In many workplaces, fire safety is not a top priority in daily business activities. There are meetings to attend, clients to deal with, and employees to manage. Fire safety is often forgotten or placed at the bottom of the to-do list. As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of your employees. This means that you need to prepare for a fire and make it a priority. Having security measures in place allows you to carry out your work with the peace of mind of knowing that your workplace is protected against fire.
Fire Prevention Plan
According to OSHA, if your workplace has more than 10 employees, you must have a written fire prevention plan available for all to see. Employees must have access to the prevention plan and the employer must review it with them to make sure they know how to prevent a fire. A fire prevention plan should include a list of all major fire hazards with details on proper handling and their respective fire protection equipment. You must also include the job title or name of the employees who are responsible for maintaining fire-preventing equipment and who are responsible for controlling fuel hazards. The plan must also have procedures for the control of flammable materials and for the maintenance of safety measures in equipment that produces heat. Employers must review the fire prevention plan and inform employees of the fire hazards to which they may be exposed and the duties for which they are responsible.
Emergency Exits and Evacuation Routes
Emergency exits and evacuation routes are necessary for people inside a building to get out of a fire safely and quickly. The number of emergency exits and evacuation routes depends on the number of people in the building, the size of the building, and the configuration of the building. Evacuation routes must allow building occupants to exit safely and quickly. Emergency exit doors must be approved fire doors that are self-closing and fire resistant. Evacuation routes must be free of obstructions and provide a clear path for people to use. Emergency exit doors must be clearly visible and labeled.
fire protection system
To add an extra layer of protection, a fire protection system should be installed at your workplace. Depending on building code requirements, your building may need sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and fire extinguishers. A fire protection system will protect employees and property and limit the damage caused, thus minimizing downtime. As an employer, you should be familiar with the fire protection systems in your building and know how the equipment works.
train employees
All of the above fire prevention measures would be useless without proper employee training. Employees must receive training on the fire prevention plan and how to handle potential hazards in the workplace. They should also know the evacuation route to take if a fire breaks out so they can safely exit the building. In addition, they must be trained on how to use fire protection equipment, such as fire extinguishers. Some fire protection companies will offer training on the equipment they will install in your building.