A Guide to Fire Safety in Commercial Buildings

As you can imagine, fire safety is even more important in commercial buildings. Not only do there tend to be a greater number of hazards and risks, but you also have a greater number of people to protect. Thus, proper fire safety protocols, procedures, and tools can make all the difference. Here is what you should be aware of: 

Prevention is Key

As mentioned, commercial buildings are at much higher risk for fires. Due to this, your main goal should be preventing fires. One way to do this is to ensure that proper protocol is followed by each individual, particularly in areas that house chemicals or are simply highly hazardous. 

At the same time, it is important to carry out regular inspections to ensure that there are no issues at any point of the factory. This includes equipment, wiring, and more. Engage professionals to carry out these checks to guarantee that they are being handled properly. 

Utilize Modern Safety Equipment

If it has been a while since you have installed your safety equipment then it is time for a change. Make sure that everything in the building is of the highest quality and is completely up to date as well. This will ensure higher standards throughout the premises. 

Take the Notifier NFS-320, for instance. Not only does it function as an alarm system, but it also connects the entire fire safety system. This ensures that all of the safety measures are triggered together, tackling the issue as it arises. This reduces the risk of the fire spreading.  

Make certain that all these systems are maintained on a regular basis. Create a maintenance schedule so that you can guarantee that everything is working as it should be. Test and upgrade the systems as necessary as well. 

Continuous Guide to Exits

Commercial buildings are large and it is easy to get in lost in them. Even long-time employees may have a hard time finding exits, particularly when they are panicked. This is why you should have sign boards every step of the way. It doesn’t matter if it seems like you are going overboard but your employees should be able to find the exits closest to them without any hassle. 

Train Staff on How to React

Regular fire drills can go a long way in ensuring that your staff knows how to act in such situations. Therefore, make sure to have fire drills several times a year. However, this alone isn’t enough. 

Have safety seminars where each member of your staff is shown how to use fire extinguishers, fire axes, and more. They should also be given basic training in how to get out of a building that may be on fire. The more that these individuals know, the better that they can protect themselves. Having drills and seminars regularly means that this information is sure to stick with them as well. 

If you own or work in a commercial building then you owe it to your employees to have proper fire safety protocols and systems in place. You now know what to do – all that is left is to implement these guidelines.