visit www.communities.gov.uk for information) What law applies? Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (came into force 1 October 2006 - visit www.communities.gov.uk for information)

At the end of the Lesson you should be able to; Describe the 3 essential factors that need to be present to cause a fire Explain the hazards that cause fire to spread Know the key actions to prevent/avoid fires in the workplace......and......

Fire and explosion Do you know how to prevent fire or explosion? Each year many people suffer burns caused by the flammable materials they work with. The wide variety of flammable substances found in the workplace ranges from the obvious, eg heating fuel, petrol, paint thinners and welding gases to the less obvious, eg packaging materials, dusts from wood, flour and sugar. For a fire to start, fuel, air and a source of ignition are needed. Controlling these can prevent fires. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA5V78NC1mM

Fire Three essential factors Fuel: any combustible material a) liquid b) solid c) gas

Fire Three essential factors Heat: any means of raising the temperature of substance to its ignition temperature Oxygen: always present in the air Fuel: Anything will burn…….. (Remember, many highly flammable materials have low flash points and can be easily ignited)

Fire hazards Fire can be spread in four ways: conduction – heat transmission along any conductive substance convection – heat rising and carrying hot particles elsewhere

Fire hazards Prevention is better than control radiation – direct transfer of heat from the source of the fire to nearby combustible materials direct burning – actual spread of fire to other combustible materials Prevention is better than control

convection radiation conduction

Fire prevention Remove the fuel: tidiness and safe storage isolate when not in use Remove the heat: keep hot tools, etc., away from anything flammable

Fire prevention Exclude or reduce the oxygen: select fire-fighting equipment that will smother the fire turn off and if possible remove oxygen cylinders, etc. Be prepared: fire-fighting equipment trained staff

Site fires Unsupervised fires are prohibited All fires must be extinguished before work ends Keep fires away from other flammables No lighting fires with flammable liquids

Fires Other hazards: End of the day: is everything turned off? smoking in high risk areas security – children and other trespassers cutting or welding – trained and competent operators propane or butane – outdoors with fixed pipework no refilling oil heaters when alight End of the day: is everything turned off?

Extinguishers Water Red body Suitable for use on Class A Fires, wood and paper etc. Not suitable for combustible liquids, cooking fats etc. Not safe to use on fires involving electricity; Extinguishes by cooling Dry Powder Blue body (Old type) or Red body with blue label. Best on Class B fires but safe to use on any type of fire. Works by chemically interfering with the combustion reaction Foam Cream body (Old type) or Red Body with Cream label. Suitable for Class A and B Fires. Not suitable for use on fires involving electricity; Extinguishes by cooling and sealing the surface of a burning liquid Carbon dioxide [CO2] Black body (Old type) or red body with black label (New type). Best on Class B and C fires but safe to use on any type of fire; Safe to use on fires involving electricity; Extinguishes by reducing oxygen levels and cooling.

Use of water Never use hose reels, water extinguishers or any other means of extinguishing with water on: live electrical apparatus fires involving fats, oils, paints, etc. metal fires Risk of electrocution or explosion

Fire blankets Used for small, contained fires involving fats or oils. To use: switch off gas or electricity wrap corners of blanket around hands, hold at chest level and gently place over the fire

Fire blankets do not throw blanket – it may miss or cause the fire to spill do not remove the blanket until the area has cooled

Training All staff trained to: select correct fire fighting equipment use equipment safely Buildings with a Fire Certificate: training is a requirement

Training Staff training should include: recognising evacuation signal timing of tests who will be in charge location of fire exits location of assembly points what to do once there

Training Sources of training (procedures): in-house a)site induction b) refresher Sources of training (fire-fighting): Fire Brigade extinguisher companies Physical strength can be a factor for users of fire extinguishers

Fire alarms Weekly testing: Fire drills: from different call points Fire Brigade informed Fire drills: at least every 6 months evacuation procedures arrangements for visitors

In case of fire, no matter how small If trained: fight the fire with the extinguishers provided but do not put yourself in danger keep between the fire and the way out, so that you can get out safely Leave the building Report to assembly point Roll call

In case of fire, no matter how small Raise the alarm Call the Fire Brigade Close all doors and windows to prevent the spread of fire