Otherwise fire regulations
They consist of general formal rules that are regulated by law. They define adequate fire safety in the workplace.
What are the legal requirements?
Entrepreneurs are obliged to comply with the provisions of the Act of 24 August 1991 on fire protection. Detailed information can be found in the ordinances.
The employer must provide the required training up to six months after the start of employment. Based on the ordinance of 7 June 2010 on the fire protection of buildings. Training should be held at least once every two years by the owner of the premises for more than 50 permanent staff.
Art. 209 par. 1 pt. 2 of the Labour Code obliges employers to provide their employees with the necessary means to fight fires and evacuate, and to appoint people to carry out tasks in this regard. The best choice would be to make an appointment for our fire safety course. We offer initial and periodic training in occupational health and safety and fire safety.
Types of training:
- Introductory for new employees, where they learn about the use of a fire extinguisher, the risks and how to extinguish different fires and proper evacuation;
- Periodic;
- Specialised for people who come into contact with flammable materials.
Who is carrying them out?
- Inspectors;
- Institutions;
- External actors.
Core elements:
- Explanation of issues in the form of a lecture or instruction
- Practical exercises (not mandatory)
Lecture topics:
- Fire hazards at the workplace;
- Building fire instructions;
- Information on the deployment of fire equipment;
- Fire and evacuation signage;
- Emergency procedures;
- Operation of hand-held firefighting equipment;
- Carrying out evacuation;
- Providing first aid to the injured.
We tailor workshops individually to the client in question, so that better learning results are obtained. We enrich the classes with demonstrations and exercises. At the end, we issue a certificate of completion.
What is a fire extinguisher used for?
A fire extinguisher is an essential item of protection against fire. We can find it wherever there are people. These are mainly public buildings, businesses, dwellings and cars. In most of these places there is a legal obligation to have fire extinguishers or hydrants. The most common type is the ABC (universal) with approval.
Types of fires divided into classes:
A - solid materials of organic origin (e.g. wood);
B - flammable liquids and materials that melt when burning (e.g. petrol);
C - gases (e.g. carbon monoxide, so-called 'chad');
D - metals (e.g. aluminium);
E - live electrical equipment and close proximity (e.g. cables);
F - edible fats (e.g. cooking oil).
It is important to remember that fire extinguishers have different operating principles. Depending on the substance used, they are designed for specific fires. This is why it is so important to choose the right type of equipment. Despite the instructions on each one, it is better to know this beforehand in order to react quickly. Only correct use will give the desired results. Otherwise, you can make matters worse and cause additional damage.
Types of extinguishers by filling:
- water - filled with extinguishing foam. They use a non-flammable gas to release an extinguishing agent under pressure. Not suitable for live electrical equipment.
- Powder - these work by cutting off the oxygen from the burning surface. They use special chemical powders. The most popular of these are:
- carbonate - for extinguishing liquids and gases
- phosphate - for materials of organic origin. Most commonly used due to high shock resistance, moisture resistance, variety of uses.
- snow - named after the effect that occurs after contact with fire. It cools to a high minus temperature and covers the surface with dry ice. They are filled with CO2. They are used on electrical equipment, flammable liquids and burning gases. They cannot be used on humans.
Should the employer receive training?
He is obliged to do so as much as the employed. On his head is the duty of organisation. Depending on the size of the company, they may have a fire inspector who takes care of safety in this area. In this way, the entrepreneur becomes relieved and has an adviser to help him comply with the requirements of the building equipment and technical-installation matters.
How often do I exercise?
- Once every two years for more than 50 regular people.
- At least one training session per year, no later than 3 months after the entry of new facility users. In locations where there is a regular exchange of at least 50 people at any one time (e.g. dormitories, schools).
- In areas with a fire zone classified as ZL II (human risk) and in prisons and detention centres, you should contact the chief of the State Fire Service in your area. A meeting can be arranged to discuss the details.
What is the job of a fire inspector?
Performs tasks based on fire prevention. Such a person must have a special qualification confirmed by a certificate. A set of activities is described in the Act. His/her task is to carry out training. Advice related to:
- security,
- building equipment,
- evacuation routes,
- maintenance and repair of equipment,
- preparing the rescue operation,
- dealing with different types of emergency, such as fire, local threats or natural disasters.
Fire protection units in Poland:
- Fire service:
- Communal professional;
- District (city) professional;
- Voluntary;
- State;
- Emergency service:
- Terrain;
- Military Fire Protection;
- Other.
