Essential Fire Safety Tips & Escape Plans

1. TOOL BOX TALKS Fire Safety

2. Fire Safety Tips • At least one smoke alarm on each level of building • Test smoke alarm monthly and replace battery at least annually • Have a written home escape plan and practice it • Never leave cooking or open flames including candles, fireplace or oil burners unattended • Keep keys close at hand or in door locks • Clean lint filters every time you use clothes dryer • Never smoke in bed • Don’t overload power points and switch off appliances when not in use • Lock away lighters and matches

3. Fire Escape Plan • Draw a floor plan of your home/office/day service • Draw your escape plan and discuss with all concerned • Decide on a safe outside meeting place • Practice your plan at least twice a year Tips: • Windows and doors with security bars must have a quick release device • Never open doors that are hot to touch • If there is a fire: STAY LOW, GET OUT and STAY OUT • If clothes catch fire: STOP, DROP, COVER AND ROLL until the flames are extinguished

4. Kitchen Fire Safety tips • Turn pot handles inwards so they won’t be knocked over • Ensure you have fire extinguisher/blanket nearby and know how to use • If cooking oil catches fire, turn off hotplate and slide lid over pan or use fire blanket • Ensure all cooking appliances turned off after use • Don’t wear clothes with loose fitting sleeves • Don’t keep tea towels, oven mitts and other flammable items near cooktop • Don’t use water to put out fat and oil fires

5. Power Board Safety • Don’t overload • Avoid dust build up – place on side • Ensure suitable ventilation to dissipate heat generated • Regularly check that all plugs are firmly fixed in power boards • Regularly inspect power boards and leads for signs of damage and degradation • Install safety switches

6. BBQ SAFETY • Check for any fire restrictions and comply • Ensure regular pressure testing of any gas cylinders and check hoses and connections for blockages or perishing • Check cylinders for rust or damage and that connections are clean and fitting snugly • Spray soapy water on suspect connections, bubbles will form if gas is escaping • Site BBQ on firm, level base, well ventilated but sheltered from wind and away from flammables • Have garden hose available at all times • Follow manufacturers’ instructions for start up and shut down. Never use flammable liquid on a BBQ.

7. In Case Of Fire Remain calm - remember RACE • RESCUE Rescue any people in immediate danger (only if it safe to do so). • ALARM • Raise the alarm • ring the Fire Brigades on 000 • notify your switchboard • notify the staff member in charge

8. In Case of Fire cont. • CONTAIN If practicable, close all doors and windows to contain the fire (only if it safe to do so). • EXTINGUISH Try to extinguish the fire using appropriate firefighting equipment only if you are trained and it is safe to do so.

9. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan(PEEP) • Each client you support should have a PEEP and you need to be familiar with it • A PEEP should detail needs of person during emergency e.g. • Route to take • Mobility requirements • Communication requirements • Equipment needs • Any designated assistants • Knowledge and ability to comply in an emergency