In the Event of a Fire

In the event of a fire:

1. If you see a fire, smell smoke or suspect a fire, raise the alarm - shout fire or use a red call point

2. Start evacuation according to local strategy (for example, progressive horizontal or simultaneous evacuation), closing doors and windows if safe to do so

3. Ensure that the fire brigade has been called by using the emergency hospital number (or 999 if not in a hospital)

4. Fight the fire if you are trained and it is safe to do so

5. Direct the fire brigade on arrival, providing as much information as possible

Each Location's procedure will vary slightly so ensure you are familiar with your own organisation's procedures.

How to Extinguish a Fire

There are three ways to extinguish a fire:

Cool it
Smother it
Starve it

Cool it

Putting water on a fire will not only cool the flame but also the fuel, making it hard for the fuel to re-ignite as it is below its combustion temperature. Cooling with water removes the heat element from the fire triangle

Smother it

Using a CO2 extinguisher or covering the fire with a fire blanket will cut off the oxygen needed by the fire.

This removes the oxygen element from the fire triangle.

Starve it

By removing fuel and making a fire break the fire can only spread a certain distance. This removes the fuel element from the fire triangle.

If you Hear a Fire Alarm

If you hear a fire alarm at work, what do you do?

Follow your organisation’s evacuation plan and procedure.

If you are responsible for patients or other people, you will need to follow separate instructions to ensure their safety.

Exit the building as quickly as possible:

Do not stop to collect personal belongings
Do not use standard lifts - most buildings have evacuation lifts, which can be used in the event of a fire
Meet well away from the building at an agreed assembly point
Do not return to the building until told it is safe to do so
Follow any instructions from fire marshalls/wardens and the emergency services

Staff Responsibilities

Staff responsibilities in relation to fire include:

Comply with the smoking policy. Ensure cigarette ends are put out properly and disposed of in a responsible manner. Smoke in designated smoking areas only
Do not use lifts in the event of a fire. However, use evacuation lifts if they are available in the building
Understand and comply with the XL Teams fire safety policy
Know what to do if they discover a fire or hear a fire alarm
Know what phone number to call in the case of a fire, in addition to 999
Be familiar with their building's evacuation routes
Know where the fire extinguishers are and only use them if they feel confident
Keep fire doors closed to stop the spread of fire, heat or smoke
Report any failings relating to fire safety, for example, doors that do not shut or are damaged, missing fire extinguishers or fire action notices

Session Summary

Key Points

A fire needs three elements to stay alight: oxygen, heat and fuel
The common causes of fire in the NHS include electricity, cooking, arson and smoking. There are also risk factors that can make a fire worse, for example, medical oxygen
It is important that staff are trained in how to use equipment safely to reduce the risk of fire
Regular and timely fire risk assessments should be carried out
All staff should know the location of fire equipment, fire exits and the evacuation protocol for their working area
All staff should familiarise themselves with the organisation’s fire safety policy, fire risk assessment and procedure in the event of a fire
Protective measures should be taken to reduce the risk of fire, such as keeping fire doors closed and reducing fire hazards

Next Steps

Continue to the Fire Safety Level 1 eAssessment.

This should be completed to demonstrate the required knowledge and understanding and to complete the training. Remember to also familiarise yourself with local procedures.

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