Fire

In case of fire

  1. Stop the fire if possible.
    Take no risks.
    Request assistance from a colleague, if relevant.
    Try to fight the fire by using suitable fire-extinguishing equipment.
    Try to seal off the area to avoid unauthorised access.

  2. Alert the fire service by calling 112.
    Follow the alarm instructions.
    Meet the fire service on site.

  3. Evacuate.
    Follow the evacuation instructions.
    Do not use the lifts.

  4. Prevent the fire from spreading.
    If possible – close doors, windows and gates.
    If possible – remove material which presents a fire hazard (gas cylinders and chemicals).
    Remove or disconnect the source of the fire.

Firefighting

First, determine the appropriate response in a situation where there is a fire:

  • Fight the fire – call for help and shout to warn others. Immediate action in case of small fires may reduce damage significantly. 


And/or...

  • Alert the fire service by calling 112. Any delay in calling the fire service may increase damage significantly.

Whether a fire starts and develops depends on three factors: oxygen, temperature and flammable material. If one or more of these elements is/are changed or removed, the fire will die out.

The fire triangle:

  • Remove the oxygen (in case of fire in a small room): close the door and cut off the oxygen supply, for example by closing an open window.
  • Lower the temperature (in case of fire in electrical installations or flammable liquids): Use a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, which will cool the fire down to a temperature at which the fire will die out.
  • Remove the flammable material (in case of fire in a waste bin or the like): If possible, pick up the item and throw it out of the window.

Firefighting equipment

Powder extinguisher



Use: 

Liquid and solid substances as well as gases. 

Do not use on: 
Electrical installations, because the powder will penetrate the installation and may result in corrosion.

Foam extinguisher

Use:
Flammable liquids, solid substances.

Carbon dioxide extinguisher

Use:
Electrical installations, flammable liquids.

Do not use on:
Humans, because the extinguishing agent is approximately 70°C.
Limited effect outdoors.
Leads to oxygen deficiency in case of fire-fighting in small rooms.

Pressurized water fire extinguisher

Use:
Solid substances such as paper, wood and textiles.

Do not use for:
Extinguishing fires in electrical installations, flammable liquids and gases.

Hand pump tank extinguisher


Use:
Solid substances such as paper, wood and textiles.

Do not use for: Extinguishing fires in electrical installations, flammable liquids and gases.

 

Fire hose

Use:
Humans and solid substances such as paper, wood and textiles.

Do not use for:
Extinguishing fires in electrical installations, flammable liquids and gases.

Fire blanket

Use: 
Humans and kitchens e.g. fire in pots/deep fat friers.