Fire Prevention & Safety
Fires can happen anywhere, anytime, for a variety of reasons. But, when a fire occurs in a facility or private home were frail, elderly, or sick people live, the consequences can be devastating. You can prevent fires, keep your clients safe, and put a plan in place so you will know what to do in case there is a fire.
Understanding Fire
Fire is a chemical reaction that involves the burning of fuel. It needs three elements to happen: fuel, oxygen, and heat. If you take any one of these elements away, the fire can’t start or it will go out if it was already burning.
Most Common Types of Fires
CLASS A: Ordinary combustibles (things that catch on fire easily) or fibrous material such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, some plastics, and wastebaskets.
CLASS B: Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, paint, paint thinners, and propane.
CLASS C: Energized electrical equipment, such as appliances, switches, panel boxes, and power tools.
CLASS K: Cooking oils and fats. The “K” stands for kitchen!
Important Points!
- Even though many facilities are now smoke-free, careless handling of smoking materials continues to be the most common cause of fatal fires in healthcare facilities.
- OSHA conducts workplace inspections to see whether employers are following their standards for fire safety. The goal of these standards is to prevent fire deaths and injuries in the workplace—with your help! The more you know about fire safety, the safer your workplace will be.
- In case of a fire, remember the R.A.C.E. guidelines: Rescue, Alarm, Confine and Extinguish.
- Be sure you know where fire extinguishers are located AND how to use them. Keep the P.A.S.S. guidelines in mind: Pull the pin; Aim the nozzle; Squeeze the nozzle; Sweep the stream from side to side.
- It’s much easier to prevent a fire than to fight it! Always be on the lookout for potential fire hazards and eliminate the risk before it becomes an emergency.
- Whether you work in a facility or in a private home, there must be a plan in place to handle a fire emergency. If no plan is in place—MAKE ONE! If there is a plan, but you don’t know it—LEARN IT TODAY!