Back to: Fire Awareness Training
General company rules
When hearing a continuous fire alarm evacuate the building immediately using the nearest route, which could be to the rear, side of each building leading to the designated assembly point to the front of the building. We have 3 fire alarm call points and use the ‘buddy system’ to raise the alarm to everyone in the factory. The call points are at the front entrance to the offices, in the factory outside the Managers office & in the factory by the beam saw. LEAVE ALL PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEHIND and await instructions from the Fire Marshals.
We have appointed trained fire marshals; they are able to assist in the event of a fire.
All flammable liquid to be stored in the designated store.
A few simple steps can help to keep everyone safe
- Keep Fire Exits and Escape routes clear at all times
- Keep the workplace tidy
- Manage rubbish and waste
Rules for Fighting Fires
Fires can be very dangerous, and you should always be certain that you will not endanger yourself or others when attempting to put out a fire. If you discover a fire:
SOUND THE ALARM. If you discover a fire, sound the fire alarm. To warn others.
LEAVE THE BUILDING. Try to rescue others only if you can do so safely. Escape the building using the nearest route. Do not return to the building until it is safe to do so.
CALL THE FIRE SERVICES. Dial 999. Give as much information as possible to the emergency services.
Total and immediate evacuation is safest option. Only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is very small you know the correct extinguisher to use and are competent.
NEVER FIGHT A FIRE IF:
If you do not know what is burning.
You are not sure what the correct fire extinguisher to use is.
The fire is spreading rapidly. The time to use an extinguisher is at the beginning, stages of a fire. If the fire is already spreading quickly, it is safest option to evacuate the building, closing doors and windows behind you as you leave.
You are not comfortable with the situation for any reason, leave the situation for the fire services to tackle on their arrival.
Typical Fire Hazards
Waste and combustible material being stored on site
There can be a build-up of waste such as paper, cardboard, and other combustible materials. If this is not disposed of regularly, it provides plenty of fuel for any potential fires to spread. All it takes is a source of ignition, for example a discarded cigarette to set this alight and it could result in a fire that burns rapidly. Dispose of combustible materials regularly.
Flammable liquids and vapours
Flammable liquids can ignite instantly when they come into contact with a spark or naked flame. Vapours are also particularly dangerous as they spread out, carrying the risk of an explosion with devastating consequences. To reduce the risk of a fire, always ensure that flammable liquid and solvent containers are sealed properly, stored correctly and if any spills do happen, they are cleaned up immediately.
Dust build-up
Dust and powder from wood, operations can cause explosions if there is no proper ventilation. Equipment and machinery that heats up when used should also be kept clean and free of grease and dust so that this does not burn, starting a fire.
Objects that generate heat
Heat is one of the ingredients of fire. Some electrical equipment and machinery generate heat providing the potential for a fire to start. Make sure you keep combustible materials such as paper away from heat sources and remember to unplug any equipment that is not being used if possible. Never leave any electrical equipment or machinery on overnight unless it is necessary.
Faulty electrical equipment
Fires caused by electrical equipment are one of the most common types of fire in the workplace. Look out for any signs of loose cabling, damaged plugs and replace any faulty equipment. All electrical equipment should be regularly checked, and PAT tested by an expert.
Overloading power sockets
This is a cause of electrical fires. If too many appliances are plugged into the same socket or if faulty extension cords are used, this can result in overheating and the potential for a fire to develop. Always make sure that you use one plug in each socket never overload the electrical system.
Smoking
Discarded cigarettes can cause fires if not put out and disposed of properly. Smoking can be especially hazardous if it is allowed to take place near areas where flammable materials are present. Only smoke at the designated smoking area located in the front car park where signposted. Make sure that any cigarettes are put out properly and to use specially provided bins for their cigarette waste.
Human error and negligence
One of the most common causes of fires in the workplace is human error. Fires can occur as a result of negligence including improper use of equipment, drinks being spilt over electrical equipment. If the worst does happen and a fire starts, having fire-fighting equipment on site such as fire extinguishers blankets and hose reels are vital for bringing fires under control. Always use caution and make sure to use the correct type of extinguisher as incorrect usage can be dangerous.
What meant by a ‘Fire Triangle’
Four things must be present at the same time in order to produce fire:
Four things must be present at the same time in order to produce fire:
- Enough oxygen to sustain combustion,
- Enough heat to raise the material to its ignition temperature,
- Some sort of fuel or combustible material
- The chemical, exothermic reaction that is fire.
Fire needs three things to develop: Heat, Fuel, Oxygen,
Take one away and the fire will die out.
Heat: Naked flames, Electrical Equipment, Heaters, Smoking, Sparks.
Fuel: Cardboard, Paper, Wood, Textiles, Gases.
Oxygen: Starving the oxygen supply will cause the fire to extinguish
Types of extinguishers
Water Extinguishers (Red Label)
Water fire extinguishers have a Class A Rating and are suitable for fighting fires involving solid combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles. Electrical equipment should be avoided when using a water extinguisher (unless water with additive are used). as water is a conductor.
Do not use on Electrical equipment, Cooking oil or fat pan fires or flammable metal fires.
AFFF Foam Extinguishers (Cream Label)
AFFF foam fire extinguishers are highly effective on Class A Rating and Class B Rating fires (the foam agent helps to prevent re-ignition).
Do not use on: Cooking oil, fat pan fires, flammable metal fires or electrical fires.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers (Black Label)
CO2 fire extinguishers were originally designed for use on flammable liquid fires and therefore have a Class B Rating. They are ideal for electrical fires, as CO2 is not a conductor and they do not leave behind any harmful residue.
Do not use on: Cooking oil, fat pan fires, flammable metal fires, in confined spaces. The discharge horn and hose may freeze and could cause cold burns if in direct contact with the skin.
ABC Powder Extinguishers (Blue Label)
ABC powder fire extinguishers are extremely versatile and can be used on Class A, Class B, Class C and electrical fires.
Do not use on: Cooking oil, fat pan fires, flammable metal fires, in confined spaces.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Yellow Label)
Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are designed specifically for use on fires involving combustible cooking media such as burning oil and fat.
They have a Class F Rating and a special lance applicator nozzle. They usually have an additional Class A Rating and are normally not designed for use on Class B fires (petrol, diesel, paint, paraffin.
Do not use on: Petrol, sprits, or mineral oils.
Using a Fire Extinguishers
P Pull – Pull the pin, this will break the tamper seal.
A Aim – Aim low, pointing the extinguisher (Nozzle, Horn or Hose)
S Squeeze – Squeeze the handle until the extinguisher discharges.
S Sweep – Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it goes making sure it does not reignite.
Precautions to take when using a Fire Extinguisher
You should only fight a fire if:
Someone has raised the alarm
The emergency services have been called
The correct type of extinguisher is available
You are competent and have been trained to use the extinguisher
A safe escape route is available
The fire is smaller than a waste paper bin
Do not fight a fire if:
The room is filling with smoke or the fire is spreading
Other hazards are present (Such As chemicals or gas cylinders)
If the fire is not reducing or more than one extinguisher is required
Fire Safety Signage
Prohibition (Not allowed)
Red border and crossbar from top left to bottom right, on a white background.
Mandatory (Must Do)
Circular in shape, with a white symbol on a blue background.
Safe Condition
Square or rectangular in shape, with a white symbol on a green background
Information
Square a rectangular in shape, with a white symbol on a red background
Warning
Yellow triangle with a black border.
Fire Directional Signage
These signs are directional signage that would guide you to the nearest route to use in the event of an emergency.