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Having your staff trained in basic fire awareness including what should be done in the event of a fire, could potentially save lives.

For example, having the know how to prevent a fire from occurring, and a basic introduction of the protocol of extinguishing a fire, could significantly reduce risk of injury and/or damage to your property.

With bigger companies and facilities, it is usually advised to have a trained fire marshal(s) on site at all times in case of an emergency. 

In this post, you will learn the basics of fire awareness and types and operations of fire extinguishers. 

Additionally, we will be discussing what course options are available to you, and how to train yourself safe.

Behavioural issues

People frequently do not respond to fire alarm signals as they as they so often should. additionally they often fail to evacuate immediately in an orderly manner.

in light of this, it may be necessary to appoint a fire marshal(s).

A fire marshal must be fully trained in basic fire awareness and in the use of fire extinguishers. 

Means of Escape

Building Must be designed and constructed so there are adequate means of escape from fire to a place outside the building.

A sufficient number of escape routes, at suitable locations and of suitable size, must be provided to enable persons escape to a place of safety or relative safety in the event of fire.

These must be sufficiently protected from the effects of fire by means of enclosure or, where necessary, by the use of materials on the routes. 

emergency-escape-sign

Exit Choice

People tend to be fixed on the exit route path they have chosen and miss exits nearer at hand

People will often try go back the way they came in

Therefore there may be a need to steer people in the right (safest) direction. This can be re-enforced by signage and way-finding systems (eg. low level lights in cinemas)

Large crowds could present danger. If a crowd is going in one direction, it is virtually impossible to go against the flow.

Care must be taken in the design of buildings to prevent injury from crowd movement.

As a general rule, don’t use lifts. 

Types and Operation of Fire Extinguishers

fire-extinguisher-red-label
Water Extinguishers

Extinguisher Type: Water

Suitable for: Class A

Label Colour: Red

Water Extinguisher are suitable for class A fires only. Direct the jet at the base of the fire and  keep moving it across the are of the fire. 

Seek out any hot spots after the main fire is extinguished. A fire spreading vertically should be attacked at it’s lowest point and followed upwards.

CO2-fire-extinguisher

Extinguisher Type: CO2

Suitable for: Class B & Electrical

Label Colour: Black

The discharge horn should be directed at the base of the flames. Keep the jet moving across the area of the fire.

Do not hold the horn; It get’s very cold.

Note: CO2 is an asphyxiant. If discharged in a confined area withdraw to fresh air immediately 

powder-extinguisher-blue-label

Extinguisher Type: Powder

Suitable for: Class A, B, C & Electrical

Label Colour: Blue

For liquid fires in containers or spills, discharge towards the near edge of the fire. Use rapid sweeping motion to drive the fire towards the far edge.

For electrical fires, switch off the current and direct the jet at fire.

Note: Dry Powder extinguishers should not be installed or used indoors.

foam-extinguisher-yellow-label

Extinguisher Type: Foam

Suitable for: Class A & B

Label Colour: Cream

Suitable for most fires involving flammable liquids and solids

If the liquid on fire is in a container, direct the jet at the inside edge of the container or the adjoining vertical surface above the level of the burning liquid to mallow the foam to flow across the surface of the liquid.

wet-chemical-extinguisher

Extinguisher Type: Wet Chemical

Suitable for: Class A & F

Label Colour: Yellow

Wet Chemical extinguishers are suitable for Class F fires (and some versions are suitable for ABF classes) and any professional kitchen or premises that contains a professional deep fat fryer should have this type of extinguisher. To use, do the following… Hold the nozzle at least 1 metre away from the flames. Use in gentle, slow, circular movements that allow the foam to settle on the surface of the fire.  

Safety Health and Welfare Work Act 2005

Every employer must prepare and revise adequate plans and procedures to be followed in the event of emergency or serious and imminent danger.

Employers must:

  • Provide the necessary measures; i.e. procedures for emergency evacuation.
  • Designate the employees who will be required to implement the plans.
  • Ensure that employees with emergency functions are adequate in number and are property trained and equipped.
  • Arrange any necessary contacts with the emergency services.
  • Take action and give instruction to employees to stop work and/or proceed to a safe place in the event of an emergency.
  • Ensure that an employee who leaves a place of work in an emergency or perceived emergency situation is not penalised for carrying out a safe action.

Fire Safety Training Summary

The law requires all employees to receive adequate fire safety training, and our course is designed to help your business fulfil this legal requirement. 

It is suitable for anyone at any level, no matter what industry you work in, from employees to managers and full-time to part-time staff.

If you are in charge of fire risk assessments and overseeing evacuation procedures, such as a fire warden, you will need to receive a higher level of training than this course provides, as well as practical training in using firefighting equipment.

If you require training please contact us for more details.

Health and Safety is everyone’s responsibility, train to be safe.

Source Health & Safety Publications

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Download your accredited course certificate on successful completion of course.

Did You Know…

  • Online training platforms increase the chance of retaining information.
  • With well designed, animated descriptions, images, videos, and infographics, online learning is designed to keep you focused.
  • Displaying information in well-crafted ways leads to a better understanding of learning content more than taking notes with pen and paper.
  • Classroom-based instructor-led training can force trainees to deviate from topics because of long lectures, where speech is the major mode of communication.

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After this blog, you should have a better understanding of the types of fires and extinguishers used to put them out.

Why not go one step further and earn your accredited certificate?

To help you on your way, we’re offering you a 20% discount on your first COURSE

Use code FIRE20

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