2. What you will learn in this session 1.The characteristics of fire, smoke and toxic fumes 2.Fire hazards involved in the working environment 3.Significant findings of relevant fire risk assessments 4.Fire prevention 5.Action to take if fire breaks out or smoke is detected 6.Evacuation procedures and escape routes  You will also be expected to take part in practical training sessions

3. In 2007…….  1,579 fires in hospitals  3 deaths  64 serious injuries Why is this so important?

4. What is fire?  A chemical reaction producing smoke, heat and flames  Can produce toxic fumes  Will cause disorientation  Will damage property  May cause injury or death

5. Triangle of Combustion

6. Fire hazards  Smoking  Flammable liquids, gases and chemicals  Medical oxygen  Electrical items  Clutter  Arson

7. Smoking  Adhere to your Trust’s Smoking Policy  If smoking is permitted:  Use smoking areas  Use ashtrays and empty into metal bins  Take care that discarded smoking materials are extinguished.

8. Flammable liquids, gases & chemicals  Everyday cleaning products  Chemicals and gases  C.O.S.H.H.  Flammables should be clearly labelled and stored securely away from heat  Take care with gas cylinders

9. Medical oxygen  Makes fire WORSE  Always report leaks  Be familiar with how oxygen is supplied and managed  Know how to turn off cylinders or fixed oxygen supply  Store cylinders properly in designated storage areas  Don’t smoke near oxygen!

10. Electrical equipment  Can be a FIRE HAZARD if in bad condition or used wrongly  Make sure equipment is tested  Look for signs of damage, overheating or not working properly.  If in any doubt, SWITCH OFF, REPORT AND LABEL  Let others know about the fault

11. Clutter  Acts as fuel for fire  Blocks exits  Increases risk of trips and falls  Disrupts access for fire fighters

12. Arson  Health care premises are an easy target  Most likely cause of fire in NHS  Be on your guard  Dial (insert specific number)  Consider contacting the police

13. Risk assessment Introduce your organisations own Fire Safety Policy and Risk Assessment. Ensure participants are familiar with the location of fire equipment, fire exits and the evacuation protocol for their working area.

14. Protective measures  Structural fire separation  Fire doors  Fire alarms  Fire signage  Emergency lighting  Fire fighting equipment  Evacuation procedures  Refuges

15. Actions in the event of fire  Raise the alarm  Tackle the fire only if safe to do so  Evacuate patients to a safe area  Close doors and windows, if safe  Await further information from attending fire team

16. Local knowledge  Where are the escape routes?  Where is the safe refuge?  How will the patients be moved?  What are the security arrangements?  Where are the fire alarm call points?  The type of alarm signal?  When are alarm test days?

17. Don’t forget about…  Disabled colleagues  Patients and visitors  Alternative ways out  Switching equipment off if necessary and safe  Closing windows and doors

18. Remember to…  Report hazards  Raise the alarm  Know your means of escape  Ensure personal safety

19. THANK YOU Any Questions?