Even though all fire extinguishers in the health facilities are within their expiration date, the new ones have more efficient technologies and reduce operational costs
This week, the Base Hospital (HB), the Santa Maria Regional Hospital (HRSM), and the Emergency Care Units (UPAs) of the Federal District are receiving 301 new extinguishers of various classes. Even though all the extinguishers in the healthcare units are within their expiration date, the new ones feature more efficient technologies and reduce operational costs.
The unit cost was R$ 160.00 for 6-kilogram Class ABC fire extinguishers with a five-year service life, and R$ 900.00 for 20-kilogram 80BC dry chemical fire extinguishers on wheeled carts, for a total of R$ 49,640.00.
The purchased extinguishers follow a new standard, with a five-year service life for the 299 six-kilogram ABC class extinguishers and two 20-kilogram 80BC dry chemical wheeled cart-type extinguishers.
The new equipment is being distributed among the Base Hospital, which will receive 233; the Santa Maria Regional Hospital, 36; the Sobradinho UPA, 5; the São Sebastião UPA, 4; the Núcleo Bandeirante UPA, 4; the Recanto das Emas UPA, 5; and 12 for the Ceilândia UPA.
“This acquisition of fire extinguishers within the most modern standards demonstrates our concern for the safety of our professionals and our patients,” highlighted the CEO of IGESDF, Sérgio Costa.
Reinforcement
Actions for fire prevention and combating began to be strengthened by IGESDF in 2019, when, for the first time, the Base Hospital (HB) came to have a brigade team with civil firefighters available 24 hours a day. This year, since February, the Santa Maria Regional Hospital (HRSM) and the Ceilândia Emergency Care Unit (UPA) have also had this service.
At the Hospital de Base, all fire extinguishers were recharged in 2019. That year, the HRSM and the UPAs also had all their fire extinguishers recharged in June 2019.
In addition, the hoses of 150 hydrants and other components of the HB were replaced in accordance with the technical standard (NT 004) of the Military Fire Department of the Federal District (CBMDF). In December 2019, emergency signage for escape route guidance and two fire-rated cabinets for the storage of chemical and flammable products from the pathology department of the Base Hospital were acquired.
The Health, Safety and Quality of Life at Work Management of IGESDF also began to build two plans for HB. The first is for emergency care, which involves the assistance provided to patients in the event of building evacuation due to a disaster.
The second is the fire prevention and combat plan, which involves measures to prevent fires and information to guide the Fire Department team in the event of a fire. The document details the facilities and operations. Fire prevention and combat plans will also be built for all UPAs and HRSM.
In 2019, the Hospital de Base also trained 1,200 employees of outsourced companies in fire prevention within the building. They were made aware of various aspects such as, for example, the proper storage of cleaning products. There were also warnings about the use of fire extinguishers and the importance of not obstructing emergency stairwells.
Last year, the first voluntary brigade training was also held with 156 participants to act in combating early-stage fires and carrying out building evacuation in the event of an emergency.
SOURCE:
Jornal de Brasilia
