Ventilation and fires, tips to avoid scares

In our home, few scares can be worse than suffering a fire. In work environments, something similar happens, although in those cases the damage is different, and the responsibility is totally different. To avoid these kinds of problems, we must bear in mind that ventilation and fires are two concepts that go hand in hand. Properly airing a room can save us trouble, and it is a way to prevent fires at home.

Not only that. In the event of a small fire, a ventilation system can extract or extinguish the fire. In addition to ensuring the removal of smoke. It is worth remembering that many of the accidents we regret due to fires are fatal due to poor respiration caused by smoke, beyond the fire.

Normally, fire ventilation systems are implemented in large buildings, where neighbors' communities must protect themselves against isolated cases. How do they work?rn

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• The ventilation systems must suck up the smoke and extract it upwards, in the opposite direction to the path that people will take, which is towards the street.
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• There must exist a propulsion system taking air from the street, to then introduce it into the interiors.
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• The route of the ventilation ducts for fire cases must be very short.
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In our homes, we can install smoke detectors to know when we are facing a problem in case of fire. It is not common to have smoke extractors in homes in case of fires, as it is a professional solution for work environments.

Workplaces, on the other hand, can be more prone to the spread of fires, which is why there are more control measures. What should be taken into account regarding ventilation and fires in workplaces?rn

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• The main thing is to respect the ventilation of the work area. Extractors are essential if work is performed that produces smoke.
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• Manufacturing and industries that have work that generates combustion need means to extinguish fires. In addition to fire extinguishers, proper signage that complies with current regulations is necessary.
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• Anti-fire bins are a good solution in industries that use some type of combustion. There are also fireproof cabinets.
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• In workplaces with the potential for a fire to start, we will always need equipment for people that offers all the necessary protection. Similarly, it is basic to provide mandatory training for personnel who may be involved in fire situations.
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Ventilation and fires at home, how to protect yourself?

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1. The kitchen is one of the places where ventilation and fires should be taken into account. On one hand, it is essential to properly air the room and use a kitchen extractor. Pans can cause fires, so try to keep rags or any flammable material away. You can cover the pans if they are causing fire, as this will cut off the oxygen that fuels the fire.
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2. In ventilation, be careful with drafts. A spark that comes out of the cooking area could start a fire.
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3. If you smell gas, even slightly, do not turn on even the light, as the spark from electricity could ignite the fire. Open the windows as soon as possible to ventilate the room.
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4. Flammable liquids should not be in the house. If we want to store gasoline -something that is highly inadvisable- it must be done in a special container.
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5. A common accident is leaving the iron on when the phone rings or someone knocks at the door. The iron should always be unplugged.
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6. Electrical and gas installations should be checked and maintained in good condition.
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7. Do not leave clothes on radiators in winter, nor keep paper or other combustible items near heaters.
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8. If you go on vacation, turn off the gas and also the electricity.
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9. In fireplaces, do not use gasoline or alcohol to start a fire.
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10. Do not plug in more than one electronic device into the same outlet, and try to avoid frayed wires or overloaded power strips.
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