1.1 RISK ASSESSMENTS AFTER FIRES - FIRE MODULE

Question 1

How to make a risk assessment? 5 steps

Answer 1

1. Look for hazards - what might cause harm?
2. Think about who might be harmed & how?
3. Evaluate risk, what is the chance or likelihood of injury? Are the measures in place sufficient?
4. Record findings
5. Review & revise as work progresses

Question 2

Give examples of hazards after a fire? (5)

Answer 2

1. Unstable building or parts of building
2. Missing floor sections
3. Wet or damaged electrics
4. Particles of smoke in the indoor air
5. Poor light

Question 3

Can we tell if there is toxicity in fire residues?

Answer 3

• No, we are usually unsure of the chemicals are harmful to our health.
• All fire residues are a chemical mix of largely unknown components

Question 4

How can you reduce airborne contamination?

Answer 4

1. Drawing air through filters (air scrubbers)
2. Air washing - using a thermal fog which will combine with the tiny particles & deposit them on the floor
3. Ventilation to exterior - be cautious not to create hazard for others

Question 5

How do you decontaminate loose dry soot to reduce hazardous exposure?

Answer 5

• Vacuum cleaner, preferably HEPA filtered machine
• Shadow vacuuming

Question 6

What is shadow vacuuming?

Answer 6

Place nozzle of vacuum cleaner as close to the source of the residue as possible collecting particles as they become airborne.