A best practice guide to...

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A best practice guide to... Fire Safety
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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
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Overview of the Regulations

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• Management of Health Safety at Work
  Regulations 1999.

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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.
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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.
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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).
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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
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How can you help prevent fires?
Eliminate Heat Eliminating sources of heat can
prevent fires from starting. Dont 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.
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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.

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Electrical Hazards
Ensure all electrical equipment is in a good
state of repair Dont overload plug sockets and
extension leads. Dont use extension leads for a
long period of time. Dont run cables under
carpets/mats. Dont 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.
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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!
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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
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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

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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.
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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.
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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

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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.

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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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