19 Jul Fire Safety – In Case of Fire

Fire Safety

In Case of Fire

Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. Employees can help prevent fires by recognizing hazards, maintaining safe work areas, and reporting unsafe conditions before they result in an emergency.

Employees should know the location of fire extinguishers, alarms, exits, evacuation routes, and designated assembly areas before an emergency occurs. When a fire is discovered, remain calm, act quickly, and follow the company’s emergency procedures.

Prevent Fires Before They Start

Be alert for conditions that could cause or contribute to a fire. Employees should:

• Maintain good housekeeping and promptly remove combustible waste and debris.
• Keep exits, evacuation routes, fire extinguishers, and emergency equipment unobstructed.
• Properly store flammable and combustible materials.
• Keep combustible materials away from ignition and heat sources.
• Inspect electrical cords, tools, and equipment for damage before use.
• Do not overload electrical circuits or use damaged electrical equipment.
• Follow established hot-work procedures for welding, cutting, brazing, grinding, and other spark- or flame-producing operations.
• Observe smoking restrictions.
• Report fire hazards to a supervisor promptly.

If You Discover a Fire

Follow the site-specific Emergency Action Plan and fire-response procedures. Depending on those procedures, employees may be required to:

1. Sound the alarm and immediately warn others in the area.
2. Call 911 or the designated emergency number and provide the location and nature of the fire.
3. Evacuate promptly using the designated evacuation route.
4. Proceed to the designated assembly area and report for accountability.
5. Provide responding firefighters with information about the location or nature of the emergency when requested.
6. Remain outside until authorized emergency personnel declare that it is safe to re-enter.

Never delay evacuation to retrieve personal belongings, tools, or equipment.

Should You Fight the Fire?

Employees are not expected to fight a fire unless they have been trained, authorized, and company procedures permit them to do so.

A portable fire extinguisher should only be considered when:

• The fire is small and in its beginning or incipient stage.
• The proper type of extinguisher is immediately available.
• The employee has been trained and authorized to use it.
• The alarm has been sounded and emergency procedures have been initiated.
• Smoke, heat, or hazardous materials do not create an unsafe condition.
• A clear and unobstructed escape route remains behind the employee.

Never allow a fire to get between you and your exit. If there is any doubt about whether the fire can be safely controlled, evacuate.

Know Your Fire Extinguishers

Different fires require different extinguishing agents. Employees authorized to use portable extinguishers should understand the basic fire classifications:

• Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, and many plastics.
• Class B: Flammable and combustible liquids and gases.
• Class C: Fires involving energized electrical equipment.
• Class D: Combustible metals.
• Class K: Cooking oils and fats commonly found in commercial cooking operations.

Never use an extinguisher unless it is appropriate for the type of fire involved.

When trained and authorized to use an extinguisher, remember PASS:

• P – Pull the pin.
• A – Aim at the base of the fire.
• S – Squeeze the handle.
• S – Sweep from side to side.

If the extinguisher is emptied and the fire is not out, the fire begins spreading, or conditions become unsafe, evacuate immediately.

Smoke and Evacuation

Smoke and toxic combustion products can be more dangerous than the flames themselves. During an evacuation:

• Stay away from smoke whenever possible.
• Use designated evacuation routes unless they are unsafe.
• Never enter or re-enter a smoke-filled area.
• Do not use elevators unless specifically permitted by the emergency plan.
• Assist others only when it can be done without placing yourself in danger.
• Once outside, proceed directly to the designated assembly area.
• Never re-enter the building or work area to attempt a rescue. Notify emergency responders if someone may still be inside.

Be Prepared

Fire emergencies develop rapidly. Employees should periodically review the company’s Emergency Action Plan and know:

• How to report a fire.
• What the emergency alarm sounds like.
• Where the nearest exits are located.
• Where to assemble after evacuation.
• How employees will be accounted for.
• Whether they are authorized to use portable fire extinguishers.

Remember

Your first responsibility during a fire is life safety—not protecting equipment or property. Sound the alarm, warn others, follow established emergency procedures, and evacuate when necessary. Fight only a small, incipient-stage fire when you are trained, authorized, properly equipped, and have a safe escape route.