Fire Safety E-Learning Module
Fire Safety - Theory Module
(Mandatory - All Staff)
Welcome
Welcome to the Fire Safety Theory e-learning module. This course is
mandatory to ALL staff members and fulfils the NHS
legislative requirements in respect of fire safety knowledge
and will cover the following:
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
An introduction to fire safety
Types of fire alarms
Types of fire extinguishers
Evacuation
Policies and information
Your part in fire safety
Introduction
Fire safety in clinical areas within the hospital follows guidance issued by the
NHS in the Health Technical Memorandum 05 (HTM05) suite of documents
(Fire Code).
In non-clinical areas, statutory fire prevention legislation applies (Regulatory
Reform [Fire Safety] Order 2005).
Fire Statistics at St Mary's for 2008
During 2008, the fire brigade were called to St. Mary's Hospital on 29
separate occasions. Only 3 of these 29 call-outs were for actual fires - 26
were false alarms.
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Fire Risk
These are situations that can lead to possible fire risks. It is important that we
are aware of these so that we can recognise them and take steps to remove
the risk.
Examples of these fire risk situations are:
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overloaded sockets,
possible risk of electrical fires
accumulation of rubbish
possible risk of carelessness (discarded cigarettes or other burning
items)
possible risk of arson
incorrectly stored flammable liquids/substances
unsafe use of heat producing equipment (grinders, blow torches etc).
Types of Alarms
Single-Stage alarms only have the ability to sound continuously throughout
the building. They do not identify the exact location or area of the alarm within
the building.
Single stage alarms that are 'Stand alone' are not directly
linked to the switchboard, therefore:
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On St Mary's site you must dial '2222' to alert
switchboard.
Off-site dial '999' or 112 and inform the emergency
services.
Signs are displayed when alarms are isolated for works being carried out to
rectify faults or prevent unwanted false alarms.
Two Stage Alarms
Two-stage alarms have the ability to sound continuously in the area affected
and intermittently in other areas that the alarm covers.
This allows identification of the area involved, but not the precise location.
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Analogue Addressable Alarms
Analogue addressable alarms have the ability to sound continuously in the
area involved and intermittently in the other areas covered by the alarm.
This alarm identifies not only the area involved but also the precise location.
Types of Alarm - RECAP
Single-Stage alarms only have the ability to sound continuously throughout
the building. They do not identify the exact location or area of the alarm within
the building. Single stage alarms that are Stand alone are not directly linked
to the switchboard, therefore:
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On St Mary's site you must dial 2222 to alert switchboard.
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Off-site dial 999 and inform the emergency services
Two-stage alarms have the ability to sound continuously in the area affected
and intermittently in other areas that the alarm covers. This allows
identification of the area involved, but not the precise location.
Analogue addressable alarms have the ability to sound
continuously in the area involved and intermittently in the other
areas covered by the alarm. This alarm identifies not only the area
involved but also the precise location.
Fire Extinguishers
Portable Fire Extinguishers
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Water
Carbon dioxide
Dry Powder/ Fire Blankets
Foam
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Portable Extinguishers - WATER
Water extinguishers are for use on the following fires:
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Wood
Paper
Cloth
Other similar combustibles
This type of extinguisher must not be used on electrical or flammable
liquid fires.
Portable Extinguishers - CARBON DIOXIDE or CO2
Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are for use on the following
fires:
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Flammable liquids and live electrical equipment
Do not use on wood, paper and textiles or in confined spaces.
Portable Extinguishers - DRY POWDER
A Dry Powder extinguisher is for use on wood, paper and textiles, flammable
liquids and live electrical equipment.
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Portable Extinguishers - FIRE BLANKET
Fire Blankets are used to smother chip pan, waste bin and deep fat fires.
In addition, a fire blanket can also be used to wrap around the body of a
person and smother the flames if their clothes are on fire.
Portable Fire Extinguisher - FOAM
For use on Petrol, Oils, Spirits, and Flammable liquids. This type
of extinguisher can also be used on wood, paper, cloth and other
similar combustibles.
This is NOT to be used on electrical fires.
Note the cream-coloured label affixed to the extinguisher.
Fixed Installations
These include:
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Water sprinkler - this is a system of pipes through which water is
delivered to the sprinkler heads.
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Carbon Dioxide - an example of this would be fitted in the main
electrical intake rooms for the hospital.
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Inergen - this would be fitted into a computer server and power
supply room.
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Fire Exits
Ensure that you know the evacuation routes from your area of work and
where they lead to. These routes and exits need to be available at all times
that the building is occupied.
Be aware of obstructions or alterations to these routes and report if
necessary.
Evacuation of Office Staff, Day Clinics and Units
Primary objective of evacuation:
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To remove persons (staff or patients) from danger to a place of
safety via recognized escape routes.
Under no circumstances should lifts (elevators) be used in the event of
fire. Fire can cause damage to the mechanism and the lift could become
trapped.
Evacuation of Wards and Theatres
During the evacuation of Wards and Theatres, the senior member of staff will
assess the situation and may order:
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That everyone should stay put
Choose progressive, horizontal evacuation
If the demand is necessary, further evacuation will be horizontal or
vertical using the escape equipment provided.
Under no circumstances should lifts (elevators) be used in the event of
fire. Fire can cause damage to the mechanism and the lift could become
stuck.
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Evacuation - NON-MOBILE PATIENTS
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Evacuate as required
Identified evacuation methods
Progressive horizontal evacuation
Places of refuge leading to a final exit
Identified relocation areas.
Evacuation Example 1 - Ski Sheet
This is a device referred to as a ski sheet, which is attached to the underside
of a mattress by elasticised corners and is used to evacuate patients down
stairs or through narrow doorways which beds cannot negotiate.
Evacuation Example 1 - Ski Sheet (continued)
This is an example of a ski sheet being used to evacuate a patient through a
narrow doorway.
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Evacuation Example 1 - Ski Sheet (continued)
This is an example of a ski sheet being used to evacuate a patient. This
particular method is also ideal for evacuating patients down staircases.
Evacuation Example 2 - Wheelchair
This is used to evacuate non-mobile patients to a safe area on the same floor
level.
Evacuation Example 3 - Bed
This is used to evacuate non mobile patients to a safe area on the same floor
level.
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Fire Safety - POLICY and PROCEDURES
You should be aware of the Trust Policies and Procedures. These are
available on the St. Mary's Intranet or from your manager.
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Fire Policy (Including guidelines on Arson, Bombs and/or Suspect
Packages)
Fire Plans/Procedures (FPP)
COSHH (Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health)
Your Part in Fire Safety
You have now reached the end of the tutorial section of the Fire Safety elearning module.
Clicking the 'Finish>' button (right) will take you to the next page allowing you
to choose to either review the material once again, to take the module test or
return to the home page course listing.
If you decide to take the test now, you must complete it. That is to say, you
cannot answer the first 5 questions and return to complete the remaining
questions at a later date.
IMPORTANT: When you have successfully taken the test, you must contact
Development & Training to book yourself on to the Fire Practical
Extinguishers Training that accompanies and completes this course.
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Telephone 822099 - ext 5409
E-mail: developmentandtraining@iow.nhs.uk
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What do I do now?
Access Training Tracker to take your test
If you already have a username and password you can log into training
tracker and start your test via the
 Intranet Homepage
 Learning Zone
 E- Learning
Or by clicking on the following link:
http://iow.trainingtracker.co.uk
To obtain a username and password, please contact Development &
Training on extension 5409, and we will ensure that the details are e-mailed
to you as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.
If you have any difficulties with logging in please do not hesitate to contact us
on the above number.
IF YOU DO NOT FEEL CONFIDENT USING A COMPUTER AND WOULD
LIKE ONE TO ONE SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE PLEASE CONTACT US ON
THE ABOVE NUMBER AND WE CAN ARRANGE FOR AN IT TRAINER TO
HELP YOU TO LOG ON AND TAKE YOUR TEST
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