Fire Prevention Week is the perfect time for all businesses to design a Life Safety Plan for their building or workplace. The Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (FEMA) is offering a fire safety checklist that includes seven simple steps to help save lives and protect property from fire.
1) Know your building codes: Evaluate your building’s fire protection plan and become advocates for everyone’s safety by going above and beyond local code requirements for extra precautionary measures.
2) Assess Your Building: Know and understand the functions of your building. When determining what fire equipment is needed, consider what type of building it is, what it is used for, and how it was built.
3) Fire Extinguishers: Regularly check to make sure fire extinguishers are operable and pressurized. Report any damage, such as leaks or corrosion, to the facilities manager. If damage is found, they should be replaced immediately.
4) Standpipe Fire Hose Stations: Thorough inspection of this on-site, defend-in-place fire-fighting equipment is a must-do item. This equipment is easy to use on small fires after the fire department has been called and everyone is safe.
5) Fire suppression systems: A pre-engineered fire suppression system is mandated by NFPA standards in special hazard situations, which can involve restaurants and industrial areas. Fire suppression systems provide fast, on-site protection at the early stage of a fire.
6) Evacuation Plan: Exit signage and emergency communications are important components of escape planning. Every building should have visibly placed signs to indicate exit ways, and building occupants should practice escape planning regularly.
7) Training and Education: Training is critical. If your company or facility cannot dedicate the time or resources to a fire safety training program, there are numerous sites online where information can be found, such as http://www.fireextinguisher.com and http://www.rackhosetraining.com.