Full Fire Fighting & Fire Protection Course - (Part 3)

 

                    This is 3rd part of the Full Fire Fighting and Fire protection Series. In this part we will learn about General Fire Safety Considerations.

General Fire Safety Considerations

What Is NFPA?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an organization that works to make sure our communities are safe by promoting fire safety education programs, research, standards, codes, and training. NFPA was founded in 1894 when fire departments were first organized, and they have since grown to become the preeminent authority on fire science and prevention.

Firefighters' Responsibilities

As a firefighter or member of the public, you should always act responsibly. You should never assume that the person who calls 911 is telling you everything about what happened and how it occurred. Your job as a firefighter is not only to extinguish fires but also to prevent them. While firefighters may not always have time to investigate before putting out fires, we do have some responsibilities to the people around us, namely, their safety. A few of these responsibilities include looking after children, elderly neighbors, pets, and even small animals.

How Do I Know If My Home Needs Waterproofing?

Water leaking into your home can cause mold, mildew, rot, and other problems. When water damage happens, it's important to get help right away. Call 9-1-1 or an emergency medical service if your house is experiencing flooding or water leakage.

 What Should I Do If I See Smoke Coming From my House?

If smoke is coming from your home, don't use candles or matches near open flames. In case of a grease fire, leave immediately by calling 9-1-1.

 How Do I Prevent Fires?

Try to keep flammable things at least six feet away from any source of fuel. Be cautious when using lighters or matches. Never burn anything indoors without proper ventilation. And, finally, try to keep electrical cords away from curtains, draperies, and furniture. Always unplug appliances before leaving the room where they were plugged in.

General fire safety considerations

The NFPA provides standards for residential occupancies (NFPA 701), schools (NFPA 72), healthcare facilities (NFPA 101), and public assembly places (NFPA 100). These standards are intended to provide the means to maintain a safe environment. However, they do not specify how to design or build a facility to prevent fires or what actions should be taken during a fire. Most building codes have provisions for providing instructions on these matters. If no code exists for a specific type of facility, then the following general principles may be applied.

Design a building to meet applicable requirements

• Provide adequate lighting around all work sites and throughout the facility.

• Install smoke detectors and fire alarms in each room where combustibles are present.

• Maintain a list of emergency procedures and conduct regular drills to ensure that personnel understands their roles and responsibilities.

• Have escape routes planned for all occupants in case of emergencies.

 Ensure appropriate training of personnel

• Train employees in first aid, CPR/AED, fire extinguisher use, and evacuation procedures.

• Educate users about the hazards associated with working near open flames or strong chemicals.

Identify potential hazardous materials in storage or use

• Keep flammable substances away from electrical equipment.

• Store flammable liquids in secure containers.

• Make sure that any chemical stored or used in a school meets local and national regulations.

 Fire prevention

The first step in fire safety is fire prevention. It's important to understand and comply with local codes, ordinances, regulations, and zoning laws related to fire safety; these requirements vary depending on where you live. Always check with the appropriate local authorities regarding the rules and regulations specific to your location.

 Fire detection

It is important to have a system for detecting fires early in their development. Every building should maintain at least one smoke detector per 300 square feet of floor area. Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom and near the kitchen and any other rooms that may be occupied by children.

 Fire extinguishers

All commercial buildings should provide adequate numbers of working fire extinguishers. A minimum of one outside each workroom (each room where flammable materials are stored) is recommended.

Electrical equipment

Electrical outlets and wiring should be protected by flame arresters rated no less than 15 amperes. All electrical receptacles should be grounded.

 Water supply

Water mains should be inspected regularly. In addition, water-leakage points must be repaired periodically. Check for leaks around faucets and valves, under sinks, etc., and repair those that are detected. Make sure that the shutoff valve at the lowest point in your house is kept closed.

Ventilation systems

Inspect ventilation systems frequently to ensure that they function properly and are not blocked. If possible, test them monthly using an approved tester.

Office equipment

Inspect office furniture, computer monitors, keyboards, printers, copiers, fax machines, and other electronic equipment for damage or malfunction before use. Keep equipment clean and free of spilled fluids. Turn off power supplies when unattended. Replace batteries immediately if they lose power while plugged in.

1. All fire extinguishers should be regularly tested.

2. Do not use any type of chemical sprayer that could harm firefighters if they get in their way.

3. Keep all electrical connections away from combustible materials.

4. Make sure the building is well ventilated before lighting a fire.

5. Always keep water at hand when using a torch.

6. Never store flammable liquids near a source of electricity.

7. Ensure a fire escape route is always clear of obstacles.

8. Ensure adequate lighting is provided where people work

9. Have a plan of action in place for emergency situations

10. Provide good training to employees who have been appointed responsible for safety

11. Post information about fire hazards

12. Ensure all staff know how to access the fire alarm system

13. Ensure emergency exits and fire stairs are accessible

14. Ensure that only qualified personnel operate equipment that may cause injury or damage

15. Make sure you know where the fire extinguisher should be located. You may have seen these throughout your home, office, and even vehicles, but do not know how they work? A fire extinguisher is one of the few safety devices that is actually designed to save lives. All fire extinguishers require air pressure or manual activation. When activated correctly, a fire extinguisher releases water or dry chemicals. Air-operated extinguishers release small amounts of pressurized chemical foam, whereas manually operated extinguishers release larger volumes of nonpressurized liquid. Always keep extinguishers close at hand in case of emergency.

16. Know the location of your fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are generally placed above the point of origin or near combustible materials. Ideally, extinguishers should be located outside hallways or rooms where fires might break out. If possible, place them inside closets or storage spaces. Remember, they do not stop flames; rather, they temporarily reduce their temperature and rate of spread. To ensure that you are ready if a fire ever occurs, practice using the extinguisher once every year.

17. Test the extinguisher before using it. Check the seal on the nozzle and make sure it is clear of any obstructions. Then test the extinguisher operation by spraying a small amount of water around the room. If the extinguisher does not function properly, replace it immediately.

18. Keep the area around your extinguisher clean. Fires can start easily if flammable liquids remain nearby. Dispose of trash and cleaning supplies away from the extinguisher.

19. Be careful where you store your fire extinguisher. Do not leave fire extinguishers anywhere that is likely to cause harm (e.g., under furniture) or make it difficult to use (e.g., behind cabinets).

20. Have an escape plan. In case of a fire, stay calm and follow instructions carefully. Never attempt to put out a fire yourself unless instructed to do so by trained professionals.

21. Teach children about the importance of having a fire extinguisher in your home. Provide them with information about what to look for, where to locate the device, and how to use it. Additionally, teach them how to treat minor burns, cuts, and scrapes.

22. Make sure everyone knows where the fire extinguisher is located and how to use it properly. Also, remind family members to call 911 if a fire starts.

23. Finally, remember that training and practice are necessary for the proper use of a fire extinguisher. Practice using your extinguisher regularly and take time to review the manufacturer's instruction booklet.

Access all the previous parts of this full fire fighting series by clicking the links provided below:

Part 1 --- Click Here!!!

Part 2 --- Click Here!!!