WHAT IS A FIRE EMERGENCY?
This health and safety document "FIRE EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN" is uploaded by hse documents in Word format. Here we will discuss the most common emergency situation-Fire. A fire emergency refers to a situation where an uncontrolled or unexpected fire poses a threat to people, property, or the environment. It can occur in various settings, such as residential buildings, commercial establishments, industrial facilities, natural landscapes, and more. Fire emergencies can result from a variety of causes, including electrical faults, gas leaks, chemical reactions, human error, natural disasters like wildfires, and more.
During a fire emergency, the primary concern is the safety of individuals and the swift containment and extinguishing of the fire to prevent further damage. Proper emergency response procedures, which might include evacuation plans, communication protocols, and coordination with fire departments or emergency services, are crucial to ensuring the well-being of everyone involved.
It's important to be prepared for fire emergencies by having fire safety measures in place, such as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, evacuation plans, and fire drills. Being knowledgeable about fire prevention, safety protocols, and how to respond in case of a fire emergency can greatly reduce the risk of injury, loss of life, and property damage.
When the fire is discovered:
When a fire is discovered, it's important to follow a set of immediate steps to ensure the safety of people and property. Here's what you should do when you discover a fire:
Alert Others:
If there are other people around, alert them immediately by shouting "Fire!" This will help ensure that everyone is aware of the danger and can take appropriate action.
Activate Fire Alarm:
If the building has a fire alarm system, activate it to alert others and initiate the building's evacuation procedures. Fire alarms are designed to quickly notify occupants about the emergency.
Call Emergency Services:
Dial the emergency services number (such as 911 in many countries) to report the fire. Provide them with accurate information about the location, size, and nature of the fire. Stay on the line to answer any questions the dispatcher may have.
Attempt to Extinguish Small Fires:
If the fire is small and you feel confident doing so, you can attempt to use a fire extinguisher to put it out. Remember the "PASS" acronym: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.
Evacuate Safely:
If the fire is spreading rapidly, if it's a large fire, or if you're unable to control it, leave the area immediately. Follow the building's evacuation plan and use designated escape routes. Do not use elevators during a fire emergency.
Close Doors:
As you leave, if it's safe to do so, close the doors behind you. Closed doors can help slow down the spread of fire and smoke.
Stay Low if There's Smoke:
If you encounter smoke while evacuating, stay close to the ground where the air is clearer. Smoke rises, so the air near the floor is generally safer to breathe.
Assemble at a Safe Location:
Once you're outside the building, move to a designated assembly point or a safe distance away. This will allow emergency responders to account for all individuals and provide any necessary assistance.
Do Not Re-enter:
Under no circumstances should you re-enter a burning building. Allow trained firefighters to handle the situation.
Provide Information to Responders:
When emergency responders arrive, provide them with any relevant information about the fire's location, potential hazards, and any people who might still be inside.
Remember that personal safety should always be your top priority. If you're unsure about your ability to control the fire or if it's already spreading, focus on evacuating and letting professional firefighters handle the situation. Being prepared with knowledge of fire evacuation plans and the location of fire extinguishers can make a significant difference in handling a fire emergency.
Fight the fire ONLY if:
You should only attempt to fight a fire yourself if certain conditions are met and you feel confident in your ability to do so safely. Here are the circumstances in which you might consider fighting a fire:
Size of the Fire:
The fire is small and contained, such as a small trash can fire, a small cooking fire, or a small paper fire. A fire that is spreading rapidly or is already too large to control should not be tackled by individuals without proper training and equipment.
Escape Route:
You have a clear and unobstructed escape route behind you. If the fire grows larger or becomes unmanageable, you should be able to leave the area quickly and safely.
Appropriate Fire Extinguisher:
You have the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you're facing. Fire extinguishers are labeled with symbols that indicate the types of fires they are effective (e.g., Class A for ordinary combustibles, Class B for flammable liquids, and Class C for electrical fires).
Confidence and Knowledge:
You are confident in your ability to operate the fire extinguisher effectively. If you're unsure how to use the extinguisher, it's better to evacuate and let professionals handle the situation.
Personal Safety:
Your personal safety is not compromised. If the fire involves hazardous materials, is producing toxic smoke, or presents other dangers, do not attempt to fight it yourself.
If all these conditions are met, you can use the "PASS" technique to use a fire extinguisher:
Pull:
Pull the pin to break the seal and release the locking mechanism.
Aim:
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not at the flames themselves.
Squeeze:
Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent.
Sweep:
Sweep the nozzle from side to side, covering the base of the fire with the extinguishing agent.
Even if you decide to fight a small fire, remember that your personal safety is the most important consideration. If at any point the fire starts to grow, the extinguisher runs out, or you feel unsafe, evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services.
If the fire is already large, spreading rapidly, or involves hazardous materials, it's best to evacuate immediately and let professional firefighters handle the situation. Your safety and the safety of others should always be the top priority in a fire emergency.
Upon being notified about the fire emergency, occupants must:
Upon being notified about a fire emergency, occupants must take swift and appropriate actions to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Here's a step-by-step guide on what occupants should do:
Stay Calm:
Remain calm and composed. Panic can hinder your ability to make rational decisions.
Alert Others:
If you are the first to notice the fire, alert others around you by shouting "Fire!" or activating the nearest fire alarm if available.
Evacuate Immediately:
If the fire alarm is sounding or if you receive official notification of the fire, evacuate the building immediately. Do not use elevators during a fire emergency.
Use Designated Exits:
Use the designated fire exits and escape routes. Follow any posted signs that indicate evacuation paths. Avoid blocking exit routes or hindering the evacuation process.
Feel Doors Before Opening:
Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand. If the door is hot, there may be fire on the other side. In that case, use an alternative escape route.
Stay Low if There's Smoke:
If you encounter smoke while evacuating, stay close to the ground where the air is clearer. Smoke rises, so the air near the floor is generally safer to breathe.
Do Not Re-enter:
Under no circumstances should you re-enter the building once you have safely evacuated. Leave firefighting to trained professionals.
Help Others:
If you encounter individuals who need assistance, such as elderly individuals or people with disabilities, provide aid if you can do so without jeopardizing your safety. Otherwise, notify emergency responders about their location and condition.
Assemble at a Safe Location:
Once outside, move to a designated assembly point or a safe distance away from the building. This allows emergency responders to account for all individuals and prevents crowding around the building.
Stay Informed:
Listen to instructions from emergency responders and follow their guidance. They will provide updates and ensure your safety.
Call for Help:
If you are trapped and unable to evacuate, call emergency services and provide your location. Signal for help using a flashlight or by waving a cloth out of a window.
Wait for All Clear:
Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders give the "all clear."
Designated Official, Emergency Coordinator or supervisors must (underline one):
Designated Official:
A- A designated official is typically an individual with the authority to make decisions during emergencies. This could be a high-ranking manager, executive, or someone responsible for the overall operation of the facility.
B- Responsibilities may include making decisions about evacuation, contacting emergency services, and ensuring that emergency protocols are followed.
C- They play a key role in coordinating the overall response and ensuring that communication flows effectively between different parties.
Emergency Coordinator:
A. An emergency coordinator is someone specifically trained to manage emergency situations and coordinate response efforts.
B- Responsibilities include activating the emergency response plan, managing the evacuation process, communicating with emergency services, and providing guidance to occupants and staff.
C- They may also be responsible for accounting for all individuals during evacuation and ensuring that everyone has safely left the affected area.
Supervisor:
A- A supervisor within a facility or workplace has responsibilities for the safety and well-being of their staff and the area they oversee.
B- During a fire emergency, supervisors should ensure that their team members are aware of the situation, follow evacuation procedures, and assemble at designated locations.
C- They should also communicate with higher authorities or designated emergency coordinators about the status of their team and any potential issues.
Area/Floor Monitors must:
Area or floor monitors play a crucial role during a fire emergency, especially in larger buildings or facilities where coordination and communication are vital for an organized response. Their responsibilities include:
Assisting with Evacuation:
Area monitors are responsible for ensuring that everyone in their designated area or floor is aware of the emergency and is evacuating the building following established evacuation routes and procedures.
Checking Rooms and Areas:
Monitors should ensure that all rooms, offices, and common areas in their assigned area are evacuated. This includes knocking on doors if necessary to confirm that occupants are aware of the emergency and are leaving the premises.
Guiding Occupants:
Monitors should guide individuals toward the nearest safe exit routes, directing them away from potential hazards and congested areas.
Assisting Vulnerable Individuals:
If there are elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or others who might need assistance evacuating, monitors should provide aid or call for additional help as necessary.
Preventing Elevator Use:
Elevators are typically unsafe during a fire emergency. Monitors should ensure that occupants do not use elevators and guide them to use stairs instead.
Assembling at Designated Areas:
Once outside the building, monitors should assist in ensuring that occupants gather at designated assembly points, away from the building, to help emergency responders account for everyone.
Reporting to Authorities:
Monitors should report to emergency coordinators, designated officials, or supervisors to provide information about the status of evacuation in their area. This helps ensure that everyone is safely evacuated and accounted for.
Assisting Emergency Responders:
Monitors might also be asked to provide information to emergency responders about any missing individuals or specific conditions within their designated area.
Communicating Information:
Monitors should remain calm and provide clear instructions to occupants, helping to minimize confusion and panic.
Training and Preparedness:
Monitors should be trained in fire evacuation procedures, familiar with the layout of the building, and aware of the location of fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits.
Staying Informed:
Monitors should stay informed about the situation by listening to announcements and updates from emergency responders.
Releasing All Clear:
After the fire emergency has been resolved and authorities provide the "all clear," monitors can help guide occupants back into the building if it's deemed safe to re-enter.
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