Fire Protection in Nursing Homes

FIRE PROTECTION for Long Term Care:

Presented by FIRE PROTECTION for Long Term Care

DEFINITION OF NURSING HOME:

DEFINITION OF NURSING HOME “ … a building or portion of a building used on a 24-hour basis for the housing and nursing care of four or more persons who, because of mental or physical incapacity, might be unable to provide for their own needs and safety without the assistance of another person . . .” Life Safety Code NFPA -101 - 2000 National Fire Protection Assoc.

INTRODUCTION :

INTRODUCTION Fires can happen in a healthcare environment anywhere or anytime. When they do, it puts residents, visitors, and employees at immediate risk for loss of life. It is very important that you understand and be familiar with your responsibilities should fire occur in your building.

Residents:

Residents Many residents are: Bed ridden Connected to life support equipment Debilitated, Disabled, or recovering from surgery Physical or mental illness Incapable of using exits Unable to perceive threats

Employees:

Employees Employees are responsible for: Knowing how to handle a fire situation in our buildings Caring for our residents during a fire situation and Keeping themselves safe at the same time

First Priority :

First Priority The first priority of all employees is to maintain a fire safe environment. In this class you will learn about fire prevention, fire control, and how to use fire equipment in the building. You will learn what to do with a small fire such as a trash can or what to do when the fire is raging out of control.

The Fire Tetrahedron :

The Fire Tetrahedron Fire is a phenomenon that occurs when four elements are present. When the proper amounts of heat, fuel, oxygen, and a chemical reaction are present, then fire occurs.

The Fire Tetrahedron:

The Fire Tetrahedron Four elements must be present in order for a fire to occur. They are: Heat Fuel Oxygen Chemical Chain Reaction

Heat :

Heat There are many ways heat can be generated enough to cause a fire. Here are some examples how. Cooking Smoking Electrical equipment

Fuel :

Fuel Fuels for fires include anything that can burn. Some common fuels found in our nursing homes are: Linens Clothing Paper Flammable liquids or gases Cooking oils

Oxygen :

Oxygen Oxygen naturally occurs in our atmosphere. Just like us, fire needs oxygen to survive. In our healthcare environment, we also have oxygen in the air, but also in containers used by many of our residents.

Stopping the Fire:

Stopping the Fire Removing one of these elements will stop the fire. Even if one of these elements are removed, the fire will stop burning.

Types of Fire:

Types of Fire There are different types of fire. Each type has been given a class. Class A fires are those that involve wood, paper, or rubber. A = ASH Class B fires are those that occur when liquids are burned. Liquids come in barrels. B= Barrel Class C fires are those that involved electrical energized equipment. C=Charged Class D fires are those that involve metals such as Magnesium. D= Different than the others

Buildings:

Buildings Most buildings have fire protection built into them: Fire resistive construction Detection and alarm systems Compartmentation Automatic sprinklers

Fire Resistive Construction :

Fire Resistive Construction Most buildings are constructed with fire protection in mind. They are built with fire resistive materials. Steel and concrete do not burn very easy.

Detection and Alarm Systems:

Detection and Alarm Systems Most buildings have fire alarm systems. These systems work 24 hours a day and will notify the occupants of any emerging threat. These systems work automatically and will notify the occupants of the building by sounding alarms and flashing lights. These systems can also be activated by anyone in the building by pulling the fire alarm pull station. These systems are tested and maintained on a regular basis to ensure they work properly

Compartmentation:

Compartmentation Most buildings are built so that one part of the building can be separated from the other. Fire doors can close off an area that is on fire as well as keep fire from entering an area that is not on fire. It is important that items are not allowed to block fire doors.

Automatic Sprinkler Systems:

Automatic Sprinkler Systems Most buildings are equipped with automatic sprinkler systems. These systems are designed to spray water on fires that have gotten out of control. These systems will automatically call the fire department if they are activated. The cooking areas of the building have special fire systems to protect them. These systems are tested and maintained on a regular basis to ensure they work when they are needed.

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS:

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS Prohibit smoking & control materials Written plans, training & drills Control fire loads & contents Fire Exits Portable fire extinguishers Take steps to help prevent fires in your buildings:

Smoking :

Smoking Cigarette smoking is believed to cause at least half of all fires! No smoking is allowed inside buildings. Smoking by our residents and employees MUST be done in designated areas. All residents must be supervised while they smoke.

Written Plans, Training, and Drills:

Written Plans, Training, and Drills Each building should have a written plan for what to do in case of a fire. Every employee should be trained each year in fire safety. Each month practice your plan by conducting fire drills. It is important that everyone participate each time there is a fire drill. Practice makes perfect.

R.A.C.E.:

R.A.C.E. Every employee should know what the letters R.A.C.E. stand for. R – Rescue. The first step in R.A.C.E. is to rescue residents or employees who are in immediate danger. A – Activate the alarm. The second step is to notify everyone in the building there is a fire. This can be done by activating a fire pull station and by telling other employees in the area that there is a fire. C – Close doors. The third step is to close every door between you and the fire. The fire can be slowed down or even stopped just by a closed door. E – Extinguish fire. Using a fire extinguisher is a last resort. This should be done only after the first three steps have been done AND you have been trained how to use one.

Control Fire Loads and Contents:

Control Fire Loads and Contents Make sure that items in your buildings are stored in a proper location and proper location. For example, flammable liquids should be stored in a flammable liquid cabinet. Items stored in a closet should not be stack more than 18 inches from a fire sprinkler head. Each month someone in the building should be checking for these types of fire potentials. Never store anything in or under stairwells.

Fire Exits :

Fire Exits Buildings should have fire exits. Fire exits must be clear at all times. The number of fire exits in a building is determined by the size of the building and how many people are going to be in it. The entire route to the fire exit must be well lit so that the occupants can see how to get to the exit. The exit location must have a sign above the door indicating that is the way out. These signs should be lit a all times

Elevators:

Elevators NEVER use an elevator in the event of a fire! The elevator can malfunction and trap anyone that is in it.

Stairwells:

Stairwells ALWAYS use stairs during a fire.

Portable Fire Extinguishers:

Portable Fire Extinguishers Portable fire extinguishers are a good way to extinguish small fires. Every employee should be trained and be familiar with the use of portable fire extinguishers. Our facilities have portable fire extinguishers every 75 feet.

Fire Extinguishers:

Fire Extinguishers There are several types of fire extinguishers. Each type is designed to fight each type of fire. Use a combination type fire extinguisher. These are called ABC type fire extinguishers. These will fight Class A, B, and C type fires. Most of the fires that could occur in our facilities will be one of these types of fires. These fire extinguishers will do the job if they are used properly.

How to use a Fire Extinguisher:

How to use a Fire Extinguisher Each employee should be trained the proper way to use a fire extinguisher. If it is necessary to use a fire extinguisher in your area you should do the following: Stop just outside the fire area Feel the door handle to see if it is hot If the door handle is not hot and you don’t hear the fire sprinkler spraying water, then enter the room Make sure the fire does not get between you and your exit Use the PASS method

P.A.S.S.:

P.A.S.S. In case of a small fire, such as one in a trash can, you can use a fire extinguisher. When you do, use the P.A.S.S. method. P= Pull the Pin A= Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the flames S=Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher S=Sweep with the nozzle back and forth and the base of the flames.

What Have You Leaned?:

What Have You Leaned? Your responsibility regarding fires. Keep your work area fire safe Store flammable liquids properly Know the fire plan for your building Know your fire exits Know how to evacuate residents and employees Participate in all fire drills

What Have You Learned?:

What Have You Learned? The Fire Tetrahedron Fuel Heat Oxygen Chemical Chain Reaction

What Have You Learned?:

What Have You Learned? Types of Fire Class A Class B Class C Class D

What Have You Learned?:

What Have You Learned? Most buildings have fire protection built into them. They have: Fire resistive construction Detection and alarm systems Compartmentation Automatic sprinklers

What Have You Learned?:

What Have You Learned? Smoke only in designated areas. Never use elevators in a fire. Sound the alarm when a fire occurs. Keep fire exits clear.

What Have You Learned?:

What Have You Learned? R.A.C.E. Rescue Activate the Alarm Close Doors Evacuate those in danger

What Have You Learned?:

What Have You Learned? Use fire extinguishers if you have been trained. P.A.S.S Pull the Pin Aim at the base of the flame Squeeze the handle Sweep the nozzle back and forth

Conclusion:

Conclusion Fire emergencies are a very serious situation. Our work environment has many potential areas that could lead to a fire. Maintaining a fire safe attitude and atmosphere is the best prevention method. Our employees are professionals and are trained to handle these situations.

Conclusion:

Conclusion If a fire occurs in your work area, you must know what to do. React quickly and safely but remain calm. Remember PASS and RACE Participate in fire training and fire drills.

Questions:

Questions Which is NOT an element of the fire tetrahedron Heat Oxygen Fuel Fire extinguisher

Questions:

Questions Match. Class A Electrical Motor Class B Metals Class C Wood, Paper, Rubber Class D Liquids

Questions:

Questions Unscramble the following Squeeze the handle Aim the nozzle Pull the pin Sweep the nozzle back and forth

Questions:

Questions Fill in the blanks _____ rescue those in immediate danger _____ notify the occupants there is a fire _____ close doors _____ evacuate to a safe location

Questions:

Questions True or False We use a combination type fire extinguisher in our buildings.

Questions:

Questions Which method is best method for extinguishing a fire? Stop, drop, and roll Putting water on flames Calling 911 Remove the fuel, heat, or oxygen

Questions:

Questions Which is a class C fire? Paper Cooking grease Car fire Electrical motor

Questions:

Questions Fill in the blank. Using a fire extinguisher should be a ______ resort.

The End:

The End Thank you for using Central Valley Medical. Please visit www.central-valley-med.com