This guide will you answer The Care Certificate Standard 13.7b Describe what to do in the event of a fire.
Immediate Actions
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Firstly, try to remain calm. Panic can cloud your judgement and make the situation more dangerous. Quickly assess the situation to determine the best course of action.
Raise the Alarm
If you discover a fire, raise the alarm immediately. Most workplaces and care settings have fire alarm systems. Activating the nearest fire alarm call point will alert others in the vicinity and initiate the building’s emergency procedures. Shout “fire” if it’s appropriate to do so.
Evacuate the Building
Follow the Evacuation Plan
Every workplace or care setting should have an established fire evacuation plan. This plan details the steps to take in the event of a fire. Follow this plan closely.
Use the Nearest Exit
Make your way to the nearest exit. Do not use lifts during a fire evacuation unless explicitly directed or if it is a designated fire lift.
Assist Others
If it is safe, help others evacuate, especially those who may have mobility issues. Providing assistance to those who need it can make the evacuation process smoother and faster, saving lives.
Close Doors Behind You
As you leave each room, close the doors behind you. This containment strategy limits the spread of fire and smoke, providing more time for everyone to evacuate safely.
Meeting Point
Assemble at the Designated Area
Move quickly and safely to the designated assembly point. This area is usually located a safe distance from the building. It’s crucial not to congregate at the exits, as it may impede others from getting out.
Roll Call
Once you are at the assembly point, the fire warden or a responsible person will conduct a roll call or headcount. This ensures everyone is accounted for. If someone is missing, inform the responsible person immediately.
If You Encounter Smoke
Stay Low
Smoke inhalation is a leading cause of death in fires. If you encounter smoke, stay low to the ground where the air is clearer.
Cover Your Mouth and Nose
Use a piece of cloth, ideally wet, to cover your mouth and nose. This makes breathing easier and filters out some of the harmful particles in the smoke.
Using Fire Extinguishers
Only Attempt if Safe
If the fire is small and you are trained to use a fire extinguisher, you may try to put it out. However, do not attempt to fight the fire if it poses a danger to you. Evacuate and leave fire-fighting to the professionals.
Types of Extinguishers
Different fires require different types of extinguishers. Know the types available in your workplace:
- Water Extinguishers: For wood, paper, textiles.
- Foam Extinguishers: For flammable liquids.
- CO2 Extinguishers: For electrical fires.
- Dry Powder Extinguishers: Versatile but messy.
Role of Fire Wardens
Leadership
Fire wardens play a key role in fire safety. They lead the evacuation and ensure everyone gets out safely. They are trained to make quick, informed decisions during emergencies.
Checking Areas
A fire warden will check designated areas, including toilets and storage rooms, to ensure no one is left behind. They also make sure doors are closed to contain the fire.
Calling Emergency Services
Dial 999
In the event of a fire, someone should call the emergency services as soon as it is safe to do so. Dial 999 and ask for the fire service. Provide clear and concise information, such as the exact location and the nature of the fire.
Post-Evacuation
Do Not Re-enter the Building
Do not go back into the building until the fire service declares it safe. Re-entering can be extremely dangerous.
Follow Instructions
Listen carefully to the fire warden and emergency service personnel. Follow their instructions to ensure that everyone remains safe.
Training and Drills
Regular Training
Fire safety training is not a one-time event. Regular training sessions ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. It’s the employer’s responsibility to provide this training.
Fire Drills
Conduct regular fire drills to practise the evacuation plan. These drills should be unannounced to simulate real emergency conditions as closely as possible.
Ensure All Areas Are Covered
Identify High-Risk Areas
Some areas are more prone to fire hazards, such as kitchens and storage rooms. Make sure these areas have proper fire safety equipment and protocols.
Special Considerations
Take into account any special considerations. For instance, people with disabilities may require tailored evacuation procedures.
Example answers Describe what to do in the event of a fire
Example 1: Raising the Alarm
If I see a fire, my first priority is to stay calm and think clearly. I’ll immediately raise the alarm using the nearest fire alarm call point. This will alert everyone in the building to the danger. I’ll shout “fire” if it’s necessary to make sure those around me are aware. It’s important to act quickly to ensure everyone else knows there’s an emergency.
Example 2: Safe Evacuation
To evacuate safely, I’ll follow our workplace’s fire evacuation plan. I’ll use the nearest designated fire exit and avoid lifts, as they are not safe during a fire. If there are residents or colleagues who need help, I’ll assist them, but only if it’s safe for me to do so. On my way out, I will make sure to close doors behind me to stop the fire from spreading. I’ll proceed to the designated assembly point and wait for the person in charge to take a roll call.
Example 3: Dealing with Smoke
If there’s smoke during the evacuation, I’ll stay low to the ground where the air is clearer. I’ll cover my mouth and nose with a cloth, ideally dampened, to help filter out some of the harmful particles in the smoke. Staying low and protecting my breathing can make it easier to get out safely.
Example 4: Fire Extinguishers
If the fire is small and I’m trained, I might use a fire extinguisher to try to put it out, but only if it’s safe. I need to know which extinguisher to use for different types of fires. For example:
- Water extinguishers for wood or paper fires
- Foam extinguishers for flammable liquids
- CO2 extinguishers for electrical fires
- Dry powder extinguishers are versatile but create a mess
If I’m not sure, or if the fire is too big, I’ll focus on evacuating and leave fire-fighting to professionals.
Example 5: Assembly Point Procedure
After evacuating, I’ll go directly to our designated assembly point, which is a safe distance away from the building. I won’t block exits but instead gather with everyone else. There, the fire warden or a responsible person will conduct a roll call to ensure everyone is accounted for. If someone is missing, I will inform the fire warden immediately so they can notify the fire services.
Example 6: Post-Evacuation Steps
After evacuation, I must not return to the building until it’s declared safe by the fire service. The situation can still be dangerous even if the fire looks under control. I’ll follow the instructions from the fire warden and emergency service personnel to ensure everyone’s safety. Regular fire safety training and drills are crucial, and I make sure to participate in these to stay prepared for real emergencies.
Conclusion
Knowing what to do in the event of a fire can save lives. Staying calm, raising the alarm, and following the evacuation plan are crucial steps. Assisting others and moving to the assembly point ensure everyone is safe. Regular training and fire drills keep everyone prepared for emergencies. Your actions could mean the difference between safety and disaster. Always prioritise human lives over property.
