 |
|
 |
Can you answer the following questions? What type of extinguisher should you use on a computer fire? How do you use a fire extinguisher? Why should I not touch the discharge horn when using a CO2 extinguisher? Why have fire extinguisher colours changed? What action should I take on:
Why should fire doors never be jammed open? How many extinguishers should there be in our workplace? If a fire started in your workplace, would you know what to do? No?!With the introduction of the new Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997, employers are responsible for ensuring that staff are trained in the correct use of fire equipment and evacuation procedures. The correct action by an employee in the event of fire is seldom a topic of conversation. But, the result of poorly trained staff can be potentially disastrous! A workforce who are trained to use fire fighting equipment and who can tackle a fire in the early stagesmay prevent a small fire developing into a large fire with obvious disastrous consequences to: production, employment, cash-flow and even more importantly, to the loss of life! Ideally, of course, preventing a fire starting in the first place should be the main objective and again employees who are trained to identify fire hazards in the workplace will be a big asset to the company. Statistically, 70% of businesses which have been involved with major fires either do not re-open or subsequently fail within 3 years of the fires. (Source: Home Office statistics). Statistics reveal that over 80% of fires are extinguished by ordinary people - highlighting the essential need for fire safety training! (Fire Industry statistics). As well as getting valuable hands-on experience in actually discharging an extinguisher, general fire safety training will also cover important topics such as how and why fires spread. It is important to note that of the three methods of spreading i.e. convection, conduction and radiation, convection is the most common factor with 70% of the heat being carried upwards. In many workplaces therefore smoke and hot gases travel up to floors above by the stair cases, lift shafts and service ducts etc. endangering the lives of more people. Following the recent introduction of BS EN3 it is more important than ever that staff are correctly trained! If a blue extinguisher contains powder, what is in a red extinguisher? If you, or any of your staff answered water then it is essential that you attend one of our fire safety courses.
|
