Fire Safety E-Learning Module

Fire Safety - Theory Module

(Mandatory - All Staff)

Welcome 

Welcome to the Fire Safety Theory e-learning module. This course is

mandatory to ALL staff members and fulfils the NHS
legislative requirements in respect of fire safety knowledge
and will cover the following:

1. An introduction to fire safety

2. Types of fire alarms
3. Types of fire extinguishers
4. Evacuation
5. Policies and information
6. Your part in fire safety

Introduction 

Fire safety in clinical areas within the hospital follows guidance issued by the
NHS in the Health Technical Memorandum 05 (HTM05) suite of documents
(Fire Code).

In non-clinical areas, statutory fire prevention legislation applies (Regulatory

Reform [Fire Safety] Order 2005).

Fire Statistics at St Mary's for 2008 

During 2008, the fire brigade were called to St. Mary's Hospital on 29
separate occasions. Only 3 of these 29 call-outs were for actual fires - 26
were false alarms.

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Fire Risk 

These are situations that can lead to possible fire risks. It is important that we
are aware of these so that we can recognise them and take steps to remove
the risk.

Examples of these fire risk situations are:

 overloaded sockets,
 possible risk of electrical fires
 accumulation of rubbish
 possible risk of carelessness (discarded cigarettes or other burning
items)
 possible risk of arson
 incorrectly stored flammable liquids/substances
 unsafe use of heat producing equipment (grinders, blow torches etc).

Types of Alarms 

Single-Stage alarms only have the ability to sound continuously throughout

the building. They do not identify the exact location or area of the alarm within
the building.

Single stage alarms that are 'Stand alone' are not directly
linked to the switchboard, therefore:

 On St Mary's site you must dial '2222' to alert

switchboard.
 Off-site dial '999' or 112 and inform the emergency
services.

Signs are displayed when alarms are isolated for works being carried out to
rectify faults or prevent unwanted false alarms.

Two Stage Alarms 

Two-stage alarms have the ability to sound continuously in the area affected
and intermittently in other areas that the alarm covers.
This allows identification of the area involved, but not the precise location.

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Analogue Addressable Alarms 

Analogue addressable alarms have the ability to sound continuously in the

area involved and intermittently in the other areas covered by the alarm.

This alarm identifies not only the area involved but also the precise location.

Types of Alarm - RECAP 

Single-Stage alarms only have the ability to sound continuously throughout

the building. They do not identify the exact location or area of the alarm within
the building. Single stage alarms that are Stand alone are not directly linked
to the switchboard, therefore:

 On St Mary's site you must dial 2222 to alert switchboard.

 Off-site dial 999 and inform the emergency services

Two-stage alarms have the ability to sound continuously in the area affected
and intermittently in other areas that the alarm covers. This allows
identification of the area involved, but not the precise location.

Analogue addressable alarms have the ability to sound

continuously in the area involved and intermittently in the other
areas covered by the alarm. This alarm identifies not only the area
involved but also the precise location.

Fire Extinguishers 

Portable Fire Extinguishers

 Water
 Carbon dioxide
 Dry Powder/ Fire Blankets
 Foam

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Portable Extinguishers - WATER 

Water extinguishers are for use on the following fires:

 Wood
 Paper
 Cloth
 Other similar combustibles
This type of extinguisher must not be used on electrical or flammable
liquid fires.

Portable Extinguishers - CARBON DIOXIDE or CO2 

Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are for use on the following fires:

 Flammable liquids and live electrical equipment

Do not use on wood, paper and textiles or in confined

spaces.

Portable Extinguishers - DRY POWDER 

A Dry Powder extinguisher is for use on wood, paper and textiles, flammable
liquids and live electrical equipment.

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Portable Extinguishers - FIRE BLANKET 

Fire Blankets are used to smother chip pan, waste bin and deep fat fires.

In addition, a fire blanket can also be used to wrap around the body of a
person and smother the flames if their clothes are on fire.

Portable Fire Extinguisher - FOAM 

For use on Petrol, Oils, Spirits, and Flammable liquids. This type
of extinguisher can also be used on wood, paper, cloth and other
similar combustibles.

This is NOT to be used on electrical fires.

Note the cream-coloured label affixed to the extinguisher.

Fixed Installations 

These include:

 Water sprinkler - this is a system of pipes through which water is

delivered to the sprinkler heads.

 Carbon Dioxide - an example of this would be fitted in the main

electrical intake rooms for the hospital.

 Inergen - this would be fitted into a computer server and power

supply room.

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Fire Exits 

Ensure that you know the evacuation routes from your area of work and
where they lead to. These routes and exits need to be available at all times
that the building is occupied.

Be aware of obstructions or alterations to these routes and report if

necessary.

Evacuation of Office Staff, Day Clinics and Units 

Primary objective of evacuation:

 To remove persons (staff or patients) from danger to a place of

safety via recognized escape routes.

Under no circumstances should lifts (elevators) be used in the event of

fire. Fire can cause damage to the mechanism and the lift could become
trapped.

Evacuation of Wards and Theatres 

During the evacuation of Wards and Theatres, the senior member of staff will
assess the situation and may order:

 That everyone should stay put

 Choose progressive, horizontal evacuation
 If the demand is necessary, further evacuation will be horizontal or
vertical using the escape equipment provided.

Under no circumstances should lifts (elevators) be used in the event of

fire. Fire can cause damage to the mechanism and the lift could become
stuck.

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Evacuation - NON-MOBILE PATIENTS 

 Evacuate as required
 Identified evacuation methods
 Progressive horizontal evacuation
 Places of refuge leading to a final exit
 Identified relocation areas.

Evacuation Example 1 - Ski Sheet 

This is a device referred to as a ski sheet, which is attached to the underside

of a mattress by elasticised corners and is used to evacuate patients down
stairs or through narrow doorways which beds cannot negotiate.

Evacuation Example 1 - Ski Sheet (continued)

This is an example of a ski sheet being used to evacuate a patient through a narrow
doorway.

Evacuation Example 1 -
Ski Sheet (continued) 

This is an example of a ski sheet being used to evacuate a patient. This

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particular method is also ideal for evacuating patients down staircases.

Evacuation Example 2 - Wheelchair 

This is used to evacuate non-mobile patients to a safe area on the same floor
level.

Evacuation Example 3 - Bed 

This is used to evacuate non mobile patients to a safe area on the same floor
level.

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Fire Safety - POLICY and PROCEDURES 

You should be aware of the Trust Policies and Procedures. These are
available on the St. Mary's Intranet or from your manager.

 Fire Policy (Including guidelines on Arson, Bombs and/or Suspect

Packages)
 Fire Plans/Procedures (FPP)
 COSHH (Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health)

Your Part in Fire Safety 

You have now reached the end of the tutorial section of the Fire Safety e-
learning module.

Clicking the 'Finish>' button (right) will take you to the next page allowing you
to choose to either review the material once again, to take the module test or
return to the home page course listing.

If you decide to take the test now, you must complete it. That is to say, you
cannot answer the first 5 questions and return to complete the remaining
questions at a later date.

IMPORTANT: When you have successfully taken the test, you must contact
Development & Training to book yourself on to the Fire Practical
Extinguishers Training that accompanies and completes this course.

 Telephone 822099 - ext 5409

 E-mail: developmentandtraining@iow.nhs.uk

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What do I do now?

Access Training Tracker to take your test

If you already have a username and password you can log into training
tracker and start your test via the

 Intranet Homepage
 Learning Zone
 E- Learning

Or by clicking on the following link:

http://iow.trainingtracker.co.uk

To obtain a username and password, please contact Development &

Training on extension 5409, and we will ensure that the details are e-mailed
to you as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.

If you have any difficulties with logging in please do not hesitate to contact us
on the above number.

IF YOU DO NOT FEEL CONFIDENT USING A COMPUTER AND WOULD

LIKE ONE TO ONE SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE PLEASE CONTACT US
ON THE ABOVE NUMBER AND WE CAN ARRANGE FOR AN IT TRAINER
TO HELP YOU TO LOG ON AND TAKE YOUR TEST

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