OSHAssociation UK

Occupa onal Safety and Health Training

for
Interna onal Professional Cer ficate in Occupa onal Safety and Health

COURSE 107 GUIDE

FIRE SAFETY
&
PREVENTION

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Fire Safety and Prevention

Course Contents:
Unit 1: Fire Safety
Unit 2: How to Carry out Fire Risk Assessment
Unit 3: Means of Fire Fighting
Unit 4: Maintenance and Testing
Unit 5: Emergency Plan
Unit 6: System of Work
Revision Question

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Unit 1: Fire Safety

Fire preven on is one of the most well developed health and safety controls in the workplace.
Even so, about five people are killed at work each year, about sixty suffer major injuries and
about 220 are off work for more than three days because of fire related injury.

Fire can also devastate a business because of the me and cost involved in repairing property
damage and rebuilding customer loyalty.

Key Words and Phrases

Key Words and Phrases

Competent person – a person with the appropriate qualifica ons, knowledge and
experience to iden fy the risk arising from a situa on and the measure needed to control
them.
Emergency plan – the ac ons to be taken in a par cular workplace in the event of a fire or
other emergency.
Safe system of work – a set of procedures for carrying out task safely.

DEFINITIONS

Fire Precau ons

The measures taken to prevent an outbreak of fire in a building and minimize risk to the
occupants and contents in the building.

Fire Preven on
The concept of preven ng outbreaks of fire or reducing the risk of fire spread and avoiding
danger from fire to people or property.

Fire Protec on
Design features, systems or equipment in a building provided to reduce danger to persons
and property by detec ng, ex nguishing or containing fires.

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Hazards
Fire is a chemical reac on producing heat, light and flame when
three component come together:
§ Oxygen
§ Igni on or heat
§ Fuel.

If the three come together in certain condi ons, a fire is highly

likely to start. This is why the iden fica on of fire hazards
focuses on these three components.
Oxygen is present in the air. It can also be found in oxygen cylinders in, for example, hospitals,
residen al care homes, and welding opera ons. Igni on and heat sources include electrical
equipment, hea ng appliances, cigare es, naked flames, and sources of sta c electricity, such
as nylon.

Anything that burns is a fuel, and fuels come in three forms:

§ Flammable gases – such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and acetylene
§ Flammable liquids – such as paints, thinners and adhesives
§ Flammable solids – such as wood, paper, card and plas cs
The dangers from fire include burns and the harmful effect of inhaling smoke and toxic gases –
the products of combus on.

Risks
Fire happens if care is not taken to control the three components of fire. Oxygen-enriched
atmospheres (used in medical procedures and welding, for example) or high concentra on of
oxygen (where oxygen cylinders are stored, for instance) create a high risk of fire. Risk is
increased in any situa on where the oxygen supply to a fire is difficult to control – outdoors, in
automa c ven la on systems and where doors and windows are open. Risk is also increase if
there are sparks, naked flames, (from electrical equipment, blowtorches or Bunsen burners, for
example) hot surfaces or hot materials.

The presence of a fuel – such as flammable materials including paper, cardboard, plas c, wood,
packaging, clothing, furnishing, paint, thinners and gases –
increases the likelihood of fire.
People are more at risk from the fire indoors than from fires
outdoors. This is mainly due to the difficulty of ge ng out of a
building if there are poor fire precau ons and emergency
provision.

Poor management and supervision

Many problems stem from poor organiza on of the workplace.
Examples include:
§ Poor housekeeping and waste control – for example, accumulated rubbish or poor
storage of combus ble materials
§ Poor control of cigarrete-smoking outside the workplace
§ Inadequate control of inflammable substance – for example, unsuitable or careless

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storage, or careless use, of flammable materials.

§ Lack of care when using heat producing equipment – for example, when using portable
heaters – or obstruc on of ven la on for heaters, machinery or electrical appliances
§ Lack of fire precau ons and electrical maintenance
FIRE HAZARDS AND RISKS
The hazards rela ng to the radiant heat of a fire and contact with flames can give rise to the risk
of heat and burns. The degree of exposure to heat or flames will influence greatly the effect on
the body. Significant exposure to heat or flames could quickly lead to shock, coma or death.

Both the hot gases and smoke involved in fires represent separate hazards to a person involved
in a fire. The hot gases and smoke can present a direct effect on the lungs causing restric on in
breathing.

In addi on, toxic gases may be liberated as part of a fire, these may include carbon monoxide,
which breathed in sufficient quan es, can lead to asphyxia on (suffoca on).

Other toxic products of combus on can include hydrogen cyanide and chlorine.
Furthermore, fires will cause the release of substances that can be harmful to the environment.

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES
A basic understanding of the classes of fire needs to be achieved because many fire
ex nguishers state the classes of fire on which they may be used. Common classifica ons
include:
Class A
- Fire involving solids - wood, paper or plas cs (usually a material of an organic nature).
Class B - Fires involving liquids or liquefiable solids - petrol, oil, paint, fat or wax
Class C - Fires involving gases - liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas or acetylene.
Class D - Fires involving metals - sodium, magnesium, aluminum and many metal powders.
Class E - Fires involving electrical apparatus. In many cases, electricity is a source of heat.
Common causes and consequences of fires in
workplaces
Causes
Causes may be split into four main groups. These are

Careless ac ons and accidents

E.g. hot works, discarded lighted cigare e end or match,
smoldering waste, una ended burning or poor electrical
connec ons. Figure 2- Careless ac on -
waste paper
Misusing equipment
E.g overloading electrical circuits and using fuses of too high a
ra ng, failure to follow servicing instruc ons, failure to repair
faulty machinery/equipment promptly.

Misusing equipment –
overloaded sockets

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Controls
To prevent a fire from star ng, you must stop the
three components combining together, par cularly
the fuel and igni on source. To put a fire out, you
have to control the oxygen supply to the fire, take
the fuel away or cool the igni on source. The
following pages outline the precau ons for avoiding
a fire and what to do if one does occur – including
how to get people out of the workplace and deal
with the fire.

Fire risk assessment

The fire step in this process is to carry out a fire risk assessment. This duty may fall to managers
or supervisors, and could involve the assistance of a safety representa ves and employees.
The fire hazard in the workplace should be iden fied as well as the people who might be in
danger. Consider the dangers to employees, visitors and members of the public who might be in
the workplace when the fire breaks out, and consider the problems they could encounter when
trying to escape.

Next, assess the risks associated with the hazards and decide whether the exis ng fire
precau ons are adequate and, if not, how to eliminate the hazards or reduce the risks.

Record the findings and the ac ons you take to deal with the findings.
A review of the assessment should be done every so o en and kept up to date. There should be
a review of the work ac vity or the arrangements in the workplace change significantly, there is
reason to believe that the assessment is no longer valid. The assessment which indicate the
measure an organiza on needs to take, they might include proving:
§ Control of the component that creates life
§ Fire detec on and alarm measures
§ The means of escape from the workplace
§ The fire-figh ng equipment provided.

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Unit 2: How to Carry out Fire Risk Assessment

To carry out fire risk assessment follow the steps as stated below :
Step I - Iden fy fire hazards
§ Iden fy sources of igni on - Smokers' materials, naked flames, heaters, hot processes,
cooking, machinery, boilers, faulty or misused electrical equipment, ligh ng
equipment, hot surfaces, blocked vents, fric on, sta c electricity, metal impact and
arson.
§ Iden fy sources of fuel - Flammable liquids, flammable chemicals, wood, paper and
card, plas cs, foams, flammable gases, furniture, tex les, packaging materials, waste
materials including shavings and dust.
§ Iden fy sources of oxygen - Natural ven la on, doors, windows, forced ven la on
systems, air condi oners, oxidizing materials, Oxygen cylinders or piped oxygen systems

Step 2- Iden fy people at risk

§ Consider people in the premises – workers, visitors, contractors, the public, old, young,
disabled, and their level of discipline and training.
§ How could fire, heat or smoke spread to areas that people occupy? - Convec on,
conduc on, radia on or direct burning.
§ Who and where are the people that may be at risk? - people carrying out noisy tasks,
placed high at the top of a building or in confined spaces conduc ng work, nearby
workers or the public.
§ Iden fy people who are especially at risk.
§ How will people be warned of fire and could people be trapped by fire?

Step 3- Evaluate, remove, or reduce and protect from risk

Risk reduc on by preven on

Reduce sources of igni on Remove unnecessary sources of heat or replace with safer
alterna ves, ensure electrical fuses etc are of the correct ra ng, ensure safe and correct use of
electrical equipment, enforce a 'hot work' permit system, safe smoking policy, arson reduc on
measures.
§ Minimize poten al fuel for a fire - Remove or reduce amount of flammable materials,
replace materials with safer alterna ves, ensure safe handling, storage and use of
materials, safe separa on distances between flammable materials and separa on from
corrosive materials and their containers, use of fire resis ng storage, repair or replace
damaged or unsuitable furniture, control and removal of flammable waste, care of
external storage due to arson, good housekeeping.

Reduce sources of oxygen - Close all doors and windows not required for ven la on par cularly
out of working hours, shu ng down non-essen al ven la on systems, not storing oxidizing
materials near heat sources or flammable materials, controlling the use of oxygen cylinders and
ensuring ven la on to areas where they are used.

Step 4- Record, plan, inform, instruct and train

A record must be kept of the assessment in keeping with na onal legisla ve requirements. It is
advisable that where the organiza on is a significant sized undertaking, o en where 5 or more
workers regularly work at the premises, a record of the significant findings of the assessment
and any group of people iden fied by it as being especially at risk should be made.

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Preven ng fire
To prevent a fire from star ng, you should try to control
the source of oxygen and reduce the source of igni on and
fuel. Limi ng anyone of these components will reduce the
risk of fire.

Reducing the sources of oxygen

You could limit the amount of oxygen in a room by keeping
doors and windows closed, but this needs to be balance
against employees comfort. The design of the work place through compartmenta on (dividing
the building into separate protected sec ons or units) can restrict the oxygen available to a fire.
If ven la on systems are not being used, they should be closed off. If there are any oxygen-rich
atmospheres in the workplace, they should be strictly controlled.

Reducing the source of igni on or heat

Unnecessary heat sources should be removed from the workplace or replaced with safer
alterna ves – for example, central hea ng radiators could replace infrared heaters. Naked
flames should be avoided and igni on sources should be posi oned safely. There must be a safe
system of work for hot processes that minimizes the chance of igni on – refueling petrol driven
equipment should take place outdoor.

Cigare e smoking remains a source of igni on despite the ban of smoking in the workplace.
Employees and others s ll smoke outside workplaces, so that a smoldering but discarded near
flammable materials could start a fire.
Work equipment, electrical equipment and installa ons, including ven la on systems, should
be maintained to minimize their poten al as a source of igni on.

Reducing sources of fuel

Flammable substances should be removed, reduced or subs tuted in the workplace. Make sure
that flammable materials are handled, transported stored and used safely.
Refuse and waste should be removed promptly and regularly. Flammable waste should be
stored un l disposal in fire-resistant containers.

Fire detec on and warning

All organiza ons need a system that warns of danger as
soon as possible a er a fire starts. This gives the best
chance of escape. In small workplaces, verbal alert may
be enough - just shout, 'fire'. Larger workplaces need
an electrical detec on and alarm system. Automa c
detec on systems include heat, smoke and flammable
gas detectors.
Everyone in the workplace should know how to contact
the emergency services. Such a procedure should be in
the organiza on's emergency plan.

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Means of escape
If a fire occur, people need to get out of the
building as quickly as possible, without the risk of
injury or having to fight through smoke. In larger
workplaces several escape routes may need to
be provided. Where the means of escape has
been approved under the building regula ons the arrangements made in order to obtain the
approval should be adequate.

Two principles should be followed in designing the means of escape – increase the me
available for a person to escape from the fire and reduce the me taken by people to reach a
place of safety.

The methods for increasing the me available are compartmenta on, fire doors, smoke vents,
smoke curtains, and sprinkler systems.
Reducing the me to get to safety can be done by crea ng minimum travelling distances,
protected means of escape, early detec on and warning systems, fire ex nguishers to fight
small fires, adequate fire escape with outward opening doors, training staff, prac ce route of
escape and emergency ligh ng.

Consequences of fire
Human Harm
Fire has the poten al for major loss of life due to direct contact with heat and flame or from the
effects of smoke and toxic gases. The Dusseldorf airport fire in 1996 caused 17 deaths and 62
injuries.

Economic effects
Commercial losses from fire are substan al even though recent workplace injury and death has
been low. When fires do occur in the workplace the organiza on is usually so badly affected that
it does not resume business again. The Dusseldorf airport fire in 1996 caused approximately
€339 million worth of damage.

REASONS WHY FIRES SPREAD

Failure of early detec on
§ No detec on system or patrols.
§ No alarm system in place.
§ People not knowing or confusing the sound of an alarm.
§ Fire not promptly ex nguished due to lack of hoses or ex nguishers.
§ Fire star ng in unoccupied areas
§ Fire star ng during normal work hours
§ Building material wastes may be burnt as a normal rou ne and smoke and other signs of
fire may be seen as been usual

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Unit 3: Means of Fire Fighting

Once a fire has started, they should be enough portable fire-

figh ng equipment available to ex nguish the fire in its early
stages.

It is most important to note, however, that this equipment is not

provided for employees to fight a fire that has been burning for
some me. It is a ma er of judgment whether employees
should fight a fire with equipment.

The equipment has limits. Ask the advice of a fire officer on this.
In small workplaces one or two ex nguishers may be all that is
needed, but in larger workplaces more fire ex nguishers may
be needed in appropriate posi ons.

Other types of fire-figh ng equipment can be provided – for

example, fire hoss connected to the main water supply. Another example is the provision of fire
blankets for use on small fires involving clothing, cooking oil or fat. Some modern building may
have automa c fire figh ng systems such as sprinkler systems.

Fire ex nguishers
Since 1997, all new fire ex nguishers must have a red body and a colour-code label showing
their contents. Before 1997 the ex nguishers themselves were colour-coded. These may
con nue to be used un l they fail their annual inspec on: at this point, they must be replaced
with the newer type ex nguishers.

They are five types of portable fire ex nguishers. They are as follows:
§ Water – red label: this cools the fire by controlling the heat and the igni on source
§ Foam – cream label: this smothers the fire by controlling the oxygen supply.
§ Powder – blue label: this works in the same way as foam
§ Carbon dioxide – black label: this starves the fire of oxygen by replacing the oxygen with
carbon dioxide in the vicinity of the fire.
§ Wet chemical – yellow label: this puts a non-combus ble layer of soapy chemical between
the fuel and the oxygen.
Fires are classified as class A, B, C, D, or F. the class of fire determines the type of fire
ex nguishers that should be used.

CLASS A: fires involve solid materials, such as wood or paper that forms glowing embers. Use
water, foam or powder to put this fire out.

CLASS B: fire involves flammable liquids, such as paints, oil or fats. Use foam, carbon dioxide or
powder to deal with these fires

CLASS C: fires involve flammable gases, such as methane and butane and should be put out
using powder.

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CLASS D: fire involves combus ble metals, such as sodium, tanium or magnesium and should
not be dealt with using any of these ex nguishers. Only the fire service should deal with these
sorts of fire.

CLASS F: fire involves cooking fats and oils. Only special trained people using special wet
chemical ex nguishers should tackle such fires.
Where electrical equipment is involved in a fire, use powder or carbon dioxide.

Unit 4: Maintenance and testing

All fire safety measures and equipment, including fire

doors, escape routes, fire detec on and alarm systems,
emergency ligh ng and fire-figh ng equipment; need to
be kept in good working order. Managers and supervisors
should ensure that they are regular checks of the fire
doors and the routes and means of escape to make sure,
for example that the fire doors are closed and the escape
routes are not obstructed. The fire detec on system,
alarm system and emergency lights should be tested
weekly and serviced regularly and at least once a year.
Fire-figh ng equipment should be checked for damaged
and apparent working order every week and a competent
person must check and test the equipment for efficient
working order every 12 months. Any defect should be
repaired immediately.

Informa on, instruc on and training

All employees should know what to do in the event of a fire. The most basic informa on should
include:
§ The loca on of escape route from their workplace
§ Where the fire alarm system is
§ How to use the fire alarm system.

Fire ac on no ces help to give clear informa on about the fire precau ons in the workplace.
For example, instruc ons of what to do in the event of a fire and warning that li s escalators
and revolving doors are unsafe during a fire and must not be used as means of escape. These
no ces should also include where people should gather together outside the workplace when
it has been evacuated.

Employee training should take account of the fire risk assessment and it should outline the
contents and procedures in the emergency plan.
Training should include:
§ Iden fying the source of fuel and their igni on and their control
§ General fire precau ons

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§ Detec ng fires and raising the alarm

§ What to do in the event of fire
§ The loca on and routes of means of escape from the par cular workplace
§ The loca on and use of fire-figh ng equipment
§ Where flammable substances are stored or used, and the precau ons to be taken
§ How to evacuate members of the public
§ The arrangement for assis ng people with limited mobility or impaired vision or
hearing

Supervisors and safety representa ves should receive addi onal training, including the details
of the fire risk assessment and the emergency plan.
Fire drills can be used to test everyone's understanding of the emergency plan. A drill should be
arranged at least once a year.

Competent person
Employers must appoint competent persons to help with fire precau ons and emergencies. If
you are the manager, give responsibili es to some employees to carry out various du es in the
event of a fire, for instance, to supervise an assembly point and make sure that no one returns
to the building un l the official all-clear is given. Such employees must be given an appropriate
level of training.

The servicing and maintenance of fire detec on and alarm systems and fire-figh ng equipment
should be done by competent person such as fire alarm installers and insurance consultants.

Advice on means of escape can be obtained from the protec on officers and building control
officers. Fire protec on officers can be contacted at local fire service and building control
officers at your local council.

Unit 5: Emergency plans

An emergency plan contains the ac ons that

managers, supervisors, employees and others need
to take in the event of a fire.

The inten on of the plan is to ensure that everyone

knows what to do in the event of fire and can
escape safely. The emergency plan can be used to
respond to other emergencies such as:
§ Environmental/natural disasters – for example,
floods or chemical spills or leaks
§ Explosions
§ Medical emergencies – for example, a serious injury or fatality, epidemic, pandemic, or
poisoning
§ Major violence – for example, murder, suicide, kidnapping, hostage-taking, school-shoo ng,

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bomb threat.
§ Large assemblies – for example, strikes, riots and demonstra ons.

The rest of these sec on uses fire as the reason for evacua on but the plan could be used for
evacua on caused by any other emergency.

If there are more than five people in the workplace, there must be an emergency plan. The fire
risk assessment is most important in drawing up the emergency plan. It iden fies par cular
hazards and the risk that will need to be taken into account when drawing up the emergency
plan.

Scope
An emergency plan can range from a simple fire no ce in a small workplace, to a much more
detailed plan in large workplaces. The plan should include clear informa on about the
following topics:
§ Ac on to be taken in the event of fire
§ Informa on on the alarm system
§ Details of the means of escape
§ Assembly point outside the workplace
§ Availability and posi on in the building of fire-figh ng equipment
§ Du es and responsibili es of appointed employees in the event of fire
§ How the emergency services are to be contacted and who will do it
§ Procedures for dealing with the emergency services, once they
arrived at the workplace
§ Details of the hazards and risk in the workplace that might affect
the emergency service personnel in performing their du es, such
as the presence of flammable substances, gas cylinders and so on
§ Training arrangements for employees
§ The arrangements for people with addi onal needs, such as
those with impaired vision limited mobility or learning difficul es.

In large workplaces, drawings of the fire precau ons systems may

be helpful- for example, the loca on of the main electrical supply
switch and main gas shut-off valve, the escape routes, the posi on
of fire detec on and alarm systems, emergency ligh ng system and
fire-figh ng equipment.

Evacua ng disabled people

Some disabled people are at greater risk from fire if they cannot hear or see warning systems or
are unable to leave premises quickly. Their needs must be considered in all emergency plans
and special provision may be par cularly appropriate in workplaces where there is residen al
accommoda on, such as hotels, guesthouses, residen al homes and conference facili es. All
staff should be made aware of special evacua on procedures and these should be rehearsed
during fire drills.

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Informa on in braille may need to be made available to people with visual impairment about
the loca on of fire exits and evacua on procedures. Procedures should be arranged for aler ng
people with hearing impairment if alarms systems are audio only.

There are number of op ons that could be considered including flashing light on smoke
detectors and/or specialist alarms installed in rooms made available to people with hearing
impairment.

Auxiliary aids could also be available for emergencies such as wheelchairs. Where there are
steps and ramps they should have appropriately situated handrails.

Fire checklist
Regular checks should be made throughout the workplace to
make sure that all precau ons are being taken and equipment
provided can be used without risk to the people using them.

This work is most likely to involve supervisor, safety

representa ves, and specially trained staff.

1. Workplace
§ Are flammable substances stored, including gas cylinders?
§ Are they arrangement for the storage and disposable
of flammable waste?
§ Are they suitable arrangement for the disposable of smoking materials, if allowed anywhere
outside the building?
§ Are the fire instruc ons cleared and easily seen?
§ Is electrical equipment maintained in ways that help to prevent fire source?
§ Are they adequate controls on the use of hea ng appliances?

2. Fire drills
§ Carried out once every six months?
§ Do they take into account the number and different groups of people using the building?
§ Records kept?

3. Fire detectors
§ Is the fire detec on and alarm system checked regularly?
§ Does it allow people to escape to a safe place in me?
§ Is the electrical system provided with a back-up power supply?

4. Fire alarms
§ Tested once a week?
§ Can everyone in the workplace hear it? Is it also visual?
§ Maintenance and tes ng records kept?

5. Smoke detectors
§ Tested once a week?
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§ Maintenance and signed record kept?

6. Fire-figh ng equipment
§ Have you trained staff in the use of fire-figh ng equipment?
§ Checked monthly and tested by a competent person once a year?
§ Maintenance record kept?

7. Fire escape routes

§ Are there enough fire exits for the number of people in the workplace?
§ Fire doors, escape routes, emergency ligh ng and signs checked regularly?
§ Maintenance records kept?
§ Clear of obstruc ons?

8. Fire doors and exits

§ Clearly marked?
§ Easily opened in emergency?
§ Kept closed?

9. Training
Are employees given informa on, instruc on and training about?
· Fire risks and precau ons?
· What to do in the event of fire?
· Raising alarms?
· Contac ng the emergency services?
· Evacua on procedures
· Escape routes and assembly areas?
· Helping people with special needs?

10. Informa on for visitors

Are all visitors provided with informa on about what to do in the event of fire?
Is there informa on in braille available on request?
Is informa on translated into suitable other languages?

11. Checks before leaving the workplace unoccupied

Are doors and windows closed?
Is all electrical equipment switched off or unplugged?
Are all naked flames put out?
Are all flammable substances stored away safely?
Are smokers' materials safely put out?
12. File records
You need to keep a range of records, for example:
· A copy of the risk assessment
· A copy of the emergency plan
· Plans of the fire detec on and alarm system
· Plans of escape routes

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· Plans of the fire-figh ng equipment including automa c fire-figh ng systems and fire
ex nguisher loca on.
· Maintenance and tes ng records for the fire detec on and alarm system, emergency ligh ng,
automa c fire-figh ng equipment and fire ex nguishers.

Unit 6: System of Work

Systems of work combine people, equipment, materials and the environment to produce the
safest possible climate in which to work. In order to produce a safe system of work, it is essen al
to make an assessment of the area to determine where the hazards and risks arise and how best
to control them.

The requirement to carry out a risk assessment should address the following
§ Iden fy poten al fire hazards
§ Decide who may be in danger, and note their loca ons.
§ Evaluate the risks and carry out any necessary improvement measures
§ Record findings and ac on taken
§ Keep assessment under review.

In addi on to the risk assessment aimed out, other measures may include implemen ng the
following strategies:

1) A safe place
A safe place begins with ensuring that the fabric of the building is designed or planned in a way
that will prevent igni on, suppress fire spread and allow for safe, speedy unobstructed
evacua on with signs to direct people. Factors to consider will include compartmentaliza on,
fire resistant materials, proper and suitable means of storage, means of detec on, means of
raising the alarm, good housekeeping and regular monitoring and review.

2) Safe person
A safe person begins with raising awareness to individuals of any risk of loss resul ng from
outbreak of fire. Informa on can be provided that will iden fy where to raise the alarm, what
the alarm sounds like, how to evacuate and where to muster (assemble), responsibility for
signing in and out of the site register, fire drill procedures, trained authorized fire appointed
persons, use and storage of flammable materials, good housekeeping and use of equipment
producing heat or Igni on (Including hot processes i.e. welding).

3) Safe materials
Safe materials begin with providing informa on and ensuring safe segrega on and storage for
materials and sources of igni on/heat. In addi on, this will involve providing informa on on the
correct way to handle materials and substances and details of methods of tackling a fire
involving hazardous substances.

4) Safe equipment
Safe equipment begins with user informa on and maintenance to ensure good working and
efficient order. Informa on should also provide the user with a safe method for use, limita ons
and risks of the equipment. Supervision may be necessary to ensure correct use and prevent
misuse that may lead to short circui ng or overhea ng that could result in fire. Where work

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involves hot processes by nature (welding. grinding, cas ng. etc.), then permit-to-work
procedures may be necessary in order to ghtly control the opera ons.

Other equipment required in rela on to fire hazards and control may include smoke or heat
detec on equipment, alarm sounders/bells, alarm call points and appropriate fire
ex nguishing apparatus. It should be noted that in the event of a fire alarm, all the passenger
li s should not be used, under normal circumstances the li will drop to the ground floor and
remain in that posi on with the doors locked in the open posi on. All equipment should be
regularly tested to ensure its conformity and be accompanied with a suitable cer ficate of
validity.

Safe systems must also include considera on of who is at risk, including persons with special
needs such as the young, elderly, infirmed or disabled. There may be a requirement to prevent
smoking in the workplace or employ appointed persons to take control of the situa on and co-
ordinate emergency responses in the event of an alarm.

If the building relies solely on internal ar ficial ligh ng, then the requirement to install
emergency back-up ligh ng will be needed. All systems must be regularly monitored in order to
reflect changes to the environment and put remedies in place to ensure full preparedness in the
event of a fire.

EMERGENCY LIGHTING
Emergency ligh ng should be considered if escape is
likely to be required in dark condi ons. This could
mean late a ernoons in winter mes, not just at
night mes.

ASSEMBLY POINTS
The assembly point is a place of safety where people
affected by the fire wait whilst any incident is
inves gated, and where confirma on can be made
that all persons have evacuated the premises.

The main factors to consider are:

§ Safe distance from building.
§ Sited in a safe posi on.
§ Not sited in a way that people will be in the way of the Fire Service / fire figh ng team.
§ Must be able to walk away from assembly point and back to a public road
§ Clearly signed
§ More than one provided to suit numbers and groups of people. Communica ons should
be provided between assembly points. Measures should be provided to decide if
evacua on is successful.
§ Someone must be in charge of assembly points and iden fied Persons must meet / brief
the Fire Service / fire figh ng team clearly.

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Legal requirements
The management of Health and Safety Regula on 1999, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)
Order 2005 and the fire (Scotland) Act 2005 require employers to carry out a fire risk
assessment; iden fy the significant findings of the risk assessment; provide and maintained fire
precau ons to safeguard those who use the workplace; and provide informa on, instruc on
and training to employees about the fire precau ons in the workplace.

Employers must also nominate people to undertake special roles required under the
emergency plan; consult employees about the nomina on of people to carry out those roles
and about proposals for improving the fire precau ons;

Inform other employers who also have workplaces in the building and establish a suitable
means of contac ng the emergency services. Some workplaces might need to apply for a
license or other form of approval before using the workplace.

Fire precau ons legisla ons deals with general fire precau ons including the means of
detec on and giving warning in cases of fire; the provision of means of escape; means of fire-
figh ng and training of staff in fire safety.

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 Revision Question

Do the following qiuz to evaluate your performance of study and review with your course
tutor.
Good star ng for you:-)

1.What are the 3 components that makes up fire and how do you control each of them?

2.List three (3) factors that will reduce the risk of fire

3, List 4 types of portable fire ex nguishers you know

3.What are the process of conduc ng fire risk assessment?

5. What are the common causes of fire at workplace and their control?

6. What are the factors you must include in the fire checklist?

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