This self-paced online course covers the harmful nature of smoke to building occupants in the event of a fire. It is not unusual for more injuries and deaths to be caused by smoke inhalation rather than from being burned by the fire itself.

Upon completion you should be able to:

• Understand the physical nature and properties of smoke
• Describe how smoke affects visibility
• Understand the toxicity of smoke
• Understand the temperature effects of smoke

Who Will Benefit

Anyone whose job involves designing, reviewing, evaluating or installing fire protection systems, including: designers, installers, engineers, electrical contractors, technicians, project managers, fire marshals, and architects

Course Summary

• Smoke is defined by the NFPA as, "The airborne solid and liquid particulates and gases evolved when a material undergoes pyrolysis or combustion, together with quantity of air that is or otherwise mixed into the mass."
• Studies on the causes of fire deaths have typically indicated that carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning accounts for roughly one-half of total fatalities. Direct burns, explosive pressures, and various other toxic gases account for the remaining half.
• Exposure to elevated temperature atmospheres can lead to hypothermia and possibly burns.