Major Causes of Fire
§ Smoking and matches
§ Misuse of electricity
§ Defects in heating systems
§ Spontaneous ignition
§ Improper rubbish disposal
Three things to start of fire: fuel, heat and oxygen
§ Know the floor plan of your department
§ Pay particular attention to exit routes
§ Know the exact location of fire alarms and fire extinguishing devices
§ Know how to report a fire
§ Know the emergency plan of your department and what you should do
§ Know how to use fire extinguishers
Fire safety and prevention
§ Fire safety means two things
- Preventing fires
- Knowing and doing the right things at the right time if a fire breaks out
§ Be familiar with your institution’s fire plan
Fire extinguisher are rated A, B, or C according to the type of fire they may be used on. Type A is for paper, wood and trash. Type B is for liquids such as oil or grease. Type C is for electrical fire. Sometimes two or three ratings may be combined. You should familiarize yourself with the fire extinguishers in your area. Where are they located? What type are they?
In case of fire, use the RACE system
Remove all personel in the immediate vicinity of the fire
Activate the alarm and notify other staff members that a fire exists
Contain the fire and smoke by closing all doors in the area
Extinguish the fire, if it is a very small fire, or allow the fire department to extinguish it
References
References
Schniedman Rose B, Lambert Susan S, Wander Barbara R. Being a Nursing Assistant.1991.
Any references
