When fires break out in the workplace, the cost of repairs can be overwhelmingly detrimental, and employees can be put in danger. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there is an average of 37,000 fires yearly within industrial and manufacturing sites. The estimated costs of damage due to these fires come to roughly $1 billion, not to mention the deaths and injuries that can also follow.
Countless scenarios can lead to the start of a fire, but nearly all of them are avoidable. You can protect your commercial property from fire by keeping your business up to date with current fire safety protocols. By doing so, you are taking the steps needed to protect yourself, your property, and your employees.
What Fire Safety Tips can Help Keep my Property and Employees Safe?
Fires can cause massive damage and injury, no matter their size, which is why fire safety is essential. You can protect your workplace from fire by installing fire protection equipment for commercial buildings. Additionally, keeping fire safety equipment up to date and educating your employees about the proper protocol can help stop fires before they start.
Fire Detector Installation
Fire detection systems are a legal requirement for all businesses. They can detect a fire quickly and alert those in surrounding areas to the danger presented. Most fire detector alarms can be set off automatically by sensing smoke or heat, but others may need to be manually pulled by an employee. Teaching your employees how to operate a manual fire detector is crucial in ensuring everyone’s safety. Part of staying up to legal code is conducting a fire alarm inspection. Once contacted, a professional will come to your building and carry out an official and detailed review of your fire detector system.
Planning Fire Escape Routes
In the event of a fire, getting people out is the top priority and should be done immediately. To create a fire safety exit route, you must plan and teach your employees the fastest and safest way for them to escape the flames. Your commercial property’s safety exit route needs to be well lit, have clear directions and signs, be clear of any blockages, and lead to a place of safety.
Fire Sprinkler Installation
Fire sprinkler systems are invaluable when it comes to extinguishing fires quickly. By sensing heat, the fire sprinklers will activate and begin drenching the flames. Having fire sprinklers within your commercial building is the law, and the fire sprinkler system must be inspected to ensure it is functional and up to code. Your building can receive a fire sprinkler inspection by contacting a professional who can aid you in the process.
Selecting a Fire Safety Warden
Each workplace should have at least one employee who is trained and well-versed in fire safety procedures. This individual should know the exits, fire extinguishers and alarms, and how to execute an evacuation. By assigning one of your employees to be the Fire Safety Warden, you can trust that a successful evacuation will take place in the event of a fire.
Fire Extinguisher Functionality
It is a requirement for commercial buildings to have fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout the workplace. Your employees should know where to find your fire extinguisher, as well as how to use it properly. Your Fire Safety Warden should also be knowledgeable about the specific type of extinguisher your business requires. Not all companies need the same kind of fire extinguisher; some may need powder, foam, water, carbon dioxide, or wet chemicals. Keeping your fire extinguishers in proper working order is a cornerstone in workplace fire safety.
Install Emergency Lighting
As previously stated, emergency evacuation routes must be well lit so employees can quickly move away from danger. Doors, halls, staircases, and corridors all must be well lit within the evacuation path. In addition to those, floor level signs and emergency exit signs must be lit and visible. It is safe to keep your fire emergency equipment, such as extinguishers and alarm handles, well-lit, and visual as well.
Final Thoughts
Fires can be devastating to property, but more importantly, to people’s lives. You can protect your employees and your commercial property by installing fire safety equipment, by having it regularly inspected, and by training your employees in proper fire safety protocol.
To learn more about fire safety in the workplace, contact the experts at APFE Corp at 1-866-353-2790. Our licensed professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have
