Fire Safety in the Workplace

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO, the nations leader in Fire, Water, and Mold restoration.

It is important to have a fire prevention plan in place at all times whether it is in your residence or your business.

Below are 11 tips to ensure a fire-safe workplace:

Step 1. Get Organized– Keep areas clean and tidy. Clutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by preventing access to exits and emergency equipment. 

Step 2. Designated Smoking Areas – Smoke only in designated areas, and extinguish smoking materials safely. Never smoke in storerooms or chemical storage areas. 

Step 3. Fire Extinguishers – Maintaining the appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers and learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Make sure to get them checked regularly to ensure they will work when you need to use it.

Step 4. Electrical Hazards – Report all electrical hazards. Many fires start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment. 

Step 5. Access to Control Panels – Make sure there is a clear and direct path to the control panels. Electrical control panels need to have free access maintained so that the electric could be shut off easily. 

Step 6. Maintenance – Maintain machinery to prevent overheating and friction sparks. 

Step 7. Sprinkler Systems & Smoke Detectors – Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment or emergency exits. Observe clearances when stacking materials. Make sure to have sprinkler systems and smoke detectors checked at least annually.

Step 8. Chemical Safety – Use and store chemicals safely. Always read labels and Safety Data sheets to familiarize yourself with the chemicals and determine flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances. 

Step 9. Waste Control & Storage – Control the accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials and residues so that they do not contribute to a fire emergency. 

Step 10. Exits – All exits should be be posted and emergency exits should be well lit with neon-regulation signs. All employees must be familiar with the exits. There should be monthly drills.

Step 11. Contact Info – Employees should have a list of emergency contact phone numbers in case of emergency. Remember that people will often panic in an intense situation; therefore basics such as the company address, phone number and floor plan should be posted. 

Planning to ensure fire protection and safety is key to avoiding unwanted fire issues. Call SERVPRO of Clifton at 973-928-3705 for all your fire restoration needs.