A best practice guide to...
Fire Safety
The aim of this presentation...
Overview of the Regulations
The cause of fire
Fire hazards and prevention
Actions to take on discovering a fire
Evacuation
Fire Precautions
Overview of the Regulations
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Who do the Regulations apply to?
All workplaces in England and Wales are affected and must comply.
Workplaces in Scotland fall under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.
The ‘responsible person’
The ‘responsible person’ of the workplace, (usually
the employer) has a responsibility to safeguard their
employees and other people entering their premises.
Employees are responsible for adhering to their
employer's policies and procedures in relation to fire
safety precautions.
Penalties
The Fire Officer has the power to instigate a prosecution.
An offence carries substantial penalties of up to £20,000 and in some cases
PRISON SENTENCES (or even both).
What causes a fire to start?
3 ingredients are required in for a fire to start, this is called
The Triangle of Fire
Heat: A source of ignition such as a heating
element
Fuel: Items that will burn such as furniture,
paper, oil etc
Oxygen: Air
How can you help prevent fires?
Eliminate Heat
Eliminating sources of heat can prevent fires from starting. Don’t leave
sources of heat, such as cooking rings, unattended.
Starve Fuel
Fuel is what keeps the fire going, this includes paper and furniture. The key
to preventing fires is to keep fuel sources away from heat.
Smother Oxygen
Removing the oxygen will extinguish the fire. By keeping
doors and windows closed, the supply of oxygen will be
restricted and slow down the fire.
Housekeeping
Good housekeeping can prevent most fires from occurring.
• Untidy workplaces make it easy for fires to start and spread.
• Switch off and unplug any unnecessary electrical appliances when not in
use, especially at the end of the day or at the start of a weekend.
Electrical Hazards
Ensure all electrical equipment is in a good state of repair…
Don’t overload plug sockets and extension leads.
Don’t use extension leads for a long period of time.
Don’t run cables under carpets/mats.
Don’t use appliances with damaged cables – they cause fires and
electrocution.
Do provide adequate ventilation to electrical appliances.
Do turn off the supply if an electrical item becomes very hot.
General Hazards
Do keep all sources of fuel away from potential ignition sources.
Do lock away cleaning fluids which may be flammable.
If in doubt, REPORT IT!
Discovering a Hazard
If you see a potential hazard…
1. Report the hazard to your line manager or responsible person.
2. Make a record of the date, time and the person who you reported it to.
Remember, the Fire Authority Officer has a legal right to inspect your
workplace at any reasonable time
Evacuation
In the event of a fire:
• Head to your fire exit route and follow the green running man signs.
• Encourage others to leave with you, do not waste any time arguing with
others to leave.
• Go to the Fire Assembly Point and report to a fire warden.
• Report any person and their location if they did not leave.
You should familiarise yourself with the fire exit routes in your building
Evacuation
In the event of a fire follow these simple guidelines to
minimise risk:
1. Raise the alarm by operating the break glass alarm and calling “Fire!”
2. Encourage prompt evacuation using the nearest exit route.
3. Lifts must NOT be used for evacuation under any circumstances.
4. If someone refuses to leave the building report their position to the fire
warden or the fire brigade.
Evacuation (continued)
5. Meet at the assembly point for roll call and inform the fire warden of any
missing people and their possible location.
6. Await the arrival of the Fire Brigade.
7. The fire Marshall will liaise with the Fire Brigade.
8. Do Not Re-Enter the building until told it is safe
to do so by the Fire Brigade or your Manager.
Fire Precautions
Fires produce smoke which can KILL in seconds.
• Keep fire doors closed when not in use.
• Keep Fire Exits clear of any obstructions and unlocked at all times whenever
the building is in use.
• Fire alarm call points, fire extinguishers, emergency lights and safety signs are
there for your protection – Do not obstruct them.
Locked and blocked fire exits are potential killers, unlock and
KEEP CLEAR
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers are for the use of trained personnel only
• Never obstruct a Fire Extinguisher.
• An extinguisher should only be removed from its stand/bracket for
checking, testing or fire-fighting – it should ALWAYS be
replaced afterwards.
• If an extinguisher missing, defective or
damaged REPORT IT.
In the event of fire…
Do NOT take any personal risks
Raise the Alarm
Get out, get everyone else out, and STAY OUT
Under No Circumstances Should You Take Any
Personal Risks
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