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Fire Warden Training Staying safe in the workplace 2
It’s time to take it very seriously! Rose Park Care Home 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsB39OpJQZU
Aims 4
Learning objectives By the end of this session you will be able to: Explain the typical role of a fire marshal in relation to workplace safety Identify a range of portable fire extinguishers Recognise the way people behave in a fire situation Explain the key fire safety duties under the law Be competent in your duties during an evacuation Recognise the need for fire evacuation drills Describe how to prevent fire & limit its impact Understand the principles of a risk assessment. 5
Nature of Fire A fire needs three elements to survive: oxygen, heat & fuel A fourth element known as the ‘Exothermic Chain Reaction’ is reached when all three elements combine making the triangle become a tetrahedron 6
To Eliminate The Fire We must starve it of one of the three elements, therefore not allowing the ‘Exothermic Chain Reaction’ to continue or occur in the first place Fire needs the exact same elements as we do in order to survive. 7
Removing the Oxygen To eliminate oxygen we must smother the fire by: Aqueous Foam Carbon Dioxide Dried Chemicals Enclosing Fire Blankets Closing Doors & Windows 8
Removing the Fuel Fuel is difficult to remove as it places a person in danger when approaching a fuel source. The fuel may be gas or an electric supply; therefore switching off the gas mains and or electric mains would starve the fire of fuel Once a fire has burned through the fuel it will naturally go out. 9
Remove the Heat The heat acts as the ignition for the fire. To remove the heat we can use natural elements such as water which will naturally turn to steam and take the heat with it Note: water can at times be dangerous to use, why? What would happen on electrical or chemical fires? 10
Three ways in which a fire can spread Conduction Convection Radiation 11
Conduction This is when we have a movement of heat through a material. Good conductors are metals, whereas poor conductors may be liquids. In a fire, touch the door handle with the back of your hand – if it’s HOT do not open it! 12
Convection This is when we have the transfer of heat via moving currents Hot air rises – hot air falls – cool air drawn in will speed up the process. Heated smoke rises – therefore a clearer, cooler layer is found nearer the floor. In a fire keep people LOW as they move through the smoke! 13
Radiation This is the direct transfer of heat from one object to another through an empty space. Radiation will help fire spread from one room to another or one building to another. Glass has little resistance to radiation heat! Fire doors must be kept closed – this impairs the progression of heat and smoke therefore PREVENTING radiation! 14
Smoke Kills Faster Than Fire As fire develops, smoke and combustion gases spread faster than fire. The gases inside the room heat up, expand and create pressure, causing smoke to spread. Smoke & combustion gases quickly spread through the building usually ahead of the fire, presenting great danger to anyone still in the building. 15
Smoke Kills SMOKE CAN CAUSE ASPHYXIATION Remember keep low in smoky rooms 16
Ways a Fire Can Start Arson – made easy by poorly secured buildings. Electricity – neglect and misuse of wiring & electrical appliances. Rubbish – accumulating in work/storage areas. Smoking – discarded cigarettes, matches, inadequate ash trays. Heaters – portable heaters can be knocked over, poorly sited or inadequately guarded; all heaters can over-heat if obstructed. Hazardous Goods – e.g. paints, adhesives or other chemicals. Specific Hazards – machinery in dusty environments, heated equipment; blow torches, cutting & welding, flammable liquids. 17
A Known Fact! 65% of fires are caused by arson resulting in an average cost to commercial businesses of £250,000. The Department of Communities & Local Government estimate the average cost of any fire to be £30,000 80% of companies never re-open or fail after a fire 18
The True Cost Of Fire Disruption of business after fire Medical costs for survivors Possible litigation costs Emotional responsibility (life time) Grief Guilt Trauma from injury Prevention is better, but if fire does break out, deal with it properly! 19
Good House Keeping Practice Skips, wheelie bins & rubbish cause lots of fires – keep away from buildings Designated smoking area – where? Good management, responsibility & accountability procedures Portable Appliance Testing Good security Staff training Closed fire doors Regular testing of alarm systems, correctly positioned and regularly maintained Good audit trails to ensure conformity Minimising combustible loading Reducing the exposure of ignition sources to flammable items 20
Quick Question Which of the statements below describes convection? A) The movement of heat through material B) The transfer of heat via moving air currents C) The transfer of heat in solids & liquids The correct answer is ‘B’ 21
Reducing The Risk With Alerting Equipment What type of fire alarm system is in your workplace? L – Protect life P – Protect building M – Manual system L2 – Protect life throughout a building P2 – High risk of ignition to property 22
Reducing The Risk With Alerting Equipment Smoke detectors: Where are they sited? Are they working properly? Are they regularly maintained? Clean with a vacuum twice a year and replace every ten years – test once a week and if battery operated, change batteries annually. 23
Fire Doors – Remain Closed For a Reason! Fire doors are rated either 30mins or 60 mins Designed to resist fire and smoke for the allotted amount of time They can be on a self closing mechanism (hard wired) to the alarm system or manually closed; never wedged open. Think About Rose Park! 24
Signage & Their Usage There are five categories of signage Prohibition Warning Mandatory Safe Condition Fire Safety 25
Prohibition Sign Red (white background) circular signs. Black pictogram on a white background, red border with diagonal cross bar. Prohibition signs are legal signs requiring you NOT to partake in the activity pictured. 26
27 Warning Signs Yellow signs – triangular in shape, black pictogram on a yellow background with black border. Warning signs are used to alert you to danger within the area you are present or entering.
Mandatory Signs Blue in colour – circular signs with a white pictogram on a blue background. Mandatory signs are placed as a warning that you must adhere at all times to what the signage displays; in this instance it says ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’. Do we always adhere to this? 28
Safe Condition Sign Green in colour – rectangular or square in shape. White pictogram on a green background (normally with an arrow showing direction of escape). These signs are used to direct you to or point out an area of safety in an emergency situation. 29
Fire Safety Signs Red in colour – rectangular or square in shape. White pictogram on a red background; normally seen above fire extinguishers. These signs are to indicate fire fighting or protective equipment; can be glow in the dark 30
Fire Action Signs Fire action signs are vitally important throughout the workplace; they can be sited on – Notice boards Break glass emergency call points Fire points (where extinguishers are located) Final exit points Ensure you have the right signs in the right place; know the importance! 31
Quick Question The L2 fire alarm is designed to protect what? A) Machinery B) Life C) Property The correct answer is ‘B’ 32
Fire Prevention Risk Assessment Forms Fire Policy Prevention is about taking action – make sure that you and your colleagues are working in a safe environment. Plan – Conduct – Evaluate The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Articles 8 to 23 requires all work premises to provide a thorough Fire Risk Assessment: this must be completed by the Responsible Person. The FRA also requires an accompanying emergency Fire Evacuation Plan known as the FEP. All companies must adhere to the RRO however the legislation places a responsibility on companies to train fire wardens/marshals to assist in adhering. 33
Risk Assessment Remember a risk assessment is about identifying the hazard and the associated risk. Hazard – the potential to cause harm Risk – chance of that harm occurring Risk assessments should determine if the following are working correctly: Fire Procedures Fire Measures Fire Plans Who might be at risk should there be a fire – what's in your Company’s Fire Risk Assessment? 34
Task Pick one floor of your building and draw a floor plan of that area on a piece of paper. Clearly mark ALL rooms & corridors. At this stage show fire exits on the plan. Tip – make your plan big enough to add things later on. 35
36 Requirements By Law Within the RRO all workplaces are required to have the following: Fire Evacuation Plan (up to date) Assembly points clearly marked Fire evacuation drill training sessions Regular fire awareness training for all staff Induction for new staff
As a Fire Warden You have daily duties to assess Fire doors are closed Fire exits and routes are clear Visitors are signed in and aware of evacuation points Any actions that have arisen have been dealt with. All staff aware of evacuation plan 37
Promote a Safe Working Environment Think – about your premises, is there anything else that could pose a risk? Remember – to take great care when dealing with flammable chemicals, gas, electrical equipment etc. Regular Checks – rubbish, stairwells, stationary cupboards, kitchens, power plant rooms etc. 38
Floor Plans On your floor plans mark each room with an identified risk score: L = Low Risk M = Medium Risk H = High Risk Think resident, think storage facility, think of work duty that takes place, think about the risk that area poses for fire to start or for a person’s safety in the event of a fire. 39
Other conditions of the Regulatory Reform Order Hazardous areas must be signed Fence dangerous machinery and install safety devices on them Service machinery and equipment regularly Provide and use PPE 40 Later we shall talk about fire fighting equipment and its requirement
Quick Question Who should carry out a fire risk assessment? A) The Fire Rescue Service B) The Responsible Person C) The Fire Warden The correct answer is ‘B’ 41
Fire Evacuation Drills Drills have to be carried out twice a year (minimum) and no longer than six months apart. (If you have a high staff turn-over, assess if you require FEDs more frequently.) The aim is to alert staff to the nearest fire exits, evacuation points and if there ARE any high risks then staff know how to deal with them Evacuation needs to be conducted in a safe and satisfactory manner and always taken seriously Everyone must take part and scenarios should be staged that do not allow use of certain zones as a means of escape. 42
The Objectives of The Fire Drill To identify any weaknesses within the plan To test the procedures To ensure new members of staff understand To test arrangements in the evacuation of those with reduced mobility or visibility To identify what works well and what does not 43
Carrying Out The Drill Circulate details prior, giving plenty of advanced warning Ensure that equipment can be safely left Nominate observers Inform the alarm receiving centre Inform visitors Activate alarm Instruct staff Evacuate premises in a safe manner All to meet at fire assembly point Competent person to carry out role call – register, visitors book, staff rota Log details of the drill – duration; who took part; what problems were identified 44
Quick Question What is the most important reason for a fire evacuation drill? A) To identify weakness in the evacuation strategy B) To check that the fire alarms work C) To make sure alarms can be heard throughout the building The correct answer is ‘A’ 45
People’s Behaviour How do people react when a fire alarm sounds? Reaction times vary and people tend to go out the same way they came in When people see flame, they react quickly When people see smoke, their reactions are not as fast Remember there is no smoke without fire Smoke causes eye irritation, disorientation and confusion Smoke contains chemicals such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen cyanide 46
Smoke Kills In most cases people die from smoke inhalation either at the scene of the fire or later on after the incident has occurred It is important we educate people to act fast when they see smoke! In an emergency situation people look for a person of authority – someone wearing an armband or hi-vis jacket 47
This Is You Six monthly evacuation drills Training Debrief sessions People will take it seriously, resulting in changes in behaviour , reacting quickly and evacuating safely. 48
Quick Question As a fire warden/marshal you need to? A) Fight fires B) Set a good example and ensure everyone remains calm & focussed C) Wear a hi- vis jacket at ALL times The correct answer is ‘B’ 49
As a Fire Warden/Marshal Do not put yourself at risk Make sure others respond Instruct people to close doors and windows as they leave the building You don’t need to be last out Be prepared to be clear and firm 50
Make Sure You and Colleagues Know 1. How to raise the alarm immediately 2. The different locations of automatic fire detector systems or manual call points 3. The fire action plan: how the alarm is raised and what action you should take 4. Read your Company’s fire action plan and familiarise yourself with procedures for operating the alarms 51
Back To The Floor Plan On your floor plans, please now mark where you believe smoke or heat detectors can be found. Also mark areas where you believe there to be ‘Break Glass Call Points’ 52
Calling Emergency Services in Event of a Fire Dial 999 State fire service Give the number of the phone you are using (including the area dialling code) State location of fire (postcode, if known) Give a landmark or connecting road Do NOT hang up until the details have been repeated back to you. 53
Safe Evacuation 1. Personnel should leave the building as soon as the alarm sounds, unless given detailed instructions as part of the fire action plan. 2. You should ensure the safe evacuation of anyone assigned to you. 3. The fire action plan outlines procedures for the safety of non-employees. Fire wardens may have been nominated to ensure an area is evacuated. 54
Safe Evacuation Don’t panic Leave in a calm, orderly manner Use the safest and most direct route Do NOT stop to collect belongings Do not put yourself in danger OR take personal risks Do NOT use lifts (do use evacuation chairs) Keep close to the floor in smoky conditions 55
Roll Call A nominal roll call should be conducted by the responsible OR competent person; this could be the fire warden/marshal. The nominal roll call should be conducted at the fire assembly point (this should be away from the building and on-coming Emergency Services. Remember – to complete a nominal roll call you will need registers, the visitors’ book & a staff rota 56
Arrival of Fire Service The competent person or fire warden should provide the fire service with: Details of the fire location Any people still in the building and their location Knowledge of hazardous material in the building Any other risks Only members of the fire service can search for missing persons Only return to the building when the fire service says its safe to do so 57
Quick Question What route would you take when evacuating your workplace? A) The route of which you are most familiar B) The safest and most direct route C) The way you came in The correct answer is ‘B’ 58
Fire Classification There are five different categories of fire – it is important you know the difference, which extinguisher to use and where extinguishers are located throughout your workplace 59
Class ‘A’ Fire Ordinary combustible – things that turn to ash Wood, paper, waste paper, baskets, stationary stores, textiles, fabrics and furniture. 60
Class ‘B’ Fire Flammable liquids Lubricants, spirits, petrol, paints, solvents, fuel, oils and flammable liquid stores 61
Class ‘C’ Fire Flammable gases Propane, Butane etc. 62
Class ‘D’ Fire Metals E.g. magnesium, aluminium, sodium, potassium etc. 63
Class ‘F’ Fires Cooking oils Vegetable oil, sunflower oil, fat, etc. 64
Electrical Hazard All fires become an electrical hazard if electric is involved. Ventilation systems, offices, computer rooms, switch gear and lift motor rooms Using the wrong extinguisher could cost your life! 65
Quick Question Class D fires represent what? A) Metals B) Plastics C) Man Made Fibres The correct answer is ‘A’ 66
Risk Assessment Areas should be risk assessed as part of your FRA. Locations should include escape routes, room exits & areas of high risk. All fire extinguishers should be inspected on a yearly basis by an accredited external company A sticker showing dates of inspections should be displayed on all fire extinguishers 67
Golden Rule!!!!!!! One fire extinguisher One person One fire If you have used one extinguisher and the fire is still spreading then it’s time to GET OUT. 68
Assess The Risk How big is the fire? Bigger than a normal waste paper bin? It’s too big. What type of fire is it? What are the smoke levels like? Are there any electrical risks? By assessing the situation you may stay alive. 69
Tackling The Fire Keep low One person – one extinguisher Stand by in case of re-ignition Extinguish fire only if safe to do so Don’t Be a Hero 70
71 Choosing The Correct Extinguisher
British Standard EN3 Requires all fire extinguishers to be appropriately coloured by at least 5% RED = WATER BLUE = POWDER BLACK = CO2 CREAM = FOAM SPRAY 72
Using the Extinguisher? Remember: 73
Water To be used on class ‘A’ fires only Still the greatest type of extinguisher for class ‘A’ goods. Range 4- 5 metres, duration 30 – 45 seconds Never use on live equipment 74
Powder Class A,B,C,D & electrical Range 8 metres – duration 10 – 30 seconds Problem – powder form is unsuitable in windy areas Clouds and can disorientate Has limited cooling properties, smothers fire but fuel will remain hot Check operating instructions on each extinguisher 75
Carbon Dioxide Filled with high pressure gas - can spread the fuel when discharging Can be used on class B, C & electrical fires. Use upright Lift the horn do not hold it – ice burn Pull out pin and test Aim at base of fire Range of 1–1.5m – duration 11 seconds Don’t use in confined spaces 76
Foam Spray Class A or B fires Becoming more frequent found in office environments instead of water Range 4–5 metres – duration 30 – 40 Seconds 77
Floor Plan – Final Challenge Place on your floor plan where you think the fire extinguishers are located. Mark the type: W = water P = powder C = carbon dioxide F = foam spray 78
Fire Blanket Should be located in the kitchen area Mounted on the wall Pull black tags and allow to unfold. Holding tags and with the blanket fully un-folded in front of you, walk toward the chip pan and place over the top – this should smother the oxygen. 79
Quick Question On discovering a fire, what is the first thing you should do? A) Put the fire out B) Phone the fire service C) Raise the alarm The correct answer is ‘C’ 80
Your Floor Plan Spend ten minutes with your floor plan looking at the area you have marked out; have a look to see if you were able to mark all the areas out properly, assess the risks correctly and place the correct signage and fire fighting equipment in the area. 81
Legislation Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Employer must conduct fire risk assessments Provide training & equipment (warden/marshal) Log of all training, drills, inspections, services (including dates and times) Emergency routes must be clearly marked Floors to be non-slip Adequate fire alarms for the service Sufficient means to fight a small fire Regular fire drills (maximum time between?) False alarms must be recorded Compliance of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 82
Quick Question According to legislation, how often should a fire evacuation drill normally take place? A) Every 6 Months B) Every 12 Months C) Every Week The correct answer is ‘A’ 83
It’s Time For The Test Please read the information on the sheets fully. Thank You 84
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