How To Increase Fire Safety In The Workplace
It is essential that fire safety is taken very seriously in the workplace and regular assessments are carried out by the employer. These assessments will identify any issues and enable you to quickly increase the safety. This could protect the business, property and even save lives.
Regardless of the industry that your business is in, fire safety is a priority and must be taken very seriously. Whilst it is true that certain industries are at greater risk of fire, even an average office filled with computers can be at high risk. By improving fire safety, you will protect the company, the premises, the employees and anybody else in the area. It is the responsibility of the employer to increase fire safety, so how can you go about doing this?
Risk Assessment
First, you will need to carry out a fire risk assessment of the workplace. This will involve identifying hazards and the people who are at risk. You must also consider fire exits and routes, detection systems, firefighting equipment and an evacuation plan. A professional risk assessor can be brought in to carry this out — this is an excellent solution as it ensures that the assessment is thorough and accurate.
Evacuation Plan
You must then create an evacuation plan and put it in place. Escape routes must be as direct as possible and also clearly marked with fire safety signs, plus these routes should also be kept clear at all times so that groups of people can evacuate. Doors must open easily, emergency lighting should be placed where needed and all employees must be aware of these routes. You must also consider how those with mobility issues will evacuate (people helping to carry the wheelchair downstairs). Finally, you need to dedicate a safe place away from the building for everybody to meet.
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Equipment
All buildings must have working fire and/or smoke detectors throughout, as well as firefighting equipment (different types of extinguishers and sprinklers). You should test this equipment regularly and educate employees on how to use them to put out a fire.
Drills
Fire drills should be carried out at least once a year and the results should be recorded in your evacuation plan. If the drill does not go well, it is important to identify any issues and correct them as soon as possible (as well as carry out drills more regularly). If you have new employees, they should be informed of the evacuation plan as soon as possible.
Safety Practices
To reduce the chance of a fire breaking out, consider reviewing safety practices in the workplace. Make sure that you do not have overloaded power sockets, make sure equipment is switched off when not in use, keep the kitchen area clean and clutter free and have a designated smoking area complete with a disposal bin.
Fire safety is extremely important and must be regularly assessed by the employer. This could help to save lives, so it must be taken seriously and action must be taken to improve safety where possible.
