Fire prevention in the workplace is an easy topic to set aside for another day. After all, most days it can seem like a big if. However, without adequate planning, training, and practice, that IF can quickly turn into a disastrous event — one that not only risks the lives of your employees but also the future of your business.
To limit liability, ensure employee safety, and minimize potential property damage, follow these tips for fire prevention in the workplace and put them into practice as soon as possible. If the worst does happen, you’ll be glad you did.
The best way to stop fire from threatening your workplace and employees is to prevent the initial spark from igniting in the first place. There are several areas around your building you should check for fire safety.
The most common offender for fire-related incidents in the workplace is the kitchen or cooking area of your workplace. It holds most of the appliances in your office and is also where employees’ attention is most likely to stray.
Other electric appliances and machines around your workplace could easily become fire hazards. Check around your office for common fire traps and follow these tips for fire prevention in the workplace.
If a fire starts, you may be left with minutes or less to formulate a plan and get out safely. If you can implement a fire prevention strategy and have an emergency plan in place, those minutes can be used to get people to safety and stop a disaster from happening.
Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in an emergency. Without properly functioning alarms, by the time employees are aware of a flame, it could already have spread and become dangerous.
Preventative maintenance, through inspections, testing, and maintenance, is essential. In addition to your smoke alarms, you’ll want to establish a preventative maintenance program that covers all aspects of your fire suppression system, and that incorporates proper documentation according to your industry’s safety requirements.
An evacuation plan can help direct employees where to go in an emergency. Rather than letting fear and chaos take over, establish a clear plan now and make sure your employees are trained in how to implement it. The best fire prevention in the workplace is in the planning, with the hope that you’ll never have to use it in a real situation.
The best way for employees to practice fire prevention in the workplace is to familiarize themselves with the evacuation plan through regular drills.
Understand that if an emergency does arise, people will be under stress and less likely to think and behave rationally. Practicing an evacuation plan and having a solid understanding of how to behave in an emergency will provide your employees with invaluable information and skills — which could save their lives.
Just a little bit of office fire safety training can go a long way. If it’s been a while since your team has had any kind of fire safety training, it might be time for a comprehensive fire extinguisher training course. For more information on either, contact the team at Vanguard Fire & Security.
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