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Fire and Explosion Precautions Often when we speak of safety measures, one of our first thoughts is of a fire or an explosion involving the loss of life or injury to a number of people. Good housekeeping, maintenance, and discipline help prevent such mishaps. Remember that buildings constructed of fire-resistant materials may not be fireproof, and they are certainly not explosion proof. Good maintenance includes checking, reporting, and ensuring correct repair of electrical equipment, and routine checking of fire fighting equipment by qualified personnel. The education and training of personnel are the most effective means of preventing fires. Used in the context of fire safety measures, good discipline means developing a fire plan to use as outlined in a fire bill, having periodic fire drills, and enforcing no-smoking regulations. FIRE EVACUATION PROCEDURES.-Staff members should be familiar with the fire regulations at their duty station and know what to do in case of fire. Staff should know how to report a fire, use a fire extinguisher, and evacuate patients. When a fire occurs, there are certain basic rules to follow: The senior person should take charge and appoint someone to notify the fire department and the officer of the day of the exact location of the fire. Everyone should remain calm. All oxygen equipment and electrical appliances must be turned off unless such equipment is necessary to sustain life. All windows and doors should be closed and all possible exits cleared. When necessary and directed by proper authority, patients should be removed in a calm and orderly fashion and mustered outside. SMOKING REGULATIONS.-By regulation (BUMEDINST 6200.12, Tobacco Use in Navy Medical Department Activities), smoking is no longer permitted in Navy hospitals. To ensure general safety and awareness of this prohibition, inform patients, visitors, and staff of the facility's no-smoking status by prominently displaying "No Smoking" signs throughout the hospital-especially in rooms and areas where oxygen and flammable agents are used and stored. |
 
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