Calculating the risk of fire in community pharmacies. Gustav-Purt method

Abstract

Introduction: Fire is a chemical reaction of combustion, based on the strongly exother-mic “oxidation-reduction” phenomena that produce a big detachment of light and heat.Its effects are, generally, harmful, producing personal injuries due to smoke, toxic gasses, and extremely hot temperatures; and damaged materials and buildings.Fire is produced when the three following factors simultaneously coexist in time and spa-ce: Fuel; a comburent agent, usually the oxygen in the air; and heat, which contributes the necessary energy to actuate the reaction. Besides, it is necessary, for the production of the flame, the existence of a chain reaction.Method: The Gustav-Purt Method, which aim is to calculate the potential risk in a determi-nate building and of the means to fight fires should be implemented. Results: After the calculation of the distinct factors, the conclusion that the risk of fire in a pharmacy is high is reached.Discussion: Therefore, strict inspection by sanitary authorities to avert the danger of the fire is necessary.