Fire Prevention and Control Toolbox Talk

Preventing fires

• Switch off all electrical equipment at the mains when not in use.
• Use appropriate sealed containers for any flammable liquids, not open tins or buckets.
• Follow the permit-to-work procedures for hot work.
• Ensure you are a safe distance from any possible source of ignition when handling flammable liquids.
• Use non-combustible stands for gas rings, bitumen boilers, soldering irons, etc.

DO NOT:

• Use heating equipment to hang clothing i.e. electric heaters.
• Allow waste material to build up in your working area, especially combustible material such as paper, wood and textiles.
• Smoke in prohibited areas.
• Overload electrical sockets. Extension leads must be fully extended to avoid overheating.

Actions to take if you discover a fire

• Raise the alarm and ensure that the fire brigade is called.
• Close the doors and windows if possible, to prevent the fire from spreading.
• Evacuate the building or area.

If the fire alarm sounds

• Confirm how employees will be alerted to a fire.
• Make sure everyone is aware of the escape route(s).
• Confirm how employees should evacuate the workplace, eg via the stairs, where to find the designated evacuation point, more commonly known as a “muster point”.

Employees must NOT:

• Block, lock or obstruct any fire doors or escape routes.
• Obstruct access to fire extinguishers.
• Obstruct clearly marked signage for fire exits and escape routes.

REMEMBER: Be aware of the surroundings in your workplace and familiarise yourself with the escape routes and emergency procedures. You won’t have time if a fire breaks out.

Questions for employees