BLR’s Safety Training Presentations

BLR’s Safety Training Presentations Emergency Action and Fire Prevention 29 CFR 1910.38

Are You Prepared? • How would you react to a fire alarm at work? • Would you know your role if there was a major chemical spill? • What if an earthquake or hurricane struck our community?

Goals • Potential hazards • Emergency response • Evacuation • Quiz

Fire Hazards and Prevention • Flammable/combustible liquids • Combustible solids • Machine overheating/electrical malfunction • Welding and torch cutting • Smoking

Flammable Chemicals • Don’t smoke • Proper storage • Proper dispensing • Read labels and MSDS • Spill response

Electrical Fire Hazards • Overloaded electrical systems • Frayed or damaged wiring • Defective machinery or power tools

Housekeeping • Control flammable and combustible materials so they do not contribute to the ignition or expansion of a fire • Keep exits clear and maintain the accessibility to fire response equipment

Chemical Spill Hazards • Chemical types and locations • Spotting a leak or spill • Specific chemical hazards

Natural Disasters • Earthquake • Flooding • Tornado/hurricane

Fire Response • Notification or alarm • Retrieve a fire extinguisher • Assess the situation • Call for outside emergency assistance if necessary • If fighting a fire, continually evaluate for the necessity of evacuation

Alarms • Yell for help • Main alarm system • Backup alarm • Fire suppression system will automatically signal an alarm to the fire department

Emergency Numbers • Fire Department • Police Department • Ambulance • Medical Clinic • Hospital

Extinguishing Equipment • Portable extinguisher • Fire hose • Fire suppression systems

Extinguisher Types • A - For combustibles such as trash, wood, or paper • B - For flammable liquids or gases • C - For electrical fires • D - For combustible metals like magnesium

Extinguisher Use • Pull the pin • Aim at the base of the fire • Squeeze the trigger • Sweep back and forth

Fire Fighting Dangers • Flame • Heat • Smoke • Toxic vapors • Suffocation • Explosions

Chemical Spills • Evacuate the area • Notify a supervisor or the emergency response team • Remove ignition sources (if safe to do so)

Evacuation Assignments • Evacuation coordinators • Head count • Medical • Shut down equipment • Fire/chemical responders • Evacuate

Evacuation Preparedness • Become familiar with nearest exit and keep it clear • Participate in drills and provide feedback • Become familiar with evacuation coordinators and head-count personnel

Evacuation Procedures • Recognize the evacuation signal and listen for instructions • Shut down equipment using the emergency stop • Go directly to the nearest safe exit • Proceed to the assembly area.

Summary • Understand how to prevent emergencies • Understand emergency response • Only use fire-fighting equipment if trained • Know your role in an evacuation • Apply this information (also applies at home) • Ask your supervisor

Quiz 1. Housekeeping is only important because it keeps the facility looking nice. True or False 2. The class A extinguisher is used for putting out combustible metal fires. True or False 3. Name two potential fire hazards in your workspace __________________ and __________________. 4. If someone is on fire, it is best to use an extinguisher on the person. True or False 5. Describe the first two things you should do if you spot a fire: ______________ and ______________.

Quiz (cont.) 6. What is the most dangerous habit to have when working with flammable chemicals? 7. To use a fire extinguisher; P ______________, A__________, S___________, S___________. 8. Name the evacuation coordinator and head-count person for your department. 9. Prior to evacuating out the nearest exit, you should _______________________________. 10. Which type of natural disaster is most likely to strike your community, and how are you and your company prepared for it?

Quiz Answers 1. False. Housekeeping prevents accumulation of materials that may ignite or contribute to a fire. 2. False. Class A is for combustibles like wood or paper. For combustible metals use class D. 3. Flammable liquids, piles of rags or boxes, poor smoking habits, frayed electrical cords, etc. 4. False. Help the person stop, drop, and roll. 5. Notify someone, such as a supervisor, and retrieve fire equipment, such as an extinguisher.

Quiz Answers (cont.) 6. Smoking is a very dangerous habit when working with flammable chemicals. 7. Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the trigger, Sweep back and forth. 8. The evacuation coordinator and headcount person for each department are defined in the emergency action plan. 9. Shut down equipment using the emergency stop button. 10. Discuss company and personal plans for responding to natural disasters in your area.

BLR’s Safety Training Presentations