Whether you are working in IT industry or manufacturing industry no matter what business you are running, fire safety always should be a major concern.
We cannot stop accidents from happening but we can prevent them from happening
How do fire start?
In order to prevent fire, we need to understand how do fire start. There are three things need to be present to start fire.
Fuel: fuel can be gases, liquid or solids i.e. powder or dust etc.
Ignition sources: sparks, smoking, naked flames, electrical equipment etc.
Oxygen: oxygen helps to fire to burn things. Oxygen in air or substances which produce oxygen.
If any one of them is missing then we can stop fire at the workplace or at home.
Evaluate, analyze and reduce or eliminate the chances of risk
List down findings, make an emergency plan and train your employees
Review and update risk assessment frequently
We can also take help from coworkers to understand potential hazards for fire at workplace. Below are important things we need to consider while performing fire safety risk assessment.
Emergency exits and routes
Firefighting equipment
Fire detection and warning systems
Emergency escape plan
Removal of dangerous goods from workplace
Fire Safety Training and providing information to the staff by conducting mock drills for escape
Your fire safety evacuation plan should have considered following things to keep workers safe:
A clear passage to all escape doors
Clearly written “EXIT” on exit door to avoid confusion
Enough number of exits for all workers to escape
Emergency doors that opens easily
Manual operated sounder for warning
In case of lot of background noise at workplace visual alarm needs to be in place e.g. flashing lights or rotating lights
Special arrangements for workers with mobility needs e.g. wheelchairs, etc.
Fire safety Equipments, Drills and Training staff
Fire detection and warning systems
There should be a fire detection system in place to detect fire. There are multiple types of fire or smoke detectors are in market. You need to use best suited for your company of combination of two or more for fire detection.
Firefighting equipment
The type of firefighting equipment required is depends on the type of your business. Youwill need to install, test and maintain firefighting equipment. Also you need to train your workers how to use it in case of fire.
Inspection, maintenance & testing
You need to carry out regular checks (Quarterly) to make sure all fire alarms, emergency lighting, equipments (Including fire extinguishers, fire blankets, sprinklers etc.), escape routes, fire escapes, Exit signs are working correctly and are at the right place.
Fire Drills and Fire safety training at workplace
It is recommended to carry out mock drill for fire once a year. It will provide guide for new employees when they start work. Also you will need to inform your workers about any new fire risks at workplace.
Fire Safety tips for Workers
If you are worker then you will get instructions to avoid fire at the workplace from your seniors, but there are some other things which you need to remember in order to keep yourself safe. Such as Fire prevention and action to be taken in case of fire.
How to prevent fire?
Keep your area free from paper, trash and other items which can easily catch fire
Pay attention to damaged electrical wires
Don’t overload your circuits
Turn off electrical appliance before leaving to home
Keep heat producing machines away from items that might burn.
What to do in case of fire?
Call emergency number
Close the doors when exiting to limit the spread of fire in building
Do not use elevators
Follow the escape plan and meet your staff outside of building. Also count the number of employees to ensure all staff has evacuated.
This article is written by Perfect Pollucon services. They are environmental consultant in India offering environmental services.
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