Only you can prevent workplace fires. Well, not necessarily – your employees can help, too. However, you'll need to provide the right resources to ensure that your team can work together to prevent and manage fires.
Workplace fires threaten your employees’ safety, damage your property or product, and slow things down significantly. To some extent, they’re part of doing business. But that doesn’t mean you can’t prevent them. Let’s look at how you can effectively promote fire safety in your workplace.
1. Ensure All Employees Know Your Fire Safety & Prevention Plan
When a fire starts, the most important thing is getting everyone out of the building quickly and carefully. Don’t wait until disaster strikes to plan. Have a concrete procedure your employees can follow, and ensure everyone at the workplace can review it anytime.
Some industries and workplace practices require the creation of an emergency action plan as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These plans are designed to ensure employees know how to react if a fire occurs.
Even if your business isn’t required to follow a specific fire safety plan, creating one is smart. Based on OSHA recommendations, ensure your emergency plan includes details like:
- How to react to fire alarms or signals
- Emergency routes workers can use to safely exit the building
- An explanation of all evacuation rules and expectations
- Instructions for ensuring all employees are accounted for
- Instructions for alerting authorities and other employees
2. Limit Workplace Fire Safety Hazards Whenever Possible
It likely goes without saying that a great way to avoid fires is by limiting their causes. But what that looks like can be less obvious.
Common workplace fire hazards can be a normal part of the job – you might not always be able to eliminate their presence or the risks they bring. Electrical equipment, chemicals, large machinery, and other workplace tools can increase your risk of fires.
To mitigate that risk, follow all safety instructions associated with your workplace equipment to a T. Regular maintenance and repairs can also help you avoid damage that might cause problems down the road.
3. Clearly Mark & Maintain Fire Exits
The best fire exits offer quick, direct access out of the building. Select fire exits in each area your employees work in and ensure they’re clearly marked with appropriate signage. Keep obstacles away from these exits at all times.
Avoid choosing tight doorways or corridors for emergency exits; something is better than nothing, but areas that allow lots of foot traffic are best. No matter what, always have a plan B. Exits may be blocked by fires or otherwise become inaccessible to employees. Having multiple escape routes can save lives.
4. Monitor Fire Extinguishers, Detectors, & Other Safety Equipment
Keep up with maintenance for your fire detection system and fire safety essentials. Smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers should be regularly tested and repaired as needed. It’s also important to ensure that fire extinguishers are functional.
Working with your local fire department can give you some insight into what to check and how to make sure your workplace is as safe as possible.
5. Understand Your Biggest Fire Risks
Get a feel for which kinds of fire risks are most likely to affect your workplace. Of course, fires can happen to anyone at any time. But different professions demand different considerations. For instance, how a workplace managing lots of flammable chemicals handles fire safety can look very different from how a medical facility does.
Pinpoint the areas where the most fire risks exist. These tend to be spaces like:
- Employee lounges and break rooms, which are often left unattended
- Areas where electrical equipment and machinery are used
- Storage spaces containing work equipment, chemicals, etc.
- Pay special attention to high-risk zones and consider implementing extra safety rules for these spots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some common fire hazards in the workplace?
The most significant workplace fire hazards can vary from industry to industry. But electrical fires, chemical reactions, and outdated machinery are common culprits. Some common hazards to watch out for include:
- Flammable materials, including chemicals and things like paper, textiles, etc.
- Inappropriate or excessive use of electricity/electrical equipment
- Combustible materials, especially when stored or used improperly
- Employee negligence or a lack of safety knowledge
- Debris and clutter which can contribute to the start of fires or help spread them
How can I prevent fires in the workplace?
Creating a fire safety plan, monitoring all fire safety equipment, and understanding your workplace’s risks can help you keep fires to a minimum. Being proactive is always better than being reactive.
Talk openly with your employees about fire safety and make it a point to regularly discuss these topics so they’re fresh on everyone’s minds. When your entire team works together to avoid fires, results tend to be much better.
Why is fire safety important in the workplace?
Fire safety keeps people alive. It keeps workplaces functional and safe. From an ethical standpoint, fire safety tactics help give your employees the protection they deserve. But even in terms of business, fire safety is a necessity. In 2020 alone, workplace fires in the U.S. caused $932 million in direct property damage.
Lost hours at work, injuries, and other expenses can also pile up. No one wins when a fire takes over. But everyone wins when fire safety is implemented.
What should I do if a fire breaks out in the workplace?
If you spot signs of a fire, it’s important to act immediately. Seconds can make a significant difference for your safety and that of others. Here’s what to do:
- If a fire extinguisher is accessible, use it to try and contain the fire. If you’re unsuccessful or no extinguisher is nearby, evacuate the building.
- Get out. Take the nearest emergency exit. Once out of the building, stay out.
- Alert others to the fire. This can be achieved by simply yelling, “Fire!” or triggering your workplace’s fire alarm system.
- Once outside, proceed to your designated meeting place.
- Call 911 or your local emergency authorities. Your workplace may have specific instructions that point you to the right contacts.
If your usual escape route is blocked by debris, fire, smoke, or warm door handles, choose your backup route. Stay low if you encounter smoke. Don’t forget that windows can work as an emergency exit, especially in a pinch.
How often should fire drills be conducted in the workplace?
Fire drills might be required to occur quarterly, monthly, or annually based on the industry. More regular drills might be necessary in workplaces where fire risks are especially high. Be sure to conduct drills across all shifts and work schedules; every employee should have the same opportunity to practice.
