Workplace fire risk assessment Learning outcomes

Workplace fire risk assessment Learning outcomes.

On completion of this element, candidates should be able to:

• explain the processes involved in the identification of hazards and the assessment of risk from fire;

• describe common fire detection systems and procedures;

• outline the factors to be considered when selecting fixed and portable fire-fighting equipment for the various types of fire;

• outline the factors to be considered in the provision and maintenance of means of escape;

• explain the purpose of, and essential requirements for, emergency evacuation procedure;

• outline the main legal requirements for fire safety in the workplace.

Minimum hours of tuition 6 hours.

1.0 Fire risk assessment Identification of common flammable solids, liquids, and gases.

Small quantities of dangerous goods can be found in most workplaces. Whatever they are used for, the storage and use of such goods can pose a serious hazard unless basic safety principles are followed, especially if you use one particular group of dangerous goods - flammable and explosive substances.

There is an enormous variety of flammable substances to be found in the workplace. They range from the obvious, e.g. petrol, paint thinners, welding gases and heating fuels, to the not so obvious, e.g. packaging materials, dust from woodworking and dust from foodstuffs such as flour and sugar etc.

Three ingredients are needed for a fire: a fuel at the right concentration, a good supply of air, and a source of ignition. If you control these ingredients, fires can be prevented.

1.1 Safety Principles By applying the following five principles, you will be well on the way to making sure that you are working safely with flammable substances.

Ventilation

Is there plenty of fresh air where flammable liquids or gases are stored and used? Good ventilation will mean that any vapors given off from a spill, leak, or release from any process will be rapidly dispersed.

Ignition

Have all the obvious ignition sources been removed from the storage and handling areas? Ignition sources can be varied and they include sparks from electrical equipment