Fire Coordinator Course Office of Safety, Health & Environment
COURSE OBJECTIVES To impart sufficient knowledge to personnel appointed as building Fire Safety Coordinator so that they are able to perform their role and responsibilities in campus emergency preparedness.
LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the roles and responsibilities for occupier of premises List all the requirements for formulating a fire emergency plan in accordance with his / her workplace premise Prepare a fire emergency plan for his / her workplace premise Plan, prepare & conduct a fire evacuation drill Carry out a fire risk assessment
EXTRACTS FROM FIRE SAFETY ACT & UNIVERSITY FIRE SAFETY POLICY
Extracts from Fire Safety Act Fire Emergency Plan Section 21. (1) The Minister may, by notification in the Gazette, designate any premises or class of premises for which a fire emergency plan shall be provided. (2) Such plan shall conform to such requirements as may be prescribed in any regulations made under this Act. (3) The owner or occupier of the premises shall be responsible for the preparation and execution of the fire emergency plan, including the distribution of the emergency plan to the occupants of such premises. (4) The owner or occupier of the premises shall organise and conduct evacuation drills on an annual basis or at such frequency or upon such occasion as may be directed by the Commissioner.
Extracts from Fire Safety Act Fire emergency plan Section 21.. (5) Any person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence.
Extracts from Fire Safety Act Fire safety managers Section 22. (1) The Minister may, by notification in the Gazette, specify any premises or class of premises in which the owner or occupier of the premises is required to appoint fire safety managers in respect of such premises or class of premises. (2) The owner or occupier of the premises shall ensure that the fire safety measures and fire safety practices of such premises comply with the regulations made under this Act and are of the standard specified by the Commissioner. (3) The fire safety manager of the premises shall assist the owner or occupier of the premises in the performance of his duties under this Act or any regulations made thereunder. (4) Any person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence.
Buildings Requiring A Fire Safety Manager All commercial and industrial buildings which satisfy at least one of the following conditions: gross floor area of at least 5,000 square metres occupant load of at least 1,000 persons high risk premises e.g. hospitals, buildings involved in chemical and petrochemical activities
UNIVERSITY FIRE SAFETY POLICY Objectives The National University of Singapore (NUS) Fire Safety Policy is established for the purpose of minimizing the risk of fire and in the event of a fire, to limit its spread, ensuring the safety of all the University personnel and visitors, minimizing the potential of fire from disrupting teaching and research, and lastly minimizing property and environment damage.
UNIVERSITY FIRE SAFETY POLICY Scope This policy applies to all persons on National University of Singapore premises and in particular to staff and key appointment holders who have a duty placed upon them to actively monitor the implementation of this policy. This policy supports the University s Safety Policy.
UNIVERSITY FIRE SAFETY POLICY Policy Statements The National University of Singapore is committed to a high standard of fire safety and will make all reasonable efforts to adopt best practices and compliance with the Fire Safety Act, Code of Practices and all other current fire safety legislation and standards. 1. Fire Safety Responsibility The Dean shall appoint a person in his faculty as the Faculty Fire Safety Coordinator. The Faculty Safety Officer may take on this role. Each building shall have a Building Fire Safety Coordinator and fire wardens shall be appointed for each floor.
UNIVERSITY FIRE SAFETY POLICY 2. Unobstructed Passage of Escape The premises on NUS shall have adequate means of escape in case of fire. All means of escape shall be correctly maintained, kept free from obstruction and available for safety and effective use at all times. Means of escape shall have adequate emergency lighting (in case of fire) which will be maintained in efficient working order. 3. Provisions of Fire Warning System All buildings in NUS shall be provided with adequate fire detection and warning system. These shall be maintained in efficient working order. 4. Fire Fighting Equipment Adequate means for fighting fire shall be provided and these shall be maintained in efficient working order.
UNIVERSITY FIRE SAFETY POLICY 5. Procedures and SOPs Appropriate instruction shall be given to all persons in University premises on evacuation procedures. Those effective management procedures are in place to respond to and deal with the aftermath of a fire. 6. Fire Emergency Plan All buildings with two storey and above, or with more than twenty occupants in the building are to conduct annual fire evacuation drill. If there is more than one department within a building, the Fire Safety Coordinator (s) shall coordinate and plan such drills. 7. Training Appropriate fire training shall be given to all designated staff working in labbased facilities and / or have an active role in the implementation of the fire emergency plan.
NUS FIRE SAFETY WEBSITE http://emergency.nus.edu.sg/firesafety.htm
Fire Safety Management System There are three elements to the implementation of Fire Safety Management System (FSMS) in NUS: FSMS Prevention Emergency Preparedness Awareness Inspection, Fire Risk Assessment Policy, Manual, SOPs Fire Drill, Training Newsletter, Fire Updates Emergency Plan Seminars, Competition, Awards
INFORMATION GATHERING What is the nature of occupancy? How many floors? Single or multiple tenant building? What is the occupant load? Any special hazards (internal/external)? What are the existing fire fighting equipment, detection & warning system available in the building? Special arrangement for people with disabilities?
FORMULATION OF FIRE EMERGENCY PLAN
SCOPE Introduction Fire Safety Committee Fire Emergency Plan (FEP) Guidelines for FEP Action to be taken in the event of fire General Pointers
FIRE EMERGENCY PLAN Fire Emergency Plan (FEP) is a plan that states the step-by-step procedures for the occupants and building management to follow in the event of a fire emergency.
Why is the FEP required? Avoid panic Evacuate safely and orderly Tackle incipient fires with first aid fire-fighting equipment Provide good information and assistance to fire fighting crews Effect timely protection of machineries and property
Fire Safety Committee Campus Security Building Coordinator (1 for each building) Telephone Operator Fire Fighting Team Floor Warden (1 for each floor) Staffs Students Visitors
Contents of FEP Objective Action to be taken in event of an outbreak of fire Fire occurring outside office hours Duties & Responsibilities External emergency support Fire Evacuation Drill Classification of Emergencies General Appendices
Fire Alarm Fire Alarm in a building can be activated via one of the following devices: Manual Break Glass Callpoint Smoke / Heat Detectors Sprinkler
Mode of Evacuation < 8 storey a single stage alarm evacuate immediately total evacuation upon hearing the alarm > 8-storey & < 30-storey 2 stage alarm 1 st alarm - alert signal for total evacuation 2 nd alarm - commence evacuation
Action to be taken upon activation of fire alarm
Single Stage Alarm Coordinator / Asst Proceed to Fire Main Alarm Panel Alert Campus Security the activation of fire alarm immediately Alert SCDF when fire situation is confirmed. Proceed to Assembly Point and obtain floor evacuation status reports from Fire Wardens Await for arrival of Campus Security & SCDF
Single Stage Alarm Fire Warden / Asst Check sub alarm panel for location of fire Conduct physical check/verification of fire Report to Coordinator if fire on his floor & effect evacuation immediately Attempt to extinguish fire w/o taking personal risk Effect evacuation immediately Check all rooms & evacuate everyone on his floor Attention on disabled, children, pregnant women At Assembly Area, conduct roll call using floor register & handover to Coordinator Ensure that no one re-enters the building until it is safe to do so
Two Stage Alarm Coordinator / Asst Proceed to Fire Command Centre Isolate alarm bell Mobilize Fire Wardens to investigate Fire Warden (fire floor) investigates cause of alarm & report status Standby to receive status from FW Initiate appropriate text messages Prepare to evacuate as specified in FEP
Two Stage Alarm Coordinator / Asst 1 st alarm to be silenced not more than 1 min upon activation and Text 1 message is initiated immediately. Announcement of Text 1 Ladies & Gentlemen, your attention, please. The fire alarm has been activated in the bldg. We are investigating the situation. Please remain calm & standby your speakers for further instruction. Thank you.
Two Stage Alarm Coordinator / Asst If Fire Warden reports situation under control Announcement of Text 2 Ladies & Gentlemen, your attention, please. The emergency situation in the building is now under control. We regret any inconvenience caused. Thank you
Two Stage Alarm Coordinator / Asst If Fire Warden reports false alarm Announcement of Text 3 Ladies & Gentlemen, your attention, please. We have investigated the situation and found it to be a false alarm. We regret for any inconvenience caused. Thank you
Two Stage Alarm Coordinator / Asst If Fire Warden reports fire is beyond control Announcement of Text 4 Ladies & Gentlemen, your attention, please. There exists an emergency situation in the building. Please evacuate using the nearest exist staircase and obey all instructions given by fire wardens. Thank you
Two Stage Alarm Fire Warden / Asst On hearing 1st stage alarm, Check sub alarm panel Conduct physical check Report to Coordinator if fire on his floor & effect evacuation immediately Prepare for evacuation and standby near speaker if fire not on his/her floor
Two Stage Alarm Fire Warden / Asst On hearing evacuation announcement, Effect evacuation immediately Check all rooms & evacuate everyone on his floor Attention on disabled, children & pregnant women At Assembly Area, conduct roll call using floor register & handover to Coordinator Ensure that no one re-enters the building until it is safe to do so
Building Evacuation Status Chart Coordinator : Building : Storey Name of Fire Warden Evacuation Status. Cleared Not Cleared
Floor Register Fire Warden : Storey : Unit No. Name of Occupants Evacuation Status. Present Absent
Emergency Assembly Point
Emergency Assembly Point Criteria Open areas that are away from buildings, but not so far away as to inhibit compliance by building occupants Easily and safely accessible Large enough to accommodate all building occupants Accessible to emergency medical personnel (but EAPs must not obstruct firefighters access routes or block fire protection equipment such as hydrants or pumper connections)
Campus Security At ground floor staircase exit, main entrance & exit to prevent re-entry Patrolling Direct SCDF to FCC Direct traffic
Fire Occurring Outside Office Hours Campus Security Notify SCDF if fire is beyond control Notify Coordinator/Asst Fight fire without endangering self Interim Coordinator at Assembly Point
False Alarm Reporting For any occurrence of false alarm, please provide OSHE with the information stated below via email. 1. Exact location, building name, floor & room no. 2. Date & time of activation 3. Actions taken upon activation of alarm. (reported by, responded by, evacuation activated etc) 4. Cause of alarm 5. Rectification work (if any) 6. Any other information OSHE will update the information to our records to monitor the list of reported cases on campus or for any follow up action e.g. cases at AS7 & MD11.
Duties & Responsibilities of Fire Safety Committee
Duties & Responsibilities Coordinator / Asst Represent management Establish Fire Safety Committee Training Prepare FEP Records date & time of drill conducted
Evacuation Drill Record Sheet I, the undersigned, designated as Coordinator of the fire drill held by (Name of premises) hereby certify that the facts shown on the line or lines herein below opposite my signature are correct & further that each drill was successfully conducted in full compliance with the approved Fire Emergency Plan. Date of Drill Time Fire Floor No. of Participants Participation Rate (%) Evacuation Time Name of Coordinator
Duties & Responsibilities Coordinator / Asst Appoint one person as Coordinator during his absence Oversee training of appointment holders Policing of fire hazards Proper maintenance of fire fighting equipment Coordinate fire safety awareness & public education program
Fire Safety Training Fire Safety Education Course (Level 1) Who should attend Mandatory for lab-based staffs and post graduate students working in and around laboratories Mandatory for staffs holding the appointment of fire warden and assistant fire warden Course Aim To equip participants with the necessary awareness and skills to enable them to be proactive in basic fire prevention and effective in fire aid fire fighting.
Fire Safety Training Fire Warden Training Course (Level 2) Who should attend Mandatory for staffs who have been delegated to perform the role of fire warden or assistant fire warden Course Aim Participants will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to effectively perform the role and responsibilities of building fire warden.
Fire Safety Training Fire Safety Coordinator Course (Level 3) Who should attend Mandatory for staffs who have been appointed to perform the role of building fire safety coordinator or assistant fire safety coordinator Course Aim Prepares building representatives for their role in campus emergency/disaster preparedness. They prepare building response plans and coordinate education and planning for all building occupants.
Duties & Responsibilities Fire Warden / Asst Acquaint new employee with FEP Familiar with FEP & means of escape Familiar with fire alarm & use of first aid fire fighting equipment Maintain & update floor register
Duties & Responsibilities Campus Security Familiar with FEP & means of escape Security personnel are well versed
General Pointers
General Pointers Distribution of the FEP hardcopy / email / website fire safety committee members brief occupants Posting of fire emergency instructions conspicuous location Fire Coordinator / Fire Warden identification luminous yellow vest for fire coordinators luminous orange vest for fire wardens Loudspeakers for crowd control during emergencies
Fire Warden Box Designed to house fire warden equipment like vests & floor register. To be installed at strategic location on every floor. Alarm will be sounded upon opening of box.
General Pointers Training keep occupants knowledgeable on fire prevention & fire extinguishing method refresher training organised at periodic intervals Fire drills conducted annually occupants with medical problems exempted pregnant occupants exempted special arrangement for disabled persons keep record of the fire drills conducted
General Pointers Regular meetings discuss fire safety issues & updates fire safety training status of appointed coordinators / wardens fire risk assessments internal fire safety inspection results short comings found necessary action to be taken closures of fire safety issues previously identified
Planning of
Step 1 : Formulation / Review of FEP 8 weeks prior to drill Update respective floor layout plans Update Fire Warden s name list & contact number Update respective floor register Submission of FEP to OSHE for approval / review
Step 2 : Confirmation of Drill Date Fire drill to be conducted annually in accordance to WY (April March). Confirmation of drill date (5 weeks prior to drill) Notify supporting departments (4 weeks prior to drill) OSHE - observation & assessment of drill Campus Security - traffic & transient crowd management OED - fire alarm activation & resetting Notify building occupants of upcoming drill period (email, notice board) (4 weeks prior to drill) Notify Fire Wardens for pre-fire drill briefing (4 weeks prior to drill)
Step 3 : Briefing for Fire Wardens 2 weeks prior to drill Review of last drill performance Determine objective (s) of upcoming fire drill Revisit drill procedures (update new changes to FEP)
Step 4 : Logistical Preparation Loud hailer Stand / Label Luminous Yellow Vest (Fire Coordinator) Luminous Orange Vest (Fire Warden) Stopwatch
Fire Drill Simulation Aid Fire Simulator Rescue Mannequin Smoke Machine
Fire Drill Simulation Aid Designed to carry out on site live fire training with the minimum initial outlay Safe & clean Cost effective
Fire Drill Simulation Aid Extremely durable, rugged & lifelike Effective for practicing extrication and transport training May be used in first aid scenario to enhance realism in fire drill exercise
Fire Drill Simulation Aid The safe smoke provides the realism of disorientation commonly experienced in actual fire conditions.
Step 5 : Actual Drill Ensure all involved parties are present Synchronize time for fire alarm activation/isolation Inform location for debrief session Activation of alarm (alarm to ring for at least 3 mins)
Fire Safety Inspection
Fire Safety Inspection Program Objectives To ensure compliance to fire safety code and regulation To identify & rectify potential fire safety hazards in workplace To cultivate fire safety culture in NUS.
Exit / Fire Doors Do the fire doors swing outward? Is the fire door fitted with an automatic door closer? Is the fire door in close position? Are the exits and fire doors clear of any obstructions? Is the fire door locked?
Exit / Fire Doors
Staircases Are the staircases clear of any obstructions?
Corridors / Passageways Are the corridors / passageways clear of any obstacles, storage & debris? Are the corridors / passageways at least 1.0m wide?
Fire Extinguishers Are the extinguishers in their proper type, capacity, location, fully charged & within date of service? Are the extinguishers securely mounted or in an approved cabinet (not higher than 1.5m above ground)?
Hosereel Are the hosereels working? Is the nozzle & hoses satisfactory? Is there any obstruction? Is the control valve working? Are the hose reels serviced annually?
Exit Signs Is the exit sign visible? Is the exit sign illuminated? Is exit directional sign adequate?
Fire Alarm System Is the main / sub alarm panel in order? Is there any obstruction? Is the fire alarm system maintained?
Conventional Fire Alarm Panel In a conventional panel, fire detection devices including, but not limited to smoke detectors, heat detectors and manual call points are joined up with a number connected to each circuit. A small map of the building is often placed near the main entrance with the defined zones drawn up, and LEDs indicating whether a particular circuit/zone has been activated. The main drawback with conventional panels is that one cannot tell which device has been activated within a circuit. The fire may be in one small room, but a fire could exist anywhere within a zone.
Visual Inspection Report to OED Zone Manager if any of the lights in these boxes is lighted up.
Addressable Fire Alarm Panel An addressable panel is a more modern type of panel, which signals from each detector, call point and/or activating device individually identified at the control panel. An addressable panel has a number of loops, where a number of devices are able to be connected, each with its own address.
Visual Inspection Report to OED Zone Manager if any of the lights signaling FAULT, ISOLATION, DISABLED in these boxes is lighted up. Report to OED Zone Manager If faulty message appears in the digital screen.
Reporting a problem Information required by OED Exact location of faulty fire control panel Date & time of inspection Fire control panel number (eg E4-Level4) Nature of fault Frequency of fault (if available) Any other information. Information to be forwarded to respective OED Zone Manager. Contact information of OED Zone Manager can be found via the following link: http://www.nus.edu.sg/oed/services/ems/zone1.htm
Electrical Hazards Is there any extension cords in use in place of permanent electrical installations? Is there any spliced or frayed cords/wires? Is there any broken or faulty switch/outlets? Is the electrical panel overloaded/obstructed? Is there adapters in use, other than approved type with Safety Mark label?
Electrical Hazards
Housekeeping Are all the flammable/combustible liquids properly stored in approved cabinet? Is there any combustible material stored near ignition source? Is there any accumulation of combustible materials? Are there any illegal cooking facilities / naked lights?
Fire Safety Inspection Program INSPECTION HAZARD FOUND NO HAZARD FILE ISSUE NOTICE OF ABATEMENT HAZARD CORRECTED RE-INSPECT HAZARD NOT CORRECTED ENFORCEMENT
Group Exercise Break into 4 groups. Group 1: University Cultural Centre Group 2: University Hall Group 3: Yusof Ishak House Group 4: Sports Recreational Centre Carry out the following tasks information gathering mock inspection on the following buildings:
Group Exercise 1. Identify the unique challenges / special hazards associated with the building. 2. Propose recommended solutions / mitigation measures. 3. Identify possible emergency assembly point (primary & secondary) 4. Identify the type of fire fighting, detection, warning & protection system of the building. 5. Propose programs to increase fire safety awareness among building occupants. 6. Carry out mock fire safety inspection (general areas only).