Fire Safety Essentials for Departmental Safety Coordinators Fire Officers

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Fire Safety Essentials for Departmental Safety
Coordinators/ Fire Officers

• What you need to know

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City University London 2001
Fire can have major consequences we all need
to be aware of the risks in our workplace.
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About this presentation

• The aim of this presentation is to provide you
  with basic fire safety information to enable you
  to fulfil your role as Departmental Safety
  Coordinator and/or Fire Officer. Following the
  guidelines will ensure that the risk of fire and
  any subsequent damage to property and injury to
  staff and students is kept to as low a level as
  possible.

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About this presentation

• The key issues that will be covered are
  Who is responsible for fire
  safety?
• Basic Fire prevention methods
• Fire detection and fire fighting
• Means of escape
• Relevant management systems
• Fire safety and disabled people
• Relevant fire safety documentation

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Who is responsible for fire safety?

• The University Safety Policy states - The
  Head or manager of each Department/School or
  other unit is responsible for ensuring fire
  safety
• They will be assisted by a nominated Fire Officer
  and Deputy from within the department/School
  (this could be the Departmental Safety
  Coordinator)
• The Director of Facilities Management is
  responsible for fire safety requirements
  associated with the building and services, e.g.
  fire detection systems, fire extinguishers, etc

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Key fire personnel and duties

• Depending on the size and activities carried out
  in your department one or all of the following
  will be involved in fire safety
• The Fire Officer (will be responsible for
  coordinating fire alarm tests, evacuation drills,
  liaison with fire authority, etc.)
• The Building manager (likely to be involved in
  fire alarm testing and in ensuring a call is made
  to the fire authority)
• Fire wardens (some buildings may have additional
  staff acting as fire wardens). Their job is to
  ensure the building is cleared of people in an
  emergency and to report to the assembly point and
  pass on relevant information to the Fire Officer.

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What about individual responsibilities?

• Apart from being the Departmental Safety
  coordinator/Fire Officer, you as an employee have
  legal duties which cover fire safety,
  i.e.
• You must look after yourself and others who may
  be affected by your acts or omissions
• You must cooperate with your employer so that
  they can meet their legal duties
• You must not interfere with or misuse anything
  provided for your safety
• You must report any defects or failures in the
  safety arrangements in your area

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What does that mean in practice?

• You are, for example, failing to comply with both
  the law and University policy if you
• Wedge open fire doors
• Smoke at your workplace
• Fail to report damaged fire equipment
• Misuse fire extinguishers, e.g. by using them as
  door wedges
• Block fire exits and routes with equipment or
  machinery
• Remain in your workplace when the fire alarm
  sounds (excluding weekly fire alarm tests)

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Fire Prevention

• Key issues

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Fire risk assessment

• Risk assessment of any project or process should
  include fire risk assessment.
• Every DSC should complete Departmental fire
  risk assessment significant findings sent with
  SC71, and update if necessary.

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Maintaining compartmentation

• Fire doors must be kept closed fire
  extinguishers are not door wedges!
• Office doors on dead end corridors must be kept
  closed
• Where possible, and before leaving the building,
  close windows/doors if alarm sounds
• NB significant changes to rooms should not be
  made without consultation with Facilities
  Management

Not acceptable!
Report damage to walls, ceilings and doors
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Fire doors

• Some fire doors are held open by a magnetic
  détente (see picture opposite). If the fire
  alarm system is activated the doors will
  automatically close. As with all fire doors, it
  is important that these are not blocked. The
  doors should be checked as part of the fire drill
  to ensure they close once the alarm is sounded.
  Ask people to report any problems to you.

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Keeping routes clear - inside

• Fire exits must be kept clear at all times.
  Equipment and combustible materials should not be
  stored on escape routes.
  NB some items of electrical equipment are
  allowed if additional precautions are taken (e.g.
  they do not cause an obstruction, they are fitted
  with RCD protection, and alternative exits are
  available)

Not acceptable!
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General housekeeping

• Do not allow unnecessary paper or other
  combustible material to accumulate in the
  workplace
• Waste bins must be emptied on a regular basis
• Recyclable materials should be removed from the
  workplace regularly

Not acceptable!
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Preventing arson

• Encourage staff to secure their rooms when
  leaving
• Dont let external waste bins become overfilled
  making lids difficult to close. Do not let waste
  accumulate on floors around the bins. Keep lids
  to waste bins and waste bin compound gates closed
  (preferably locked)
• Encourage staff to close windows when workplaces
  are not occupied (especially if on the ground
  floor).

Not acceptable!
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Electrical safety

• Portable electrical equipment checks must be
  carried out at regular intervals (varies from 1
  to 5 years)
• Visual checks of equipment should be carried out
  on a regular basis
• Ensure electrical items are switched off when not
  in use
• Inform staff not to carry out your electrical
  repairs unless they are competent to do so!
• Do not trail electrical cables under carpets,
  rugs, etc

Not acceptable!
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Smoking policy

• The University is a no smoking area (with very
  limited exceptions). Encourage staff to only
  smoke outside of buildings and away
  from the main entrances.

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Flammable liquid control

• The amount of flammable liquids in a workplace
  must be kept to a minimum. This should never
  exceed 50 litres. Dedicated solvent stores must
  be used for larger amounts.
• Fire resisting bins must be used for containers
  of gt 500ml

Good storage in fire resistant cupboards
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Flammable gas control

• Where possible, flammable gases should not be
  kept indoors but rather piped in from outside
• If this is not possible, then they should be kept
  in a fire resistant compartment vented to outside
• If only used for short periods they should be
  returned to a designated area after use
• They should never be stored on a means of escape
• Spare cylinders should be kept in a dedicated
  storage area

Acceptable for short term use return to
designated storage area on completion
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Damaged furniture

• Damaged furniture, e.g. when foam begins to show,
  should be removed from the workplace

Not acceptable!
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Methods of heating rooms

• LPG heaters and old electric bar fires should be
  avoided in the workplace
• Fan heaters should not be used in laboratory
  areas containing flammable liquids. If temporary
  heating is required, portable radiators or
  convector heaters (see opposite) should be used.
• Combustible items should not be placed near or on
  heating equipment, particularly ceramic/quartz
  space heaters

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Avoid unnecessary flames
Naked flames , e.g. Bunsen burners, are only
permitted if absolutely essential to the work.
Dont allow candles to be brought into the
workplace - A small candle can cause considerable
damage!
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Fire detection and fire fighting
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Means of detecting fire

• Most buildings are fitted with an automatic
  detection system. The main control panel and
  detector heads are regularly checked and
  maintained by Facilities Management.
• Any maintenance work carried out is recorded in
  the Fire Precautions log book, kept near the main
  alarm panel in a brown wooden box.

Alarm panel and fire precautions box
Detector head no obstructions
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What to do if you detect a fire

• Fire action notices are located at various points
  in your building. These tell staff what to do if
  you detect a fire, i.e.
• Verbally raise the alarm
• Activate the alarm via the nearest call point
• Call the fire brigade (2222) and give location
  details
• Without putting yourself at risk, close windows,
  switch off equipment, gas supplies, etc before
  leaving the building

Fire action notice giving fire instructions and
assembly point
999 has to be used in limited areas outside the
Precinct
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Emergency telephone number

• Everybody should be aware of the emergency
  telephone number(s) needed to contact the
  emergency services. In addition to informing
  staff, check to see if telephones in your area
  have the red emergency sticker attached (it will
  be useful for people who visit your area but are
  unfamiliar with the number).

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Means of detecting fire

• Remember the best fire detector is YOU!
• Be aware of what processes and activities take
  place in your area and always be prepared to use
  the alarm call points if you find a fire

Call point with plastic protective cover
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Fire detection

• Check any ceiling detectors in your area to
  ensure they are not accidentally obstructed or
  covered.
• Pay particular care after contractors have been
  in the area. Detector heads may have been
  temporarily covered with plastic caps (see
  photograph opposite) and not removed at the end
  of the work.

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Fire detection

• Also ensure that someone has not deliberately
  covered detector heads to allow them to carry out
  unauthorised activities. In the case opposite,
  the person concerned was fined 200!

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Fire extinguishers and their use

• Fire extinguishers are available at various
  locations throughout your building. Staff should
  be familiar with the location and basic
  operations. More detailed training in their use
  should be provided to those who have been given a
  more active role in fire fighting.
• NB - The main priority must always be to evacuate
  the building and not to fight fires.

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Using the correct extinguisher

• NB newly fitted extinguishers are now mostly
  red in colour with only a different coloured band
  around its neck indicating its contents. Above
  each extinguisher there should be a sign that
  indicates what each fire extinguisher contains
  and what it can be used on (see photograph
  opposite).

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Maintaining fire equipment

• Each fire extinguisher, fire hose reel and fire
  blanket, should have a service record label
  attached to it showing its maintenance record
  (see photograph opposite). No fire fighting
  equipment should be used if this is not up to
  date.

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Fire escape

• What to do if the
• alarm sounds

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Fire action notices

• Fire action notices in your building detail what
  needs to be done if the alarm sounds, i.e.
• Evacuate the building by the quickest route
• Do not attempt to collect personal belongings
• If possible close windows and doors on the way
  out
• Go straight to the assembly point and, if
  required, report any fire issues to the fire
  officer (they will be wearing a fluorescent
  armband)

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Recognising the alarm

• In most areas, once the detection system is
  activated a distinctive and continuous bell or
  sounder will operate. Use the weekly test to
  ensure that you can hear the bell from your
  working area.
• NB in some areas where it is difficult to hear
  the bell (or where the hard or hearing may work),
  flashing lights may also have been added. Ensure
  that these are visible from the working position
  and that they are kept clear of obstructions.

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Fire alarm tests

• The fire alarm system is checked weekly. Make
  sure staff are aware of the date and time of the
  test so that they do not confuse this test with a
  real situation. Ask staff to report to you any
  alarm bell that does not sound or any areas where
  the bell cannot be heard.

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Emergency lighting

• Where applicable, certain areas will be fitted
  with emergency lighting. If the main power fails
  and the main lights are affected, then the
  emergency lights will switch on.
• Emergency lights should be checked regularly (as
  part of weekly cycle of tests) if the area had
  been fitted with test switches.
• Ask staff to be aware of and report any areas
  they feel do not have enough lighting for escape
  purposes.

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Familiarise yourself with the escape routes

• Make sure staff know the alternative routes from
  your building they should not assume that the
  route they normally use to go in and out of the
  building will be available.
• Staff should be encouraged to report to you any
  obstructions on the escape routes.

Not acceptable!
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Familiarise yourself with the escape routes

• Final exit doors can come in a variety of types.
  Staff should be familiar with the door types in
  their building. Examples of what you might find
  on final door exits are shown on the following
  slides.

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Familiarise yourself with the escape routes

• Some final exit doors may have push button
  systems to open the door. These should
  automatically release if the alarm is sounded. If
  the door does not release, use the emergency
  break glass release to open the door and report
  the fault to the fire officer at the assembly
  point.
• The emergency release mechanism should be tested
  as part of the weekly rota of testing.

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Escape from buildings

• Staff should never use a lift to evacuate a
  building. This is because
• they may fail
• they may take you to the fire
• NB some buildings have been fitted with
  specially designed lifts for disabled persons.
  Staff should only use these lifts if they are
  disabled or are assisting a disabled person out
  of the building

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Assembly points

• Staff should know the assembly points for your
  building. If in doubt, it will be written on the
  fire action notices in your building.
• If the alarm sounds and staff have to evacuate,
  they should go directly to the assembly point.
  They should not just congregate outside of the
  building as this may hamper any emergency
  services that have to enter the building.

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What if someone is in.?

• A CL3 laboratory
• An operating theatre
• A confined space
• The middle of a delicate procedure
• REMEMBER Staff are expected to get out within
  2.5 minutes. They should be able to stop what you
  are doing, make it safe and then leave within
  this time

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Evacuation drills

• Evacuation drills should be carried out at least
  once a year in every building. Staff should not
  be told when this will happen. They should treat
  any extended sounding of the alarm as a real fire
  and evacuate accordingly.
• NB certain routes should occasionally be
  blocked off by signs (see opposite) as part of
  the test. Staff will then be expected to find an
  alternative route to exit the building.

NB evacuation applies to everyone!
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Know your fire signs

• Blue circular signs provide information that is
  mandatory. Staff must follow the safety
  guidance provided. These will normally be found
  on fire doors, final exits, etc.
• Worn or faded signs should be replaced contact
  Facilities management.

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Know your fire signs

• Green signs, provide important information.
  Directional running man and fire exit signs are
  examples of these.
• Again old or damaged signs should be replaced.

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Know your fire signs

• Red coloured signs will indicate important fire
  safety information. These are normally found near
  fire extinguishers, hose reels, dry risers, call
  points, etc.
• Old/damaged signs should be replaced

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Relevant management systems
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Day to day awareness

• Everybody is responsible for reporting any
  failings or defects in the current fire safety
  arrangements. Facilities Management operate a
  telephone response desk that should be used for
  reporting any maintenance issues, e.g. damage to
  fire doors, missing signage or extinguishers,
  damage to walkways along escape routes, etc. All
  staff should be aware of this system.

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Six monthly inspections

• Each DSC should carry out at least two safety
  inspections a year fire safety issues can be
  picked up during these inspections and then
  reported back to the relevant persons, e.g.
  misuse of fire extinguishers, blocked fire exits,
  evidence of smoking in offices, etc.

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Permits

• Any hazardous experiments that have to run
  overnight will require an overnight permit to
  work. If staff intend to carry out overnight work
  where there is a risk of fire, they need to refer
  to and follow the guidance in SCR14.
• If they intend to carry out hot work at any time
  of the day/night outside of a normal metalworking
  workshop, then a hot work permit will be required
  (see safety circular SCR01)

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Out of hours working

• Most buildings should run a working out of
  hours book. These should normally be kept near
  the main entrance to the building. If staff work
  outside of normal working hours then they must
  complete the book stating the start and finish
  time of the period spent in your workplace.

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Disabled people
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Personal Emergency evacuation plans (PEEP)

• An individual PEEP needs to be devised for each
  disabled person (the Head of Dept is responsible
  for ensuring completion)
• Disabled person covers permanent and temporary
  disabilities
• These need to be discussed with the person
  concerned before finalising
• A University Code of practice exists which
  provides further guidance

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Personal Emergency evacuation plans (PEEP)

• The PEEP may involve the use of one of all of the
  following -refuges
• -evac chairs -assistance -restrictions
• -special lifts
• NB - The use of evac chairs will require a
  cohort of staff to be trained in its use.

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Fire Safety documentation

• University documents

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Important fire safety documentation

• As Departmental Safety Coordinator/Fire Officer,
  you should be aware of and have an understanding
  of the following documents
• Safety circular SC03 Fire Safety management
• Safety circular SC20 Fire drills
• Safety circular SC31 Smoking policy
• Safety circular SCR14 Overnight experiments
• Safety circular SC05 Electrical checks
• All available from www.liv.ac.uk/safety

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Summary

• Get to know your building find out your escape
  routes and the quickest way out of the building
• Look at the fire action notices in your area
  find out what to do if the alarm sounds, what to
  do if you find a fire and where to assemble
• Be fire responsible dont do anything that
  could put yourself and others at risk and report
  any defects in the fire arrangements

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Summary continued.

• Carry out regular fire checks Weekly
  1. Test the call points 2. Test
  emergency lighting where possible 3. Test
  green boxes on electronically
  locked doors

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Summary continued.

• Carry out regular fire checks Six-mon
  thly Check fire doors close
  properly Check fire exit doors open
  easily Check that exit routes are
  clear Check flammables are stored
  safely Check that general housekeeping is to a
  good standard Check that the fire risk
  assessment is still applicable Check that the
  fire precautions log book entries are complete

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Summary continued.

• Carry out regular fire checks Daily
  Obvious faults should be reported
  immediately to the Response desk.

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Summary continued

• If you have any further questions about fire
  safety in your area there are a number of people
  you can speak to
• Departmental Fire Officer/Safety Coordinator
• Safety Officer (Facilities Management)
• Safety Advisers Office

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Thank you for your time.

• Now go to the quiz to test your knowledge.