Core fire

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Fire Precautions

NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy


The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Under this regulation, a responsible person has to perform a fire risk assessment and produce a fire management plan, there are guidelines on the HSE website to help with this. The general guidelines are:

Appropriate fire extinguishers must be placed at suitable sites, these must be maintained and serviced by a qualified contractor.

All staff must be trained in the use of fire safety equipment and procedures, this should be re-assessed at regular intervals.

Fire exits must be clearly identified and kept clear at all times.

In order to comply with this law you must observe the points listed below:

Ideally, the evacuation procedure is visible to everyone on the premises – usually a poster is placed on all exits.


Can you think of the sensible fire precautions that all salons should follow?


Precautions

All staff must be trained and be aware of the fire and emergency evacuation procedure for their place of work.

An emergency exit route must be established for the easiest route by which staff and clients can leave the building in the safest way possible.

Make sure that everyone is aware of the assembly point.

A smoke alarm should be fitted to give a warning of a fire.

Fire doors should be fitted to secure the fire and provide help to control the spread of the fire.

Fire fighting equipment must be available and placed in a specified location for easy access. This equipment includes fire blankets, fire extinguishers, sand buckets and water hoses.

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Precautions continued

Fire fighting equipment should only be used once the nature of the fire has been established, as using the incorrect piece of fire fighting equipment could make the fire worse.

Be sensible and do not panic. Make sure everyone is aware of the location of the fire

fighting equipment and fire alarm. Always close windows and doors behind you. Never use the lift in an evacuation procedure. Have a procedure for checking who is on the

premises. Take sensible precautions when working with

electrical equipment, candles and hazardous substances.


Putting Out Fires

Closing windows and doors will shut out the oxygen supply which will slow down the spread of the fire.

Spraying water onto wood or paper will take away the heat and without the heat the fire will go out.

If a persons clothes are on fire, wrapping them in a blanket will starve the fire of oxygen and put the flames out,

Placing a lid or wet towel over a pan of burning oil will starve the fire of oxygen and put out the flames. Never pour water onto burning oil as it will splash and the oil continues to burn as it floats on the water.

If possible, switch off the electricity supply to electrical items, never use water as it can cause electrocution.


Electrical Fires

The common causes of electrical fires are:

Faulty wiring Overloading sockets Poor maintenance of

equipment Electrical equipment near

liquids Cables in vulnerable

positions Frayed wires Incorrectly wired plugs


Danger signs to look out for when using electrical equipment

The danger signs to look out for when using electrical equipment are hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow for no obvious reason, flickering lights, scorch marks on sockets or plugs.


Safe Candle Use

Candles are often used to create a relaxing environment within the salon, however candles are causing more and more fires so it is important that you follow safe measures when using them. Consider the following guidelines;

Place on a heat resistance surface Place in a candle holder Don’t put near materials such as curtains Don’t place under shelves Never leave candles unattended Don’t move burning candles Place them at least 10 cm apart from each

other


Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher is a cylinder containing a pressurised substance which shoots out in a jet. They may contain powder, water, foam or carbon dioxide.

A fire extinguisher is an excellent piece of fire fighting equipment providing the correct extinguisher is used for the fire type.

The advantage of a fire extinguisher is that you can keep some distance from the fire when applying.

The disadvantages are they are relatively expensive in comparison to the fire blanket and smoke alarm and require servicing annually.


Fire Extinguishers

There are a variety of fire extinguishers available for use and you must be aware that not every extinguisher is suitable for every type of fire.

Only use a fire extinguisher if you have been specifically trained to do so.

It is important that you do not put yourself or others at risk, only ever attempt to deal with a small fire if you feel competent.


How to use a fire extinguisher

PASS

Pull out the pin

Aim the nozzle low

Squeeze the lever

Sweep the nozzle towards the base of the fire


Types of Fire Safety Equipment

Water

Red with red label

Used on solids and liquids

Not used on electrical fires


Types of Red Label Extinguisher

Foam

Red with a cream label

Used on solids and liquids

Not used on electrical fires


Types of Cream Label Extinguisher

Carbon Dioxide

Red with a black label

Used on all fires

Particularly electrical fires


Types of Black Label Extinguisher

Dry Powder

Red with a blue label

Used on all fires

Particularly liquids & gases


Types of Blue Label Extinguisher

Types of Yellow Label Extinguisher

Wet Chemical

Red with a yellow label

Used on cooking oil

Replaced fire blanket



Fire Blanket

Fire blankets are suitable for use on a person or small fires. To use, hold in a firm grip and protect your hands with the edge of the blanket, place from your body towards the fire. Do not flap or waft the blanket over as this may cause the fire to flare up.


Smoke Alarm

A smoke alarm is more important than a fire extinguisher as it provides you with a warning, allowing extra evacuation time. Every salon should have at least one smoke alarm fitted. They are very cheap, starting from around £5.00.


Fire Evacuation Procedure

Raise the alarm if it has not already been done and dial 999.

Shut down any equipment. Close all windows and doors as

you leave to contain the fire. Escort your client out with you.

(You may need to wrap the client in a dressing gown or blanket).

Use the designated evacuation route without panicking (remember do not use the lift, it is not safe to do so).

Proceed to your assembly point.

Do not re-enter the building until you have been told it is safe.


Further Information

If you require further information on fire precautions visit the following website www.firekills.gov.uk

http://www.firekills.gov.uk/

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