FIRE SAFETY TRAINNING REPORT

DATE OF TRAINNING: MONDAY 18TH FRIDAY 22ND JUNE 2012 LOCATION: FIRE BRIGADE KAMPALA TRAINERS: UGANDA POLICE FIRE BRIGADE

COMPILED BY: KUNIKINA JOSEPH ENVIRONMENT SECTION (PROJECTS DEPARTMENT)

SUBMITTED TO THE MANAGER HUMAN RESOURCE AND ADMINISTRATION UGANDA ELECTRICITY TRANSIMISSION COMPANY LTD P.O.BOX 7625, KAMPALA (UGANDA) DATE JULY04, 2012

COURSE OUTLINE 1.0 COURSE OBJECTIVES 1.2 WORK PLACE SAFETY 1.3 SOME QUESTIONS TO ASSESS WHETHER PROPER SAFETY MEASURES ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED IN A WORKPLACE? 2.1 FIRE RISKS AND THE WORKPLACE 2.2 COMMON CAUSES OF FIRE IN WORKPLACES 3.1 MAKING WORKPLACES SAFE 3.2 BASIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY 3.3 BASIC FIRE SAFETY 4.0 GOOD PRACTICES 4.1 GENERAL FIRE SAFETY 5.0 SIMPLE FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT FOR JINJA OFFICE 5.1 QUALITATIVE FIRE RISK ANALYSIS

1.0 COURSE OBJECTIVES To be able to identify any possible defects, omissions or risks and correct them or cause them to be removed or rectified so as to prevent fire To acquire basic practical fire suppression skills and be able to use the available fire fighting appliances to save an electrical installation or building from fire. To create a culture of fire safety consciousness while executing routine activities To enhance the knowledge and skills of the first responder fire team of UETCL To be able to know, internalise and execute safe evacuation at a place of work. 1.2 WORK PLACE SAFETY The key to employee productivity is to keep them motivated. Employees can remain motivated if they feel safe and happy at their workplace. Workplace safety is important for improved productivity. It is only when the employees feel safe at work that they can invest full capacities and exploit their best potentials to work. Workplace safety is the employer's and management's responsibility. It involves the formation and implementation of safety programs. Employee insurance schemes and employee safety policies help cover the risk an employee might suffer at work. Jobs which put the safety of employees at stake should also provide employees with safety costs. Workplace safety involves training programs that are meant to teach the employees to handle risks. Employees need to be trained to fight risks and deal with accidents at work in case they occur. It is important for management to cater to the safety needs of its employees through risk covers as well as training programs aimed at minimizing risk costs. The company should document and disseminate its safety goals, safety programs, policies, plans and procedures to her employees. The importance of office safety can be promoted through the formation of a safety committee that is given the responsibility of employee safety. Safety committees are helpful in increasing employee involvement in the process. Safety is important at a workplace because human resources are the most important resources of any organization. Satisfied employees can earn for a company what money can't buy. Human life is priceless. It cannot be made up for, by monetary compensations. An employer might be able to substitute an employee by another, but not necessarily his dedication and expertise. That's why it's important for organizations to understand that human resources are its assets.

1.3 SOME QUESTIONS TO ASSESS WHETHER PROPER SAFETY MEASURES ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED IN A WORKPLACE? 1. Is a fire extinguishing or suppression system in place and in working condition? Do employees know how the system works or the procedure to operate it? Are they aware of the immediate action to take, in case of a fire? 2. Has the organization identified the risks to employee safety? Are employees aware of the degree of each risk and safety measures to take? Are employees aware of the risks in the processes they work in? 3. Are the employees associated with such processes given the right safety gear and training to fight the danger? 4. Is there a threat to electric safety? Is the electrical equipment maintained and serviced? Are the employees working with electrical equipment given the training and gear to prevent electric shocks? 5. Has the organization analyzed the risk of accidents? Are the employees aware of the risk areas? Are their accident risks covered? 6. Does the arrangement of furniture and the seating layout in the organization cater to employees' comfort? Has ergonomics been given due consideration? 7. Do the employees feel secure, physically? Has the organization taken measures to eliminate threats to the safety of its employees and their belongings? 8. Are the employees insured against risk to life or risk of accidents in the workplace? 9. Are all the safety and security threats identified and documented?

10. Do employees feel safe at work?

2.1 FIRE RISKS AND THE WORKPLACE Fire safety is everyone's responsibility. Fire presents significant risk to businesses. It can kill or seriously injure employees or visitors and can damage or destroy buildings, equipment and stock. Many businesses fail to continue trading following a severe fire. Fire may have a more significant impact on businesses that:

stock combustible materials including flammable liquids or gases use heat processes have people working alone in parts of the building have poorly maintained equipment or electrical circuits have public access (i.e. are at risk from arson) have poor housekeeping standards. 2.2 COMMON CAUSES OF FIRE IN WORKPLACES Arson: The willful and malicious setting of fire on any valuable property. This is where an individual or group of people set fire on anything without the consent of the owner for various reasons. People who commit arson are motivated by such reasons as:Revenge, Fraud, Covering crime, Terrorism and Pyromania Negligence: Fire can be caused by negligent use of Wax and paraffin candles, Smoking and use of lighters, Unsafe or Poor cooking methods, Welding and cutting works, Rubbish burning and Mobile Phones Fire can also be caused by Lightening. In certain instances where structures are not protected strong bolts of lightening can start a fire. Electricity: Electricity is the biggest cause of fire. Electricity produces enormous amounts of heat which can result in destructive fire. Poor wiring in structures: Unprofessional electrical connections greatly contribute to the number of fires that occur each year. Power fluctuations and upsurges: Some structural wiring and equipment can not withstand power upsurge and fluctuations because they do not have ample voltage regulators.

Failure of heat regulating mechanisms: Most electrical equipment like fans, computers, fridges and flat Irons give off substantial amounts of heat have mechanisms like thermostats that regulate heat. Sometimes these devices fail leading to uncontrolled accumulation of heat. Electrical faults: This is particularly true where the equipment contains a heat source (e.g. heaters, including water heaters, washing machines, ovens, heat-seal packaging equipment). Flammable or explosive atmospheres: Electricity can be a source of ignition in a potentially flammable or explosive atmosphere, e.g. in spray paint booths or around refuelling areas. Conditions in which electricity is used The risks from electricity are greatest in harsh conditions. In wet conditions, unsuitable equipment can easily become live and make its surroundings live. Outdoors equipment may not only become wet but may be at greater risk of damage. In cramped or confined spaces with a lot of earthed metalwork, such as inside tanks, ducts and silos, if an electrical fault develops it can be very difficult to avoid a shock.

3.1 MAKING WORKPLACES SAFE

take steps to prevent and reduce the impact of fire on the workplace and carry out a fire risk assessment of their workplace identify the significant findings of the risk assessment and the details of anyone who might be especially at risk in case of fire provide and maintain fire precautions necessary to safeguard anyone using the workplace (including visitors) provide information, instruction and training to employees about the fire precautions in the workplace.

where it is necessary to safeguard the safety of employees, employers must nominate people to undertake any special roles which are required under the emergency plan

employers must consult their employees about the nomination of people to carry out particular roles in connection with fire safety and about proposals for improving the fire precautions

employers must establish a suitable means of contacting the emergency services, and ensure that they can be called easily. They should also ensure that the emergency services can gain access to the premises in an emergency.

employees must co-operate with employers to ensure the workplace is safe from fire and its effects and not to do anything which will place themselves or other people at risk

in some workplaces there may be a need to apply for a licence, or other form of approval before using the workplace.

3.2 BASIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY Mains supplies

maintain all electrical installations in good working order provide enough socket-outlets for equipment in use avoid overloading socket-outlets using adaptors can cause fires provide an accessible and clearly identified switch near fixed machinery to cut off power in an emergency for portable equipment, connect to nearby socket-outlets so that it can be easily disconnected in an emergency. Use the right equipment

choose electrical equipment that is suitable for its working environment ensure that equipment is safe when supplied and maintain it in a safe condition electrical equipment used in flammable/explosive atmospheres should be designed not to produce sparks. Seek specialist advice when choosing this type of equipment. protect light bulbs and other easily damaged equipment there is a risk of electric shock if they are broken. Maintenance and repairs

ensure equipment is fitted with the correctly rated fuse. ensure cable ends always have their outer sheaths firmly clamped to stop wires working loose from plugs or inside equipment replace damaged sections of cable completely never repair cuts with insulating tape. use proper connectors to join lengths of cable don't use connector blocks covered in insulating tape or 'splice' wires by twisting them together some equipment is double insulated. These are often marked with a double-square symbol. The supply leads have only two wires live (brown) and neutral (blue) make sure all wires are connected securely if the 13A plug is not a moulded-on type. Maintain your electrical equipment and installations All electrical equipment and installations should be maintained to prevent danger. This should include an appropriate system of formal visual inspection, and where necessary, testing. Most faults can usually be identified by an informal visual inspection. It is important that before an item is used a check is made on the plug, cable, cable-entry or input socket and the casing of the equipment.

If a fault is identified, the item should be removed from use and repaired before being used again. Staff should be trained to carry out these simple visual checks. There should also be a system where formal visual inspections are carried out and recorded, backed up by a system of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) where appropriate. Fixed installations should also be inspected and tested periodically by a competent person. Records of the results of inspection and testing can be useful in assessing the effectiveness of the system. Work safely Make sure that people working with electricity are competent to do the job. Even simple tasks such as wiring a plug can lead to danger - ensure that people know what they are doing before they start. Make sure that:

suspect or faulty equipment is taken out of use immediately suspect or faulty equipment is labelled DO NOT USE suspect or faulty equipment is kept secure until examined by a competent person where possible, tools and power socket-outlets are switched off before plugging in or unplugging equipment is switched off and/or unplugged before cleaning or making adjustments where possible, all electrical appliances are switched off at the mains at the end of the working day. More complicated tasks, such as equipment repairs or alterations to an electrical installation, should only be tackled by people with knowledge of the risks and the precautions needed. Work on exposed live parts of equipment and systems must not be carried out unless it is absolutely unavoidable and suitable precautions have been taken to prevent injury, both to the workers and to anyone else who may be in the area.

3.3 BASIC FIRE SAFETY Fire alarms and detectors (fire warning systems)

ensure existing means of detection to discover a fire quickly enough to raise an alarm in time for all the occupants to escape to a safe place the means for giving warning should be clearly heard and understood throughout the whole premises when initiated from any single point if the fire detection and warning system is electrically powered, ensure it has a back-up power supply ensure employees know about the fire warning system, and that they know how to operate and respond to it ensure there are instructions/notices for employees on how to operate the fire warning system. Escape routes

make sure there is a reasonable length of time for all the occupants to escape to a place of safety once a fire has been detected. ensure there are enough exits and that they are in the right places. The type and size of exits should be suitable and sufficient for the number of people likely to need to use them.

in the event of fire anywhere in the workplace, make sure at least one route from any part of the premises remains available all escape routes must be easily identifiable, free from any obstructions and adequately illuminated all staff should be instructed and trained in using the means of escape instructions about the means of escape should be displayed for employees means of escape arrangements should be included in the emergency plan. Fire extinguishers

ensure extinguishers are suitable for the purpose and of sufficient capacity for the fire risks on the premises ensure sufficient extinguishers are sited throughout the workplace ensure the right types of extinguishers are located close to the fire hazards and that users can gain access to them without exposing themselves to risk ensure the locations of the extinguishers are obvious or highlight their positions give the people likely to use the fire extinguishers adequate instruction and training include the use of fire-fighting equipment in your emergency plan.

Maintenance and testing of fire safety equipment

all fire doors and escape routes should be regularly checked along with associated lighting and signs fire-fighting equipment should be regularly checked fire detection and alarm equipment should be regularly checked all other equipment provided to help means of escape arrangements in the building should be regularly checked instructions for relevant employees about testing of equipment should be available make sure those who test and maintain the equipment are properly trained to do so. 4.0 GOOD PRACTICES 4.1 GENERAL FIRE SAFETY

good standards of housekeeping are essential keep workplaces tidy regularly remove combustible waste, including accumulations of dust keep ignition sources away from combustible material, flammable liquids/gases, etc. keep use of flammable liquids to a minimum and close containers when not in use consider how you would recover from the effects of a fire. Test your observation skills in identifying fire hazards Knowing how to identify potential fire hazards in a variety of settings can help you look for hazards in your workplace and at home, in a more objective way. You could use the film in your fire training exercises. These films were created by Healthy Working Lives and the McGill Fire Safety Centre. Emergency planning and training Local Fire and Rescue Services may offer training in emergency planning and fire safety.

compile an emergency plan ensure employees are familiar with the plan, trained in its use and involved in testing it ensure the emergency plan is made available to all who need to be aware of it ensure the procedures to be followed are clearly indicated throughout the workplace consider all the people likely to be present in the workplace and others who share the building. At shutdown

ensure all windows and doors are closed, including doors held open by automatic release units

switch off electrical equipment not in use, and where appropriate, unplug check that smokers' materials are not left smouldering check that all naked flames are extinguished or left in a safe condition ensure all flammable or combustible waste is removed to a safe place check that all highly flammable materials are safely stored ensure that the workplace is secured against unauthorised entry.

5.0 SIMPLE FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT FOR JINJA OFFICE

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Name of Organisation Location Date Fire Risk Assessment Area Work Activity Number of Persons Employed Maximum Number of Persons in Workplace Assess the fire risks by identifying sources of ignition Identify location of combustible materials Identify persons at significant fire risk Identify physical features which could promote or spread a f i re Check how a fire can be detected in a reasonable time Check how people can be warned of a fire in a reasonable time Check how people can get out safely Provide reasonable fire-fighting equipment Check that people in the building know what to do in the event of a fire Check and maintain all fire

UETCL PROJECTS OFFICE KIMAKA-AMBERCOURT (JINJA) JULY 04, 2012 OFFICES, STORES, FILING ARCHIVES Data management, Disclosures, Payments and General administration 80 persons 120 persons Electricity, burning rubbish and butts from cigarettes Paper documents in archives, bush around the office, vast chains of old dilapidated stores Employees, stakeholders and visitors Timber framework of buildings, timber/plywood ceiling boards, vast amounts of paper and an abandoned generator seemingly with some fuel

8. 9. 10.

11.

12.

By sight , smelling or hearing

13. 14. 15.

Alarming using the mouth No fire exits in place. Probably breaking through the windows and doors No fire fighting or suppressing equipment exists People do not know what to do in event of fire outbreak because they are not aware emergency preparedness and fire drills have never been conducted. No fire fixed systems like fire hydrants,

16. 17.

safety equipment

extinguishers, smoke detectors, hose reels and fire alarms exists Install fixed fire suppressing systems, rework the buildings to provide fire exists, train office users, conduct regular fire drills to prepare people for emergency, establish links with fire rescue services and appoint a team for fire safety and emergency planning Joseph Kunikina Trained

18. 19. 20.

Priority Action Plan following the assessment Name of Fire Risk Assessor Competence of Fire Risk Assessor

5.1 QUALITATIVE FIRE RISK ANALYSIS Likelihood of Occurrence High Severity of Impact High Overall risk High

END