When we think of fire, instantly, most of our first thoughts would be to envision a fire extinguisher, a firefighter killing a fire or even starting a fire to keep warm or just have a barbeque in the backyard but safety regarding fire, in any situation, is tremendously important.

Elements of a Fire:

A fire needs three elements to exist, by removing any one of these elements you may extinguish a fire:

1. Fuel
2. Oxygen
3. Heat

Importance of Fire Safety in Healthcare Environment:

-Protection of patients

-Preservation of life

-Protection of property

-Compliance with legal requirements

-Minimization of disruption

-Staff and visitor safety

-Being prepared for an emergency

-Cost savings

Legal Requirements and Regulations:

It is essential of all Healthcare facilities to abide by the legal requirements and regulations regarding Fire Safety; below listed:

-The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO)

-The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

-The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

-The Building Regulations 2010

-The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

Classes of Fire:

There are 6 types of fires, classified as classes:

Class A: Fires involving solids, most common type of fire

Class B: Usually caused by flammable liquids

Class C: Rises from flammable gases

Class D: Combustible materials, one of the least common fires

Electrical Fires (Class E): Caused by electrical wiring and equipment

Class F: Occurs while using cooking oil or kitchen grease

Fire Extinguishers:

Each Class of fire require a specific fire extinguisher to be eliminated.

There are 5 types of fire extinguishers:

1. Water, Water Mist or Water Spray Fire Extinguishers
2. Foam Fire Extinguishers
3. Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
4. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers
5. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Just a note:

Doing an online CSTF – Fire Safety Course with Train Healthcare, which takes approximately 1 hour to complete, will earn you 1 CPD Point. Once you have completed the course, you would receive a certificate thereof.