October is Fire Prevention/Awareness Month

October 3rd, 2017 – Fire safety should always be a leading concern, no matter what type of operations occur at your workplace. Below are some questions organizations should be asking that will assist in preventing fires:

Fire Prevention/Preparation

  • Does your organization have fire extinguisher inspections and employee training monthly?
  • Is your organization practicing good housekeeping in the workplace? Clutter is a contributing factor because it can provide fuel to a fire and can block access to emergency equipment and exits.
  • Are combustibles kept away from heat producing equipment?
  • Have your electrical cords been routinely checked? If a cord is damaged in any way, replace it. Try not to lay cords in places where they can be stepped on, driven over or pinched in door openings.
  • Are you reporting all electrical hazards? Fires can start as a result of faulty wiring and electrical equipment that is malfunctioning. DO NOT attempt electrical repairs unless you have the required qualifications and authorization.
  • Is your organization making sure to turn off non-critical electrical appliances at the end of each day?
  • Do you have emergency telephone numbers and your physical address posted at all job sites? It must be quickly accessible if a fire were to start in your workplace.
  • Has your organization performed periodic emergency action plan drills for evacuation or specific emergency scenarios? Have those evacuation plans/procedures been routinely updated?

In Case of a Fire

  • Unless employees have been appropriately trained in fire extinguisher use, upon observing a fire, call 911 from a safe location immediately and don’t hang up with the emergency responder until told to do so.
  • When indoors, close fire doors to help limit the spread of smoke and fire throughout the building. Never use elevators during an evacuation.
  • Follow the pre-established escape plan and meet at a pre-determined place outside of your building and away from danger. Use a buddy system and conduct a headcount to ensure all of your employees/staff have evacuated.

Fire Safety Tips on a variety of life safety and fire prevention topics in business and at home are available from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

 

Contact your North Risk Partners advisor for assistance in developing or updating evacuation maps and/or fire drills for your organization. Don’t have an advisor? No problem. We’ll help you find one.

Find an Advisor

This blog post is not intended to be exhaustive. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice. Content provided by our consulting partners at Integrated Loss Control.

 

Posted in ,