Basic Fire Safety Awareness Training
Training Syllabus Session 1 Causes of fire in the workplace Session 2 Classes of fire and types of fire extinguisher Session 3 Practical fire extinguisher training
Fire Costs In 2014, 37 people died in fires in Ireland. 2 and a half to 3 and a half thousand jobs are lost to fire every year in Ireland Approximately 80% of businesses fail within two years of having a fire. Many Insurance Companies will refuse to cover buildings with inadequate Fire Safety measures.
Causes of Workplace Fires Arson - 50% Electrical - 25% Smoking - 15% Others - 10%
Causes of Fire in the Workplace. Arson and vandalism. approx. 50%. Disgruntled employees or ex-employees. Electrical faults abuse of extension leads and plug multi blocks. Smoking disposal of cigarette ends in metal bin with lid. Heating equipment covering the vents or positioned too close to flammable materials.
Causes cont. Flammable liquids should be kept in purpose built cabinets or lockers located in a safe area preferably outside. Employees or Contractor s welding or grinding without carrying out the proper safety checks or risk assessment. Anyone carrying out Hot Works should provide their own safety equipment.
Classes of Fire. Types of fire are split into 6 main groups: A class B class C class D class Electrical fires F class
Class A Carbonaceous Paper Wood Textiles
Class B Flammable Liquids Petrol Paints Thinners
Class C Flammable Gases Natural gas Methane Propane L.P.G
Class D Metal Fires Magnesium Alloys Iron Filings
Class E - Electrical Equipment Switch off supply. Extinguish with non-conducting fire fighting media Beware of residual current!!
Class F Specialist catering Deep Fat Fryers Cooking Fats Fry Fighter extinguishers / Wet Chemical
Fire Extinguishers 5 types of extinguisher: Water Foam Dry powder CO2 Wet Chemical
The Fire Triangle
Colour Markings BS EN3 FOAM DRY POWDER WATER CO2 WET CHEMICAL
Water Extinguisher. For use on class A fires Extinguishes by cooling 40 50 seconds duration IMPORTANT- Do not use on Fuel, electrical, or chip pan fires as it will cause a violent reaction.
Foam Extinguisher Use on class A or B fires Extinguishes by forming blanket to inhibit air supply. 35 40 seconds duration IMPORTANT - Do not use on electrical fires as it is water based.
Dry Powder Extinguisher For use on class A + B + Electrical Extinguishes by smothering and cooling. Duration depends on size Particularly effective on car engine fires. (Keeping the bonnet on the latch). Difficult to use in windy conditions. Creates a lot of mess if used indoors.
Carbon Dioxide CO2 For use on Electrical fires + B class fires Extinguishes by smothering Duration depends on size Clean extinguishing agent that doesn t cause much damage. Danger from frost on discharge horn. Protect with sleeve or do not touch.
Wet Chemical For use on F class fires involving cooking oils & fats. Usually recommended for kitchens Extinguishes by smothering chemical reaction seals the fire. Can be used on A class fires Duration 43 seconds with a 4 m jet range. Not to be used on electrical equipment.
First Aid Hose Reels Approximately 30m long. Pre-set controls should mean that it is charged with water and ready for use. Branch for jet or spray. Used for A class fires wood, paper, textiles. IMPORTANT - Do not use on electrical, fuel, or chip pan fires.
Positioning of Extinguishers Positioned by Fire Safety officers to cover certain areas and risks. Normally found near to exits. Larger buildings have designated fire points. Not to be used for propping doors open. Especially fire doors!
The Fire Blanket
Different Styles of Fire Blanket
Fire Blanket Usually located in kitchens. Ideal for chip pan fires. Starves the fire of oxygen. Once used requires replacing. Can be used for human fires.
Using a Fire Blanket Safely Do not PANIC! Turn off the heat Cover the pan Do not remove Allow to cool Never use water Replace the blanket
Alternatives Damp tea towel
Considerations Before Tackling The Fire Is it within your ability? Choose and use the correct extinguisher. Test the extinguisher before use. Always fight the fire with your back to your escape route. If you don t put it out with one get out. If you are in doubt about your safety GET OUT AND STAY OUT.
Action on Discovering a Fire Shout fire fire fire alert as many people as possible. Close the door on the fire and if possible any windows. Smoke can effect people upstairs and the fire can spread. Sound the alarm break glass at a call point. Only tackle the fire if it is safe to do so. Telephone the emergency services 999 or 112 giving as much information as possible. Hospital Fire Number is 4444
Action cont. Evacuate the building. Proceed to the assembly point for a roll call. Do not re-enter for any reason.
Electrically Operated Fire Alarms System consists of alarm panel, electrical circuit, manual break glass call points...
Electrically Operated Fire Alarms Sounders BELL SIREN
Any Questions?