Fire Safety: Prevention, Detection and Response

Fire safety refers to a set of practices and procedures aimed at spreading awareness about fires, the steps necessary to reduce the chance of a fire occurring or how to safely respond in the event of a fire. 

Fires can be very dangerous and can spread quickly, causing burns and breathing problems from smoke inhalation, as well as destroying buildings, homes and belongings. Fires can also be deadly; in the year ending September 2023 there were 278 fire-related fatalities. 

Fire safety awareness is important in a range of areas including at work, at home, in schools and in public spaces. Knowing how to prevent fires, minimise the spread of a fire or respond safely in the event of a fire can protect both lives and property. 

In the event of a fire, outcomes are better if you are able to stay calm and act quickly, which is more likely if you are well informed and well trained in fire safety principles. 

In this article we will look at the fundamentals of fire safety, including the three key components of fire safety: prevention, detection and response. 

For a fire to occur you need three key elements (sometimes referred to as the fire triangle):

1. Heat
2. Oxygen 
3. Fuel

If you remove one of the above elements then most fires will not be able to occur.

A proactive approach to fire safety should reduce the chances of a fire breaking out. 

Some common causes of fire include:

• Faulty electrical equipment or faulty wiring 
• Improper storage of flammable materials 
• Poor housekeeping and clutter 
• Cooking fires (unattended cooking, grease fires, poor kitchen practices)
• Smoking (careless disposal of cigarettes or matches, smoking outside of designated areas)
• Naked flames (such as unattended candles)
• Human error (e.g. overloading sockets) 
• Arson (deliberately causing a fire)

Fire prevention strategies include:

• Regular inspections and maintenance 
• Proper storage of flammable materials or combustibles 
• Safe cooking practices 
• Good housekeeping 
• Smoking safely 
• Fire drills and regular fire safety training 
• Procedures for reporting hazards or suspicious behaviour 

Regular inspections and maintenance 

It is essential to regularly inspect and periodically test electrical equipment to check that it is safe to use and fit for purpose.

You should check for:

• Frayed wires 
• Signs of wear and tear 
• Signs of overheating (such as scorch marks or a burning smell)

Misuse of electrical equipment can also cause fires and other hazards:

• Don’t overload sockets 
• Avoid getting electrical items wet or placing them in an area where they could be introduced to moisture 
• Take special care when buying second-hand electrical items and look for appropriate safety labels 
• Switch off and unplug electrical items when they are not in use 

It is also important to check any fire safety equipment, for example the alarm, fire extinguishers, fire blankets and fire panels. In addition, you should routinely check escape routes, fire exits and fire doors.

Any electrical work should be done by a qualified electrician. 

Proper storage of flammable materials or combustibles 

Flammable materials and combustible items are at a higher risk of catching fire due to their potentially volatile nature. 

• Flammable substances, materials, gases or chemicals should be stored safely and securely in a designated area 
• Flammables should always be stored away from ignition sources
• Ensure that storage areas are kept neat and tidy and have adequate ventilation 
• Storage areas should be temperature controlled 
• Only store limited quantities of flammable liquids in work areas/storerooms 
• Flammable liquids should be stored in appropriate cabinets 
• Only authorised personnel should be allowed to enter the storage area and move or remove materials 

Safe cooking practices 

According to the London Fire Brigade over 60% of fires start in the kitchen. 

Safer cooking practices include:

• Have appropriate firefighting equipment on hand (extinguishers or fire blankets)
• Do not leave cooking unattended  
• Take additional care when cooking with oil or grease, avoid allowing any liquid to mix with hot oil (e.g. by thoroughly drying vegetables) and turn the temperature down if it begins to smoke
• Take special care when deep fat frying or using a lot of oil (avoid doing so where possible)
• Clean the kitchen regularly especially in areas where grease and fats could build up (e.g. the oven)
• Ensure a smoke alarm and/or heat alarm is installed and working 
• Avoid hanging tea towels on oven door handles 
• Be careful with clothing, avoid highly flammable materials and loose fitting clothes and tie long hair back 
• Ensure kitchen appliances are turned off when not in use 
• Do not put foil or metal utensils in the microwave 
• Keep anything that may catch fire (such as oven gloves or food packaging) well away from the cooker top
• Use toasters safely and as directed by manufacturer’s guidelines, clean them regularly and replace as needed 

Good housekeeping 

Poor housekeeping can be a fire hazard. It can lead to an accumulation of dust, debris, waste and other flammable material near ignition sources. Areas that are untidy and cluttered can also make it harder and more dangerous to evacuate in the event of a fire. Blocked fire exits and escape routes can make it difficult, or even impossible, to escape a fire which can lead to injuries and fatalities. 

Tips for good housekeeping:

• Storage areas should be neat and tidy
• Keep areas (especially corridors and doorways) clear 
• Lock cupboards that contain kindling such as linen, cardboard etc. 
• Ensure fire exits are clear at all times

Smoking 

If smoking is allowed on a premises, it should only be done in a designated area that is away from ignition sources. Proper disposal bins should be provided and regularly emptied and cleaned out. 

Fire drills and regular fire safety training 

Regular fire safety training and fire drills can educate people on how to prevent fires and prepare them for how to respond in the event of a fire.

Tips for fire safety training:

• Conduct routine fire training at work (as part of induction/onboarding) as well as regular refresher training (every six months)
• Find ways to test participants’ knowledge such as a quiz at the end to check their understanding 
• Ensure that training is engaging and interesting to those attending, include photos, videos and statistics to reinforce the real-life consequences of fires 
• Ensure people understand their roles and responsibilities 
• Address any issues that come up during a practice evacuation
• Keep records of who has attended training  

Fire safety training at work should minimally cover:

• Common causes of fire
• Fire prevention tips 
• Different types of fire extinguisher 
• Location of fire extinguishers and how to use them
• Evacuation procedures, location of exits and fire meeting point 
• How to identify and report fire hazards 
• Key fire safety roles in the workplace

Fire Detection 

Early detection of fires can save lives as it gives more time to raise the alarm and perform a safe evacuation of the premises. Early detection also provides the opportunity to tackle and contain small fires before they get out of hand. 

Types of fire detection devices include:

• Smoke detectors 
• Heat detectors 
• Carbon monoxide detectors 
• Fire panels

Smoke detectors – a smoke detector is a device that is fixed onto a surface (usually a ceiling) that is able to sense small smoke particles in the air. Once they are detected above a certain level the detector will sound a loud, high-pitched alarm. 

Some data suggests that having a working smoke detector installed cuts the risk of dying in a house fire by 55%.

Heat detectors – heat detectors react to increased temperatures caused by fire. They are not sensitive to smoke, meaning that they can be installed in areas such as kitchens where some smoke will be routinely released, but they can still sound an alarm if a fire breaks out. 

Heat detectors do not cover large areas so in large kitchens or other rooms where they are used several may be necessary. 

Carbon monoxide detectors – carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that can kill quickly after it is inhaled. You cannot see it and it has no smell or taste. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, sickness, drowsiness and dizziness. 

Carbon monoxide is released when carbon-based fuels do not burn properly, such as in a faulty boiler. 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) strongly recommends fitting a CO alarm. CO alarms should conform with British Standard EN 50291 and carry a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark.

The fire brigade will not attend in instances of carbon monoxide being detected/released. In such cases, call the Gas Emergency Freephone Number on 0800 111 999.

Fire panels – in the modern workplace, there will usually be a fire alarm control panel (FACP) installed. The fire panel acts as a central hub that alerts to which area the fire has been detected in (usually by flashing a light) and will sound the alarm. Some systems may also perform other actions such as contacting the emergency services. 

Installation and maintenance 

• Fire alarms and detectors should be routinely tested and regularly maintained to ensure they are fully functioning. 
• Smoke or heat alarms should be placed in appropriate places (such as kitchens or hallways).
• Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be routinely tested to check they are operational. Battery operated devices should have their batteries changed periodically to ensure they remain functional. 

Landlords who rent out properties have additional responsibilities for fire safety. They must:

• Install a smoke alarm on each storey of the property.
• Provide a carbon monoxide alarm in every room that has a solid fuel burning appliance. 
• Provide fire alarms and fire extinguishers in houses of multiple occupancy (HMO).
• Ensure that fire safety measures are properly installed and routinely checked and maintained. 

Advancements in fire detection technology 

Advancements in fire detection technology are improving fire safety by identifying fires and raising the alarm more quickly. 

• Advanced sensors
• Wireless systems 
• Smart smoke alarms 
• Integrated fire detection systems 

Artificial intelligence is also improving fire safety due to its ability to analyse large datasets quickly, make predictions based on patterns, spot anomalies and develop more sophisticated fire detection systems.

Fire Response 

Having a clear and practised fire response plan in place, both at home and at work, increases the chances of a safe evacuation or containment of a fire. This includes:

• Raising the alarm 
• Calling emergency services on 999
• Clear escape routes and suitable doors
• A designated meeting point 
• Considerations for people with additional needs (such as wheelchair users)

You require a formal fire response plan if:

• The environment you’re responsible for is licensed such as a pub, nightclub, club, theatre or cinema
• You are an employer with five or more employees
• An Alterations Notice under the Fire Safety Order requires it

Raising the alarm:

At work, if you discover a fire and the alarm has not yet gone off you must raise the alarm. You can do this by using one of the break glass points that should be located around the building. They resemble small red boxes on the wall with a clear strip in the middle emblazoned with BREAK GLASS (newer models are made from plastic) or a black circle with two arrows either side. A light press with the thumb or finger will push the glass inwards which will activate the fire alarm. 

You should also call the fire rescue services on 999.

Fire extinguishers and their use

There are five main types of fire extinguishers: 

• Water (also includes water mist, water spray) 
• Foam
• Dry powder
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Wet chemical 

If you are properly trained, you may be able to use a fire extinguisher to tackle a fire before it spreads. As a general rule, you should only tackle a fire at work if it is no bigger than a wastepaper basket and you feel confident and have the right equipment to do so.

There are six classes of fire:

1. Class A – combustible materials (such as paper and wood)
2. Class B – flammable liquids (e.g. paints or petrol)
3. Class C – flammable gases (such as hydrogen, propane, butane and ammonia)  
4. Class D – Burning metals (e.g. magnesium, titanium or lithium) 
5. Electrical fires – fires that involve electrical equipment 
6. Class F – cooking oils and fats  

• Water fire extinguishers can be used on Class A fires – combustible materials such as wood, paper and textiles
• Foam fire extinguishers can be used on Class A and B fires – combustible materials and flammable liquid fires 
• Powder fire extinguishers can be used on Class A, B, C and electrical fires (indicated on fire extinguishers with a lighting symbol) – combustible materials, flammable liquid, flammable gases and electrical fires but NOT cooking oil/fat fires
• CO₂ fire extinguishers can be used on Class B and electrical fires – flammable liquids and electricals 
• Wet chemical fire extinguishers can be used on Class A and Class F fires – combustible materials and cooking oils/fats 

It is vital that you select the correct fire extinguisher when tackling a fire. Choosing the wrong one may have dangerous and devastating consequences, for example using a water extinguisher on an electrical fire can result in electrocution, and spraying water onto a grease fire will cause a rapid surge. 

Fire training at work should cover what a fire extinguisher is, the different types, where they are located in the building and how they can be safely used.

How to use a fire extinguisher using the PASS method:

1. PULL – pull the pin out from the top of the fire extinguisher to break the seal
2. AIM – aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the top
3. SQUEEZE – squeeze the trigger slowly and evenly 
4. SWEEP – sweep the nozzle from side to side whilst squeezing and continuing to aim at the base of the fire

Fire blankets 

A fire blanket is a sheet of woven, fire-resistant material (often made from fibreglass) that is designed to extinguish small fires. They are usually stored in a red, wall-mounted case or cover and are especially useful in kitchens to put out oil or grease fires. Fire blankets work by smothering the flames and depriving them of oxygen, which puts them out.

A fire blanket can be used both in the home and in commercial environments. They come in three sizes, with the smaller ones more suited to home use and the largest size needed in commercial settings. Fire blankets should be tested to meet the current standard BS EN 1869:1997 to ensure they are fit for purpose. 

How to use a fire blanket:

1. If possible, turn off the heat source 
2. Pull the tapes downward to release the blanket from its case
3. Wrap the corners of the blanket around your hand to protect them from being burned
4. Place the blanket over the fire and step back
5. Leave the blanket in place until the fire is out and the heat has dissipated  

It is important to train employees in how to safely use firefighting equipment properly so they do not risk their own safety or the safety of others. Additionally, it is important that everyone at work understands their roles and responsibilities if a fire breaks out. 

• It is a legal requirement that the person in charge of fire safety at work appoints another competent person known as a fire marshal or fire warden 
• A fire marshal will provide health and safety support including ensuring everyone safely evacuates upon hearing the fire alarm and a visual sweep of the building is done
• Additional responsibilities include routinely checking the fire alarm and supporting fire drills

Legal and Regulatory Requirements 

The main piece of legislation that relates to workplace health and safety is:

• The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974)

Key legislation that relates to fire safety in England and Wales is:

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO)

The FSO relates to all workplaces and common areas of buildings where two or more domestic dwellings are located. The FSO states that a responsible person (usually someone in charge such as the owner or landlord) should undertake a risk assessment and put in place relevant fire safety controls to reduce hazards.

Further legislation that has brought in additional duties and guidance includes:

• The Fire Safety Act 2021
• Fire Safety England Regulations 2022

In the USA, important fire safety legislation includes:

• NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code)
• The National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Code (NFPA 1)

Fire safety is also addressed in specific Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. 

Conclusion 

It is important to regularly monitor and review the fire safety measures that you have in place and to remind those around you of the importance of fire safety. A culture of fire safety and continuous learning reduces the chances of workers getting complacent or forgetting key information. 

It is vital to have a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental pillars of effective fire safety which are prevention, detection and response, in order to save lives and protect property.