As a business owner, you’ve likely got enough to worry about in your daily operations without needing to give any spare time to fire protection. However, as inconvenient as it might be to dedicate time to something that probably won’t happen, it’s essential to be prepared.
Not only can it be a legal requirement, but it could also save lives. Here are some fire safety tips from fire services that could be important while you’re putting your workplace fire safety plan into action.
Have An Evacuation Plan
Most people know that they should leave the building immediately if they see, hear, or smell fire. However, how they leave the building and what they should do next isn’t always clear. It can be if you put an evacuation plan into place and train your staff on what’s involved in it.
This evacuation plan could include which exits to use, what to do if the fire alarm rings, and where everyone should meet once they are safely out of the building. Because new staff members may be entering your business often, make it a priority to carry out regular fire drills so that everyone knows what to do in case of the real deal.
Install a Fire Suppression System
If you work somewhere with a high fire risk, such as a restaurant, then getting a professional to install a fire suppression system could be a worthwhile option. Such a system takes note of temperature changes and releases chemicals to extinguish fires. They can either do this automatically or manually if you use an emergency switch.
Comply With Your Area’s Fire Safety Codes
It doesn’t matter which state you live in – or even what country – your area likely has fire safety codes that are imperative to abide by. Your workplace must abide by them as per Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.
The summary of requirements within this regulation outlines that you have a duty to prepare, maintain, and implement an emergency plan. This outlines information and training, evacuation procedures, medical treatment, emergency service notification, and more.
If you are not sure what you have to do to comply, talk to your local fire department. They will be able to point you in the direction of someone who can assist.
Have Fire-Safe Company Policies
You might think that everyone has common sense and knows how to avoid fires, but that’s not always the case. Not everyone knows that they shouldn’t overload a power box or that they shouldn’t crush live cables under heavy office furniture.
Make your company policies as detailed as possible to reduce the risk of fire hazards in your workplace. These might include giving appliances breathing room between walls and other items and never using anything with a frayed cord.
Having a fire safety expert or electrician perform checks on space heaters and other appliances annually may also be worth your time for peace of mind.
Communicate With Your Staff
You might have a fire safety evacuation plan in place and easy instructions for what each staff member has to do – but are they aware of your plan? You may only be putting one in place to comply with safety codes, but it’s crucial that every single person in your building – from the cleaner to the manager – understands their role.
While no business owner ever thinks a fire will affect their premises, they happen all the time. These tips above may make more of a difference than you might think.