October is Fire Prevention Month, which is designed to raise awareness about fire safety and help protect people and businesses. Although safety is a year-round concern, now is the perfect time to make sure your business is properly protected. Watch out for these often overlooked fire and safety hazards that can put your staff and business at risk.
Overloaded outlets and frayed wires can overheat and become a fire hazard. Regularly inspect outlets, power strips and cords for wear and tear, and replace them as necessary.
Poorly marked or obstructed escape routes can create confusion and panic in an emergency. Make sure all building exits are easy to access and clearly marked with signage.
Improperly stored hazardous materials. Solvents, fuels, cleaning products and other potentially flammable materials should be stored in well-ventilated areas. Establish a routine for properly disposing of combustible materials.
Expired fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Replace expired extinguishers and test them regularly to ensure they are properly pressurized and ready to use.
Neglected smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be placed in every room, storage area and hallway in your facility. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries annually. Replace the alarm at the end of its lifespan according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
By identifying and eliminating these potential fire hazards, you can help ensure the safety of staff, visitors and customers and reduce the risk of property damage and business interruption.
Develop a plan
To further reduce your risks, it's important that everyone knows what to do in case of a fire. A fire emergency evacuation plan outlines procedures for safely evacuating the building during a fire. Although every building and business is different, the following five elements should be a part of any evacuation plan:
- Escape routes. Locate all possible escape routes. Keep them clear of obstructions and clearly marked with signage.
- Assembly point. Establish a safe assembly point away from the building where everyone can gather and be accounted for.
- Communication procedures. Implement a reliable way to alert everyone of a fire, such as alarms, lights or announcements.
- Established roles. Assign responsibilities, such as emergency leaders, first aiders and those responsible for contacting emergency services.
- Documentation and review. Keep the plan readily available and updated. Regularly review the plan and modify it to reflect changes in building layout, operational procedures and other factors.
Training is critical. Make sure all employees understand the plan and their roles, and conduct regular drills to practice the evacuation procedure. For more information, see Evacuation Plans and Procedures from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.