Fire safety is a crucial topic for every workplace, whether it is an office, industrial site, or a manufacturing plant. The havoc fires play with precious lives, and property creates a troublesome situation. Sometimes, the aftermath is so serious that it takes a lot of time to bring life back to normal.
Therefore, fire safety should be a priority for employers to ensure the protection of the employees. Below are the eight fire safety essentials to make the workplace safe and secure for the employees.
Table of Contents
Fire Extinguishers
When talking about fire safety, the image of a fire extinguisher will definitely pop up in your mind. No matter what kind or size of your business is, it is a must-have in your workplace. After all, it is the first weapon you use to save the precious lives when the fire spreads.
Moreover, the fire extinguisher should be available to all the workers for use in emergencies. This will allow them to put out the fire flames before they get worse. You need to make sure to perform regular inspections of fire extinguisher devices.
It will help you ensure that all the equipment is working in its best condition. Furthermore, they will let you know what type of fire extinguisher is suitable for your workplace.
Fire Alert System
Fire alert system consists of fire alarms and detectors that provide early warning to the employees present in the premises. By installing a fire alert system, you allow sufficient time for evacuation and a chance to tackle the ruthless fire outbreak.
However, the smoke and fire alarm must be audible to the employees. Nowadays, smoke and fire alert systems that deliver messages are also available. These devices alert the employees on their computer screens or mobile phones about the danger.
Robust Fire Evacuation Plan
Many times, a safety audit or thorough inspection may figure out mistakes in your existing fire escape plan. Thus, the best thing to do is create a fool-proof fire evacuation plan and ensure all the employees’ safety.
Aside from this plan, you must formulate a Plan B, too! Find out the specific areas where the employees are more vulnerable to fire explosions. Make it compulsory for all the workers or employees to follow the fire safety guidelines listed in the plan.
Emergency Escape Routes
All the employees should be aware of the fire escape plan. In fact, it is mandatory for employers to educate their employees about all the emergency routes. Remember, the exit route should be a clear path, such as a backdoor exit. Also, all the escape routes should be marked with signboards to let people know about the direction.
Emergency Lighting
It is no less than a backup plan in your fire safety system. In this system, a battery or another source of power is used when the electricity has been cut off. It helps highlight the exit path during an emergency and reinforces the need for regular inspection to ensure that everything is working fine.
A First Aid Kit
Not to mention, a first-aid kit is essential in any office. It allows you to provide quick treatment for minor injuries. This kit consists of large and small-sized dressings, plasters, wipes, bandages, eye pads, safety pins, antiseptics, etc. You can also add an informative booklet or an accident book to keep track of the accident information.
Train The Staff
To enforce your evacuation plans, deliver comprehensive training to the employees. Educate them about the usage of fire fighting devices, especially fire extinguishers. Provide them with an instruction booklet for using each of the equipment. Besides, organizing a mock fire situation will inform and train them better.
Health And Safety Poster
By law, you should display Health and safety posters and distribute a pocket card to the workers. It delivers information regarding the safety guidelines and responsibilities for the staff. It is a great idea to fix this poster in the reception areas or communal spaces. At these places, the poster will be easily visible to everyone who enters the premises.
These are some of the must-have fire safety devices in the workplace. The best way to overcome the fire hazards is to call the nearest fire brigade and keep the fire fighting equipment in the best working conditions.