Core 01 – Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction and

Associated Industries

Fire and Emergency Procedures.

Tutor Copy

Fire depends on three things. ‘The Fire Triangle’

HEAT OXYGEN

FUEL

All three elements must be present for

the fire to start. If you remove one element, you may

be able to put out the fire.

FuelCan be anything that will burn, wood, paper, plastics, furniture. Flammable liquid, paint, spirits, gas etc.

OxygenIt is in air in normal conditions and will allow the fire to burn.

HeatA minimum temperature is needed, but a naked flame, match or spark is sufficient to start a fire especially if it is in contact with something which will burn.

Ways to reduce fire risks and harm to people:

• Do not smoke at work.• All electrical appliances must be maintained.• Keep work areas tidy and free from debris.• Remove any combustible material and store in a safe place.• Only store flammable materials in metal cupboards.• Have fire points.• Have set procedures for fire and evacuation.• Display signs and notices so that people know what to do.• Test fire alarms regularly.• Train employees in the use of fire extinguishers.

COLOUR OF LABEL USED

CONTENTS TYPE/S OF FIRE TO BE USED ON

RED WATER WOOD, PAPER, TEXTILES, FABRICS

BLUE DRY POWDER

FOR USE ON FLAMABLE GASES / ELECTRIC

CREAM FOAM FOR USE ON FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

BLACK CO² LIVE ELECTRICAL & FLAMMABLE LIQUID

FIRE BLANKET FIRE

BLANKETUSED TO SMOTHER SMALL ISOLATED FIRES SUCH AS CHIP PAN, OR USE TO WRAP AROUND A PERSON WHOSE CLOTHING IS ON FIRE.

If you discover a fire what do you do?• Raise the alarm.• If is safe to do so close doors and windows to prevent

spreading.• Evacuate the area, go to your assembly point.• Fight the fire, if you have been trained to do so, but avoid

endangering your life.• Fight fire with fire extinguisher, fire blanket, water or sand

as appropriate. Only persons who are fully trained should carry out

the fighting of fires.

Fire fighting should not continue if:

• The fire becomes too dangerous.• There is a possibility that any escape route might

be cut off.• The fire continues to spread and become out of

control.• There are gas cylinders or other highly flammable

materials in the area that cannot be remove or protected.

TASK: Identify which extinguisher you would use on the following fires.

CO² Water Dry powder

Foam

Fire alarm point

Fire Telephone

point

Fire Exit This Way

Fire Extinguisher point

Disabled Fire Exit Point

Fire Exit This Way

Safety signs fall into FIVE categoriesThey can be recognised by shape and colour.

• Hazard• Prohibition• Mandatory• Safe Condition• Fire Equipment

Safety Signs

Signs to tell people what to do:

Assembly areasAn assembly area is a safe place where you have to go if there is a fire or site evacuation. Notices on site will say where the assembly area is.

ProhibitionA red circular band and diagonal cross bar on a white backgroundThis safety sign indicates that a certain behaviour is prohibited

HazardA yellow triangle with black border This safety sign gives a warning of a hazard.

MandatoryA blue circle with white symbol. This sign informs you to do something

Safe conditionA green oblong or square with symbol or text in white. A safe condition sign.

• Prohibition

• Hazard

• Mandatory

• Safe condition

• Fire Equipment