Fire Safety Awareness

elearn-safety-fire-safety-awareness

Fire safety awareness is important since fire in the workplace can have massive effects on both businesses and individuals. A serious fire can often result in a company closing down for good. Unfortunately, the cost to individual workers can be far greater. Indeed, they can lose their life.

 

The Cost of lack of Fire Safety Awareness

It is often found during fire investigations that human behaviors have played a significant part in injury or loss of life. Without regular training, fire drills and raising awareness about fire, individuals usually underestimate the danger the fire can cause. For example, workers usually underestimate how quickly fire and smoke can spread and the time it takes to get out of a building. In addition, and quite surprisingly some workers don’t know their evacuation route and/or assembly point. Some research has suggested that when a fire alarm sounds, a significant number of employees choose to ignore the alarm and wait until someone else reacts. This is because they do not want to be in the ‘spotlight’ and first to react.

 

The Legislation

Under legislation, employers and persons in control of work areas have a legal obligation to manage fire safety in accordance with the law. However, responsibility for managing the risk of fire rests on everybody in the organisation, not just employers but employees as well.

There are number of legislative documents that cover Fire Safety in Ireland:

 

Fire Development

elearn-safety-fire-triangle

Fire Triangle

To understand how a fire develops, the following “Fire Triangle” shows the three necessary ingredients that are required for a fire. These elements are oxygen, heat and fuel. In summary, for a fire to start and grow all three elements of the fire triangle are required to be present. A key strategy to prevent a fire from starting or growing or to extinguish any fire is to remove one or more of these elements.

 

Basic Fire Control Measures

Some basic control measures include establishing emergency exit routes and implementing fire detection and fire fighting equipment. All equipment must be supplied by a reputable supplier, and must be safe to use according to Irish and EU product safety laws. Unfortunately, this is not always the case as Radio Kerry reports: ‘Gardaí in Skibbereen are investigating multiple reports of allegedly inappropriate or insufficient fire safety equipment being sold in rural areas of South Kerry and West Cork. Accounts suggest business people, farmers and individuals in the area are being targeted.’

It is important to note that all exit routes must be clear of obstructions at all times! In addition, an emergency fire and evacuation procedure must be continuously reviewed and updated as required. Likewise, emergency evacuation drills must be regularly reviewed and practised. Finally, records of routine fire inspections, maintenance and testing of fire fighting equipment and fire safety training must be maintained.

 

Training Needs

Training and instruction in fire safety and evacuation procedures must be provided to all employees. To help with raising fire safety awareness, the eLearn Safety has developed a fully online Fire Safety Awareness course. The course is designed to help employers meet their legal requirement to provide information and training to staff regarding specific hazards. Fire safety is an essential part of any safety management system. This course, along with regular fire drills, will help ensure regulatory compliance.

In addition, the HSA has published a range of useful information about fire safety. This information can be accessed via their web page titled Fire. In addition, Dublin City Council has published a range of fire control strategies. These strategies can be accessed via their webpage Fire Safety at Work.

Some additional reading is available in our blog entries about fire safety and fire safety awareness titled Fire Safety and Why is it Important (20th January 2023) and Fire Extinguishers (19th May 2023).

 

Online Health and Safety Training

Proactive Health and Safety training is critical to ensure a safe workplace. An effective training program can reduce the number of worker injuries and deaths. It can also reduce instances of property damage, legal liability, illnesses, and missed time from work.

Health and Safety training helps establish a culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embrace the importance of workplace safety. The role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.

This is why we have established eLearn Safety school. We pride ourselves in how we guide, support and mentor our students. They receive support throughout their learning experience and into their working lives. Our staff have extensive training experience and also have many years industry experience. We understand the challenges that exist within Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Our priority is to ensure that all learners are fully prepared to differentiate themselves in the workplace after completing our Health and Safety courses.

eLearn Safety offers fully online Health and Safety courses.

To find out more, please check our Courses page.

Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie

eLearn Safety – Online Health and Safety Training

eLearn Safety – Online Health and Safety Training

Fire Extinguishers

You should  only ever attempt to fight a fire with the Fire Extinguisher if it is safe to do so. The purpose of Fire Extinguishers is not to save the property. Their purpose is to assist people escape the fire and save lives. Never use Fire Extinguishers if not trained to do so.

The workplace must be equipped with appropriate fire extinguishers. The type, number and exact location of the Fire Extinguishers will depend on the Fire Risk Assessment and the risk of fire and type of fire that might develop. Fire Extinguishers are one of the most common types of fire fighting equipment. They are, however, not the only fire fighting equipment. Other examples of firefighting equipment are fire blankets, fire hose reels, sprinkler systems, etc.

Firefighting equipment must be in place for employees to use, without exposing themselves to danger, to extinguish a fire in its early stages. All firefighting equipment provided and put in place must be suitable for the risks and all staff must be trained in its proper use.

Fire safety is extremely important. Fire poses a serious threat to the safety of employees and members of the public. The Health and Safety Authority will issue notices to any business that falls short of the requirements. Employers should make every effort to abide by the law. They must assess risks and provide access to training which informs on the importance of fire safety. You can read more about the importance of fire safety in our article Fire Safety and Why is it Important.

 

Extinguishing Fires

To extinguish a fire, one or more of the elements in the fire triangle has to be removed or reduced to a level where it will no longer support combustion. Most Fire Extinguishers work by smothering or cooling the fire (or a combination of both methods). Employers and those responsible for premises must provide appropriate firefighting equipment. In addition, they must make sure sufficient people are trained in its use. To learn more about fire safety, please check out our Fire Safety Awareness fully online course.

All Fire Extinguishers must have instructions for use attached on the cylinder. The general advice, however, for operating a Fire Extinguisher can be remembered using the acronym PASS.

In short, the acronym stands for:

  • Pull – Pull the pin.
  • Aim – Aim low, pointing the extinguisher (nozzle, horn or hose) at the base of the flames.
  • Squeeze – Squeeze the handle until the extinguisher discharges.
  • Sweep – Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire reignites, repeat steps 2 to 4.

Remember – the fire extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. The majority of portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight seconds.

 

Classes of Fire

How a fire should be extinguished depends on what type of material is burning. Therefore it is important to know the different types of fire so they can be extinguished safely. The types of fire are split into six different classes:

  • Class A – Fires involving wood, paper and textiles.
  • Class B – Fires involving flammable liquids, petrol, oil, alcohol, and organic solvents.
  • Class C – Fires involving flammable gases, methane, propane, hydrogen, acetylene, butane.
  • Class D – Fires involving metals.
  • Electrical – Fires involving electrical equipment.
  • Class F – Fires involving cooking oils such as deep fat fryers.

 

Commonly Used Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are almost always red with a coloured label to indicate its type. Some fire extinguishers are silver in colour. All fire extinguishers must have a sign giving details of its type and use.

Types of Fire Extinguishers:

  • RED LABEL – Water Extinguishers. Only suitable for use on solid materials such as wood, paper, straw, textiles, coal, etc. Some water extinguishers contain additives to make them more effective. They should NEVER be used on electrical equipment, cooking oil or fat pan fires and flammable metal fires.
  • CREAM LABEL – Foam Extinguishers. They can be used on flammable liquids and the same type of fires that water extinguishers can be used on. They are particularly suitable for petrol and diesel fires. They should never, however, be used on cooking oil, fat pan fires or flammable metal fires and electrical equipment.
  • BLACK LABEL – CO2 (carbon dioxide) Extinguishers. CO2 Extinguishers are suitable for fires involving electrical equipment. They can be also used on flammable liquids, e.g., paint, petrol, etc. They should never be used on cooking oil, fat pan fires or flammable metal fires and confined spaces.
  • BLUE LABEL – Dry Powder Extinguisher. They can be used on most types of fire, including fires on electrical equipment. They should not be used on cooking oil, fat pan fires and flammable metal fires.
  • YELLOW LABEL – Wet Chemical Extinguishers. The Wet Chemical Extinguisher is the only extinguisher that can be used on cooking oils and fats. They should never be used on petrol, spirits or mineral oils.
  • Fire Blankets – Fire blankets are made of a fire retardant material and are used to smother small fires. They are most commonly found in kitchens. They are used by placing the blanket over the fire. Whilst placing the blanket on the fire, the hands should be protected by making sure the blanket covers them. Once the blanket covers the fire, it should remain in place for at least 30 minutes.

 

Using a Fire Extinguisher

You should  only ever attempt to fight a fire with the Fire Extinguisher if it is safe to do so.

  • You should only fight a fire if:
  • Someone has raised the alarm.
  • The emergency services have been called.
  • The correct type of extinguisher is available.
  • You are competent and have been trained to use the extinguisher.
  • A safe escape route is available.
  • The fire is smaller than a waste paper bin.

Never fight a fire if:

  • The room is filling with smoke or the fire is spreading.
  • Other hazards are present (such as chemicals or gas cylinders).
  • The fire is not reducing or more than one extinguisher is required.

 

Online Health and Safety Training

Proactive Health and Safety training is critical to ensure a safe workplace. An effective training program can reduce the number of worker injuries and deaths. It can also reduce instances of property damage, legal liability, illnesses, and missed time from work.

Health and Safety training helps establish a culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embrace the importance of workplace safety. The role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.

This is why we have established Myelearsafety school. We pride ourselves in how we guide, support and mentor our students. They receive support throughout their learning experience and into their working lives. Our staff have extensive training experience and also have many years industry experience. We understand the challenges that exist within Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Our priority is to ensure that all learners are fully prepared to differentiate themselves in the workplace after completing our Health and Safety courses.

Myelearnsafety offers fully online Health and Safety courses.

To find out more, please check our Courses page.

Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie

 

Fire Safety and Why is it Important

Research suggests that most fires are preventable and unsafe human behaviour is most often the cause of these fires. This is why employees should be encouraged to take responsibility and adopt practices which help prevent fire in the workplace. Fire safety is also enforced and employers are required to prepare plans and procedures to protect against the associated risks. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is proactive in monitoring how employers manage these risks and what they do to protect the health and safety of the public.

In this article, we provide some general information about fire safety and the practices which help protect against the potential damage caused by fire.

 

What is Fire Safety?

Fire safety is a set of measures which reduce the potential damage caused by fire. There are four common fire safety principles which are recognised around the world:

  • Prevention: Avoid Risks and reduce potential fire hazards in the workplace.
  • Protection: Identifying fire and notifying occupants/authorities.
  • Containment: Limiting damage and spread of fire as much as possible.
  • Extinguishment: Putting out the fire and protecting area.

 

However, there are three key actions which employees should know about that need to be taken in the event of a fire:

  • Step 1 – Raise the alarm.
  • Step 2 – Evacuate the building/area.
  • Step 3 – Go to the assembly point.

 

Let’s take a look at the key elements which enable a fire to start and spread.

 

The 3 Key Elements which Enable Fires Start and Spread

Heat, fuel and oxygen complete the fire prevention triangle which explains how fires can start and spread. Fire needs all three of these elements to thrive and this is why removing one of these three can prevent a fire. This is also why a risk assessment needs to report on three different elements and consider how these elements might contribute to potential fire hazards in the workplace.

 

Heat

Heat is often generated through machines, systems and processes. Cooking is an obvious example in which heat is near constant and needs to be kept away from fuel. Let’s look at some examples of how employers can manage heat:

  • No smoking signs in certain locations.
  • Ensure kitchen and cookers etc. are never left unattended.
  • Make sure work equipment is protected against catching fire.
  • Service equipment on a regular basis.
  • Clean ventilation points to ensure they are not blocked.

 

Oxygen

Oxygen is often used in manufacturing and creative processes. For example, oxygen gas is used for food packaging and food preservation. It is also used in flame cutting and welding and within decompression chambers as part of medical treatment. Pure oxygen can react fiercely with materials including rubber and textiles and then also the likes of grease and oil. In short, the presence of this oxygen makes it easier for a fire to start and grow and spread.

  • Employees should always open oxygen valves slowly.
  • No smoking signs where oxygen gas is being used.
  • Oxygen equipment not to be used above pressure levels noted on equipment.
  • Oxygen not to be used in confined spaces.

 

Fuel

Some workplaces will have more flammable materials than others and these environments can present a much greater fire hazard. Fuel essentially contains flammable material which burns naturally in a standard atmosphere. These flammable materials need to be clearly labelled. In addition, great care should be taken when handling or moving these flammable materials.

  • Conduct fire safety assessment in areas with flammable materials.
  • Ensure no timber features or lining in walls, staircases, ceiling etc.
  • Use Health & Safety Acts as a guide for explosive atmospheres.
  • Avoid noticeboards with paper or flammable material in common areas.

 

Establishing Fire Safety Principles in the Workplace

The Health and Safety Authority in Ireland enforces an act which holds employers responsible for educating staff about these principles. Employees must therefore know these practices and be able to put them into practice in the event of a fire. There is also a requirement for employers to appoint a competent person to this role who properly understands the risks, practices and tasks that relate to fire safety.

“Competent” implies this person must be able to demonstrate their knowledge and ability but this appointment does not mean the responsibility of fire safety is out of the hands of the employer. Employers must do everything reasonably possible to ensure their staff are not exposed to the risks associated with fire safety. For instance, employers must also ensure there is safe access, emergency exits and no unsafe substances or articles in the environment.

In case you might be asking yourself, action is taken whenever deemed necessary and government statistics show the number of fire safety notices issued by the Health and Safety Authority in Ireland. Safety notices can be costly for employers but they also point to a moral concern which suggests the business is simply not doing enough to protect the safety of employees and members of the public.

 

Employers Responsibility for Fire Safety in the Workplace

According to the Health and Safety Authority in Ireland, employers must not only train and educate employees about fire safety but also carry out regular risk assessments to ensure these measures are understood. This involves checking that all staff have sufficient knowledge, training and supervision to protect against the dangers of fire and then record the findings from this assessment in a Safety Statement. Employers are therefore required to provide relevant fire safety courses for their employees and produce certificates of completion in the event of an inspection by the authorities.

 

Final Thoughts

Fire safety is extremely important and an area which employers cannot ignore for both moral and legal reasons. Fire poses a serious threat to the safety of employees and members of the public and the Health and Safety Authority will issue notices to any business that falls short of the requirements. Employers should make every effort to abide by the law and assess risks and provide access to training which informs on the importance of fire safety.

 

Please Note – The Fire Services Act 1981-2003 specifies that it shall be the duty of every persons having control of premises (i.e. owner or occupier) to ensure the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire whether such an outbreak has occurred or not.

Myelearnsafety offers fully online Fire Safety Awareness courses. The eLearn fire safety awareness course is designed to help employers meet their legal requirement to provide information and training to staff regarding specific hazards. Fire safety is an essential part of any safety management system. The course, along with regular fire drills, will help ensure regulatory compliance.

To find out more, please check our Courses page.

Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie

Fire Safety for Kids this Halloween

Fire Safety for Kids

Do you know what to do in the event of an out of control fire? Do you’re kids know? Taking fire safety precautions for yourself and your kids is vital but don’t forget to also education them about the importance of fire safety so they are able to carry out their own fire safety practises. its a vital skill to teach your children.

This Halloween night is the perfect time to talk with your kids, especially if they are attending or involved with organising a bonfire.

 

Put out the fire

Having a plan on place to put out a fire is vital, however also is showing your kids how to use the method you have selected. Most people will opt for a fire extinguisher, here are the simple steps you can go over with them;

  1. Pull the pin – release the pin with the nozzle pointing away from you
  2. Aim low – aim at the base of the fire not the flames its-self to suffocate the flames
  3. Squeeze the lever slowly and carefully – so as to avoid control loss
  4. Move the nozzle slowly from side to side – covering the surface where the fire is.

Teaching your kids these basic steps may prevent a bad situation and may even save lives. If there is no fire extinguisher to hand, the following is a list of alternatives that are suitable to grab;

  • Salt – this disperses heat and minimises oxygen supply to a fire
  • Baking soda – the powder substance smothers the fuel and cools the fire at the base of the flame
  • Bucket of water – smothers the oxygen
  • Bucket of sand – also smothers the oxygen

Although these are good to know alternatives to extinguish a fire, a conventional fire extinguisher is recommended to use where-ever possible.

 

Escape route Plan

Never put yourself in a position where if the fire spreads you have no route away from it. Ideally you should designate two ways away. Escape routes should be kept clear of all obstructions. Generally escape routes should be at least one meter wide which will ideally lead to an outside open space away from the building or the fire location. Security should never take precedence over safety.

When planning a fire, or not. All premises and events should have an escape plan that clearly identifies the action people should take in the event of a fire. This may include duties for an assigned fire officer to check areas are clear, close doors and assist others.

 

Stop, Drop and Roll

In the event that someone or your kids do catch on fire, its essential to teach them what to do in this event. Make sure they understand the ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’ procedure. Act it out with them and have them practise it a few times with you, the action should be quick and firm. Many fire related injuries could be avoided or greatly minimised if a child knows how to do this instead of the natural instinct of running.

Please keep yourself and your kids safe particularly this Halloween!