Code Red - Fire Education Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page #
General Inquiries................................................................................................ .1
• Phone numbers by site for general inquiries
1.0
Fire Alarm ................................................................................................... 2
1.1
First Stage
1.2
Second Stage
2.0
Evacuation .................................................................................................. 2
2.1
Preparation for an evacuation
2.2
Progressive Stages of Evacuation
2.3
Evacuation by Compartments
2.4
Horizontal Evacuation
2.5
Vertical Evacuation
2.6
Total Building Evacuation
3.0
Responsibilities of Staff ............................................................................ 5
3.1
Area-specific Manager
3.2
Fire Safety Captain
3.3
General Staff
3.4
Area Staff
4.0
Fire Response ............................................................................................ 7
4.1
REACT
Smell of Smoke
4.2
Types of fires and extinguishers
4.3
Fire Hose
4.4
When to fight a fire
5.0
Fire Safety for Occupants ......................................................................... 9
5.1
Staff Responsibility
5.2
Occupant/Staff training
6.0
Fire Hazard Control.................................................................................. 10
6.1
Building decorations
6.2
General/Personal Housekeeping
6.3
Storage, Handling and Use of Flammable Liquids
6.4
Open Flame Hazards Control
6.5
Electrical equipment and Appliances
7.0
Prevention Tips ........................................................................................ 14
• Don’t Give Fire a Place to Start
Code Red - Fire Education Guide
FIRE EMERGENCY - 5555
GENERAL INQUIRIES
CHEDOKE CAMPUS
- 77754
GENERAL CAMPUS
- 44597
HENDERSON CAMPUS - 43503
MUMC CAMPUS
- 76156
Emergency Fire Safety and Evacuation Information
This Fire Instruction Guide has been compiled as a support document to
the HHSC Code Red Procedures.
This information is intended to provide advice on basic procedures and
protocols to be followed in the event of a fire in the Hospital.
Staff must be familiar with this content as well as the
Corporate Code Red Procedure and their Area-Specific Code
Red Procedure
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1.0 Fire Alarm
The Fire Alarm is a TWO stage alarm
1.1
First stage
The first stage alarm within the 4 hospitals of Hamilton Health Sciences consists of
slow sounding bells at 20 bells/minute. This is the ‘Fire Emergency Alert’. These
bells ring throughout the entire facility.
Along with the sounding bells, an overhead page is heard (where available)
announcing
“CODE RED … (Zone / Area / Dept. / Ward)” - Code Red is the
‘code’ for a fire emergency alert call.
The slow sounding bells are meant to alert staff without alarming patients and
visitors. The bells may automatically silence after approximately 3 minutes. This
automatic reset or silencing of the bells does NOT signify an all clear.
Once the fire area-specific is satisfied that the situation has been rectified,
approval from the fire area-specific is given, and the all clear sounded. The all
clear is announced by the fire bells with two bells (double ring) and/or an overhead
page announcing:
“CODE RED - ALL CLEAR…Zone / Area / Dept. / Ward”.
Note: Chedoke Campus The Holbrook, Wilcox and the Continuing Care Centre - are on the two stage fire
alarm system. ALL other buildings at Chedoke are on a single stage alarm, total
and immediate building evacuation.
1.2
Second stage alarm
Sounds at 120 bells / minute and if sounded if there is a need to evacuate the
entire building.
Once the second stage of the alarm is initiated your total building evacuation
procedures come into effect.
2.0 Evacuation
You must be prepared for evacuation. Know your exits, evacuation routes and procedures.
After each drill review, maintain and update your area-specific Code Red Procedures.
Areas of the Hospital are divided through compartmentation or special separations. These
separations are found between sleeping rooms, treatment rooms, area-specifics and
corridors (smoke barrier doors, every 75 feet along corridors).
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2.0 Evacuation (continued)
The fire separations confine the fire to a specific area (point of origin) and take
approximately 1 hour to spread beyond an enclosed separation.
Compartmentation is only effective if the doors and windows are kept closed thereby
confining the fire and the smoke to the room of origin. Effective compartmentation allows
time to stabilize and evacuate patients and staff from the immediate danger zone and for
the fire team / fire dept. to initiate fire suppression procedures.
2.1
Preparing for Evacuation
•
If time allows generate patient and staff evacuation lists.
•
Under no circumstances are patients to be moved in their beds. This constricts
hallways and corridors, endangering all of the area occupants. An exception is
made for ICU, CRCU and some circumstances with PACU patients
•
The placement of wet towels, blankets or sheets at the bottom of a closed door,
assists with restricting a rapid transfer of smoke and generates extra time with
which to complete area evacuation.
•
Adjacent Wards and Area-specifics are advised to identify a buddy area which
can provide mutual aid assistance in a Code Red. This Code Red mutual aid
assistance program allows for the immediate addition of personnel from the
adjacent areas to assist with the evacuation of an area that is in immediate
danger.
•
Your evacuation protocols should not assume that unlimited assistance is
available from the Fire Department or other areas- exterior to your own. In
most circumstances assistance is available; however, there may be situations
where you are required to complete your evacuation protocols with the
resources at hand.
•
Ensure that you have ample space available in your evacuation staging areas
to enable you to assemble your patients and resources.
•
If time allows, prepare and gather priority medical resources (this includes
blankets) that your area deems necessary to maintain a minimum level of care
for your patient population if evacuation becomes necessary.
Remember, once evacuation protocols have been initiated there are no
guarantees that you are able to gain access to another inpatient care area.
Your resource items must be essential items only and easily transportable (use
a laundry bag).
•
Have two horizontal evacuation routes, one primary route and one secondary
route. These routes are always in the opposite direction of each other and in
many cases, the secondary route entails traveling down the stairwell.
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2.0 Evacuation (continued)
2.2
Progressive stages of evacuation
Progressive stages of evacuation in the event of heavy smoke contamination or a
fire within your area are:
•
room of fire or smoke origin,
•
then the adjoining rooms working out and away from the room of fire or
smoke origin.
Affix masking tape at eye level onto the center of the closed door of an evacuated
room to indicate that the room has been checked and cleared. Rolls of 2” masking
tape are contained within your emergency preparedness and emergency
preparedness boxes.
2.3
Evacuation by Compartments
Once in the corridor between a set of smoke barrier doors this is a compartment
and it is designed as a point of refuge. By moving from compartment to
compartment we can protect ourselves and patients without transporting or moving
too far. This is referred to as horizontal evacuation.
Intercompartmental movement is to be restricted to legitimate emergency
and urgent tasks only.
2.4
Horizontal Evacuation (Primary Evacuation Route)
To facilitate horizontal evacuation we need only move 3 or 4 compartments away
from the danger zone. Inpatient wards are advised to move toward an adjacent
inpatient care area.
2.5
Vertical Evacuation (Secondary Evacuation route)
If you be faced with a vertical evacuation then movement is always down via the
stairwell but never up or below grade or ground level. It may be necessary, in
below grade or ground level situations, to initially evacuate to the exterior or
outside of the building and then reenter via a main or side entrance.
Once you have arrived within another area-you follow their area-specific Code Red
evacuation routes and procedures.
All Staff are reminded that in the event of any evacuation their assistance may be
required to aid in the movement of patients.
2.6
Second Stage Total Building Evacuation
During a second stage total building evacuation, staff are advised to refer to their
area-specific Code Green Evacuation procedures.
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2.0 Evacuation (continued)
Total building evacuation entails exiting the building by the shortest route
available. As with the horizontal evacuation, there are always two routes planned,
one primary and one secondary, each in the opposite direction of the other.
Staff must be prepared to apply maximum flexibility to their procedures. Evacuation
routes may vary but your destination does not.
Once a second stage evacuation is initiated all major resources, extra blankets,
mattresses, medical supplies, portable oxygen etc. are acquired from ground level
areas only.
The size of the fire indicates the extent of the evacuation necessary.
Horizontal evacuation can be self initiated if there is a clear and present danger.
The decision for further evacuation is made in conjunction with the fire areaspecific who, upon their arrival assume command and control of the situation.
3.0 Responsibilities of Staff
3.1
Area Specific Manager
An effective area-specific Fire Safety Plan depends upon the knowledge,
experience and commitment of management personnel.
Every supervisor must have a clearly defined role and the authority to respond
appropriately.
All new staff MUST receive training in the Fire Safety Plan before responsibilities
can be delegated.
Training for all staff members must be organized and be conducted at least
annually.
3.2
Fire Safety Captain
The area-specific Manager / Supervisor (or their delegate), is considered to be the
Fire Safety Captain in their respective areas.
The Fire Safety Captain (or
delegate), is responsible for coordinating and assigning personnel to carry out
instructions in each area during a Code Red condition. The Fire Safety Captain (or
their delegate) must be easily and readily identifiable.
The area-specific Fire Emergency Protocols are to be contained in the Areaspecific Emergency Procedures Manual and is to be maintained and kept available
by the Fire Safety Captain in their respective areas.
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3.0 Responsibilities of Staff (continued)
It is also recommended that the area-specific Fire Emergency Protocols be broken
down by protocol into an instant access card system.
3.3
Area Staff
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
All staff return to the area-specific via the stairwells only. DO NOT USE
ELEVATORS unless directed to do so by Fire Emergency personnel.
Staff are to move quickly but cautiously.
Approach stairwells and smoke barrier doors with due care and caution.
Check to ensure that stairwells and beyond the smoke barrier doors are free
and clear of fire and smoke conditions.
Staff attending meetings at their home site immediately return to their
respective area-specifics.
Staff attending from other sites accompany home site Staff to their areas.
Staff already in their work area at the time of the alarm are to…
1.
Sweep the work area and check:
• for fire conditions (smoke, heat, flame)
• that all doors and windows are closed
• that all exits have clear access
• that a portable fire extinguisher is available
2.
Inform the Fire Safety Captain (or delegate), as to who is present in the
work area. Generate Patient and Staff evacuation lists.
Patients are evacuated in order of physical condition.
A.
Ambulatory - minimum number of staff required to lead group to
safe area;
B.
C.
Wheelchair patient (if wheelchairs are readily available);
D.
Those that resist.
Critical patients ( those requiring the most resource to move ) as
they need to be moved when the greatest amount of help is
available;
Under no circumstances are patients to be moved in their beds. This
constricts hallways and corridors, endangering all of the area
occupants. An exception is made for ICU, CRCU and in the PACU
depending on the patient’s circumstances.
3.
Prepare important items for safe keeping or evacuation i.e. patient charts,
priority medical resources, blankets. Items must not be cumbersome or
constitute a hazard during an evacuation. Staff are to maintain a hands
free condition in order to offer aid and assistance.
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3.0 Responsibilities of Staff (continued)
4.
Designate a person to stand by the telephone and ensure that telephone
use is restricted to stat, emergency or urgent calls only.
5.
Confine intercompartmental movement to a minimum.
6.
Ensure visitor, patient and staff movement are controlled.
7.
Once staff are safely within the area-specific they stay put unless there is
a clear and present danger, then the area-specific ‘Horizontal Evacuation
Procedure’ is initiated.
8.
Review Horizontal Intercompartmental and Total Building Evacuation
Routes. In-Patient care areas - this review also includes “Lifts and
Carries”.
9.
STANDBY and await further instructions
10.
REMAIN on emergency alert until the sounding of the all clear.
11.
At the discretion of the manager or delegate staff may resume their duties
within the confines of their area only.
4.0 Fire Response
4.1
REACT
If a fire occurs, your immediate action - inaction can and does mean
the difference between life and death.
In Case of Fire:
R - Remove all room occupants
E - Ensure all doors/windows are closed
A - Activate the Fire Alarm
C - Call 5555
T - Try to extinguish the fire - if possible
(ensure that Telecommunications understands clearly ‘CODE RED’ and Location)
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4.0 Fire Response (continued)
Smell of Smoke
5555 is to be called for all and any untraceable burning smells
4.2
Types of Fires and Extinguishers
TYPES OF FIRES
CLASS A
Wood, Paper, Textiles, People
CLASS B
Flammable Liquids
CLASS C
Electrically energized fires
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
PRESSURIZED WATER
Stainless Steel Cylinder
2 ½ ft. high
MULTIPURPOSE DRY CHEMICAL
Coloured Cylinders
MULTIPURPOSE DRY CHEMICAL
Coloured Cylinders
DRY CHEMICAL
Coloured Cylinders
CO2
Red cylinder, black horn shaped nozzle
TO OPERATE EXTINGUISHERS
Remember the word P.A.S.S.
Pull the pin - Twist pin to break the seal then remove
Aim at the base of the flame - “Aim Low” Point the extinguisher nozzle or hose at base of the
flame
Squeeze the handles - Activating the extinguisher
Sweep the fire - Sweep slowly - side to side, front to back, blanketing the fire with the
extinguishing agent
Blankets
These are extremely valuable for use as an improvised fire extinguisher to smother a fire or
wrap around a person whose clothing has ignited.
4.3
Fire hose
Fire Hoses are restricted to Fire Team / Fire Area-specific Use Only and must
not be removed from the rack or cabinet.
4.4
When to Fight a Fire
Fight the fire only if all of the following are true:
• the fire is small and confined to the immediate area where it started (e.g.
wastebasket, electrical appliance, couch cushion etc.)
• you can fight the fire with your back to the door at all times
• your fire extinguisher is rated for the type of fire you are fighting and it is in
good operational condition.
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you have had the required training in the use of fire extinguishers and are
confident that you can operate it effectively.
If you have the slightest doubt about whether or not to fight a fire, get
out and stay out, closing the door behind you.
5.0 Fire Safety for Occupants
5.1
Staff Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all personnel to read and be familiar with the procedures
and protocols to be followed in the event of fire or other emergencies. All
personnel are to follow the instructions of, and cooperate with the requirements of
the Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Building Code, Corporate and area-specific Code
Red Protocols and Procedures.
All personnel are responsible to ensure that they know the following:
• the location of fire extinguishers;
• the class / type of fire each extinguisher is designed to extinguish;
• how to operate the fire extinguishers;
• the location of the fire alarm pull stations and how to operate them;
• the location of exits;
• that all staff participate in code red drills and reviews;
• the procedures to follow in the event of a fire as directed in the Corporate and
Area-specific Code Red Orders;
• the location of designated area-specific assembly areas to report to when
evacuating the building;
• that all fires are reported regardless of size of fire or whether or not it has been
extinguished;
• that it is a serious offence to tamper in any way with fire and life safety
equipment, including smoke detecting devices and fire extinguishers;
• when fire and/or life safety hazards are observed they are reported immediately
to your supervisor;
• fire prevention measures appropriate to your work environment; and
• inform your supervisor if you require special assistance to evacuate the
building.
5.2
Occupant / Staff Training
All personnel working within buildings of Hamilton Health Sciences are instructed
by their supervisors as to their individual responsibilities for general fire safety of
the building and its occupants as follows:
• All new employees attend a Corporate Fire Safety Orientation session at New
Employee Orientation, are provided with a copy of Corporate and area-specific
Code Red procedure to read and they are also briefed by their supervisor as to:
⇒ the location of fire alarm pull stations, fire exits and fire extinguishers within
and adjacent to their place of work;
⇒ fire prevention measures appropriate to their work environment.
•
Every staff/affiliate member of HHS buildings is responsible to review monthly:
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⇒ the location and contents of the Corporate and Area-specific Code Red
protocols and procedures;
⇒ the location of fire alarm pull stations, fire exits and fire extinguishers within
and adjacent to the place of work;
⇒ fire prevention measures appropriate to their work environment and;
⇒ attend a Corporate Fire Safety session (annual)
6.0 Fire Hazard Control
6.1
Building Decorations
Decorations
•
only fire retardant/flame resistant decorations and decorating materials can be
used in HHSC buildings.
•
open flame decorations, such as candles are not permitted.
•
exits must be maintained free of obstructions and are used for no purpose
other than exiting.
•
fire retardant chemicals must not be used on decorative materials (Because it
is virtually impossible to attain an acceptable degree of fire retardant using fire
retardant chemicals on paper and most other materials)
•
fire retardant chemicals applied at point of manufacture only are acceptable.
•
natural Christmas trees and tree boughs are not permitted in HHS
buildings.
•
decorations must not be placed on or within one meter (3 ft) of electrical
lamps, heating appliances, heating piping, etc.
•
decorations can not be hung on doors or door casings
•
decorations must be hung up out of the reach of personnel.
•
fire hazards such as straw and/or hay are not permitted inside HHSC
buildings.
•
electrical Lights - used for decoration must be of an approved type and
must pass inspection by HHSC electricians.
Decorating for Social Events at HHS
•
the prior approval of HHS Fire Prevention Area-specific is obtained relative to
the fire retardant quality of the decorative material and the decoration plan in
general when buildings or rooms are to be decorated for specific social
functions and seasons such as Christmas and New Years, Halloween, Easter,
etc.
•
a fire inspection may be carried out by the HHS Fire Prevention Area-specific
prior to and after the function.
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Fire Hazard Control (continued)
6.2
General / Personal Housekeeping
Rubbish and waste material
Contribute to many fires and are frequently classed as fire hazards. Except in
cases of spontaneous ignition, they do not actually cause the fire but they can
furnish the fuel that is easily ignited by small sources of heat and allow the fire to
spread quickly.
Maintenance of a high standard of housekeeping is essential in the prevention of
fire.
Indoors
Proper and regular disposal of waste paper and other combustible material is
important. At the end of each work day, waste material is removed from the
building and deposited in the bulk containers provided.
Outdoors
Cleanliness and good housekeeping are just as essential outdoors, therefore,
rubbish and waste materials is not allowed to accumulate.
Oily Waste
Oily waste, oily clothing, wiping rags, and other materials that are contaminated
with flammable or combustible liquids are subject to spontaneous ignition, and are
required to be stored in an oily waste can bearing the label of the Factory Mutual
Laboratories. The oily waste cans are to be emptied at the end of each working
day and the oily waste removed from the building and stored in metal containers.
6.2
Storage, Handling And Use Of Flammable Liquids
This section applies to the storage, handling and use of flammable liquids in
portable containers inside buildings.
Flammable liquids are those having a flash point below 100 deg. F,
such as gasoline, alcohol and acetone.
Storage Precautions for Flammable Liquids
Additional requirements are necessary for the safe storage and use of liquids that
have one or more of the following properties:
•
unusual burning characteristics;
•
subject to self-ignition when exposed to air;
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Fire Hazard Control (continued)
•
highly reactive with other substances;
•
subject to explosive decomposition; and
•
other special properties that indicate a need for special safeguards.
Under Section 4.1.7.6.(1) of the Ontario Fire Code all Recirculating Ventilation
Systems (Fume hoods), require that a fail-safe vapour detection and alarm system
be installed to continuously monitor the flammable vapour concentration in the
exhaust air. The Faculty of Health Sciences has installed “Ventalert” systems in the
University laboratory’s in compliance with the Code. Information on this system is
available from MUMC Engineering Services.
•
flammable liquid containers and storage cabinets are not stored near exits,
stairways or other areas normally used by and for the safety of personnel.
•
storage facilities are approved by the HHS Fire Prevention Area-specific
and/or, if required, the Fire Prevention Area-specific of the Hamilton Fire Areaspecific;
•
where required for ready use, quantities of flammable liquids not exceeding the
quantities allowed by Section 4 of the Ontario Fire Code, may be stored in
buildings.
•
storage is in approved containers and placed in labeled metal flammable
liquids storage cabinets indicating that no smoking or open flames are
permitted in the area.
•
flammable liquids in quantities exceeding the quantity allowed for ready use by
Section 4 of the Ontario Fire Code, are to be stored only in approved
compounds or specially designed rooms or buildings.
Handling of Flammable Liquids
•
•
•
•
•
6.4
the dangers associated with dispensing and handling of a low flash point liquid
are brought to the attention of all concerned by the area supervisor.
flammable liquids are not handled, drawn or dispensed where flammable
vapours may reach a source of ignition;
due to the volatility of low flash point flammable liquids, extreme caution must
be undertaken when dispensing liquids from one container to another e.g.
refueling lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, etc.
refueling is not done inside the buildings
flammable liquids having flash points below 100 deg. F are not used as a
cleaning solvent.
Open Flame Hazards Control
A WELDING / HOT WORK permit is required for all cutting and welding and/or use
of open flame.
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Fire Hazard Control (continued)
Staff engaged in HOT WORK ensure that a fire extinguisher is available and
instantly accessible at all times.
6.5
Electrical Equipment And Appliances
Electrical Equipment
•
•
•
is installed and maintained in accordance with requirements and standards of
the Electrical Code and applicable construction engineering technical orders.
electrical equipment and appliances are of a type approved by the Canadian
Standards Association (CSA), Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC),
Factory Mutual (FM), Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (ULI).
installation and maintenance of electrical wiring, equipment and appliances is
not carried out by personnel other than authorized HHSC electricians and
technicians or competent electrical contractors approved by HHSC.
Appliances
•
•
•
privately owned electrical appliances are of an approved type (see: electrical
equipment and appliances section above).
it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that all appliances are operated safely
and maintained in good electrical and mechanical condition.
electrical kettles are equipped with an automatic shut off feature.
Extension Cords
•
•
•
•
only approved flexible extension cord sets are used
the cord is not permitted to carry more than its rated current carrying capacity.
extension cords are not to be supported by staples nor looped or tied around
metallic objects such as nails, metal pipes, etc.
extension cords are maintained in good condition without cuts, frays or kinks
and are maintained as manufactured without alteration of any kind.
Hazardous Locations
Only wiring, equipment and appliances approved for use in a hazardous locations
are used for that purpose.
Portable electrical Heaters
Only approved type (Electrical), heaters are used. When authorized for use,
heaters are not placed under furnishings or in a location where clothing, paper or
other combustible material may come into contact with them or be ignited by
radiant heat.
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Prevention Tips
Don’t give Fire a place to start
THINK FIRE PREVENTION
KNOW
Î Report fire hazards
Î Keep exits and corridors clear of obstructions
Î Know your area’s fire procedures
Î Your area’s fire alarm pull station location
Î Attend the fire classes
Î Observe the No Smoking Regulations
Î Know your fire exits and where they
Î Your area’s fire protection equipment
lead to
Î Practice good housekeeping
Î Know your Horizontal / Total Building
Î Participate in all fire drills, routes
and procedures
evacuation
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