CH.1 SAFETY IN WORKPLACE – FIRE PREVENTION
Fire can create huge destructions in the workplace. If it’s not too bad, it causes minor injuries or none at all. If it’s a major one, it results in serious injuries and even fatalities.
In reality, it’s impossible to completely get rid of fire hazards in your worksite. But that’s not to say that you can’t do a number of things to control these hazards.Workplace Fire Facts
Major causes of fires in office buildings:
Arson
Pay close attention to security measures. Keep doors and windows locked after business hours. Keep areas around the building - especially alleys and loading docks - well lit and clear of combustibles.
Pay attention to housekeeping within the building as well.
Smoking Materials
In areas where smoking is allowed, use large, non-tip ashtrays and make sure everything in them is cold before they are emptied. Be sure that no one leaves smoldering cigarettes on furniture or in a wastebasket.
Wiring & Appliances
Designate an employee to turn off or unplug all appliances - including coffee makers- at the end of each working day. Do not overload outlets, and make sure to replace any broken or cracked electrical cords.
General Safety Measures
Pay close attention to security measures. Keep doors and windows locked after business hours. Keep areas around the building - especially alleys and loading docks - well lit and clear of combustibles.
Pay attention to housekeeping within the building as well.
Smoking Materials
In areas where smoking is allowed, use large, non-tip ashtrays and make sure everything in them is cold before they are emptied. Be sure that no one leaves smoldering cigarettes on furniture or in a wastebasket.
Wiring & Appliances
Designate an employee to turn off or unplug all appliances - including coffee makers- at the end of each working day. Do not overload outlets, and make sure to replace any broken or cracked electrical cords.
General Safety Measures
The following are general safety measures in establishing and maintaining fire protection in the workplace:
· Never pile or lay material in a way that it covers or blocks access to firefighting equipment.
· Make sure to use only approved containers for the separation and disposal of combustible refuse. Remember to always replace the lid.
· Never store flammable materials within 10 feet of a building or other structure.
· Stack and pile all materials in orderly and stable piles.
· Never let unnecessary combustible materials get accumulated in any part of your work area.
· Make a periodic clean-up of entire work site and keep grass and weeds under control.
· Regularly dispose of combustible debris and scrap from your work area.
· Use only approved containers and tanks for storage, handling, and transport of combustible and flammable liquid.
· Always perform evaluation procedures before performing operations that present fire hazards like welding.
Fire Response Plans
· Make sure to use only approved containers for the separation and disposal of combustible refuse. Remember to always replace the lid.
· Never store flammable materials within 10 feet of a building or other structure.
· Stack and pile all materials in orderly and stable piles.
· Never let unnecessary combustible materials get accumulated in any part of your work area.
· Make a periodic clean-up of entire work site and keep grass and weeds under control.
· Regularly dispose of combustible debris and scrap from your work area.
· Use only approved containers and tanks for storage, handling, and transport of combustible and flammable liquid.
· Always perform evaluation procedures before performing operations that present fire hazards like welding.
Fire Response Plans
Become familiar with your facility’s fire and life safety systems. Know which of the following your building has, as well as their location and use:
· Manual pull alarms
· Fire extinguishers
· Smoke detectors
· Fire alarm monitoring service
· Exit doors & stairwells
· Voice alarm
· Sprinklers
· Fire doors
Common fire and life safety hazards to watch for in the workplace:
· Missing or broken fire safety equipment
· Accumulated trash
· Open fire doors
· Burned out exit lights
· Blocked stairways
Here are guidelines you must follow in using fire equipment:
· Inspect and maintain firefighting equipment regularly.
· Place an adequate number of firefighting equipment in plain view in your work areas. When appropriate, label the location of each one and make sure it is properly rated.
· Provide employees with proper training in fire prevention and protection.
· Prohibit smoking at or around work areas where fire hazards are present. Put up signs, saying NO SMOKING or OPEN FLAMES.
· Configure an alarm system that consists of both visual and audible signals (bells, sirens, whistles, blinking lights).
· Post reporting instructions and local Fire Department codes on info boards, common areas, and areas near the phone
Have a fire emergency plan.
It’s nothing difficult, just a well thought out plan that takes into consideration the unique features of each building and its occupants. This plan should be in writing, and easily available to all employees. This includes those who work weekends and off-shifts. The plan should be kept current through periodic updating.
References:
Safetyservicescompany. 2012. FIRE PREVENTION IN YOUR WORKPLACE: GETTING BETTER FIRE SAFETY MEASURES. http://www.safetyservicescompany.com/topic/training/fire-prevention-in-your-workplace-getting-better-fire-safety-measures/. 20 April 2014
Seattle, WA. Workplace Fire Safety. http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubed/business/Workplace%20Fire%20Safety.pdf , 20 April 2014
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