1	FIRE SAFETY IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES Environmental Safety
2	Fire in a health care facility can be a deadly event. The most vulnerable and helpless are placed at risk because most are unable to protect themselves. Patients may be at greater risk from deadly smoke even when they are not directly in the area of the flames.
3	Staff Responsibilities Health care workers MUST be knowledgeable and alert to fire dangers in the workplace.
4	Three Elements Of A Fire Do you know what they are?
5	The first element needed for a fire is - Fuel something that will burn. Examples of fuel include paper, wood, bed linen, furniture, gasoline, etc.
6	The second element needed is - an adequate amount of oxygen. Air is the most common source of oxygen during a fire.
7	The final element needed - is a source of heat to ignite the flames.
8	The ABC’s of Fire
9	ABC’s of Fire Fire can be classified based on the type of fuel being burned. These are class A, B, C, and D fires.
10	Class A Class "A" fires involve common items such as paper, fabric or wood.
11	Class B A Class "B" fire involves flammable liquids or gases. Examples include gasoline, kerosene, oils and grease.
12	Class C A class "C" fire involves either “A” or “B” materials and live electrical current.
13	Class D A class “D" fire involves combustible metals and metal alloys. These materials are not commonly seen in health care settings.
14	Fire Extinguishers What type to use -
15	A Class A Fire Extinguisher holds water It is designed for use on ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, cloth and some plastics. A water extinguisher should NEVER be used on a fire involving flammable liquids because it can result in an explosion and spread the fire rapidly.
16	Class B Fire Extinguishers contain carbon dioxide (CO2) and are highly pressured. They work well on fires involving flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, grease or oil. These don’t work well on Class A fires because they may not be able to disperse enough oxygen to extinguish the fire.
17	Class C Extinguishers - contain dry chemicals and are useful for fires involving electricity. These extinguishers are often classified as “ABC” or universal extinguishers because they can be used on all three types of fuels sources.
18	Using the wrong type of extinguisher can spread a fire. Due to safety concerns, many facilities provide only universal, or “ABC” extinguishers for staff use. This prevents the risk of using the wrong type of extinguisher on a fire.
19	Learning Check The three elements needed for a fire are: Air, heat, oxygen Air, electricity, wood Fuel, oxygen, electricity Fuel, oxygen, heat
20	Reducing the Risk of Fire Follow these guidelines to practice fire safety in your work environment.
21	Don’t Overload Electrical Outlets
22	Store flammable or combustible materials in appropriate containers.
23	Keep the work area clean Promptly dispose of combustibles (paper, trash and other materials) Work with Housekeeping to keep the environment clutter-free
24	No Smoking Observe the ‘No Smoking Policy’ and encourage patients, family and others to be safety conscious.
25	Fire Exits/Stairwells Keep fire exits and stairwells free of obstruction Do NOT prop open fire doors Fire-rated doors slow the movement of fire and smoke in a building.
26	Evacuation Routes Know how to get you and your patients out of the area Remain familiar with the posted evacuation routes in your work site
27	Lateral Evacuation Remember that in the event of fire, the first evacuation route is usually lateral (to another safe area on the same level) if possible.
28	Fire Extinguisher Use
29	P A S S To use a fire extinguisher remember PASS Pull (the pin from the handle) Aim (the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire) Squeeze (the handle) Sweep (the base of the fire from side to side)
30	Training Review and update your safety skills by attending planned annual fire drills and attend fire safety training.
31	R A C E Remember RACE as a simple plan of action in a fire
32	"Remove (those in immediate..." Remove (those in immediate danger)
33	"Activate (the alarm" Activate (the alarm)
34	"Contain the fire" Contain the fire (close doors)
35	"Extinguish the fire" Extinguish the fire (if possible) Very small fires may be best extinguished by smothering the fire with towels, bed linens or similar materials.
36	Large Fires Professional firefighters need to battle large fires Health care personnel should only attempt to extinguish a fire if it is safe for them to do so. If in danger, remove yourself and others to a safe area and let the Fire Department handle the blaze.
37	Learning Check R A C E stands for: Remove, alarm, confine, extinguish Remove, act, call, extinguish Race, act, confine, extinguish Race, alarm, confine, extinguish
38	Learning Check The safest extinguisher for staff to attempt to use is an “ABC” or universal extinguisher.
39	Learning Check Class “C” fires may include: Flammable gas, wood, paper Gasoline, paper, linens Paper, linens, flammable gas Paper, wood, electricity
40	"You have now completed the..." You have now completed the section on Fire Safety
41	"Pres “Esc" Pres “Esc” to Exit
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43	The correct answer The three elements needed for a fire are: Fuel, oxygen, heat
44	The correct answer R A C E stands for: Remove, alarm, confine, extinguish
45	The correct answer The safest extinguisher for staff to attempt to use is an “ABC” or universal extinguisher.
46	The correct answer Class “C” fires may include: Paper, wood, electricity