Annual Associate Safety Module Fire Safety Preventing and Reacting To Fire
When You Hear the Fire Alarm Respond immediately even if it is not in your area: Listen for the location of the fire so you know if your area is affected Clear all hallways and exits of clutter Close all doors Do not block exits, pull stations, fire extinguishers, or fire hose cabinets
Rescue How to respond to a fires: R.A.C.E Rescue patients/visitors in immediate danger is your first priority Alarm Pull the fire alarm and then call the operator whenever you suspect fire. (when you see or smell smoke) ** Offsite buildings: If you do not have pull stations, refer to your site specific information. Contain/Confine Close all doors in the fire area; **Offsite buildings: close ALL doors Extinguish/Evacuate If the fire is small and confined, you may be able to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher. If you cannot extinguish the fire, evacuate the area
How to use a Fire Extinguisher: P.A.S.S. Pull the pin located between the two handles Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire Squeeze the handles together Sweep the extinguisher from side to side
EXTINGUISHER TIPS DO NOT enter a room that you suspect has a fire in it or that is filled with smoke A fire extinguisher will only last a few seconds The needle should be in the green area on the dial The pin should be secured by a breakaway lock Do not squeeze handles while pin in in place. Remove pin first The inspection tag should be in place Hold the extinguisher upright while using
EXTINGUISHER TIPS Keep your back to the door when extinguishing a fire so you can leave safely Fire Alarm pull stations can be found near all exits in hospital settings When extinguishing a fire, continue to apply extinguishing agent after the fire appears to be out
EXTINGUISHER TYPES USED AT METHODIST Type ABC Universal for all fires, most common in the general hospital and off site settings C0 2 : Used in Operating room settings Non-ferrous (non metallic): Used in MRI areas K: Used in the Kitchen areas around grease producing equipment
DR. RED ACTIVATION/ANNOUNCEMENT hospital setting In the event of a fire, you will hear the following over the hospital paging system? Attention All Personnel, Dr. Red The code will be repeated 3 times and it will also identify the location of the fire. Example: Dr. Red. 4th floor
FIRE THREAT REQUIRING EVACUATION- Hospital Attempt a complete evacuation only in conjunction with Facilities Services, Safety/Security or Fire Department.
Hospital EVACUATION In the hospital, total Building Evacuation should be considered as a last resort. Rescuing patients should be performed simultaneously while sounding the alarm. If moving patients down the stairs, you may have to use evacuation identification (evacuation tracking kit), evacuation chairs, stair chairs, evacuation sleds, blankets, sheets, or other devices provided for evacuation.
Hospital EVACUATION Get patients out of their rooms, through the fire doors, and into a Refuge (safe) Area. (Hospital buildings only) Example of a Refuge Area: Area beyond the fire/smoke doors on the same floor. These doors are the ones that automatically close upon fire alarm activation.
FIRE THREAT REQUIRING EVACUATION Offsite/Business Occupancies Business Occupancy-stand alone business settings not physically located in hospital IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE There are no areas of refuge in these settings. Use Stairwells not elevators to evacuate. Examples of Business Occupancy Medical Office Buildings (MOB) or Physicians Office Buildings (POB) on hospital campus, stand alone clinics
Important Fire Safety Tips Never prop open fire doors Never block fire exits, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, or pull alarms Know the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and fire alarms in your area Know how to use a fire extinguisher Only the Fire Department, Facilities Services, Respiratory or the most senior clinical lead on the floor can shut of medical gas valve zones
Important Fire Safety Tips Do not block sprinkler heads Boxes and supplies must be at least 18 inches from the ceiling Sprinkler head covers should be intact
Important Fire Safety Tips Ceiling tiles act as a smoke and fire barrier Ensure ceiling tiles are intact No missing tiles No holes or cracks No stains Report any defects to Facilities Services