Fire safety work tips
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According to NFPA’s website, “Work and the environment of a person’s workplace has its own specific fire risks, and the workplace needs to practice safety preventative measures to combat fire threats. A person can work in numerous places but whether you work in a factory or on a farm, in a garage or a greengrocer’s, there are still some basic tips which everyone should follow to maintain fire safety in the workplace.” Here are some basic rules to follow to prevent fire hazords at work:
“1. TAKE OUT THE TRASH
“A clean environment at work will make a huge difference and if your workplace handles a lot of flammable material this could be the difference between a minor threat and a catastrophic blaze. Whether you’re dealing with oily rags or stacks of paper filing, make sure everything is stored safely and away from naked flames.”
“2. MAINTAIN ELECTRICAL SAFETY
A huge number of fires in workplace premises can be traced back to faulty wiring and electrical equipment. “If your team contains someone qualified to repair electrical equipment, ensure they keep on top of any known issues. If not, book in regular inspections and PAT testing to avoid the risk of electrical fire. You should also maintain the safe operation of your site’s equipment, and prevent overheating or sparking wherever possible.”
“3. KEEP ELECTRICAL CONTROL PANELS ACCESSIBLE
If there is an emergency and you need to shut down a particular machine, the last thing you want to be doing is shifting boxes or equipment out of the way before you can even get to the control panel. Keep a clear line of access and sight to any control panels within your premises, and preferably have them visibly marked to enable swift identification at a moment’s notice.”
“4. STORE CHEMICALS SAFELY
Many workplaces might not feel this particular point applies to them, but flammable chemicals can be found in most workplaces in the form of printing supplies and the products stocked in your cleaner’s cupboard. Follow all documented advice which comes on both the label and any material safety data sheets you may have for these items.”
“5. PREVENT IGNITION IN EXPLOSIVE AREAS
Workplace environments containing high levels of flammable liquid vapour or fine particles are highly susceptible to ignition, and should be treated as such even when the flammable material is bottled, as with oxygen in nursing homes or hospitals. Avoid the use of sparking tools in such environments, control the emission of static electricity if possible, and always designate it a no-smoking area.”
“6. MAINTAIN FIRE SAFETY TRAINING
An educated and observant employee is your biggest ally in achieving fire safety for the workplace. Knowing what to do in an emergency can help prevent a disaster and death. It is important that everyone is trained properly in all safety procedures as often as possible.”
“7. HOLD REGULAR DRILLS
One of the most important parts of fire safety training concerns exit procedures in the event of fire. It is very important to hold a fire drill and practice them during a person’s workplace schedule.”
“8. KEEP FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT CLEAR
Make sure fire equipment is not obstructed or covered in any way at any time, if a fire should break out at work. “
“9. FIT RELEVANT EQUIPMENT
Smoke alarms should be fitted throughout your building and tested at regular intervals, with their batteries replaced annually. Different types of fire require vastly different approaches in order to tackle them effectively, so as part of your fire safety training ensure that your staff not only have access to the right kind of extinguisher, but that they also know how to use them.”
