Fire Prevention - The How and The What

How do fires start?

• Heat—a source of ignition (example: faulty or misused electrical equipment) 
• Fuel—something that will burn (example: soft furnishings, dry waste or packaging materials)
• Oxygen—found in the atmosphere (example: natural airflow through doors and windows from air-conditioning systems)

**If any one of these is missing, a fire cannot start. It is important that steps are taken to avoid the three coming together and thereby reduce the changes of a fire occurring

What you can do to prevent fire:

• Read the Fire Emergency Plan and be aware of your escape routes
• Keep fire doors shut at all times (or, if held open on automatic releases, keep them clear)
• Ensure escape routes are clear
• Close windows and doors at night
• Report any damage to fire detection, warning or firefighting equipment
• If you see, or smell smoke, raise the alarm and investigate immediately
• Be aware of the risks from any flammable, highly combustible or hazardous materials used or stored on premises

You should know:

• How and where to raise the alarm 
• Location of, and where appropriate—how to use fire-fighting equipment
• Locatiooh n of escape routes
• If you are responsible for any visitors on site, how to direct them to a fire exit
• How to open emergency doors
• Your assembly point
• The authorized procedure for a return to the workplace

What to do in case of fire: 

• Operate the fire alarm usually at the nearest fire alarm call point
• Follow our fire emergency and evacuation procedures
• Contact the fire and rescue service if you are designated to do this
• Use the correct type of portable fire extinguisher (if safe to do so and you have received training) to try and put out a small fire
• Where appropriate, stop machines and processes and isolate power supplies
• Evacuate the premises using the nearest designated fire evacuation route or alternative route.
• Report to assembly point

Employees must co-operate with their employers to ensure the workplace is safe from fire and its effects. They must not do anything that will place themselves or other people at risk.