Portable Extinguishers - Tried and Tested

In addition to the loss of life there are also the economic losses from fire that could result in the healthcare premises having to close down. Even if they don’t close immediately, there can be factors that follow which can complicate the premises remaining in operation such as, rises in insurance payments; the destruction of data; and the effect that the fire has on the residents’ general wellbeing and levels of confidence in the healthcare staff dealing with the challenges that a fire presents.

A survey by the FIA in 2008 into the usage of portable fire extinguishers showed that 80% of the fires fought with them are successfully extinguished and that in 75% of cases there was no need to call the fire and rescue services. Based on these findings there is no doubt that portable fire extinguishers play a very important role in the preservation of life and property. In particular, for healthcare premises they may mean the difference between a complete and no evacuation.

Reducing the risk
Portable fire extinguishers can reduce the risk of a small fire, for example, a fire in a waste paper bin developing into a large one, plus the safe use of an appropriate fire extinguisher to control a fire in its early stages can also significantly reduce the risk to other people in the premises by allowing people to assist others who are at risk or particularly vulnerable.

The number of portable fire extinguishers required should be suitable for the risk in the premises. For example, in small premises one or two portable fire extinguishers of the appropriate type, readily available for use, may be all that is necessary, while in larger, more complex premises more portable extinguishers may be required. These should be sited in appropriate locations such as on the escape routes at each floor level. It may also be necessary to indicate the location of extinguishers by suitable signs.

Training
Training must be supplied to people who would be expected to attempt to extinguish a fire. All staff however, should be familiar with the location and basic operating procedures of the portable fire extinguishers provided, in case they need to use it. In healthcare premises portable fire extinguishers should primarily be used to protect life and facilitate safe escape as the emphasis must be towards the safety of residents rather than fighting the fire.

The 2005 Fire Safety Order which became law in 2006 places the onus of the fire safety in all buildings on the shoulders of the Responsible Person. This person could be either the employer, the person in control of the premises in connection with the carrying on of a trade, business or other undertaking (for profit or not), the owner, or any other person who to any extent exercises control over the building.

Under the Fire Safety Order, the Responsible Person will be required to ensure that an assessment of the risk of, and from, fire is undertaken for the place and activity. Identified hazards will be removed or reduced so far as is reasonable and special consideration will be given to the risks posed by the presence of dangerous chemicals or substances and the risks that these pose in case of fire. Special consideration will also be given to any group of persons who may be especially at risk in case of fire, whether due to their location or any other factor.

All precautions provided will be subject to maintenance and will be installed and maintained by a ‘competent person’. Under the Fire Safety Order a person is to be regarded as competent where he/she has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable them to properly assist in undertaking the preventive and protective measures. For commercial buildings the main enforcing body will be the local fire and rescue authority.

Maintenance
In view of the above it is strongly recommended that portable fire extinguishers be properly maintained by personnel that can prove their competence through membership of a scheme such as the ‘Portable Fire Extinguisher Service Technicians Scheme’ from BAFE.

Following a rigorous development process, the new BAFE scheme SP205 for Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment was launched at Church House London on May 30th 2012. Over 70 guests from the fire protection industry heard from speakers including Phil Toase the BAFE cwhairman, Iain Cox (CFO Royal Berkshire FRS and chair of the FRA Competency Council), as well as David Haywood and Kevin Belson from UKAS. The chairman of the editorial group that had produced the scheme, Malcolm Kelly, paid tribute to the team that had worked so hard on behalf of the industry to develop a scheme that is comprehensive and meets the requirements of fire risk assessment companies large and small. Iain Cox stressed the need for UKAS accredited third party certification to help the responsible person for a building meet their obligations under the fire safety legislation.

There are now four Certification bodies being assessed by UKAS to meet the scope of the scheme and hopefully the first ones will be accredited by early September. Full details of the scheme and contact details for the Certification Bodies can be found in the ‘Schemes’ section of the BAFE website.

In summary, portable fire extinguishers are tested, tried and trusted and evidence from the market proves that they are successful in dealing with small fires. Their installation could save life, property and preserve the ongoing success of the healthcare premises.

Further information
www.fia.uk.com
www.bafe.org.uk