Essential Elements of

Fire Safety

Program Components

• Awareness

• Properties of Fire

• Safe Practices

• Human Behavior and Fire

• Fire Safety Systems

AWARENESS

Introduction

• Fires and explosions kill more than 200 and injure more than 5,000 workers each year

• There is a long and tragic history of workplace fires in this country caused by problems with fire exits and extinguishing systems

OSHA requires employers to provide proper exits, fire fighting equipment, and employee training to prevent fire deaths and injuries in the workplace

Fires Are A Very Serious

Threat• Between 1998 and

2008 there were

46,900 deaths due to

fires

– That’s an average of

almost 4,700 people

per year

• Annually, about 100

firemen die fighting

fires

Deaths 1998 - 2008

Natural Disasters

Tornados 609

Hurricanes

2,126

Earthquakes 3

Total 2,738

Fire

46,900

Nothing To Boast About!

• America today has the highest fire losses

in terms of both frequency and total losses

of any modern technological society. (America at Risk – Federal Emergency Management Agency, May 2000)

• People with developmental disabilities are

five times more likely than the general

population to die in a fire(US Fire Administration)

PROPERTIES OF A

FIRE

Properties of Fire

All fires need :

1.) Ignition source which could be

sparks, flames, or high heat.

2.) Fuel which could possibly be

wood, paper, gasoline, oil, or gaseous

vapors.

3.) All fires of course need oxygen.

Properties of Fire

• Fires require 3

components to ignite

and maintain

– Oxygen

– Heat

– Fuel

• Depriving a fire of any

one of these things

prevents or puts out

the fire.

Types of Fuel

Ordinary Combustibles

Example:

Paper, Wood, Plastic

Flammable Liquids

Example: Gasoline,

Propane, and Kerosene

Electrical Equipment

Example:

Stoves and Toasters

Combustible Metals

Example:

Titanium

Three Stages of Fire

1. Incipient Stage: Which includes the heating of materials. 2. Free Burning Stage: Which includes flames, and heat production. 3. Smoldering Stage: Which is where the oxygen depletes, most dangerous stage because of low oxygen and release of toxic gases.

• 50%-80% of fire deaths are the result of smoke inhalation

• Most of the things in our homes are made of, or treated with, chemicals and plastics that give off dangerous fumes when burned

SMOKE

The smoke from a fire is a combination of

poisonous gases and particles which displaces

oxygen in the room.

The smoke then rises and fills upper section of

room and banks downward and creates the

THERMAL BARRIER.

NEVER DISTURB A THERMAL BARRIER!!

FlashoverFlashover occurs when the heat from a fire heats the walls, room contents

and combustible gases in the room. Once they get to their “auto ignition

temperature” the entire room can become engulfed in flames within a matter

of seconds.

Flashover Video

BackdraftA backdraft is an explosive event at a fire resulting from rapid re-introduction of

oxygen to combustion in an oxygen-starved environment. Example: Breaking a

window or opening a door to an enclosed space. Backdrafts present a serious

threat to firefighters, even those with a high level of experience.

HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN

A FIRE

The Human Variable

• The following physical factors can affect a persons ability

to withstand a fire and escape safely.

– Age : The young and elderly are at increased risk

– Size: Larger size can better tolerate smoke

– Physical Condition: cardiac stability, aerobic fitness,

and mobility all effect survivability

– Respiratory Capacity: Chronic Respiratory conditions

lower lung capacity and increase chance of death from

smoke inhalation

– Medication, drugs, and alcohol: Can significantly

reduce one ability to recognize and respond to a fire.

The Stress Of A Real Fire Can Affect

Performance• A small amount of stress tends to improve people's

abilities to perform tasks.

• A high amount of stress tends to interfere with

performance, especially problem solving.

• In a real fire you will need to stay calm and keep

others calm. This way you can assess the situation

as it is happening.

• Doing fire drills properly reduces the amount of

problem solving needed in a real fire.

The Stress Of A Real Fire Can

Result In Anxiety And Avoidance

• Anxiety associated with danger is a very

aversive and unpleasant emotion

• People are strongly motivated to avoid feeling

anxiety

• Training is important for staff and the people

we support! This helps everyone know what

to do in the event of a real fire.

Smoke and toxic gases adversely

effect bodily functions:

• Slower mental processes

• Slower physical action or movement

• Burns

• Respiratory irritation or arrest

• Carbon Monoxide

• Causes asphyxiation by displacing oxygen in blood

• Carbon Dioxide

• Displaces oxygen, increases inhalation and thus toxics, and

can produce signs of intoxication in 30 minutes

• Hydrogen Cyanide

• Inhibits use of oxygen by all living cells of body tissue

• Hydrogen Chloride

• Causes upper respiratory damage leading to

asphyxiation

• Nitrogen Dioxide

• Damages respiratory tissue by reacting with moisture

HeatTemperature in a fire can range from 150-2000

degrees!

• In such conditions, people can become

overheated and dehydrated quickly; resulting

in:• Decreased reaction time

• Reduced mental acuity

• Heat Syncope- a condition that causes decreased blood flow

to the brain, resulting in fainting.

• Heat Exhaustion- Fainting, profuse sweating, headache, ashen

color, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting

• Heat Stroke- fainting, disorientation, excessive fatigue,

delirium, loss of consciousness, convulsions, hot dry

skin.

FIRE SAFETY

SYSTEMS

Smoke Detectors

• Some systems are internal systems and some connect to the fire dispatcher

• You need to know how the system works and how to run a drill

• If the system is not working, you need to walk through the entire site every 15 minutes until it is repaired.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you hear a carbon

monoxide detector sound:

• Evacuate the site and

wait for emergency

personnel to arrive.

• Do not re-enter the

building until you are

told it is safe to do so.

Sprinkler Systems

• Sprinklers are activated by heat

• Make sure furniture, decorations, etc. aren’t blocking the sprinkler head

• If too many sprinkler heads are activated the water pressure is decreased thus reducing their effectiveness

Room Without Sprinklers:

OPWDD Video

Room with Sprinklers:

OPWDD Video

Pull Stations

• If your site has pull

stations, know how

to use them and

where they are

located.

Fire Extinguishers• Must be maintained in a fully charged and

operable condition.

• The fire extinguisher must have an annual maintenance check.

• Must record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less.

• Must remain in their designated places at all times except during use

Fire Extinguishers

• All Community Services

employees should be aware of fire

extinguishers in their work

locations. Paying special

attention to the gauge to ensure

the extinguisher is fully

operational.

• If an employee notices the gauge

is not fully in the green they

should immediately contact the

administrative assistant of

Building and Property at 1845

Kenmore to have it replaced.

Extinguisher Classification

• Class A – ordinary combustibles (wood, cloth,

paper)

• Class B – flammable liquids, gases, greases

• Class C – energized electrical equipment

• Class D – combustible metals

Letter classification given an extinguisher to designate the class

or classes of fire on which it will be effective.

Combustible

Metals

Community Services

Uses:

P.A.S.S.

When using a Fire Extinguisher, use the P.A.S.S. System:

• Pull Pin

• Aim Hose at BASE

• Squeeze trigger

• Sweep back and forth

Fire Doors• Fire doors are designed to slow

the spread of a fire.

• Doors with automatic closers are generally fire doors and should not be propped open.

• Fire evacuation plans should avoid going through a fire door, if possible.

• Some fire doors have magnets to keep them open and release the door when the alarm sound.

Emergency Exits

• Emergency exits must be kept clear of obstacles at all times.

• Outside paths from all emergency exits to the meeting area must be kept clear at all times.

• Some sites have emergency exit signs. These must be kept unobstructed and properly lit.

– If a bulb is burned out contact maintenance.

SAFE PRACTICES

Storage Fundamentals

• Identify incompatible chemicals – check

the Material Safety Data Sheet

• Isolate and separate incompatible

materials

– Isolate by storing in another area or room

– Degree of isolation depends on quantities,

chemical properties and packaging

– Separate by storing in same area or room,

but apart from each other.

Ways to Prevent Fire

1. Eliminate the Heat• Avoid overloading outlets

• Avoid using extension cords

• Do not use Halogen bulbs 1,000o

• Do not use space heaters

• Avoid using equipment with

frayed electrical cords

• Avoid candles or other open

flames

• Keep grills away from the building

and overhangs.

2. If not, then eliminate

the Fuel• Avoid deep fried food-grease fires

spread quickly

• Immediately dispose of oily rags

• Keep the range clear when

cooking

• Avoid the use of live Christmas

Trees

• Clear clutter from furnaces, water

heaters or other heat sources.

• Clean the lint trap with each load

Keep lint traps clean!

You should empty the trap

after each load of clothes.

Don’t

overload

electrical

outlets.

Avoid

using

frayed

electrical

cords.

Be sure to

keep light

bulbs in

sockets.

Be sure to

change the

batteries in your

smoke

detectors…

…and check

them regularly.

Do NOT use

the oven to

store objects.

Keep at least 3 feet clearance around

the furnace and hot water tank.

Candles

Although they can

be pretty, open

flames are not

permitted in any

agency run

settings.

Christmas Trees and Plants

• Christmas Trees

represent a serious fire

safety hazard. As trees

dry out the heat

generated by the lights

can cause the tree to

catch fire.

• Other types of plants

raise the same risk when

located within a home or

building.

Minimize Danger in

Evacuation• Exit routes must be free and

unobstructed.

• Keep exit routes free of explosive or highly flammable materials

• Arrange exit routes so that employees will not have to travel toward a high hazard area, unless it is effectively shielded

• Emergency safeguards (e.g., sprinkler systems, alarm systems, fire doors, exit lighting) must be in proper working order at all times.

Example of an

obstructed exit route

Exit Doors Must Be Unlocked• Must be able to open from the inside at

all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge.

• Device such as a panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted.

• Must be free of any device or alarm that could restrict emergency use if the device or alarm fails.

• May be locked from the inside only in mental, penal, or correctional facilities where there is constant supervision

Locked and

blocked exit

Exit Marking

• Each exit must be clearly

visible and marked with

an “Exit” sign.

• Each exit route door must

be free of decorations or

signs that obscure the

visibility of the door.

Almost All Fire Losses Can Be

Prevented• Human error is the

most significant

factor in the cause

and spread of fire.

• 90% of fire

fatalities occur at

home

EVACUATION PLANS

R - Rescue people in danger

A - Alarm, sound the alarm

C - Confine the fire

E - Evacuate the site

When exiting a fire make sure to stay low, DON’T WALK, and

cover your mouth and nose. Also, make sure to check all doors

and before exiting, go to the designated meeting place and ensure

everyone has evacuated.

When there’s a fire,

It’s Time To R.A.C.E

R - Rescue People in Danger• Before entering a

room, place the back

of your hand on the

doorknob

• If the door knob is

hot, DO NOT

ENTER

– It is presumed that

anyone in the room is

already dead due to

the temperature of

the room.

Emergency Action Plan• Describes actions that must be taken

to ensure employee safety in emergencies.

• Includes floor plans or maps which show emergency escape routes.

• Tells employees what actions to take in emergency situations.

• Covers reasonably expected emergencies, such as fires, explosions, toxic chemical releases, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and floods.

Exit Route• A continuous and unobstructed path

of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety (including refuge areas).

• Each exit discharge must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space.

• It should have access to the outside that is large enough to accommodate all building occupants likely to use the exit route

• If you or someone

else is on fire,

remember to:

– Stop

– Drop, and

– Roll

• Use a blanket, coat,

drapes or whatever

you can to pat out

the fire

Emergency Moves

• In a real fire, if someone is unable

to walk on their own you may

need to use a fireman’s carry.

Emergency Moves

• You may need to carry the

person using a two person carry

side by side or front and back.

• You may also perform a safety

drag. You would drag the

person by yourself on a blanket

Personal Safety

Removing or evacuating people supported must not

compromise a staff member’s personal safety.

Assist evacuation:

– Only if it can be done and remain safe

– Prioritize assistance to the people who will

most benefit

– There may be people you cannot help

A - Sound the Alarm• By now the fire alarm

should be sounding.

• If not, utilize a pull

station to communicate

throughout the entire

building there is a fire.

• If the fire alarm is not

working, yell “Fire” and

begin helping people

evacuate.

Confine

• Try to confine the fire by:

– Closing all the doors and

windows

– Stuffing damp towels

under doors

• Don’t go through closed

fire doors unless it is

necessary for evacuation.

Evacuate• Evacuate everyone in the

site according to the evacuation plan. – Do not use an elevator

• If someone is unwilling to evacuate during an actual fire you may need to use a SCIP-R Personal Intervention.

While Evacuating:

• Do a head count (including staff) to make

sure everyone is evacuated

• After everyone is evacuated call 911 from a

cell phone or neighbor if they have not been

notified yet.

• Give the following information– The exact address of the emergency (with any location

instructions that may be necessary)

– The phone number you are calling from

– Your name

– The nature of the emergency

How You Can Assist Your Fire

Department During an Actual Fire

• Report evacuation

progress– Accountability for people

receiving services and staff

• If you were unable to

get someone out report

where those areas of

refuge or safe areas are

within the building.

Be available to provide

building information such

as:

– Alarm panel

– Gas shutoffs

– Electrical entrance

– Fire sprinkler information

– Floor plan (O2 and medical

equipment locations)

After a Fire• Do not re-enter the site until

you receive the all clear from the fire department.

• Make sure the fire has been reported to the administration.

• ALL fires, no matter the size or damage MUST be reported as a Serious Reportable-Sensitive Situation.

Questions?• Questions or concerns can be directed to the

Staff Development Department at 1845

Kenmore Ave

• the Nursing Department at 984-8419 or

880-7412

OSHA Emergency Hot-Line1-800-321-OSHA

Hot-line for reporting workplace safety or health emergencies

Provides a 24-hour point of contact to report imminent dangers on

the job

ESSENTIALS OF FIRE SAFETY TEST

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