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Please use the links, videos and files on padlet to complete the Animal Centre Workbook. The workbook must be completed for the start of term in September. You will be undergoing a 30 question multiple choice exam to assess your ability to pass the qualification. Good luck!

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Use the website for contact infomration, term dates and course infromation

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Check out our latest events!

Open Days

Our Open Days are the perfect way to find out what it's like to study with us. Sign up for one of our dedicate college or university and professional development open days today.

To browse videos, click the icon in the top right corner.

West Suffolk College is one of the country's leading further education and apprenticeship providers. Our apprenticeship results have consistently remained above the national average. We offer many degrees, HNCs and HNDs at our focused and inclusive University Studies Centre. We have around 13,000 students including nearly 2,000 apprentices studying with us. We have three campuses in Bury St Edmunds including the Built Environment Campus. Our learning centres include Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Ipswich, Sudbury, Thetford. We've worked with 1000+ employers over the last year. A fantastic 97% of students go on to further education, employment or voluntary work.

For more information, ask us a question or call 01284 701 301. For term dates, click here.

Proud to work in partnership with

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West Suffolk College - Diplomas, Degrees, Apprenticeships & T Levels

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West Suffolk College is one of the country's leading further education and apprenticeship providers. Our apprenticeship results have consistently remained above the national average. We offer many degrees, HNCs and HNDs at our focused and inclusive University Studies Centre. We have around 13,000 students including nearly 2,000 apprentices studying with us.

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Watch the video which outlines the topics you will cover in the workbook

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Introduction to Health and Safety at work

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What Causes Accidents - Safety Training Video - Preventing Accidents & Injuries

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Management of Health and Safety at Work Act

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Management of Health and Safety at Work Act

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R.I.D.D.O.R. (Reporting Of Dangerous Diseases Occurances Regulations)

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Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005

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Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005

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In the United Kingdom fire safety was previously covered by about seventy pieces of fire safety legislation, the principal ones being the Fire Precautions Act 1961 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997/1999. In 2001 it was therefore decided the legislation needed to be to simplified. This was achieved with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales.

In Scotland, separate fire service and fire safety legislation was introduced: the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 plus a number of other relevant fire safety documents. More information is available at the Scottish Government website.

In Northern Ireland the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) were introduced in 2010. More information can be found at Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 England and Wales

This submission is an overview of the legislation and should be read on conjunction with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and the RRO guidance. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order hereafter will be referred to as the Order in this document. The Order came into force on the 1st October 2006.

The Order is designed to provide a minimum fire safety standard in all non-domestic premises with a few exceptions. If it is a workplace it designates the employer the Responsible Person (RP). If any other person has control to some extent then they could have duties under the Order. If it is not a workplace then any person having control to some extent or the owner and can be designated the Responsible Person. Those persons, or a person acting on their behalf, are required to carry out certain fire safety duties which include ensuring the general fire precautions are satisfactory and conducting a fire risk assessment. If more than five persons are employed it has to be a written fire risk assessment.

Previous general fire safety legislation

This Order replaced previous fire safety legislation, and any fire certificate issued under the Fire Precautions Act 1971 will cease to have any effect. If a fire certificate had been issued in respect of your premises or the premises were built to recent building regulations, as long as you have made no material alterations and all the physical fire precautions have been properly maintained, then it is unlikely you will need to make any significant improvements to your existing physical fire protection arrangements to comply with the Order.

However, you must still carry out a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date to ensure that all the fire precautions in your premises remain current and adequate. If you have previously carried out a fire risk assessment under the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997/1999 and this assessment has been regularly reviewed then all you will need to do now is update that assessment taking account of the wider scope of the Order.

Your premises may also be subject to the provisions of a licence or registration (e.g. under the Licensing Act 2003). In that case the fire authority may wish to review your risk assessment as part of the licensing approval process. Fire safety conditions within your licence should not be set by a licensing authority where the Order applies.

Guidance

The risk-assessment based regime requires employers to take action to prevent fires and protect against death and injury of employees and relevant persons, should a fire occur. This was the same duty imposed on employers by the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1999, but under the Order the duty extends beyond workplaces to include all non-domestic premises to which employees or/and relevant persons have access.

To support the Order, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have published a number of guidance documents to assist you in meeting your responsibilities. They give advice on most types of premises where the duty to undertake a fire safety risk assessment under the Order applies. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - A short guide to making your premises safe from fire gives an overview and the following eleven guides will address the following categories of premises.

Small and medium places
of assembly
Smaller public houses, clubs, restaurants and cafes, village halls, community centres, libraries, marquees, churches and other places of worship or study accommodating up to 300 people.

Large places of assembly

Larger premises where more than 300 people could gather, e.g. shopping centres (not the individual shops), large nightclubs and pubs, exhibition and conference centres, sports stadia, marquees, museums, libraries, churches, cathedrals and other places of worship or study.

Theatres, cinemas and
similar premises
Theatres, cinemas, concert halls and similar premises used primarily for this purpose.

Transport premises
and facilities
Transportation terminals and interchanges, e.g. airports, railway stations (including sub-surface), transport tunnels, ports, bus and coach stations and similar premises but excluding the means of transport (e.g. trains, buses, planes and ships).

Means of Escape for Disabled People (Supplementary Guide)
This is a supplementary guide and should be read alongside other guides in the Fire Safety Risk Assessment series.
It provides additional information on accessibility and means of escape for disabled people.

The guides have been drafted by MHCLG in co-operation with a group of key stakeholders. Each guide is in two parts; the first part will explain how to undertake a fire safety risk assessment while the second part of each guide will provide further guidance on the fire precautions. The guides are written so as to be readily understood by those who have to comply with the requirements of the Order, not just fire safety experts.

Fire risk assessments can in theory be carried out by the business owners or their representatives if it can be shown that the person carrying out the risk assessment has sufficient understanding of the guidance. Free fire risk assessment forms are available. It is, however, recommended to commission a Fire Risk Assessor if the premises are more complex.

Tags: fire risk assessment overview Regulatory Reform order Fire

Categories: Fire Safety Legislation

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Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

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In the United Kingdom fire safety was previously covered by about seventy pieces of fire safety legislation, the principal ones being the Fire Precautions Act 1961 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997/1999. In 2001 it was therefore decided the legislation needed to be to simplified.

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Hazard pictograms alert us to the presence of a hazardous chemical. The pictograms help us to know that the chemicals we are using might cause harm to people or the environment. The GB CLP hazard pictograms appear in the shape of a diamond with a distinctive red border and white background. One or more pictograms might appear on the labelling of a single chemical.

GB CLP hazard pictograms

Explosive (Symbol: exploding bomb)

Flammable (Symbol: flame)

Oxidising (Symbol: flame over circle)

Corrosive (Symbol: corrosion)

Acute toxicity (Symbol: skull and crossbones)

Hazardous to the environment (Symbol: environment)

Health hazard/Hazardous to the ozone layer (Symbol: exclamation mark)

Serious health hazard (Symbol: health hazard)

Gas under pressure (Symbol: gas cylinder)

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Hazard symbols and hazard pictograms - Chemical classification

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Chemical classification - Provides an introduction to the basics of classification and where you can find detailed help and advice.

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What is a risk assessment? Risk assessment is a term used to describe the overall process or method where you: Identify hazards and risk factors that have the potential to cause harm (hazard identification).

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1. Overview

As an employer, you're required by law to protect your employees, and others, from harm.

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the minimum you must do is:

identify what could cause injury or illness in your business (hazards)

decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how seriously (the risk)

take action to eliminate the hazard, or if this isn't possible, control the risk

Assessing risk is just one part of the overall process used to control risks in your workplace.

For most small, low-risk businesses the steps you need to take are straightforward and are explained in these pages.

If your business is larger or higher-risk, you can find detailed guidance here.

If you're self-employed, check if health and safety law applies to you.

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Managing risks and risk assessment at work

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As an employer, you must make a 'suitable and sufficient assessment' of risks to your employees' health and safety, and risks to others because of your work

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Under health and safety law employers are responsible for managing health and safety risks in their businesses. The following provides a broad outline of how the law applies to employers. Don't forget, employees and the self-employed have important responsibilities too.

It is an employer's duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other people who might be affected by their work activities. Employers must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve this.

This means making sure that workers and others are protected from any risks arising from work activities.

Assess risks

Employers have duties under health and safety law to assess risks in the workplace. This means identifying work activities that could cause injury or illness and taking action to eliminate the hazard, or if this isn't possible, control the risk.

Provide information about risks

Employers must give workers information about the risks in their workplace and how they are protected, also instruct and train them on how to deal with the risks.

Consult employees

Employers must consult employees on health and safety issues. Consultation must be either direct or through a safety representative that is either elected by the workforce or appointed by a trade union.

Provide health and safety information

Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations (HSIER) to display the approved poster in a prominent position in each workplace or to provide each worker with a copy of the approved leaflet.
Health and safety law poster, free leaflet and pocket card
Workers - reporting a health and safety issue

If workers think their employer is exposing them to risks or is not carrying out their legal duties with regards to health and safety, and if this has been pointed out to them but no satisfactory response has been received, workers can report this to HSE.

More information

More details on the basics of what employers must do to make their business comply with health and safety law in a low risk business can be found in Health and safety made simple.

For more details on how health and safety law is meant to work, HSE has produced a booklet: Health and safety regulation: A short guide.

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Under health and safety law employers are responsible for managing health and safety risks in their businesses. The following provides a broad outline of how the law applies to employers. Don't forget, employees and the self-employed have important responsibilities too.

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The Landfill Directive aims to reduce reliance on landfill as a disposal option. It seeks to decrease the environmental impacts of landfills and reduce the risk to human health while imposing a consistent minimum standard for landfills across the EU. The Landfill Directive:

Sets minimum standards for the location, design, construction and operation of landfills.

Sets targets for the diversion of Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) from landfill things will run.

Controls the nature of waste accepted for landfill.

It defines the different categories of waste (municipal waste, hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste and inert waste) and applies to all landfills, defined as waste disposal sites for the deposit of waste onto or into the land.

For more information click here

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The Landfill Directive aims to reduce reliance on landfill as a disposal option. It seeks to decrease the environmental impacts of landfills and reduce the risk to human health while imposing a consistent minimum standard for landfills across the EU. The Landfill Directive: Sets minimum standards for the location, design, construction and operation of landfills.

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Manual Handling Training Back to Basics   YouTube

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Fires are classified in six groups A, B, C, D, F and electrical:

Class A fires - are fires involving organic solids like paper, wood, etc

Class B fires - are fires involving flammable liquids

Class C fires - are fires involving flammable gasses

Class D fires - are fires involving burning metals (eg aluminium swarf)

Class F fires - are fires involving fats such as used in deep fat fryers

Electrical fires (the letter E is not used. Instead the symbol of an electric spark is displayed) - are fires caused by electrical equipment

Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are not given their own full class, as they can fall into any of the classifications. After all it is not the electricity burning but surrounding material that has been set alight by the electric current.

The first step when fighting a fire caused by electricity is to switch the equipment off. In addition, any water based extinguishers used on electrical equipment should be dielectrically tested and certified to ensure that you can extinguish the fire safely, even if the power supply is left on. It must be remembered that certain electrical apparatus maintain a lethal charge for some time after they have been switched off.

Colour coding of Extinguishers

The type of extinguisher is identified by a colour coding as indicated below. The old fire extinguishers standard required the whole of the body of the extinguisher to be painted the appropriate colour. You will find these extinguishers in many premises and these are still legal, you do not need to change them unless the extinguisher is defective and needs to be replaced. New extinguishers are manufactured to the standard BS EN 3.

Water extinguishers are coloured signal red.

Other extinguishers will be predominantly signal red with a label, band or circle covering at least 5% of the surface area of the extinguisher in a second colour indicating the contents of the extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers colour-coded green are vapourising liquids (Halons) and have been illegal, with some exceptions like aircraft and the military, since the end of 2003 as the result of the Montreal protocol. They need to be disposed of legally, for more information go to Phasing out Halons in portable fire extinguishers.

The indicating colour always indicates the type of extinguisher medium.

Not using the above colour coding means the fire extinguisher does not conform to the British standard and therefore cannot display the Kitemark. If a specific piece of legislation requires them to conform to the British Standard, then they would be unsuitable. In the case of the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 this order does not require portable fire extinguishers to conform to the British Standard.
Therefore they are legal in premises covered by this order, however the DCLG guidance on the RR(FS)O does recommend they should conform to the British Standards which leaves the Responsible Person in a dilemma. Wherever reasonably possible, it is best practice to select extinguishers which conform to BS EN 3

Fire Rating

All extinguishers capable of extinguishing class A, B or F fires carry a fire rating which is indicated by a number and letter (eg 13A, 55B). The number is indicating the size of fire it can extinguish under test conditions. The larger the number, the larger the fire it can extinguish. The letter indicates the fire classification as above. Class C, D and the electrical symbol do not carry a numerical rating.

All extinguishers capable of extinguishing class F fires have a rating based on 4 benchmark tests using 5, 15, 25 and 75 litres of sunflower oil. The oil is heated to auto-ignition and allowed to pre-burn for 2 minutes. The fire is then extinguished and no re-ignition shall occur within 10 minutes of extinguishing the fire.

For a fuller explanation, go to Portable Fire Extinguisher Guide and for a full explanation check out the latest edition of BS EN 3-7

Chosing Fire Extinguishers

For a kitchen at home, a fire blanket and a small wet chemical extinguisher or dry water mist extinguisher would be considered satisfactory for most situations. A dry water mist extinguisher, with its broad fire fighting capability across most fire risks is also suitable for the rest of the house. Remember to tackle only small fires, if in doubt, get out and always call the fire service out.

Commercial and public organisations need to have a survey conducted to ascertain the number and type of extinguishers that are required. Generally a more substantial fire extinguishing capability will be required. The ratings of the extinguishers are then used to calculate the number and type of extinguishers required. Ideally, BAFE approved fire extinguisher companies should be used to carry out these surveys as this will ensure a high installation and maintenance standard.

The following factors should also be considered when siting fire extinguishers:

Extinguishers should normally be sited on escape routes on all floors at what is called 'fire points'.

They should be fixed in a location where the extinguisher can be reached quickly. The best place is near a door leading to a place of safety or near a specific fire risk.

They should be fixed where they can be easily seen. Fixing them inside cupboards or behind doors will waste valuable time if a fire breaks out.

Do not place them over cookers or heaters or in places of extreme temperatures, hot or cold.

Extinguishers should be fixed at an elevated height, so that the carrying handle is 1m from the floor for heavier units (heavier than 4kg) and 1.5m for smaller units.

Extinguishers should be within reasonable distance from any fire risk:

1. Class A: 30m

2. Class B: 10m

3. Class C: 30m

4. Class D: case-by-case basis, by expert advice

5. Class F: 10m

Service-Free Extinguishers:

If you have to travel through doorways, the maximum travel distances need to be reduced.

The method of operation should be similar for all extinguishers, where possible.

The occupiers should be capable of handling all the types and sizes recommended.

Where different types of extinguishers for different risk types are sited together they must be properly labelled to prevent confusion.

Extinguishers should be fitted with suitable jet or spray nozzles or flexible hoses to suit the risk involved.

Additional References can be found in BS 5306 Part 8.

Maintenance

Extinguishers in commercial or public buildings should be visually inspected monthly for damage or pressure loss and should be serviced to BS 5306-3 once a year. Water, foam and powder extinguishers have to be discharged and refilled every five years. CO2 extinguishers must be refurbished after ten years. One exception, however, are the kitemarked P50 servicing-free extinguishers which only need refurbishment after ten years and do not require maintenance within the ten years (other than the monthly visual inspection and a recorded yearly visual inspection by the owners).

In general, the manufacturer's instructions will tell you what you need to do to keep your extinguisher in good working order. After an extinguisher has been used, even if only partially, it must be recharged according to the manufacturer's instructions. See this guide about fire extinguisher maintenance for further details.

BS 5306-3 and most extinguisher manufacturers recommend yearly servicing by an engineer and the refilling of foam, water and powder extinguishers every five years. One exception is the UK manufacturer Britannia with their P50 service-free extinguishers which are guaranteed for ten years and which do not require maintenance by an external technician over the ten year period. In actual fact, these extinguishers lose their warranty if any attempt is made to open or modify the unit. They still require a recorded annual visual inspection by the owners, though. The visual inspection consists of checking the pressure gauges, checking the extinguisher for damage and checking the manufacture date of the extinguisher and recording the results in a fire safety logbook and on the back of the extinguisher. Insurance companies accept these extinguishers but should be notified of the change in the maintenance procedure once you have installed P50 extinguishers.

As there is no visit by an extinguisher specialist for 10 years, the installation of service-free extinguishers should always include first of all a site survey to ensure the right type of extinguisher is selected, followed by the actual install and subsequent training of the customer by the technician to ensure the customer fully understands the product. The purchase of a P50 extinguishers should always include a survey, the installation, the commissioning, the training and certification for the training.

Purchasing Portable Fire Extinguishers

When purchasing fire extinguishers always ensure they meet the requirements of the appropriate British Standard. Look for the kitemark or LPCB mark to prove correct certification. If the extinguishers are for commercial or public buildings they will need to be certified on-site AFTER the delivery. Surfing the internet will produce many suppliers but always use a company that sells extinguishers meeting the appropriate British Standard and make sure that any supplier offers ON SITE commissioning (certification) or installation carried out by an engineer AT YOUR SITE. Be careful, as some internet companies offer certification prior to delivery, which is not acceptable, as extinguishers could get damaged in transit.

If you require any further information about the type of fire extinguishers you should buy, ask your local fire brigade. They will be glad to help you and their expert advice is free of charge. They will also be able to provide you with general fire safety advice. The Chief Fire Officers Association also sells recommended extinguishers on their Blue Watch website.
Information on Types, Colours and Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers Information about Fire Extinguisher and Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Fire Extinguishers for Electrical Fires Portable Fire Extinguisher Guide. Determining the Age of Portable Extinguishers Comparison of cartridge extinguishers versus stored pressure extinguishers
Which Portable Fire Extinguishers to Use

Before you tackle a fire

Many people put out small fires quite safely. However, some people die or are injured by tackling a fire which is beyond their capabilities. Here is a simple fire code to help you decide whether to put out or get out.

Only tackle a fire in its very early stages

Always put your own and other peoples safety first

On discovering the fire, immediately raise an alarm

Make sure you can escape if you need to and never let a fire block your exit

If you cannot put out the fire or if the extinguisher becomes empty, get out and get everyone else out of the building immediately, closing all doors behind you as you go. Then ensure the fire brigade has been called

Further information

Tags: age of extinguishers cartridge extinguishers portable fire extinguishers

Categories: Fire Safety Equipment

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Fire Extinguishers - Classes, Colour Coding, Rating, Location and Maintenance

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Fires are classified in six groups A, B, C, D, F and electrical: Class A fires - are fires involving organic solids like paper, wood, etc Class B fires - are fires involving flammable liquids Class C fires - are fires involving flammable gasses Class D fires - are fires involving burning metals (eg aluminium swarf) Class F fires - are fires involving fats such as used in deep fat fryers Electrical fires (the letter E is not used.

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1. Overview

As an employer, you must protect your workers from the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling in the workplace. Manual handling means transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force. It includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving loads. A load can be an object, person or animal.

The law sets out how employers must deal with risks from manual handling:

avoid hazardous manual handling, so far as reasonably practicable

assess the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided

reduce the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling to as low as reasonably practicable

The weight of a load is important, though the law does not set specific weight limits.

In some cases, you must provide information about the weight and position of the centre of gravity of each load, if there is a risk of injury and it is reasonably practicable to do this.

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As an employer, you must protect your workers from the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling in the workplace. Manual handling means transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force. It includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving loads. A load can be an object, person or animal.

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Under Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) every employer shall identify hazards, assess risks and have a written risk assessment, including any unusual or other risks. To comply with Section 19, employers are required to carry out risk assessments and to record these in the Safety Statement. A fire safety risk assessment should be conducted. Fire prevention should form part of this.

A fire safety risk assessment should include

Fire Prevention

The Fire Prevention Triangle - Heat, Oxygen and Fuel

A fire needs three elements - heat, oxygen and fuel. Without heat, oxygen and fuel a fire will not start or spread. A key strategy to prevent fire is to remove one or more of heat, oxygen or fuel. The risk assessment should include detail on all three elements to minimise the risk of a fire starting/ spreading.

A fire prevention strategy and a fire risk assessment should include detail and a full consideration of all of the issues - including issues arising from heat, oxygen and fuel. Advice on these three elements follows. This advice is not exhaustive and is given in no particular order.

Heat

Heat can be generated by work processes and is an essential part of some processes such as cooking. This heat must be controlled and kept away from fuel unless carefully controlled. Heat generated as a by-product of a process must be dealt with properly.

Heat Safeguards

Provide no-smoking signs at appropriate locations

Ensure smoking area(s) are away from flammable materials

Arrange for cigarettes and matches to be disposed of safely and away from other combustible rubbish

Plant and equipment which is not properly maintained can cause fires.

Ensure all work equipment protects against catching fire or overheating

Ensure proper housekeeping, such as preventing ventilation points on machinery becoming clogged with dust or other materials - causing overheating

Have electrical equipment serviced regularly by a competent person to prevent sparks and fires

Properly clean and maintain heat producing equipment such as burners, heat exchangers, boilers (inspected and tested yearly), ovens, stoves, and fryers. Require storage of flammables away from this equipment.

Use a planned maintenance programme to properly maintain plant and equipment. Review your programme if you already have one.

A planned maintenance programme should deal with

frictional heat (caused by loose drive belts, bearings which are not properly lubricated or other moving parts)

electrical malfunction

flammable materials used in contact with hot surfaces

leaking valves or flanges which allow seepage of flammable liquids or gases

static sparks (perhaps due to inadequate electrical earthing)

Portable Heaters

Do not use portable heaters unnecessarily.

They should have emergency tip-over switches, and thermostatic limiting controls.

Turn them off if people leave the room or are going to sleep

Ensure they are 1M away from anything that can burn

Do not use them to dry clothes

Hot work often arises from construction and/ or maintenance activities. Hot work is work that might generate sufficient heat, sparks or flame to cause a fire. Hot work includes welding, flame cutting, soldering, brazing, grinding and other equipment incorporating a flame, e.g. tar boilers, etc. Hot work can be very dangerous and stringent controls must be in place.

Identify all hot work

Only allow hot work if no satisfactory alternative

Ensure relevant contractors are aware of hot work procedures and controls

Use a hot work permit system including

fire-resistant protective clothing

clear responsibility

logging and audit processes

routine checking and supervision

item to be worked on removed to safe area

remove or protect combustible or flammable materials

prevent, suppress and control sparks

prevent, suppress and control heat

provision of and training on suitable fire-fighting equipment

provision of a separate person to fire-watch and use fire-fighting equipment - the fire watcher

particular precautions for special risks, e.g. confined space

leave workplace clean and safe

final check of area at least 60 minutes after completed job and certainly prior to premises being vacated

All electrical equipment and installations designed, constructed, installed, maintained, protected, and used to prevent danger

Get a qualified electrical contractor to carry out installation and repairs to electrical equipment and fittings

Maintain proper pest control to avoid rodent damage to electric wiring and equipment

Check electrical equipment and remove defective equipment

Ensure electrical cords are in good condition

Plug appliances and lights into separate electrical outlets

Avoid using extension cords. If you require an outlet in an area where there is none, have one installed by a qualified electrician.

Use extension cords safety - not under carpets or across walking areas

Use only one device per outlet

Deliberately started fires pose very significant risks to all types of workplace.

The possibility of arson should be considered as a component of your risk assessment and it is one that you can do much to control. The majority of deliberately started fires occur in areas with a known history of vandalism or fire-setting. Typically, local youths light the fires outside the premises as an act of vandalism, using materials found nearby. Appropriate security measures, including the protection of stored materials and the efficient and prompt removal of rubbish, can therefore do much to alleviate this particular problem.

You should therefore seek advice from the local Gardaí or the fire authority who will involve the other agencies as appropriate. Occasionally, arson attacks in the workplace are committed by employees or ex-employees. Employers and other workers should be aware of this potential threat and be alert for early signs, such as a series of unexplained small fires. Again, the Gardaí or the local fire authority can provide further useful guidance.

Provide adequate security: exterior/interior lighting, intrusion alarms, guard service, well-secured access openings

Prevent access by unauthorised personnel

Keep flammables properly stored and secured

Oxygen

Oxygen gas is used

in welding, flame cutting and other similar processes

for helping people with breathing difficulties

in hyperbaric chambers as a medical treatment

in decompression chambers

for food preservation and packaging

in steelworks and chemical plants

The air we breathe contains about 21% oxygen. Pure oxygen at high pressure, such as from a cylinder, can react violently with common materials such as oil and grease. Other materials may catch fire spontaneously. Nearly all materials including textiles, rubber and even metals will burn vigorously in oxygen.

With even a small increase in the oxygen level in the air to 24%, it becomes easier to start a fire, which will then burn hotter and more fiercely than in normal air. It may be almost impossible to put the fire out. A leaking valve or hose in a poorly ventilated room or confined space can quickly increase the oxygen concentration to a dangerous level.

The main causes of fires and explosions when using oxygen are

oxygen enrichment from leaking equipment

use of materials not compatible with oxygen

use of oxygen in equipment not designed for oxygen service

incorrect or careless operation of oxygen equipment

(Information from HSE UK - Take care with oxygen - Fire and explosion hazards in the use of oxygen - 8 pages)

Ensure employees are aware of their responsibility to report dangers

See safeguards in the Code of Practice for Working in Confined Spaces

Oxygen should never be used to "sweeten" the air in a confined space

Where oxygen is used,

Be aware of the dangers of oxygen if in doubt, ask

Prevent oxygen enrichment by ensuring that equipment is leak-tight and in good working order

Check that ventilation is adequate

Always use oxygen cylinders and equipment carefully and correctly

Always open oxygen cylinder valves slowly

Do not smoke where oxygen is being used

Never use replacement parts which have not been specifically approved for oxygen service

Never use oxygen equipment above the pressures certified by the manufacturer

Never use oil or grease to lubricate oxygen equipment

Never use oxygen in equipment which is not designed for oxygen service

(Some information from HSE UK - Take care with oxygen - Fire and explosion hazards in the use of oxygen - 8 pages)

Fuel

Workplaces in which large amounts of flammable materials are displayed, stored or used can present a greater hazard than those where the amount kept is small.

In relation to fire, fuel consists of flammable material. Flammable material is material that burns readily in a normal atmosphere. Flammable materials include flammable liquids (e.g. petrol), flammable gasses (e.g. propane and butane) and flammable solids (e.g. charcoal, paper). It is important to identify all flammable materials that are in your workplace so that proper controls can be put in place.

Great care is required in the storage, handling and use of flammable materials. Safety Data sheets may provide detailed advice.

Fuel Safeguards

Identify all flammable materials so that proper controls can be put in place

Identify use of substances with flammable vapours (e.g. some adhesives)

Reduce quantities of flammable materials to the smallest amount necessary for running the business and keep away from escape routes

Replace highly flammable materials with less flammable ones

Store remaining stocks of highly flammable materials properly outside, in a separate building, or separated from the main workplace by fire-resisting construction

Provide clearly marked separate storage for flammable chemicals, gas cylinders, and waste materials

Train employees on safe storage, handling and use of flammable materials

Keep stocks of office stationery and supplies and flammable cleaners' materials in separate cupboards or stores. They should be fire-resisting with a fire door if they open onto a corridor or stairway escape route

Catering and hospitality premises - see relevant sections of Safe Hospitality, e.g. sections 1.13 LPG/ Gas Safety, 1.15 Fire Safety, 6.11 Flambé Lamps

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a webpage on combustible dust with tabs, beginning with information for users unfamiliar with combustible dust hazards

Work on Gas Mains

See the press release "Construction firm fined €40,000 after workers sustain serious burn injuries" and the UK article "PPE saved worker from more serious burn injuries"

This is highly specialised work and a detailed risk assessment must be conducted

Detailed work instructions must be put in place

Advice should be sought from the gas supplier as needed

Workers must be properly trained and supervised

Flammable liquids can present a significant risk of fire. Vapours evolved are usually heavier than air and can travel long distances, so are more likely to reach a source of ignition. Liquid leaks and dangerous vapours can arise from faulty storage (bulk and containers), plant and process - design, installation, maintenance or use. Ignition of the vapours from flammable liquids remains a possibility until the concentration of the vapour in the air has reduced to a level which will not support combustion.

The quantity of flammable liquids in workrooms should be kept to a minimum, normally no more than a half-day's or half a shifts supply

Flammable liquids, including empty or part-used containers, should be stored safely. Small quantities (Tens of Litres) of flammable liquids can be stored in the workroom if in closed containers in a fire-resisting (e.g. metal), bin or cabinet fitted with means to contain any leaks

Metal Storage for Flammable Chemicals to EN-14470-1

Larger quantities should be stored in a properly designated store, either in the open air (on well ventilated, impervious ground, away from ignition sources) or in a suitably constructed storeroom

Where large quantities of flammable liquids are used they should, where possible, be conveyed by piping them through a closed system. Where a connection in such a system is frequently uncoupled and remade, a sealed-end coupling device should be used

Flammable liquids should not be decanted within the store. Decanting should take place in a well-ventilated area set aside for this purpose, with appropriate facilities to contain and clear up any spillage

Container lids should always be replaced after use, and no container should ever be opened in such a way that it cannot be safely resealed

Flammable liquids should be stored and handled in well ventilated conditions. Where necessary, additional properly designed exhaust ventilation should be provided to reduce the level of vapour concentration in the air

Containers for Flammable Liquid

Storage containers should be kept covered and proprietary safety containers with self-closing lids should be used for dispensing and applying small quantities of flammable liquids

There should be no potential ignition sources in areas where flammable liquids are used or stored and flammable concentrations of vapour may be present at any time. Any electrical equipment used in these areas, including fire alarm and emergency lighting systems, needs to be suitable for use in flammable atmospheres

See our webpage on Chemicals Risk Assessment for advice on completing a chemical agents risk assessment

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)

The use of plastic and composite intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for liquid storage has increased. They have a number of advantages over traditional steel drums, in particular; resistance to corrosion, efficient storage space use and ease of emptying when a valve is fitted. Plastic IBCs are used for hydrocarbons for: wastes; fuels such as diesel; solvents such as white spirit; lubricants; edible oils etc.

A number of serious fires in the UK started or spread because of the use plastic IBCs for combustible liquids. A characteristic of these fires was the rapid release of liquid from IBCs, inadequacy of bunding and damage caused as a result of the unconfined flow of burning liquid. This information is from HSE UK's advice on Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) which includes a very helpful video. The Chemical Business Association and the Solvent Industry Association in consultation with the HSE UK have produced Guidance for the storage of liquids in intermediate bulk containers (22 pages)

Plastic components of IBCs are easily ignited. Liquid loss from IBCs can be rapid and complete. In a fire, all of the liquid in unclad IBCs on level ground is likely to be released rapidly (in 5-10 minutes) and can produce large spreading pool fires. Ullage explosions can be extremely dangerous for anyone trying to fight the fire. Unless composite IBC design can reduce the rate of liquid drainage in fires, the potential of fires continues to be very serious.

IBC users should be aware of the risks

Risk assessments for IBC storage should be based on the premise that liquid loss will be rapid and complete

Segregate IBCs and drums to avoid rapid catastrophic failure of drums and associated fireballs and projectiles

Kerbs and partitions in storage areas may be useful in checking the flow of liquid and spread of fire
For partitions to be effective, drainage must be carefully controlled

All processes introducing a risk of ignition should be eliminated or tightly controlled

Strict control of readily ignitable material is required

IBC storage areas should be secure to deter casual vandalism

Sites with large stocks of IBCs should consider drainage in the event of fire
If there are sensitive targets nearby, substantial bunding may be required

Manufacturers and re-conditioners should provide clear information on the potential behaviour of IBCs in fire

Manufacturers should explore improvements in design

Avoid accumulations of combustible rubbish and waste and remove at least daily and store away from the building

Never store flammable or combustible rubbish, even temporarily, in escape routes, or where it can contact potential sources of heat

Position skips so that a fire will not put any structure at risk

Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease build-up

In catering, clean ventilation ducts on a regular basis to prevent grease build-up

Flammable or combustible rubbish should not be stored, even as a temporary measure, in escape routes such as corridors, stairways or lobbies, or where it can come into contact with potential sources of heat

Parts of the workplace which are not normally occupied, such as basements, store rooms and any area where a fire could grow unnoticed, should be regularly inspected and cleared of non-essential flammable materials and substances. You should also protect such areas against entry by unauthorised people

If the workplace has waste or derelict land nearby, you should keep any undergrowth under control so that a fire cannot spread through dry grass, for example

There should be no potential ignition sources in areas where flammable liquids are used or stored and flammable concentrations of vapour may be present at any time. Any electrical equipment used in these areas, including fire alarm and emergency lighting systems, needs to be suitable for use in flammable atmospheres

Metal Container for Cloths Contaminated with Flammable Solvents

Rags and cloths which have been used to mop up or apply flammable liquids should be disposed of in metal containers with well-fitting lids and removed from the workplace at the end of each shift or working day

Safety data sheets provide useful information on chemicals and handling, storage and emergency measures. A safety data sheet should be provided with any hazardous chemical and includes useful information. Section 2 gives details on the hazards of the chemical and the potential effects and symptoms resulting from use. The information in this section must be consistent with the information on the label. Section 5 gives specific information on fighting a fire caused by the chemical, including the most suitable extinguishing media and protective equipment. Section 7 contains details on how to handle and store the chemical safely. Section 10 contains details of any hazardous reactions that may occur if the chemical is used under certain conditions. Section 14 contains information relating to the transportation of the chemical. Section 16 gives any other information relevant to the chemical e.g. training advice.

Fire Prevention Diagram

This diagram gives an overview of fire prevention for workplaces

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Under Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) every employer shall identify hazards, assess risks and have a written risk assessment, including any unusual or other risks. To comply with Section 19, employers are required to carry out risk assessments and to record these in the Safety Statement.

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What is an allergy?

An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an allergen or 'trigger' substance.

One of the most common allergens is plant pollen, which often causes hay fever. Other allergens include animal hair, bee stings, medication (especially penicillin), and food, such as nuts and shellfish.

What is a severe allergic reaction?

A severe allergic reaction can develop just seconds after someone comes into contact with the allergen. It can affect the whole body, and if it's not treated quickly enough it could be fatal. This is called anaphylactic shock.

Signs and symptoms

Look for:

a red, itchy rash, or raised area of skin (weals)

red, itchy, watery eyes

swelling of hands, feet, or face

abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

There may also be:

difficulty in breathing

swelling of tongue and throat with puffiness around eyes

confusion and agitation

signs of shock leading to collapse and unresponsiveness.

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Severe allergic reaction: symptoms and treatment

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An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an allergen or 'trigger' substance. One of the most common allergens is plant pollen, which often causes hay fever. Other allergens include animal hair, bee stings, medication (especially penicillin), and food, such as nuts and shellfish.

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Fire Extinguisher Training - PASS - Fire Safety Training Video