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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
Cut down on traveling time, waiting for a place to open up on a course.
Studying online cuts out the overheads associated with traditional classroom based training
Download your accredited course certificate on successful completion of course.
Did You Know…
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
Good Luck!