Health and Safety Incidents and Emergencies Unit 3 Sophie Bevan

Objectives Explain how to deal with a fire outbreak Identify possible priorities and responses to fire

Bradford City Fire The Bradford City stadium fire was the worst fire disaster in the history of English football. It occurred during a league match in front of record numbers of spectators, on Saturday, 11 May 1985, killing 56 and injuring at least 265. The Valley Parade stadium, long-established home to Bradford City Football Club, had been noted for its antiquated design and facilities, including the wooden roof of the main stand. Warnings had also been given about a major build-up of litter just below the seats. The match against Lincoln City had started in a celebration atmosphere, with the home-team receiving the Football League Third Division trophy. At 3.40 pm, a small fire was reported by a TV commentator, but in less than four minutes, in windy conditions, it had engulfed the whole stand, trapping some people in their seats. In the panic that ensued, fleeing crowds had to break down locked exits in order to escape. There were, however, many cases of heroism, with more than fifty people receiving police awards or commendations. The disaster led to major new safety standards in UK football grounds, including the banning of new wooden grandstands

Fire Safety- your responsibility Ensure you know where alarms and exits are Familiarise yourself with the fire procedure on your first day

Fire Safety- Priority Keep yourself safe If possible keep the people you are caring for safe too If a fire does break out and you are able to help someone to escape without endangering yourself then do so

Most dangerous situation is being trapped in a building. This would only happen if all escape routes were blocked In this situation you need to separate yourself, and others if possible, from the fire

Move to a room with an outside window, close the door and put something along the gap at the bottom of the door to prevent smoke seeping in A door will keep fire back for at least half an hour, and a fire door for at least two hours The fire service will arrive within this time

Open the window and shout to alert passers by that you are trapped inside the building The fire service will make you a priority when they arrive If you are walking through a building that is on fire and you come to a closed door, feel the door with the back of your hand

Do not touch a metal handle as it will be extremely hot. If the door is hot the fire is burning behind it, do not open it, as you will be adding oxygen to the fire, causing it to flare up in your face.

You are not expected to fight a fire. However if you are able to close doors as you evacuate, this will slow down the fire by reducing the amount of oxygen available

Once outside, check that someone has called the fire service. You should help to care for others, especially those who are confused or distressed, such as children or people with dementia.

Staff may be busy dealing with those who are injured. Make sure people are not standing too near the building, as it may collapse.

Short term response Check registers/ patient lists Liaise with fire service

Long term response Review fire procedures Fire drills Attend training