FIRE SAFETY

Fire Awareness Training for tutors/assessors and TAs

Fire Safety

3 elements required to start a fire:-

Heat

a minimum temperature is needed to start

something burning. A cigarette, naked flame

or spark can provide the heat to ignite a fire.

Oxygen

Just as we need air to breathe, a fire needs

oxygen to burn.

Fuel

Fire needs a substance that will burn. This

may be solid such as wooden furniture , a

flammable liquid such as oil, or a gas.

AND PEOPLE

Extinguishing a fire

By limiting or removing one or more of the 3

elements of combustion, a fire can be brought

under control and finally extinguished.

This can be achieved by one or more of the

following methods:-

STARVING Limitation of combustible material.

SMOTHERING Limitation of oxygen.

COOLING Limitation of temperature.

The costs of fire

Causes of fire in the workplace

Careless Actions & Accidents

Misusing equipment

Defective machinery or equipment

Deliberate ignition

Fire can spread easily:

Open fire doors (door jammed open, often with fire

extinguishers)

Unstopped openings in compartment walls, floor and

ceilings i.e., pipes cables, shafts (usually due to poor

workmanship by contractors)

Broken or missing tiles in suspended ceilings (again

usually caused by contractors or maintenance staff)

Buildings should be designed with safe, fire

resistant routes (known as compartmentalised)-

openings in the compartments assist the spread of

fire.

The Hazards from Fire include:

Smoke

Heat and Flame

Hazardous Waste

Products

Building Collapse

Fire Precautions

All the ingredients for a fire are around us

every day. But, if we are fire conscious, we can

reduce the risks from fire by:-

identifying fire hazards

remove the hazards & minimise the risks

knowing how to use fire extinguishers

knowing the right extinguisher to use on a fire

carrying out the correct procedures in an

emergency

Fire Risk Assessment Identify potential fire

hazards

Decide who is at risk and

why

Report to the appropriate

person, LJ or admin staff

Risk assess and record

(PEEP Personal

emergency evacuation

plan)

Review when necessary

The Assessment

What fire risks exist?

What alarm system do you

have?

Are escape routes adequate,

suitable for those using them

and kept clear?

Are PEEPs (Personal

emergency evacuation plan) in

place for those that need

them? Speak to your manager

for further guidance.

How will fire spread be

controlled?

Who needs a Personal Emergency evacuation plan (PEEP)?

Any learner who declares a disability or staff feel

need extra support to follow evacuation

procedures would require a PEEP. This may

include:

Learners who have mobility problems including

wheelchair users.

Learners who have a sensory impairment.

Some learners who have a learning disability.

What fire risks exist?

Poor housekeeping

Electrical and machinery maintenance

Flammable substances

Management and supervision of learners

Lack of training and instruction

Who could be affected?

Staff

Visitors

Children

People who have a disability including

sensory, physical and learning disabilities

Expectant mothers

Injured/unwell

Contractors

What is the alarm system where you

work?

Manual OR Automatic?

Escape Routes

Are they identified?

Are they clear?

Are they suitable for everyone?

Are they practiced to avoid

confusion?

Sprinklers

Extinguishers

Trained Staff

PRIORITY IS TO EVACUATE BUILDINGS

DON’T BE A HERO

Fire Fighting

FOAM

USE ON

burning liquids

chip pan fires

petrol fires

puts out fire by

smothering

POWDER

USE ON

burning liquids

electrical fires

pan fires

puts out fire by

smothering

USE ON

general fires

such as burning

paper, cloth or

wood.

puts out fire by

cooling

WATER CARBON DIOXIDE

USE ON

general fires

burning liquids

pan fires

puts out fire by

smothering

Safe Building Fire Proof

Maintained

Compartmentalised

Safe Areas

Emergency Lights

Six tips to keep you safe: Know your building

Plan at least two escape

routes

Close doors behind you as

you leave

Check obscured doors

before opening

Once out of your building,

go to your assembly point

Never, ever re-enter the

building

In some situations teaching staff may be asked to take on the role of the fire warden. They will be given appropriate training to do so.

On hearing the alarm:

Wear armband and/or High Visibility Vest

Ensure all persons evacuate your designated area/floor and that they proceed safely to their designated assembly area

Ensure all areas are checked

If there is time, shut doors and switch off electrical equipment

DO NOT OPEN doors into areas where you suspect there is a fire

Only tackle a fire if it is safe to do so and you have been trained

When your area is clear of people – go to assembly area

Report the situation to your area/floor controller

How fire wardens/all staff can assist with fire safety generally

Use all opportunities to inform / remind staff of procedures:-

Where the nearest or alternative escape routes are

To evacuate quickly (not stopping to finish a call, e-mail, get bags/coat etc

To not obstruct escape routes/doors, or wedge fire doors open

To not obscure fire signs, call points or fire fighting equipment

To not remove or misuse fire fighting equipment

To not place flammable materials on or close to heat sources

To be VIGILANT at all times and report any problems

DON’T BE AFRAID TO RAISE THE ALARM!!

Resources and further information:

•Health and safety executive info line 0845 345 0055

•Fire in the workplace www.hse.gov.uk/fireand

explosion/index.htm

•Workplace fire safety

www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/workplace.htm

•Fire extinguishers

www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/extinguishers

•PEEPs on Moodle -

http://www.kaesonline.com/mod/folder/view.php?id=15208

And finally

A quick quiz to confirm your understanding:

Click on this link