FIRE SAFETY TRAINING FOR HOSPITAL STAFF

                                      Dr. Madhav Madhusudan Singh

Hospitals and care facilities demand the greatest level of correct fire and safety awareness and training. Patients who for example who are unable to walk, breathe or communicate properly can become extremely panicked at the same time as having their life put at risk from the result of incorrect safety procedures. By ensuring proper fire safety training in hospitals will help you not only save staff from danger but also save patients who would otherwise be helpless in the event of a fire. Hospitals are overwhelmed with items that could be potentially dangerous in the case of a fire.

 

The objective of Fire safety training

·         To command and coordinate emergency procedures.

·         To fully understand the evacuation process.

·         Communicate with emergency personnel.

·         Assess developing emergency situations.

·         Completing all documentation & Incident reports.

·         Monitor fire safety at all times.

  

Benefits of conducting fire safety training in hospital

•          Protecting patients and staff: Fire safety training ensures that hospital staff knows how to prevent fires and respond quickly and effectively if a fire does occur, which can help protect both patients and staff from harm.
•          Meeting regulatory requirements: Many healthcare regulatory bodies require hospitals to conduct fire safety training and maintain records of these training sessions. By conducting fire safety training, hospitals can meet these regulatory requirements and ensure compliance.
•          Reducing property damage: In the event of a fire, hospital staff who have received fire safety training can respond quickly and effectively to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading, which can help reduce property damage.
•          Improving emergency preparedness: Fire safety training is an important part of emergency preparedness in hospitals. By training staff on fire safety procedures and protocols, hospitals can improve their overall emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
•          Enhancing overall safety culture: Conducting fire safety training can help promote a culture of safety within the hospital. By emphasizing the importance of fire safety and providing staff with the knowledge and tools they need to respond to fires, hospitals can create a safer and more secure environment for everyone.

•   Legal obligation for fire safety training in the hospital
•          In many countries, including the United States, fire safety training in hospitals is not just a good practice but a legal requirement. The specific legal obligations for fire safety training in hospitals can vary depending on the country or jurisdiction.
•         For example, in the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards for workplace safety, including fire safety. Under OSHA's requirements, hospitals must provide fire safety training to all employees upon initial assignment and at least annually thereafter. This training must cover topics such as the proper use of fire extinguishers, emergency evacuation procedures, and the importance of fire prevention.
•       In the United Kingdom, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that all employers provide fire safety training to their employees. This includes hospitals, which are considered to be high-risk environments for fires. The training must cover fire safety awareness, the use of fire-fighting equipment, and the procedures for evacuating a building in the event of a fire.
•        In India, the National Building Code (NBC) provides guidelines for fire safety in buildings, including hospitals. The NBC is not a legal document, but it is widely used as a reference document for building design, construction, and fire safety standards.
•         In addition to the NBC, there are various state-level fire safety regulations that hospitals in India must comply with. These regulations typically require hospitals to conduct fire safety audits and implement fire safety measures, including fire safety training for staff.
•       Under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, for example, hospitals in Maharashtra must provide fire safety training to all employees, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff. The training must cover topics such as fire prevention, emergency evacuation procedures, and the proper use of fire-fighting equipment.
•        Similarly, the Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964 requires that all buildings, including hospitals, comply with fire safety regulations and provide fire safety training to employees. The training must cover fire prevention, emergency response procedures, and the use of fire-fighting equipment.
•        It is important for hospitals in India to comply with these regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Failure to comply with fire safety regulations can result in legal liability if a fire occurs and causes harm to patients or staff.
•        In general, hospitals have a legal obligation to provide a safe environment for their patients and staff, and fire safety training is a key component of this obligation. Failure to provide adequate fire safety training can result in legal liability if a fire occurs and causes harm to patients or staff.

 

Recommended Fire safety training for hospital safety for doctors / other staff

 

Sr no	Topic	Time
1.	Overview of the concept of disaster management in India including hospitals	30 minutes
2.	Overview of the problem in hospitals and basics of fire	30 minutes
3.	Fire and other hazards in hospitals & its control	30 minutes
4.	Identification of passive fire protection systems in hospitals	30 minutes
5.	Identification of active fire protection systems in hospitals	30 minutes
6.	Practical activities + VR Activities Identification of hazards in hospitals and hands-on training of available equipment	1 hr
7.	Fire evacuation plan and role of various stakeholders	30 minutes
8.	Understanding the role of emergency preparedness and response system and preparation for the nock drill	30 minutes
9.	Mock drill on emergency escape/evacuation	1 hr
10.	Debriefing	30 minutes
	Total	6 hrs

 

Frequency: On induction of all staff, 6 monthly for all staff

Documentation: All training activities should be included in the training register and their HR training dossier of employees.

 

Dr. Madhav Madhusudan Singh MBBS, MHA, MBA, PhD

https://twitter.com/madhavsingh1972

https://www.rfhha.org/

 

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