Avoiding fire in the workplace is often overlooked, since it feels like such an uncertain prospect. Yet with proper preparation, fire prevention plans can save lives and avoid property damage.
Make sure your building is equipped with fire safety equipment. Involve employees in regular fire drills and evacuation planning sessions; remove flammable materials from your office space and regularly check electrical devices.
1. Keep Combustibles Away From Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment like heaters or distribution panels should always be kept clear of combustible materials, and posted signs should remind everyone in a shared area that keeping a safe distance is vitally important.
Many fires are started when heating equipment fails or is used improperly says this fire sprinkler services, so follow manufacturer recommendations regarding usage and maintenance, while inspecting heating systems regularly for potential issues.
Chemical fires can be devastating. To protect yourself from fire hazards caused by chemicals, always store incompatible groups separately, use safety data sheets and hazard labels when storing chemicals, and ensure containers are sealed and labeled appropriately.
At all times, make sure all fire exits are clear of equipment or personal belongings at all times, and test and maintain your evacuation plans and drills regularly.
2. Keep Chemicals Away From Each Other
Workplace safety often receives increased focus after an incident has taken place, yet prevention should always remain a top priority. Building owners can significantly lower fire risks in their workplace by instructing staff to keep spaces tidy, display emergency numbers in prominent places and check that equipment functions efficiently – three strategies which have proven extremely successful for lowering risk in previous studies.
Maintaining proper separation between chemicals to avoid ignition is also key, with flammables stored away from oxidizers and explosives as well as water reactive materials from air reactive ones. Furthermore, all electrical appliances should be unplugged after each use to avoid electric current from passing through and creating unwanted sparks; developing this habit can significantly decrease fire risks in the workplace.
3. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
Fire can be devastating for any business and it is imperative that preventative measures are put in place in order to lessen their likelihood and facilitate swift evacuation in case a fire does break out.
If a fire starts in your workplace, having access to a fire extinguisher can be invaluable in controlling it and preventing serious property damage or fatalities.
Keep a fire extinguisher within reach in every area where there is risk, ensuring it can quickly respond. Aim to place it no more than 30 feet from any potential fire hazards.
Consider keeping two type L2 and M28 dry powder extinguishers (for use on metal fires), in your garage or workshop in addition to standard carbon dioxide fire extinguishers.
4. Have a Plan for Evacuation
One of the most essential tasks a company must complete is creating and disseminating an emergency plan with their employees. Make sure it includes evacuation routes, fire safety responsibilities, meeting locations for headcounts and updates as well as locations where updates will take place.
Encourage workers to keep workspaces tidy and organized in order to minimize fire risks. Furthermore, it is vital that electrical equipment and machines remain in good working condition so that if something malfunctions quickly, they can be shut off without delay.
Be sure to hold regular fire drills with employees and discuss the results afterward to make sure they understand how the evacuation process works. Encourage employees to be alert for obstacles which could hamper their exiting such as blocked doors.
5. Train Employees
Employees need to be trained in fire hazards caused by equipment failure or smoking in order to recognize and comply with evacuation procedures in case a fire arises. When they spot an actual blaze, they should activate the nearest pull station to alert everyone of its presence, call for response by the fire department, stay clear of smoke or steam inhalation, clear stairways and exits of clutter etc.
Students should also be instructed to regularly inspect electrical equipment for frayed or broken wires, and never place extension cords where they could be stepped upon or pinched by others. Smokers must use designated areas with large enough ashtrays to contain butts when smoking; and only use equipment approved or regulated by UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory) which does not overload power outlets.