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FIRE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Fires need three things to start – a source of ignition (heat), a source of fuel (something that burns) and
oxygen: in order to stop a fire you need to remove one of these sources.
What to do when a fire is detected
In the event of a fire:
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Try to be calm: Don't panic!
Alert everyone else in your home to the fire and get out as quickly as possible. Don't stop to collect
personal belongings.
If there's smoke, keep as close to the floor as you can, where the air is fresher.
o Before you open a door check if it's warm. If it is, don't open it. Fire is on the other side.
Close the doors as you leave, especially the front door.
Call 999 as soon as you are clear of the building. You can call 999 on your mobile phone even if you
have no credit.
Do not go back into the building until you've been told that it is safe to do so by the Fire Brigade.
If you have assessed the situation and do feel it is safe to tackle the fire yourself, make sure you have
a safe escape route planned to allow you to get out . if it is an electrical fire try cut the power to the
electrical item – this may be enough to shut the fire down. If you tackle the fire the fire service should
still be contacted just to ensure that the fire is completely put out.
What to do if you become trapped by fire
If you become trapped in your home by a fire you should:
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Close the door to the room you are in.
Close the windows unless you need fresh air.
Try to seal any gaps under the door with clothes or towels to stop smoke entering.
If there's a phone in the room call 999. If not shout for help out of the window.
Fire equipment provided
A fire extinguisher, is a device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is
not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user
(i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire
department.
No single type of extinguisher is totally effective on every kind of fire so it is important to become familiar
with your equipment so you know what type you have in the property and thus to use in the event of a fire
THE MAIN TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS ARE
Water fire extinguishers: are suitable for use in environments containing solid combustible materials such
as wood, paper and textiles. It is important to remember that water conducts electricity and should not be
used around electrical equipment (unless water extinguishers with additive are used).
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Powder fire extinguishers: are ideal for use in mixed risk environments and offer excellent all round fire
protection. With a unique class C rating, powder fire extinguishers are the only effective solution for fires
involving flammable gases.
Foam fire extinguishers: are ideal for use on fire involving solid combustible materials and are highly
effective on flammable liquid fires. The layer of foam applied by these extinguishers helps to prevent reignition after the fire has been extinguished.
CO2 fire extinguishers: are suitable for use on flammable liquid fires and are extremely effective at
extinguishing fire involving electrical equipment. CO2 is also one of the cleanest extinguisher agents and
leaves no residue behind.
You may not have all of these types in your property so ensure you are familiar with what type you
have to be able to assess the situation correctly should you choose to fight the fire .
How to use a fire extinguisher
Before using your fire extinguisher, be sure to read the instructions before it's too late. Although there are
many different types of fire extinguishers, all of them operate in a similar manner.
A typical fire extinguisher contains 10 seconds of extinguishing power. This could be less if it has already
been partially discharged. Always read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher beforehand and
become familiarized with its parts. Once the fire is out, don't walk away! Watch the area for a few minutes
in case it re-ignites. Recharge the extinguisher immediately after use.
Use this acronym as a quick reference (it is a good idea to print this reference and pin it next to your fire
extinguisher):
P
A
S
S
Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher. The pin releases a locking mechanism and will allow you to
discharge the extinguisher.
Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. This is important - in order to put out the fire, you must
extinguish the fuel.
Squeeze the lever slowly. This will release the extinguishing agent in the extinguisher. If the handle is
released, the discharge will stop.
Sweep from side to side. Using a sweeping motion, move the fire extinguisher back and forth until the fire
is completely out. Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance, several feet away, and then move towards
the fire once it starts to diminish. Be sure to read the instructions on your fire extinguisher - different fire
extinguishers recommend operating them from different distances. Remember: Aim at the base of the fire,
not at the flames!!!!
Fire blankets usually found in the kitchen
A fire blanket is a safety device designed to extinguish small fires. It consists of a sheet of fire retardant
material which is placed over a fire in order to smother it . A fire blanket either completely surrounds a
burning object or is placed over a burning object and sealed closely to a solid surface around the fire.
Whether the blanket is placed on top, or surrounding it, the job of the blanket is to cut off the oxygen supply
to the fire, thereby putting it out.
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Fire Blankets usually have two pull down tails visible from outside the packaging. The user should place one
hand on each tag and pull down simultaneously removing the blanket from the bag.
The tails are located near the top of the fire blanket which allows the top lip of the fire blanket to fold back
over the users hands protecting it from radiated heat or direct contact burns.
Other fire safety notes
FIRE SAFETY
The lead tenant is designated fire officer for the property:
As such they should read and note the attached fire risk assessment which is in the in notes. Their
responsibilities include briefing or ensuring that other tenants brief all visitors on fire safety matters
including the fire exit routes. They should be aware of the fire instructions in place in the property and of the
fire fighting equipment supplied and familiarise themselves with its use. They should ensure that at the end
of each evening the electrical equipment is unplugged. They should make and discuss with the tenants an
escape plan with a primary exit route and where appropriate a secondary exit route. They should ensure that
fire practices are carried out at least once per term and at the same time he/she is to ensure that the fire
alarms are tested every week and a record made.
Any matter relating to fire safety or potential fire safety should be reported to town and gown property
letting. Similarly if any fire equipment is used this must also be reported to us so the fire equipment can be
replaced
Fire exits
The primary fire exit from each property is always via the front door. It is therefore vital that the route is
kept clear of any items ( in the event of your property being an HMO ie. 3 or more tenants, this is a
condition of the HMO Licence.)
The passageway from the furthest bedroom to the front door and all other passage ways which allow access
to the main fire access route must have no items in them. This includes shoes boots coats bikes and boxes of
rubbish.
Fire doors
If the property holds an HMO licence, the property will have fire doors. These must be kept shut at all time
for your safety. They must not be wedged open or the fire closer at the top of the door be removed under
any circumstances. If they do not seem to be closing correctly or sticking this must be reported to Town
and Gown Property Letting to ensure they are fixed .
Candles are not allowed under the lease
Smoking in the property or in the grounds is not allowed under the lease
Information about checking smoke and heat detectors can be found in the separate in notes in this folder