It doesn’t take much for a fire to break out in your workplace. Faulty wiring, cooking equipment igniting nearby flammable objects, smoking, and human error can cause a flaming disaster where you work.
In 2021, the National Fire Protection Association concluded that fires caused around 3,800 fatalities and around 14,700 injuries. They also found that fires caused around 15.9 billion dollars in property damage.
Does your workplace have a fire escape plan? A fire can spark in your workplace when you least expect it, making it critical for you to have an escape plan ironed out. Take the initiative and learn some workplace fire safety tips. Here are some things you can do to ensure your workplace can safely and quickly exit a potential workplace fire.
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6 Fire Safety Tips For the Workplace
You can’t always prevent a fire from breaking out, but you can do things to significantly reduce the chances of it happening in your workplace. Follow these tips to help avoid a disaster.
Check Your Workspaces
Does your workplace use equipment that produces heat? Ensure flammable objects and materials are kept away from those. While you’re at it, ensure that your workspaces are well-ventilated, dry, and free of dust.
Assess Electrical Wiring & Outlets
Are wires sticking out of places they shouldn’t be? Does everyone in the office know not to use a certain outlet? These may seem more like a nuisance than anything, but they’re actually a potential fire hazard. Have a professional electrician inspect your outlets and wiring, especially if you’re having electrical issues in the office.
Know Your Exits
Every workplace should have clearly labeled exits for emergencies like a fire. Doors should have a lit-up sign indicating an exit.
Test Fire & Smoke Alarms
For the most part, you likely don’t think much about your fire and smoke alarms. However, you’ll be thankful they work when they alert you to a fire. That’s why you should regularly check and test your fire and smoke alarms.
Are Fire Extinguishers Up to Date?
Similar to fire and smoke alarms, your workplace extinguishers are unlikely to be top of mind. However, they can potentially save your office from a disaster. Fire extinguishers are typically good for about 10 years before you must exchange them for a new one. However, you’re always welcome to swap it before then to ensure you have up-to-date ones available. It also doesn’t hurt to learn how to properly use one in an emergency.
Tips & Insights: What Causes An Electrical Fire?
Create a Workplace Fire Safety Checklist
In a situation where there’s a fire, it’s easy to panic and forget proper procedures. That’s why you should create a checklist with the above points posted in your workplace so everyone knows what to do. Included in this checklist should be a designated regrouping area, such as a parking lot.
How To React to a Workplace Fire
Workplace fires are scary. But with a plan of action, the right equipment, and a clear mind, you can get everyone out of there safely and possibly prevent further injury or damage. Here’s how you should react to a workplace fire.
- Assess the situation.
- Decide if a fire extinguisher can be used. If not, move to the next step.
- Pull the nearest fire alarm.
- Evacuate the building.
- Call the fire department (if not already called).
- Gather with your co-workers in a designated area.
- Do a headcount as you wait for emergency personnel.
Tips & Insights: 7 Reasons Why Your Smoke Alarm Goes Off
After a Workplace Fire, Call CTR for Fire and Smoke Restoration
If a fire leaves your workplace severely or moderately damaged, then you should call us at 208-377-1877 for emergency assistance. Our specialists are available any time, any day of the week, to assess the situation and begin the restoration and remediation processes. We’ll get your workplace back to its safe, pre-loss condition.
