Regardless of what industry youre in, workplaces are vulnerable to different threats that can affect the safety and performance of employees. Most business owners believe that an explosion or fire won’t affect their workplace. However, risk management must be considered. A fire wont only threaten the safety of employees or destroy expensive machinery and equipment but it also puts the lives of the general public at risk.
How can you improve fire safety at work? These fire safety tips will help you keep your employees safe and your business from being set on fire.
HELPFUL FIRE PREVENTION TIPS FOR YOUR WORKPLACE
Keep your workspace clean
Not only is it dangerous for workers’ safety and health, but it also poses a fire hazard. Its easier for a fire to start and spread if there are more flammable materials lying around the office; it can also make it more difficult for employees to evacuate. It is important that all hallways, corridors and fire escapes are clear and unobstructed in the event of a fire. Regular trash pickups are important as garbage can block exits and cause combustible. If trash cans are filled with cardboard and paper, the fire load can increase.
According to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, you should also keep flammable products and liquids in fireproof cabinets and containers, preferably in a secure location that isnt easily accessible. If there is no need for flammables in the office, they should be stored somewhere else where employees won’t be exposed.
Get relevant fire safety equipment
A fire safety device can reduce the chance of a fire bursting out. Proper equipment, such as a smoke alarm, can be used to notify employees and the public if a fire breaks out in the workplace. You can also use safety equipment to extinguish the flames before they spread beyond control.
You should install smoke alarms, fire exit signs, fire escape ladders if necessary, and fire protection devices such as fire extinguishers and sprinklers in your workplace for optimal safety.
Regular risk assessments
You may not be aware of the fire dangers in your workplace and you might not be able to take the appropriate precautions. Before any fire safety measures can be implemented, it is important to conduct a thorough risk assessment of your workplace. It is not a good idea to place sprinklers where there is little risk of fire.
Not only is it a legal requirement that firms with more than one employee must perform risk assessments, but it is also an essential part of maintaining safety in your company. Potential fire hazards should be identified and considered, as well as what could ignite a fire. The next step is to evaluate the danger, prepare an evacuation plan, and enact strategies to prevent fires. You can then take the appropriate precautions for the danger level. Effective risk assessment is key to the long-term viability and effectiveness of workplace fire safety.
Train employees for fire safety
You must train your employees to effectively use available resources to control and prevent fires. They must know what to do in the case of a fire, from contacting emergency services to fleeing the building or area.
With the proper training and practical experience obtained during fire drills, employees will know what to do in the event of a workplace fire. This training can help employees to safely evacuate all workers from the workplace and follow the procedures outlined in the risk assessment.
Ensure electrical safety
Most commercial settings will have some form of electrical equipment running, and with that comes the inherent risk of fire. Fires can spread rapidly from faulty wiring or overloaded plug sockets.
You should avoid overloading outlets, get all the major electrical equipment and machinery inspected, and do portable appliance testing (PAT) to ensure they are safe to use. It would be best if you also got rid of old or broken electrical items to prevent electrical fires.
FINAL WORDS
Workplace fire safety is a major concern as the lives of employees are at risk, in addition to the business and its property. Some events, such as arson or natural disasters, are out of our control. However, most fires can be avoided. These foolproof fire prevention tips will help you fireproof your workplace.
