Staff Handbook - Policies and Procedures

Fire Extinguisher Policy A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for occupants is to get out safely! Portable fire extinguishers are maintained within this workplace for use in controlling early- stage fires. The following policy applies to fire extinguisher use within the workplace. Who May Use Portable Fire Extinguishers? Portable fire extinguishers may be used only by employees who have completed training in their use. All employees who have not been trained in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers should limit their actions during a fire to activating the fire alarm system and immediately evacuating to safety. Safe Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers Before trying to control a fire with a portable fire extinguisher, the employee who discovers the fire should activate the alarm, enabling other workers to evacuate to safety. Fire extinguishers should be used to fight only small fires that have not yet spread. Portable fire extinguishers should not be used if: • The amount of smoke prevents the trained worker from clearly seeing the fire or threatens to overcome the worker. • The trained worker's escape route is or could become blocked by the fire. • Workers should not continue trying to control a fire with portable fire extinguishers if: • They empty a portable fire extinguisher, but the fire is not yet out. Do not attempt to control a fire if you would need more than one portable fire extinguisher to do so. • The fire spreads. • The smoke becomes thick enough to overcome the worker. If any of these circumstances applies, the worker should evacuate to safety immediately and go to the fire assembly points. After the Fire Is Out An employee who successfully controls a fire with a portable fire extinguisher should keep watch to ensure that the fire does not reignite. The fire department should inspect the area to ensure that the fire is fully contained and controlled. Signed

MR. C. J. SEDGEMAN Managing Director.

This is a controlled document Fire Extinguisher Policy: 24-06-24 Registered Office: Unit 2A Longrock Industrial Estate, Penzance, Cornwall. TR20 8HX Company Reg. No. 04124350 VAT Reg. No. 684598666 UTR No. 24386 09541