Undeniably, equipment that can sense fire hazards, give alarm, and contain fires in buildings is a significant part of the fire protection plan for any facility, but it should not be regarded as the only or final solution to defend your workplace from the devastating effects of fire. A responsible person must be designated to carry out certain procedures, such as identifying and dealing with fire hazards, and this should be the person most closely involved with all operational features of the property, and who, day after day, can offer the highest level of fire protection possible.
This person should have sound analytical skills, should hold a position of responsibility within the organisation, and should have an understanding of the systems/procedures involved, an appreciation for fire safety, and knowledge of the fire evacuation strategy. He or she should also be provided with the opportunity to get help if matters arise that fall beyond his or her level of competence.
Copiers, coffee makers and hot plates and other heat producing equipment and electrical appliances are frequently overlooked as possible fire hazards. A fire in the workplace can be a shattering occurrence. However, the presence of fire alarms and smoke detectors will decrease your chances of fire. You’ll considerably improve your chances of getting out without injury by practicing your escape routes.
Keep extension cords clear of doorways and other areas where they can be stepped on or chafed, and never plug one extension cord into another. Be conscious of all potentially flammable materials and heated objects in your workplace. Urethane, which is often used in upholstery stuffing, can emit cyanide. Many synthetic materials can also emit toxic materials during a fire.
Modern open office designs allow fire to spread rapidly and the inclusion of much synthetic and other flammable material in office furniture often makes “smoky” fires. Breathing these materials can severely hinder an office worker’s chances of getting out of a fire in time.
Hazards can be found all over the workplace. Any type of object or situation that can cause harm, sickness or fatality can be classed as a workplace hazard. So bosses and floor supervisors need to build up the correct mindset to identify hazards. A lot of facilities have workplace health and safety issues that are specific to their own industry. Circumstances that lead to slips, trips and falls are the single biggest cause of injuries at any workplace.
Listed below are some common safety issues found in the workplace. Most of the tips are easy and free to put into place immediately. These items are not listed in any specific order.
- Store items below shoulder height to prevent things falling onto people.
- Chairs should not be stacked too high otherwise they might topple.
- Take care that trailing cables are not a trip hazard. Use ‘gaffer tape’ or cable protectors.
- Keep cleaning chemicals and other substances in a locked cupboard.
- Certain equipment that you might have needs to be maintained and stored securely, such as lawnmowers, ladders and other maintenance tools.
- Wet flooring can be slippery so display a sign when the floor is wet (such as the free standing ones used in supermarkets).
- Ensure that lighting is adequate, which might need to include emergency lighting in some areas of the building.
Search for Workplace Hazards
Do you know if your workplace has fire hazards? You can prevent careless fires with one or two precautionary suggestions:
- Look out for careless smokers
- Ensure heating appliances are working properly
- Take care of your smoke alarms
- Develop an escape plan and have everyone practice it
