Modern businesses face a lot of threats during their day to day running. Some of these – such as extreme weather events – are uncontrollable and unpredictable. Others – such as fire – can be prevented by consulting fire protection experts like Integral Fire Protection and then doing things like installing fire extinguishers and developing fire action plans.
As an employer or business owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that your business is protected from fire. You need to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out, and you need to make sure that everyone on site understands what they need to do if a fire does happen. You need to install fire protection equipment throughout your building, and you need to make sure that it remains up to date and well maintained.
Our top 4 ways to make sure that your business is protected from fire include:
- Make sure your employees are trained in fire safety:
This is one the most important things that you can do, as well-trained employees will know how to respond to a fire if one does break out. Consider enrolling them in a fire safety course through your local training provider, or employ a fire safety officer to visit your workplace for a day or two.
- Reduce fire risks in your workplace:
Fires can start from all sorts of things. Some workplaces, such as office buildings, don’t have a high fire risk. However, others, like workshops or industrial plants, have a high potential for fire if risk mitigation isn’t undertaken.
Start with identifying any fire risks, such as damaged electrical wiring, open flames or ignition sources, and dangerously stored fuels or chemicals. Once you have identified risks, do what you can to remove them. For example, you could fix damaged electrics, eliminate ignition sources and make sure that flammable gases and liquids are stored correctly.
- Make sure your smoke detectors work:
Many workplace fires start small, but grow because they aren’t contained. It is extremely important to make sure that you are aware of fires as soon as possible after they start so that you can act on them. The best way to do this is to make sure that your smoke detectors work well. Make sure that you test them regularly and replace their batteries as necessary.
- Be careful with cooking or heating equipment:
Open flames – from things like gas stoves or blowtorches – are among the leading sources of workplace fires. When using equipment like this, make sure that all flammable material is stored safely away from the ignition source.
Final Word:
Improving business fire safety really isn’t that hard. Start by making sure that you have the relevant fire protection systems and equipment installed, and that your employees are all trained in their use. Make sure that your alarm and detection systems work well, and do whatever you can to reduce or isolate ignition and fuel sources.
