Chemical Hazards and Reactions

Combustion and Fire

Combustion is any chemical process accompanied by the emission of light and heat. When a flame is produced, as well as light and heat, the combustion process is known as fire. Some fires can be deceiving. An alcohol fire can go undetected during daylight because the flame is invisible.

A fire requires four components:
Combustible material (fuel source)
Oxidizing substance (usually the oxygen in the atmosphere)
Ignition energy (heat or spark)
Chain reaction (chemical).

19 of 50