Fire Safety Workbook For All Staff Please ensure you read the workbook thoroughly and complete the assessment at the end Version: 1.
Introduction This workbook offers a flexible way in which the basic level needed for compliance within the topic of Fire Safety can be met in accordance with the south central Statutory and Mandatory Training Framework. This package can be used as an alternative to attending the Fire Safety classroom based course or completing the Fire e-learning package available on the MKUH intranet. As a manager you are responsible for ensuring the staff within your team complete the workbook provided whilst also ensuring the necessary assistance and support is given to aid their successful. It is not always necessary for staff to work through the work book individually as they could be included within your own departmental training / meetings, this would enable your team to discuss certain issues or problems they may have in completing the workbooks. Each member of staff must individually complete the question section. If some staff members have concerns about reading the questions or completing the workbook, then the content may be discussed with them, questions can be read out and answers can be recorded on their behalf. Learning Outcomes You ll find out how to - Achieve compliance in with the Trusts Statutory requirements Increase staff awareness within aspects of Fire awareness and applying standards to the working environment. Provide assurance of competence and patient safety standards. Refresher Training Requirements The Trust policy requires that Fire competence must be assessed every 2 years. A classroom session must be attended as part of the induction programme followed by the following refresher options: classroom session. workbook and assessment e learning assessments Emergency Telephone Numbers Fire, Bomb Threat & Other Emergencies 2222 You must be fully aware of the procedures in your area of work in relation to Fire. Supporting information can be found on the hospital intranet under Non clinical policies. 2
Fire safety cost and effects In 2010-2011 fires killed 388 People 306 died in their own homes 1200 were injured, and 19 died while at work 20% of hospital fires were deliberate Arson costs - 2.3 Billion! 2008 Economic Costs of Fire - 8.3 Billion! Many people do not understand that their environment will rapidly change in a fire situation, and they fail to respond to an alarm quickly enough. Some people waste valuable seconds trying to rescue expensive personal items. Fire Legislation Nothing is as valuable as your life! The fire safety legislation which covers all workplaces including the NHS is: The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Often referred to as: Fire Safety Order or RRO The order came into effect on 1 st October 2006 and replaces previous fire safety legislation which includes, The Fire Precautions Act 1971 and The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997, as amended 1999. The legislation requires the nomination by organisations of a responsible person for overseeing fire safety management. Additional guidance specific to Health care premises can also be found in Firecode Documents called HTM Guides, (Health Technical Memorandum) and on the internet. Fire Development Fire is a chemical reaction brought about by the combining of fuel and oxygen, and the application of sufficient heat to cause ignition. The triangle of fire is a simple representation of the three factors necessary for ignition. 3
Fuel could be a solid, liquid or a gas and most articles will burn once they reach their ignition temperature. So a heat source is required to warm the article up enough to produce flammable vapours. Once these flammable vapours mix with oxygen and an ignition source is applied, such as a flame or spark, combustion will commence. Mix these vapours with oxygen and a fire will start. It is not the article which is burning but the vapour which is being produced. The hotter the fire becomes the more vapours that will be produced and so increase the intensity of the fire. Smoke - Smoke is the largest cause of death Dangerous gases (e.g. iscoyanate) are produced from the burning of certain products (plastics, foams and polymers). When inhaled these gases may cause permanent damage and sometimes death. Smoke spreads within a room or a building in a mushroom effect created by hot air and gases. The smoke will rise up to the ceiling and spread sideways to the walls. If there is nothing to stop the smoke, e.g. compartments (fire doors), it will travel to high areas in a building, mushroom and fall to completely smoke log all areas. Do not wedge open fire doors The blue and white Keep Shut fire door signs provide mandatory instruction to staff 4
Fire Spread Fire can spread throughout a building by the following four methods: Convection: Transfer of heat caused by rising hot air and gases heating other substances to ignition temperature. Conduction: Transfer of heat through a solid body such as metal, steel doors, shutters and walls. Radiation: Transfer of heat from a source across a space in straight lines thus being absorbed by a substance and heating it until it s' ignition temperature is reached. Direct Burning: When an article comes in direct contact with flames. Fire Alarm System There are two main types of fire alarm system found in buildings and brief descriptions of these are as follows:- Automatic System: Smoke, heat or radiation detectors. Manual System: Break glass call points wired to the alarm panel. Fire Alarm signals/sounds Intermittent alarm sound: An intermittent alarm Informs staff of a incident requiring investigation in a adjoining department/area/building. There may be a need to evacuate and/or assist other adjoining departments who are evacuating due to a continuous alarm. Continuous alarm sound: A fire alarm has detected a problem which requires investigating immediately within your department/area/building. Follow your local fire procedure, in a safe and controlled manner. Do you know where your local fire procedures are? Equipment Related to Systems Smoke detectors: detect particles of smoke and raises the alarm. Heat detectors: detect a pre-determined set temperature or a rapid rise in temperature and raises the alarm. Break glass call points: provide for the manual operation of the fire alarm. Break glass box coloured Green will override and unlock both electromechanical and electromagnetic door locks found on some escape routes. Emergency lighting: provides for the lighting of designated areas in case of electrical failure. Audible and visual warning devices: provide warnings for persons in case of fire. All of the installations are required to be maintained, serviced and tested to the highest 5
standards. Details of servicing, maintenance and testing must be recorded and made available for inspection by the Fire Brigade. Upon discovering a fire Break the glass Raise the Alarm Immediately operate the nearest fire alarm call point Telephone 2222 and inform switchboard of the exact location and nature of the fire and tell your supervisor If necessary dial 999 and call the fire and rescue service Fire Hazard Prevention The ingredients for a fire are around us every day, but if we are fire conscious we can reduce the risks. Do not leave rubbish or trolleys near buildings or in corridors where it would cause an obstruction, be a potential fire hazard or prevent easy access in an emergency. Be aware of fire hazards in the workplace and where possible remove or reduce them. The top 4 Fire Hazards in the NHS Smoking Electrical appliances Cooking Arson Other Common Fire Hazards Keeping the workplace clean and tidy reduces the amount of fuel for a potential fire Keep store supplies away in cupboards and on shelves Do not leave rubbish lying around the workplace or escape routes All rubbish should be placed into metal bins, preferably with lids, and removed on a regular basis Maintain clear desks top policy to prevent the rapid spread of fire should it occur Know the fire procedures where you are working 6
Obstructing the ventilation of heaters, machinery and electrical appliances including office equipment Blocked ventilation to electrical equipment Trapped or pinched electric cables Excess or careless storage of flammable substances and combustible materials Inadequate cleaning of work areas and poorly maintained equipment Inadequate supervision of cooking and other work activities Carelessness by contractors or maintenance workers Appliances left on when not in use Fire Prevention Never leave electrical appliances e.g. toasters, computer screens left on when not in use Check electrical equipment regularly and report any trapped or pinched electrical cables because these can be fire hazards Smoking procedures Smoking can only be permitted in line with Trust policy The Trust provides external smoking shelters. They are located, outside main entrance, outside Post Graduate Building, between Cardiology and the Cardiology Car Park, and the fire path next to Estates offices. Fire Fighting Fire extinguishers can be found at the following locations: At a break glass call point Near a final exit At a high risk location On no account should you risk your life or those of your colleagues in attempting to tackle a fire. Only use the fire fighting equipment if you have been trained to do so Sound the fire alarm before attempting to fight the fire Always get assistance where possible and assess the size and the type of fire Only use a fire extinguisher as a last resort in order to safeguard your escape. Select the correct extinguisher for the class of fire Test the equipment by operating the extinguisher so that you are sure it will work when advancing towards the fire Always keep your means of escape open. Never put the fire between you and your exit route Keep low to avoid any heat and toxic fumes Point the extinguishing medium onto the fire, initially from a safe distance and move closer when you can see that your actions are having effect Never put your life at risk by tackling large or smoky fires Never enter a room or compartment to tackle a fire 7
Fire Fighting Equipment All new or refurbished extinguishers will be red in colour and will have 5% in the colour of the contents as identified under the UK colour code system. Water Extinguisher Colour red with white instructions Class A - Used on wood, paper, cardboards, plastic, linen and fabrics. Foam Extinguisher Colour red with cream instructions Class B - Used on flammable liquid or wood, paper, cardboards, plastic etc Carbon dioxide (CO2) Extinguisher Colour red with black instructions Class F Used on electrical or flammable liquid fires. Dry Powder Extinguisher Coloured red with blue instructions Used on wood, paper, plastics etc and electrical or flammable liquid fires Fire Blanket Hose Reel A non-flammable blanket of varying sizes used to smother fires. To be mainly used on small fires such as chip pans and deep fat fryers, can also be used on people s clothes and hair. Not provided here 8
Fire Doors Fire Doors are installed to provide protection to escape routes, circulation areas and staircases. Wedges must not be used to keep fire doors open. Authorised methods are available and include electromagnetic devices linked into the fire alarm system. When the fire alarm sounds, the devices will become inactive and the fire door closes. The minimum time fire resistant doors provide within NHS properties is 30 minutes. In the event of a fire: Sound the fire alarm Evacuate the building immediately Telephone 2222 and inform switchboard of the exact location and nature of the fire. If necessary dial 999 and call the fire and rescue service Fire can have a devastating effect on people and on businesses, so remember: Work safely Report back Observe smoking rules Tidy as you go Keep fire doors closed Keep exits clear Consider evacuation if the alarm is raised Raise the alarm if you discover a fire Communication is Key! Emergency Evacuation Plan - Non Clinical Areas Upon hearing the CONTINUOUS Fire Alarm Signal Leave Immediately by the nearest safe exit following the green direction signs: Do Not Stop to collect belongings Do not use lifts Proceed to the Assembly Point located in a place of safety (see fire action next to call points) Do Not Re-enter the area or building until the All Clear is given by the Senior staff officer or Fire brigade Evacuation Procedure - Patient Area Upon Hearing the PULSED or INTERMITTENT Fire Alarm Signal Fire warden to liaise with fire warden of affected zone. Confirm where the problem is, close doors & windows Pull back curtains and reassure patients 9
Be prepared to receive patients from adjacent areas, and prepare your patients for potential evacuation, and obtain any necessary equipment, don t forget their notes Upon Hearing the CONTINUOUS Fire Alarm Signal: Fire warden will don warden s jacket and investigate starting from the point of greatest danger. Fire response team will attend the zone and assist with identification of alarm. If fire is confirmed. Commence evacuation policy immediately. Use nearest safe fire escape routes to a place of relative safety Final escape to a place of safety - assembly points Do not use lifts Emergency lighting and fire exit signs will assist you to exit the building Safely Safe Escape Routes marked by Signs Prioritise and prepare People for immediate evacuation as necessary Upon Instruction from senior Ward/department person present at time of alarm, Commence Evacuation of People by moving people to another area. Travel Short Distances to a place of relative safety by move away from the fire as it approaches to beyond the next fire door. Keep moving away from the fire in the same way if the fire starts to spread. Piped or fixed oxygen supplies should only be isolated on direct instruction from ward manager/shift coordinator, remember some patients may be dependant on fixed oxygen supplies Continue to care for your patients Wait for the fire brigade to arrive so that you can direct them to the area of the fire. Remember it may take more than one person to evacuate a bed bound patient What can help you to safely evacuate people from wards? Practice & Training familiarity with procedures If a patient is in a bed.move them in a bed to a place of relative safety Support from other staff from unaffected areas to assist with evacuation Attendance of emergency response team fire fighting and evacuation Attendance of fire and Rescue Service fire fighting and rescue After a fire Do not return to your area until told it is safe to do so by Senior Nurse/Fire Brigade/Fire Warden and/or Fire Response Team Complete an incident form Reporting defects Reporting defects may save a life or better still; avoid problems by preventing a fire. Please use the HELPDESK to help us keep you and your colleague s safe at work. Fire Safety Officer Contact Number: 01908 996086 (ext 86086) 10
Assessment Paper Fire Safety (Please select only one answer for each question) Questions 1) The Fire Safety Order requires the responsible person to ensure adequate safety for all premises except which of the following groups? Employees of the Trust whilst at work Patients and Visitors in Trust buildings People in their own homes Employees of other employers working in Trust buildings People in the vicinity of Trust buildings 2) In order for a fire to start which one of the following combinations do you need? Paper, matches and air Heat, oxygen and fuel Carbon dioxide, heat and fuel 3) Fire can spread by which of the following means? Through open doorways by convection From one building to another nearby building by radiated heat Direct burning from one item to another Up stairways and lift shafts by convection By conducted heat through walls, floors and ceilings All of the above 4) If you discover a fire what should you do? Tell your supervisor and evacuate from the building Operate a fire point, call 2222 and call the fire brigade and tell your supervisor Evacuate 5) What is a place of relative safety? A room with a fire in it Somewhere relatives can wait in case of fire A location beyond a fire resisting door leading to a separate fire compartment or a protected stairway 11
6) What should you not do in case of fire? Delay evacuation to complete a telephone call Use lifts to evacuate Delay evacuation to collect personal belongings Take risks with your safety All of the above 7) Where would you find a fire extinguisher? At a fire point Near a final exit In a higher hazard room, i.e a kitchen or laboratory All of the above 8) What should you not do with fire extinguishers? Operate them if not trained to do so Use them as door wedges Obstruct them so that they cannot be easily seen All of the above 9) When is it safe to wedge open a fire door? When someone else has wedged it open Never When you are in the room 10) What should you do if you see a fire hazard, or become aware of a deficiency in the fire safety arrangements? Leave it for someone else to report Remove the hazard if you can, report it o the help desk or your manager/supervisor 11) What are the three main causes of fire in the NHS? Candles, electrical appliances and arson Lightning, cooking and smoking Fuel, heat and oxygen Cooking, smoking and electrical appliances 12
12) When are you required to complete fire safety training? Upon Induction to the Trust, and then every 2 years When you move departments Upon Induction to the Trust and then three yearly Three yearly 13) What is the best route to use when evacuating in case of fire? The way you came in by Through a window The nearest direct safe route The most familiar route 14) Upon which fire signal should you evacuate from a CLINICAL/PATIENT area? Intermittent signal Continuous signal Pulsed signal Continuous signal when instructed by your senior ward/department person present at time of alarm 15) What type of fire extinguisher is suitable for use on electrical fires? Water Carbon dioxide Foam 16) Why should all escape routes be kept clear of combustible materials? To allow easy escape in event of fire and provide adequate wheelchair/bed access To look good to visitors To allow them to be cleaned properly 17) Which of the following is true in regard to NHS Trust sites? Smoking is permitted only outside buildings in smoking shelters Smoking is not permitted anywhere on site Smoking is allowed in your own room 18) When is it safe to leave toasters or microwaves unattended when in use? When doing another task Never To answer the phone 13
19) In event of fire when should a fixed oxygen supply be isolated? When the fire alarm operates When the ward manager/shift coordinator says it is safe to do so When instructed by the fire and rescue service 20) Which of the following may result in an electrical fire? Overloading sockets or extension leads Cables placed under carpets or pinched behind furniture Appliances left switched on when not in use Blocking ventilation openings on appliances Cooking appliances left unattended All of the above Name (print): Signature: Office Use Results Job Title: Ward/Department: Date Completed: Pass Fail Please return the assessment paper only to: Fire Safety Advisor Facilities Department 14