Best Practices For Fire Prevention In The Workplace
Workplace fire prevention can help businesses avoid property damage and save lives. The most important things to remember are to prevent ignition, protect flammables, and control static electricity. It is also important to train employees on safety practices. You should ensure your employees understand the importance of fire drills and how to react in an emergency. You should also install a reliable FM 200 fire suppression system in the workplace.
Make sure equipment is in working order:
When preventing a fire, a business must ensure its equipment is in good working order. This can include appliances and machinery, but it can also mean properly cleaning the office area. Keep workspaces clear of clutter to reduce the risk of a fire. Clean work areas are especially beneficial when dealing with highly flammable materials. Removing broken items quickly and replacing broken or damaged ones is also essential.
Consider quarterly or annual fire drills:
Several bodies recommend quarterly or annual fire drills. These practice sessions will teach your employees about common fire hazards and exit routes. You can also prepare your staff to respond quickly to an emergency by assigning them roles during an evacuation. You should ensure that all employees know how to identify fire, sound an alarm, and use an extinguisher.
Be sure that flammable materials are stored safely and away from heat sources:
It is also important to be sure that flammable materials are stored safely and away from heat sources. You should also be aware of the risks of storing certain chemicals in a closed-off room. You should be familiar with the Material Safety Data Sheet if you store these items. It would help if you never mixed combustibles with flammables or stored these items near other hazardous materials.
Create a fire escape plan:
Creating a fire escape plan will prevent employees from re-entering a smoke-filled building. The plan should have multiple exits so that everyone can get out promptly. It should also include a safe meeting point for employees.
Be sure that you have the right fire extinguishers:
If you have a lot of flammable materials, you should have the right fire extinguishers on hand. You should also make sure that they are inspected regularly. You should also ensure they are properly equipped to deal with small or medium-sized fires.