Fire Prevention and Safety By: Isa Puig

Questions What can cause fires? What is Race? What are the three things needed to start a fire? How do you protect the patients in the event of a fire? What are some fire safety hazards?

What Can Cause Fires? Fires need three things in order to start: Oxygen or air, fuel (any material that will burn), and heat (sparks, matches, flames). Electrical Carelessness/Accidents Smoking Heat producing equipment Flammable chemicals

What Are Some Fire Safety Hazards? Carelessness with smoking and with matches Misuse of electricity: Overloaded circuits Frayed electrical wires Improperly grounded plugs Defects in heating systems Improper rubbish disposal

What is RACE? R- rescue any individual directly threatened by fire. Patient safety is the primary consideration. A- activate the alarm if you discover a fire, give location and type of fire or respond immediately to the alarm if you hear it sound C- confine the fire by closing doors to slow the spread of smoke and flame. Clear all hallways and keep exits unobstructed E- extinguish the fire only if the fire is small, and if you know how to operate a fire extinguisher. Be sure the area has been cleared and the fire department called.

What Is PASS? P- pull the pin A- aim the nozzle at the base of the flames S- squeeze the trigger while holding extinguisher upright S- sweep the nozzle from side to side and outward to extinguish flames

How do you respond/protect patients in the event of a fire? If a fire breaks out, stay calm. Set an example for patients. Report the fire. Move patients who are in immediate danger away from smoke or flames. Close the doors of patients' rooms and any other doors to slow the spread of smoke and flame. Reassure patients who remain in their rooms.

Fight a fire only if the fire is small and contained, and only if you have been trained to operate a portable fire extinguisher. Before fighting even a small fire, be sure that the area has been evacuated and that the fire has been reported.

How do you evacuate the patients in the event of a fire? 1. Notifies others of evacuation 2. Ensures the safe and orderly evacuation of the building. If applicable, ensure handicapped evacuation by using wheelchairs or bed sheets. Make quick assessments during evacuation. 3. Knock on any closed doors in your area after checking for warmth or smoke; and then open the door to ensure proper evacuation of all personnel. Check bathrooms, lunch, mail, and copy rooms last, and advise occupant in these areas to leave immediately.

4. Note any individuals who do not evacuate and report them to the Fire Monitor. If a problem arises when an area is evacuated, contact the Fire Department responders and advise them of the situation. 5. Evacuate the area and hold all persons out until a representative from the Fire Department has given the all clear to reenter the building.

Most important things workers should do in the event of a fire REMAIN CALM AT ALL TIMES! Ensure patients safety first