EMERGENCY MANUAL
Policies & Procedures
DIVISION : RMS DEPARTMENT : Security
CODE : DATE : 18. 04. 92
APPROVED : MD REVISION :
SUBJECT : Fire fighting (2)
POLICY
All members of the fire crew are required to undergo regular training in the handling of fire fighting
equipment.
PURPOSE
To limit fire damage and ensure the safety of all persons within the hotel.
PROCEDURE
1. GENERAL
A portable fire extinguisher or a hose reel is designed to put out a small fire, not a big one.
If you decide to attack a fire with a portable fire extinguisher make sure:
· The fire brigade has been notified.
· Everyone not on the fire – fighting crew has been, or is being, evacuated.
· You have the correct extinguishing medium.
· The fire is not spreading.
· You have a way out.
· You fight the fire with your back to the exit.
· You get out fast if your effort is failing.
2. WHEN FIGHTING A FIRE
· Take up a position where access to the fire is unrestricted, but where a quick and safe retreat is
possible.
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SUBJECT : Fire fighting
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Crouching will help the operator to keep clear of smoke, avoid heat,andwill allow a closer
approach to the fire. Always ensure that a fire is completely extinguisheand not liable to re –
ignite or continue smoulderin Stay alert for re – ignition.
3. CLASSES AND TYPESS OF FIRE
The full range of fire classes and types are:
CLASS A Ordinary combustibles such as wood, clothes, rubbish.
CLASS B Flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, paint.
There is also a special type of fire that poses a particular threat to the fire – fighter, that is,
fires involving live electrical equipment. Such fires are not only a problem because of the
threat posed by the not only a problem because of the threat posed by the fire, but the
involvement of electricity can present a further life threatening situation.
Fires involving electricity are referred to as Type (C) fires. Of course, if you can disconnect
the electrical supply, the risk of electrocution is removed and the fire is no longer a type （C）
fire. The fire can then be considered Class A or B.
4. EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
WATER – Water is available from hose reels. Water extinguishes fire by cooling the fuel
below ignition temperature, Water also prevents the spread of fire by wetting material
surrounding the outbreak.
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Water is ideal for use on what is knwn as Class A fires, i. e. fire involving wood, paper, clothing,
packing materials,. Timber and other ordinary combustibles.
Remember water conducts primarily suited to fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol,
oils and grease. Those are known as Class Bfires.
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SUBJECT : Fire fighting
CODE :
Foam acts by smothering the fire, that is, it removes the oxygen from the fire triangle.
Like water, foam conducts electricity and must not be used on electrical fires.
CARBON DIOXIDE – Carbon dioxide is suitable for use on Class B fires, i. e. flammable
liquids, but can also be used on fires involving live electrical equipment. These are located in
the kitchen area only.
· It is extremely cold in discharge, therefore it affects the level of heat.
· It smothers the fire by excluding the oxyen.
· It dilutes the atmosphere’s oxygen, therefore affecting the limits of flammability.
DRY CHEMICAL – The term “dry chemical” generally refers to a chemical agent such as
sodium bicarbonate.
Dry chemical is also suitable for Class B fires.
Dry chemical acts by breaking apart the three sides of the triangle, affecting the interchange
necessary for the fire to continue.
As dry chemical has no cooling effect flashback may occur from hot surfaces near the
outbreak if the chemical film is broken.
Dry Chemical may be used on fire involving live electrical equipment, however care must be
taken if the dry chemical becomes wet as it will then act as an electrical conductor.
HALON – This is a chemical extinguishing agent commonly known as B. C. F. (Bromo –
chloro – difluoro – methane_ or B. T. M. (Bromo – trifluoro – methane).
The mechanism by which the halogenated agents extinguish fire is complicated but the action
has the effect of breaking apart the sides of the fire triangle similarly.
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to dry chemical. This chemical reaction interferes with the combustion process and the fire dies.
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SUBJECT : Fire fighting
CODE :
5. DANGER TO LIFE FROM SMOKE
In fire involving buildings and their contents, more deaths are caused by smoke than by
buens, Smoke and heated gases commonly prove fatal long before flames reach the victims. In
many cases of death in fires, there is no evidence of actual contact with flames or even with
any great degree of heat.
Smoke – laden gases endanger life a number of ways; the presence of carbon monoxide and
the reduction of oxygen. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and diffuses rapidly throughout a
room; as it lacks a distinctive smell its presence may not be appreciated until the gas already
has begun to take effect. Inhalation first acts to impair judgement and, if continued leads to
unconsciousness and death. The amount of carbon monoxide produced is increased when the
supply of oxygen to a fire is restricted.
The presence of carbon dioxide, which is not itself toxic, will however, lower the proportion
of oxygen available for breathing. There is also evidence that the presence of carbon dioxide
stimulates breathing so that more effect more quickly.
Certain materials, such as plastics, rubbers, woollens and silk, can generate other toxic
products when they burn. They may produce hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide
and sulphur dioxide. P. V. C. (polyvinyl chloride) can be decomposed in a fire to form, among
other products, hydrogen chloride; this is very irritating, corrosive and toxic gas.
6. HEAT EFFECTS
The gases which arise from the fire carry the smoke particles with them. The gases are hotter
and more buoyant than the surrounding air. Exposure to this heated air can cause death or
permanent injury. Death will occur if exposed for one minute to an air temperature of 400 C
(750 F). Exposure to an ambient air temperature of only 100 C (212 F) will kill in thirty
minutes. Under these.
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circumstances death comes as a result of inhibition of the respiratory system and of the
controlling mechanism of the heart; injury to the nervous system is probably also a factor.
SUBJECT : Fire fighting
CODE :
Inhalation of hot air, even if it is dry, causes damage to the windpipe and lungs; if steam is
inhaled, however, these organs can sustain injury at a much lower temperature.
7. RESTRICTION OF VISION
The restriction of vision caused by smoke particles can be extremely serious. When a fire
takes place, smoke may confuse the occupants of a building and cause them to panic and
become disorientated, especially if they are in unfamiliar surroundings. Smoke can also
hamper subsequent attempts to locate and rescue victims. If the smoke is location of the fire
itself and obscure hide the location of the fire itself and obscure obstacles which may lie in the
path of the fier – fighters.
Smoke being buoyant and mobile, can cause death and injury a long way from the fire itself.
Among many examples of this was the hotel fire where smoke from an outbreak confined to
the lobby and first floor dining room killed people on the sixth and seventh floors. On the
other hand, the buoyancy of smoke means that it will fill the upper level of a compartment
first, allowing a person to reach safety by crawling along the floor where the air is cooler and
relatively uncontaminated.
8. HOW A FIRE BUILDS AND SPREADS
A fire starts when energy (electrical, mechanical orchenmicai) evolves sufficient heat to
igmnite a combustible substance.
Unless controlled, a fire will generally progress from ignition to what is known as flashover.
Flashover occurs when a room or other area becomes heated to the point where flames flash
over the entire area.
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Flashover is attributed to the excessive build up of heat and combustible gases from the fire itself.
As the fire continues to burn, all the contents of the fire area are gradually heated to their auto –
ignition temperatures. When they reach this point provided sufficient oxygen is present,
simultaneous ignition occurs and the area becomes fully involved in fire.
SUBJECT : Fire fighting
CODE :
The time taken to reach flashover can vary considerably depending upon the following four
factors:
·。 the amount of exposed combustible surface (fuel)
·。 the arrangement of the combustible surfaces
·。 the nature of the combustible surfaces
·。 the amount of ventilation (oxygen)
fire –fighting is obviously more effective at the stages before a fire reaches flashover. Action
that you may take immmediately a fire is discovered is critical to the final outcome.
9. FIRE HOSE REELS
USED ON CLASS “A” FIRES
These are fires in ordinary materials such as wood, paper, textiles, rubber and
fires need primarily to be cooled if they are to be extinguished.
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CONSTRUCTION: The hose is 20mm internal diameter, not less than 18 metres nor more than 36
metres long and should have no joins in the length.
The nozzle will comtrol the discharge of water, with the directions – JET – OFF or SPRAY JET –
OFF being clearly marked.
The hose is wound on a real.
OPERATION:
i. Break glass to activate air pump.
ii. Turn on water at the stop valve. The nozzle may be held in place by an interlock at the
stopvalve. It will release when the stop valve is turned on.
iii. Run out length of hose required.
iv. Turn on water at nozzle and direct stream at base of fire.
The hose will discharge approximately 27 litres per minute with a throw of 6 metres.
SUBJECT : Fire fighting
CODE :
AFTER USE
I. While still under pressure (i. e. stop valve on, nozzle off) rewind on reel in even
layers.
II. Tuen off the stop nalve.
III. Release pressure in the hose (turn nozzle on briefly).
IV. Turn off fire pump located in the fire service pump room located on level U1.
NOTE: A practical inspection of hose reels should be conducted by all fire team
members.
10. BCF EXTINGUISHERS
HALON EXTINGUISHERS
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Halon extinguishers are generally referred to as BCF. These are green in colour.
CONTENTS: Bromochlorodifluomethane (BCF) under pressure.
BCF Extinguishers can be used for electrical, oil, grease, wood and chemical fires.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING BCF EXTINGUISHERS
On fires involving either liquids in containers or spilled liquids, direct the jet or discharge
horn towards the near edge of the fire and with a rapid sweeping motion drive the fire towards
the far edge until all the flames are extinguished.
Where the equipment is enclosed, direct the jet or horn into any opening with the jet or horn
into any opening with the object of penetrating the interior.
TO OPERARE:
Remember the “PASS” word:
P – Pull the locking pin
A – Aim nozzle towards near edge of fire
S – Squeeze the trigger
S – Sweep the nozzle from side to side
SUBJECT : Fire fighting
CODE :
EXTINGUISHING ACTION: Due to the BCF being heavier than air the fire is extinguished
by a smothering action and through intering with the chemical interaction between the
elements comprising the fire triangle.
IMPORTANT – Halons are considered to be of low toxicity. However, the products of
decomposition produced in a fire can be hazardous in a confined space. The immediate area of
the fire should be vacated untill the contamonated atmosphere has been dissipated.
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FINALLY REMEMBER – Never replace empty or partly discharged extinguisher on wall
bracket – arrange for extinguisher to be refilled.
Disciplinary action will be taken if this does occur.
11. CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHERS: - BEST USED ON CLASS “B” FIRE AND
SAFE FOR USE ON LIVE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT – Carbon dioxide extinguishers
can also be used on Class “A” fires. Fires which involve live electrical equipment are
known as Type（C）fires and because of danger to the fire – fighter, an extinguishing agent
which does not conduct electricity must be used.
CONTENTS : Carbon dioxide under pressure.
TO OPERATE:
i. Approach as close as possible to the fire.
ii. Remove locking pin.
iii. Direct horn at the fire. Do not touch the horn.
iv. Depress trigger.
v. Direct the extinguishing medium over the fire area in a sweeping motion.
EXTINGUISHING ACTION : Due to the carbon dioxide being heavier than air the fire is
extinguished by a blanketing effect.
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DIVISION : RMS DEPARTMENT : Security
CODE : DATE :
APPROVED : MD REVISION :
SUBJECT : Fire prevention
POLICY
It is the responsibility of all staff, especially those members of the fire team to ensure that all steps
are taken to avoid the threat of a fire.
PURPOSE
To prevent unnecessary danger to people and property through fire.
PROCEDURE
1. REMEMBER – “People cause fires” and only “people can prevent fires.”
2. THE FLOOR WARDEN AND FIRE PREVENTION – If you have been appointed as a floor
warden, you take on the responsibility of preparing evacuation plans, training staff and
controlling an evacuation if a fire occurs.
3. INSPECTION FORMAT (Security Officers) – Fire prevention inspections are of little value
unless they are conducted regularly and are comprehensive. A suitable checklist is to be
developed to allow for the building design and this list is to be used on a weekly basis to
conduct an inspection. This checklist is to be prepared and monitored by the Chief of
Security.
But what would you look at during the inspection?
Obviously the detailed points will vary from building to building and from industry to
industry. The following are a few general points to consider.
Remember … a fire prevention inspection is aimed at identifying anything or any action that
could cause or
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SUBJECT : Fire prevention
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4. MEANS OF ESCAPE – The first point to be checked is the means of escape, . fire escapes.
· Are they free of obstruction?
· Are they clearly marked?
· Are doors operating correctly?
· Ensure doors protecting the fire escape routes are not held open by wedges or other
improvised means.
· Are the escape routes free of tripping hazards?
· Is material being stored in the escape routes or stairways?
· Ia there an alternative means of escape if the primary escape route is blocked by fire?
5. EMERGENCY LIGHTING – If the power fails, as can occur during a fire, is there adequate
emergency lighting to illuminate the exits are fire escape stairs?
Has the emergency lighting been tested in the last month?
Does it work?
6. FIRE – FIGHTING EQUIPMENT - Check the building fire – fighting equipment, . hose
reels and fire extinguishers.
· Is there adequate equipment?
· Is there equipment available to cover special risk areas such as kitchens, electrical
switchboards, and petrol refueling points?
· Are the extinguishers appropriate to the risk?
· Has equipment been serviced recently?
· Can people get to the fire – fighting equipment if it is needed?
7 HOUSEKEEPING – Check to see if the general standard of housekeeping is satisfactory. In
particular look for the following points:
· Accumulated rubbish
· Long grass and weeds outside buildings
· Untidy areas that could create tripping hazards in an emergency evacuation.
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Check to ensure:
a. Dangerous and flammable goods are stored properly.
b. A suitable fire extinguisher is provided nearby.
c. Dangerous goods which may react when mixed are not stored together.
8. ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
· Electrical wiring is in good condition.
· Electrical equipment leads are serviced and checked annually.
· Power points and circuits are not overloaded.
· Electrical equipment is adequately cooled and not likely to overheat.
· Electrical heating equipment is thermostatically (where practical) controlled and kept
clear of combustible material.
9. WORK PRACTICES
While not as easy to spot during a weekly inspection, faulty work practices can also be a
problem. Common fire risks can include:
· Refuelling combustion motors (pumps, mowers, cars) while the engine is running.
· Welding in an explosive atmosphere (near fuel fumes, etc.) or when surrounded by
flammable material.
· Decanting LP gas with faulty hoses and equipment.
10. END OF WORK CHECKS
At the end of the working day or at a change of shift, if is advisable to institute a safety
check to ensure that the work area is safe from fire threat. This check should cover such
matters as:
· Electrical equipment switched off.
· Motors switched off.
· Area clean and no rubbish laying around.
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11. FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
If a fire occurs, how are the people in the building to be warned, and how is an evacuation to
be controlled?
· Can the alarm be heard in all work areas?
· Has the alarm been tested recently?
· Will the alarm activate during an electrical power failure?
12. SUMMARY
A thorough program of fire prevention inspections can do much to reduce the fire potential in
any building.
Preventing a fire is far better for all concerned than fighting a fire.
To implement a program of fire prevention inspections all you need do is:
· Develop a check list of points to lood for that area suitable to your industry and your
building.
· Develop the habit of completing a fire prevention inspection regularly each week.
· Report any information to the Chief of Secutity.
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DIVISION : RMS DEPARTMENT : Security
CODE : DATE : 18 . 04 . 92
APPROVED : MD REVISION :
SUBJECT : Fire fighting
POLICY
Members of the fire crew should fight a fire only when it safe to do so.
PURPOSE
To try and limit fire damage and general disruption to a minimum.
PROCEDURE
1. TO FIGHT OR NOT TO FIGHT
When confronted with a fire, one of the first decisions you must make is whether to fight or
not to fight the fire. Your feaction to a fire can determine the amount of damage the fire may
cause. The decision you make over whether to fight or not fight the fire is important.
Remember, fire extinguishers and hose reels should be used only be persons trained in their
proper use and in situations where the fire is small and readily able to be contained. Good
judgement is necessary . If you have the slightest doubt about whether to fight or not to fight
– don’t. Get out and wait for the Fire Brigade.
Don’t fight the fire if:
i. The fire is spreading beyond the immediate spot where it started.
ii. The fire could block your exit.
iii. You have not been trained to use an extinguisher properly.
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iv. You do not have the proper extinguisher to use on the fire.
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Instead, close the door on the fire ( if possible ), get everyone out and sound the fire
alarm as quickly as possible.
Fight the fire only if :
i. The fire brigade has been notified of the fire.
ii. Everyone is out of the area ( or on their way out ).
iii. The fire is small and confined to its immediate area of origin ( wastebasket,
cushion, small appliance etc. )
iv. You have a way out , and can fight the fire with your back to your exit.
v. You have the proper extinguisher, know exactly how to use it and it is in
good working order.
vi. You use careful judgement and know to get out fast if your effort is failing.
REMEMBER : Fire spreads quickly; a speedly attack is essential . If anyone is near,
tell them to report the outbreak and then to give assistance.
Extinguishers are only to deal with small fires.
DO NOT CONTINUE TO FIGHT A FIRE IF :
· It is dangerous to do so.
· There is a possibility that the escape route may be cut off by fire or smoke.
· The fire continues to grow in spite of your efforts.
· There are gas cylinders threatened by a fire.
If you have a withdraw, close windows and doors behind you whenever possible.
DO NOT use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire involving burning gas. Turn off the
gas supply if it is safe to do so or leave such fires to the Fire Brigade.
