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D u b l i n M i d l a n d s H o s p i t a l G r o u p F i r e P o l i c y P a g e 1 | 19
Title: Dublin Midland Hospital Group,
Bridgewater House
Fire Policy
Date: 13th May 2019
Document
Reference No:
DM/309/19 Document Developed
By:
Helen Stokes
Revision No: DM/309/19 Document Approved
By:
General Manager DMHG
Helen Stokes
Signature: Date: 26th March 2019
Approval Date: March 2019 Responsible for Implementation &
Audit:
Lead Fire Marshall Suzanne Loftus
Revision Date: March 2021 Responsibility for
Evaluation & Audit
General Manager DMHG
Helen Stokes
Responsibility for Audit of Practice:
Chief Operations Officer Orlagh Claffey
D u b l i n M i d l a n d s H o s p i t a l G r o u p F i r e P o l i c y P a g e 2 | 19
Contents
1. Policy Statement & Purpose ...................................................................... 3
1.1 Key Policy Requirements .......................................................................... 3
2. Principles of Fire Safety ............................................................................ 4
3. Roles & Responsibilities: ........................................................................... 4
3.1 Service Manager Responsibilities ............................................................... 4
3.2 Unit manager Responsibilities ................................................................... 5
3.3 Staff Responsibilities ................................................................................ 5
3.4 Fire Warden Duties .................................................................................. 6
4. Procedures .............................................................................................. 6
4.1 Action to be taken on discovering a fire ...................................................... 6
4.2 Action to be taken on hearing the alarm ..................................................... 7
4.3 False Alarms ........................................................................................... 7
5. Fire Fighting Equipment ............................................................................ 8
5.1 First Aid Fire Fighting ............................................................................... 8
5.2 Effective Use of Fire Extinguishers ............................................................. 9
5.3 False Alarms …………………………………………………………………………………………….……….10
5.4 Re-entry to the building ......................................................................... 10
5.5 Duties after evacuation .......................................................................... 10
6. Signature Record ................................................................................... 11
7. Appendices ......................................................................................... 112
(I) Glossary ......................................................................................... 12
(II) Evacuation Report ............................................................................ 13
(III) Emergency Numbers & Staff .............................................................. 14
(IV) Evacuation Plan Bridgewater House .................................................... 15
(V) All Staff Bridgewater House ............................................................... 19
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1 Policy Statement & Purpose The Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003 places a duty on the ‘person having control over
premises’ to ‘take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire on such premises, and to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable the safety of
persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire’. It also places a duty of care on every person being on the premises to conduct himself/herself in such a way
as to ensure that as far as is reasonably practicable any person on the premises’ is not exposed to danger from fire as a consequence of any act or omission of theirs.
Carry out an assessment of the risks from fire.
Prepare a policy on fire safety which sets out the arrangements for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventative and protective measures that are implemented to manage the identified fire risks.
Appoint a competent person.
Provide information and training for employees.
This policy sets out the structures and processes that are in place across the organisation to:
Minimise the risk of fire occurring.
Prevent the spread of fire.
Responding to a fire and the fire alarm. Evacuation procedures.
This policy aims to provide clear comprehensive direction for staff. The Dublin
Midlands Hospital Group acknowledges that it is difficult to ensure complete fire safety and account for all potential fire events and thereby acknowledges the role of staff in using their own initiative and judgment.
1.1. Key Policy Requirements
1.1.1. All staff must make themselves familiar with fire safety procedures and
equipment in their buildings.
1.1.2. Staff must read and understand the fire policy, the local fire orders and evacuation methods for their building. Appendix (I)
1.1.3. Staff must not behave in a manner that compromises fire safety i.e. smoking in non-designated smoking areas, blocking fire exits, interfering with or
damaging fire fighting equipment etc. 1.1.4. Staff are required to be vigilant and promote fire safety practices with
colleagues, visitors and other occupants in the building.
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1.1.5. Staff are expected to address or report issues such as smoking in non-
designated areas, out of order fire alarms / missing or damaged fire fighting equipment etc.
1.1.6. It is the responsibility of managers to ensure that a current and relevant fire order is displayed prominently in their building and that staff have access to it.
1.1.7. It is the responsibility of all managers to ensure that their staff attend annual
fire safety training and fire drills.
The purpose of this policy is to provide direction to all staff in relation to correct fire safety procedures.
This policy also aims to ensure that in the event of a fire, staff are aware of where their nearest break glass unit, firefighting equipment & fire exits are
and how they should react to a fire.
The Fire policy sets out procedures and arrangements to prevent the occurrence of fire and the actions to be taken in the event of fire within their relevant HSE building or premise.
2 Principles of Fire Safety
Fire safety principles have been developed primarily for the protection of life, these are summarized as follows:
2.1. Staff fire safety training.
2.2. Management and awareness of fire safety.
2.3. Avoidance of outbreaks of fire. 2.4. Early detection of fire and early warning to staff to facilitate adequate response.
2.5. Compartmentation and the provision of dedicated and protected escape routes.
2.6. Effective evacuation methods. Appendix (iv)
3 Roles & Responsibilities:
The Dublin Midlands Hospital Group is committed to providing their staff with this policy, which will support and guide them in providing staff and visitors with a safe environment as well as a safe work environment for their staff.
3.1 Service Manager Responsibilities 3.1.1. To maintain the overall responsibility for fire safety within the service.
3.1.2. To ensure that all management and staff are provided with and participate in
fire safety training.
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3.1.3. To ensure that newly appointed members of staff are provided with fire safety training as part of their induction programme.
3.1.4. To have an awareness of all fire safety features and their functions within the service.
3.1.5. To have an awareness of the fire safety risks particular to the service/building.
3.1.6. To ensure that the appropriate levels of management are always available to make decisions on fire safety matters regardless of time of day.
3.1.7. To ensure that all defective items or equipment are reported to the
maintenance department for repair or replacement. 3.1.8. To liaise with the local HSE Fire Prevention Officer on all matters pertaining to
fire safety.
3.2 Unit Manager Responsibilities Every unit managers has a responsibility to:
3.2.1. The unit manager should act as a focal point on fire safety issues and act as
the ‘eyes and ears’ within the building. 3.2.2. Raise issues regarding local fire safety with line managers.
3.2.3. Organise and assist in the fire safety regime within their local area.
3.2.4. Be responsible for roll calling during an incident/evacuation or drill.
3.2.5. Support the line manager on fire safety issues.
3.3 Staff Responsibilities
Every member of staff has a responsibility to: 3.3.1. Make themselves fully conversant with the action to take in the event of fire
and to familiarise themselves with any special fire safety requirements relating to their place of work or work practices.
3.3.2. Safeguard themselves, so far as is reasonably practicable and ensure that
other people, equipment or property are not put in jeopardy by their actions,
either by instruction, example or behaviour.
3.3.3. Follow prescribed working methods and safety procedures at all times.
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3.3.4. Co-operate with management with regard to all physical fire safety provisions,
procedures, practices etc that the service puts into place for the safety of its employees, patients and visitors.
3.3.5. Comply with the requirement for fire safety training.
3.3.6. Not interfere with or misuse any fire safety equipment, which includes fire doors, fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems and emergency lighting system which are provided for the health and safety of staff and residents and report
any hazard (potential or actual) to the line manager as soon as possible.
3.4 Fire Warden Duties 3.4.1. Fire Warden on hearing the alarm should sweep the area where they are
ensuring the area is clear if it is safe to do so. Wardens should note the area they have checked.
3.4.2. Fire Warden should then continue to their assembly point.
3.4.3. Fire Warden should note the zone or area of the fire on the fire alarm panel (if they exit passing the fire panel).
3.4.4. Fire Warden should perform a roll call for all employees at the assembly point and also check visitors and contractors in the sign-in book.
3.4.5. Fire Warden should note on the evacuation map all areas that have been
checked and highlight any unchecked areas to the Fire Services when they
arrive.
3.4.6. If safe to do so Fire Wardens should monitor fire doors to ensure there is no unauthorised entry to the building.
3.4.7. In the case of a detected fire the ‘Fire Services’ should be called immediately.
Emergency contact number is 112.
4 Procedures
4.1 Action to be taken on discovering a fire
The first thing to remember if you discover a fire is to remain calm and think logically about what you need to do.
4.1.1. Sound the alarm by breaking your nearest break glass unit, these are usually
located close to exit doors. 4.1.2. Call the fire brigade on 112 and give them all the information they require,
remember do not hang up the phone until you are instructed to do so.
4.1.3. Attack the fire, if safe to do so, with an appropriate extinguisher, remember always face the fire and keep a clear exit route behind you.
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4.1.4. Close all doors and windows.
4.1.5. Put the practiced evacuation methods into place and report to your nearest
assembly point (note: this may not apply if progressive horizontal or phased
evacuation is to be used in your building). Appendix (IV).
4.2 Action to be taken on hearing the alarm
On hearing the alarm staff must ensure that the senior staff member on duty is immediately informed and;
4.2.1. Staff should automatically proceed to their nearest fire alarm panel to identify the suspected area of the fire.
4.2.2. The most senior member of staff on duty at the time should take charge of the
situation.
4.2.3. Attack the fire, if safe to do so, with an appropriate extinguisher, remember
always face the fire and keep your back to a clear exit route. 4.2.4. Remove staff, visitors and any other persons from immediate danger.
4.2.5. Contain the fire by closing doors and windows where possible.
4.2.6. Call the fire brigade on 112 and give them all the information they require,
remember do not hang up the phone until you are instructed to do so.
4.3 False alarms 4.4 False Alarms
After first checking the area that the alarm panel has indicated and verifying it is a
false alarm; 4.3.1. Silence the alarm.
4.3.2. Reset the system at the fire alarm control panel (Note: the alarm will not reset
until the smoke is cleared or the breakglass unit is replaced). 4.3.3. Ascertain the cause of alarm and record the details in the fire safety register.
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5 Fire Fighting Equipment
5.1 First Aid Fire Fighting Fire extinguishers and fire blankets have been provided to all HSE buildings to enable
first aid fire fighting, however, there are different types of extinguishers and all staff should familiarise themselves with the different types of extinguishers available in their building and their uses. The different types of fire extinguishers and their uses
are summarised below. Note: all extinguishers are now red and the colours referenced below are a reference to the colour of the text or the colour of the label
on the extinguisher.
TYPE COLOUR FOR USE ON NOTE
WATER
Class A. SOLID materials.
Cools the fire. Use by spray at first to knock down the fire and then in a jet to penetrate and cool through to the seat of the fire.
Not for use on electrical fires.
CARBON DIOXIDE. Note the distinctive discharge horn.
Class B. Especially for use on electrical fires.
Smothers the fire by eliminating the oxygen supply. Use in one continuous burst. [Be aware of the noise made and do not hold the discharge horn due to the cooling effect].
DRY
POWDER
Check the label. May
be Class B & C only [i.e. Liquid & Gas]
or All Purpose [ABC] Powder, suitable for all classes of fire.
Smothers the fire by eliminating the
oxygen supply. Use by directing the stream at the base of the fire.
[Note the cloud which will obscure vision.]
FOAM
Class A & B Ideal for liquid fires as it forms a blanket of foam on the surface of the burning liquid and smothers the fire.
Not for use on electrical fires.
FIRE BLANKET
Small contained solid or liquid fires.
Smothers the fire by denying oxygen supply. Use by covering the fire with the blanket.
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5.2 Effective Use of Fire Extinguishers
Remember, if it is safe to do so fight the fire using the ‘PASS’ method;
Pull the pin – by pulling the pin, the operating lever should unlock and allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
Aim low – point the extinguisher hose/nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever – this should discharge the extinguishing agent. Some extinguishers may have a button or other means of activation.
Sweep from side to side – while you are aiming at the base of the fire, you should
sweep back and forth until the fire is extinguished. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.
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5.3 False Alarms After first checking the area that the alarm panel has indicated and verifying it is a
false alarm;
5.3.1. Silence the alarm.
5.3.2. Reset the system at the fire alarm control panel (Note: the alarm will not reset
until the smoke is cleared or the break glass unit is replaced).
5.3.3. Ascertain the cause of alarm and record the details in the fire safety register.
5.4 Re-entry to the building 5.4.1. Do not re-enter until directed by the Building Facilities Agent, as the fire could
be located in a separate business or location within the building complex.
5.4.2. The fire alarm should be reset by the Building Facilities Agent prior to anyone
re-entering.
5.5 Duties after evacuation
5.5.1. Complete the evacuation report – Appendix (II)
5.5.2. Inform Management of the incident and report any recommendations / or
concerns.
5.5.3. Consult with other businesses in the block on any issues.
5.5.4. Request a report from the managing agent on the false alarm or planned fire
drill
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6 Signature Record
I confirm that I have read and fully understood this document.
Name Grade Date
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7 Appendices
7.1 Glossary Appendix (I) Glossary
Assembly Point: The location that staff and visitors go to in the event of partial or
full evacuation. A roll call is taken and all evacuees are accounted for to ensure their
safety.
Compartment (Floor or Wall): A fire resisting floor or wall used to separate one
fire compartment from another having a minimum fire resistance of 60 minutes.
Emergency: An unexpected and potentially dangerous situation, requiring
immediate actions.
Evacuation: The safe and orderly movement of people from an area of danger to an area of safety. This can be conducted in many ways for example horizontal evacuation, total evacuation, phased evacuation, etc
Exit: A point of egress from a room or area which forms part of, or gives access to,
an escape route or place of safety.
Fire: Fire, a state of combustion in which flammable materials, usually organic (carbon containing) in nature, burns to produce heat, flames and smoke.
Fire Door: A door leaf which together with its frame, hinges, door closer & fittings,
when closed, will resist the passage of smoke and fire for a stated period of time.
Fire Orders: A notice giving instruction to be followed in the event of fire.
Fire Point: Is the location of firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and
hose reels. Each fire point has an identifying number and contains signs
demonstrating the correct use of fire safety equipment.
Sub-Compartment (wall): A fire resisting wall or partition used to sub-divide
compartments having a minimum fire resistance of 60 minutes.
Visitor: A visitor is a person who has entered the premises to visit for reasons of
friendship, business or duty. For the purpose of this policy this term covers all visitors.
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Appendix (II) DMHG Evacuation Report
Evacuation Report
Building
Date Time Am
Time Evacuation
Started:
Evacuation
Completed:
BRIEF SUMMARY OF TYPE OF EVACUATION:
Persons informed prior to the evacuation:
Management Staff Monitoring Other business on
the block
Others give details:-
NAME OF MANAGER RESPONSIBLE FOR
BUILDING EVACUATION:
TEL No.
DATE
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Quick Reference Evacuation Report:-
Tick as appropriate
Initial
1 Evacuation completed in a safe manner. Staff aware of
assembly points and evacuation routes.
YES NO N/A
2. Occupants of the building need to be made aware of the
evacuation procedures.
YES NO N/A
3. All floors required to be evacuated safely. YES NO N/A
4 Assembly point arrangements safe and identified YES NO N/A
5. Evacuation plan and visitors book taken to assembly point YES NO N/A
6. Security Arrangements, were there any risks? YES NO N/A
7. Fire wardens performed had employee list and completed
role call?
YES NO N/A
8. Exit routes safe and used correctly. YES NO N/A
9. Visitors and contractors assembled correctly. YES NO N/A
Observations / Comments / Recommendations:-
Copy of this report to be filed in H&S Folder
D u b l i n M i d l a n d s H o s p i t a l G r o u p F i r e P o l i c y P a g e 15 | 19
Appendix (III) Emergency Number
Emergency Numbers & Staff
Description Emergency
Numbers
Emergency Services 112 / 999
Doctor 112 / 999
Hospital – St. James’s Hospital 01 410 3000
Gardaí – Kilmainham 01 666 9700
Fire Brigade 112
Fire Alarm Service Company MASTERFIRE – 041
6853313
Warden List First Aid List
Lead Fire Marshall - Suzanne Loftus TBC and arranged
Fire Warden – Nicole Coughlan
Fire Warden – Aoife O’Leary
Senior Management Team Contact numbers
Mr. Trevor O’Callaghan – CEO 086 3843422
Ms. Orlagh Claffey – Chief Operations Officer
086 851 1084
Ms. Eileen Whelan – Chief Director of Nursing & Midwifery
086 6039048
Mr. Martin Feeley – Chief Clinical Director 087 2533819
Ms. Helen Stokes – Group General Manager 087 6182109
Mr. Joseph Campbell – Chief Director of Finance 087 0609611
Ms. Sonia Shortt – Chief Director of HR 087 2196052
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Appendix (IV) Evacuation Plan
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Appendix (V) All Staff in DMHG Corporate Offices – Bridgewater House
Trevor O’Callaghan Chloe Drury
Martin Feeley Joe Campbell
Eileen Whelan Arlene Crean
Sonia Shortt Orla King
Valerie Bradshaw Kieran McDonald
Geraldine O’Leary Helen Stokes
Jacob Johnston Nicole Coughlan
Suzanne Loftus Orlagh Claffey
Fiona Burke Karn Cliffe
Jacqueline McNulty Catriona McDonald
Aoife Coss Aoife O’Leary
Karen Kiernan