Fire Prevention & Safety

FIRE PREVENTION

Most fires are preventable. Those responsible for workplaces and other buildings to which the public have access can avoid them by taking responsibility for and adopting the right behaviours and procedures. Fire can cause injury, death and damage to property. The UK’s Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) responds to emergency 999 calls in the event of fire. The Local Fire Instructions and Local Emergency Plan explains the procedure to follow in the event of a fire.
A fire starts when three key elements come together, often referred to as the Fire Triangle:

The Fire Triangle:

1. Heat A source of ignition (e.g., flame, spark, hot surface).
2. Fuel Anything that can burn (e.g., paper, wood, fuel, plastics).
3. Oxygen Usually from the air (around 21%)

When these three elements are present in the right proportions, combustion can occur. Removing any one of them will prevent or extinguish a fire.

Roles and Responsibilities

• All Staff: Remain vigilant and report hazards or suspicious behaviour.
• Managers: Ensure compliance with fire safety policies, maintain training and drills.

What you can do to reduce the risks from fire?

• Read the local fire instructions & local emergency plan (LEP)
• Be aware of your escape routes
• Attend fire safety training
• Good housekeeping at all times. E.g. avoid build-up of rubbish that could burn
• Always keep fire doors shut (or, if held open on automatic releases, keep them clear)
• Ensure escape routes are clear
• Close windows and doors at night
• Report any damage to fire detection, warning or firefighting equipment
• If you see, or smell smoke, raise the alarm and investigate immediately but never open a door into a room where you believe there is a fire
• Be aware of the risks from any flammable, highly combustible or hazardous materials used or stored on the premises.

You should know

• How and where to raise the alarm (for example by operating the nearest fire alarm call point)
• Arrangements for calling the Fire Brigade
• Location of, and where appropriate, how to use fire-fighting equipment
• Location of escape routes
• If you are responsible for any visitors on site, how to direct them to a fire exit
• How to open emergency doors
• Your assembly point(s)
• The authorised procedure for a return to the workplace (check LEP)
• Fire drill arrangements
• Local Emergency Plan

Your Safety is our top priority. In the event of a fire, your response should always be to :

• Raise the alarm, e.g. via the fire alarm call point or using the PA system or shouting fire
• Evacuate the premises using the nearest designated fire evacuation route or alternative route and instructions contained within the Local Emergency Plan; do not use lifts unless it is designated as a fire lift
• Contact the Fire Brigade (This can also be requested via the Signaller if required) once you are in a safe location
• Contact the Signaller (If necessary to stop trains)
• Contact ARL Strategic Command & ask them to inform the duty manager on shift
• Use the correct type of portable fire extinguisher (if safe to do so and you have received training) to try and put out a small fire but do not take any personal risks.
• Where appropriate, stop using electrical equipment and isolate power supplies
• Report to the assembly point.

Remember: A small fire can quickly turn into a major fire in just minutes.

Use Fire Extinguishers ONLY if:

• The fire is small and contained (e.g., in a waste bin).
• You are trained to use the extinguisher safely
• You have a clear escape route and are not putting yourself or others at risk
• You feel confident and are not endangering your own safety

Never attempt to fight a fire if:

• The fire is spreading rapidly
• There is heavy smoke or toxic fumes
• You are unsure of what type of extinguisher to use
• You are alone, unless the fire is blocking your escape route. Lone workers should leave by their nearest exit as quickly and as safely as possible rather than try to tackle a small fire which could spread quickly

Types of Fire

Class A – Fires Involving Combustible Solids

• Description: Fires fuelled by solid organic materials such as wood, paper, textiles, and plastics.
• Extinguishing Methods: Water or foam extinguishers are effective, as they cool the burning material.
• Example: A fire ignited by a spark landing on a pile of newspapers.

Class B – Fires Involving Flammable Liquids

• Description: Fires fuelled by flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, oil, solvents, and alcohol.
• Extinguishing Methods: Foam, dry powder, or CO₂ extinguishers are suitable. Water should not be used, as it can spread the flammable liquid.
• Example: A fire resulting from a petrol spill ignited by a nearby flame

Class C – Fires Involving Flammable Gases

• Description: Fires fuelled by flammable gases such as propane, butane, and methane.
• Extinguishing Methods: Dry powder extinguishers are effective. It's crucial to shut off the gas supply if safe to do so.
• Example: A fire caused by a leaking propane cylinder ignited by a spark

Class D – Fires Involving Combustible Metals

• Description: Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and lithium.
• Extinguishing Methods: Specialist dry powder extinguishers are required. Water and standard extinguishers can exacerbate these fires.
• Example: A fire ignited by magnesium shavings catching fire due to friction.

Understanding these fire classes aids in effective fire prevention and response. Always ensure the correct type of fire extinguisher is available and that individuals are trained in its use.

Equipment

Water: Wood, Paper, Textiles & Solid Materials
Foam: Liquids, Paper, Wood & Textiles
Dry Powder: Liquids, Electrical, Wood, Paper & Textiles
Carbon Dioxide: Liquid & Electrical
Wet Chemical: Cooking Oils & Fats

Using a Fire Extinguisher

Legal Requirements

You must ensure the workplace is safe from fire and its effects and must not do anything that will place themselves or other people at risk.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 imposes a legal requirement to prevent fires and reduce the risk of fire, and places a legal duty on both the employer and employees for fire safety.
Remember: If you have any concerns about fire safety, then speak to your Line Manager or safety representative.

Further Information

For further information or advice on Fire Safety, please contact your line manager or the Safety Department via email at document.controller@arrivarl.co.uk
Useful Links – Introduction to fire safety - HSE

Remember!

Your safety and the safety of others depends on your awareness and quick, calm response. If in doubt, get out and report it.

If you require any further assistance, then please contact your line manager at your earliest convenience