materials. Inspection of building during constructions became necessary.
Works Cited
OSHA. Flammable and Combustible Liquids: 29 CFR 1910.106., 2013 Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/dte/library/flammable_liquids/flammable_liquids.html
