Workplace Fire Safety Solutions

Eliminate workplace fire hazards:

• Damaged electrical outlets, cords, cables, etc. – repair or remove these upon detection – faulty electrics can spark a fire quickly.

• Overloaded outlets and circuits

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

• Keep fire exits free from obstacles.

• Keep workspace and equipment clean, (particularly in commercial applications) dry, and well-ventilated, and especially clean of unnecessary oil and dust.

Prepare for emergencies (prepare for the worst – fire!):

• Ensure your passive fire protection systems are regularly maintained and inspected, and if required repaired to match your Compliance Schedule.

• Follow workspace protocol and parameters to ensure health and safety measures are reached; know and understand systems and procedures concerning fire emergencies in your place of work.

• Ensure that smoke alarms and sprinkler systems are installed, working properly, including changing the battery, and are not blocked.

• Conduct regular fire drills to not only rehearse for the worst, but to train potential new employees in your building / business.

Employers should follow these workplace fire safety tips:

• Make sure your fire evacuation plan is visible to all occupants of your building.

• Implement effective fire evacuation management systems, fire safety inspectors and maintain your Compliance Schedule.

• 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 and passive fire protection systems.

• Provide for disabled employees – such elements include ramps and visual fire alarms.

Tips for Hazardous Electrics & Equipment.

• Use only electrical products evaluated and certified for use in your workplace conditions.
• Immediately replace damaged, hazardous and faulty equipment:
  • Be aware of anything that appears overheated, smells funny, or delivers an electrical shock.
  • Replace all damaged, worn, frayed, or old wires, cables and any electrical systems that are visible through their protective coatings.
• Don’t overload power cables with more than they can handle; use surge protection power boards, and keep power cables away from harmful elements, such as water.
• Equipment that emanates substantial heat should situate away from combustible surfaces and objects, such as heaters and air cooling units.

Seek Active Fire Protection – smoke alarms.

• Invest in smoke detectors for every part of your facility; room or office.
  • Install dual sensor smoke alarms; make sure they contain both ionisation and photoelectric smoke sensors to detect small lingering fires and smoke.
• Test your smoke detectors (and sprinkling system if installed) 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 – they could save you lawsuits and more importantly, occupant lives.
• Consider smoke alarms for the disabled.
  • Audible alarms (pauses between the siren wail allow for auditory communication) are available for the visually impaired; visual alarms (with a flashing light or vibrating pad) are available for the hearing impaired.