One-alarm fires, two-alarm fires, three-alarm fires, etc., are categories classifying the seriousness of fires, commonly used in the United States and in Canada, particularly indicating the level of response by local authorities. This system of classification is used by both fire departments and news agencies.
As soon as a fire is detected, several actions should be taken to ensure the safety of the vessel and the personnel.
- General alarm should be sounded.
- Bridge team should be informed.
- Fire party should muster.
- The fire should be isolated, by closing ventilation system, skylights, doors, boundary cooling, etc.
According to the merchant shipping act, muster and drills must be according out at regular intervals of time as stated by the company and law. A fire drill must be conducted within 24 hours of leaving the port if more than 25% of the crew members have not taken part in the drill in the previous month.
When your alarm detects smoke in your home, the alarm will beep three (3) times in a loud, repeating pattern. If your smoke alarm detects smoke, it will sound a very loud, 3-beep alarm pattern. Don't panic; stay calm.
The signal is composed of seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle and internal alarm system. Within 24 hours of embarkation of all passengers, the crew will conduct a mandatory muster drill in which the General Emergency Signal is sounded.
Raise the alarm. Reduce the vessels speed & Engage manual steering. Display NUC ( NOT UNDER COMMAND) lights,Weather reports, open communication with other vessels in the vicinity and send urgency signal.
Fires on board ships can be prevented by finding and rectifying leakages of fuel oil, lubricating oil, and exhaust gases. In a ship's generator room, the biggest danger of fire is from a leaky high pressure fuel pipe.
In case of fire, raise the Fire/General alarm as soon as possible. Try to stop fire and if it is not possible, muster according to the Fire Muster List.
A Sound Signal that Indicates Danger5 Short Blasts. This horn signal indicates danger and can be used to communicate potential collision with another vessel.
Warning. One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or leaving a dock). Five (or more) short, rapid blasts signal danger or signal that you do not understand or that you disagree with the other boater's intentions.
prepares to depart the dock the skipper gives four blasts on the horn to alert local boaters they are getting underway.
Vessels are required to sound signals any time that they are in close quarters and risk of collision exists. The term “short blast” means a blast of about one second. The term “prolonged blast” means a blast of from four to six seconds.
SHE: Why do they honk three times when they come into port? HE: They are signalling that they are coming home.
Warning. One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or exiting a slip). Five (or more) short, rapid blasts signal danger or signal that you do not understand or that you disagree with the other boater's intentions.
Types of alarms. Two basic types of emergency alarm systems exist. The first type is a one-stage alarm that sounds an evacuation signal as soon as a problem is detected. The second type is a two-stage alarm that produces two distinct signals.
Commercial ships trawling should show lights green over white when engaged in trawling at night. All ships should keep clear of fishing ships.
To develop an effective evacuation plan, employers should follow the 3 stages of evacuation in a fire:
- 'Stage 1': Immediate evacuation;
- 'Stage 2': Lateral evacuation; and.
- 'Stage 3': Partial evacuation.
Everyone must evacuate the building by way of the safest and closest exit and/or stairway. Never use an elevator to exit during a fire alarm activation. Once outside the building, move away from the building.
All employees need fire safety training on their first day. The law says that fire drills need to be done, as a minimum, once a year. However all employees must do a drill at least once a year, so you may need to do more than one if people are not in on drill day or if new employees are hired.
When the fire alarm goes off, a signal is sent to a monitoring station, which forwards the message to the fire department. In mere seconds, emergency responders are on their way to your business.
If the reset button doesn't do the trick, take the alarm down and remove the batteries. If your smoke detector has a long-life lithium battery that can't be removed, wrap it in a blanket or stick it in the freezer until it stops beeping.
5 things you should never do in a fire
- Breaking windows.
- Opening hot doors.
- Returning for your belongings.
- Hiding.
- Do not use lifts.
- Use the appropriate fire extinguisher.
- Call the emergency services.
- Escape.
- In the event of a fire or other emergency, remember four golden rules:
- Emergency Services: Call no matter how small.
- Save these numbers on your cell phone:
- Extinguish: Only try to extinguish if safe to do so.
- Fire Action!
- * Using a Fire Extinguisher.
- P – Pull the pin.
- EMERGENCY NUMBERS.
On discovering a fire, raise the alarm by shouting FIRE! (to alert anyone in the immediate vicinity) and then activate the nearest push-glass fire alarm call-point (small red box, close to major exits). If safe to do so, use an appropriate fire extinguisher to tackle the fire, but only if your exit is clear.
Top Tips for Fire Safety
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
- Test smoke alarms every month.
- Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
- If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP.
The first reason you should take the stairs rather than the lift is because the fire could very well short out the electrical system in the building, meaning that if you're in the lift and you're between floors you will most likely be stuck there.
Who is responsible for fire safety in the workplace? In a working or non-domestic environment, the person responsible for fire safety is the person in control of the premises.
Employers should follow these workplace fire safety tips: Post clear fire escape plans on every level. Educate all employees on emergency procedures, exit locations, escape routes, fire alarms and drills, and the use of fire extinguishers. Conduct regular drills. Install and properly maintain all fire safety equipment.
There is no legal requirement for training the fire wardens though it is recommended they are fully trained and attend a refresher course every 12 months to help them remain up to date with all changes to their duties.
How do I install them? Hard-wired smoke alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician. Always install smoke alarms in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. If it is difficult for you to fit one yourself, contact your local Fire and Rescue NSW station for advice.
Class A fires are fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and many plastics.
