Workplace fires can threaten the lives of your employees and customers, along with the possible destruction of your livelihood. Luckily, fires are generally easy to prevent with simple tactics and a bit of knowhow. Conduct a fire risk assessment to determine potential hazards and then take steps to improve safety policies and equipment.
Identify Risks ![a person using a laptop](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1665686306574-1ace09918530?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w1NjgwOTN8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxidXNpbmVzc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MzkxOTc5MTd8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=400)
Search for sources of ignition, such as heaters, cooking appliances, machinery and electronics, halogen lighting, open flames etc. Once located, keep them in cool areas away from fuel/flammables, such as paper, wood, trash, gasoline, chemicals etc. If risky areas exist in your workplace, hold a fire safety seminar and explain fire safety practices to your employees. Risky areas should also be labeled with safety signs and a fire extinguisher should be kept nearby.
Remedy Risks
Enforce fire safety rules, such as limiting smoking to designated outdoor areas and banning the use of candles. Plan fire escape routes, hang clear safety signs and run through fire drills twice per year. Keep a clean, tidy workplace, free of stacked papers/trash and other items that can either catch fire or block the escape routes. Install smoke alarms and manually test the batteries every three to six months. Provide fire extinguishers in positions that are easy to locate.
Review Risks
Conducting a fire risk assessment is an ongoing process, which should be monitored routinely. Current fire prevention tactics must be maintained (standard drills, replacement of expired extinguishers etc.) and new ones should be implemented as needed, particularly if the layout of the workplace changes.
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