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Fire Safety Guidelines for Engineers

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
11 views10 pages

Fire Safety Guidelines for Engineers

Uploaded by

job tom
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Health and Safety - Ergonomics for Architecture, Civil and Water Engineering – U.T.

C – Elgon 2021

Sub-module 9: Fire Safety

1910.35 Compliance with NFPA 101-2000, Life Safety Code

Compliance with the exit route provisions of NFPA 101-2000 will be


deemed to be in compliance with the corresponding requirements in
§ § 1910.34, 1910.36, 1910.37 Practices to avoid and control fire hazards;

Fire is a form of a chemical reaction that involves the rapid oxidation  Clean up spills of flammable or combustible liquids promptly.
of combustible fuel (material) with the subsequent liberation of heat  Dispose of combustible scrap, debris and waste materials safely
and light. in covered metal receptacles.
 Practice safe storage requirements for flammable and
Fire is a “Triangle.” If one of the three required elements is removed, combustible liquids and hazardous materials.
there is no longer a fire. The three elements of a fire are: Fuel, Oxygen
 Do not smoke near flammable or combustible liquids.
and Heat as below
 If you smoke, disposal butts and ashes with no fire on them

Situations that could create problems should a fire occur

• Do not obstruct fire doors and shutters.

• Do not block or obstruct the path to a fire extinguisher.

• Never prop open emergency doors. Fire doors keep fire from
spreading.

• Keep a proper clearance available below fire sprinkler heads at


FUEL; Fires are classified by the type of fuel they burn. all times.

 Anything that will burn • Be wise about the use of electrical cords by making sure they are
 Paper, wood, cardboard, plastic, etc. not running across doorways or walkways.
 Fabric Properties of chemical fire hazards; Flammability, Reactivity and
 Electrical equipment/wires Explosivity
 Flammable liquids
 Cleaning material Effects of uncontrolled fire
 Gases and fumes
a) Human loss: burning from extreme heat; suffocation from smoke
OXYGEN; is everywhere and cannot be easily controlled. Most fires are and fumes and death
extinguished by removing the oxygen such as:
b) Structural damage: damage to labs, offices and buildings
o Pouring baking soda over a small stove fire
c) Material damage: damage to instruments, equipment’s, furniture
o Using an appropriate fire extinguisher (best approach)
and supplies
HEAT; is the most readily controlled part of the fire triangle. But heat,
d) Disruption of work
to include a spark or a chemical reaction, is how all fires start. Heat
sources include: e) Financial losses

 Smoking Material Why is Fire Safety Training Important?


 Open flames
 Heat producing equipment (coffee maker)  Job security by maintaining a safe workplace.
 Faulty/overloaded electrical equipment or wiring  Elimination of fire hazards with quick and efficient respond to fire
 Power tools  Untrained staffs will be at high risk of fire
 Friction  Teach workers how to recognize fire hazards, conduct a fire
 Sparks safety risk assessment, prevent a workplace fire, and respond if
a fire occurs.

ORGANIZATION AND CONTROL

Chief Officers / Managing Directors will:

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-ensure that fire safety Policy and other codes of practice are in place,  Specify and rehearse the arrangements for assisting visitors,
properly implemented and reviewed. disabled people or those with temporary physical
impairments to safely evacuate the premises.
-ensure that a competent and Responsible Person is appointed for all  ensure Fire Alarms are regularly tested at the recommended
of their premises to oversee and implement fire safety arrangements frequency e.g. weekly;
-ensure that arrangements are in place for the completion of fire risk  monitor that fire alarm systems, detection devices,
assessments, including, technical surveys in respect of fire protection; emergency lighting and fire extinguishers are appropriately
and regularly maintained;
-ensure that fire, security, and health and safety arrangements at  keep the fire log book or equivalent up to date;
each premises are complementary.  ensure that fire action notices and fire signage are
appropriate and kept up to date;
 ensure all escape routes are kept clear of obstructions and
Managers / Section Heads will:
that access to fire extinguishers and fire alarms is not
-Ensure that fire risk assessments are carried out for all their impeded;
workplaces, and for specific activities such as hot working involving  Ensure that quarterly fire safety inspections of the premises
welding, cutting, work with bitumen, etc; are carried out and that these address fire safety
-Ensure the outcome of the fire risk assessment that optimum number arrangements.
and type of fire extinguishers are installed in appropriate locations;
-Ensure that fire alarm and detection systems, emergency lighting and Employees must:
fire extinguishers are appropriately located and properly maintained;
-Ensure that a robust and effective emergency plan is in place at each  ensure they are familiar with the emergency plan for their
location to safely evacuate. workplace and co–operate by participating in fire
-Arrange for the emergency plan to be issued to their employees, evacuation;
visitors  know, and co-operate with, the responsible person for their
-Arrange for a competent responsible person to oversee and workplace;
implement fire safety  report to their manager or supervisor any concerns about
-Ensure that if there is any doubt about the provision of new or fire safety;
replacement fire extinguishers;  be familiar with all escape routes;
-Ensure that staff are appropriately trained  not wedge fire doors open, nor block or obstruct them;
-Ensure that a copy of the current fire risk assessment for their  be aware of the action to be taken on discovering a fire,
premises is readily accessible, its provisions complied with hearing a fire alarm, for raising the alarm and calling the
-ensure that fire risk assessments are reviewed at least annually or
fire and rescue service;
whenever there is any building alteration, change of occupation or use
 promptly evacuate the premises, in accordance with the
of the premises or following an incident involving fire;
-Ensure that effective arrangements are in place for contacting the emergency plan
emergency services;
Each hazard maybe compounded by; these factors cause more
-Ensure that the Fire and Rescue Service are aware of any significant
injuries than the hazard itself
hazards associated with the premises
-confirm that their quarterly premises fire safety inspections address  Panic and confusion
fire safety arrangements
-Liaise with the local trade union safety representative on all aspects  Poor visibility
of the above arrangements
The Competent Persons:  Lack of information

 assist and support with the preparation and review (at least  and/or
annually) of fire safety risk assessments;
 ensure compliance with the outcomes of the Fire Risk  Misinformation
Assessment and that the necessary control measures are Conducting a Fire Safety Risk Assessment
implemented;
 prepare and review the emergency plan issued to all staff; A fire safety risk assessment is the first step in identifying fire hazards.
 ensure information on fire safety arrangements is available It also identifies the people at risk, state of emergency preparedness,
to service users and visitors; and effectiveness of controls in the workplace. With the information
 Ensure all staff and, where appropriate, contractors are from the risk assessment employers can make improvements in their
instructed in the emergency plan. fire safety plans and eliminate or reduce risks. The assessment looks
 arrange and review fire drills at a frequency of not less than at:
six months;
 Emergency routes and exits
 Fire detection and warning systems

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 Firefighting equipment -No special personal protective equipment is required.


 Removal or safe storage of dangerous substances
 The emergency fire evacuation plan Characteristics of fires that SHOULD NOT be fought with a portable
 The needs of vulnerable people fire extinguisher that require you to evacuate immediately:
 Communication with employees and others on the premises -The fire involves flammable solvents
 Staff fire safety training -It has spread over more than 60 square feet
-It is partially hidden behind a wall or ceiling.
TYPES OF FIRE -The fire cannot be reached from a standing position.
-The fire has not depleted the oxygen in the room and is producing
There are six classes of fire; only small quantities of toxic gases
Class A fires; combustible material caused by flammable solids like -No respiratory protection equipment is required.
wood, paper and fabrics -The radiated heat is easily felt on exposed skin making it difficult to
Class B fires; Flammable liquids like petrol, turpentine or paint. approach within 10-15 feet of the fire (or the effective range of the
extinguisher).
Class C fires; Flammable gases such Hydrogen, butane or Methane.
-You must crawl on the floor due to heat or smoke.
Class D fires; combustible Metals like magnesium, aluminum or
potassium TYPES FIRE EXTINGHWISHERS

Electrical fires; electrical equipment. Once the electrical equipment is The various types of extinguishers it starts with types of fuel
removed the fire changes class  Water Foam
Class F fires; cooking oil, typical a chip-pan fire.  Water Mist
 Water spray
COMMON CAUSE OF ELECTRICAL FIRES.  Water
 Dry Powder
(1) Use of fuses too large for the circuit they are protecting, or a circuit
 Carbon dioxide and
breaker with too high a setting. (2) Adjustable-type circuit breakers
 Wet Chemical
with a blocked tripping element.
Water Extinguishers; the water has a cooling effect on the fuel,
(3) Pennies inserted behind plug fuses.
causing it to burn much slowly until the flames eventually extinguish.
(4) Nails or bolts substituted in place of cartridge fuses. Used for class A fire risk, its labeled bright red, used at premises with
organic materials such as Paper and cardboard, Fabrics and textile,
(5) Refillable fuses in which additional strips have been placed. Wood and coal. Should not be used for fires involving electrical
equipment; kitchen fires; flammable gases and liquids
(6) Corrosion of fuses, circuit breakers, or conductors.
Locating a water extinguisher; by the exit of the building where a
(7)Insulation of conductors deteriorated from age and exposure to
class a fire risk has been identified
heat, moisture, or vapors.
Water spray extinguishers; they are equipped with a spray nozzle
(8) Joints not properly soldered and taped.
rather than a jet nozzle, meaning that a greater surface area can be
(9) Burned and pitted contacts. covered more quickly and the fire put out more rapidly.

(10) Overheating due to poor contact or overload. Water Mist Extinguishers; has different type of nozzles which releases
microscopic water particles. These particles suffocate the fire and also
FIRE EXTINGHWISHERS creates a wall of mist between the fire and the person using the
extinguisher, reducing the feeling of heat.
Characteristics of incipient (beginning) stage fires that CAN be
extinguished with portable fire extinguishers: Foam Extinguishers; have a cooling effect. On the fuel of burning
-The fire is limited to the original material ignited. liquids the foaming effect creates a barrier between the flame and the
-It is contained (such as in a waste basket) and has not spread to other fuel extinguishing the fire. Used for class B and A fire risks as they are
materials. water based. Labeled cream and used in buildings with/made of
-The flames are no higher than your head organic materials such as Paper and cardboard, Fabrics and textile,
Wood and coal, flammable liquids such as paint and petrol. Don’t use
-Heat is being generated, but the room temperature is only slightly
in fire involving electrical equipment, flammable metals and kitchen.
increased.
Dry Powder Extinguisher; This forms a barrier between fuel and
-Smoke may be accumulating on the ceiling, but visibility is good.
supply of oxygen they tackle A,B and C fires but not recommend for

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use in closed spaces this because the powder can easily be inhaled,
and residue is also difficult to clean up after. Some can be used in
electrical and flammable metal fires. It’s blue in color, used for organic
materials, flammable liquids and gases and fire involving electrical
equipment up to 1000v. Specialized powered extinguisher can
extinguish flammable metals like titanium and magnesium.

Don’t use it for fire involving cooking oil, fire involving electrical
equipment’s of over 1000v or enclosed space like offices or residential
places. Used at business premises like those using flammable gases
FIRE EXTINGUISHER OPERATION – P.A.S.S
for chemical processes, welding and flame cutting takes place , garage
forecourts, liquid petroleum gas dispensing plant and premises with P- Pull the safety pin, this will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
larger, commercial boiling room.
A- Aim the extinguisher the base of the fire, this will allow you to hit
Located near the source of the fire risk. the fuel.

N.B; Specialized powder extinguisher used for flammable metals, S- Squeeze the top handle or lever, this will release the pressurized
include; L2-Tackles lithium fires and M28 - for flammable metal fires extinguishing agent.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers; Used for electrical fire risks S- Sweep the extinguisher hose from side to side until the fire is
at computer server rooms, also put off class B (flammable liquids such completely out.
as paint and petroleum. Labeled black, don’t use it for kitchen fires,
flammable liquids, and combustible organic materials, Located near FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTION
the source of fire like in a car.
 The employer shall provide portable fire extinguishers and
Wet chemical extinguishers; creates a layer of foam on the burning shall mount, locate and identify them so that they are
surface of oil or fat preventing oxygen from fueling the fire any more. readily accessible to employees
It also has a cooling effect. Used on class F and sometimes A, involves
 Visually inspected annually and tagged with date of the
cooking oil and fats, organic materials, its labeled yellow, don’t use it
inspection.
for flammable liquid and gas and electrical fire risks and flammable
metals. Used in commercial kitchens and canteens. It’s located at a  Dates must be recorded, and all extinguishers tagged
place near the source of the fire risk
 Are selected and distributed based on the classes of
anticipated workplace fires and on the size and degree of
hazards affecting their use.

 Travel distance to extinguisher: 75 ft

Training and education

 If employees are to use fire extinguishers, the employer


must educate them on principles and hazards

 EAP-designated employees trained on appropriate


equipment

 Upon employment and at least annually


FIRE EXTINGUISHER COMPONENTS
Standpipe and hose systems
 Carrying handle/operating lever
 For smaller systems – not Class I
 Locking pin
 Protected against mechanical damage
 Pressure gauge (except for CO² extinguishers)
 Repaired promptly if damaged
 Discharge nozzle or horn
 Equipment: designed for prompt use
 Instructional label
 Water supply: minimum 100 gal/min
 Inspection tag
 Tests and maintenance

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Fire detection systems  Fire extinguishers should be inspected on a monthly basis.

 Restore to normal condition ASAP after each test or alarm –  Know the location of all fire extinguishers in your facility.
spares available
Before attempting to use an extinguisher, make sure all of the
 Maintenance and testing following apply:

 Protect from corrosion, physical impact  The building is being evacuated and the fire department has been
called.
 Do not support by wires or tubing
 The fire is small, contained and not spreading beyond its starting
 Designed to operate in time, provide a warning
point.
 Delay only if necessary for immediate safety
 The exit is clear, there is no imminent peril, and you can fight the fire
Employee alarm systems with your back to the exit.

 All local fire alarm signaling systems used to alert  Know what type of fuel is burning.
employees
 The proper extinguisher is on hand and you know how to properly
 Enough warning for emergency action of safe escape and safely use it.

 Perceived above ambient noise/light Fire Safety Equipments and devices.

 Tactile devices when necessary  Smoke & heat detectors (usually in the ceiling)
 Fire and emergency alarms (switched on by emergency
 Distinctive and recognizable buttons or handles)
 Fire and emergency lights (red)
 Explain to each employee how to report emergencies
 Water sprinklers (usually in the ceiling)
 Establish procedures for emergency alarm  Fire extinguishers (various types according to class of fire)
 Water hydrants with attached hose
 Restore to normal condition ASAP after each test or alarm –  Fire blanket (to wrap around the burned person or to cover
spares available devices on fire)
 Emergency exits signs and lights
 Maintain in operating condition except during repairs or
 Fire and emergency exits
maintenance
 Fire and emergency stairs and escapes
 Test for reliability/adequacy every 2 months if unsupervised  Fire break area (for assembly of people)

 Back-up means of alarm when out of service EGRESS AND FIRE PROTECTION

 Supervised systems notify personnel of deficiencies – test Egress; the action of going out of or leaving a place.
once/year
Means of egress includes: room spaces, doorways, hallways
corridors, passageways, balconies, lobbies

Keys to success in firefighting: General Requirements (1910.36)

 A clear plan. All buildings, new and old, intended for human occupancy shall
 Employee education and practice. have …
 Awareness of fire exits and use/location of fire – exits sufficient for prompt and convenient escape in an
extinguishers. emergency
 Awareness of potential fire hazards.
– exits of a certain design that do not depend solely on
FIRE EXTINGUISHER MAINTENANCE any single safeguard

 Fire extinguishers should be mounted on the wall to prevent being – structures that do not cause danger to occupants
damaged. during periods of escape

 The area in front of the extinguisher shall be kept clear at all times. All buildings, new and old, shall have:

 The pressure gauge should be in the green zone at all times. – no locks or devices to prevent an exit in an emergency
except in specialized facilities (mental, penal, or
corrective institutions where attendants are on duty)
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– clearly visible and understandable means to egress  Smoke only in designated areas and extinguish smoking
materials safely. Never smoke in storerooms or chemical
– doorways and passageways that are clearly marked
storage areas.
“Not an Exit” to prevent them from being mistaken for
 Mark hazards and potential fire risks with clear, visible
exits
signage. Post emergency telephone numbers and the
– adequate and reliable illumination for all exits in every company address by the telephone in all work areas.
building or structure equipped with artificial illumination  Keep machinery cleaned and properly lubricated to prevent
overheating and friction sparks.
– fire alarm systems (when a fire may not provide  Place oily rags in a covered metal container. This waste
adequate warning to occupants of a building)
must be properly disposed of on a regular basis.
– emergency provisions that shall not cause a hazard  Have faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment
under normal occupancy (i.e., enough exits) repaired promptly. Never attempt electrical repairs unless
you are qualified and authorized.
During Construction & Repair  Avoid running electrical cords or wires under rugs and
carpets or near a heat source; keep them out of doorways
• The occupants of the building shall be protected to the
same extent as if construction or repair were complete. where they can become worn.
 Maintain open access to all electrical control panels.
• The activity shall not create any additional danger or Material or equipment stored in front of the panels could
handicap egress beyond normally permissible delay power shutdowns in emergency situations.
conditions of the building  Use and store chemicals safely. Read the labels and the
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to learn about
Fire Prevention Plans
flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate
1910.39(c)(1) Minimum elements of a fire prevention plan ventilation when using and storing these substances.
 Be aware of possible ignition sources when working in
 List of all major fire hazards potentially explosive atmospheres, such as those containing
flammable liquid vapours or fine particles (e.g. vehicle paint
 Proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous
spraying or grain flour). Use non-sparking tools and control
materials
static electricity as required.
 Potential ignition sources and their control  Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment, or
emergency exits. Observe clearances when stacking
 Type of fire protection equipment necessary to control each materials.
major hazard  Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Know where
fire extinguishers are located and which extinguishers to use
 Procedures to control accumulations of flammable and
for the specific type of fire.
combustible waste
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN AND CAUSE, AND PREVENTION OF FIRE
 Maintenance procedures for safeguards on heat-producing
equipment to prevent ignition of combustible materials Elements of emergency action plan

 Name or title of employees responsible for maintaining (1) Emergency escape procedures and emergency escape route
equipment to prevent or control sources of ignition or fires assignments;
 Name or title of employees responsible for control of fuel (2) Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate
source hazards critical point operations before they evacuate;

 An employer must inform employees upon initial (3) Procedures to account for all employees after emergency
assignment to a job of the fire hazards to which they are evacuation has been completed;
exposed.
(4) Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform
 An employer must also review with each employee those them;
parts of the fire prevention plan necessary for self-
protection. (5) The preferred means of reporting fires and other emergencies; and

Preventing Workplace Fires (6) Names or regular job titles or persons or departments who can be
contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the
 Keep the workplace clean. Common litter and construction plan.
debris act as fuel for fire. Clutter may block access to exits
and emergency equipment. Exit Route: a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from
any point within a workplace to a place of safety.
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Exit access: that part of an exit route that leads to an exit (a corridor Identify any training needed and how it will be provided. This should
that leads to a stairway (Exit). include the following: -

Exit: that part of an exit route that provides a protected way of travel - Staff identified as trained in the use of fire equipment.
to the exit discharge.
- Staff identified as trained in the use of the fire panel.
Exit Discharge: the part of the exit route that leads directly outside or - Staff identified as trained for Fire Marshal duties.
to a street, walkway, refuge area, or open area with access to the
- Staff identified to register visitors at the assembly point(s).
outside.
- Staff identified as having duties specific to the type of
High hazard area; a workplace in which operations has high hazard
evacuation.
materials, processes, or contents.
- Method of ensuring everyone understands how to operate
Occupant load; total number of persons that may occupy a workplace
or portion of a workplace at any one time. the fire alarm.
- Method of ensuring everyone has sufficient instruction and
Refuge area; space along an exit route that is protected or a separate
spaces within a building that have at least a one-hour fire resistance training for fire evacuation.
rated barrier. - Method of ensuring visitors / contractors have sufficient
Self-luminous; a light source that is illuminated by a self-contained information on procedures in the event of an emergency
power source. evacuation.
Basic Design and Construction Requirements for Exit Routes Information Distribution

 Exit routes must be permanent. Detail the method(s) of informing personnel (incl. visitors /
contractors) of escape routes. Instruction
 An exit must be separated by fire resistant materials.
- Training
 Openings into an exit must be limited.
- Emergency exit / route signage
 The number of exit routes must be adequate.
- Fire action Notices
 Exit discharge must lead directly outside. - Include method of informing personnel of an alternative
 Exit doors must be unlocked from the inside. escape route should the main one be blocked or
inaccessible. (Consideration should also be given to a route
 Each opening must be protected by an approved self-closing fire
door that remains closed or automatically closes in an emergency that leads past a potential arson attack areas, such as near

 A side-hinged exit door must be used. rubbish skips.)


- The Emergency Plan
 Exit route: ceiling at least 7’6” high, 28” wide
What People / Staff Should Do If They Discover a Fire
 Must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area,
- Raise the alarm by operating the nearest fire alarm call
public way, or open space with access to the outside
point
 At least two exit routes must be available in a workplace to
permit prompt evacuation during an emergency: - Evacuate to a safe place
- DO NOT USE THE LIFT (unless it has been designated as a
 The exit routes must be located as far away as practical from
each other so that if one exit route is blocked by fire or smoke, refuge or part of the emergency escape route and conforms
employees can evacuate using the second exit route.. to the criteria given in the British Standard BS5588: Fire
Precautions in the Design and construction of Buildings.
- Trained personnel to tackle the fire only where appropriate.
- Where appropriate check toilets and close windows and
doors on the way out.

Training and Training Provision

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- If have responsibilities for assisting persons with Personal


Evacuation Plans respond as required following the actions
as identified in the Plan.
- Leave the building by the nearest exit.
- Do not stop or return to collect personal belongings.
- Ensure visitors are escorted from the building to the
assembly point.
- Close any doors en-route without delaying your escape. Emergency Services Liaison Procedures
- You must remain at the assembly place.
- Who will liaise with the emergency services on arrival?
- Return to the building only when authorized to do so.
- What information will they have and how will they get it?
What People / Staff Should Do If They Hear the Fire Alarm
- How will the person, identified above, direct the emergency
- Leave the building by the nearest exit. services to the emergency? i.e. will they meet them at the
- Close any doors en-route without delaying your escape. gate or at a pre-determined place?
- Do not stop or return to collect personal belongings. - How will the emergency services be able to identify this
- Do not use any firefighting equipment unless you have been person? e.g. hi-viz vest, armband etc
trained. - If anyone is missing and where they were last seen
- Do pass any information to the building responsible person Specific Information for the Emergency Services
at the assembly point.
- Type of emergency
- You must remain at the assembly place.
- Location of the fire / incident
- Return to the building only when authorised to do so.
- Missing persons
Contacting the Emergency Service
- Flammable material stores
- Who will contact the emergency services? - Location of high risk areas
- What are the means of calling the emergency services? For - Any unusual activities such as building works or temporary
example by mobile telephone or landline structures
- Include a method in the event of a power failure - Hazardous work process
Identify Processes, Machines or Power That Must Be Shut Down Location of information
- Staff responsible for ensuring any hot work equipment is - Where will the information be kept on risks
turned off - E.g. Maps / sketches / alarm identification?
- Science labs - For example - held near the fire panel.
- Technology departments Accounting for Personnel
- Welding
- How will all people be accounted for?
- Cookery
- Staff; pupils; Visitors; Contractors
- Kitchen
- How will the Emergency situation manager be informed?
Specific Arrangements for Any High-Risk Areas
- Who will ensure that all personnel are accounted for?
- Boiler room
- How will this be managed if there is more than one assembly
- Chemical storage areas
area?
- Gas storage
- What is the procedure if someone is missing?
- Generators
- How are the emergency services informed? (Note: Only the
- Work processes
Fire Service personnel with appropriate breathing

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apparatus can enter the building if there is a person  Use of Refuges. A refuge is an area that is separated from
the fire by a fire-resisting construction and has access via a
identified as missing) safe route to a final fire exit and be clearly marked up with
Escape Routes appropriate signage. It provides a temporary space for
people to wait for others who will then help them evacuate.
A map or diagram should be included for ease of reference. Include
other relevant information such as details of firefighting equipment
provided, location of designated 'Safe Refuges', types and location of
emergency exit signs, locations of manual break glass points and
emergency lighting.

Assembly Points

- the point where visitors / contractors must assemble


- Identify how each assembly area is recognized
- Identify who should be in each assembly area e.g. groups or
departments or sections
- Identify the locations of any designated safe refuges
- Where possible provide plans or schematic diagrams
Identify Persons Especially at Risk

- Identify lone workers, contractors and the areas where they A fire prevention plan must include:
may be at risk  list of all major fire hazards,
- Include methods of escape and identify how they will be  proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous
materials,
located
 potential ignition sources and their control, and
- If there is sleeping accommodation on site, identify the  the type of fire protection equipment necessary to control
method of ensuring that they are safely out of the building each major hazard.
 Procedures to control accumulations of flammable and
and accounted for combustible waste materials
Evacuation Arrangements for Disabled People  Need to assure that an adequate number of employees are
available at all times during working hours to act as
The safe and effective evacuation of disabled people needs careful “evacuation wardens” so that employees can be swiftly
thought. Management procedures need to be in place which takes moved from the danger location to safe areas.
account of the various scenarios that may arise. For example, the  They must know the correct place to direct employees,
procedures adopted for people with a disability are employed in the trained in workplace layout and alternative escape routes,
building will be different to those for person with a disability visiting aware of handicapped employees who may need extra
the building that will be unfamiliar with its layout. assistance, check all rooms and enclosed spaces for
employees, an account for or verify that all employees are
 Progressive Horizontal Evacuation. This system can be used in
in the safe areas.
buildings with a phased alarm system. It involves a person passing
from one 'fire compartment' into another that is not part of the COMMON PROTOCOL OR PROCEDURE FOR EMERGENCY HANDLING
initial evacuation zone. A ‘fire compartment’ is a part of a building
separated from other parts of the same building by fire-resisting RACE
walls, ceilings, floors and doors of 60 minutes fire resisting
 R: Rescue
construction.
 Evacuation by Lift. This method is only possible where lifts have  A: Alarm
a secondary power supply/battery backup and a structurally
protected lobby shaft (often called 'fire-fighting lifts'). These are  C: Contain/confine
specially constructed lift with special features and are not the  E: Extinguish or evacuate
same as ordinary lifts in most buildings.
 Evacuation by Stairs. This method involves the use of equipment
such as special evacuation chairs, but is usually only possible if
people are being evacuated downwards or horizontally. Fire emergency Plans

 Know what to do in an emergency


Prepared by; Ogen Moses (Eng) Email; ogenmoses66@[Link] Tel; 0785 250202.
Health and Safety - Ergonomics for Architecture, Civil and Water Engineering – U.T.C – Elgon 2021

 Review fire prevention plans  Foot and leg protection


 Think first of your safety and safety of others
 Sound alarm  Body protection
 Alert fire department  Hand protection
 Try to put out fire only if it is small and tame
 When necessary, leave the firefighting to professionals  Head, eye, and face protection

Respiratory protection devices

 Provided to and used by fire brigade members

Evacuation procedures during fire outbreak  Meet 1910.134 standards as well

 Proceed to nearest safe exit Emergency Training


 Be aware of smoke, noxious fumes
 Most victims suffocate • Employees must be trained before implementing
 Close all doors within reach emergency plans
 Crawl on hands, knees • Training for each type of disaster response is necessary (so
 Don’t use elevators employees know what to do)
 Get away from flames, smoke
 Use blankets, tarps as shield • Employer shall review emergency plan with each employee
when:
Protective clothing for fire fighting
– the plan is developed
 For interior structural firefighting
– employee responsibilities or actions change
 Not required for incipient stage firefighting
– the plan is changed
 Provide at no cost and assure use

 Protect head, body, and extremities

Prepared by; Ogen Moses (Eng) Email; ogenmoses66@[Link] Tel; 0785 250202.

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