FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR THE WORKPLACE

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS IN THE WORKPLACE

Eliminate workplace fire hazards:

• Damaged electrical outlets, cords, cables, etc.
• Overloaded outlets and circuits.

• Combustible objects in unsecured locations (included excessive trash and recycling)—keep these far from electrical equipment!

• Fire exit obstacles.

• Keep work space and equipment clean, dry, and well-ventilated, and especially clean of oil and dust.

Prepare for emergencies:

• Follow work space protocol and guidelines to ensure safety and health; know and understand rules and procedures concerning fire emergencies.
• Ensure that smoke alarms and sprinkler systems are installed, working properly, and are not blocked.
• Conduct regular fire drills.

Employers should follow these workplace fire safety tips:

• Post clear fire escape plans on every level.

• Educate all employees on emergency procedures, exit locations, escape routes, fire alarms and drills, and the use of fire extinguishers.

• Conduct regular drills.

• Install and properly maintain all fire safety equipment.

• Provide for disabled employees.

HAZARDOUS ELECTRICS AND EQUIPMENT

• Use only electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory (i.e. UL).

• Immediately replace damaged, hazardous equipment.

• Look out for anything that appears overheated, smells strange, or delivers electrical shock.
• Replace all damaged, worn, frayed, or old wires.
• Only use three-prong plugs in three-slot outlets (and, similarly: two-slot plug into two-slot outlets).

• Equipment that emanates substantial heat should be at least several feet away from combustible surfaces and objects.

• Heaters must include a thermostat control mechanism.

SMOKE ALARMS: A NECESSITY, NOT AN OPTION

• Invest smoke detectors for every room or office.
• Install dual sensor smoke alarms; make sure they contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
• Test your smoke detectors (and sprinkler system) once a month.
• Replace the batteries at least once a year (possible exception: non-replaceable 10-year lithium batteries; still, be sure to test them); many manufacturers also encourage a replacement of the smoke detectors after a decade.
• Never disable a smoke alarm.

A NO-SMOKING ZONE IS LESS OF A DANGER ZONE

• Keep the work space a no-smoking zone. If you must smoke, smoke outdoors, and always ensure that you properly extinguish the cigarette in a sand-filled can, or drown cigarette butts and ashes in water.
• Never throw away hot cigarette butts or ashes without attending to them properly.

IN CASE OF FIRE: FOLLOW THE EVACUATION PLAN

• Immediately call 911 in case of a fire.
• Know and understand the fire emergency and evacuation plan.
• Plan at multiple escape routes from as many locations as possible.
• Check the condition of fire ladders and fire escapes; ladders should be collapsible and have been evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory (i.e. UL); fire escapes need to be stable, secure, and easily accessible.
• Ensure that windows don’t become obstacles; glass should be opened easily and screens should be swiftly removed.
• Never use the elevator. Walk—don’t run—down the stairs.

If you cannot evacuate:

• Remain calm and put as much distance as possible between yourself and the fire.
• Seal all cracks with wet materials (towels, jackets) to prevent smoke from seeping into the room.
• Wait at the window; shout for help and signal your location by waving the most visible object.
• Open the window for air, but try not to break it; you may need to close it if smoke begins to seep in.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –847-983-4468