MATER HEALTH SERVICES

(Fire Exit Picture, n.d.)

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource

Prepared by: Mater Education, May 2013 Reviewed by:

Adrian Thorpe Compliance Manager February 2013 Fire Safety Advisor: Licence #030168

Ben Hoareau Security, Fire & Safety Manager February 2013

Mater Misericordiae Health Services Brisbane Limited Our Mission

“In the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, the Mater Hospital offers compassionate service to the sick and needy, promote an holistic approach to health care in response to changing community needs and foster high standards in health related education and research. Following the example of Christ the Healer, we commit ourselves to offering these services to all without discrimination.”

Our Values Care:

The spirit of compassion

Mercy:

The spirit of responding to one another

Dignity:

The spirit of humanity, respecting the worth of each person

Quality:

The spirit of professionalism

Commitment:

The spirit of integrity

Mater Health Services Board and Executive Committee are committed to creating an organisational culture that plans and prepares for internal and external emergencies. The safety of all staff, visitors, volunteers and patients during an emergency is paramount. Our goal is to ensure safe practices and a safe work environment from your first day onwards with Mater Health Services. To assist with meeting this goal you have been provided with this learning resource that outlines the information you need to keep yourself and those around you safe. This resource will assist you in gaining the necessary information about fire safety and evacuation procedures at Mater Health Services. Attainment in Fire and Safety competence is an annual requirement. Competency attainment can be achieved by:

Read the induction resource Attend Online Corporate module Orientation completion

1.

Read and understand the induction resource

2.

Attend Corporate Orientation

3.

Annually either:

Face to face sessions

o Complete the online module available on MoVES (online learning management system) on the intranet OR o Attend a face to face Fire and Safety education session

Any questions related to your annual mandatory requirements, please call Mater Education administration on 07 3163 8544 or [email protected]

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 1

This Fire Safety and Evacuation induction resource will answer the following questions. 

What are the Emergency Codes used across Mater?



What are your fire safety responsibilities as a Mater staff member?



What three elements create and sustain fire?



What is the Mater’s Fire Safety Protocol?



How do I safely extinguish fire?



What is the Code Orange Protocol?



How do I report other emergencies at Mater Health Services?



Who is responsible for emergency management of a Code Red or Code Orange?

At the completion of this induction resource you will be able to: 

Identify your responsibilities regarding fire safety and evacuation



Identify the different classes of fire and the correct extinguishing method and device



Identify aspects of Fire Safety Protocols



Identify Code Orange (evacuation) protocols

Further Resources There are further resources available to you on commencement and we encourage you to access these resources, including: 1.

Mater Health Services Emergency Management Manual, available on Docucube.

2.

Online Fire Safety and Evacuation learning module, through Mater’s Online Virtual Education System (MoVES).

3.

Mater Emergency Response Website available via the Mater Intranet under Departments

4.

Resource people such as: 

Fire Safety and Security Department



Emergency Management Coordinator



Managers

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 2

Fire Safety and Security Department Mater Health Services has an onsite fire safety and security department located in the Whitty building, South Brisbane campus. Location: Level 1 Whitty building Telephone: (07) 3163 8970 Office hours: Monday – Friday 0730 – 1530. Security Department operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Telephone:

For MPH South Brisbane Security Service is (07) 3163 1698

What Emergency Codes are in place across Mater Health Services? Mater Health Services (MHS) uses a colour coded system to classify the type of emergency as defined in the Australian Standards (AS 4083).

ORANGE RED PURPLE BLACK YELLOW

BLUE

• Evacuation • Fire • Bomb Threat - can be made by phone, mail or a suspicious package • Personal Threat • Internal or Infrastructure Emergency - loss of power or water, services, etc. • Cardiac Arrest

In the event of an emergency, the internal phone numbers to call are;

“555” or “3163 1555” South Brisbane Campus “0” “000” Redlands Private Hospital (for emergency services) “666” For Redlands Private Hospital Code Blue and Met Code

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 3

What are your fire safety responsibilities as a Mater staff member? Under Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008: 1.

We are all responsible for the safety and welfare of patients, staff and visitors. Failure to ensure their safety could result in injury or death.

2.

You have a duty to follow all emergency protocols and procedures.

3.

It is your responsibility to attend a fire safety and evacuation lecture at corporate orientation and complete your fire safety and evacuation training annually thereafter.

What three elements are required to create and sustain a fire? “Fire is a chemical reaction which has the ability to propagate through the atmosphere with the emission of light and heat.” A fire emergency within Mater Health Services is called a “Code Red”(Mater Health Services Policy MHS-EM-015).

Fire Triangle Fire is made up of three elements. All three must be present to create a fire.

O2

Fuel Can be combustible, flammable or electrical

Oxygen

Heat

To a temperature where fuels will ignite

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

(MHS Image 1)

Page 4

Classes of Fire There are six classes of fire and they are determined by the type of fuel involved.

A B C D E F (Mater Health Services Policy MHS-EM-015)

What is Mater’s Fire Safety Protocol? Upon discovery of a fire follow the R.A.C.E acronym.

R A C E

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 5

R

REMOVE

Remove all persons in immediate danger to stage one evacuation, if safe to do so:   

Ambulant patients first Semi-ambulant patients next Non-ambulant last (Coronary Care, Intensive care and Operating Theatres)

A  

ALERT Alert nearby staff by activating manual call point Alert Switch on “555” for South Brisbane campus and state: -

Code Red Location of area involved in the fire Your name and classification Any needed additional information, such as persons injured or extent of fire spread.

Note: for Mater Redlands -

C

Dial ‘0’ “000” Ask for fire brigade State Nature of emergency – fire Location Your name and classification Any needed additional information, such as persons injured or extent of fire spread CONFINE

If possible close all doors and windows to contain fire and smoke – but only if safe to do so.

E

EXTINGUISH Attempt to extinguish the fire – but only if safe to do so.    

(MHS Image 2)

Try to work in pairs to extinguish a fire. Always stand with an exit at your back Stand approximately 2 metres away from the fire, moving closer once fire starts to diminish. Use a sweeping motion and aim at the base of the fire.

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 6

Safety Points  

DO NOT use the lifs and prevent others from doing so in a FIRE emergency. The ONLY time the lifts can be used is under the direct authorisation and control of fire & rescue personnel. (Mater Health Services Policy MHS-EM-015)

How do I safely extinguishing fire? Removing one of the elements will extinguish the fire.   

(MHS Image 3) Remove the O2 and the fire will be smothered. Remove the heat and the fire will be cooled. Remove the fuel and you will take away the source of the fire (MHS-EM-015).

Classes of Fire There are six classes of fire: A. Free burning carbonaceous materials (eg: paper, wood, cloth, plastics) B. Flammable liquids, liquefiable solids, paints, thinners & rubber C. Flammable gases & liquefiable gases D. Combustible Metals E. Electrical fires including any equipment with an electrical source F. Fat fires (eg: cooking oil)

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 7

Types and uses of extinguishers Water

Dry Chemical

Suitable for “A” Class fires ONLY

Suitable for “A,B,C,E& F” Class fires. This is the primary extinguisher used at Mater and can be used on most fires.

Has a cooling effect

Has a smothering effect (MHS Image 4)

(MHS Image 5)

Carbon Dioxide

Foam

Suitable for “E” Class fires. Primarily designed for Electrical fires but can be used on most types of fires.

Suitable for “B” Class fires. Primarily designed for most flammable liquid fires. Do not use on electrical fires. Used in Engineering plant rooms only.

Has a smothering effect (MHS Image 6)

(MHS Image 7)

Has a cooling and smothering effect

Wet Chemical Suitable for “F” Class fires. Designed for cooking oil and fat fires only. This extinguisher is only used in kitchens. Can also be used on “A” Class fires. (MHS Image 8)

Has a cooling & smothering effect

When should I use an Extinguisher? Prior to using first response equipment, ensure that:     

The fire is small, approximately 1 square metre in surface area, and not spreading. You have the correct type of fire extinguisher for what is burning. The fire will not block your exit if you can’t control it. You know how to use the fire extinguisher. You are confident to approach the fire.

Do not use first response equipment if:   

The fire is spreading rapidly. Only use extinguisher when the fire is in its early stages. If fire is spreading quickly “Code Orange” procedures will be enacted. You don’t know what is burning. There is too much smoke or you are a risk of inhaling smoke.

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 8

How do I operate an Extinguisher? Extinguishers are easy to use! The acronym to help you remember is “PASS”. P A S S

Pull safety pin Aim the hose at the base of the fire Squeeeze the trigger Sweep - attack the fire in a sweeping motion (MHS-EM-015)

(MHS Image 9)

Other Extinguishing Equipment Fire hose reels are located on all floors of the major building throughout the complex. Operation of the hose reels is clearly defined on the decals on the reels. These hoses can be up to 36 metres long and supply large amounts of water. They are not to be used on electrical or flammable liquids fires (Mater Health Services Policy MHS-EM-015). Fire blankets are fitted in certain areas of the hospital and ancillary buildings such as theatres, kitchens and engineering workshops. When deployed fire blankets smother the burning surface and in so doing extinguish the fire (Mater Health Services Emergency Management Manual Section 3B).

Emergency Warning System – Alarms and Response If you hear the Alert tone (Beep Beep tone): 1.

Immediately check your work areas for cause of alarm e.g. smoke, smell of burning electrical wires etc.

2.

If fire is identified implement R.A.C.E procedures

3.

If cause of alarm cannot be identified o Report to your floor warden o Stand by for further instructions

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 9

If you hear the evacuation tone (Whoop Whoop tone): 1. 2.

Activate the Code Orange Procedures Follow your department-specific Code Orange Sub Plan (if applicable) as directed (Mater Health Services Emergency Management Manual Section 3B).

What is a Code Orange procedure? A “Code Orange” is where all personnel are required to evacuate an area for their safety. The extent of the evacuation depends upon the severity of the emergency. What do I do when I hear an evacuation order?       

Stay calm. Quickly secure confidential information & other high risk assets if practical & safe to do so Collect personal items if practical & safe to do so. Follow any instructions from you Evacuation Warden. Leave via nearest safe exit and assist less mobile people & patients. Do not use Lifts unless permitted to do so by the Evacuation Warden or QFRS Assemble at the chosen Assembly Area, as directed by your Evacuation Warden and / or sub plan, for a roll call; report missing persons promptly to Evacuation Warden.

Stages of Evacuation Evacuation should be conducted in three distinct stages accoring to the severity of the situation. Stage One: Evacuate the immediate danger area. Stage Two:

Evacuate beyond fire and/or smoke doors, or to a lower floor.

Stage Three:

Evacuation of builing to the pre-arranged assembly points.

Or you may be required to “Shelter in Place” (Mater Health Services Emergency Management Manual)

(MHS Image 10)

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 10

What is the order of evacuation? General evacuation order First Second Third

-

Ambulant Semi-ambulant Non-ambulant (MHS-EM-014)

High dependancey evacuation order First Second Third

-

Non ventilated dependent Oxygen dependant (not requiring mechanical ventilatory support) Fully ventilator dependant (Mater Health Services Policy MHS-EM-014)

Chain of Command – Warden / Emergency Personnel Identification Each warden wears a coloured vest to denote their position. They have set responsibilities during the emergency. Follow the instructions given by Evacuation Wardens.

Appointed for each building

Manager, Team leader or most senior person

Any MHS staff member

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 11

Where are the evacuation routes and assembly areas? 

All personnel should ensure they know the designated primary assembly area for their workplace, including various access routes for getting to it. Evacuation plans identifying routes are displayed in prominent locations across the complex.



Some clinical areas also have sub plans for the transfer of non-ambulant patients to areas capable of supporting their needs (Mater Health Services Policy MHS-EM-014).

How do I report other emergency codes at Mater Health Services? When an emergency has been identifed, you should:  Immediately remove people from danger  Report the emergency by phone

South Brisbane Campus      

Dial “555” Identify the type of Code Type of patient – neonate, child, adult, pregnant woman (if a code blue or MET code) State the hospital building State exact location of the code State your name and telephone number you are calling from

Redlands Campus      

Dial “666” for a Code Blue or a MET call Identify the type of Code Type of patient – neonate, child, adult, pregnant woman (if a code blue or MET code) State the hospital building State exact location of the code State your name and telephone number you are calling from

For all other codes at Redlands dial “0” then “000” and give operator details of    

Type of emergency servics required – fire, police, ambulance Type of emergency – fire, bomb threat Hospital building Exact location – level, room

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 12

 

Brief summary of incident Your name and telephone number you are calling from (Mater Health Services Policy MHS-EM-009)

Note: if calling from a mobile phone call 3163 1555

Alternatively break the glass in a wall mounted “break glass alarm” or “manual call point”.

Who is responsible for emergency management at MHS All Mater Health Services staff can contribute to emergency management by:  Always wearing your identification (ID) tag  Completing all required training annually  Participating in drills and exercises  Knowing the assembly points and stages of evacuation  Keeping emergency exits clear  Knowing where to find and how to use emergency equipment  Reporting suspicious bags or behaviours NOTE: It is the responsibility of all MHS personnel to recognise and report unsafe conditions to their manager or supervisor and, if appropriate to the Fire Saftey and Security department. Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 13

Conclusion All staff need to complete the QHS/Emergency Induction Checklist within 48 hours of commencement. Fire Safety is everyone’s responsibility; it is your obligation to identify the following upon commencement in your work area; your supervisor is available to assist you as required. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Emergency exits Evacuation plans Manual call points Fire extinguishers and hose Evacuation assembly point, general and clinical sub plans.

References The information contained within this learning resource has been obtained from the Mater Health Services Emergency Procedure Manual and Fire Safety Regulations, Queensland Government 2008. Mater Health Service Emergency Procedure Manual, 2009. -

MHS-EM-009 Emergency identification and reporting MHS-EM-010 Management Structure for emergencies MHS-EM-014 Code Orange Evacuation Procedures V 6.0 MHS-EM-015 Code Red – Fire Emergency V 2.0

Image References MHS Images 1-11. Mater Health Services Online Fire Safety and Evacuation learning guide. Fire Exit Picture [Image] (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.onlyswim.com/products/947/88/signs/foamex-fire-exit-sign.aspx Disclaimer Materials presented in this publication are distributed by Mater Health Services Brisbane Limited as an information source only. The information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein. Mater Health Services Brisbane Limited are not liable to any person for any loss or damage incurred as a result of reliance upon the information or advice provided in this publication or incorporated into it by reference. Copying of this document for educational or research purposes is permitted provided the authors and sources are acknowledged.

Fire Safety and Evacuation Induction Resource. 2013

Page 14