In order to prevent a fire from occurring at work, particularly in larger industrial premises with more potential risks, organisation and preparation is key. In light of this, this month the team at Protect & Detect will be providing a thorough checklist for your factory, so you can identify and eliminate any dangers.
Tidiness
From stray materials to poorly labelled containers, failing to keep your factory in order can lead to disastrous consequences. Here are some tips to keep your premises risk free:
- Make sure that the premises is kept clear of combustible process waste and refuse. This will help to do eliminate any unnecessary fire hazards.
- Make sure that waste is secured in a safe area which isn’t accessible to the public.
- If there are any special hazards or waste products on your premises, such as flammable liquids, ensure that they are placed in separate, clearly-labelled containers.
- Is the area surrounding the building, along with the building itself, kept free of flammable materials such as packaging and pallets? If so, ensure that clearing them is woven into your daily practice.
Fire protection equipment
In the event of a fire, it’s vital that all equipment that minimise the potential fire damage are in the correct place and in working order:
- Are fire extinguishers, fire alarms and sprinkler systems regularly maintained by qualified personnel? If not, then this must be rectified immediately. On top of this, it is worth checking regularly to ensure that any equipment hasn’t been moved or damaged.
- Make sure that fire doors are always kept closed.
- Any notices which inform employees about what to do in the event of a fire should be clearly displayed in the correct areas of the factory.
- Make sure that the fire alarm is tested each and every week.
Staff
Ensuring that a fire causes minimal damage in an industrial setting, it is ultimately up to staff to ensure that the processes are carried out in line with their training and the fire risk assessment. Consequently, the following must be kept in mind:
- New staff must be taught all the fire procedures and shown fire escape routes on their first day at work. Moreover, refresher training should be provided to all staff every six months.
- Fire wardens should be appointed to ensure that all fire protection processes are strictly adhered to. On top of this, it is extremely important that fire wardens are trained properly in their duties.
Protect & Detect can help improve your building’s fire safety through the provision of reliable, high-quality fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems and further fire safety accessories. Our experienced, qualified professionals can also carry out maintenance for fire fighting equipment and offer fire risk assessments of your property to help identify and reduce hazards. Operating throughout Ipswich, Cambridge, Chelmsford and the surrounding areas, we aim to improve the fire safety of all our customers’ properties. For further information about our products and services, contact our helpful team today.