Prevent Fires With These Safety Tips for Your Workspace

Regardless of what industry you’re in, workplaces are vulnerable to different threats that can affect the safety and performance of employees. When it comes to explosions and fires, most business owners think that it won’t happen to their workspace — but risk management should always be taken seriously. A fire won’t only threaten the safety of employees or destroy expensive machinery and equipment but it also puts the lives of the general public at risk. 

So, how should you go about improving fire safety in your workplace? We’ve covered some fire safety tips to ensure your employees’ well-being and keep your business safe from a fire. 

HELPFUL FIRE PREVENTION TIPS FOR YOUR WORKPLACE

Keep your workspace clean

Aside from being dangerous for employees’ health and safety, a messy office poses a fire hazard. It’s easier for a fire to start and spread if there are more flammable materials lying around the office; it can also make it more difficult for employees to evacuate. In the event of a fire, it is crucial that all corridors, hallways, and fire escapes be kept unobstructed and clear. As garbage can obstruct exits and be combustible, it’s important to have frequent trash pickups. The “fire load” of space can increase if trash cans are stuffed with paper and cardboard.

According to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, you should also keep flammable products and liquids in fireproof cabinets and containers, preferably in a secure location that isn’t easily accessible. If there’s no need to have flammables at the office, then they should be kept somewhere else, where they won’t be as much of a threat to employees. 

Get relevant fire safety equipment

Fire safety equipment can help reduce the likelihood of a fire breaking out. If a fire does start in the workplace, proper equipment like a smoke alarm can inform employees and members of the public. Some safety equipment can even be used to extinguish the fire before it spreads out of control.

You should install smoke alarms, fire exit signs, fire escape ladders if necessary, and fire protection devices such as fire extinguishers and sprinklers in your workplace for optimal safety.

Do a regular risk assessment

If you aren’t familiar with the potential fire threats in your workplace, you may be unable to take the necessary precautions. A complete risk assessment of the workplace should be conducted before any fire safety control measures are put into place. For example, it’s unhelpful to install sprinklers in places where there is minimal risk of fire. 

Risk assessment isn’t only a legal requirement for firms with a certain number of employees, but also a crucial part of keeping your organization safe. Risk assessments should identify potential fire threats, considering what may ignite a fire. The next step is to evaluate the danger, prepare an evacuation plan, and enact strategies to prevent fires. This will allow you to take precautions that are suitable for the level of danger. The long-term viability of workplace fire safety relies on effective risk assessment and revising the preventive measures accordingly. 

Train employees for fire safety

If you want to successfully implement fire control methods, you should train employees to use the available resources to prevent and control fires. They must know what to do in the case of a fire, from contacting emergency services to fleeing the building or area. 

With the proper training and practical experience obtained during fire drills, employees will know what to do in the event of a workplace fire. It can prepare them for securely escorting all individuals out of the workspace and following the procedures established in the risk assessment.

Ensure electrical safety 

Most commercial settings will have some form of electrical equipment running, and with that comes the inherent risk of fire. Fires can spread rapidly from faulty wiring or overloaded plug sockets.

You should avoid overloading outlets, get all the major electrical equipment and machinery inspected, and do portable appliance testing (PAT) to ensure they are safe to use. It would be best if you also got rid of old or broken electrical items to prevent electrical fires.

FINAL WORDS

Workplace fire safety is a major concern as the lives of employees are at risk, in addition to the business and its property. While certain events are beyond our control (such as natural catastrophes or arson), the majority of fires are avoidable. So, fireproof your workplace with these fool-proof fire prevention tips.