FIRE SAFETY

Introduction

• All health care professionals should

be trained in fire prevention and in

first-response action to a fire hazard

The Fire Triangle• The elements necessary for a fire risk to

occur are

-fuel: something that will burn

-heat: enough to make it burn

-oxygen: to feed the fire

• Removal of one or more elements will

stop the fire

Types of Extinguishers• 5 types are available

• the most common is the ABC type that is capable of putting out most types of

fires

Type of Fire extinguisher Type of Fire

A (Water) Common combustibles

B (Carbon Dioxide) Flammable liquids

C (K bicarbonate) Electrical

D Combustible Metals

ABC (chemical) All except combustible metals

How to use a Fire Extinguisher

• Remember the acronym PASS• P = Pull Pin• A = Aim at the base of the fire• S = Squeeze handle• S = Sweep nozzle from side to side to

displace oxygen away from the fire

PASS

Fire Emergency• If a fire occurs, use the acronym RACE to

help patients and coworkers • R = Rescue

• once a fire is observed, everyone not

involved in the extinguishing must leave

• A = Alarm• pull the alarm or assign someone else to do it

• C = Contain• close windows and doors

• E = Evacuate• you must move out of immediate danger

• Smoke and heat can cause great damage to the respiratory system – can be fatal

Fire Emergency Rules

• BE PREPARED – know your responsibilities

• Know when and how to evacuate

• Know where the fire alarms are and

how to activate them

• Keep fire extinguishers in plain view and

easy to access

• Keep areas uncluttered

Fire Emergency Rules

• Evacuate ambulatory (capable of walking) patients first, then wheelchair-

bound, then bed-bound

• Never use an elevator

• Never open windows

• Always feel the doors; if it is hot, never open it !

Homework1. Determine the order which you would

evacuate the following:

a) Patient A, who uses a walker

b) Patient B, who is in a wheelchair

c) A visitor of patient A who is ambulatory

d) Patient D, who is in a coma

2. In a fire emergency, how would you

decide whether or not you should enter a room? For example, if a door were hot, would you keep

it closed or open it and enter the room? Explain your answer.