October is National Fire Safety Month and while the main focus is on preventing residential fires, it is also a good time to talk about workplace fire safety and prevention. Fatal occupational injuries involving fires and explosions result in almost 100 deaths annually. That coupled with the threat of fire to business equipment and buildings demands that all business owners and safety professionals avoid having a fire emergency.
Tips to a safer workplace:
Get Organized– Clutter contributes to workplace fires by providing fuel and by preventing access to exits and emergency equipment, so ensure good housekeeping is a priority.
Designated Smoking Areas – Provide appropriate outdoor spaces are allocated for smoking, along with proper disposal options is very important to prevent fires.
Fire Extinguishers – Ensure all employees are aware of how to operate a fire extinguisher, and maintain the appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers.
Electrical Hazards – Conduct regular checks for electrical hazards and report any findings. Fires can start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment.
Access to Control Panels – Make sure that electrical panels have appropriate clearance and free access, so the electric could be shut off easily if needed.
Maintenance – Maintain machinery to prevent overheating and friction sparks.
Sprinkler Systems & Smoke Detectors – Don’t block sprinklers or emergency exits, ensure that there is proper clearance surrounding sprinkles, and make sure sprinkler systems and smoke detectors are inspected at least annually.
Chemical Safety – Use and store chemicals safely, provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances, and maintain a binder of MSDS information on chemicals at your location for employee reference and to provide to emergency personnel in the event of a fire.
Waste Control & Storage – Minimize the accumulation of flammable/combustible waste materials and residues to avoid them contributing to a fire emergency.
Exits – Post emergency exit diagrams and ensure exits are well lit with regulation signs.
Contact Info – Remember that people will often panic in an intense situation, so basics such as the company address, phone number and floor plan should be posted, and a list of emergency contacts should be provided.
Practice – Use a digital training system like LION BullsEye for industrial facility training. People can get nervous with real fire, so digital training options can allow employees to focus on skills and learn without fear – which improves the ability to retain the information for the future.
The main thing is prevention is always the preferred option and it’s best to avoid catastrophe in the first place!
