• What is Basic Fire Safety
• Naked Flames
• Naked Flames Policy
• Bead Plating Presentation
• Using Fire Extinguishers
• Emergency Fire Information

WHAT IS BASIC FIRE SAFETY?
The best way of preventing harm from fire in the workplace is to prevent fires from starting. This means not performing work with nakes flames or hot items, ensuring all other ignition sources are controlled and minimising the use of flammable solvents. Should a fire start, it is also important that people know how to act (both in terms of leaving the building when the alarm is raised and, ideally, in being able to tackle a fire quickly to stop it spreading).

The University has produced a range of instructional videos on fire safety. All staff are encouraged to review these:

• Being at University - Student Fire Safety
• Fire Safety Induction
• Fire Safety - a fire's worst nightmare

NAKED FLAMES
What are Naked Flames?
Naked flames are any uncontained burning material, whether a flame is seen or not. Naked flames can ignite flammable or combustible items in the vicinity and so special care has to be taken whenever one is being used and they should NEVER be left unattended.

Examples of naked flames include:

• Matches
• Cigarette lighters
• Bunsen Burners
• Spirit burners
• Bottled gas equipment (e.g. blow lamps / camping gas burners / etc)
• Oxy-acetylene welding equipment
• Gas ovens
  
• etc
  

CLS Policy on Naked Flame Use
Due to the high risk posed by use of naked flames (especially Bunsen Burners), the College has a policy regarding use of naked flames. For contractors working in CLS premises, a Permit To Work is required in order to use a naked flame. CLS staff must follow the procedure for naked flame use that is laid down in the policy.

The policy concentrates on Bunsen Burners. Key aspects of the policy are:

• Always avoid the using a naked flame if possible (substitute with another method). If using a flame:
• Use a "safe" burner" (e.g. Fireboy)
  
• Use the naked flame in a dedicate area
  
• Always ensure the work area is managed to avoid potential for fire
  
• Check hose connections before work starts
  
• Read and comply with the SOPs
  

An Alternative to Flame Sterlising Glass Spreaders
A very effective alternative to flame sterilising of glass spreaders (a process that uses a naked flame and a flammable solvent in close proximity!) during the plating of transformation mixes is the use of glass beads. Click on the image to the left to view an online slideshow demonstrating this technique. Alternatively, you can download a powerpoint presentation to view off-line.

How to Use Fire Extinguishers
The University provides practical training in the use of fire fighting equipment. All staff are encouraged to attend training, but this is not mandatory and the primary objective of fire safety is to ensure fast evacuation of the premises. Nobody should put themselves in danger to fight a fire and it is important that anyone attempting to fight a fire knows how to use the equipment and has a clear exit route available. The golden rule is that only one extinguisher is used. If that fails to extinguish the fire, STOP and leave.

In addition to the practical training detailed above, a set of videos showing extinguisher use is also available as an introduction to extinguisher use or as a reminder to persons who have previously undertaken the practical training. A simple guide to fire extinguisher use is also provided (not a video).

Choose a Video

Water	Use for Class A fires Class A = SOLIDS such as paper, wood, plastic Not suitable for Class B (Liquid) fires Not suitable for fires involving electricity Aim at base of fire and ensure all flames are fully extinguished Works by removing heat from the fire
Carbon Dioxide	Use for Class B (Liquid) and Class E (Electrical) fires Avoid use on Class A fires due to chance of spreading burning material Aim at base of fire and ensure all flames are fully extinguished Works by removing oxygen from fire No post fire security, so fire could re-ignite Do not use in confined space (CO2 is toxic) Do not touch "horn" of extinguisher (gets very cold) Can be noisy when used inside a building
Foam	Use for Class A (solids) & B (liquids) fires Not intended for use if electricity present, but safer than water Layer the foam over fire (use a "side to side" movement) Works by removing oxygen and also heat
Dry Powder	Standard dry powder is used for Class A, B, C fires Best for running liquid fires (class B) Very effective, but also very messy! Aim at base of fire and ensure all flames are extinguished Powder will damage equipment and causes coughing/choking in confined space Note that in situations where metal fires (class D) could occur, specialist "L2" dry powder extinguishers are needed
Fire Blanket	Use for Class A, B, C, E, F (F = cooking oil, etc) Very effective fire fighting appliance However, need to get near to fire in order to use Care therefore needs to be taken to avoid being burned when using Always leave blanket on item and walk away (do NOT remove to check if fire is out)
Extinguisher Guide	Always ensure that you use the correct extinguisher If you have a choice between water and foam, use the foam Use only ONE extinguisher. If that does not extinguish the fire, stop and leave Always ensure that you have a clear exit route available behind you Make use of the training available via the University

Emergency Fire Information
For emergency fire information, please see the Emergency Fire Information web page.