OHS Expert Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay noted that a ‘Fire Blanket’ can be used to extinguish small kitchen fires, especially oil fires, and said, “It helps extinguish open flames by depriving them of oxygen. It is recommended to keep at least a 6-kilogram ABC type portable dry chemical extinguisher and a fire blanket in homes.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay also pointed out what should be done for an emergency in case of an explosion at home, saying, “Do not panic, because panic prevents you from acting correctly and quickly. Act quickly, carefully, and calmly. When choosing a safe exit route, stairs and elevators should be avoided, and if there is smoke, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth and move close to the ground.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay, Faculty Member of the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, made important warnings about basic safety measures to be taken at home.
‘Fire Blanket’ can be used to extinguish oil fires in the kitchen
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay noted that the most common fire extinguishing devices for individual use are portable ABC Dry Chemical fire extinguishers, and said, “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 fire extinguishers are preferred for electrical fires. However, since they can cause oxygen deficiency in enclosed spaces, their use is recommended after people and animals have been evacuated. A ‘Fire Blanket’ can be used to extinguish small kitchen fires, especially oil fires. It helps extinguish open flames by depriving them of oxygen. It is recommended to keep at least a 6-kilogram ABC type portable dry chemical extinguisher and a fire blanket in homes.”
Smoke detector enables early intervention in fires
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated that smoke detectors are devices that provide early warning by detecting smoke particles in the air during a fire, and said, “By alarming at the initial stage of a fire, they enable the evacuation of building occupants and early intervention in the fire. Optical smoke detectors used in buildings must have an 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 a ceiling height of 9-12 meters. These detectors should be selected and placed according to the relevant sections of the TS CEN/TS 54-14 standard. Beam-type smoke detectors come in two types: receiver-transmitter unit and reflector. In receiver-transmitter unit systems, infrared (IR) rays emitted from the transmitter reach the receiver under normal conditions, while during a fire, smoke blocks these rays, causing the detector to alarm.”
Where should detectors be placed?
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay also explained that smoke detectors should be strategically placed in bedrooms, living rooms, corridors, basements, garages, and areas with high ceilings, and stated, “Heat detectors should be preferred in kitchens to reduce the risk of false alarms. Detectors should be mounted in the center of the ceiling or between the wall and the ceiling, away from areas with strong air currents. Regular testing of detectors and replacement of their batteries are necessary to ensure fire safety.”
Periodic inspections of electrical installations are a legal obligation
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated that periodic inspections of electrical installations in Turkey are a legal obligation under the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 and the "Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment" issued based on this law, and continued as follows:
“In accordance with this regulation, periodic inspections of electrical installations must be carried out at least once a year by authorized experts. These inspections are performed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the installation, and to prevent possible electrical accidents and fires. Within the scope of periodic inspections, critical components such as grounding installations, lightning protection installations (lightning rod systems), residual/leakage current relays, and electrical panels should also be inspected. Especially the inspections of grounding and lightning protection installations should be carried out at least once a year. As of December 31, 2023, it has also become mandatory to have an installation project during periodic inspections of electrical installations. It is a legal obligation for employers to have these periodic inspections carried out regularly and to keep the inspection reports for occupational safety. Otherwise, administrative fines, varying according to the number of employees, may be imposed due to the failure to perform the necessary controls, measurements, examinations, and investigations for identifying risks.”
Fire extinguisher should be kept at home
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay pointed out that for the safe use of electrical devices, first, devices should always be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and said, “Electrical cables and sockets should be checked regularly, and worn or damaged cables should not be used. High power consumption devices should be connected to appropriate sockets, and multiple sockets should not be used. Electrical devices must not come into contact with water, so devices should be used in areas away from water splashes. Additionally, when not in use, devices should be unplugged and ensured to be completely off. Devices should be plugged into grounded sockets and manufactured with safe materials to avoid fire risk. Electrical devices should be regularly maintained and inspected, especially older devices should be carefully reviewed. Children's contact with electrical devices should be prevented, and protective covers should be placed on sockets. Finally, considering the risk of fire, a fire extinguisher should be kept at home, and smoke detectors should be ensured to be in working condition.”
Gas appliances should be regularly maintained
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay noted that to ensure safety during natural gas or LPG use, first, gas leaks should be checked before using gas appliances, and said, “In case of suspected gas leak, the gas valve should be closed immediately and the area should be ventilated. Additionally, gas appliances should be regularly maintained, especially the cleaning of burners should not be neglected. Gas appliances and LPG should be kept away from open flames, smoking, or activities that could produce sparks. Rooms where natural gas and LPG are used should be well-ventilated to prevent gas accumulation and the risk of explosion. When devices are not in use, the gas valve should be closed, and LPG cylinders should be placed correctly; cylinders should be kept away from hot places and direct sunlight. Furthermore, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors should be present in environments where gas is used, and children and pets should be prevented from accessing gas appliances.”
In case of an explosion, act quickly, carefully, and calmly
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated that it is necessary to remain calm to ensure people are safely removed from their location during an emergency evacuation in case of an explosion at home, and said, “Do not panic, because panic prevents you from acting correctly and quickly. Act quickly, carefully, and calmly. Act according to the emergency plan. Quickly leave the dangerous area. When choosing a safe exit route, stairs and elevators should be avoided, and if there is smoke, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth and move close to the ground. The process of closing electricity and gas valves should be applied if it can be done safely. If an attempt is made to close the gas valve in an environment with a risk of explosion or leakage, an explosion caused by a spark or fire may occur. After exiting the building, move to the predetermined safe gathering area, call 112, and provide information about the incident.” She concluded her words.