FIRES NEED 3 THINGS TO
START
• Oxygen (Air)
• Fuel (any
material that will
burn)
• Heat (sparks,
matches, flames)
Major Causes of Fires
• Carelessness with
smoking and matches
• Misuse of electricity
(overloading a circuit or
overuse of extension
cords)
• Improper rubbish disposal
• Improper storage of
flammables (such as
gasoline)
• Arson
EQUIPMENT
Faulty equipment and the improper use of
equipment are major causes of fire in
health care facilities.
EQUIPMENT
Clean lint and grease from laundry
and cooking equipment, ventilator
hoods, filters, and ducts on a regular
basis.
Check for and report any cracked or
split cords or plugs on the equipment
used.
EXTENSION CORDS
• Avoid using extension
cords whenever possible
• Don not exceed specified
amperage
• Do not run extension
cords across doorways or
anywhere they can be
stepped on
• DO not plug one
extension cord into
another and never plug
more than one extension
cord into an outlet
GENERAL FIRE SAFETY
Keep combustibles away from heat
producing devices.
Prevent sparks in patient areas where
oxygen is used.
Cap and store combustible liquids
properly.
GENERAL FIRE SAFETY
Keep maintenance and storage areas clean
and free of trash, sawdust, oily rags, etc.
Keep halls and stairways clear.
Be sure that EXIT signs are always lighted
and that emergency lighting is in working
order.
GENERAL FIRE SAFETY
Never prop open emergency doors.
Fire doors not only let people out,
they keep fire from spreading.
In the event of a fire, stay calm
and RACE…
• R-rescue any patient in
immediate danger
• A-pull the alarm and
notify other employees of
the location and type of
fire
• C-contain the fire by
closing doors and
windows
• E-extinguish the fire or
evacuate the area
TYPES OF FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS
• Pressurized water
extinguishers (Class A
fires only)
• Dry Chemical
extinguishers (ABC or BC)
• Carbon dioxide
extinguishers (Class B and
C)
• Foam (or AFFF and FFFP)
extinguishers
• Class D extinguishers
Using a portable fire
extinguisher: PASS
• Keep your back to
the exit and stand
10-20 feet away
from the fire
• P-Pull the pin
• A-Aim low
• S-Squeeze from
side to side