Revista de Salud Pública (Jun 2023)
Calculation of fire risk and firefighting inside community pharmacies. Gustav Purt’s method
Abstract
Fire is a chemical combustion reaction based on strongly exothermic oxidation-reduction phenomena that result in the emission of a significant amount of light and heat. Its effects are generally detrimental, causing harm to individuals through smoke inhalation, exposure to toxic gases, and extreme temperatures. Fires also cause extensive damage to infrastructure and property. A fire occurs when three factors are present simultaneously in the same location and at the same time: fuel, an oxidizing agent (typically oxygen from the air), and heat, which supplies the necessary energy for the reaction to occur. Furthermore, the existence of chain reactions is essential to produce the flame. The objective of this work is to describe Gustav Purt’s method, estimate the potential fire risk in community pharmacies, and identify the firefighting measures that should be implemented. After calculating various factors, we reached the conclusion that fire risk in a pharmacy is high. Therefore, strict inspections by health authorities are necessary to prevent fire hazards. Keywords: Fuel; Fire; Heat; Smoke; Pharmacy.
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