Fire Safety AwarenessWhat Everyone Needs To Know

In 2005 the law changed and fire certificates disappeared.

Now fire risk assessments must be carried out for each building and

more emphasis is placed on preventing fires.

There are lots of hazards associated with fires. These include:

Smoke inhalation

Burns

Poisonous fumes

Damage to property

For a fire to start it needs three things:

Oxygen

Fuel – something to burn

A source of ignition

Oxygen is naturally present in the air.

Sources of fuel could include paper, cardboard, oil, gases.

Sources of ignition could include discarded cigarettes, electric heaters, cooking equipment.

Lots of fires in the work place are caused deliberately (arson).

Other causes include poorly maintained electrical equipment & smoking.

You need to ensure that you keep your workplace tidy, keep fire doors closed and never block fire exits.

You need to find out the following information:

What does your fire alarm sound like?

Where is the designated assembly point?

When is your fire alarm tested?

Where are your fire exits located?

If you find a fire…

Sound the alarm by breaking the glass in a call point.

Get out of the building closing fire doors behind you.

Go straight to your designated assembly point.

DO NOT fight the fire unless you have been trained in the use of fire fighting equipment.

Don’t stay to collect your belongings.

Don’t use the lift.

Don’t try to fight the fire yourself.

Never interfere with fire fighting equipment such as fire blankets and extinguishers. It’s against the law to do this.

Never use a water filled fire extinguisher on an electrical or oil fire. This could cause the fire to spread or you to be electrocuted.

Remember it only takes 2 – 3 minutes for a small fire to take hold and cause serious injury or loss of life.

When you go back to work check out where your nearest exit routes are, where the assembly point is and where the emergency call points are.

Every year we have at least one planned fire evacuation.

If you notice any problems with the practice evacuation please inform your supervisor or manager.

This could include not being able to hear the alarm clearly or confusion over which exits to use.

If students make you aware of any problems with the fire alarm system, please tell your manager or supervisor too.

More in depth fire safety awareness training can be obtained from the Staff Training and Development Unit (STDU).

If you have any questions speak to your manager or contact Peter Sykes, Development Health & Safety Manager on ext 66106