Introduction to Fire Safety Management

needs. This assessment must also take into consideration
the needs of the wearer in terms of fi t and usability.
Any PPE issued must have a supporting system
to ensure it is properly maintained or replaced as
necessary. The level of maintenance support required
will depend on the nature of the equipment and may
range from simple cleaning to a planned inspection and
maintenance programme.
While PPE is seen as a last resort, there are a
number of benefi ts to its use these are:
➤ It supports and enhances other control measures
such as SSOWs and permit to work systems (confi
ned space entry)
➤ It provides a solution to risk reduction where other
controls are impracticable such as wearing bump
caps in low head height plant room areas
➤ It can be used as an immediate interim measure to
allow work to continue prior to establishing further
controls such as guarding, enclosure, etc.
➤ It will be required as part of the emergency response
arrangements for effectively rescuing a person from
areas such as confi ned spaces or enabling isolation
of power sources, service supplies, etc. in the event
of an emergency.
There are a number of limitations attached to the use of
PPE, the majority of which revolve around the fact that
if the PPE is not worn, is damaged, does not fi t or is not
maintained it will not only offer limited or no protection,
it can also lead the wearer to believe that they are protected
even if they are not.
6.3.7 Discipline
The use of signage markings and personal discipline is
the fi nal control measure covered by ERICPD hierarchy.
The reliance upon individuals following the sign’s direction
is immense; it is also well known that an overprovision
of signage actually results in a person becoming
‘sign blind’ where they cannot identify what the specifi c
signage denotes and will therefore not take the appropriate
course of action – this will be discussed further in
Chapter 10. All signs must display a pictogram to identify
their meaning which may, if necessary, be supported
by suitable wording.
Mandatory signs
Signs prescribing specifi c behaviour
Circular sign
Blue ground (50% of area of sign)
White border and pictogram.
E.g. fi re door keep shut.
General principles of control
Figure 6.3 Typical fi re door keep shut sign
Prohibition signs
Signs prohibiting behaviour likely to cause or increase
danger.
Circular sign
Red edging and cross stripe (35% of area)
White ground
Black pictogram.
E.g. No smoking.
Figure 6.4 A typical no smoking sign
Warning signs
Signs giving warning of a hazard or danger.
Triangular sign
Yellow ground (50% of area)
Black edging and pictogram.
E.g. Explosive atmosphere.
Emergency escape or fi rst aid signs
Fire safety signs (also known as safe condition signs).
Signs giving information on emergency exits, fi rst aid, rescue
facilities, etc.
Rectangular or square sign
Green ground (50% of area)
White pictogram.
E.g. Emergency exit.
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