Transcription
Introduction to Fire Safety
The costs to businesses and individuals. Fires in the workplace can have massive effects on both businesses and individuals. A serious fire can often result in a company closing for good, and the cost to individual workers can be far greater. In addition to the loss of life and physical injury, other possible effects could include unemployment or lost income, and those affected may also experience psychological effects. In many cases, a few simple measures can prevent a fire from starting or spreading. Being aware of hazards and understanding some basic principles can reduce the risks of fire and make workplaces safer for everyone.
Costs to businesses:
Over 27,500 fires. The average cost to a business is £21,000 per fire.
Costs to individuals:
21 fire-related deaths. 1,200 injuries.
Causes of workplace fires:
Arson, smoking, electrical equipment and wiring, faulty, poorly maintained or misused portable heaters, cooking, poor housekeeping (accumulated rubbish), hot working practices (such as soldering or welding).
Fire hazards:
A hazard is anything that may cause harm. The table below shows examples of fire hazards and some of their possible effects.
Hazards: Potential to cause harm
Flames and heat: Breathing superheated air can be an instant killer due to the damage caused to the airway and lungs. Burns covering over 20 percent of the body are usually regarded as life-threatening. Burns to the eye can cause blindness.
Smoke and products of combustion: Inhalation of smoke and fumes are the most common cause of death in fires. A buildup of carbon monoxide can put people into a deeper sleep. Fumes from plastic and man-made fibers can kill. For this reason, fire retardant materials are now a requirement in new furniture.
Lack of oxygen: Fire uses up oxygen from the atmosphere. If the brain is starved of oxygen, this can quickly lead to unconsciousness and death.
Impact and crushing: Fire damage may cause a building to become weaker to the point where it starts to collapse. Crush injuries, fractures, and head injuries are all possible.
No escape route: Doors being locked or routes being blocked can prevent safe escape in a fire situation. The presence of fire itself may block an escape route.
Human behavior in fires:
When major fires are investigated, it is often found that human behavior has played a part in injury or loss of life. As a result, studies have been undertaken to try and understand how people react in a fire emergency. As you can imagine, this is a complex subject, but there are a number of common behaviors that are worth highlighting. Without regular training and fire drills, individuals in a fire situation are likely to:
* Underestimate how quickly fire and smoke can spread.
* Underestimate the time it takes to get out of the building.
* Use a familiar route to evacuate, even if this is not the nearest or safest option.
* React slowly or not at all to the fire alarm.
* Look to others for a lead, as they do not want to be first to react.
The fire triangle:
The fire triangle: Fire needs three things to develop: fuel, heat, and oxygen. To put out a fire, we need to remove or reduce the fuel to starve it, remove or reduce the heat to cool the fire, or smother it to stop it from breathing. Take away one of these, and the fire will die out. Let's take a closer look.
Fuel: As most things can burn, virtually anything can be a fuel. Commonly found sources of combustible fuels include textiles, cardboard, rubbish, paper, wood, gases, and plastics.
Heat: A fire cannot begin without an ignition source. Take away the heat, and there will be nothing to start the fire. Sources of ignition include naked flames, heaters, gas fires, electrical equipment, smoking, and sparks.
Oxygen: Fire needs oxygen to burn. This is generally in the atmosphere around us but can be supplemented by bottled oxygen. Depending on the types of business, this is why the fire warden closes doors and windows when doing a sweep of their area to cut off the supply of oxygen and starve the fire.
Fire spread and behavior:
We will take a look at the ways in which fires can spread and their behaviors.
Direct contact: This is the way fire normally spreads until the heat builds up enough to be spread by other methods. Fire will travel along or through any combustible or flammable material that it comes into contact with. An example of this is placing the flame of a match in contact with paper.
Radiation: Heat can be transferred through electromagnetic waves. This is why you feel hot when you stand in the sun. An example of a fire spreading by radiated heat is a bonfire that has been built too close to a garden fence. The fence will catch fire if enough of the radiated heat reaches it.
Conduction: Materials that can readily absorb heat and transfer it along their structure are called thermal conductors. Metals, in particular, are good conductors. An everyday example of thermal conduction is where the walls or a metal handle of a pan can become hot with no direct contact to heat applied at the base. Fires can spread from one room to the next when conducted heat is transferred through walls or steel work. In such cases, a fire will spread if there is fuel on the other side and the temperature gets high enough to ignite it.
Convection: As air gets warm, it rises above any cooler air. The movement of hot air and smoke generated by a fire can lead to a buildup of heat at a higher point. This buildup will happen where the air is trapped from moving any higher, in places such as a room ceiling, a roof void, or above a stairwell. This location could be some distance away from the original source, and if there is enough heat, fuel, and oxygen, a fire will be created. Smoke and heat build up in higher areas first, so keep as low as possible if you have to escape a smoke-filled room.
Flashover: This is a temperature-driven vent that changes a fire in a room into a room on fire. If a fire is well-ventilated and has a source of fuel, hot smoke and gases will build up in the higher areas of the room through convection. Once established, this hot gas layer will radiate heat downwards onto all the exposed surfaces. As the temperature rises to around 500 degrees centigrade, all of the combustible materials in the room start to give off flammable fire gases. The near-simultaneous ignition of all fuels and gases in the room can then occur.
Backdraft: When an established fire has both heat and fuel but has little or no ventilation, the lack of oxygen will cause the flames to die. The smoke in the room will contain partially burnt particles, soot, and flammable fire gases may also be present. If a window breaks or a door is opened, air will rush into the room, and any source of ignition, such as embers being disturbed by the airflow, could fully reignite the fire gases and soot. This event can happen with explosive force, sending fire and hot gases out of the door or window that has been opened. The risk of backdraft is one of the reasons why no one should be allowed back into a burning building. Doors should never be opened where warning signs such as escaping smoke or a hot door handle indicate that there could be a fire on the other side.
Fire control methods:
Control measures are precautions taken to reduce hazards and risks. Fire safety control measures can generally be separated into two groups.
Number one: Fire prevention. Stopping fires occurring. In most cases, fire prevention involves simple measures that can be undertaken using the knowledge of how fires develop. Fire prevention at its most basic is based on the principle of keeping fuel sources and ignition sources separate. Keep things that burn away from things that create heat.
Number two: Fire protection. Saving lives and minimizing damage when a fire occurs. Some fire protection measures are designed into a property at the building stage; others can be introduced later, often as a result of a fire risk assessment. Fire protection measures can be classed as either active or passive controls.
Active control measures: When a fire is detected, any measure that requires an action by somebody or something. It can be an automatic system. Is classed as an active control. Examples include fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, blankets, and hoses.
Passive control measures: These are usually physical features that have been designed to make a building safer in the event of fire. Examples include compartmentation (fire-resistant walls, ceilings, doors, etc.) to restrict the spread of fire, fire exits, escape routes, and refuges.
Signage: Stopping fires occurring.
Housekeeping: Housekeeping refers to the general tidiness of the building. Good housekeeping is an essential part of fire safety and will:
* Minimize the risk of causing a fire.
* Help a fire spread.
* Hinder a safe evacuation.
* Obstruct access to firefighting equipment or alarm call points.
* Make signs and notices difficult to see.
A few simple steps can help to keep everyone safe:
1. Keep fire exits and escape routes clear. Avoid using escape routes for storage. It can increase the likelihood of fire in this area and will reduce the width of a corridor for people to exit. Stored items can get knocked over in an evacuation, especially if it is smoky.
2. General tidiness of the workplace. Taking care where potential sources of fuel are stored and avoiding the build-up of combustible materials by regular cleaning will greatly reduce the risk of fire.
3. Managing rubbish and waste. Do not allow rubbish or waste products to build up inside or near your building. Make sure that rubbish and waste is collected regularly.
Electrical equipment and wiring:
A high percentage of electrical faults can be found by just looking at the equipment. Everyone can play a role in improving safety by making quick visual checks of the equipment they use. Things to look for:
* Damage to cables, for example, cuts and abrasions to the cable covering.
* Damage to plugs, for example, cracked casing or broken pins.
* Loose cables, for example, the outer covering of the cable not being gripped properly by the plug.
* Signs of overheating, for example, burn marks, staining, or melted plastic.
* Bare wires – none should be visible.
If you notice any of the warning signs listed, a qualified person should undertake repairs. Never overload electrical sockets or overload extension leads. Don't plug in a combination of appliances that will exceed the maximum current rating for the lead. Always, always unplug non-essential equipment when it is not in use. Ensure that all plugs are correctly fitted with the correct rating of fuse. If you need to run more than one plug from a socket, use gang leads, as the older cube adapters can arc, spark, and overheat. This table shows the fuse size to use according to the wattage of the appliance. These calculations are based on a 240-volt power supply.
Portable heaters:
Wherever possible, the use of portable heaters should be avoided. Where there is no alternative, try to use oil-filled heaters rather than convection heaters and apply the following rules:
* Don't put anything on top of a heater.
* Don't put it where it can be knocked over.
* Make sure there are no sources of fuel anywhere near the heater.
Smoking:
Even though the UK smoking ban has reduced the risk of fires starting, smoking still accounts for a significant number of workplace fires. All staff should be made aware of the smoking laws and informed of any other areas where they are not allowed to smoke as part of their induction training. Providing a designated smoking shelter can reduce the likelihood that people will be tempted to ignore the law and smoke within the building, especially in bad weather.
Arson:
Arson is the biggest cause of business fires. We cannot stop human actions, but there are steps we can take to reduce the risks from arson: good housekeeping, fire risk assessments, staff training, installing CCTV, external lighting, and ensuring a building has adequate security will all play a part in making your premises safer. Measures to reduce the risks from arson can be broken down into two groups:
Number one: Security measures. Stop them gaining access.
Number two: Storage and housekeeping measures. Deny them fuel.
Because of theft, security is normally a high priority in most buildings. The good news is that the same security measures also help to prevent arson. It is often the areas that do not hold anything of value, like waste storage areas, disused outbuildings, empty store rooms, or the grounds around buildings, that need additional security measures to prevent arson. Letterboxes, air vents, and gaps under doors can all be ways for an arsonist to introduce fire into a building. Securing a mesh over a vent, reducing the size of a gap, or having a metal box inside the letterbox can reduce the likelihood of fire. Storing combustible materials near to doors, windows, or close to perimeter fences should be avoided if possible. If a skip is required, there is a temptation to place it close to a door or exit. Skips often contain lots of combustible materials, so ideally, they should be placed at least five meters away from the building.
Saving lives and minimizing damage:
Fire safety signs:
There are five types of safety signs in the workplace:
* Prohibition: Not allowed. Circular in shape, 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 or rectangular in shape, with a white symbol on a red background.
* Warning: Yellow triangle with a black border.
Means of escape:
Building features that are designed to allow people to get away from danger to a place of relative safety are given the name "means of escape." Buildings are often divided into compartments that are separated by fire-resistant walls and doors. The purpose of compartmentation is to restrict the spread of fire and smoke from one area to another. As a result, people should only have to travel a short distance away from the fire into the next compartment or protected route to reach relative safety away from the fire and smoke. Anyone with responsibility for undertaking fire risk assessments or fire safety inspections needs to understand how these fire control methods work in their building.
Internal fire doors:
Internal fire doors with self-closing devices play a vital part in compartmentation, so it is important not to wedge them open, especially with fire extinguishers. Some fire doors are designed to be held open by magnets to ensure that they will close automatically in the event of a fire. They need to be kept free from any obstructions and tested regularly. All internal fire doors should also be labeled. These signs are white squares with a blue inner circle stating that it is a fire door and should be kept shut. A good fire door could hold a fire back for 30 minutes, enabling everyone to get to safety. Remember, a wedged door is no longer a fire door.
Escape routes:
Wherever you stand in a building, you should be able to see at least one green sign showing either the fire exit or the exit route. These signs should be positioned above doors and where there is a change of direction or floor level. Newer signs that comply with EU directives have no writing, just pictures and arrows. Once everyone is out of the building, it is important that the assembly point is clearly signed. This is also a green sign.
Fire exits:
All escape routes should eventually lead to a fire exit that should open outwards. This can be an exit that is used only in an emergency or a normal entrance to the building that is used regularly. Fire exits can be locked at night for added security, but they must be unlocked as soon as anyone is in the building. Fire exits must be signed from inside the building and should be checked regularly to ensure they fully open and close properly. Any obstruction on the outside of a fire door could prevent it from opening in an emergency. Putting up warning signs and marking the floor with a yellow hatched box where the door opens can reduce the likelihood of this happening.
Emergency lighting:
Should a loss of power cause the normal lighting to fail, an emergency lighting unit will automatically detect this and light up the area using power from batteries. This light may not be as bright as the normal lighting, but it should allow people to evacuate safely by illuminating important areas such as escape routes, fire exits, and exit signs.
Signing in and out:
When a building is evacuated, the person in charge will need to determine if everybody is accounted for. This is usually achieved by requiring all staff and visitors to use a signing in/out book when they enter or leave the building. In the event of fire, this book can be grabbed quickly and used at the assembly point.
Alarms and detectors:
The type of alarm used must be adequate for the size and nature of the business. If only a few employees work in one or two rooms, word of mouth may be adequate (i.e., shouting "Fire! Fire! Fire!"). Larger workplaces will obviously require more advanced systems. If a fire is discovered, the system must alert everyone in the building. Almost anything that is audible to everyone can be used as an alarm, so long as all employees know what it sounds like. Some alarm systems can automatically notify the fire service when activated. Acceptable types of alarms may include bells, air horns, sirens, and buzzers.
Several different types of detectors are available to automatically alert people to the presence of fire. These can be activated by the signs of fire: smoke, gases, or a change in temperature. Most modern fire alarm systems use more than one method of detection. When people work in a noisy environment or have hearing difficulties, another type of alarm signal, such as strobe lighting, should be considered. All fire alarms should be checked regularly, with the results recorded, and any defects reported and fixed as soon as possible. A regular fire alarm check also allows employees to be familiar with the sound of the alarm. In larger premises, more than one alarm tone may be used. For example, a constant tone may indicate that an area should be evacuated immediately, but a broken tone may be used to inform people that there is a fire elsewhere in the building and they should be ready to evacuate if the tone changes.
Fire alarm panel:
Next to the fire alarm panel, there should be a plan for every floor of the building, including basements and roof spaces. When the system was installed, it would have been wired up into zones to help the firefighters go straight to the area that has activated the alarm. The zones on the plan should match the zones on the alarm panel. Fire plan problems arise if the plan is missing or if the layout of the building has changed (e.g., walls added or taken away). This should be updated as part of the fire safety risk assessment.
Fixed firefighting equipment:
Hose reels: Hose reels are connected permanently to the water supply. This gives an advantage over portable fire extinguishers by making a large amount of water available very quickly. Thoughts must be given to hose reel location, as they can wedge open fire doors, can cause a trip hazard, and they have a limited range (typically 30 meters with a jet of 6 meters). Hoses should not be used where there is live electricity, and there is an additional danger that people can put themselves at risk by fighting a fire for too long with a constant water supply.
Sprinkler and drenches: These systems deliver water through a network of pipes and sprinkler heads. When activated, the water from the sprinkler head will restrict or extinguish fire and help prevent the buildup of heat. Drenches are similar to sprinkler systems but are located outside in order to prevent fire spreading from one building to the next.
Wet and dry risers: Risers are vertical water pipes and valves that are fitted in high-rise buildings for use by the fire service. Wet risers have pipes that are permanently charged with water, whilst dry risers have empty pipes that will fill with pressurized water when needed.
Gas flooding systems: As these systems present a risk of suffocation, they are only used in enclosed spaces that are normally unoccupied, such as electrical equipment rooms. An alarm will usually warn that the system is about to be activated, and then after a delay, the room will be flooded with gas (usually carbon dioxide) to replace the air and smother the fire.
Foam systems: Facilities that store flammable liquids, such as fuel storage tanks, chemical plants, etc., may use a fixed foam system. The foam not only smothers the fire but also reduces the chance of reignition by controlling vapor buildup.
Fire extinguishers:
Extinguishing fires: To extinguish a fire, one or more of the elements in the fire triangle has to be removed or reduced to a level where it will no longer support combustion. Most extinguishers work by smothering or cooling the fire, or a combination of both methods. Some dry powder extinguishers are also designed to slow down a chemical reaction that is needed for something to burn. Employers and those responsible for premises must provide appropriate firefighting equipment and ensure that sufficient people are trained in using it.
Fire extinguisher checks:
A trained fire extinguisher engineer should inspect and service all extinguishers annually. In addition, it is also important that extinguishers are checked regularly throughout the year to ensure:
* The pressure gauge needle is in the correct position in the green zone.
* There are no signs of tampering and the safety pin is in place.
* It has been serviced within the last 12 months (a test label should be visible).
* There are no signs of rust, corrosion, or leaks.
* It is sited correctly in an easily accessible position, ready to be picked up, and with a sign indicating its type placed next to it.
Commonly used fire extinguishers:
Fire extinguishers are red with a colored label to indicate its type. A sign giving details of its type and use must be placed by the extinguisher. Remember, do not attempt to fight a fire unless you have been trained to do so.
Water extinguishes (red label): Only for use on solid materials such as wood, paper, straw, textiles, coal, etc. Some water extinguishers contain additives to make them more effective.
* How it works: Water is very effective at cooling the fuel surface.
* Warnings: Do not use on electrical equipment. Do not use on cooking oil or fat pan fires. Do not use on flammable metal fires.
Foam extinguishers (cream label): Can be used on flammable liquids and the same type of fires that water extinguishers can be used on. Particularly suitable for petrol and diesel fires.
* How it works: A water-based foaming agent floats on top of the burning liquid and smothers the flames at the surface. There is also a limited cooling effect.
* Warnings: Do not use on cooking oil or fat pan fires. Do not use on electrical equipment unless stated otherwise.
CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishes (black label): Suitable for fires involving electrical equipment, even when live. Can also be used on flammable liquids (e.g., paint, petrol, etc.).
* How it works: Carbon dioxide replaces the air and smothers the fire.
* Warnings: Do not use on cooking oil or fat pan fires. Should not be used in confined spaces. The fire may reignite as it does not cool very well. The discharge horn can become very cold and may damage skin.
Dry powder extinguishes (blue label): Can be used on most types of fire, including fires on electrical equipment, but it could damage the equipment.
* How it works: The powder coats the fuel and smothers the fire. Some powders are also designed to stop a chemical reaction that is needed by the fire.
* Warnings: Do not use on cooking oil or fat pan fires. Powder types can vary; this will affect the types of fire they should be used on. Not suitable for confined places; can affect visibility and people with breathing problems.
Wet chemical extinguishers (yellow label): The only extinguisher that can be used on cooking oils and fats (e.g., lard, butter, olive oil, sunflower oil, etc.).
* How it works: A fine mist is delivered that has a cooling effect on the flames. Salts in the solution will react with the animal fats and vegetable oils to form a layer at the surface that smothers the fire.
* Warnings: Should not be used on petrol, spirits, or mineral oils. Check manufacturer's instructions for other uses.
Fire blankets:
Fire blankets are made of a fire-retardant material and are used to smother small fires. They are most commonly found in kitchens. Where it is safe and quick to do so, you should turn off the heat (e.g., the gas or electric supply to a cooker) before trying to extinguish it. If the fire is bigger than the blanket, you should not attempt to smother it using a fire blanket. Pull it out from the case, hold it in front of you, gripping it near the top corners. Protect your hands by making sure the blanket covers them. Place the blanket over the fire. Leave the fire covered for 30 minutes to prevent reignition. Hot liquids and oils are particularly likely to reignite if oxygen becomes available again. Some fire blankets are designed for a single use, so the manufacturer's instructions should be checked.
Following a fire:
Classes of fire:
How a fire should be extinguished depends on what type of material is burning. Therefore, it is important to know the different types of fire so they can be extinguished safely. These are split into six different classes:
* Class A: Solids, including paper, wood, and textiles. You can use the following extinguishers:
* Class B: Liquids, including petrol, oil, and paint. You can use the following extinguishers:
* Class C: Gases, including butane and propane. You can use the following extinguisher:
* Class D: Metals, including magnesium. You can use the following extinguisher:
* Electrical fires: Involving electrical equipment. You can use the following extinguisher:
* Class F: Cooking oil and fat. You can use the following extinguisher:
Using a fire extinguisher:
You should only ever attempt to fight a fire if it is safe to do so. 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 confident and know how 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.
* The fire is not reducing or more than one extinguisher is required.
Whilst different extinguishers should have their instructions for use on the cylinder, the general advice for operating a fire extinguisher can be remembered as PASS:
P - Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal.
A - Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle, horn, or hose at the base of the flames.
S - Squeeze the handle until the extinguisher discharges.
S - Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire reignites, repeat steps two to four.
Fire safety procedures:
Actions on discovering a fire:
If you discover a fire, or even suspect there may be one, you should:
* Raise the alarm.
* Make sure the fire service is called.
* Evacuate the building following the procedures of your workplace.
Actions on hearing the alarm:
Each workplace should have its own procedures covering what to do in the event of fire. The table below contains some simple advice on what you should and shouldn't do when the alarm is raised:
* Always stay calm and act immediately.
* Leave the building by the most appropriate escape route.
* Close windows and doors behind you if you are the last to leave.
* Assemble at your designated assembly point and wait to be checked off.
* Never delay your evacuation by collecting your belongings, finishing a task, or waiting for others to react.
* Use lifts unless this is part of a personal evacuation plan.
* Tackle a fire unless you are trained and it is safe to do so.
* Re-enter the building until you are told it is safe.
Fire safety briefing:
Employers have a legal duty to ensure their employees are trained in fire safety. All new employees, permanent or temporary, should receive a fire safety briefing as part of their induction training and whenever anyone starts work in a new location. They should also receive regular refresher training. They will need to know:
* The details of the emergency plan and where the fire exits are.
* Where their assembly point is and how to get to it from different parts of the building.
* The fire precautions in the building.
* What firefighting equipment is available and its location.
* How to report fire safety issues or defects.
* When fire alarm tests are held.
* If the alarm is heard at any other time, it should be treated as a fire, and they should evacuate the building immediately.
Any visitors or contractors will also need a fire safety briefing the first time they are in your building. It is also important to establish at this briefing if their presence could introduce any additional fire risks that need to be assessed.
Fire drills:
Fire drills play an important part in fire safety, as they allow everyone to put into practice their role in the fire action plan. Regular fire drills (at least once or twice a year) not only help to refresh the knowledge of what to do in a fire emergency, they will also highlight any areas that require improvement. Ideally, a fire drill should be made as realistic as possible. This can be done by:
* Limiting the number of people who are aware it is a drill.
* Changing the time of day that drills are held.
* Occasionally evacuating with an exit blocked to simulate a fire in that area.
* Asking a member of staff to raise the alarm as if they have discovered the fire.
It is good practice to record the true time taken from the alarm being raised to the last person reaching the assembly point. Following a fire drill, the causes of any delay should be investigated to try and prevent them happening in future. In larger buildings, the time taken to reach a protected area (such as a staircase) may be recorded.
Fire safety and the law:
The Fire Safety Order:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 replaced more than 70 separate laws on fire legislation in England and Wales. Similar legislation was also introduced in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This law is now commonly referred to as the Fire Safety Order (FSO).
The responsible person:
Before the FSO was introduced, the fire service had the responsibility of inspecting companies to ensure that buildings were safe. That responsibility now falls with the building owner, occupier, or the employer. The job can be delegated, but the ultimate responsibility stops with them. The law applies to anyone who is responsible for:
* A business premises.
* An employer or self-employed with business premises.
* Responsible for part of a dwelling that is solely for business use.
* A contractor with a degree of control over any premises.
* Responsible for a premises used by a charity or voluntary organization.
* Providing accommodation for paying guests.
Responsible person duties:
The responsible person must carry out a fire safety risk assessment (FSRA) and ensure that appropriate fire prevention and protection measures are in place to minimize the risks to relevant person(s). This will include ensuring fire safety equipment is operational and maintained, providing appropriate training, preparing an emergency plan, and reviewing the FSRA findings regularly to reflect any changes that have occurred.
Individuals or groups that are referred to in the FSO include:
* Responsible person: Someone with ultimate responsibility under the FSO.
* Relevant person(s): This is anyone who could be affected by a fire on the premises, so long as they have a lawful right to be there. They do not necessarily have to be on the premises, just affected by the fire.
* Competent person(s): The FSO requires every responsible person to appoint at least one competent person to assist with fire safety duties. A competent person is someone who has sufficient training, experience, or knowledge to enable them to properly assist the responsible person in complying with fire safety legislation.
* Duty holder(s): This is anyone who holds a responsibility under the FSO.
Employees' duties under the FSO and the Health and Safety at Work Act:
All employees have a legal duty to:
* Act in a way that does not put themselves or others at risk.
* Cooperate with their employer on any fire safety matters.
* Inform someone who is responsible if they are aware of any dangers in the workplace.
Penalties and enforcement:
Breaches of the Fire Safety Order (FSO) fall under criminal law. Cases are heard in the Magistrates Court, where fines of up to £20,000 can be issued. Serious breaches can be referred to the Crown Court, where the maximum penalty is unlimited, and the court has the power to imprison those found guilty for up to two years. Enforcement officers (usually from the local fire authority) can issue notices to the responsible person if they feel there is an unacceptable level of risk. Three types of notice can be issued:
* Alterations notices are issued if there is an unacceptable level of risk due to a physical change to the structure of a building or it has had a change of use.
* Enforcement notices are issued when requirements within the FSO have not been followed.
* Prohibition notices are issued when there is an immediate danger to individuals. This type of notice can prevent an activity being carried out or stop part or all of a workplace being used.
All types of notices can be appealed in the Magistrates Court within 21 days. Alteration and enforcement notices are put on hold until an appeal is heard, but prohibition notices stay in force until either the appeal is successful or the conditions of the notice have been met. Failure to comply with a notice is a criminal offense.
Fire safety risk assessment (FSRA):
There are five steps to completing a fire safety risk assessment:
1. Identify fire hazards: Things that could start a fire (consider heaters, lighting, naked flames, electrical equipment, etc.). Things that could burn (consider packaging, rubbish, furniture, equipment, etc.). Sources of oxygen (is bottled oxygen used anywhere?).
2. Identify people at risk: People in and around the premises (consider employees, the public, visitors, etc.). People who have a higher risk (consider night staff, children, disabled, elderly, or anyone needing assistance in an escape).
3. Evaluate and act: Evaluate the hazards and risks you identified. Think about your findings from steps one and two. Remove or reduce fire hazards. Separate things that can burn from things that could start a fire. Remove or reduce risk to people from fire. Protect people by providing fire precautions.
4. Record, plan, and train: Record your major findings and actions. This is a legal requirement if you have five or more employees. Discuss with other responsible persons in the building. Share information on risks and coordinate measures. An emergency plan. The information in your FSRA should assist you to develop an emergency plan. Provide training. Inform staff of identified risks and the emergency plan.
5. Review: Review your FSRA regularly. Make sure it is updated to reflect any changes that have occurred.
Remember, a fire safety risk assessment is ongoing and must be kept up to date. An example form for recording significant findings.
The emergency plan:
A responsible person has a legal duty to provide an emergency plan specific to the premises. As with the fire safety risk assessment, this must be recorded if you employ five or more people (including part-time workers). Where appropriate, the emergency plan should include details of the following:
* Actions on discovering a fire.
* Warning if there is a fire.
* Calling the fire service.
* Evacuation of the premises, including those particularly at risk.
* Places of assembly and roll call.
* Liaison with emergency services.
* Identification of key escape routes.
* The firefighting equipment provided.
* Specific responsibilities in the event of a fire.
* Training requirements.
* Provision of information to relevant persons.
The emergency plan should be practiced and, if necessary, discussed with the local fire service.
Home fire safety checks:
Fire detectors:
As a minimum, every home should have at least one working smoke detector per floor. The detectors should be located to cover your means of escape – the quickest and safest way out from your bedroom to an external door. The battery should be checked regularly (weekly) and every month it should be vacuumed to remove any dust particles.
Nighttime routine:
It is good practice to get into a routine so that every night you go around checking everything is switched off, locked, and closed. After a short time, this becomes second nature:
* Switch off all sockets.
* Do not leave TVs on standby.
* Close all doors.
* Turn off fires.
* Ensure cigarettes are extinguished properly.
* Make sure candles are extinguished.
* Lock doors and either keep the key near the door or take the key to bed with you. It is important that you and everyone in the house knows where the key is. Think: if you have left the key in the kitchen and it's on fire, how will you get out?
* Have a mobile or landline by the bed.
* Make sure your escape route is clear. This should be your normal way out of the house. Choose an alternative route in case this gets blocked by fire.
Smoking:
Never leave a cigarette burning in an ashtray. Always use a sturdy, proper ashtray. Avoid smoking while tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Always empty the ashtray outside as part of your night-time routine.
Chip pans (deep fat fryers):
Make sure the pan/fryer is only one-third full. Never leave unattended, even to answer the door or telephone. If the pan/fryer starts to smoke, turn off and leave it to cool. Make sure food is dry before you put it into the pan/fryer. If a pan/fryer catches fire:
* Don't try to move it, as it will be very hot.
* If safe to do so, turn off the heat.
* Don't lean over the pan.
* Never use water on chip pan fires – this will cause a fireball.
* If safe to do so, use a fire blanket to smother the flames. Most fire extinguishers are not designed for this type of fire and could make things worse.
* If in doubt, get out, stay out, and call 999.
In the kitchen:
A lot of fires start in the kitchen. Basic rules and common sense will avoid any mishaps:
* Never leave pans unattended on the stove.
* Clean grill pans and ovens regularly so the build-up of grease doesn't ignite.
* Don't overload sockets or allow flexes to run over cookers.
* Pull toasters out from under units to avoid buildup of heat under units.
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. Around the house:
* Make sure all cables/flexes are in good condition and do not run under carpets or floor coverings.
* Make sure all doors close into door frames.
* Get gas/electric appliances serviced annually.
* Make sure there are no light bulbs or candles near curtains or other fabric.
* If you use candles, never leave them unattended and ensure that you extinguish them properly. Always use the correct candle holder and never use the side of your bath.
* Ensure that heaters are at least one meter away from any fabrics.
* Use a fire guard where there are children.
* Babies: Never dry clothes on top of a fire guard.
Make an escape plan:
Make sure everyone knows what to do if they hear the alarm go off:
* Who is going to call 999?
* What will you do if the normal route out of the house is blocked?
* Arrange where you will meet outside.
If you catch on fire:
* Stop. Don't run around, as this will fan the flames.
* Drop. Lay down on the floor so the flames do not burn upwards towards your face/head.
* Roll on the floor and wrap in a blanket or jacket if possible.
* Dial 999.
The role of a fire warden:
The role of a fire warden (or fire marshal):
The principal duty of a fire warden is to ensure that people get out safely in the event of a fire. This is achieved by checking a designated area in a methodical manner, normally the section of a building where they work. A fire warden may also be asked to assist the responsible person with implementing other fire safety measures. These duties could include:
* Monitoring fire safety.
* Reporting faults, unsafe practices, or incidents.
* Giving fire safety briefings.
* Assisting in FSRA.
* Helping with the emergency plan.
Fire wardens must receive appropriate training for the duties that they have been assigned, and this should be followed by regular refresher training. Those best suited to the role of fire warden will be volunteers with:
* Good reliability.
* First-rate communication skills.
* The ability to organize.
* The aptitude to gain new skills and knowledge.
* The physical ability to carry out the role in an emergency.
The number of fire wardens needed should be based on the time it takes to check the designated areas in the building. It is important that no area is so large that it cannot be checked quickly. A fire warden will usually be the last person to leave their area, but the check should not take so long that it delays their safe escape from the building. Deputies should be appointed and trained to cover the times when a fire warden is absent (sickness, holidays, etc.). Cover is needed at all times when relevant people are in the building, so if a shift system or flexi-time is in operation, additional fire wardens will be required.
Fire wardens' duties when the alarm is raised:
When the fire alarm is activated, the fire warden should:
* Put on a high-visibility jacket or use some other means of identification that stands out from the crowd. If people working in the area wear high-visibility jackets, a lollipop stick with "Fire Marshall" written on it could be used, or a different colored jacket may be another option.
* If the fire warden is not close to their area when the alarm is raised, they should go straight to their assembly point. They should never attempt to go against the flow of people trying to leave the building to get back to their area. Ideally, there should be a deputy to take over their duties if this happens.
* When checking a designated area, the fire warden should work towards the fire escape that they intend to use, closing windows and doors behind them. This will reduce the speed that fire can spread.
* It is crucial that everyone is accounted for. This is why signing in and out is so important. At the assembly point, the fire warden should report to the person in charge and let them know:
* If they were unable to check any locations within their area.
* If it is possible, a deputy could have checked.
* Anyone has refused to leave the building.
* There is any other relevant information that they should be aware of.
* When the fire service arrives, the person in charge should make themselves known. Fire wardens should be on hand in case they are required to give information about their area. On arrival, the fire service will want to know:
* If everyone is accounted for.
* Where the fire panel is located.
* If anyone knows what activated the alarm and which zone it was in.
* If there are any special hazards they should know about.
Fire safety duties:
There are a number of important duties that must be carried out periodically to ensure fire safety in the workplace. Ultimate responsibility for these duties lies with the responsible person, but they can be passed on to competent person(s) that have received enough training. This is not an exhaustive list, and the time periods may need to be adjusted dependent on the risks present in each workplace.
Regular checks (usually weekly):
* Ensure the alarm is tested (ideally activated from a different call point each time).
* Make sure general housekeeping is satisfactory around the building.
* Look out for any changes that could affect the fire safety risk assessment.
* Make sure fire doors are not wedged open.
* Ensure escape routes and fire exits are free from obstructions.
* Check that no combustible materials are stored in corridors.
* Check that all alarm call points are accessible and all fire safety signs are in place and visible.
* Ensure that fire extinguishers are in correct locations.
Other periodic checks:
* Confirm that the emergency lights work (usually monthly).
* Check the condition of all fire extinguishers (usually monthly).
* Arrange regular fire drills (usually at least twice a year).
* Ensure that portable firefighting equipment is serviced (usually annually).
* Make sure that portable electrical equipment is tested (usually annually).
* Ensure that fixed firefighting equipment is serviced (usually every five years).