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Fire investigation Essay The triangle shirtwaist factory fire may have been cause by various flammable materials. The flammable materials that I could identify from the text that I was given were the lines of hanging patterns, the discarded rags on the floor and cutting tables, the shirts that have already been made, the table because they were probably made from wood and maybe the ceiling, walls and floor because that may have a material or something else flammable. The possible sources of ignition for the triangle shirtwaist factory fire could have been some faulty cables from the sewing machines causing the wires to rub together causing friction meaning that the cables would get hot and therefore this could be one ignition source. Another source could be gas lighters because in those days people were allowed to smoke in the work place. A gas lighter is not like a lighter nowadays because when it was alight it would not go out unless you put the cap over it unlike the lighter nowadays if you let go/ drop it the button comes back up instantly. Therefore, the gas lighter could have been a source of ignition if it was dropped. Another source of ignition could have been a cigarette. If it was not put out properly and was dropped, it could start the fire. Lastly, candles may have caused the fire because back in those days there would have been candles on each workbench so that the workers could see what they were doing because there were no lights back then. Due to there being candles around if one was knocked/ dropped it could have fell onto the rags on the floor causing the fire to start. Investigation of Liquid Combustion Introduction In this experiment, we will find out why some liquids burn at certain temperatures. Risk assessment Due to the fact that we are dealing with fire, long hair must be tried back goggles warn and lab coats on. There was also a risk of that somebody could bur themselves or set alight an object. In addition, if we were to pick up a hot crucible without gloves we must use appropriate equipment so that we do not burn our hands. Materials Crucible Heat proof mat Bunson Burner Tongs Splint String 1cm3 of kerosene 1cm3 of petroleum spirit. Method Petroleum (1cm3) was placed into a crucible and was then ignited using a lighted split. Once we lighted the petroleum and it had a burned we then poured 1cm3 of kerosene and attempted to ignite it using a lighted splint. After you have tried to light the kerosene with just a lighted splint place about 2-3 cm length of string into the crucible so that it is partly dipping into the liquid. Note the appearance how the kerosene lit. Results Petrol- The flame was quite tall and was yellow. The petrol ignited very quickly and there was soot around the edges of the crucible. When the petrol have burned the flame go smaller until it went out by itself. Kerosene- The Kerosene did not light so therefore there was no flame. Kerosene with string- The string slowly burnt away until it reached the crucible with the kerosene in which then ignited. It burnt with a tall, large yellow flame and left a lot of soot in the crucible when it had all burnt. Evaluation The experiments purpose was to investigate why certain liquids burn at different temperatures. By burning the petrol it showed us that it had, a low flash point so would ignite and burn easily. The kerosene by it selves did not burn meaning it have a high flash point, meaning it needs high temperatures to ignite and burn. Both the petrol and kerosene produced soot showing full combustion. Conclusion In conclusion, the petrol was the easiest ignite and could start a fire very easily while the kerosene did not light with just a lighted splint. It has a high flash temperature that why it is used as aeroplane fuel. Investigation of flames Introduction In this experiment we will be investigating how long it takes for a piece of paper to burn when lit from the top corner and the bottom corner. Risk Assessment Due to the fact that we are dealing with fire, long hair must be tried back goggles warn and lab coats on. There was also a risk of that somebody could burn themselves or set alight an object. Materials 2 sheets of A4 paper Heat proof mat Stands and Clamps Bunson Burner Splint Timer 2 sheets of A4 paper Method First we attached the clamps to the stands, and then attached a piece of A4 paper. We then lit the top of the short edge in the middle. It was then timed how long the piece of paper took to burn away completely and the time recorded. The experiment was then repeated with another piece of paper but lit at the bottom edge. Again it was timed until the paper was completely burned away and the time recorded. The Results `1st Paper: It started to burn instantly and spread downwards. The paper then dropped out of the clamps and fell to the table but it was not all burnt. After a while it all burnt out at 2 minutes and 11 seconds. 2nd Paper:. : It started to burn instantly and spread downwards. The paper then dropped out of the clamps and fell to the table but it was not all burnt. After a while it all burnt out at 23. 43 seconds.