Fire Safety

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Fire Safety Emergency Evacuation
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For Your Information

• Fire Safety
• First Aid
• Duration
• Breaks
• Toilets
• Mobile Phones
• Handouts

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Introduction

• Aishling Mannion BSc.
• Occupational Health Officer,
• DIT Cathal Brugha St
• Contact Details
• Occupational Health First Aid Office
• Phone Ext. 4317 / 087 9809131
• Email cbs.occhealth_at_dit.ie

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Introduction

• Audrey Murray BSc. MSc.
• Occupational Health Officer
• DIT Kevin St
• Contact Details
• Room 225, 2nd Floor
• Phone Ext. 4603/ 087 9809135
• Email kevinst.occhealth_at_dit.ie

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Introduction

• Rosie Cannon BSc. MSc.
• Occupational Health Officer
• DIT Bolton St
• Contact Details
• DIT Student Health Centre, Linenhall
• Phone Ext. 3615 / 087 9809194
• Email bolton.occhealth_at_dit.ie

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Overview - Theory

• Legislation Responsibilities
• The Chemistry of Fire
• Types of Fires
• Fire Safety Management
• DIT Emergency Evacuation Procedure

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Overview - Practical

• Practical Demonstration
• - Selecting the correct type of fire
  extinguisher how to use it
• Video
• Fire Safety in The Workplace

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Fires do happen...Dorset College May 2005
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Policy

• The policy of DIT with respect to fire safety is
  to prevent fires/emergency situations from
  occurring, and to evacuate all persons to a place
  of safety as quickly as possible in the event of
  such occurrences.

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Legal Background

• Fire Services Act 1981
• Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Employers duties
• Employees duties
• Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work (General
  Application) (Amendment No.2) Regulations 2003
• To provide the necessary measures for fire
  fighting evacuation of employees
• To contact appropriate emergency services

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Responsibilities For Fire Safety

• All staff should
• Ensure that ones acts/omissions do not create a
  fire or other hazard
• Observe all policies procedures in relation to
  fire safety
• Follow the DIT Evacuation Procedure
• Report fire hazards
• Undertake fire safety training

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Risks of Fire

• Impact on the organisation
• Structural damage to buildings
• Loss financial, reputation, facilities,
  research, expertise, and lost work
• Impact on the environment
• Pollution water, air, soil, flora fauna.

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Risks of Fire

• Impact on human life
• Physical injuries e.g. burns, smoke inhalation!
• Psychological effects e.g. post traumatic stress
  syndrome
• Occupational issues e.g. loss of earnings,
  unemployment, work related stress.
• Loss of life

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Chemistry of Fire

• 3 Elements
• - Fuel, Oxygen Energy
• Example
• Wood, Air, Spark
• Need all three elements to start a fire
• Fire extinguishers remove one or more of these
  elements

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Sources of Ignition

• Chemical ignition oily rags by oxidation,
  flammable
• 
  liquids.
• Electrical insulation breakdown short
  circuits, overloading circuits, connections
  too tight
• or
  loose
• Mechanical sparks generated by friction or
  welding, machinery overheating, dust-covered
• motors
• Others Sources smoking, hot surfaces, articles
  placed on heating appliances, arson

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Sources of Fuel

• Solids e.g. paper, cloth, wood, textiles, dust,
  packaging materials etc.
• Gases e.g. LPG, welding gases
• Flammable liquids e.g. petrol, oil, paint,
  cleaning fluids, chemicals etc.

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Fire at Bradford11th May 1985

• Time?
• How many died?
• Why?
• 3-4 Minutes
• 56 people lost their lives, 265 injured
• Cause match or cigarette stubbed out in a
  polystyrene cup, fuelled by rubbish underneath
  wooden stand.
• Very Poor standards of fire safety housekeeping

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Fire Safety Management

• Key Elements
• Fire Prevention
• Fire Protection
• Fire Evacuation

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Fire Prevention

• The elimination of risks by controlling sources
  of ignition and
• management of combustible and flammable fuels.
• Necessary to
• Recognise all possible risks associated with an
  activity/process
• Evaluate the risks and their likely impact on the
  process
• Control of risks to ensure that ignition does not
  occur
• Implement controls identified in the Risk
  Assessment/Safety Statement

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Fire Prevention

• No Smoking Policy
• Smoking is prohibited in all internal buildings
  and near entrances/exits/window openings.
• Housekeeping
• We all must keep our work areas clean and tidy as
  possible dispose of all waste appropriately.
• Access to escape routes, exit doors or fire
  extinguishers should be kept clear.
• Remember corridors are your route to safety - so
  keep them clear!

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Hazard Spotting

• Always report any hazard using the Institutes
  Hazard Report Forms available from the health
  and safety website www.dit.ie/safework
• For Example
• Leakage of flammable material
• If any exit door is blocked or obstructed
• If fire-fighting equipment is missing, damaged or
  obstructed
• Locked windows

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Fire Protection

• Fire extinguishing equipment
• Fire extinguishers
• Hose reels
• Fire blankets
• Sprinkler systems
• Fire protection infrastructure
• Manual systems break glass unit
• Automatic systems to detect and give warning in
  case of fire
• Emergency lighting systems
• Escape routes

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Types of Fires

• Class A  SOLIDS such as paper, wood,
  plastic, carpets, furniture etc.
• Class B  FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS such as paraffin,
  petrol, oil
• Class C   FLAMMABLE GASES such as propane,
  butane.
• Class D METALS such as aluminium, magnesium
• Class E ELECTRICS
• Class F Cooking OIL FAT etc

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Different Types of Extinguishers

• Each type of extinguisher has a specific use!
• Important to consider the nature of the fire risk
  before deciding on which type to use.
• 4 Most Common Types
• Water
• Carbon Dioxide Gas
• Foam
• Dry Powder

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Water

• Use on CLASS A fires
• Red label
• Pressurized water
• Pressure gauge present

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Carbon Dioxide

• Use on CLASS B CLASS C, and CLASS E fires
• Black label
• Hard, plastic nozzle
• No pressure gauge

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Dry Powder

• Use on CLASS A, B, C, D E fires
• Blue label
• Fine powder under pressure
• Pressure gauge present

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Foam

• Use on CLASS A CLASS B fires
• Cream label
• Works by forming a blanket on the burning surface
  preventing re-ignition and bringing about
  cooling.

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Wet Chemical

• Use on Class F fires
• Yellow Label
• Solution reacts with oil to prevent re-ignition

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Selecting the correct type of extinguisher to use
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Selecting the correct type of extinguisher to use
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Selecting the correct type of extinguisher to use
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P.A.S.S. Method

• Pull the pin
• This will allow you to squeeze the handle in
  order to discharge the extinguisher

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P.A.S.S. Method

• Aim at the base of the fire
• Aiming at the middle will do no good.
• The agent will pass through the flames.

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P.A.S.S. Method

• Squeeze the handle
• This will release the extinguishing agent

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P.A.S.S. Method

• Sweep side to side
• Cover the entire area that is on fire.
• Continue until fire is extinguished.
• Keep an eye on the area for re-lighting.
• Remember to stand well back from the fire.

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Points to Remember

• Before attempting to use any fire extinguisher
  always check the label to ensure it is suitable
  and safe to use.
• In fires involving electrical equipment and
  gaseous fires, the prime need is to SWITCH THE
  SUPPLY OFF!
• Extinguishing before the supply is off may cause
  an explosion or electric shock.

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Fighting a Fire!

• Only fight a fire ..
• when an exit is to your back
• when it is small and in the early stages
• when you have the correct fire equipment you
  know how to use it
• when the equipment is depleted leave the area as
  quickly as possible.
• Remember - if in doubt get out!

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Indications of Fire/Emergency

• Fire alarm sounder /or strobe lights (main
  indication)
• Other indications may be.
• Flickering lights / power failure
• Smoke/dust smell /or sight
• Unusual sounds e.g. glass shattering
• Unexplained spark generation
• Smell of fuels e.g. gas
• Unexplained heat levels

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• If You Discover A Fire
• Activate the alarm by operating the nearest
  break glass unit
• If it is safe to do so, extinguish the fire using
  the equipment provided
• Leave the building promptly do not use the
  lift!

If you hear an alarm DO NOT assume it is a
drill, Your life may depend on it!
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DIT Emergency Evacuation Procedure(all staff,
students, visitors, contractors)

• Evacuate the building using the nearest and
  safest exit, ensuring the safe shutdown of
  equipment/electricity/gas.
• All students in classrooms should be led by
  lecturers/supervisors/technicians.
• Visitors should be escorted to safety by the
  person they are visiting.

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DIT Emergency Evacuation Procedure

• Form a single file on both sides of the corridor
  or stairway and leave the centre passageway
  clear.
• Any person in common areas or moving between
  areas, should join the lines of people exiting
  the area.
• The last person in the line closes the door
• Evacuation marshals will sweep/search their
  designated areas.

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DIT Emergency Evacuation Procedure

• Disperse from the building and go to the nearest
  assembly point.
• The Incident Controller will provide the
  emergency services with details of casualties or
  persons needing assistance with evacuation
• No person shall re-enter the building until the
  all clear has been given by the Incident
  Controller.

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Evacuation Marshals/Sweepers

• Evacuation Marshals/Sweepers are designated
• for planned evacuations.
• It is the responsibility of each evacuation
  marshal/sweeper
• To sweep/search all rooms in their designated
  area to ensure that everyone is evacuated and
  directed to the nearest available exit (only if
  it is safe to do so).
• To exit via the nearest available escape route,
  once the search is complete.
• To assemble at a designated point, informing the
  Incident Controller (Porter on Duty/another
  elected person) present of any persons in need of
  assistance. This information is then relayed to
  the Emergency Services by the Incident Controller.

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Evacuation Marshals/Sweepers

• General Rule of Thumb
• Everyone should act as an evacuation
  marshal/sweeper sweeping/searching the areas
  as they evacuate and directing people to the
  nearest escape routes.
• This is of particular importance during holiday
  periods etc, whereby the designated evacuation
  marshals may not be onsite.

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Evacuation for People with Disabilities

• If a staff member/student with a disability
  requires assistance with evacuation, the
  Emergency Egress Questionnaire must be completed
  as soon as possible.
• A Personal Emergency Egress Plan (PEEP) is then
  prepared.
• All people with disabilities should contact their
  local OHO to ensure this is put in place.

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The Evacuation Chair

• Evacuation Chairs may be used in the event of an
  emergency for individuals who cannot evacuate a
  building unaided.
• Instructions on the correct operation of the
  Evacuation Chair are attached to the backrest of
  the chair itself.
• The Evacuation Chair may be wall mounted and
  located near stairwells in some buildings.

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Evacuation Dos Donts

• DO
• When you hear the alarm, remain calm!
• Ensure the safe shutdown of equipment/electricity
  / gas if time permits
• Follow any instructions given to you by a
  person in authority e.g. Evacuation Marshall

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Evacuation Dos Donts

• DONT
• ? Take risks
• ? Run or cause an obstruction
• ? Use the lift
• ? Congregate outside main entrances move away
  to assembly points
• ? Return for personal belongings
• ? Re-enter the building until the all clear
  has been given

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Floor Plans

• Floor Plans indicate the following
• - An indicator point on the map to identify where
  you are located in the building
• Location of nearest Staircases and Escape Routes
• Location of Fire Fighting Equipment

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Sample Floor Plan
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Fire Action Notices

• Fire Action Notices provide instructions on what
  to do if
• You discover a fire, or
• You hear the fire alarm
• They also provide information on
• Your nearest escape route out of the building
• Your designated assembly point

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Escape Routes

• Escape routes are clearly indicated with signage
  and lighting.
• Ensure that escape routes and doors, including
  fire control doors, are kept free from
  obstructions.
• Fire control doors must not be wedged/propped
  open. If this happens it will permit the fire to
  spread between sections of the building and put
  the escape routes in danger.

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Fire Drills

• Fire Evacuation Drills will be held periodically
  to ensure all staff and students are familiar
  with the evacuation procedure.
• The Local Fire Authority and Gardai will be
  informed of the DITs intention to operate a fire
  drill.
• All staff, students, contractors and visitors
  must partake in and co-operate with fire drills.

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Evacuation Evaluation

• An Evacuation Evaluation Form is available to
  provide feedback on the evacuation drill, so as
  to allow for future improvements to be made.
• It is very important to complete the Evacuation
  Evaluation Form, particularly if
• You could not hear the fire alarm
• You encountered any difficulties/problems during
  a fire drill
• You encountered any obstructions during the
  evacuation

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Emergency Numbers

• If you discover a fire, an injured or seriously
  ill person, or another situation you consider to
  be an emergency, go to the nearest office and
  dial 0 for an outside line and then
• 112 or 999

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Emergency First Aid Procedure

• If you require first aid treatment
• Contact your nearest departmental first-aider
• In the event that your departmental first-aider
  cannot be contacted or is unavailable, then
  contact
• The Occupational Health Officer between 9am-5pm
• If it is a student, the Student Health Centre
• Aungier St. (Southside)
• Linenhall (Northside)
• (iii) The Emergency Services (112 or 999)

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Emergency First Aid Procedure

• Familiarise yourself with the location of your
  nearest first aid kit
• An emergency first aid kit and Incident Report
  Book are available at all Porters desks /
  reception areas
• The Incident Report Form must be completed and
  forwarded to the Health and Safety Officer as
  soon as practicable.

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Safety Is In Your Hands !
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Fire Safety in the Home

• Smoke the silent killer
• Smoke does not wake people, it actually puts them
  into a deeper sleep.
• Smoke Alarms
• Costs approx. 12
• Check for Irish or British Standards
• Test battery once a week
• Average home needs two smoke alarms
• Locate on ceilings and install one on each level
• upstairs downstairs
• Keep free from dust and debris
• Replace battery once a year and replace the smoke
  alarm itself every ten years
• Ten year batteries and linked smoke alarms are
  also available

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Other Key Points

• Check electric blankets for wear/damage and
  follow manufacturers instructions.
• Never place heaters near combustible materials
  (e.g. curtains, furnishings, newspapers,
  clothes).
• Check all electrical leads, plugs, sockets for
  loose wiring, scorch marks and fraying, and
  replace if necessary.
• Candles and tea lights can melt plastic surfaces
  like the tops of TVs and bath tubs

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Other Key Points

• Take care not to overload sockets
• Remember one socket one plug!
• If you must use an extension lead, keep the total
  output to no more than 13 amps. Watch out! A
  single kettle uses 13 amps alone.
• Have your boiler serviced once a year
• Before going to bed, switch off and unplug any
  appliances not in use and close all doors in the
  home

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Summary

• Familiarise yourself with
• How to raise the fire alarm
• Location of your nearest escape routes assembly
  points.
• Location of fire extinguishers
• Emergency telephone numbers

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Question Time!

• Please tick the appropriate box?v
• Q1. For which class of fire would you use a water
  fire extinguisher?
• A? B? C? D? E? F?
• Q2. For which classes of fires would you use a
  carbon dioxide fire extinguisher?
• A? B? C? D? E? F?
• Q3. Which fire extinguisher can be used on most
  classes of fires?
• H20?, Carbon Dioxide?, Foam?, Dry Powder?
• Q4. What type of fire extinguisher can you use on
  an electrical fire?
• H20?, Carbon Dioxide?, Foam?, Dry Powder?

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Further Information

• DIT Safety Booklet Wallet Card
• DIT Manual for Management of Fire Emergency
  Situations
• DIT Health Safety Website
• www.dit.ie/safework

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