VMO Annual Mandatory Education

Fire

A simple definition of fire is that is usually an unwanted, uncontrolled combustion of a fuel usually air accompanied by a flame.

Despite this simple definition fire involves many simultaneous processes and is a complex phenomenon.

The majority of fires are a result of a source of heat and a combustible material coming together often from a relatively small source. These may ignite if a source of ignition is present. From this it can be determined that 3 components are required

• Fuel source
• Oxidant – usually oxygen in the air
• An ignition source

Fire Safety Responsibilities

Our Hospital has a Fire Safety Program that has been developed to work in conjunction with the Hospital’s Emergency Plan and other safety programs.

Senior Management:

• Ensure all fire prevention methods are established and enforced
• Ensure fire suppression systems e.g., extinguishers are inspected and maintained
• Provision of staff training in the use of extinguishers and other fire protection equipment
• Staff training on emergency procedures

Area/Department Managers:

• Monitor use of equipment and flammable materials
• Ensure flammable materials are stored appropriately
• Fire hazard recognition
• Training of employees in emergency procedures

Employees:

• Report hazards
• Use, store and transfer flammable materials in accordance with training
• Use equipment in accordance with training

Fire Prevention:

This can best be described as all the activities the Hospital utilise to decrease the incidence of uncontrolled fires (proactive methods). This is separate to fire protection. To implement prevention ‘fire risk management’ or identification, assessment and control in relation to hazard and fire risk must be understood. The Hospital is much like a mini city in that it is self-sufficient in many of its requirements including kitchen, laundry and emergency power. Added to this are a large number of people including patients and visitors therefore a hospital is regarded as a high-risk premise requiring a comprehensive assessment of potential hazards including understanding potential sources of ignition.
 

Potential sources of ignition include:

• Naked flame
• Spark ignition
• Hot surfaces

Fire Protection

The building has 3 types of firefighting equipment:

• Hose reels
• Extinguishers
• Fire blankets

Fire hose reels and fire extinguishers are conspicuously located on walls or in conspicuously signed cupboards.

Fire blankets are located in Nurse Stations, kitchen and dining room.

There are 3 types of fire extinguishers in the Hospital:

• Red ABE distinguished by a white band around the typed suitable for paper, wood, textile, oil, liquid and electrical fires
• CO2 distinguished by a black band suitable for energised electrical equipment
• Wet chemical distinguished by an oatmeal band suitable for cooking oils and fats

Fire doors

These will automatically close when the fire alarm sounds and assist in containing the spread of smoke and fire. Only Emergency Staff or Emergency Services personnel are permitted to travel through unless instructed to by Emergency Personnel.

Emergency

If you discover a fire initiate the following procedure:   R . A . C . E .

• R emove persons from immediate danger

• A lert others – activate manual call point alarm or calmly notify others

• C ontain the fire – operate an extinguisher if trained and safe to do so or close doors and windows

•  E vacuate to a safer area

Manual Call Point Alarms

Activation of a manual call point alarm will:

• Sound the fire alarm
• Close the fire doors
• Notify QFES

Codes

• Code Red: Fire
• Code Orange: Evacuation

Emergency

In the event of the fire alarm sounding or in the event of fire various staff including managers will assume the role of Emergency Officers to direct responses including evacuation if necessary.

The Emergency Coordinator is responsible for overall management of an emergency. If your area is not immediately involved standby to receive instructions.

Emergency Exits

These are identified by continuously illuminated green signs featuring the word EXIT or a ‘running man symbol’.                                   

Evacuation

Evacuation should be managed in 3 stages according to the severity of the emergency:

• Stage1 – Removal of people from immediate danger
• Stage 2 – Removal to a safer area
• Stage 3 – Complete evacuation of the building

 The Emergency Coordinator / Officer will determine the appropriate stage/s.

 Evacuation assembly areas are located at the front and rear of the building.

 Staff may be required to check rooms and assist patients and visitors to a safe area or exit. During an evacuation staff should be prepared to:

• Evacuate with a minimum of personal material
• Prevention of panic is of paramount importance
• Keep exits / entrances clear at all times
• Wait until corridors are clear before entering. If congested wait a few moments and check again or use an alternative exit
• Usher persons to the nearest safe area or exit as quickly and calmly as possible preventing running or lagging behind
• Provide room for Emergency Personnel
• Prevent persons re-entering the section or building unless authorised by The Emergency Coordinator or Emergency Services
• Keep close to the ground if traversing a smoke affected area