#Workplace Safety
By Team Seaglass
October marks an important occasion for fire safety awareness – Fire Prevention Week. This annual event serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of fire safety, not only in the home, but also in the workplace. Workplace fires can be devastating, resulting in property damage, injuries, or even loss of life. To honor Fire Prevention Week, let’s delve into some essential tips for preventing workplace fires and ensuring the safety of employees and property.
The Chemistry of Fire
To prevent workplace fires, you first need to understand what commonly causes them. Fire is a chemical reaction that involves the rapid combustion of a fuel source in the presence of oxygen, releasing heat, light, and other combustion byproducts. The reaction is often represented by the fire triangle, which consist of three essential elements: fuel, oxygen, and heat. Remove any one of these elements, and the fire will cease to exist.
Understanding Workplace Fire Hazards
Fuel – In the workplace, fuel sources can vary widely, from flammable liquids and gases to combustible materials like paper, wood, dusts, and textiles. Recognizing and controlling these fuel sources is critical for preventing fires.
Oxygen – Air is composed of approximately 21% oxygen, so it serves as a natural oxidizer in our environment. The oxygen molecules in the air can easily combine with the right mixture of heat, fuel, and oxygen creating the combustion. Managing oxygen content and ensuring effective ventilation is critical to controlling fire risks.
Heat – Heat is the energy needed to initiate and sustain the combustion process. This heat can come from various sources, including open flames like smoking materials, cooking, overloaded/malfunctioning electrical equipment, tasks that may produce sparks or easy ignition. Understanding the potential sources of heat in the workplace are critical to prevention of fires.
Impact on Workplace Safety
Now that we’ve touched on the chemistry of fire, let’s explore its impact on workplace safety. Periodic risk assessments are a “must” to identify potential fire hazards and take proactive steps to reduce the injury and property damage risks.
We take every precaution we can to prevent fire, but the fact remains that nothing is full-proof. Employers must also develop a comprehensive fire safety response plan to reduce fire’s impact on the workplace… should the unthinkable happen.
Tips for An Effective Fire Safety Plan
- Develop Evacuation Procedures and complete Fire Drills often to keep all staff prepared for emergency situations
- Designate assembly points, away from the building, to account for all employees during evacuations
- Maintain an updated list of daily occupants and emergency contacts, including local fire departments and medical facilities
- Invite your local fire department to tour the facility and become acquainted with your emergency procedures
- Provide fire safety training to educate employees about fire hazards, how fires start, and how to prevent them
- Install and maintain fire protection systems to limit injuries and property damage
- Test fire alarms regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly
- Install and regularly inspect fire extinguishers, ensuring they are strategically located and designed for specific types of fires that may occur in the workplace (A, B, C, D, K)
- Eliminate smoking in buildings (or limit to designated areas outside the building)
- Maintain regular inspection and maintenance services on electrical systems and electrical equipment
- Never overload electrical outlets or use extension cords as permanent wiring. Encourage employees to report electrical hazards promptly
- Store flammable and combustible materials in designated areas, away from ignition sources
- Keep work areas clean and free from unnecessary clutter that could fuel a fire
- Reference the National Fire Protection Association at nfpa.org
Fire Prevention Week serves as a valuable reminder to prioritize workplace safety and fire prevention. Implementing a comprehensive fire safety plan with thorough training, and ensuring the availability of proper fire protection equipment are essential steps toward safeguarding employees and workplaces from devastating fires. By fostering a culture of safety and preparedness, businesses can reduce the risk of fires and protect their most valuable resources – Life Safety and Protection of Property and Operations.