Fire hazards in the workplace

Transcription

1 Activity Sheet 1.1 Fire hazards in the workplace Timing 15 minutes Look at the illustrations of the different workplaces. For each, try to identify: n three sources of fuel n three sources of ignition. Think about what can be done to avoid these hazards. Office Source of fuel Source of ignition

2 Activity Sheet 1.1 (continued) Fire hazards in the workplace Garage Source of fuel Source of ignition

3 Activity Sheet 1.1 (continued) Fire hazards in the workplace Warehouse Source of fuel Source of ignition

4 Activity Sheet 1.1 (continued) Fire hazards in the workplace Kitchen Source of fuel Source of ignition

5 Activity Sheet 1.3 Fire spread Timing 10 minutes Heat can be transferred by conduction, convection, radiation and direct flame contact. In some cases, a fire may use all four methods to spread rapidly through a building. Consider each of the statements below and tick which of the four transfer methods is most relevant. Statement Conduction Convection Radiation Direct flame contact 1. A coat ignites shortly after it is hung up to dry close to an electric fire. 2. A notice board reaches ignition temperature but is on the other side of a wall to a major office fire. 3. Smoke from an overheating ventilation fan rises through a ventilation duct, causing a fire in the roof space of a building. 4. A frying pan ignites on the top of an electric hob. 5. Smoke from a fire is most dense at ceiling height. 6. The unburned products of combustion, such as smoke, can reignite a long way from the location of the original fire. 7. A car engine ignites when it is being driven due to lack of cooling. 8. A broken bottle magnifies the sun to cause a heathland fire in summer. 9. A partially extinguished cigarette smoulders and ignites in a waste paper bin. 10. A curtain catches light immediately above a waste paper bin that contains a carelessly discarded cigarette end.

6 Activity Sheet 1.4 Preventative control measures Timing 5 minutes Identify measures that can be taken to prevent a fire from occurring. List these measures in terms of the fire triangle. To prevent ignition To reduce the risk associated with sources of fuel To reduce the risk associated with oxygen

7 Activity Sheet 1.5 Safety signs Timing 5 minutes Complete the table by stating: n the type of safety sign shown n how a specific example of each type of sign might be used. Type Example

8 Activity Sheet 1.7 Fire extinguishers Timing 15 minutes Complete the missing information in the table. Extinguisher type Colour of label Suitable for fire class How they work Limitations Water Cream Can use near but not directly on live electrical equipment, although care needs to be taken with liquid run-off Electrical fires 1. When the pressure is released, ice can form on the extinguisher nozzle, so must hold extinguisher as instructed 2. Noisy when discharged and can shock people Blue Remove oxygen from the fire suffocation 1. effect interrupting chain of combustion and preventing reignition 2. Wet chemical Fine mist cools flames and prevents splashing; then create a thick layer of foam that smothers the fat and prevents reignition (starving effect)

9 Activity Sheet 2.3a Fire safety inspection Timing 15 minutes Look at the excerpt from a fire safety inspection form. Complete the second column of notes by deciding on appropriate control measures to keep risks at an acceptable level. Fire hazards 1. Waste paper bins are overflowing. Control measures 2. The fire extinguisher in the main office is leaking. 3. There is evidence of people smoking in the office. 4. There is a large store of cleaning chemicals in the kitchen. 5. Employees are drying coats directly over an electric radiant heater People at risk 1. The venue receives lots of visitors who are unfamiliar with the premises. Control measures 2. One employee in the workshop has hearing difficulties. 3. One employee has broken her leg.

10 Activity Sheet 2.3b Fire safety inspection Fire hazards Control measures 1. Waste paper bins are overflowing. Ensure that waste paper bins are emptied every night and the waste stored away from the building in metal bins. Introduce working methods that avoid using excessive paper. 2. The fire extinguisher in the main Ensure that fire extinguishers are checked regularly and serviced annually by an engineer. office is leaking. 3. There is evidence of people Provide a designated smoking area outside the building with appropriate bins for the disposal of cigarette butts. smoking in the office. Locate this area away from flammable substances. 4. There is a large store of cleaning Limit the volume of chemicals that can be stored on the premises or store in designated areas away from sources of ignition. chemicals in the kitchen. 5. Employees are drying coats directly Advise staff against doing this or replace all portable heaters with a central heating system. over an electric radiant heater People at risk Control measures 1. The venue receives lots of visitors who Ensure that visitors sign in at reception and are always accompanied by an employee. Provide an initial briefing that covers are unfamiliar with the premises. emergency procedures. Provide notices, floor plans and clear emergency signage throughout the building. 2. One employee in the workshop Ensure that any audible fire alarms are supplemented with flashing lights or introduce a buddy system. has hearing difficulties. 3. One employee has broken her leg. Devise a temporary personal emergency evacuation plan that provides information to the affected individual about how to manage her escape and ensure that the correct level of assistance is available.

11 Activity Sheet 2.4 Fire safety checklist Timing 30 minutes Walk around the training centre and try to complete the form below. If an item is compliant, tick the yes box. If an item is not compliant, tick the no box and explain what can be done to remedy the problem. If the item does not apply, tick the N/a box. Any hazard not addressed in the questions can be written in the Additional comments section. If the answers to any of the questions are not obvious from a visual inspection, instead write down how you would go about finding out the answers. Information and training Are employees trained in what to do in the event of a fire? Are new employees and visitors briefed in fire and emergency procedures? Has a fire drill exercise been carried out within the last six months? Are suitable and sufficient people trained in the use of fire extinguishers and fire safety equipment? Yes No N/a What can be done Fire prevention Are suitable storage facilities provided and used for flammable materials? Are all sources of heat, e.g. electric heaters, switched off when not in use? Is waste removed regularly and stored away from the building? Are hot works controlled?

12 Activity Sheet 2.4 (continued) Fire safety checklist Means of escape Are emergency escape routes and the direction of exit clearly indicated with appropriate signs? Are all gangways, corridors, stairs and emergency escape routes kept free from obstruction? Are fire doors kept closed at all times or held open with automatic release devices? Are fire instructions and signs displayed conspicuously? Yes No N/a What can be done Is an assembly point designated?

13 Activity Sheet 2.4 (continued) Fire safety checklist Fire-fighting equipment Are extinguishers located in appropriate positions on fixed brackets? Are extinguishers of the correct type for the fire risks? Yes No N/a What can be done Are extinguishers unobstructed at all times? Are extinguishers tested and in date? Are fire blankets provided in kitchens? Are fire detectors checked and maintained? Is there a maintenance and test log for the fire alarm and is it up to date? Additional comments: