No matter whatever the place is, safety comes first. This is the first critical thing to manage and plan accordingly. The same is the case when it comes to the workplace. The workplace, where we spend most of our day and time. The most hazardous thing when it comes to building accidents is fire. No matter what is the size of the fire, still it brings damage both in terms of finance and human lives. So this is the thing which should be considered when it comes to the special workplace. So let us talk specifically about the importance of fire safety at work.
What is fire safety?
Fire safety includes public awareness and attitude towards fire prevention. Fire safety is adopting the right behavior regarding the safety of the workplaces. Fire safety is all about taking responsibility to make anyplace safe from the hazardous danger of fire.
Fire safety calls for taking measures in the building to avoid and tackle any disastrous situation.
Some general fire safety hazards:
There are three basic things. Firstly, a source of heat or ignition. Then a source of fuel or anything which burns. Last but not least the basic component is oxygen.
The major heat-producing things are flames, lighting, heaters, smoking materials (matches, cigarettes, etc.), electrical components, or anything that produces the heat, spark, or anything which causes the fire.
Then it comes about h sources of the fuels. Materials such as wood, paper, plastic, rubber, or foam, packaging materials, and furniture.
- Then the all sources of oxygen including air conditioner around us.
So these things have to be well managed and checked within a workplace to make sure things are under control and are safe and sound.
Fire safety policy HSE:
As per the policy, the employers should look forward to a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date. The employers or the owners are recommended to arrange adequate and quality fire safety measures to minimize the damage. The assessment should carry out to explore what could lead to a big fire or accident. Once you are done with the identification of risks, you can take reasonable measures that could save you from a big loss. Consider also how you can save people and the building from the fire.
- So by the law, employers are required to assess the risk of explosions and fire.
Main fire hazards at work:
Some workplaces have materials that are more favorable to catch and support fire. The materials such as cardboard, paper, and other combustible materials are not disposed of properly. All it takes is a source of ignition which turns the flame into a fire.
Flammable liquids:
There is always a threat in dealing with flammable liquids and such workplaces are always at risk of fire. Industries with flammable liquids must take measures regarding the fire safety system. These liquids are highly flammable as soon as they come in contact with a spark or naked flame.
Electrical equipment:
One of the most common causes of electrical fire is faulty electrical equipment. Faulty extension and power-load can cause overheating leading to fire or any other accident.
Smoking:
Smokers increase the risk of fire. Flammable materials catch the fire if the cigarettes are not disposed of properly Similarly, human error and overloading sockets can be the main fire hazards at the workplace.
Fire risk assessment:
Well when it comes to fire risk assessment, it has become a legal requirement now. This is careful research and analysis of the place and people to make sure that the place is safe from fire. This is a mandatory task to carry out to make sure that the people and place are safe from fire.
So in case you are responsible for a building, office, workplace, or any other site, you must make sure that the place is safe from the fire. So then the question arises that
- How to do a fire risk assessment:
- Here some main steps to do so.
- Look out for the leading causes of fire or fire hazards.
- Look out for the people who are the risk of fire.
- Analyze, evaluate, and remove, or at least reduce the risk.
- Train people to avoid the fire or any mishap.
- Keep on reviewing the risk assessment report.
Fire safety and evacuation plans:
This is generally a plan to follow up on the activities to carry out when there is a fire or any hazardous situation. There could be different fire evacuation plans.
Simultaneous Evacuation:
This could be the evacuation in response to a signal or warning. People can escape from the place if they are signaled through an alarm or buzzer. This could be the simultaneous evacuation.
Vertical Phased Evacuation:
This is the concept to delay the evacuation of people who are at less risk of the fire. This is something like evacuating the floor having fire and the floor above. The other floors or rooms are evacuated timely and in a synchronized manner to avoid any mismanagement.
- This evacuation also includes precautions such as:
- Fire control points
- Voice alarm systems
- Fire extinguishers availability
Staff Alarm Evacuation:
This could be a silent alarm. In some cases, the sound alarm can create panic and can lead to more damaging factors. So there should be phrases, staff, and people who can arrange the evacuation and alert others.
Fire safety equipment, drills, and training:
When it comes to fire safety, equipment and training are the necessary part. There should be a proper system of fire detection and warning. There is a fair need for several types of detectors as per the design of the building
Safety equipment:
The equipment type depends on the structure of the workplace and business type. There should be equipment installed, tested, and maintained. The staff should be trained in the equipment and how to use it.
Testing and maintenance:
The testing part is also mandatory as the equipment is expected to work in an emergency. Though you should ensure that everything is working properly.
- You should inspect that
- Whether all the alarms are working or not.
- The emergency lights are in good shape or not.
- Whether the escape routes are clear or not.
- Whether the safety system is working fine or not.
Drills:
Your staff should be trained for such circumstances. They should know how to react in such situations and help others and themselves. There should a fire-drill every year at least to keep staff well trained.
Final thoughts:
The safety of the working place is a critical part. Life is something which we all get once. So proper care should be taken in terms of safety when it comes to workplaces or any other place.
To protect your employees from fire hazards contact Pakistan’s premium fire safety and industrial maintenance experts, Capital Solutions. They will provide you complete solution for your building and industrial machinery.