Fire Safety Awareness Training START

Fire Safety Awareness Training START

Why we do this training Because management care about your safety. Because many people are unnecessarily injured by fire at work each year. Because the law specifically requires larger employers to train its staff in Fire Safety.

Why we do this training Responsibilities: Sec. 2 Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 General Duties of Employers It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, as far as is reasonably practical, the Health, Safety and Welfare at work of all his/her employees. For example: providing adequate means of fire prevention and means of escape The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 section 21 The responsible person must ensure that their employees are provided with adequate safety training- At the time they are first employed The training must be repeated periodically where appropriate Sec. 7 Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 General Duties of Employees at work It shall be the duty of every employee, whilst at work, to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself / herself and of other persons who may be affected by his / her acts or omissions at work. For example: misuse of a fire extinguisher, blocking of a fire exit.

Aims of the training To give you an understanding of : The Nature of Fire Fire Classifications Types of Fire Extinguishers Safety Signage Emergency Procedures Fire Prevention and Safety at Work

The Nature of Fire

What is a Fire? Fire is a chemical reaction. Three things are needed for a fire to take place. If these three elements are present when a source of ignition, such as a match or spark, comes into contact with combustible material the heat will cause a chemical reaction between the fuel and the oxygen, this is called COMBUSTION

What is a Fire? Providing there is a plentiful supply of oxygen and the material has been raised to a temperature where fuel vapour is given off, the combustion reaction generates its own heat, which will then be sufficient to sustain a fire until one of the three elements is removed.

Fire Spread Fire will spread through a building by:

Fire Spread Conduction describes the movement of heat through a material. CONDUCTED HEAT HEAT SOURCE Most metals are good conductors of heat so a fire in one room can easily spread to another via metal pipes or frames. Non metallic solids, liquids and gases are generally accepted to be poor conductors of heat.

Fire Spread

Fire Spread Convection is the transfer of heat via moving air currents. Heated air becomes less dense and will then rise. As a fire burns, fumes are given off which mix with air to form smoke. The smoke rises upwards in a plume and forms a horizontal layer that spreads out at ceiling level. As the temperature of that layer of smoke increases heat is radiated downwards and may ignite other combustible materials in the area. The further from the fire that the layer spreads the more it will cool and the smoke will then gradually sink to the floor again. This process is known as Mushrooming. Fire can spread through a buildings higher floor levels by travelling up unenclosed stairways, lift shafts and services ducts, any cooler air being drawn in at the foot of the stairway via doors and windows will accelerate the process.

Fire Spread

Fire Spread Radiation is the transfer of heat in solids and liquids (but not gases). Radiated Heat Heat from a fire may be radiated to an adjacent building by passing through windows or open external doors and igniting any combustible materials in its path. Radiation will enable a fire to spread rapidly from building to building, as substances such as glass have little resistance to radiated heat.

Fire Spread

Fire Spread Fire at Bradford City F.C. 11th May 1985 56 people lost their lives in this fire. The time it took from first flame to the stand being totally alight was only 2-3 minutes. The fire spread through the roof space of the terrace at incredible speed as smoke particles ignited as they travelled along

Questions What three things are required for a fire to take place? Heat / Fuel / Oxygen Heat / Sparks / Air Oxygen / Wood / Fuel

Questions The spread of fire by transfer of heat through metal pipe work is called? Chemical Reaction Radiation Conduction

Questions If you find yourself in smoky conditions what should you remember to do? Go to the highest point in the building Keep low to the floor Find a torch

Fire Classifications

Fire classifications You must identify the type of fire before you can take action. D

Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers There are 3 methods of extinguishing fire: 1. Deprive the fire of OXYGEN 2. Deprive the fire of FUEL 3. Cool the fire to reduce the HEAT In the early stages of a fire a fire extinguisher can assist with this.

Fire Extinguishers There are 4 common types of extinguisher you are likely to find in your workplace, each one designed to deal with classes A,B,C and fires involving electrical equipment. Although some of them can deal with several classes each one is particularly suitable to a certain class. They are WATER, DRY POWDER, CARBON DIOXIDE & FOAM SPRAY. Class F fires should be dealt with by WET CHEMICAL extinguishers, specifically found in kitchens and restaurants. Normal extinguishing agents should not be used for Class D fires as there is a danger of chemical reaction. Class D fires should be left to the FIRE SERVICE.

Fire Extinguishers With effect from January 1 st 1997 all new extinguishers must have red body shells with up to 5% of the surface area colour- coded to identify contents Pre Jan 1997 Post Jan 1997 The majority of extinguishers you will find in the workplace should be of the new red variety but you may still find some of the older style. These need to be replaced as the extinguisher reaches the end of its operational life.

Fire Extinguishers WATER EXTINGUISHERS Suitable for use on class A fires (ordinary combustibles). WARNING: Do not use on Class B Flammable Liquid fires Pre 1997 WARNING: Do not use on Electrical Hazards! Colour-coded RED Removes Heat from Fire

Fire Extinguishers DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHERS Suitable for use on class A fires (ordinary combustibles), class B fires (flammable liquids), class C fires (flammable gases) and Electrical fires The powder works by chemical reaction that interferes with the flame. They can be used on most types of fire and are even safe to use on or near electrical equipment. Pre 1997 Colour coded BLUE Removes Heat & Oxygen from Fire

Fire Extinguishers CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHERS Suitable for use on class B fires (flammable liquids), class C fires (flammable gases) and Electrical fires. WARNING: Nozzle gets very cold during use! Pre 1997 Colour coded BLACK Removes Oxygen from Fire

Fire Extinguishers FOAM (AFFF) EXTINGUISHERS Suitable for use on class A fires (general combustibles) and class B fires (flammable liquids). Pre 1997 Foam spray (or AFFF) extinguishers are regarding as multi-purpose and can be used on both class A and B fires. They are increasingly used where water extinguishers would normally be provided such as in an office environment as well as where flammable liquids would be present. Colour coded CREAM Removes Oxygen from Fire

Fire Extinguishers Overview:

Fire Extinguishers Extinguishers should be placed near exits so that users are close to safety and everyone knows where to find the extinguisher. Make sure YOU know where they are in your workplace.

Fire Extinguishers Do not fight the fire if: You are not confident in using an extinguisher. It is bigger than a waste paper bin. One extinguisher is not enough. Smoke is affecting your breathing. You cannot see the way out. Gas cylinders or chemicals are involved. Your efforts are not reducing the size of the fire.

Questions Give the classification for fires involving paper, wood, textiles. Class A Class B Class D

Questions On what type(s) of fire would you use a foam extinguisher? Class D (metal fires) Class A (normal combustibles) and Class B (flammable liquids) Class C (flammable gas fires) and Electrical fires

Questions Which is type of extinguisher should never be used on electrical fires? Carbon Dioxide Water Dry Powder

Safety Signage

Safety Signage Safety signage is designed to give information and instruction in order that safe working practices can be performed There are 5 different classes of safety sign Most signs are able to communicate a message without the need for supplementary text, using a combination of pictures and colours with clearly defined meanings.

Safety Signage Circular symbols Black pictogram with a white background Red border with a diagonal cross bar These signs instruct you of actions that should not be undertaken.

Safety Signage Triangular symbols Black pictogram on a yellow background Black border These signs inform you of various hazards in the workplace.

Safety Signage Circular symbols White pictogram on a blue background These signs instruct you of actions that must be undertaken

Safety Signage Rectangular or square in shape White pictogram on a green background Exit signs should aid evacuation and avoid panic and confusion These signs generally assist in safe evacuation by directing or informing of actions to take

Safety Signage Rectangular or square in shape White pictogram on red background Fire extinguisher: incorporates a picture of a fire extinguisher Fire hose: incorporates a picture of a hose reel Ladder: incorporates a picture of a ladder These signs inform about different types of fire safety equipment and their use

Safety Signage

Safety Signage You should be able to find action notices in a prominent place for example: On notice boards. By final exit doors. By break glass emergency call points. By fire points e.g. where extinguishers are sited. Fire action signs contain information on what to do if there is a fire like emergency telephone numbers, locations of nearest exits and assembly point locations. Do you know where the action notices are in your workplace?

Questions How many classes of safety sign are there? 3 7 5

Questions Prohibition signs are? Circular symbols with a red border and red crossbar, white background & black picture Triangular with blue background and white pictogram Circular with a green background, white pictogram with a black border

Questions Where would you not find Fire Action Notices At the entrance to a building On Notice Boards By break glass emergency call points

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Procedures If you discover a Fire: 1) Raise the alarm immediately. by activating a manual call point (it is preferable that the person discovering the fire raises the alarm).

Emergency Procedures If you discover a Fire: 2) Call the Fire Brigade State clearly: Your Name The Exact Location of the fire. What is involved in the fire. If there are any hazards nearby. If the alarm has been raised. Whether or not people are evacuating. Remember: Do Not Hang Up Until all Information has been passed!

Emergency Procedures If you discover a Fire: 3) Fight the Fire.. But only if it is safe to do so and you are confident you are using the correct extinguisher.

Emergency Procedures On hearing the Fire Alarm: Leave the building by the most direct route available. (follow safety signs) Ensure safe evacuation of anyone assigned to you (i.e. a visitor). Close all windows and doors behind you if no one else is following. Report to you designated assembly point for a roll call to be performed.

Emergency Procedures On Evacuation of the Building: Never: Deviate off an escape route or turn back to collect personal belongings or to put things away! x Re-enter the building until authorised to do so by the Fire Officer. x

Emergency Procedures On Evacuating the building: Remember-

Questions If you discover a fire you should do what first? Tell your supervisor Raise the alarm Avoid the area concerned

Questions On calling the fire brigade to report a fire you should not hang up until: You know it is safe to return to work A fire engine arrives All details have been passed on and understood

Questions On hearing the fire alarm you should: Panic Leave the building immediately Tidy up your work area

Fire Prevention and Safety

Fire Prevention and Safety In order to maintain good fire safety precautions in your workplace it is important to: Identify Fire hazards Identify Risks to Fire Safety Manage and control the hazards and risks safely Have good operational practices in place

Fire Prevention and Safety Identify Fire Hazards Fire hazards are anything in the workplace that has the potential to be a source of ignition or a source of fuel. Potential ignition sources include: Heating equipment (radiant bar heaters, fan heaters, boilers, cookers) Process machinery (friction from moving parts in motors or conveyors) Smoking Materials (cigarettes, pipes) Electrical Equipment (computers, microwaves, kettles, toasters, plugs and sockets) Electrical installations (transformers, switch rooms, high power lighting) Hot work (welding, grinding, braising)

Fire Prevention and Safety Identify Fire Hazards Fire hazards are anything in the workplace that has the potential to be a source of ignition or a source of fuel. Potential fuel sources include: Solvents & solvent based products (thinners, paints, toners, aerosols) Plastics (Storage bins, keyboards, binders & sleeves, cables) Documents (Files, paper etc) Packaging (Shrink wrap, polystyrene, paper, card, boxes, files) Chemicals (Cleaning materials, spirits, process chemicals, polishes) Furniture (Tables, worktops, chairs, shelving and cupboards) Fixtures and fittings (Carpets, curtains, blinds, notice boards)

Fire Prevention and Safety Identify Fire Risks Consider the potential risks in your workplace in terms of how a fire may start and spread as well as how you would evacuate the building safely. Some of the things to consider are: Are sources of ignition kept in close proximity of sources of fuel? Are thinners and toners stored near electrical equipment? Are flammable liquids and gases stored safely in fire proof storage facilities? Are coats hanging near heaters? Are packaging materials, files, documents etc, stored in electrical cupboards? Is electrical equipment operating safely? Have portable appliances been tested for electrical safety? Is there any damage to equipment? Are there any signs of scorching to cables or equipment? Are extension leads and adaptors unnecessarily overloaded?

Fire Prevention and Safety Some of the things to consider are: How is combustible material managed in the workplace Are there unnecessary amounts of documents, files, packaging, solvents, plastics, chemicals present? Are combustible materials stored safely and tidily? Is there a build up of waste material in the area? Is there wear and tear to furniture that may cause a risk (i.e. rips that expose foam etc.)? Could a potential fire spread through the building? Are fire doors kept shut and never propped open? Are automatic devices (door closers) on fire doors working correctly? Can I evacuate the building safely? Are all escape routes free from obstruction? Can doors be opened easily in the event of an emergency? Are escape routes identified by signs? Are fire extinguishers and alarm call points unobstructed and easily accessible?

Fire Prevention and Safety Consider- Are Are there packaging fire unnecessary extinguishers materials Are amounts all Is and there escape Are like alarm coats any cardboard of routes packaging, call damage hanging points free boxes to near from unobstructed solvents, electrical stored heaters? obstruction? in plastics, equipment? electrical and easily chemicals cupboards? accessible? present? Are combustible materials stored safely and tidily?

Fire Prevention and Safety With a greater knowledge of fire hazards and risks in the workplace it is possible to identify potential danger early and through control measures and good working practices remove, reduce or minimise the risks.

Fire Prevention and Safety Practices that should be followed in order to reduce fire safety risks : Good Housekeeping Ensure areas are kept clean and tidy at all times ensuring escape routes and exit doors remain unobstructed. Combustible material should always be kept to a minimum and where possible kept away from potential sources of ignition. Waste material should not be allowed to build up in the workplace and waste bins, skips etc. should be emptied regularly. Procedures put in place with regards storage of all equipment, materials, liquids and gases should be adhered to at all times. Electrical awareness Check any equipment you are using for signs of damage or wear and tear before, during and after use. Report any faulty equipment immediately. Where possible turn off any electrical equipment after use. Do not overload extension leads and sockets with numerous appliances.

Fire Prevention and Safety Practices that should be followed in order to reduce fire safety risks : Fire Safety Equipment Make sure you know where equipment such as extinguishers and fire alarm call points are situated in the work place. Ensure these installations do not become blocked or obscured. Ensure equipment is serviced regularly and report any damage or misuse of equipment immediately. Fire Control (Fire Doors) Do not prop or wedge open fire doors. Report damage or misuse of fire doors immediately. Evacuation Procedures Familiarise yourself with signs and notices located in your workplace. Make sure you are aware of your quickest escape route from your place of work. Make sure you are aware of your assembly point location If in doubt. Ask your supervisor!

Questions Which of these is not a potential ignition source? Radiant bar heater A waste paper bin Toaster

Questions When identifying fire risks in the work place one of the things to consider is: The location of the telephone Do I need a High visibility jacket Are sources of ignition kept in close proximity of sources of fuel?

Questions Which of the following would not increase Fire Safety in the Workplace Choose the best manufacturer Good Housekeeping Turn off electrical equipment not in use where possible

Thank you for your time