Fire Prevention

Elements of Fire

There are three elements of fire:

• Fuel (furniture, plastics, grease, etc.)
• Heat (matches, cigarettes, sparks, electric, etc.)
• Oxygen

Fire needs all three elements. If you remove one, you can eliminate or reduce the fire. For example:

• Closing doors – reduces the amount of oxygen
• Dousing with water – reduces heat
• Using an ABC Type Fire Extinguisher – smothers the fire, reducing oxygen
• Removing nearby draperies, papers, furniture – removes the source of fuel

Fire Tips and Facts

• In an emergency, use stairwells. Do not use elevators, unless instructed otherwise.
• Feel the stairwell door with the back of your hand for heat, before opening the door.
• If you encounter smoke, get down on your hands and knees. The air is cleaner and cooler nearer the floor. Crawl to the nearest stairwell exit.
• Most fatalities are a result of smoke inhalation, poisonous gases and panic. Panic, a sudden overpowering terror, is usually the result of not knowing what to do.
• Smoke detectors serve as an early-warning system. Smoke detectors save lives.
• A sprinkler system is designed to suppress a fire. Sprinkler heads are activated one at a time by a rise in the temperature.

Planning and Preparedness

• Have a list of emergency phone numbers.
• Be familiar with your floor’s layout.
• Know primary and secondary exits routes and termination points both up and down.
• Know location, type and how to use manual fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
• Know primary and secondary methods of communication.
• Know safe refuge areas (re-location floors) during a fire emergency:
• If relocating within the building – usually a minimum of four (4) floors below the fire floor is adequate.
• When evacuating the building – move away from the building, and out of the way of emergency vehicles, flying glass and other obstacles. Usually a distance that is greater than the height of the building and proceed to your pre-determined outside assembly area.

Safe Stairwell Procedures

• Remain quiet and calm. Do Not Talk and Do Not Text!
• Remove high-heel shoes. Keep a pair of old sneakers next to your work station.
• Use handrails & move quickly. Walk in a single file.
• Keep to the right so Emergency personnel can ascend the stairs on the left.
• Allow others to enter into stairwell flow, but do not unnecessarily hold up traffic.
• Assist those who are slower or physically impaired.
• Walk down the stairs (unless otherwise instructed).
• All injuries should be treated at stairwell landings when required and safe to do so.
• Do not spread false information, rumors, etc.
• Do not bring drinks or food into stairwell.
• Develop awareness of safety conditions, fire violations and potential hazards, for example: fire doors improperly blocked or open, improper lighting, frayed cords, overloaded outlets, obstructed halls and corridors, trash buildups, etc.
• Participate in fire drills and review emergency procedures.
• Know your area of responsibility and your emergency actions.