Fire Safety Induction
Overview
We will look at
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Legal requirements
Understanding fire
Fire hazards and risks
Fire prevention and control
Fire extinguisher safety
Fire procedures
Legal Requirements
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
requires that;
• Fire risks are identified and controlled
• A Fire Risk Assessment is completed and
reviewed regularly or if work areas change
• Findings are implemented, so far as is reasonably
practicable
Understanding Fire
Fire is real
• In 2 ½ years from Jan 2007 – June 2009
19 fires occurred in the University of Bristol
• 17 were small and contained
• 2 were serious…
School of Chemistry, 2007
Faculty of Engineering
Queen’s Building, 2008
Understanding Fire
Fire needs 3 things to exist
• Fuel
• Oxygen
• Heat
“The Fire Triangle”
Understanding Fire
Fuel
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Chemicals - acetone, ether, methanol, etc
Gases - hydrogen, natural gas
Plastics - PCs, cable insulation, research equipment
Paper and cardboard - packaging
Wood - desks, benches
Fabrics - chairs, blinds, clothing
You…
Understanding Fire
Oxygen
• A natural component of air @ 21%
• Enriched atmospheres, > 21% oxygen
 labs, oxygen storage
• Situations where oxygen / air is more difficult to control:
 Outdoors
 Automatic ventilation systems
 Open doors or windows
Understanding Fire
Heat (Ignition Source)
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Heating appliances
Research and computer equipment
Other electrical equipment
Smoking materials
Contractor’s equipment
Arson
Understanding Fire
Hazards and risks of fire
• Smoke & fumes
 Breathing difficulties, asphyxiation, poisoning
• Heat & flames - up to 1250°C
 Burns
• Building debris
 Impact injuries, burns
• Injury while escaping fire
 Trips, falls, trampling
Fire Prevention
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Be fire safety aware
Control ignition sources
Prevent any accumulation of fuels
Only use electrical equipment that is
PAT tested
• Abide by the University no smoking policy
Fire Prevention
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Do not block fire exits, call points or extinguishers
Do not wedge fire doors open
Ensure good housekeeping
Maintain effective security
Report any bad practice or risks immediately to your
line manager
Fire Prevention
Fire alarm testing
• Is a legal requirement
• Alarm will sound for 15 seconds (add details of your
departmental or building testing regime)
• No need to take action during a test, however if the
alarm sounds for greater than 15 seconds, or at any
other time than the arranged testing,
you must treat as genuine alarm and immediately
evacuate
Fire Procedure - Finding a Fire
If you discover a fire
• Shout ‘FIRE’.
• Raise the alarm by breaking the glass on a RED fire
alarm call point.
• Call Security on 112233. Security officers / the Security
control will call 999 on your behalf but you can always
call the Brigade directly if you know there is a fire.
• Do not return to your desk/work area to collect
personal belongings
• Leave the building by the nearest available fire escape
route.
• Go to the assembly area and await instruction.
Fire Extinguisher Types
Water
Paper, wood, etc.
Not electrical, liquids or gases
Foam
Solids & liquids
Not electrical or gases
Powder
Solids, liquids, gases &
electrical
CO2
Electrical, safe on most small fires
Fire Procedure - Evacuation
On hearing the alarm
• Call Security on 112233 to advise of the fire alarm – do
not assume someone else has done it.
• Leave the building by the nearest available fire escape
route.
• DO NOT delay your escape but if you can turn off
equipment/close doors and windows as you leave then
do so.
• Go to the assembly area and await instruction
Fire Procedure - Evacuation
• Do not delay to collect belongings
• Do not use the lifts
• If smoke is present then keep low to the floor to add
your escape
• If necessary check that internal doors are cool with the
back of your hand before opening them
Fire Procedure - Evacuation
Electrically locked security doors
• Lock will auto release when the alarm activates, just
push the door open
• Break glass release button only if door does not unlock
• If you break glass notify the Porters or the
Buildings Manager for replacement
Fire Procedure - Evacuation
People with disabilities
• Need to be assisted by volunteers or
nominated personnel, detail will be available in
their Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans
(PEEP’s)
• For special events ensure that disabled
persons have been taken into account and an
evacuation plan is in place
• (Add details of Departmental Evacuation Plan)
Fire Procedure - Evacuation
On exiting the building
• Add diagram if
possible of exit
• Report to designated
routes for
assembly point promptly
• Don’t block any Emergency Services department or
form building
route to the building
Fire Procedure - Evacuation
On exiting the building
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Report any missing colleagues to your Fire Warden
Report any disabled persons left at Refuge Points
Remain at assembly point until advised otherwise
Do not wander off as it may be assumed that you
are trapped in the building
On Your Return to Your Workplace Today
Ensure that you know;
• The escape routes
• Final exit doors and how to open them
• Location and types of fire fighting equipment
• Locations of call points
• Any specific fire procedures including the
assembly points
• Who your fire wardens are
• Who to report to with any defects or bad
practices
Examples of defects to report
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Covered smoke detectors
Fire doors damaged or not closing properly
Broken/damaged lighting, especially emergency lighting
Missing or damaged fire extinguishers
Service riser covers open.
Accumulation of rubbish and clutter excessive paper in
offices etc.
• Obstructed corridors.
Summary
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As a member of staff at the University you have a
responsibility for fire safety. Make sure you know:
What the fire alarm sound like in your building
The Escape routes within your building
If you discover a fire, how to raise the alarm
What to do if you hear the fire alarm
Who to call if a fire starts
How to open final exit doors
Why is it important to go to the assembly area?
Why fire doors should remain closed at all times?
Why are fire extinguishers provided?
Thank You!
Any Questions?