Safety in the workplace is a top priority for any business owner or manager. However, the daily work routines of offices and manufacturing sites can often distract the minds of those responsible for providing their employees with safe area to perform their jobs.
No matter how distracted or busy a business’ management becomes, time should be taken periodically to make their place of work is as fire resistant and safe as it can possibly be. Take a moment to carefully read the fire safety tips below, simple precautionary measures could be the difference between an employee’s safety and the existence of your business.
The most obvious thing that a business owner can do to create a fire safe work environment is to have their building inspected. An inspection will ensure that the workplace is in compliance with all fire safety codes.
- Fire detectors should be installed and properly maintained. It is a good rule of thumb to test your fire detectors at least twice a year using daylight savings time as a reminder.
- Install a sprinkler system in your place of business. Sprinklers are an extremely effective fire protection tool. They activate within 30 to 60 seconds of a fire, much faster than firefighters can react to a call. If you have a fire sprinkler system installed in your building, have the valves, and pressure checked periodically. Furthermore, make sure that there is proper clearance beneath each valve and have vulnerable sprinkler heads equipped with a metal guard.
- Have a plan in place in case a fire does occur. Plan how to communicate with non-English speaking employees as well as those with hearing impairments. Also, know exactly how you will contact the fire department. Run evacuation drills every so often so your employees know what to do in a time of distress.
- Provide an adequate number of fire extinguishers around your business’ location. Make sure that your employees receive instruction on how to most effectively operate the device and have the fire extinguishers recharged regularly.
Do you have fire hydrants outside of your place of business? If you do, have them flushed out periodically and maintained.
A clean work place is a fire safe work place. Make sure that isles and hallways are free of clutter and debris. Exiting the building needs to take place in an efficient manner in the event of a fire.
Fire is the most common of all business disasters (Ready.gov), so protect your businesses most valuable assets by taking the time and effort to run a safe work place. Make fire and life safety a priority!