1. Fire Safety Principles
D/601/9698 FSP
Credit value: 1
Level 2

2. Learning outcome 1: Understand the hazards and risks associated with fire in the workplace

3. 1.1 Explain how fires are caused in the workplace
Fire is a constant hazard at work and rigorous steps are in place to mitigate this. The 5 main causes of fire in the workplace are:
Faulty electrics, this can be from poorly maintained electrical equipment and misused electrical equipment (overloaded sockets)
Poor storage of flammable and combustible materials
Human error (accidental occurrences such as ‘Hot Works’)
General negligence (discarded cigarettes & matches etc.)
Arson - it is estimated that 30% of all fires in non-domestic premises are intentional.

4. 1.2 Draw and explain the components of the fire triangle
Fires start when 3 things come together in the right amount at the same time. These are:
a source of fuel (something that will burn)
a source of heat (or ignition)
Oxygen (natural element)
All three things must come together, if the triangle is not formed, or is broken, then fire cannot occur. If you identify sources of fuel and heat - keep them apart

5. 1.3 Identify the hazards during or after a fire, including the products of combustion
In combustion, smoke is created with heat and light. Smoke is the real killer in all fires, most victims die from smoke inhalation.
Structural collapse in buildings from walls, ceilings, floors and stairs can cause debilitating injuries and fatalities.
Burns
Exploding materials (cylinders, pressurised containers and solvents etc)
Panic related injuries (escape etc) are prevalent.

6. After:
There is always the chance that the fire can reignite at any time from residual heat or pressure
Unsafe structures
The release of toxic gases such as hydrogen cyanide or carbon monoxide. They can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin and can cause death or serious long- term ill effects.

7. 1.4 Describe the characteristics of fire and smoke spread
There are 4 ways by which fire is spread. During a fire, all four are likely to be at work: 
Conduction - Conduction is the transmission of heat through solid materials.
Convection -This is defined as the transmission of heat within a liquid or gas in an upward movement and this is due to their difference in density.
Radiation -This is the transmission of heat by waves travelling outwards until heat is absorbed by other objects. An example of this would be; a bar heater or open fireplace radiating onto a drying rack or curtain.
Direct contact - This is the simplest way to spread fire: direct application. A flame from one source can come into contact with a combustible material. A lit match can easily burn paper, for example. Once it spreads, it can go from one place to another, making it very difficult to control.

8. Learning outcome 2: Understand how fire risk is controlled in the workplace

9. 2.1 State the different methods used to identify and control fire hazards
6 steps to control fire hazards in your workplace
Identify any fire hazard in your workplace, e.g. presence of ignition sources (heaters, lighting, electrical equipment, etc.) and fuel (packaging, plastics, rubber, petrol, chemicals, etc.).
Assess the risks posed by the hazards that you’ve identified – this will determine which hazards need the most urgent attention.
Put measures in place to control the risks – the hierarchy of control is a useful tool to use here, e.g. eliminate work processes that could generate an explosive atmosphere, service and clean all machinery as recommended by manufacturers, switch off electricity points when the business is unattended, remove waste material (e.g. fuel) that could act as fuel, store and dispose of flammable substances correctly.

10. Put fire-hazard control in place
Put fire-hazard control in place. Automatic fire detection and fire-fighting systems are in place.
Put an emergency plan in place and ensure all those who could be affected are aware of the plan.
Monitor the hazards and review the controls – this will ensure that the controls are minimising the risks effectively

11. 2.2 Define the term ‘means of escape’ in relation to fire hazards
All public buildings must have ‘routes to emergency exits from premises and these exits must be kept clear at all times’ and these exits ‘must lead directly as possible to a place of safety’
The emergency routes must be well lit and indicated by appropriate signs and must ensure that escaping persons can travel from any point in the affected area to a point of agreed safety.
‘Places of Relative Safety’ are defined as a place of comparative safety where there is an effective barrier between the person escaping and the active fire (normally 30 minutes fire resistance) this can be a staircase leading to an exit that is known as a ‘protected route.’ 
‘Place of Ultimate Safety’ is usually open air and is a safe distance equating to the length of the building, measured along the ground.

12. ‘The Process of Escape’ has 4 distinct stages as follows: 
Escape from the area of fire origin
Escape from the area of fire origin via a protected stairway or route offering refuge
Escape from the floor of fire origin to the ground level
Escape at ground level away from building

13. 2.3 Outline typical components for means of escape from fire hazards
All workplaces must have clearly identified means of escape in the event of fire. These escape routes must be kept clear at all times to ensure that everyone can exit the workplace unaided in the event of a fire or other emergency. Fire detection, Emergency lighting and easily accessible egress must be in place.
The means of escape must be structurally sound and be fire-resistant (up to 30 minutes). There should be fire doors, clear signs etc.

14. 2.4 Describe methods of fire detection and raising the alarm
The main purpose of a fire detection and alarm system is to protect life and property by giving early warning of a fire. This enables occupants to evacuate the building and the emergency response plan to be initiated. For a detection and alarm system to be effective it must be able to detect a fire and notify people.
Fire detection systems
Heat detectors (detect a rise in ambient temperature)
Flame detectors (detect ultraviolet or infrared radiation emitted by fire)
Smoke detectors (detect smoke particles in the air)
Multi-sensor detectors (combine features of smoke and heat detectors) 

15. -Alarm systems
Automatic detection and alarm system
Call points connected to an alarm system
Hand-operated gongs or bells
Voice systems

16. 2.5 Describe the principle of how fires are extinguished
Containing a fire
With the many possible ways for fire to spread, it is all more important that proper techniques and methods are taught to building occupants so that they may implement it to contain fire. The sooner that an attempt to quell is made, the bigger the chances fire won’t spread and get bigger. There are four extinguishing methods that could help in avoiding a fire:
Cooling – Reduction of the fuel temperature until it is below the ignition point, i.e. watering the fuel to cool it.
Smothering – Using a blanket, foam or other similar devices to smother the fuel so that all or part of the oxygen are removed from the fuel area.
Starving – Removing the source of the potential combustibility, such as isolating the source e.g. turning off a gas cylinder.
Inhibiting – Applying a chemical agent, such as fire-retardant chemical to stop the fire’s reaction process.

17. 2.6 Describe how portable fire-fighting should be used safely
Fire extinguishers To determine which type of fire extinguisher to use, fires are classified by the type of fuel that is burning. The fire classifications in the UK are:
CLASS
TYPE OF FIRE
FIRE EXTINGUISHER A
Solid fuels such as wood, paper etc.
Water, Foam, Dry Powder B
Flammable liquids such as petrol and solvents
Foam, CO2, Dry Powder C
Flammable gases such as propane and butane
Dry Powder D
Flammable elements such as sodium and magnesium F
Fires involving cooking fats and oils
Wet Chemical
N/C
Fires involving electrical equipment
CO2, Dry Powder

18. There is no classification for electrical fires as this is a form of ignition rather than a fuel.
Fire extinguishers should only be used by a trained and competent person and used without putting the operator in danger.
Fire extinguishers should be visible and unobstructed, and sited on escape routes, near exits. They should be inspected regularly and maintained annually by a competent person.

19. 2.7 Identify common fixed fire-fighting systems and where they might be used
Fixed fire-fighting equipment
Some buildings and installations have fire-fighting equipment that is designed to activate automatically on a signal from a detector or control panel. This type of system is often used in areas of high risk (public places, high-density housing, refineries etc) or where the area is largely unattended (typically underground car parks and large warehouses).
The most common type is a water sprinkler system which is designed to spray water over a particular area. Other types include foam and inert gas systems which are typically used for flammable liquid stores (foam) and restricted areas such as computer server or electrical switch gear rooms (inert gas)

20. Learning outcome 3: Understand the principles and practice of fire safety management at work

21. 3.1 Outline the duties of employers and employees with respect to fire safety in the workplace
It is an employer's duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other people who might be affected by their business. Employers must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve this.
This means making sure that workers and others are protected from anything that may cause harm, effectively controlling any risks to injury or health that could arise in the workplace.
Employers have duties under health and safety law to assess risks in the workplace. Risk assessments should be carried out that address all risks that might cause harm in your workplace.

22. Employers must give you information about the risks in your workplace and how you are protected, and also instruct and train you on how to deal with the risks.
Employers must also ensure that the premises are equipped at an appropriate level to detect fire, raise the alarm and provide means of escape from fire or other emergencies. As well as ensuring that any fire safety facilities, equipment and devices are regularly maintained and fit for purpose.
Employees:
Employees are entitled to the provision of sufficient fire safety measures to ensure as is reasonably practical, their safety from the effects of fire. They are entitled to appropriate training with regards to actions and procedures in the event of a fire and must co-operate with the implementation of a fire-safety plan and the employer’s safety responsibilities.
Employees, also must not through neglect or intention, place themselves or others in danger

23. 3.2 Outline how to undertake a simple fire safety inspection in the workplace
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005 states that a Responsible person (RP) must carry out a Fire Risk assessment in a non-domestic premises. Where there are 5 or more employees a record must be kept of findings.
On inspection, the RP must consider the possibility of a fire occurring and the magnitude of that fire and its consequences. These risks can be reduced to acceptable levels by good housekeeping, providing means of escape, fire detection and the availability of fire safety equipment.
The RP must identify fire hazards and people at risk and to remove or reduce the risk of those hazards and ensure that the appropriate training is undertaken.

24. 3.3 Describe the stages involved in a fire risk assessment
There are five steps to a fire risk assessment:
Step 1 - Identify the fire hazards
Step 2 - Identify people at risk
Step 3 - Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks
Step 4 - Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training
Step 5 - Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly

25. 3.3 Describe the stages involved in a fire risk assessment
When doing a fire risk assessment, the following should be considered:
What and where are the emergency routes and exits
The fire detection and warning systems
Available fire-fighting equipment
The removal or safe storage of dangerous substances
An emergency fire evacuation plan
The needs of vulnerable people, e.g. the elderly, young children or those with disabilities
The provision of information to employees and other people on the premises
Staff fire safety training

26. Learning outcome 4: Understand the role of the nominated fire warden

27. 4.1 State the role and function of fire wardens in their workplace in the following:
On a day-to-day basis
Check the general fire safety of their designated area, ensure no combustible materials are stored in corridors or stairwells. Monitor escape routes to see they are kept clear of obstruction. Carry out ongoing assessment of fire risks and hazards, check permits have been issued for any hot works activities.

28. During an emergency
Put on a hi-vis jacket or armband, check their designated area, ensure equipment is switched off, doors and windows are closed and ensure that people leave using the designated safe exit route to assembly point in an orderly fashion. Assist any disabled members of staff or general public. Do head count and report to Senior Fire Officer. If safe, direct staff/public to return to building.
If they are not in their designated areas of responsibility when the alarm is raised
Do not return to designated area but inform Senior Fire Officer of events.

29. 4.2 Outline the content of a fire safety briefing
A fire safety briefing should explain:
The identities of fire marshals if not known
The locations of alarms, detectors and fire-fighting equipment
The location of safety exits and the procedures if an alarm is raised
The evacuation procedure should be explained as follows:
Leave area quickly on the sounding of an alarm, do not go back for bags, coats, etc
Follow instructions of Fire Marshall and leave by the designated escape route quickly and safely.
Travel to assembly point and await head count from fire marshal.
Do not enter the building until authorised.

30. END