What component of the fire triangle does prepping solution represent?

• A. Oxidizer
• B. Liquid ignition
• C. Fuel
• D. Ignition source

Answer: (C)

Prepping solution is the fuel in the fire triangle. Fuel is any combustible material that can burn, and many prepping solutions used in the OR—especially alcohol-based ones—are flammable liquids. When these liquids are present on the skin and a heat source or spark is introduced (such as electrocautery or lasers) in an environment with oxidation from the air or supplemental oxygen, combustion can occur. Thus the prepping solution provides the energy source for the fire, while the oxidizer and ignition source complete the triangle.