Fire threats are common to almost every workplace in the United Kingdom. That is why every workplace should implement its own fire safety procedures to combat such threats. Whether you work in a farm, factory, grocery or garage, there are important practices that everyone should follow in order to mitigate the fire risk.
1. Relevant Fire Equipment In The Office
Make sure to install smoke alarms throughout the premises and test them at regular intervals. Replace the batteries annually. You should have the relevant fire-fighting equipment to match the fire risk on your premises. Sprinkler system service from reputable companies is very much advised. Different types of fires will need different types of fire equipment. Your staff should have access to the right type of fire extinguishers and know how to use them during an emergency situation. These are important fire safety tips for your workplace.
2. Maintain A Clean Workplace
A clean and organised workplace is important to mitigate a range of threats to the office. On the other hand, if your office handles a lot of flammable materials, it could be the difference between a minor fire threat and a catastrophic blaze. Make sure you store everything in their right places to mitigate the fire risk. Whether you deal with oily rags or stacks of paper filing, you should store them away from naked flames.
3. Electrical Safety Is Important
A large number of fires have broken out in workplaces due to faulty electrical equipment and wiring. Always enlist the services of a qualified electrical contractor when dealing with electrical repairs and installations. Regular inspections and PAT testing are important to avoid the risk of a fire. Make sure the safe operation of electrical equipment in your office and prevent sparking and overheating issues whenever possible.
4. Accessibility Of Electrical Control Panels
When there is an emergency situation in your office, and you need to shut down the electrical control panel, the last thing you want is shifting boxes and furniture in the office to find the control panel. Hence, you should maintain a clear line of access to the control panels in the office. Make sure to mark the panel so that it is visible during an emergency situation.
5. Store All Chemicals Safely
Although all workplaces don’t deal with chemicals, flammable chemicals could be found in a majority of workplaces in the form of cleaning products and printing supplies. Follow the instruction in the labels of these products to safeguard your premises from any fire hazards.
6. Preventing Ignition In Explosive Areas
Most workplaces have high levels of flammable liquid vapour which are highly susceptible to ignition. Some of these products include oxygen in nursing homes and other bottled flammable products. Proper safety procedures should be followed at all times when handling such products. Make sure to avoid using any sparking tools in the vicinity of these products. Designate a no-smoking area and control the emission of static electricity whenever possible.
7. Importance Of Fire Safety Training
An educated and vigilant employee is an asset to your organisation. Such an employee is important to safeguard your workplace from fire hazards. These employees know the best course of action to be taken in an emergency fire situation – which can prevent the loss of life and safeguard the premises. That is why it is important to train both the old and new employees in fire safety.
8. Regular Drills
Exit procedures in the event of a fire are an important part of fire safety training. That is where fire drills become important. In fact, they should be a regular part of your workplace. Make sure to appoint a fire marshal to oversee the entire project and observe every fire drill. Any employee who isn’t familiar with the drill should be re-educated in fire safety in order to prevent further lapses.
9. Fire Safety Equipment
All fire safety equipment on your premises should not be obstructed or covered by anything at any time. Don’t place fire extinguishers behind desks in the office. Don’t block the escape route with machinery and obstruct the sprinkler systems with decorations. All the fire equipment should be kept clear so that anyone can access them at any time.
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