Awareness Properties of Fire Safe Practices Human Behavior and Fire Fire Safety Systems

Awareness Properties of Fire Safe Practices Human Behavior and Fire Fire Safety Systems

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

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

Natural Disasters Tornados 609 Hurricanes 2,126 Earthquakes 3 Total 2,738 Fire 46,900

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)

All fires need an ignition source which could be sparks, flames, or high heat. Fuel which could possibly be wood, paper, gasoline, oil, or gaseous vapors. And all fires of course need oxygen.

http://youtu.be/z2-wca7uaeg

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

Ordinary combustibles like paper, wood, plastic, etc. Flammable liquids like gasoline, propane, and kerosene Electrical equipment like stoves and toasters Combustible metals like titanium

There are 3 stages of a fire. First the Incipient Stage which includes the heating of materials. The next is the Free Burning Stage which includes flames, and heat production. The last stage is the 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

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!!

Flashover occurs when the heat from a fire heats the walls, room contents and combustible gases in the room to their auto ignition temperature. When this happens the entire room can become engulfed in flames within a matter of seconds. This is a very dangerous phase in any fire.

A backdraft is an explosive event at a fire resulting from rapid reintroduction of oxygen to combustion in an oxygen-starved environment, for example, the breaking of a window or opening of a door to an enclosed space. Backdrafts present a serious threat to firefighters, even those with a high level of experience. There is some controversy surrounding the question of whether backdrafts should be considered a type of flashover.

http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=vbyanlroex8 Click on the Link above to view a Flashover Event

In a FIRE

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.

A small amount of stress tends to improve people's abilities to perform tasks, but a high amount of stress tends to interfere with performance, especially problem solving Doing fire drills properly reduces the amount of problem solving needed in a real fire

People tend to notice far less of their surroundings under conditions of high stress so you may remember some things and not others Chemicals that the body produces under stress may interfere with performance In a real fire you will need to stay calm and keep others calm so you can assess the situation as it is happening

Anxiety associated with danger is a very aversive and unpleasant emotion People are strongly motivated to avoid feeling anxiety Training for participants and staff so that everyone knows what to do and how important it is one key to overcoming anxiety and avoidance

In addition to a person s physical and mental abilities to deal with a fire and the immense stress and anxiety felt during a fire, the heat and toxic gases released during a fire further inhibit your ability to think clearly and respond decisively.

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

As we discussed earlier the temperature in a fire can range from 150-2000 degrees In such conditions, individuals 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.

You need to thoroughly know fire systems for your site, including their locations.

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 10 minutes until it is repaired (or sooner based on site specific requirements).

If you hear a carbon monoxide detector sound, evacuate the site and wait for emergency personnel to arrive

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

http://youtu.be/msjduppxaaw

If your site has pull stations, know how to use them and where they are

Must maintain in a fully charged and operable condition Must remain in their designated places at all times except during use Must conduct 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

Letter classification given an extinguisher to designate the class or classes of fire on which it will be effective. Class A ordinary combustibles (wood, cloth, paper) Class B flammable liquids, gases, greases Class C energized electrical equipment Class D combustible metals Ordinary Flammable Electrical Combustible A B C D Combustibles Liquids Equipment Metals

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 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 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.

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

1. Eliminate the Heat 2. Eliminate the Fuel

1. Eliminate the Heat Avoid overloading outlets Avoid using extension cords Do not use Halogen bulbs 1,000 o 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

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 such as pizza boxes.

Keep at least 3 feet clearance around the furnace and hot water tank.

Although they can be pretty, open flames are not permitted in certified settings.

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

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 Obstructed exit route

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

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

Human error is the most significant factor in the cause and spread of fire. 90% of fire fatalities occur at home

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 all occupants have evacuated.

Before entering a room, place the back of your hand on the door If the door is hot, DO NOT ENTER It is presumed that anyone in the room is already dead

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

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 with access to the outside that is large enough to accommodate all building occupants likely to use the exit route

Opening a hot door could result in backdraft resulting in the death of the rescuer and spreading the fire If the door knob is not hot, open the door slowly before entering If you must go where there is smoke or flames, stay low - heat and smoke rise

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

In a real fire, if someone is unable to walk on their own you may need to use a fireman s carry

Or, you may need to carry the person using a two person carry side by side or front and back Or, drag the person by yourself on a blanket

Removing or evacuating individuals must not compromise a staff member s personal safety. Assist evacuation: Only if it can be done and remain safe Prioritize assistance to those individuals who will most benefit There may be individuals you cannot help

By now the fire alarm should be sounding. If it is not, yell Fire

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 everyone in the site according to the evacuation plan. Do not use the elevator If someone is unwilling to evacuate during an actual fire you may need to use a SCIP-R Personal Intervention

Do a head count (including staff) to make sure everyone is evacuated After everyone is evacuated call 911 from a cell phone or neighbor - Do not delay evacuation to take a cell phone. 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

Report evacuation progress Accountability for individual s and staff Report individuals that may be in areas of refuge or safe areas Be available to provide building information Alarm panel Gas shutoffs Electrical entrance Fire sprinkler information Floor plan (O2 and medical equipment locations)

Do not re-enter the site until you receive the all clear from the fire department - wait for the fire department. Sometimes fires will re-ignite. 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 or concerns can be directed to the Staff Development Department at 1845 Kenmore Ave, or the Nursing Department at 984-8419 or 880--7412 OSHA Emergency Hot-Line 1-800-321-OSHA Hot-line for reporting workplace safety or health emergencies Provides a 24-hour point of contact to report imminent dangers on the job

Fire Safety Test

Introduction to Fire Science Section 1, Unit 4 - Human Behavior and Fire, Flannery Associates Copyright January 2001 Video Footage: http://www.ffb.uni-karlsruhe.de/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/flashover http://www.workingfire.net/misc3.htm