Fire Safety in the Workplace

Pupils will learn how to act when faced with a fire in a work setting

• By law, employers are responsible for the fire safety in the work place

• A fire risk assessment must be carried out, implemented and regularly reviewed

Fire Fighting Equipment

• Equipment must be provided and in efficient working order

• Ratio– 1 extinguisher for 200m² of floor space– At least 1 on each floor

• People should only use equipment if not in any danger themselves

• When a fire is discovered, evacuation is the priority • Even if the fire seems out, professional checks

should be undertaken

• Look at the different types of fire extinguishers

• Fill in the gaps on the table using the terms at the bottom

• Glue into your book

Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan

• A work place must have a FEEP• Written document that includes the action to be taken

by all staff in the event of a fire and the arrangements for calling the fire brigade

• It is the duty of the person discovering the emergency to sound the nearest alarm

• Fire wardens will be appointed to help people leave the building

• Lifts should not be used and signed fire exit routes should be followed to the agreed assembly point

• Fire brigade should be called and no one should re-enter until authorised

Types of Evacuation

• Simultaneous – everyone out when alarm sounds• Phased – In hospitals/care homes, priority may

be given to move those nearest to the fire first. Extra equipment such as sprinklers will be needed

• Defend in place – May be used when patients are connected to life support machines. It allows the occupants to stay where they are unless the fire can not be controlled

Discussion point

• What do you think are the advantages of:– Simultaneous evacuation– Phased evacuation– Defend in place

• What is the evacuation procedure for this classroom?

Fire Safety Equipment

• Along with Fire Extinguishers and Fire Alarms, what other equipment can you think of to help fight fire?

Fire Safety Equipment

• Smoke Alarms– Set off alarm when smoke is detected– Must be mains-powered so that they do not rely

on a battery– Must have a back-up battery in case of power cut– Can have vibrating pads and/or flashing lights –

why?

Fire Safety Equipment

• Fire Door– This is a special door which prevents the spread of fire– These must be shut when not in use– They may only delay the spread of fire

• Fire Exits – Areas near fire exits should be free of obstructions or materials

which can catch fire– Must be usable without key or specialist knowledge e.g. with a

push bar– Must be sufficient amount of exits to limit the distance anyone

on the premises must travel to exit.

Fire Safety Equipment

• Staff Training– Employers in care settings must receive fire safety

training– Must be familiar with FEEP– Fire drills should be carried out regularly and

records of drills kept– Fire alarms must be tested weekly and records kept– Different escape routes should be practised incase

the normal route can not be used

Fire Wardens

• Certain members of staff will take up the responsibility of being a fire warden

• They will require extra training and should:– Be able to use the extinguisher and extinguish

small fires– Have knowledge of fire prevention and be able to

identify fire hazards– Know the FEEP inside out and their role in it

My Fire Escape Route - Home

• Scenario – You are all asleep in your home when the smoke alarm sounds. Assuming that the fire is confined to the kitchen at present, prepare an escape plan for you and everyone else in the building.

• Think about:– Do you have the equipment & skills to fight the fire?– What exits could you possibly use? Are they open or

locked?– What would you do if the fire spread to the whole ground

floor or started upstairs?

My Fire Escape Route - Home

• Scenario – You are all asleep in your home when the smoke alarm sounds. Assuming that the fire is confined to the kitchen at present, prepare an escape plan for you and everyone else in the building.

• Discuss your plan with the person next to you, can you think of any possible problems and solutions?