Feature

SCHOOL FIRE SAFETY

By:  NOEL MAXIMO, FO1

Fire is the visible effect of the process of combustion – a special type of chemical reaction. It occurs between oxygen in the air and some sort of fuel. The products from the chemical reaction are completely different from the starting material. Fire are called friendly, but it can also give nightmare if you are not careful with it. Here are some tips on what to do in case of fire in school.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE:

· Establish a fire safety plan.

· Evacuate students in immediate danger.

· Sound the alarm.

· Perform any fire drill duties assign to you.

· Fight the fires with the proper equipment only if you are not putting yourself or anyone else in   danger. DO NOT FIGHT the fire if it is spreading rapidly or blocking your exit. If you do not know how to use the fire equipment, leave the building immediately.

· Close room doors and hallway doors to prevent air movement and spread of smoke.

· DO NOT PANIC. Advise students that the fire plan is in operation and remain calm. Your confidence and judgement is extremely important and will prevent panic.

FIRE DRILLS:

· Always take school fire drills seriously, and evacuate the school when the alarm sounds.

· Hold fire drills on a regular basis. Have the initial fire drill for the school year in early September.

· Ensure the school employees know how to evacuate their work areas and perform their fire drill duties in an emergency.

· Always sound the alarm at the first sign of smoke or fire.

· Be familiar the location of the nearest fire alarm and extinguisher.

· Learn how to operate fire extinguisher, fire blankets and fire house. Your fire department is available to provide instructions and demonstrations.

LABORATORIES:

· Store flammable liquids properly and dispense them from an approved safety container.

· Avoid storing incompatible chemicals next to each other an interaction may occur and cause a fire or explosion.

· Survey chemicals annually and discard any that are obsolete or show sign of decomposition.

· Order store the minimum supply necessary.

· Clean up spills immediately.

· Repair all electrical hazards and avoid overloading outlets.

· Dispose of rubbish regularly and in proper manner.

· Keep MSDS’s readily available.

CLASSROMS:

· Keep combustible material away from heaters.

· Avoid portable heaters.

· Clearly mark the evacuation route on the school floor plan, and place it adjacent to the classroom door.

· Check electrical appliances and cords regularly, and disconnect appliances where practical.

· Keep all doorways clear.

· Dispose of rubbish daily.

· Protect all unused outlets in kindergarten and preschool nurseries with safety plugs.

· Do not use candles or similar open flames in classrooms.

GYMNASUIM/AUDITORIUM:

· Check emergency lighting monthly

· Keep all doorways clear.

· Keep exit lights in working order.

· Extension cords should not be used as a replacement for permanent wiring.

INDUSTRIAL ARTS/INDUSTRIALTEHNOLOGY:

· Electrical outlets and frayed cords can cause burns and shocked. Avoid overloading outlets and used approved extension cords only on a temporary basis.

· Secure compressed gas cylinders in an upright position. Avoid dropping, rolling or knocking them together.

· Never wield in areas where combustible material is stored

· Keep work area clean and check daily for fire hazards.

· Provide suitable waste can for disposal of oil soaked and paints rags.

· Use safety cans for storing and dispensing small amount of flammable liquids.

· Ensure good ventilation for painting operations and a regular routine for cleaning up overspray residues.

· Supply suitable and easily accessible fire extinguishers.

OFFICE AND STORAGE AREAS:

· Avoid overloading electrical outlets and keep wiring away from doorways, windows or under carpeting.

· Carefully store and handle cleaning compounds and polishes (they often give off flammable vapors).

· Ensure general order and cleanliness in storage rooms.

HALLS AND DOORWAYS:

· Identify exits with lighted signs and keep them unobstructed.

· Avoid wedging open hallway doors.

· Check emergency lightning every month to ensure it is in proper working order.

· Test fire doors regularly to make certain that doors do not jam and that the hardware is not detached.

· Restrict paper to bulletin boards and fasten at all corner. DO NOT exceed 20% wall area.

Don’t forget to practice these tips seriously so that we can achieve progressive and safer school. Always make everyday a fire safety day.