Fire safety in the workplace is an extremely important topic to discuss. It covers many areas from staff training, appointing fire wardens, and completing regular fire drills to infrastructure requirements such as ductwork fire dampers, good emergency signs and lighting, correctly positioned and suitable fire extinguishers. However, to remain effective maintenance has to be scheduled and remedial action is taken immediately.
If you are thinking about working at a place with the potential for fire danger, you must know what precautions to take so that if there is an accident, you can remain safe.
Most businesses have rules and regulations in place to protect the safety of their staff and to provide a safe environment, but these can differ from workplace to workplace. There are basic requirements that must be adhered to, though, such as ensuring fire exits are properly marked and maintained and those extinguishers are positioned correctly. Staff should also be trained on their use and when it is appropriate to tackle a fire.
Most importantly, you should know what you can do in the event of a fire to ensure your safety. If you suspect there is a fire inside your workplace, immediately raise the alarm and, if safe to do so, call the fire brigade. It is important that you know how to close off an area and where your fire assembly point is located.
Fire prevention can save lives
Understanding how fires start and what to do if a fire does start can save lives. The following are the most common causes for workplace fires:
- Faulty electrical equipment
- Inadequate staff training
- Flammable or combustible materials
- Lack of fire fighting equipment
- Arson
All workplaces should undertake the following prevention steps:
Check fire extinguishers
Ensuring the correct placement and type of fire extinguisher in a particular location is only part of the solution. In accordance with BS 5036-6, fire extinguishers should be checked annually.
Maintain Air Ducts
Air ducts with offices are used to circulate air around office buildings. Not only do air ducts require regular cleaning, but they should also have ductwork fire damper testing completed to ensure any fires located within ducts can be contained and stopped from spreading throughout the building.
Regular fire drills
Fire drills are an essential part of ensuring safety in your workplace. All staff should be made aware of the importance of fire drills and should familiarise themselves with procedures for a possible fire incident. In fact, it is a legal requirement that a fire drill is completed every 12 months. However, the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that fire drills be completed more often.
How to carry out an effective fire drill
You should follow these steps to ensure an effective fire drill.
- Notify staff about the date, time, and location of the fire drill.
- Ensure that all staff are made aware that they are responsible for their own safety.
- Remind staff to be aware of fire exits around the building.
- Create a safe meeting place outside the building where everyone should gather in the event of a fire alarm. Communicate this with everyone before the fire drill begins.
- Before you go through each step, remember to explain what is expected at every stage during the fire drill; give clear instructions and make sure everyone understands what they need to do at each step.
What other precautions should you take:
- Fire wardens – you should ensure that you have enough designated fire wardens that are trained to cover holidays and illness.
- Staff register – a staff register is used to check staff into and out of the workplace. Fire wardens will use the register to check that the building is clear.
- Keep fire exits clear – office space can be at a premium. However, it is vital that all fire exits are clear and can be easily opened. Nothing should inhibit people from exiting the building quickly and safely.
- Emergency lighting & signs – should be positioned correctly and maintained.
- Fire doors must be kept closed and not propped open.
Summary
Good fire prevention is the responsibility of all staff members and visitors within a workplace, from the owner and senior management right down to the newest member of staff. Everyone should know the importance of fire safety and how to deal with a fire incident. In addition, knowing what to do in the event of a fire will ensure your safety.