Causes of Fire : The potential fire risk arises from the presence of combustible solids, liquids or gases in conjunction with ignition sources. One or more class is generally found in most laboratories.
The 10 commonest causes of accidental fire are:
i) Smoking materials (matches, cigarettes, etc.)
ii) Misusedlfaulty electrical installations
iii) Mechanically produced heat or sparks
iv) Naked lights
v) Oxyacetylene equipment
vi) Malicious or intentional ignition
vii) Children at play
viii) Gas installations
ix) Oil installations
x) Rubbish burning
Fire Hazards
And the most likely fuel sources for accidental fires are:
Waste and rubbish
Packing and wrapping materials
Flammable liquids
Electrical insulation materials
Fires are sometimes caused by the 'magnifying glass' effect of bottles and spherical flasks filled with liquid and standing in the direct rays of the sun.