|
Fire is a chain reaction that occurs when the correct balance of heat,
fuel and oxygen exists. Therefore, a lack of oxygen in the atmosphere exists
due to the consumption of this chain reaction (fire).
|
|
|
It is important to realize...
|
|
|
Once you have made your way out of a burning building you may already be
suffering the effects from lack of oxygen!
|
|
|
The table below demonstrates the effects of lack of oxygen.
|
|
| Oxygen Level |
Effects |
|
21%
|
Normal Atmospheric Level
|
|
19.5%
|
Minimum Healthful Level
|
|
15 to 19%
|
Decreased stamina and coordination
Also may induce effects of 12 to 14% oxygen level.
|
|
12 to 14%
|
Breathing rate increases with exertion
Increase in heart rate
Impaired coordination, perception and judgement
|
|
10 to 12%
|
Breathing further increases in rate and depth
Lips turn blue
Poor judgement
|
|
8 to 10%
|
Mental failure, fainting, unconsciousness, nausea and vomiting
|
|
6 to 8%
|
Fatal after 6 to 8 minutes
|
|
4 to 6%
|
Coma in 40 seconds, convulsions, respiration ceases and death
|
|
|
|
One of the major effects of lack of oxygen is the impairment of judgment. You may
not realize it, but the possible exposure of lack of oxygen on the way out may
impair your ability to think clearly and rationally. Even if you are not
affected, others who escaped with you may display this impairment of judgment.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT OTHERS FROM RE-ENTERING!
|
|
|
Other Dangers
|
|
-
Gas mains, propane tanks and even small arms ammunition can explode causing
serious injury.
-
The structural integrity of the building can be affected during fire. Ceilings
and walls can collapse on top of you, the floors can fall from underneath your
feet and other structures such as stairways and porches can collapse.
-
Often electrical lines can become exposed inside the building and fall from
outside connections to the ground on the exterior of the building. This can
result in electrocution.
|
|
|
Another hazard which exists in a burning building is the presence of toxic
gases. Carbon Monoxide is a main by-product of fire. It is odorless, colorless
and tasteless. At high concentration it can immediately cause unconsciousness and
subsequent death. Even in moderate amounts carbon monoxide can cause impairment
of mental functions much similar to the lack of oxygen.
|
|
|
Fire itself is a serious hazard in that it can cause fatal or debilitating burn
injuries. A building fire can generate heat upwards of 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in
mind that water boils at 212 degrees F and that most foods are cooked in
temperatures of less than 500 degrees F. There is the possible danger of
flashover where a room is immediately engulfed in flames in an explosion-like
reaction.
|
|
|
Finally...
|
|
|
Go to a safe place (preferably prearranged) far enough away from the building in
case of collapse or explosion and perform a head count of those who were in the
building with you (family members or co-workers).
|
|
|
If someone is missing it is critical that this be conveyed to arriving
firefighting personnel. Tell them who and how many people are missing and where
they were last seen.
|
|
|
DO NOT GO BACK IN AND TRY TO FIND THOSE MISSING!
|
|
|
NEVER RE-ENTER! RESULTS COULD BE DEADLY!
|
|
|
One of the greatest hazards that exist in a building fire of any magnitude is
the lack of sufficient oxygen.
|
|
|
Oxygen is not only essential for human life, but it is also key to supporting the
life of the fire. When fire and humans compete for the limited amount of oxygen
within a burning building, fire always wins!
|
|
|
Most fire fatalities are caused because of this. It is often referred to as
death from smoke inhalation but put in much simpler terms it is death by
suffocation.
|
|
|
The dangers of oxygen displacement in a burning building as well as other
hazards, including the presence of toxic gases, the fire itself, the risk of
explosion, building collapse and electrocution, make re-entering a burning
structure a dangerous, if not deadly proposition.
|
|
|
Seek medical care if you or any others who escaped from the burning building are
injured. Keep in mind that the symptoms of lack of oxygen and / or exposure to
toxic gases can closely resemble those of alcohol intoxication. Get those people
who show these symptoms immediate medical attention.
|
|
|
Ask firefighting officials or a neighbor to notify your insurance company, nearby
relatives or the Red Cross to arrange lodging (if applicable).
|
|
|
If you are not going to remain in the building, make sure your property is
secure. Ensure the police are aware of the building being unattended. Lock up or
board up open windows and doors.
|
