Exam Pass Notes

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A Simple 6-Step Memory Aid

• Prevent: spot hazards and report them straight away.
• Prepare: know the alarm, exits, your role and the assembly point.
• Raise the alarm: act immediately if you discover fire or smoke.
• Protect people: help patients, customers and colleagues evacuate safely.
• Communicate clearly: give accurate details to colleagues and the emergency services.
• Learn and improve: use drills, near misses and incidents to reduce future risk.

Fire Safety Duties and Local Plans

• Practices must have fire-safety arrangements appropriate to the premises, layout, services and people on site.
• Support staff generally follow procedures and report issues; they do not usually write the fire risk assessment.
• Staff must know the local alarm signal, exits, assembly point, area-check responsibilities and evacuation route.
• Fire-safety law varies across the UK, so follow your local procedure and employer guidance.
• GOC optical business standards expect safe care, suitable environments, regulatory compliance, training and supervision.

Hazards and Prevention

• Common hazards include faulty electrics, overloaded sockets, chargers, display lighting, frame warmers, stock, cardboard, cleaning products, aerosols, batteries and contractor work.
• Keep fire doors, alarm points, extinguishers, exits and escape routes clear.
• Do not wedge fire doors open unless an approved automatic hold-open device is fitted and working.
• Store combustible and flammable materials away from heat and ignition sources.
• Report damaged cables, scorch marks, overheating, blocked routes and unsafe storage without delay.

Alarm Response and Evacuation

• If you find fire or smoke, raise the alarm immediately.
• Guide patients and customers calmly to the nearest safe exit.
• Check consulting rooms, screening rooms, toilets and staff areas only if this is your assigned role and it is safe to do so.
• Ensure 999 is called where required by local procedure; do not assume the alarm summons the fire and rescue service automatically.
• Do not use ordinary lifts unless the local fire plan specifies an evacuation lift or arrangement.
• Do not delay to finish tasks, collect belongings, save stock or re-enter the building.
• When calling 999, give clear information about the location, people at risk, hazards and evacuation status.

Extinguishers and Drills

• Only trained staff should use extinguishers, and only on small fires when there is a clear escape route.
• Remember PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
• If the fire or smoke grows, stop using extinguishers and evacuate.
• Fire drills check roles, routes, assisted-evacuation arrangements and communication in practice.
• Follow local drill requirements; GOV.UK workplace guidance suggests at least one drill each year and a record of the result.
• Record drill findings, act on them and use them to improve local readiness.