Eye Hospital : The organization has a documented safe exit plan in case of fire and non-fire emergencies

 

Fire safety management

Safety management is a very important aspect of planning in every form of infrastructure. Safety management as a whole includes aspects of not only fire safety, but also security measures in terms of safety from other unsafe encounters. Safety measures are therefore designed in such a way that safety of all service renderers, service recipients, infrastructure (property, other fixed assets) etc. is ensured.

..............Hospital, as an infrastructure, has many heat-dissipating equipment, combustible gasses / fuel, chemicals, electrical wiring, etc. that are prone to hazardous incidents, if proper precautions are not taken while planning the infrastructure. Adequate measures are considered, designed and practiced to ensure safety to all.

..............Hospital has fire safety management plan in place. Fire safety and life safety are crucial issues because of the flammable liquids and gases, lasers and other ignitable material prevalent in a clinic environment. In addition, a fire safety plan is necessary to protect patients who cannot rescue themselves in the event of danger.

How to use a fire extinguisher:

Remember the acronym: “PASS”, that stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep

1)   Pull: Pull the safety pin or clip: this allows the discharge of the extinguisher.

2)   Aim: Aim at the base of the fire. If you aim at the flames, the extinguishing agent will just fly through and will be of no help. Aim at the fuel causing the fire.

3)   Squeeze: Open the top handle or lever. This depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent.

4)   Sweep: from side to side until the fire is completely put out. Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance, and then move forward. Once the fire is put out, keep an eye on the site in case the fire reignites.

Types of Fires & Extinguishers. All fires are classified as : A ,B , C or D class.

Class of fire	Materials involved	Examples	Extinguisher to be used
A	Combustible materials or organic nature	Wood, paper, rubber, plastics, etc	Water expelling type
B	Flammable liquids, flammable solids	Petrol, diesel, etc	Foam, dry chemical powder,CO2
C	Flammable gases under pressure	LPG	Dry powder and CO2
D	Combustible metals	Magnesium, aluminum, zinc sodium	Extinguisher designed to expel special dry chemical powder

Fire Drills and Training

1.   Each area of RDEH has a site-specific fire and safety plan. All employees working in that area are oriented and trained on the plan.

 

2.   Regular fire drills are held once a year to confirm that the fire safety plan is working correctly. Corrective and preventive action is taken on any deviations observed.

 

Exits

..............Hospital has one exit, on the Ground floor, through the Patient waiting area. There is an emergency exit which are marked prominently and the passage leading to all the exits are marked with radium tape. It is ensured that the exit and passages are not blocked at any point of time. This is verified during safety rounds.

Prevention plan Instructions

1.     Keep all equipment in working order.

2.     Tag all wall sockets and plugs.

3.     Ensure that the fire extinguishers are in working condition.

4.     Keep evacuation plans ready. Prepare detailed evacuation plan including who is responsible for certain areas, Keep copies in places where they can be reviewed by department heads for safety drills/ educational purposes.

5.     The plans are updated as required.

6.     In case of an emergency, safe and rapid egress is provided for all occupants.

7.     Staircases are provided with handrails and other suitable support means to prevent slipping.

Remember: You are not required to fight a fire. If you have the slightest doubt in controlling the situation DO NOT ATTEMPT FIGHTING THE FIRE.

 

Fire emergency check list

Prevention & Evacuation Plans

 

1.        Once the fire alarm sounds or if fire is alerted, prevent panic and ensure safe and orderly evacuation from all departments.

2.        Use all the exit facilities available.

3.        All occupants should gather at parking area of RDEH.

4.        Do not leave the assembled area without informing others.

5.        All fires produce carbon monoxide. It rises within a building before it starts to come down, so always stay low in a heat and smoke filled environment.

6.        If your clothing catches fire:

a)   A person is in greatest danger from fire if his clothes catch fire.

b)   Do not run blindly in panic, as it can cause the fire to spread further.

c)    STOP, DROP & ROLL on the ground to kill out the fire.

d)   If you get a blanket nearby use it to put out the flames.

e)    If you are near a water area, pour water on the fire. Do not pour ice cold water, as it may cause shock. Do not apply ice pads on burns, as it may damage the tissue.

f)     Follow the same process if somebody else is running with their clothes on fire.

g)    If the room is on fire, close all doors and windows. It will help prevent spreading of fire. While entering it, crawl along the floor and keep as close to the floor as possible. Keep close to the wall.

h)    Do not go alone into a building on fire. You can do so in the company of another.

7.        In case you are not able to fight a fire, CALL 101

8.        Give your full name, telephone number, complete address of the spot.

9.        If you are sure, inform the type of fire

10.     While using a fire extinguisher :

a)   Whenever possible, use the "Buddy System" to have someone back you up when using a fire extinguisher. If you have any doubt about your personal safety, or if you cannot extinguish a fire, leave immediately.

b)   Close off the area (close the doors, but DO NOT lock them). Leave the building but relay whatever information you have about the fire.

c)    It is dangerous to walk on an "extinguished" area as there is a possibility that  the fire may reignite or the extinguisher may run out

General care and Maintenance of the Extinguisher

At least once a month the extinguisher is inspected to ensure that:

a)   The access to extinguisher is unhindered.

b)   The pressure is at the recommended level.

c)    The pin and tamper seal are intact.

d)   Check the proper labels.

e)    Ensure the extinguisher is within its expiry period.

f)     Check all mechanical parts thoroughly.