1. Fire Safety and Disaster Plans DHO Ch. 14
Fire Safety and Disaster Plans DHO Ch. 14.3, pg 379 HS1 Berryhill & Cashion

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Observing Fire Safety
Fire requires
Oxygen – found in the air
Fuel – any material that will burn
Heat – sparks, matches, flames
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Observing Fire Safety
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Observing Fire Safety
Causes of fires
- Major cause is carelessness with smoking and with matches.
-Other causes: misuse of electricity, improper rubbish disposal, arson, defects in heating systems
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5. Classes of Fire Extinguishers
Classified according to kind of fire they extinguish
Many different types
Main types: A, B, C, and ABC
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Class A Extinguisher
Contains pressurized water
Use on combustibles such as paper, cloth, and wood
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7. Class ABC Extinguisher
Contains chemical that smothers the fire
Multipurpose extinguisher – used for all types of fire
Yellow powder that leaves sticky residue damaging to skin and eyes
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8. Discharging an Extinguisher
Stand 6-10 feet from the near edge of the fire
PASS
P: pull the pin
A: aim the extinguisher at the near edge and bottom of the fire (the base)
S: squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher
S: sweep the extinguisher from side to side
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Rules in Case of Fire
Remain calm, do not panic
RACE
R: rescue anyone in immediate danger
A: activate the alarm
C: confine the fire
E: extinguish the fire or evacuate the area
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Preventing Fires
Be alert to causes of fires
Correct situations that lead to fires
Obey “no smoking” signs
Extinguish matches, cigarettes, and any flammable items completely
Dispose of all waste materials in proper containers
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Preventing Fires
Handle electrical equipment carefully
Store flammable materials in proper containers and in a safe area
If flammable liquid spilled, clean up immediately
Do not allow clutter to accumulate
When oxygen is in use, observe special precautions
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Disaster Plans
In addition to fires, other disasters may occur.
Other disasters:
tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, bomb threats
In any disaster, stay calm, follow your health care facility policy, provide for the safety of yourself and patients.
Health care workers are legally responsible for familiarizing themselves with disaster policies.
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