C4 Risk Management Group Ltd

FIRE EMERGENCIES
Unit Standard 6523
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Respond to Emergencies and critical incidents as a security officer

Introduction

This study guide is designed to prepare you for assessment against NZQA Unit
Standard 6523 Respond to emergencies & critical situations as a security officer.

This Unit Standard is a compulsory requirement of the National Certificate in

Security Level 3 and 4.

This is a knowledge based module with a practical component and can be

achieved by completing the following distance learning modules.

1. Introduction to CIMS
2. Bomb Threats
3. White Powder Threats
4. Fire
5. Natural Hazards
6. SMEAC
7. Evacuations
8. Practical Assessment

Trainer/Assessor

Your trainer and assessor will issue you this module and give a time frame for it to
be completed by.

If you have any questions at any time you can contact your assessor at any time.
Once you have completed this module your assessor will discuss this it with you
to ensure your knowledge is sufficient to pass assessment.

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References

The following references may assist you in gaining further knowledge on this
subject.

Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act 2002

www.fire.org.nz

www.nzsafety.co.nz

Recommended Study Technique

1. Browse or read through this workbook to get the general idea of what it is
about.
2. Study each section and complete the Self Assessments at the end of each
section.
3. Complete the activities at the end of this module and hand the evidence to
your assessor for marking.
4. Evidence will be assessed and you will be advised if there are any areas for
you to improve on
5. Successful completion of this unit standard will be reported to NZQA.

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Fires

Introduction

The destructiveness of fires in homes and workplaces is well known and often
shown in media headlines. Fires regularly take lives and injure many more people
each year in NZ.

Most fires are termed accidental however many of them could have been
prevented. Fire can also be used much like a weapon; every year arson is
suspected in numerous fires across the country.

The NZ Fire Service website www.fire.org.nz gives the following statistics for
2007;

 46 fire districts (urban)

 440 fire stations
 960 fire appliances (approx)
 1707 career firefighter positions
 7000 urban volunteer firefighters
 524 management and support positions, full and part-time
 76 communication centre staff positions
 The busiest fire station in New Zealand in 2007 was Auckland City with
3,177 call outs. Christchurch City Station had 2,600 and Wellington City
Station 2,502

During 2007: (Calendar year)

 73,333 incidents were attended by the Fire Service. This includes such
things as fires, motor accidents and chemical emergencies
 24,279 fires were attended by the Fire Service, including 4,083 house fires
 There were 5,476 vegetation fires

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  There were 33 fire deaths.
The role of security officers in fire safety

Security officers are not expected to be firefighters, however they are expected to
be able to respond to a fire emergency with a level of professionalism above that
of an ordinary member of the public or staff.

The management of fire alarm and monitoring systems is often an important part
of their role in large buildings and factories.

Often the security officer is the only person who spends time patrolling a site with
the freedom to venture anywhere or look into what is going on. They are fulfilling
the OSH responsibility on the site and are likely to come across safety issues such
as fires, chemical leaks etc.

Many site security and safety plans and procedures identify the security officer as
a key member of any evacuation or response to an emergency.

At times security officers will have to take on the role of a fire warden or even the
building warden in some cases. If this occurs then the security officer should have
some advanced training in this field of emergency management.

A lot is expected from a security officer, more than just security work in fact, and
the officer needs to be able to respond with training, knowledge and hopefully
after a few years will have some experience.

A National Certificate in Security only supplies an officer with a basic awareness of

how to handle an emergency. Further training should be received by those who
work on a site and need to respond as part of a response capability. Other
National Certificates and training is available on this subject. Enquire with your
trainer/assessor.

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Fire science

Fire is a simple chemical reaction between oxygen in the air and a source of fuel
(paper or oil). The reaction is set off by the use of a heat source. Once the fuel is
hot enough the chemical reaction occurs and a fire ignites.

Fire Triangle

Fire suppression principles

Fire extinguishers are designed to remove one of the three essential elements of
a fire (Fuel, Heat, and Oxygen). Without that element the fire cannot continue to
burn and will die out.

Example:

 Water takes away the heat source by cooling it

 CO2 and dry powder remove oxygen from the immediate area
 Foam covers the fire and presents a barrier between the heat and the
oxygen

Of course there are other ways of suppressing the fire. Taking away the fuel
source by turning off a gas tap may solve the problem. A fire blanket or other

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device could be used to smother the fire in a similar way that foam covers the
fire.

Classes of fire

It is most important that you select and use the correct extinguisher for the type
of fire that you intend to fight. Failure to use the correct extinguisher may result
in the fire spreading or injury to yourself and others.

In New Zealand there is a pictogram on many fire extinguishers that indicates the
type of fire that the extinguisher should be used for. It is important to be able to
quickly identify the correct type of extinguisher. Learn these different types by
checking every fire extinguisher that you come across.

Class A fires include ordinary combustible items such as paper, wood,

cardboard and plastics.

Type of extinguisher - Dry powder, water, foam, water hose

Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, oil

etc.

Type of extinguisher - CO2, Dry powder, foam,

Class C fires are caused by gas pressure such as LPG cylinders, ovens
and other gas operated devices.

Type of extinguisher – Dry Powder, CO2, Foam

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Class D fires include flammable metals such as magnesium, titanium,
potassium and sodium

Type of extinguisher - Dry powder, sand

Class E fires are those around or including electrical equipment and

machinery.

Type of extinguisher - Dry powder, CO2,

Class F fires are primarily cooking fats and are often found in kitchen
areas.

Type of extinguisher - Wet chemical, fire blanket

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Types of fire extinguishers

There are five types of extinguisher available. Some are very common while
others are less common and have specific uses. There are a number of
manufacturers of these extinguishers and the size, colouring and markings can
differ. Care should be taken with any extinguisher and particular attention should
be made to older or imported versions.

Generally extinguishers are colour coded to assist in identifying the class of fire it
is designed for.

Dry Chemical (Dry Powder)

These extinguishers contain a dry chemical extinguishing powder,

normally sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. The powder is
forced from these extinguishers due to the compressed nitrogen gas
also held in the extinguisher. The nitrogen is not flammable.

The powder leaves a coating which reduces the chances of the fire re-
igniting. However the powder is mildly corrosive so it should be
cleaned up relatively soon after the fire has been extinguished.

A white band normally signifies a dry powder

extinguisher.

Water

Air pressurised water extinguishers contain water as well as

compressed air or a gas. They are only used on Class A fires. If they
are used on grease, fat or fuel based fires as they will simply spread
the fire causing it to grow. Water extinguishers should never be
used on fires where there is a chance of electrical fittings or
equipment being involved.

A red band normally signifies a water extinguisher.

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Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Highly compressed liquid carbon dioxide is released as a gas when these

extinguishers are used. They are very effective on burning liquids and
electrical fires. However on Class A fires they are not always effective as
the gas disperses and can allow the fire to reignite.

When these extinguishers are used the liquid carbon dioxide (CO 2) cools
the surrounding air and ice can form around the nozzle.

The black colour band is often used to signify this type of extinguisher.

Foam

These extinguishers are designed to be used on Class B fires and form a

foam cover over fuels and oils. This prevents the heat source accessing
the oxygen and therefore contains the fire. Foam extinguishers can also
be used on Class A fires to good effect.

These extinguishers are often seen around service stations and other
location where there are dangerous goods.

A blue band often signifies a foam extinguisher.

Wet Chemical

Wet chemical extinguishers should be used wherever there is a

commercial deep fat fryer unit. Much like foam, the wet chemical
covers the burning fat and prevents it from mixing with oxygen.

They can be found in hospitality facilities as well as businesses such as

‘fish & chip’ shops.

A yellow band often signifies a wet chemical extinguisher.

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Fire Hoses

Fire hoses are normally situated throughout a building, factory or

work site. They can be found internally and externally and are
contained in a red metal cabinet which is readily recognised.

Hoses are designed to cool the fire by providing water to the

source of the heat. They should not be used on grease, oil or fat
fires.

Fire hoses are limited due to the length of hose.

Fire Blankets

Fire blankets are made from fire retardant material and are usually
located in kitchen areas. They are used to smother a fire and
prevent oxygen mixing with the source of fire. Fire blankets can
also be used to wrap a person in who has caught fire.

The use is limited due to the need to get close to the fire and its
effectiveness is limited to small fires.

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Operating a fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers may look different in colour and size but they all operate the
same way. If you are faced with a fire it is a little too late to wish you had received
some training. Ensure you are trained regularly in the use of fire extinguishers.

The best practise acronym to ruse and remember is PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze,
Sweep)

Pull

Pull the pin located at the top of the extinguisher. When it is in place it stops the
extinguisher from going off accidently. The extinguisher cannot be operated
without this pin being pulled out. Throw it away once pulled; it is of no use!

Aim

Stand approximately 2 to 2.5 metres away from the fire, aim the extinguisher at
the base of the fire.

Squeeze

Squeeze the handle of the extinguisher. This will cause the agent inside to be
discharged. If you stop squeezing the handle the extinguisher will stop
discharging.

Sweep

Use a sweeping motion as you discharge the extinguisher. Once the fire is out
continue to monitor it in case it re-ignites.

Note: Depending on the size an extinguisher may only last around 10 to 15

seconds. Always consider sending someone for another extinguisher. Don’t watch
for re-ignition with a near empty extinguisher!

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Personal safety

As a general rule fighting any fire is dangerous. However, small fires are best
suppressed before they become larger fires. Hand held extinguishers, fire hoses
and fire blankets are placed on sites and are expected to be used by all staff
trained in their use.

Personal safety is at risk at all times and care must be taken. Best practise
suggests the following points be followed when attempting to fight a fire;

 Only attempt to fight the fire if initial actions have been carried out
 Work in a team of two
 Always let someone know what you are going to do
 Only fight the fire if you have had some training
 Plan your own evacuation route
 If the fire is bigger than you it may be time to evacuate
 If one of you become injured evacuate immediately
 Remember the effects of smoke and heat
 Test the extinguisher prior to using it
 Consider using more than one extinguisher
 An extinguisher is no substitute for the fire service

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Fire emergency procedures

Initial action

Initial actions at a fire emergency should include the following:

 Alert others of the fire

 Ensure the immediate safety of anyone near the fire

 Call the fire service

 Fight the fire if safe to do so

 Evacuate the area

 A phone call should always be made even if the alarm has automatically
alerted the fire service

When evacuating the area

 Crawl low and fast to escape smoke. 'Get Down, Get Low, Get out.'

 Shut the doors behind you in order to slow the spread of fire

 Meet at the assembly area

 Once out do not return inside

 Advise the fire service of;

o House number

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o Street name

o Nearest intersection

o Suburb and city

o Rural ID if you have one

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Evacuation planning

The following guidelines often provide the basis of an evacuation procedure for a
workplace:

 Develop a plan which identifies all rooms and pathways to the nearest
exits. These drawing should be displayed in prominent locations.

 Establish assembly area outside the building and inform employees of their
locations.

 Establish a fire warden system and identify who will search each area (if
safe to do so) to ensure that no one is left in the building.

 Advise the fire service which areas (if any) have not been searched and
cleared and whether anybody is still inside or unaccounted for.

 Conduct evacuation drills regularly. All building occupants should

participate.

 All employees should be familiar with the sounds and locations of any fire
alarm or emergency communication systems.

 All visitors and contractors working or intending to work on the premises

should be made aware of the emergency procedures and be told what to
do and where to go in the event of an emergency.

 No one should enter/re-enter the building until the fire service give the all
clear.

 Involve employees who have hearing, vision or physical impairments in

evacuation planning. Make provision for anyone who needs help in
escaping and include these provisions in all drills.

 Check with fire service personnel to keep your workplace fire emergency
plan up-to-date

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Legislation

Fire Service Act 1975 and the Fire Safety and Evacuation of Buildings Regulations
2006

The rules and legal requirements for building owners are found in the Fire Service
Act 1975 and the Fire Safety and Evacuation of Buildings Regulations 2006

Section 21B(1) of the Act, requires owners of relevant buildings to provide and
maintain evacuation schemes. The scheme must be designed to enable
evacuation from the scene of a fire safely and in a reasonable time.

Regulation 6(1) of the Regulations requires owners of schedule 1 buildings to have

evacuation procedures in place for the safe, prompt and efficient evacuation of
the buildings occupants in the event of a fire emergency requiring evacuation.

The New Zealand Fire Service is responsible for the management of all the
evacuation scheme requirements under the Act and the Regulations.

Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992

The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 is also very relevant with respect
to fires emergencies.

Employers are required to provide a safe working environment for all their staff.
Fires are a well known and common risk to anybody working in a building. This
risk grows larger depending on what type of building it is and what work is
conducted in that building.

The end result of the requirements under the Act is evacuations plans, training,
evacuation drills, first aid training and the presence of extinguishers and hoses.

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Activities

1. Read the information attached. Further information is available from the NZ

government website www.fire.org.nz and www.nzsafety.co.nz

2. Complete a workplace practical exercise where you must suppress a small

fire with both a hand held extinguisher as well as a fire hose.

3. Complete the multi-choice test at the back of the module.

4. Check your business or site for information and plans for responding to a
fire emergency.

5. Attach all the evidence to your workbook and hand to your assessor once
completed.

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Fire Emergencies Name…………..………………..
Question 1 Question 2
How many fires did the NZ Fire Service attend in In 2007 how many deaths were caused by fire?
2007? a. 33
a. 42, 222 b. 7
b. 24,279 c. 47
c. 13,000 d. 102
d. 47,000
Question 3 Question 4
Identify the three essential ingredients required The term used when evacuating because of a fire
to make fire; is;
a. ash a. stop, drop and roll
b. oxygen b. live and let live
c. Fuel source c. run for the hills!
d. Heat d. Get Down, Get Low, Get out

Question 5 Question 6
Which two statements best describes what fire What are two uses for a fire blanket?
suppresson does to the fire; a. keeps you warm at night
a. takes away the oxygen b. can wrap a burning person in it
b. makes it too wet to burn c. can smother a fat fire in a kitchen
c. blows away the fire d. can be used to dry the place after fire service
d. cools the heat source have used their hoses
Question 7 Question 8
What are two limitations of a fire blanket? The acronym for using a fire extinguisher is?
a. can only be used on small fires a. POSS
b. are hard to find during a fire b. PASS
c. you must get close to the fire to use it c. PESS
d. they have to be unwrapped first d. PUSS
Question 9 Question 10
Fire hoses are limited by what? When on the phone to the fire service what
a. colour informatio should you be able to pass to them?
b. speed a. Street name
c. length of hose b. Nearest intersection
d. nozzle size c. Street number
d. Suburb name

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