A Simple Building Checklist for Fire Safety
With the winter season upon us that means kitchens in full use hosting events, storefronts bustling with shoppers, and fireplaces roaring to keep homes warm. It is a great time to revisit important fire safety tips and how to stay compliant with NFPA codes. This means brushing up on your knowledge of fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and fire safety signage like emergency exit signs to make sure your building is ready to go if a fire strikes.
How can your business be fire safe this winter season?
Businesses can brush up on their fire safety skills and keep the following in mind this winter season.
● Safety fire safety information from the NFPA with your employees. Not only does this information prove useful at work, but will help them at home too!
● Plan and practice your fire emergency escape over the next few weeks with employees. Consider the best options in the event of a fire emergency and talk through various scenarios.
● Call the fire protection service for an inspection of your fire safety signage and equipment to make sure extinguishers, alarms, sprinkler systems, etc. are in proper working order.
● Bring in a safety expert for a training class around fire extinguisher operation, first aid, or CPR.
Fire Safety Checklist
A brand new year is a great time for your building and business to evaluate what they can improve upon in terms of fire safety. Unfortunately, mistakes and accidents happen and no business is ever completely immune to fires. Having the right procedures and equipment in place, with proper training year round is a great preventative measure to stop potential devastation.
More than 3,300 fires break out in office buildings each year in the U.S. according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA reports that a number of people are killed or injured with an estimated $112 million in property damage. As a building manager or owner, set out in 2022 to ensure total NFPA compliance and follow these simple checklists below to make it happen.
Fire and Smoke Alarms
These are the first line of deference and should be regularly inspected and in working order. Fire alarm monitoring has come a long way and wireless options are extremely efficient for many buildings. Have a plan of action in place that employees can follow and occupants can easily understand if the alarm sounds.
Fire Extinguishers and Suppression Systems
This is an excellent time of year to conduct testing to ensure these tools function and pressure when activated. Make sure you have the right fire extinguishers for your building and they are easily accessible with proper fire extinguisher signage.
Egress Markers
Effective egress safety markers throughout the building will help any occupant safely be able to exit during an emergency. Photoluminescent egress markers are excellent because even in power outages these systems can light a path to the nearest emergency exit door.
Emergency Exit Signs
Make sure all emergency exit signs are in working order. Those with electricity and batteries should be tested monthly, and photoluminescent emergency exit signs should be dusted off this time of year. Make sure all are clearly visible and in proper working order.
Having proper products and knowledge to help people during emergencies is essential. Beyond putting out the fires, consider equipping employees with the following:
First Aid
Make sure all employees are knowledge on the first aid kits. From where they are kept to how to use the products inside, do not assume employees know how to use them. This time of year is also good to arrange for replenishment and updating of the first aid supplies.
Training courses for employees should be done at least once per year on fire equipment and fire safety. This gives employees confidence they can keep everyone safe during an emergency. During this course have an Emergency Preparedness Plan in place and remind employees how to properly REACT (remove from danger, ensure doors/windows are closed, activate alarm, call 911, treat as dangerous.). These training should also include a fire drill and fire extinguisher/equipment training is applicable.
Be Ready for 2023
Fire safety is everyone's responsibility. From building owners to employees, and even occupants, we can all do our part to ensure we are educated on fire safety and have the proper equipment and escape plan in place.
Making sure you have commercial fire safety in place can seem a daunting task but the pros at Jessup Manufacturing are here to simplify it. Jessup Manufacturing is committed to protecting our community in case of a fire emergency with a wide variety of photoluminescent fire safety signage. Shop emergency exit signage, fire extinguisher symbol signs, glow-in-the-dark egress markers and more.
