Fire Safety Introduction

1. Fire Safety Induction

2. Overview
We will look at
• Legal requirements
• Understanding fire
• Fire hazards and risks
• Fire prevention and control
• Fire extinguisher safety
• Fire procedures

3. Legal Requirements
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that;
• Fire risks are identified and controlled
• A Fire Risk Assessment is completed and reviewed regularly
or if work areas change
• Findings are implemented, so far as is reasonably
practicable

4. Understanding Fire
Fire needs 3 things to exist
• Fuel
• Oxygen
• Heat
“The Fire Triangle”

5. Understanding Fire
Fuel
• Chemicals - acetone, ether, methanol, etc
• Gases - hydrogen, natural gas
• Plastics - PCs, cable insulation, research equipment
• Paper and cardboard - packaging
• Wood - desks, benches
• Fabrics - chairs, blinds, clothing
• You…

6. Understanding Fire
Oxygen
• A natural component of air @ 21%
• Enriched atmospheres, > 21% oxygen
 labs, oxygen storage
• Situations where oxygen / air is more difficult to control:
 Outdoors
 Automatic ventilation systems
 Open doors or windows

7. Understanding Fire
Heat (Ignition Source)
• Heating appliances
• Research and computer equipment
• Other electrical equipment
• Smoking materials
• Contractor’s equipment
• Arson

8. Understanding Fire
Hazards and risks of fire
• Smoke & fumes
 Breathing difficulties, asphyxiation, poisoning
• Heat & flames - up to 1250°C
 Burns
• Building debris
 Impact injuries, burns
• Injury while escaping fire
 Trips, falls, trampling

9. Fire Prevention
• Be fire safety aware
• Control ignition sources
• Prevent any accumulation of fuels
• Only use electrical equipment that is
PAT tested
• Abide by the University no smoking policy

10. Fire Prevention
• Do not block fire exits, call points or extinguishers
• Do not wedge fire doors open
• Ensure good housekeeping
• Maintain effective security
• Report any bad practice or risks immediately to your line
manager

11. Fire Prevention
Fire alarm testing
• Is a legal requirement
• Alarm will sound for 15 seconds.
• No need to take action during a test, however if the alarm
sounds for greater than 15 seconds, or at any other time than
the arranged testing,
you must treat as genuine alarm and immediately evacuate

12. Fire Procedure - Finding a Fire
If you discover a fire
• Shout ‘FIRE’.
• Raise the alarm by breaking the glass on a RED fire alarm call
point.
• Call Security on 112233. Security officers / the Security control
will call 999 on your behalf but you can always call the Brigade
directly if you know there is a fire.
• Do not return to your desk/work area to collect personal
belongings
• Leave the building by the nearest available fire escape route.
• Go to the assembly area and await instruction.

13. Fire Extinguisher Types
Water Paper, wood, etc.
Not electrical, liquids or gases
FoamFoam Solids & liquids
Not electrical or gases
Powder Solids, liquids, gases &
electrical
CO2 Electrical, safe on most small fires

14. On hearing the alarm
• Call Security on 112233 to advise of the fire alarm – do not assume
someone else has done it.
• Leave the building by the nearest available fire escape route.
• DO NOT delay your escape but if you can turn off equipment/close
doors and windows as you leave then do so.
• Go to the assembly area and await instruction
Fire Procedure - Evacuation

15. • Do not delay to collect belongings
• Do not use the lifts
• If smoke is present then keep low to the floor to add
your escape
• If necessary check that internal doors are cool with the
back of your hand before opening them
Fire Procedure - Evacuation

16. Fire Procedure - Evacuation
Electrically locked security doors
• Lock will auto release when the alarm activates, just push the
door open
• Break glass release button only if door does not unlock
• If you break glass notify the Porters or the
Buildings Manager for replacement

17. People with disabilities
• Need to be assisted by volunteers or
nominated personnel, detail will be available in
their Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans
(PEEP’s)
• For special events ensure that disabled
persons have been taken into account and an
evacuation plan is in place
Fire Procedure - Evacuation

18. Fire Procedure - Evacuation
On exiting the building
• Report to designated
assembly point promptly
• Don’t block any Emergency Services route
to the building

19. On exiting the building
• Report any missing colleagues to your Fire Warden
• Report any disabled persons left at Refuge Points
• Remain at assembly point until advised otherwise
• Do not wander off as it may be assumed that you
are trapped in the building
Fire Procedure - Evacuation

20. On Your Return to Your Workplace Today
Ensure that you know;
• The escape routes
• Final exit doors and how to open them
• Location and types of fire fighting equipment
• Locations of call points
• Any specific fire procedures including the assembly points
• Who your fire wardens are
• Who to report to with any defects or bad practices

21. Examples of defects to report
• Covered smoke detectors
• Fire doors damaged or not closing properly
• Broken/damaged lighting, especially emergency lighting
• Missing or damaged fire extinguishers
• Service riser covers open.
• Accumulation of rubbish and clutter excessive paper in offices
etc.
• Obstructed corridors.

22. Summary
As a member of staff at the University you have a responsibility
for fire safety. Make sure you know:
• What the fire alarm sound like in your building
• The Escape routes within your building
• If you discover a fire, how to raise the alarm
• What to do if you hear the fire alarm
• Who to call if a fire starts
• How to open final exit doors
• Why is it important to go to the assembly area?
• Why fire doors should remain closed at all times?
• Why are fire extinguishers provided?

23. Thank You!
Any Questions?