The Fire Safety training is a training that requires annual recertification.

Fire Safety is a “New Employee” training requirement and it is a component of this Work Safety Training.

This training is a self-directed and self-study training program designed to allow you the freedom to work at your own pace and without the aid of an Instructor.

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Objectives:

1. Fire & Safety 2. Driver & Vehicle Safety3. Wheelchair Safety4. Lifting & Back Safety5. Slips, Trips, and Falls6. Worker’s Compensation

Objective #1Fire & Safety

IntroductionRACEBasicsFire Extinguishers - PASSSmoke DetectorsCandle SafetySmoking SafetyElectrical SafetyFire Evacuation Planning

Individuals who have lived through a massive fire, who have suffered the pain of severe burns or have seen family members or friends affected the same way take fire prevention seriously for the rest of their lives.

To experience a tragic fire gives new meaning to the importance of installing smoke detectors and their operation on a frequent basis. It also gives new meaning and importance to home fire drills in which all members are taught what to do if they encounter smoke or fire.

It is hoped that you take seriously what you learn in this training, even if the methods sound like overkill, they are a lot better than having to deal with weeks, months, or even years of agony, dealing with consequences of a fire and/or injury that may have been prevented.

Introduction to Fire & Safety

RACEIf the fire alarm activates or you see fire/smoke take the following actions:

Rescue: Take immediate, lifesaving action

Alarm: Without delay, pull the alarm and call “911”

Confine: Close doors to prevent fire/smoke spread

Extinguish: When the evacuation is complete and if the fire is small you can try to fight the fire

You may not always see a fire that has started somewhere in the home

A fire can smolder within a wall for days before bursting into flames

Two Basic FORMS of Fire:

Flaming (including explosions)Flameless

Basics

Three Basic TYPES of Fires:

Type AA – burning wood, paper, cloth, trash, and other items found around the homeType BB – flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, paint, and lubricantsType CC – fires that occur in live electrical equipment

Basics

Because the most common fire TYPES are

A, B, and C, the best all around fire extinguishers

to have in homes are multipurpose dry chemical ABC

fire extinguishers

Always be sure the fire department inspects a fire site, even if you think you have extinguished the areaPlace fire extinguishers so there is at least one per floor, near exitsUse extinguishers only if the fire is small, get everyone out of the house and call the fire department

Fire Extinguishers

Remember the PASS - word

Pull the pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher

Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the fire

Squeeze the lever: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge

Sweep from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out….watch the fire area….if the fire reignites, repeat the process

Smoke Detectors

Smoke is responsible for 3 out of 4 deaths

Change batteries yearly, electrical detectors may be inoperable in a power outage, get a back-up unit

Place in hallway outside of bedrooms

Install at the top of each stairway, in kitchens, living areas, and basements

Candle SafetyWhat's the fuss about candles?

Candles are actually a growing cause of fire. Every year people are killed and injured because they were careless with one. Candles mark special occasions and create a special atmosphere. They also bring fire into your home. So treat them carefully.

In Massachusetts DDS highly recommends that program participants not light candles in their homes.

Here are some guidelines to consider:

Put candles on a heat resistant surfaceBe especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic. TVs are not fire-resistant objects.

Put candles in a proper holderCandles need to be held firmly upright by the holder so they won't fall over. The holder needs to be stable too, so it won't fall over either.

Position candles away from curtainsDon't put candles near curtains or other fabrics - or furniture. And keep them out of draughts.

Don't put them under shelvesIt's easy to forget that there's a lot of heat above a burning candle. If you put it under a shelf or other surface then it can burn the surface. Make sure there's at least three feet between a candle and any surface above it.

Keep clothes and hair awayIf there's any chance you could lean across a candle and forget it's there, put it somewhere else. You don't want to set fire to your clothes or your hair.

Keep children and pets awayCandles should be out of reach of children and pets.

Keep candles apartLeave at least four inches (10cm) between two burning candles.

Take care with votive or scented candles These kinds of candles turn to liquid to release their fragrance, so put them in a glass or metal holder.

Don't move them when they're burningExtinguish candles before moving them. Also, don't let anything fall into the hot wax like match sticks.

Don't leave them burningExtinguish candles before you leave a room. Never go to sleep with a candle still burning. And never leave a burning candle or oil burner in a child's bedroom.

Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them outIt's safer than blowing them, which can send sparks and hot wax flying.

Double-check they're out Candles that have been put out can go on smoldering and start a fire.

Smoking SafetySmoking can kill you very quickly. More people die in fires caused by smoking than in fires with any other single cause.

Why?Tobacco keeps burningTobacco is manufactured to stay alight, especially cigarette tobacco. It can quietly smolder out of sight, starting a slow, deadly fire.

Night time is the killer timePeople often smoke late at night when they're tired or have been drinking. They often fall asleep while smoking. Or they don't notice that a cigarette is still burning.

Electrical SafetyWhat to Check For:

Danger signsWatch out for hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow for no obvious reason, flickering lights, scorch marks on sockets or plugs. They're all signs of loose wiring or other problems.

Badly wired plugsIf the wires are sticking out of the plug, not only could they be pulled loose but water and debris could get inside the plug.

Overloaded sockets If you plug too many appliances into a socket, it could be overloaded, which can lead to overheating.

Extension Cords in vulnerable positionsDon't leave extension cords where they can be tripped over, near a source of water, or close to the stove top.

Water near electricDon't let cables or plugs get wet, and keep liquids away from electrical appliances. Don't put a vase on top of the TV, for example.

ToasterKeep the toaster clean and away from curtains.

MaintenanceElectrical appliances - especially the ones that run at high speeds and contain motors, like the washing machine and tumble dryer - should be serviced once a year.

Fire Evacuation Planning

Notify the local fire department of the locations of people with disabilities and elderly – they can be of better and faster assistance if they are aware of locationDraw a floor plan of the residence including doors, windows, bedrooms, hallways, and exitsRooms should ideally have two escape routesDesignate a safe meeting location outside of the homeAll people supported and employees should practice Evacuation Plans on a regular basis and document on the appropriate form (especially if SAFETY is a goal area for the person supported)

A few last minute fire safety things to keep in mind……..

Remember that smoke and poisonous gases rise with hot air…crawl if possible along the floor to the exitsFeel any door before opening, do not open a door that feels hot or warm…get out a different wayNever go back into a home for personal belongingsIf clothing catches fire: stop, drop to the ground with your arms folded across your chest, and try to roll the flames out - smothering the flamesPreserving life is the first action to take – get everyone out !!!!

Objective #2Driver & Vehicle Safety:

IntroductionVehicle Must HavesBreakdown ProceduresAccident ProceduresWhile DrivingDefensive Driving

Introduction to Driver and Vehicle Safety

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 2,000 deaths a year result from occupational motor vehicle incidents. That number is more than 30 percent of the annual number of fatalities from occupational injuries. These deaths include driver and passenger deaths in highway crashes, farm equipment accidents, and industrial vehicle incidents, as well as pedestrian fatalities.

Unlike other workplaces, the roadway is not a closed environment. Preventing work-related roadway crashes requires strategies that combine traffic safety principles and sound safety management practices. Although employers cannot control roadway conditions, they can promote safe driving behavior by providing safety information to workers and by setting and enforcing driver safety policies. Crashes are not an unavoidable part of doing business. Employers can take steps to protect their employees and their companies.

Vehicle Must Haves

Your vehicle must:

– have a current/up to date inspection sticker– have liability insurance– have safe, functional seat belts– have a valid state registration

Breakdown ProceduresCall a supervisor or on-call personnel to coordinate transportation steps for the person you are supportingKeep passengers in vehicle if conditions are safeIf passengers must leave vehicle…keep them togetherStay with passengers at all timesTalk calmly to passengers and explain what has happenedYour first and foremost responsibility is the safety of your passengers

Accident Procedures

Assess the safety of the current situationPrevent the possibility of further accidentProvide necessary medical care if needed and able toMaintain control of passengersGather the names of witnesses and bystandersCooperate with emergency personnel fullyNever admit any liability or faultGet complete information from the other party (name, address, phone #, their insurance details)Notify a supervisor or On-Call personnelComplete an Incident Report Form

While Driving

Signal well in advanceBrake in advance, brake steadilyDo not make sharp turnsYou must obey all traffic rules as the agency will not pay for your traffic violationsUse headlights while transporting

What is the 2 second Rule?

Watch rear of car in front of you as it passes fixed object (bridge, street sign, tree, etc.)Count “one thousand one, one thousand two”RULE: If you pass the fixed object before you’re finished counting you are too close!This RULE only applies WHEN CONDITIONS ARE GOOD

Defensive Driving

Defensive DrivingRecognizing the Hazards While Driving

Scan road ahead, behind and next to your vehicle for potential dangers….1 to 2 blocks in congested city traffic….next hill or curve in rural trafficLook into your rear view mirror every 3 to 5 seconds… peripheral visionPlay the “What If” game:

1) What if the driver approaching stop sign doesn’t stop?

2) What if the driver in oncoming lane swerves into my lane?

Defensive Driving

Backing Procedures

Improper backing up accounts for 40% of organizational driving accidents! How can we eliminate accidents attributed to improper backing procedures?– Park so you DON’T have to BACK UP!!!! – If you must back up…back up only as much

as needed

Defensive DrivingBacking Procedures

Loss Control Techniques you should use:– Be 100% sure no one or thing is behind you– Use spotter if one is available (especially for vans)– Check the blind spots and sides of vehicle– Never back up relying solely on mirrors– Keep in mind situations can change in seconds– Turn down radio so you can hear your surroundings– Roll down windows for more viewing options– Proceed with caution

Objective #3Wheelchair Safety

IntroductionWheelchair Safety Basics

Introduction to Wheelchair Safety

The person in the wheelchair is trusting you with their safety…be sensitive to the persons needs.

If your job requires you to drive an agency lift/wheelchair accessible van you will be personally trained in more detail the Transportation Coordinator before operating the vehicle.

Wheelchair Safety BasicsManeuvering Wheelchairs Efficiently & Safely:

A wheelchair is designed for smooth surfaces…any other surface will change the movement of the wheelchairAlways maintain solid control of the wheelchairScan at least 3 to 5 ft. ahead for barriers or impedimentsAssure the person’s feet will not be injured when entering doorways, hallways, vehicles, etc.Advise the person when you are going to tilt or maneuver the wheelchair over a curb or near vehicleAlways use breaks when not in motionIf transporting in your vehicle always secure the wheelchair in the trunk or backseat

Objective #4Lifting & Back Safety

IntroductionYour back takes part in almost every move you makeBasicsWhen Reaching Overhead

Introduction to Lifting & Back Safety

Because of the big job backs have to do, they are more prone to injury than any other part of the body.

Back injuries are the most common type of injuries among employees. You can prevent some of the injuries by using your body correctly to lift and move people and things properly.

Your back takes part in almost every move you make:

Reach StandBend overSit downLift loads Lift/transfer peopleMove objectsTurn

Basics

Use adaptive equipment to ease the weight of the person you are lifting- lifting belts- transfer boards- Barrier Free or Hoyer liftsAlways stand with your feet slightly apartBend your knees and hips…not your backWhen bending, kneel down on one kneeLift with your legs and keep the person close to your body to reduce strain

When Reaching Overhead:

Use a step stool or ladderSlide the load close to your bodyLet your arms and legs do all the work

Objective #5Slips, Trips, and Falls

IntroductionExamples

Introduction to Slips Trips and Falls

Every year in the United States alone falls kill thousands of people in their own homes, at work, or at play. Most of the injuries are not dramatic/fall off a bridge type of incidents. Most of the falls that injure people result from slips and trips that happen at or near floor level.

ExamplesSlips: Slippery floors, wet tiles, loose carpeting, area rugs, poor housekeepingTrips: Carrying objects that block the view, poorly lit areas, crowded areas and clutter, items left on the floor, electrical/power cords, raised thresholds, etc.Falls: Not using ladders to reach overhead, carrying objects that are oversized alone, not using handrails if available, not cleaning up spills as soon as you see them

Be Aware of Your Surroundings…Think Safety

Objective #6Worker’s Compensation

IntroductionWhat to do….

IntroductionWork related injuries are a very serious matter. Any injury regardless of how big or small must be taken seriously and reported immediately.

The health and safety of agency employees is equally as important to management as the quality of services provided to people supported.

What to do….If you are injured on the job you must notify your supervisor or a member of management immediately, utilizing the “On-Call Procedures” if necessaryYou must complete a First Report of Injury FormYou must be seen by a physicianYou can only return to work if you have permission from a physician “in writing”

Congratulations, you have just completed the

“Work Safety” Training.

Please be sure to take the “Work Safety” Test and submit it to the

coordinator of trainings or a member of the Business Office.