Fire safety Flashcards
what is fire
- chemical reaction producing smoke, heat, flames
- produces dangerous and toxic gases which can be fatal
- causes confusion
- damages property
- causes injury or death
what 3 elements are needed to make fire
- oxygen
- fuel
- heat
what are 2 common causes of fire in NHS
- arson
- electrical
what procedures are in place to reduce risk of electrical fire in NHS
- all organisations have portable appliance test (PAT)
- turn off electrical equipment not in use
- report faulty equipment to appropriate helpdesk
- follow local procedure for use of extension cable
- ensure that electrical charging devices are in good condition
how can risk of arson be reduced in NHS
- dont overfill waste baskets/make sure they’re emptied
- keep store cupboards tidy and their door shut at all times when not in use
- be vigilant
an oxygen-enriched atmosphere will cause fires to burn faster and more aggressively
what is the regulatory reform order 2005
states that all organisations should :
- carry out regular and timely fire risk assessments
- ensure that their staff know the location of fire equipment, fire exits and evacuation protocol
- ensure that their staff are aware of fire safety procedure
- record any significant findings in the fire risk assessment
what are some protective measures used to reduce risk of fire
- fire doors (provide 30mins of protection) (kept shut always)
- fire alarm (continuous alarm = activated in ur immediate area) (intermittent alarm = activated somewhere in ur building)
- fire signage
- emergency escape lighting
- fire-fighting equipment
- evacuation procedures
what are the 5 different types of fire extinguisher
- co2
- dry powder
- wet chemical
- water
- foam fire extinguisher
when should you use a fire blanket
- small electrical appliance fires
- if someones clothing is on fire
which types of extinguishers are used for what type of fires
co2 - electrical fires
foam - flammable liquid and non-electrical fire
wet chemical - deep fat cooking fires and food-processing plants
water - fires involving solid materials NOT on electrical
dry powder extinguishers - small fires and electrical but not sensitive electrics e.g computers
what are the 5 steps in event of fire
- if fire/smoke seen, raise alarm, shout fire or fire alarm call
- start evacuation, closing doors and windows
- ensure fire brigade is called using 999
- fight the fire if trained or safe to do
- direct fire brigade on arrival
what are the 3 ways to extinguish a fire
- cool it (water)
- smother it (co2 extinguisher or blanket)
- starve it (remove fuel and making fire break)
3 steps if fire alarm at work heard
- follow organisations evacuation plan and procedure
- ensure patient safety
- general principles e.g no lift use, dont collect personal belongings
what are some staff responsibilities in relation to fire?
- comply with smoke-free policy
- keep fire doors closed
-know what number to call - dont use lifts etc
- report any failings relating to fire safety