Workplace fire safety is crucial in ensuring the well-being of employees, protecting property, and maintaining business continuity. Employers and employees should collaborate to create a safe working environment and be prepared to respond effectively in case of a fire. Part of that collaboration involves following rules and regulations for fire safety measures, including building codes and OSHA requirements, and installing proper fire safety equipment throughout the facility. Here are ten ways employers can improve fire safety and prevention.
Fire Prevention and Safety
Approximately 37,000 fires in manufacturing and industrial properties are reported to fire departments each year. Some may be small and easy to put out while others may involve multiple firehouse responses and end in fatal injuries. Heating systems, equipment, and tools are some of the top causes of industrial fires. Preventing fire accidents requires following guidelines to maintain a safe environment.
Ensure Proper Storage of Flammable Materials
Industrial facilities contain hazardous and flammable materials. Chemicals and paints can easily catch fire. Storing hazardous materials properly and implementing measures such as secondary containment systems to prevent the release of hazardous substances can help prevent fires from starting and spreading. Flammable liquids and gasses must be clearly labeled and stored in approved containers.
Maintain and Inspect Equipment and Machinery
Malfunctioning industrial equipment and machinery can cause fires. Regularly inspecting heavy machinery and smaller tools, especially electrical machinery, is one way to prevent fire accidents. Proper machine and equipment maintenance, as indicated by the manufacturer, lowers the risk of fire and other workplace accidents and injuries.
Promote Good Housekeeping
There are many causes of fires, including loose debris and combustible materials. Wood, paper, dirt, and metal debris can quickly engulf a facility. Maintaining a neat work environment and quickly and efficiently removing debris dramatically lowers the fire risk.
Use Fire-Resistant Building Materials
Industrial and manufacturing facilities and all new construction buildings should use fire-resistant building materials in the design of, or addition to, the facility. Materials such as concrete, type X gypsum board, and specially designed glass are fire-resistant. Fire doors and other barriers prevent or slow the spread of fires as well.
Stay Up-to-Date on Regulations and Requirements
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific workplace fire safety and prevention guidelines. In addition to OSHA’s fire safety measures, there are federal and local building codes and regulations employers need to comply with. Staying informed and up-to-date on rules, safety guidelines, and best practices are essential in preventing fire accidents.
Fire Preparedness
It is critical to be prepared in case things go wrong. At home, we have smoke detectors, teach children to dial 9-1-1, and “stop, drop, and roll.” Fire detection systems and training are vital fire safety measures in any workplace, especially in an industrial environment.
Install and Maintain Fire Detection Systems
Every workplace, office, factory, and home should have a fire detection system. This includes smoke detectors and alarms for smoke, heat levels, and flame and gas detection. Fire detection systems should consist of a combination of audio alarms and visual alarms. In large facilities, detection systems can be separated by zones to indicate where the smoke or fire is located. Some systems allow for specific messaging with the exact location of the incident and emergency instructions to the broadcast. Installing detection systems and regularly maintaining and testing the systems are crucial fire safety measures. Manual fire alarms that can be pulled if an employee senses smoke or fire before the system does should also be installed. Installing detection systems that automatically contact 9-1-1 saves crucial time when a fire is spreading.
Conduct Employee Training and Preparedness
Ensuring employees are prepared in case of an emergency can significantly lower the number and severity of injuries during a fire. Practicing fire drills, providing comprehensive evacuation plans and detailed emergency response procedures, and training employees on the use of emergency equipment reduces the level of chaos and can limit the harm if a fire breaks out. Ensuring employees working with heavy machinery and equipment understand the specific fire and emergency procedures to shut down equipment as needed is also key.
In Case of a Fire
If your facility is one of the 37,000 that experienced an industrial fire, there are important steps you should take to prevent future incidents. Fire suppression equipment and systems help stop a fire in its tracks. Accessible fire equipment enables employees to put out small fires. Ensuring exits are clearly marked with signage helps employees and guests evacuate and assists emergency responders.
Implement Fire Suppression Systems
Automatic fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers, can be set to go off when fire detection systems are activated. Installing suppression systems in areas with a higher risk of fire, such as areas where flammable materials are stored, can lower the total damage of a fire. Similar to detection systems, suppression systems need to be regularly inspected, tested, and maintained.
Provide Accessible Fire Equipment
While firefighters arrive on the scene with their own trucks of professional equipment, providing clearly marked and accessible fire extinguishers and hoses can help your employees and the emergency response teams. Employees can use fire extinguishers to put out small fires or help clear a path to evacuation. Fire hose access is critical for professionals to put out flames. Having fire blankets and first aid equipment on site is helpful for burns, injuries, or other accidents.
Marked Wayfinding
Ideally, all your employees participate in fire drills and understand evacuation procedures, but even the best prepared can quickly become disoriented in smoke and flames. Ensuring emergency exits are clearly marked, floor plan maps with exit routes are visible, and general wayfinding signage are clear are critical in an emergency. Clear signage assists employees and guests or visitors in evacuating during an emergency and helps first responders quickly access areas.
Fire Extinguisher Covers
Brightly colored fire extinguisher covers ensure employees can locate fire extinguishers quickly in case of an emergency. Singer Safety’s Fire Extinguisher Covers combine high visibility with protection to keep the equipment clean and in working condition. The fluorescent orange color meets OSHA requirements.
Fire Hose Covers
Singer Safety Company’s Fire Hose Reel Covers are visible and easy to find during an emergency. The covers protect the equipment, keeping it clean while stored.
Fire Blankets
Singer Safety manufactures high-quality fire blankets to protect workers in an accident or emergency. Our fire blankets are made of 70% wool and 30% synthetic materials, stored in a nylon pouch coated with vinyl to protect from the elements.
Singer Safety Company Fire Safety Equipment
Singer Safety Company is committed to providing customers with outstanding workplace safety products designed to create a safe and productive work environment. Our fire safety equipment is designed to assist employees and emergency responders in fire safety and prevention. Contact our expert team to determine how to best protect your people and your facilities!