L. Steven Sanders
There are numerous crucial components of a life-saving fire safety program:
Prevention: The least complicated way to make your employees safe from fire is to keep fires from occurring. Develop a strategy for fire prevention and teach all employees. Warehouse all flammables the right way. Examine and properly maintain any ignition points, such as appliances, electrical wiring, plugs, and workplace tools. Instruct employees how to discover fire danger in the office and how to handle small fires to prevent an emergency evacuation.
Evacuation Exits: Just one exit door is not adequate. Every place of work is obligated to supply at least two emergency exit locations. All exits must be clearly marked with illuminated exit signs or glow in the dark exit signs that are visible in case of a blackout. Every exit path must always be clear of any obstacles or obstruction and all building emergency lighting regulations need to be met. OSHA rules require all fire exit signs be installed prior to employees entering a working area.
Working Fire Extinguishers: Suitable fire extinguishers should be installed in numerous locations. The extinguishers must be checked regularly and must be properly maintained. Train employees in the appropriate use of all fire emergency equipment. Fire extinguisher signs will help in keeping your employees safe.
Evacuation Plan: Create a comprehensive written guide for evacuation in case of fire and any other emergencies. This plan needs to include exit routes, external meeting points, and any modifications required for disabled employees. Institute emergency training in your new worker orientation program, put up your workplace evacuation plan and instruct employees on what to do in any emergency.
Sounding Alarms: Fire alarms are a fire emergency must-have, unless any small workplace fires could be readily discovered by employees. Using a loud-speaker alert system or distinct alarm bell is the best way to alert all building occupants to enact the fire safety plan. Perform frequent fire drills to acquaint employees with the alarm and what to do in case of fire.
Fire Suppression: Aside from prevention, the most appropriate way to guarantee fire safety is installation of a fire suppression system. Powerful methods of suppression encompass sprinkler systems and carbon dioxide, or Halon 1211 dispersion systems. Information should be posted about the potential use of any suppression system.
Employees value being engaged in the process of strategy creation and should be part of all education and preparation for emergencies. Sit down with staff and go over the key areas included in secure, successful management of fires and other work area dangers. Your employees will feel secure in knowing their workplace safety is in good hands.
While conducting the research for this article, I learned a lot about egress markings and where to find OSHA approved exit signs at GloBriteSystem.com.