10 Tips for Workplace Fire Prevention and Safety
Be Safe by Choice, Don’t leave it to Chance
The simple truth is that “Fire Accidents & Disasters can strike anyone at anytime.” Any workplace, be it a factory or a high-rise skyscraper, has its specific fire risks.
To avoid fire risks and accidents in the workplace, you need:
- The right Preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of a disaster in the first place
- The right Evacuation procedures in the unfortunate case of an accident
Fire safety is something that all office complexes should take seriously. It’s not only vital for the safety of employees but in fact, it’s often a legal requirement for businesses. As a business owner or a manager, fireproofing your premises must be on top of your risk control strategies.
How do you get started?
Whether you work in a garage or a swanky office, here are some basic tips to ensure fire safety at your workplace.
- Keep it Clutter-free
An unorganised workplace is a magnet for disasters. Keep your premises clean and tidy. Sort all the materials like paper files, stationery in the correct racks. An orderly workplace puts an end to several dangers.
This holds especially true if your office handles plenty of flammable materials. Keep oily rags, paper files away from naked flames.
“A place for everything & everything in its Place” is the best mantra to prevent accidents at your workplace.
- Ensure Electrical Safety
“A Faulty Wire can start a Fire.”
Studies show that a vast number of workplace fires are a result of faulty wiring and poorly maintained electrical equipment. If you notice a faulty outlet or sparking, make sure to report it to the building manager immediately.
Call in qualified electricians to repair the faulty wires and outlets. Periodic maintenance is a must to keep your electrical outlets and equipment in top shape.
- Keep the Main Switch Accessible
In the case of an accident, it’s essential to turn off the main electrical supply immediately. The last thing, you want to do is shift furniture or equipment, while you try to reach the control panel. Maintain a clear line of access to the control panels at all times.
Additionally, you can visibly mark electrical control panels for swift identification at times of emergency.
- Follow Proper Chemical Storage Principles
You may think that this doesn’t apply to your business, as you don’t deal with any hazardous chemicals. Ummm, No! Flammable chemicals are present in all workplaces. From the cartons of printer inks to harsh cleaning agents, everything is flammable. Make sure that you follow the storage instructions specified on the label.
- Control ignition in Explosive Areas
Workplaces contain high-levels of fine particles and vapour, which are susceptible to fire. Handle them with caution, as you handle the cooking gas cylinder at home. They are inflammable even when they are contained in a bottle.
Restrict or if possible avoid the use of sparking materials and tools in such environments. Control static electricity emission. All inflammable areas must be mandated as “No Smoke” Zones.
“A No Smoking Zone is less of a Danger Zone.”
- Educate your Employees about Fire Safety
A team of aware, observant and educated employees is your best bet for preventing fire accidents in the workplace. Conduct regular fire safety training for your workforce. Being aware, of the best course of action, in case of an emergency, helps in minimising the loss of life and infrastructure.
Conduct fire safety training for all employees, both new and old, even if old employees have already attended it. Repeated training and seminars help to inculcate a sense of responsibility and awareness among employees. Click here to know more about fire-safety training offered by Totalika.
- Conduct Regular Fire Drills
“Some things require Practice…..Like your Fire Safety Plan.”
This is one of the most important aspects of a professional fire safety training programs. It helps employees be aware of the exit procedures, and what to do in case of an accident.
Regular fire drills teach employees how to help co-workers in an emergency. Additionally, you can appoint a fire marshal to see that the evacuation procedures are being followed correctly and to motivate employees to take the drills seriously.
- Ensure that Fire Safety Equipment & Exits are Easily Accessible
Any equipment that will be needed at the time of a fire should be placed in an easily accessible place. In the case of an accident, there is no time to run around looking for the extinguisher that you shoved under the desk of your co-worker or trying to remove the decorations covering a sprinkler and so on.
Also, you have to train your employees on how to handle different fire safety equipment.
Nothing is as scary as trying to figure how to operate a fire extinguisher when flames are licking all around you.
- Use the Right Equipment
This one goes without saying. Fitting just a single fire extinguisher for a whole office building serves no purpose. Ensure that smoke alarms are installed throughout the premises and verify their working at periodic intervals. Ensure that you have the right type of equipment for each room.
- A Fire Risk Assessment is a MUST
At Totalika, we do a comprehensive safety audit, which includes fire safety among other a wide range of other dangers. This ensures that the premises of our clients are adequately assessed for fire risks to life, infrastructure, and the business.
Once the audit is over, we recommend the required actions to achieve the best fire-safety standards at your workplace.
The Bottom Line
“Prevention is always better than Cure.”
It always makes sense to avoid catastrophes in the first place or at least, try to mitigate the damage caused. In the unfortunate case of an accident,
“ACT Don’t Panic”
A – Assess the Situation
C – Choose your Strategy
T – Take Action
If you are looking for Fire Safety and Fire Risk Assessments consultant in Gurugram then you are at the right place. We at Totalika provide fire evacuation training and Fire Escape Plan/ floor plans of your premises showing all of the fire safety arrangements in place.
