Vital home fire safety warnings from the expert!

Asst. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay, an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist, stated that a fire blanket can be used to extinguish small kitchen fires, especially oil fires. “It helps extinguish open flames by cutting off oxygen. It is recommended to keep at least a 6-kilogram ABC type portable dry chemical extinguisher and a fire blanket in homes,” she said.

Asst. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay also emphasized what should be done in the event of an explosion at home for emergency response: “Do not panic, because panic prevents correct and quick actions. Act quickly, carefully, and calmly. When choosing a safe exit route, stairs and elevators should be avoided. If there is smoke, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth and move close to the ground.”

Faculty member of the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar University, Asst. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay, gave important warnings regarding basic safety precautions to be taken at home.

A fire blanket can be used to extinguish oil fires in the kitchen

Asst. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay noted that the most commonly used fire extinguishing devices for individual use are portable ABC dry chemical extinguishers. “They are suitable for solid materials (Class A), flammable liquids (Class B), and gas fires (Class C). They are an ideal choice for homes and kitchens. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are preferred for electrically induced fires. However, since they may cause oxygen deficiency in enclosed spaces, they should be used after evacuating people and animals. A fire blanket can be used to extinguish small kitchen fires, especially oil fires. It helps by cutting off the oxygen supply to the open flame. It is recommended to have at least a 6-kilogram ABC type portable dry chemical extinguisher and a fire blanket at home,” she said.

Smoke detectors allow early fire intervention

Explaining that smoke detectors are devices that provide early warning by detecting smoke particles in the air during a fire, Asst. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay said, “They enable evacuation of building occupants and early fire intervention by sounding an alarm at the initial stage of a fire. Optical smoke detectors used in buildings must have the EN 54-12 CPR certificate issued by internationally accredited organizations. According to the EN 54-14 standard, beam-type smoke detectors should be used in areas with ceiling heights between 9 and 12 meters. These detectors must be selected and installed in accordance with the relevant sections of the TS CEN/TS 54-14 standard. Beam-type smoke detectors come in two types: those with receiver-transmitter units and those with reflectors. In receiver-transmitter systems, infrared (IR) beams from the transmitter normally reach the receiver. During a fire, the smoke disrupts these beams, causing the detector to trigger an alarm,” she explained.

Where should smoke detectors be placed?

Asst. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay also stated that smoke detectors should be strategically placed in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, basements, garages, and high-ceilinged areas. “To reduce the risk of false alarms in kitchens, heat detectors should be used. Detectors should be mounted in the center of the ceiling or between the ceiling and the wall, away from areas with strong air currents. In order to ensure fire safety, detectors must be regularly tested and their batteries replaced,” she said.

Periodic inspection of electrical installations is a legal requirement

Asst. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay explained that in Türkiye, periodic inspections of electrical installations are legally required under Law No. 6331 on Occupational Health and Safety and the “Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment” issued based on this law. “According to this regulation, periodic inspections of electrical installations must be carried out at least once a year by authorized experts. These inspections are conducted to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the installation and to prevent possible electrical accidents and fires. As part of periodic inspections, critical components such as grounding systems, lightning protection systems (lightning rods), residual/ground fault current relays, and electrical panels must also be checked. Especially grounding and lightning protection systems must be inspected at least once a year. As of 31 December 2023, it has become mandatory to have an installation project available during the periodic inspection of electrical systems. Employers are legally obligated to conduct these inspections regularly and to keep the inspection reports. Otherwise, administrative fines that vary depending on the number of employees may be imposed due to the failure to carry out necessary checks, measurements, examinations, and investigations for identifying risks,” she continued.

A fire extinguisher should be kept at home

Highlighting the safe use of electrical appliances, Asst. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay said, “Appliances should always be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Electrical cords and sockets should be regularly checked, and worn or damaged cords should not be used. High-power-consuming devices should be connected to appropriate sockets, and multiple socket extensions should be avoided. Electrical devices must not come into contact with water, and they should be used away from areas where water can splash. Additionally, devices should be unplugged when not in use, and it should be ensured that they are completely turned off. Appliances should be plugged into grounded outlets and must be made from safe materials that do not pose a fire risk. Regular maintenance and checks of electrical devices should be performed, especially older devices should be carefully inspected. Children should be prevented from accessing electrical devices, and socket covers should be used. Finally, considering fire risk, a fire extinguisher should be kept at home, and smoke detectors must be operational,” she said.

Gas appliances must be regularly maintained

Regarding the safe use of natural gas or bottled gas, Asst. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay noted, “Before using gas appliances, gas leakage should be checked. In case of suspected gas leakage, the gas valve should be closed immediately, and the area should be ventilated. Also, regular maintenance of gas appliances must be carried out, especially cleaning of burners should not be neglected. Gas appliances and bottled gas must be kept away from open flames, smoking, or actions that may produce sparks. To prevent explosion risks from gas accumulation, rooms where natural gas or bottled gas is used must be well ventilated. When not in use, gas valves should be turned off, and gas cylinders should be placed correctly, kept away from heat and direct sunlight. Additionally, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors should be present in areas where gas is used, and access to gas appliances should be restricted for children and pets,” she said.

In case of explosion, act quickly, carefully, and calmly

Asst. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay emphasized that in the event of an explosion at home, it is important to remain calm to ensure the safe evacuation of people from the area. “Do not panic, because panic prevents correct and quick actions. Act quickly, carefully, and calmly. Follow the emergency plan. Leave the hazardous area immediately. When selecting a safe exit route, stairs and elevators should be avoided. If there is smoke, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth and move close to the ground. If it is safe to do so, the electricity and gas valves should be shut off. However, if the gas valve is attempted to be closed in an environment with explosion risk or gas leakage, a spark or flame may cause an explosion. After leaving the building, proceed to the previously designated safe assembly point, call 112, and provide information about the incident,” she concluded.

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)