Essential Elements of Fire Safety

Essential Elements of Fire Safety

Program Components Awareness Properties of Fire Safe Practices Human Behavior and Fire Fire Safety Systems

AWARENESS

Introduction Fires and explosions kill more than 200 and injure more than 5,000 workers each year There is a long and tragic history of workplace fires in this country caused by problems with fire exits and extinguishing systems OSHA requires employers to provide proper exits, fire fighting equipment, and employee training to prevent fire deaths and injuries in the workplace

Fires Are A Very Serious Between 1998 and 2008 there were 46,900 deaths due to fires That s an average of almost 4,700 people per year Annually, about 100 firemen die fighting fires Threat

Deaths 1998-2008 Natural Disasters Tornados 609 Hurricanes 2,126 Earthquakes 3 Total 2,738 Fire 46,900

Nothing To Boast About! America today has the highest fire losses in terms of both frequency and total losses of any modern technological society. (America at Risk Federal Emergency Management Agency, May 2000) People with developmental disabilities are five times more likely than the general population to die in a fire (US Fire Administration)

PROPERTIES OF A FIRE

Properties of Fire All fires need : 1.) Ignition source which could be sparks, flames, or high heat. 2.) Fuel which could possibly be wood, paper, gasoline, oil, or gaseous vapors. 3.) All fires of course need oxygen.

Properties of Fire Fires require 3 components to ignite and maintain Oxygen Heat Fuel Depriving a fire of any one of these things prevents or puts out the fire.

Types of Fuel Ordinary Combustibles Example: Paper, Wood, Plastic Flammable Liquids Example: Gasoline, Propane, and Kerosene Electrical Equipment Example: Stoves and Toasters Combustible Metals Example: Titanium

Three Stages of Fire 1. Incipient Stage: Which includes the heating of materials. 2. Free Burning Stage: Which includes flames, and heat production. 3. Smoldering Stage: Which is where the oxygen depletes, most dangerous stage because of low oxygen and release of toxic gases.

50%-80% of fire deaths are the result of smoke inhalation Most of the things in our homes are made of, or treated with, chemicals and plastics that give off dangerous fumes when burned

SMOKE The smoke from a fire is a combination of poisonous gases and particles which displaces oxygen in the room. The smoke then rises and fills upper section of room and banks downward and creates the THERMAL BARRIER. NEVER DISTURB A THERMAL BARRIER!!

Flashover Flashover occurs when the heat from a fire heats the walls, room contents and combustible gases in the room. Once they get to their auto ignition temperature the entire room can become engulfed in flames within a matter of seconds.

Flashover Video

Backdraft A backdraft is an explosive event at a fire resulting from rapid re-introduction of oxygen to combustion in an oxygen-starved environment. Example: Breaking a window or opening a door to an enclosed space. Backdrafts present a serious threat to firefighters, even those with a high level of experience.

HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN A FIRE

The Human Variable The following physical factors can affect a persons ability to withstand a fire and escape safely. Age : The young and elderly are at increased risk Size: Larger size can better tolerate smoke Physical Condition: cardiac stability, aerobic fitness, and mobility all effect survivability Respiratory Capacity: Chronic Respiratory conditions lower lung capacity and increase chance of death from smoke inhalation Medication, drugs, and alcohol: Can significantly reduce one ability to recognize and respond to a fire.

The Stress Of A Real Fire Can Affect Performance A small amount of stress tends to improve people's abilities to perform tasks. A high amount of stress tends to interfere with performance, especially problem solving. In a real fire you will need to stay calm and keep others calm. This way you can assess the situation as it is happening. Doing fire drills properly reduces the amount of problem solving needed in a real fire.

The Stress Of A Real Fire Can Result In Anxiety And Avoidance Anxiety associated with danger is a very aversive and unpleasant emotion People are strongly motivated to avoid feeling anxiety Training is important for staff and the people we support! This helps everyone know what to do in the event of a real fire.

Smoke and toxic gases adversely effect bodily functions: Slower mental processes Slower physical action or movement Burns Respiratory irritation or arrest

Carbon Monoxide Causes asphyxiation by displacing oxygen in blood Carbon Dioxide Displaces oxygen, increases inhalation and thus toxics, and can produce signs of intoxication in 30 minutes Hydrogen Cyanide Inhibits use of oxygen by all living cells of body tissue Hydrogen Chloride Causes upper respiratory damage leading to asphyxiation Nitrogen Dioxide Damages respiratory tissue by reacting with moisture

Heat Temperature in a fire can range from 150-2000 degrees! In such conditions, people can become overheated and dehydrated quickly; resulting in: Decreased reaction time Reduced mental acuity Heat Syncope- a condition that causes decreased blood flow to the brain, resulting in fainting. Heat Exhaustion- Fainting, profuse sweating, headache, ashen color, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting Heat Stroke- fainting, disorientation, excessive fatigue, delirium, loss of consciousness, convulsions, hot dry skin.

FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS

Smoke Detectors Some systems are internal systems and some connect to the fire dispatcher You need to know how the system works and how to run a drill If the system is not working, you need to walk through the entire site every 15 minutes until it is repaired.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors If you hear a carbon monoxide detector sound: Evacuate the site and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Do not re-enter the building until you are told it is safe to do so.

Sprinkler Systems Sprinklers are activated by heat Make sure furniture, decorations, etc. aren t blocking the sprinkler head If too many sprinkler heads are activated the water pressure is decreased thus reducing their effectiveness

Room Without Sprinklers: OPWDD Video

Room with Sprinklers: OPWDD Video

If your site has pull stations, know how to use them and where they are located. Pull Stations

Fire Extinguishers Must be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition. The fire extinguisher must have an annual maintenance check. Must record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. Must remain in their designated places at all times except during use

Fire Extinguishers All Community Services employees should be aware of fire extinguishers in their work locations. Paying special attention to the gauge to ensure the extinguisher is fully operational. If an employee notices the gauge is not fully in the green they should immediately contact the administrative assistant of Building and Property at 1845 Kenmore to have it replaced.

Extinguisher Classification Letter classification given an extinguisher to designate the class or classes of fire on which it will be effective. Class A ordinary combustibles (wood, cloth, paper) Class B flammable liquids, gases, greases Class C energized electrical equipment Class D combustible metals Combustible Metals

Community Services Uses:

P.A.S.S. When using a Fire Extinguisher, use the P.A.S.S. System: Pull Pin Aim Hose at BASE Squeeze trigger Sweep back and forth

Fire Doors Fire doors are designed to slow the spread of a fire. Doors with automatic closers are generally fire doors and should not be propped open. Fire evacuation plans should avoid going through a fire door, if possible. Some fire doors have magnets to keep them open and release the door when the alarm sound.

Emergency Exits Emergency exits must be kept clear of obstacles at all times. Outside paths from all emergency exits to the meeting area must be kept clear at all times. Some sites have emergency exit signs. These must be kept unobstructed and properly lit. If a bulb is burned out contact maintenance.

SAFE PRACTICES

Storage Fundamentals Identify incompatible chemicals check the Material Safety Data Sheet Isolate and separate incompatible materials Isolate by storing in another area or room Degree of isolation depends on quantities, chemical properties and packaging Separate by storing in same area or room, but apart from each other.

Ways to Prevent Fire 1. Eliminate the Heat Avoid overloading outlets Avoid using extension cords Do not use Halogen bulbs 1,000 o Do not use space heaters Avoid using equipment with frayed electrical cords Avoid candles or other open flames Keep grills away from the building and overhangs. 2. If not, then eliminate the Fuel Avoid deep fried food-grease fires spread quickly Immediately dispose of oily rags Keep the range clear when cooking Avoid the use of live Christmas Trees Clear clutter from furnaces, water heaters or other heat sources. Clean the lint trap with each load

Keep lint traps clean! You should empty the trap after each load of clothes.

Don t overload electrical outlets.

Avoid using frayed electrical cords.

Be sure to keep light bulbs in sockets.

Be sure to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and check them regularly.

Do NOT use the oven to store objects.

Keep at least 3 feet clearance around the furnace and hot water tank.

Candles Although they can be pretty, open flames are not permitted in any agency run settings.

Christmas Trees and Plants Christmas Trees represent a serious fire safety hazard. As trees dry out the heat generated by the lights can cause the tree to catch fire. Other types of plants raise the same risk when located within a home or building.

Minimize Danger in Evacuation Exit routes must be free and unobstructed. Keep exit routes free of explosive or highly flammable materials Arrange exit routes so that employees will not have to travel toward a high hazard area, unless it is effectively shielded Emergency safeguards (e.g., sprinkler systems, alarm systems, fire doors, exit lighting) must be in proper working order at all times. Example of an obstructed exit route

Exit Doors Must Be Unlocked Must be able to open from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge. Device such as a panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted. Must be free of any device or alarm that could restrict emergency use if the device or alarm fails. May be locked from the inside only in mental, penal, or correctional facilities where there is constant supervision Locked and blocked exit

Exit Marking Each exit must be clearly visible and marked with an Exit sign. Each exit route door must be free of decorations or signs that obscure the visibility of the door.

Almost All Fire Losses Can Be Prevented Human error is the most significant factor in the cause and spread of fire. 90% of fire fatalities occur at home

EVACUATION PLANS

When there s a fire, It s Time To R.A.C.E R - Rescue people in danger A - Alarm, sound the alarm C - Confine the fire E - Evacuate the site When exiting a fire make sure to stay low, DON T WALK, and cover your mouth and nose. Also, make sure to check all doors and before exiting, go to the designated meeting place and ensure everyone has evacuated.

R - Rescue People in Danger Before entering a room, place the back of your hand on the doorknob If the door knob is hot, DO NOT ENTER It is presumed that anyone in the room is already dead due to the temperature of the room.

Emergency Action Plan Describes actions that must be taken to ensure employee safety in emergencies. Includes floor plans or maps which show emergency escape routes. Tells employees what actions to take in emergency situations. Covers reasonably expected emergencies, such as fires, explosions, toxic chemical releases, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and floods.

Exit Route A continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety (including refuge areas). Each exit discharge must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space. It should have access to the outside that is large enough to accommodate all building occupants likely to use the exit route

If you or someone else is on fire, remember to: Stop Drop, and Roll Emergency Moves Use a blanket, coat, drapes or whatever you can to pat out the fire

Emergency Moves You may need to carry the person using a two person carry side by side or front and back. You may also perform a safety drag. You would drag the person by yourself on a blanket In a real fire, if someone is unable to walk on their own you may need to use a fireman s carry.

Personal Safety Removing or evacuating people supported must not compromise a staff member s personal safety. Assist evacuation: Only if it can be done and remain safe Prioritize assistance to the people who will most benefit There may be people you cannot help

A - Sound the Alarm By now the fire alarm should be sounding. If not, utilize a pull station to communicate throughout the entire building there is a fire. If the fire alarm is not working, yell Fire and begin helping people evacuate.

Confine Try to confine the fire by: Closing all the doors and windows Stuffing damp towels under doors Don t go through closed fire doors unless it is necessary for evacuation.

Evacuate Evacuate everyone in the site according to the evacuation plan. Do not use an elevator If someone is unwilling to evacuate during an actual fire you may need to use a SCIP-R Personal Intervention.

While Evacuating: Do a head count (including staff) to make sure everyone is evacuated After everyone is evacuated call 911 from a cell phone or neighbor if they have not been notified yet. Give the following information The exact address of the emergency (with any location instructions that may be necessary) The phone number you are calling from Your name The nature of the emergency

How You Can Assist Your Fire Department During an Actual Fire Report evacuation progress Accountability for people receiving services and staff If you were unable to get someone out report where those areas of refuge or safe areas are within the building. Be available to provide building information such as: Alarm panel Gas shutoffs Electrical entrance Fire sprinkler information Floor plan (O2 and medical equipment locations)

After a Fire Do not re-enter the site until you receive the all clear from the fire department. Make sure the fire has been reported to the administration. ALL fires, no matter the size or damage MUST be reported as a Serious Reportable- Sensitive Situation.

Questions? Questions or concerns can be directed to the Staff Development Department at 1845 Kenmore Ave the Nursing Department at 984-8419 or 880-7412 OSHA Emergency Hot-Line 1-800-321-OSHA Hot-line for reporting workplace safety or health emergencies Provides a 24-hour point of contact to report imminent dangers on the job

ESSENTIALS OF FIRE SAFETY TEST

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