Fire Safety

What are the rules for handling firefighting equipment whilst there is no fire?

easy to get a hold of

kept in good condition

checked regularly

equipment must never be covered

Equipment should not be used for other purposes: such as used to wedge open fire doors.

What are the rules for using fire equipment safely when there is a fire?

A person should only attempt to fight a fire if:

trained,

the fire is small,

the alarm has been raised

there is a clear escape route

What is fire, and how is it caused?

A fire is a chemical reaction in which fuel reacts with oxygen and releases energy as heat.

What are common causes of fires?

Careless disposal of smoking materials,

misuse of / faulty electrical equipment,

arson.

What are the consequences of a fire in the workplace?

People can be killed or seriously injured. Businesses may suffer property damage, fines, compensation claims and increased insurance premiums. Some businesses may never recover from a serious fire.

What is the main fire safety legislation, and who is the responsible person?

the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The responsible person is usually the employer or whoever has control of the premises.

What are the main duties of the responsible person?

• Carry out a fire risk assessment.

• Identify people who may be especially at risk.

• Eliminate or reduce fire risks.

• Maintain fire precautions, including fire doors.

• Produce an emergency plan.

• Provide fire safety training.

• Maintain equipment and arrange appropriate checks.

What are employees' fire safety responsibilities?

Take reasonable care of themselves and others,

follow training and instructions,

use equipment correctly,

report hazards and faults,

keep escape routes clear,

never misuse fire safety equipment.

What is DSEAR, and what is an explosive atmosphere?

DSEAR stands for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. It protects people from fire and explosion risks involving dangerous substances.

An explosive atmosphere is a mixture of a dangerous substance, such as gas, mist, dust or vapour, with air that could catch fire or explode.

What are the main duties of a fire warden?

Raide the alarm

, help evacuate people

assist people with disabilities

They should only use firefighting equipment if trained, the fire is small, and a safe escape route is available.

How can a fire be detected, and how can the alarm be raised?

Fires may be detected by sight or smell, and Alarms can be raised by shouting a warning operating a manual alarm.

automatic fire detection equipment can also be used.

What are the five steps of a fire risk assessment?

1. Identify fire hazards, including sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen.

2. Decide who might be harmed and how.

3. Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions.

4. Record significant findings and implement control measures.

5. Review the assessment and update it when necessary.

Memory trick: Identify → Who → Evaluate → Record → Review.

What is the fire triangle?

Heat, fuel and oxygen.

Removing any one of these can help extinguish the fire.

Heat = cool with water

Fuel = remove / close the source

Oxygen = smother it

What is the difference between active and passive fire protection?

Active protection is used when a fire occurs. (alarms, sprinklers, emergency lighting and firefighting equipment.)

Passive protection is built into the premises. ( fire doors and protected escape routes)

How can fire hazards be controlled in the workplace?

store flammable materials safely,

dispose of smoking materials safely,

check electrical equipment for faults,

avoid overloading sockets

Keep flammable liquids away from heat

What are the different classes of fire?

• Class A: Ash! solid materials, such as wood and paper.

• Class B: Bottle! flammable liquids.

• Class C: Cloud! flammable gases.

• Class D: Dangerous metals!

• Class E: electrics!

• Class F: Frying! cooking oils and fats.

• Class L: lithium-ion batteries!

Which fire extinguishers are used for different types of fire?

RED | WATER + HOSE

Class A: Ash! Woods, paper and solid materials!

CREAM | FOAM + BLUE | DRY POWDER

Class B: flammable liquids!

BLUE | DRY POWDER

Class C: flammable gases!

CREAM | FOAM + BLUE | DRY POWDER

Class D: Dangerous metals!!

BLACK | CO2

Class E: Electrical equipment!

YELLOW | Wet Chemical

Class F: Cooking oils!

Specialist lithium-ion battery firefighting equipment

Class L: Lithium-ion batteries!

When should you never use water on a fire?

Never use water on burning cooking oil or live electrical equipment.