Harpeth Health Science Program Kelly Hutchison R.N. Fire can occur anywhere at anytime.

Every year, fire kills more people than any other natural disaster in United States. According to OSHA statistics, in the year 1995, 200 people were killed at workplace from fires and explosions, more than 5, 000 were injured, and businesses faced the loss of around 2. 3 billion dollars. Fires create havoc among workers and demolish thousands of businesses every year.  Information from 6P International, LLC.

 Oxygen, heat, and fuel are frequently referred to as the "fire triangle." Add in the fourth element, the chemical reaction, and you actually have a fire "tetrahedron." The important thing to remember is: take any of these four things away, and you will not have a fire or the fire will be extinguished.  Essentially, fire extinguishers put out fire by taking away one or more elements of the fire triangle/tetrahedron.  Fire safety, at its most basic, is based upon the principle of keeping fuel sources and ignition sources separate.

Type of fire extinguishers are classified by the type fires on which they may be used Class A – Ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, rags, etc.) Class B –Flammable Liquids Class C – Electrical Equipment Class D –Combustible Metals Combination Types – ABC and BC

 Use the PASS system when fighting fires  Remove extinguisher from mounting  Pull pin – this allows you to activate the extinguisher  Aim – hold hose and point at the base of the fire  Squeeze –the trigger mechanism to release the extinguishing agent  Sweep –back and forth at the base of the fire

Stay away from the fire! Quick short bursts from side to side Keep low towards the base of the fire.

There are four essential steps to take if you discover a fire:  Rescue  Alarm  Contain  Extinguish These four steps must be accomplished to successfully deal with a fire emergency. The order they are performed will vary according to the circumstances.

In a health care facility, rescue usually means moving the person from the area of the fire to another area inside the facility. The goal should be to get everyone out of the room, not out of the building, unless the fire spreads and evacuation of the facility becomes necessary. After the occupants are rescued from the room on fire, the next step is to move the people in adjoining rooms: the rooms on either side of the fire room, the room across the hall and the rooms above and below the fire room.

Sounding the alarm is the quickest way to get help. It alerts other staff members and initiates the process that alerts the fire department. Extra care should be taken by those working in high noise areas, such as the laundry, to ensure everyone in the area is aware that there is a fire. Most serious health care facility fires can be traced to a delay in sounding the alarm and failure to close doors.

When everyone has been removed from the room that contains the fire, close the door(s) to the room. Closing the door(s) accomplishes two things: 1. The fire and smoke are contained in the room and prevented from spreading to other areas; and 2. The sprinkler system will be activated sooner. (The sprinkler system is heat sensitive and activates when the air temperature reaches a pre-set level. The air temperature will rise faster if the doors are closed).

1. Smothering it; 2. Using a fire extinguisher; or 3. Pouring water on it (unless it is an electrical or grease fire). *If the fire cannot be extinguished, leave the area and close the door

Rule for Fires Fires are very dangerous Be certain that you will not endanger yourself or others when attempting to put out a fire. Pull the Fire Alarm Call 911 Assist anyone danger

1. Never fight a fire if you don't know what is burning If you don't know what is burning, you don't know what type of extinguisher to use. Even if you have an ABC extinguisher, there may be something in the fire that could to explode or produce highly toxic smoke. 2. Never fight a fire if the fire is spreading rapidly beyond the spot where it started The time to use an extinguisher is in the incipient, or beginning, stages of a fire. If the fire is already spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the building, closing doors and windows behind you as you leave.

3. Never fight a fire if you don't have adequate or appropriate equipment If you don't have the correct type or large enough extinguisher, it is best not to try to fight the fire. 4. Never fight a fire if you might inhale toxic smoke If the fire is producing large amounts of smoke that you would have to breathe in order to fight it, it is best not to try. Gases from man made materials can be fatal in very small amounts.

5. Never fight a fire if your instincts tell you not to. If you are uncomfortable with the situation for any reason, just let the fire department do their job. 6. The final rule is to always position yourself with an exit or means of escape at your back before you attempt to use an extinguisher to put out a fire. In case the extinguisher malfunctions, or something unexpected happens, you need to be able to get out quickly, and you don't want to become trapped. Just remember, always keep an exit at your back.

 What make children different from adults when it comes to fighting fires?? Adults usually flee or leave the building when a fire breaks out due to fear. Children often hide in places like under beds, closets, or behind furniture. This is why you should always know how many people are at home, in class, or in a business/ hospital. Knowing this one question can and will save lives

1. Define what PASS stands for. 2. Define what RACE stands for. 3.Please describe what body position a person should have when fighting a fire? 4. What is the single most important thing to know when a fire occurs? 5. In the fire triangle…. What feeds the fire or causes it to spread? How can you stop this from happening? 6. Briefly Describe the differences in four different fire extinguishers. 7. What kind of Fire extinguishers does Harpeth have and why do you think we have this type?

 /fireextinguishersafety.pdf /fireextinguishersafety.pdf  _RACE.pdf