Fire prevention in the workplace is a critical safety issue. The damage that a fire can do to employees and company property can be almost catastrophic for future endeavours. Employees will not be motivated to work in an unsafe environment and the loss of company property can cripple the ability to complete tasks and meet deadlines. Protecting your employees and your workspace from fire should be a high-priority endeavour.
Hence, the team at Advanced Consulting and Training would like you to know about some tips for preventing fires in the workplace.
Implement Fire Safety Procedures
Your workplace should have guidelines for the event of a fire outbreak. These should be specific to the unique layout of your building and any special requirements due to your industry. Employees need to be educated with updated safety guidelines according to those laid out by the CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety).
Designating a fire warden and other safety roles among the employees is key to leading the workers during a fire emergency. The team will be responsible for
- Assessing the workplace for fire hazards
- Implementing and improving fire prevention and emergency procedures
- Conducting fire drills
- Assisting mobility-impaired employees
Putting the proper guidelines in place and educating employees on how to implement them during a fire can help increase the safety of the workplace.
Mitigate Hazards
A good number of workplace fires can be prevented before they get started. The key is to identify any risk factors that can lead to fires and reduce their possible impact as much as possible.
Clutter in the workplace can facilitate the spread of fire and hinder employees when they need to evacuate the building. As such, work areas and exits should be kept clean of any waste paper, unused boxes, and dirty rags. Any liquid that can catch and spread fire should be contained and stored properly.
Electrical equipment should be handled carefully to prevent any fire hazards. Cooking appliances are a particularly well-known cause of fires in the workplace. Safety tips for cooking appliances include turning them off or unplugging them when not in use. Large, heat-producing equipment, like photocopiers and printers, should have sufficient space around them to facilitate cooling. Cords with worn-down insulations or damaged connectors should be replaced. Electrical outlets should not be overloaded.
Maintain Detection and Suppression Systems
The fire detection and suppression system is critical in alerting employees to the occurrence of a fire and reducing any damage it may cause. There should be regular maintenance and testing of the system to ensure that it still functions properly.
Portable fire extinguishers can also prove useful for workplace fire prevention. They should be available at an appropriate number for the workspace and in visible locations for easy access. They should be checked monthly to ensure that they are readily available when needed and employees should be trained in their use.
Advanced Consulting and Training – Leaders in Occupational Health and Safety Solutions
Following these tips will improve the fire prevention process and increase the safety of your employees and workplace. When your employees feel safe, they are more motivated to work and when you aren’t losing important information and equipment, your productivity increases as well.
Please contact us if you have any concerns or questions about the safety of your workplace. Advanced CT has delivered prompt, cost-effective, and relevant workplace health and safety solutions since its inception in 1998. We offer a variety of training programs available in-person or online for your convenience. Our training provides your employees with the best possible education to keep them safe on the job.
