1. Fire Safety, Department of Physics
Fire Safety Induction

2. Fire Safety, Department of Physics
Overview
We will look at
Legal requirements
Understanding fire
Fire hazards and risks
Fire prevention and control
Fire extinguisher safety
Fire procedures

3. Legal Requirements
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order requires that;
Fire risks are identified and controlled
A Fire Risk Assessment is completed and reviewed regularly or if work areas change
Findings are implemented, so far as is reasonably practicable

4. Understanding Fire Fire is real
In 2 ½ years from Jan 2007 – June fires occurred in the University of Bristol
17 were small and contained
2 were serious…

5. School of Chemistry, 2007

6. Faculty of Engineering
Queen’s Building, 2008

7. Understanding Fire Fire needs 3 things to exist Fuel Oxygen Heat
“The Fire Triangle”

8. Fire Safety, Department of Physics
Understanding Fire
Fuel
Chemicals - acetone, ether, methanol, etc
Gases - hydrogen, natural gas
Plastics - PCs, cable insulation, research equipment
Paper and cardboard - packaging
Wood - desks, benches
Fabrics - chairs, blinds, clothing
You…

9. Understanding Fire Oxygen A natural component of air @ 21%
Enriched atmospheres, > 21% oxygen
labs, oxygen storage
Situations where oxygen / air is more difficult to control:
Outdoors
Automatic ventilation systems
Open doors or windows

10. Fire Safety, Department of Physics
Understanding Fire
Heat (Ignition Source)
Heating appliances
Research and computer equipment
Other electrical equipment
Smoking materials
Contractor’s equipment
Arson

11. Understanding Fire Hazards and risks of fire Smoke & fumes
Breathing difficulties, asphyxiation, poisoning
Heat & flames - up to 1250°C
Burns
Building debris
Impact injuries, burns
Injury while escaping fire
Trips, falls, trampling

12. Fire Prevention Be fire safety aware Control ignition sources
Prevent any accumulation of fuels
Only use electrical equipment that is PAT tested
Abide by the University no smoking policy

13. Fire Prevention Do not block fire exits, call points or extinguishers
Do not wedge fire doors open
Ensure good housekeeping
Maintain effective security
Report any bad practice or risks immediately to your line manager

14. Fire Prevention Fire alarm testing Is a legal requirement
Alarm will sound for 15 seconds (add details of your departmental or building testing regime)
No need to take action during a test, however if the alarm sounds for greater than 15 seconds, or at any other time than the arranged testing, you must treat as genuine alarm and immediately evacuate

15. Fire Procedure - Finding a Fire
If you discover a fire
Shout ‘FIRE’.
Raise the alarm by breaking the glass on a RED fire alarm call point.
Call Security on Security officers / the Security control will call 999 on your behalf but you can always call the Brigade directly if you know there is a fire.
Do not return to your desk/work area to collect personal belongings
Leave the building by the nearest available fire escape route.
Go to the assembly area and await instruction.

16. Fire Extinguisher Types
Fire Safety, Department of Physics
Fire Extinguisher Types
Water Paper, wood, etc. Not electrical, liquids or gases
Foam Solids & liquids Not electrical or gases
Powder Solids, liquids, gases & electrical
CO2 Electrical, safe on most small fires

17. Fire Procedure - Evacuation
On hearing the alarm
Call Security on to advise of the fire alarm – do not assume someone else has done it.
Leave the building by the nearest available fire escape route.
DO NOT delay your escape but if you can turn off equipment/close doors and windows as you leave then do so.
Go to the assembly area and await instruction

18. Fire Procedure - Evacuation
Do not delay to collect belongings
Do not use the lifts
If smoke is present then keep low to the floor to add your escape
If necessary check that internal doors are cool with the back of your hand before opening them

19. Fire Procedure - Evacuation
Electrically locked security doors
Lock will auto release when the alarm activates, just push the door open
Break glass release button only if door does not unlock
If you break glass notify the Porters or the Buildings Manager for replacement

20. Fire Procedure - Evacuation
People with disabilities
Need to be assisted by volunteers or nominated personnel, detail will be available in their Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEP’s)
For special events ensure that disabled persons have been taken into account and an evacuation plan is in place
(Add details of Departmental Evacuation Plan)

21. Fire Procedure - Evacuation
On exiting the building
Report to designated assembly point promptly
Don’t block any Emergency Services route to the building
Add diagram if possible of exit routes for department or form building

22. Fire Procedure - Evacuation
On exiting the building
Report any missing colleagues to your Fire Warden
Report any disabled persons left at Refuge Points
Remain at assembly point until advised otherwise
Do not wander off as it may be assumed that you are trapped in the building

23. On Your Return to Your Workplace Today
Ensure that you know;
The escape routes
Final exit doors and how to open them
Location and types of fire fighting equipment
Locations of call points
Any specific fire procedures including the assembly points
Who your fire wardens are
Who to report to with any defects or bad practices

24. Examples of defects to report
Covered smoke detectors
Fire doors damaged or not closing properly
Broken/damaged lighting, especially emergency lighting
Missing or damaged fire extinguishers
Service riser covers open.
Accumulation of rubbish and clutter excessive paper in offices etc.
Obstructed corridors.

25. Summary
As a member of staff at the University you have a responsibility for fire safety. Make sure you know:
What the fire alarm sound like in your building
The Escape routes within your building
If you discover a fire, how to raise the alarm
What to do if you hear the fire alarm
Who to call if a fire starts
How to open final exit doors
Why is it important to go to the assembly area?
Why fire doors should remain closed at all times?
Why are fire extinguishers provided?

26. Thank You!
Any Questions?