Fire Awareness in the Workplace

This module will provide you with the information you need to ensure that you are as prepared as possible to care for your own safety and that of your colleagues and clients in the event of a fire. All those working in health care services need to be aware of the elements required to start a fire and to understand the processes involved in managing and extinguishing small fires, including the appropriate use of equipment.

This module is designed to enable all those working in primary healthcare to act quickly and appropriately if they encounter a fire as the right, rapid response can save lives and property.

It explains what to do in the event of a fire, what techniques to use on different types of fires, and the correct method to manage or extinguish a small fire in the workplace. It also discusses the use of fire hose reels and fire safety blankets. Finally, it outlines the circumstance in which the safest option is to evacuate and call for emergency assistance.

This module does not necessarily replace onsite fire and emergency procedure training but will enhance and compliment any onsite training provided.

At the end of this module participants will be able to:

• Understand the basic principles of fire and fire extinguishment
• Be able to select the appropriate fire extinguisher to manage a particular fire
• Be able to identify the types and locations of fire extinguishers/reels/blankets used in the workplace
• Understand how to use a fire extinguisher safely
• Understand how to use a hose reel safely
• Understand how to use a fire blanket safely