Fire risks in the workshop

Fire risks in the vehicle body repair shop cover all classes of fire:class A,i.e. paper,wood and cloth; class B,i.e. flammable liquids such as oils,spirits, alcohols,solvents and grease; class C,i.e. flammable gases such as acetylene,propane,butane; and also electrical risks. It is essential that fire is detected and extinguished in the early stages. Workshop staff must know the risks involved and should be aware of the procedures necessary to combat fire. Bodyshop personnel should be aware of the various classes of fire and how they relate to common workshop practice.
Class A fires:wood, paper and cloth
Today wood is not used in cars,although there are exceptions. Cloth materials are used for some main trim items and are therefore a potential fire hazard. The paper used for masking purposes is a prime area of concern. Once it has done its job and is covered in overspray it is important that it is cor- rectly disposed of,ideally in a metal container with a lid,and not scrunched up and thrown on the floor to form the potential start of a deep seated fire.
Class B fires:flammable liquids
Flammable liquids are the stock materials used in the trade for all body refinishing processes:gun cleaner to clear finish coats,cellulose to the more modern finishes,can all burn and produce acrid smoke.

Class C fires:gases
Not many cars run on liquid propane gas (LPG),
but welding gases or propane space heaters not
only burn but can be the source of ignition for A or
B fires.
Electrical hazards
Electricity is not of itself a class of fire. It is,however,a potential source of ignition for all of the fire classes mentioned above.
The Electricity at Work Regulations cover thecare of cables,plugs and wiring. In addition,inthe bodyshop the use of welding and cutting equipment produces sparks which can,in the absence of good housekeeping,start a big fire. Training in how to use fire fighting equipment can stop a fire in its early stages. Another hazard is the electrical energy present in all car batteries. A short-circuit across the terminals of a battery can produce sufficient energy to form a weld and in turn heating,a prime source of ignition. When tackling a car fire a fireman will always try to disconnect the battery,as otherwise any attempt to extinguish a fire can result in the reignition of flammable vapours.
Body filler
A further possible source of ignition to be aware of in general use in the body repair business is the mixing of two materials to use as a body filler. The result of mixing in the wrong proportions can give rise to an exothermic (heat releasing) reaction; in extreme cases the mix can ignite.