Thousands of fire incidents happen every year, especially in the workplace. Lives, money and businesses are lost; with lack of knowledge about preventive measures, it's the same thing as letting a thief inside. People always assume it can't happen to them, but there's a saying that it's better to be safe than sorry right? Why risk everything when you can prevent it to happen.
Here are few important safety and prevention tips everyone needs to know:
1. Proper training- Before we can use an extinguisher, we must have a proper training on how to distinguish and operate a fire extinguisher. First aid training is also a must.
2. Proper storage- Some chemicals are flammable, we must place it in a proper storage away from areas vulnerable to fire.
3. Proper garbage disposal- We never thought garbage can start a fire, but yes it can. We should be very cautious in throwing anything in our garbage can, such as used batteries or cigarettes, because it can start a fire. Garbage must be cleaned and disposed regularly and properly.
4. Malfunctioned electrical wiring- Instead of buying a substandard wiring, we must buy those that are highly recommended. We always think of buying the things where we can save money. This is very understandable. However, we shouldn't take the risk when it comes to things like this because if fire occurs due to faulty wirings then you will lose everything and all you could do is regret.
5. Fire exit- Every workplace must have a fire exit that every employee should know.
6. Fire alarm and fire hose must be properly installed.
7. Fire department's telephone numbers must always be posted near the telephone to easily contact them while the fire is just starting. This will help them respond on time before the fire gets bigger.
8. Inspection of wirings on regular basis is also important. By doing this we would be able to identify which wirings could possibly cause fire in the future.
9. Conduct safety measures- Discuss to everyone important safety measures that should be done when a particular situation arises; this is to prevent possible injuries or death to workers. Daily safety tool box talk can be also done by the workers to discuss and share solutions to a possible problem that might happen in their workplace.
10. Putting of signboards can also be done, like the signs that indicate escape routes and exits.
11. There should be a smoke detector in every workplace. Make sure you change the battery every six months. Install one battery operated and one powered by electricity so that when battery operated fails to work properly, there wouldn't be a problem since you have installed one that is powered by electricity, and vice versa. Test each installed smoke detector every month. Remember smoke detectors have saved lives!
12. Rechargeable lights are safer to use than candles during power outages. But if you don't have one, you can use candle with precautions. Candles shouldn't be left unattended and it should be kept away from anything that can easily start a fire such as curtains, papers, gas stoves, among others.
13. Never try to repair any electrical appliances if you don't have the right training, just so to save money for the repairs. Let the service technician do the job instead.
14. Always unplug any electrical appliances that are not in use. Not only does it consume electricity, but it can also be a cause of fire. Use extensions temporarily and not permanently. Make sure it is working properly and carries its proper load.
Near-miss incidents should always be recounted to the persons involved for them to acquire fire safety awareness and also to prevent those incidents from happening again.
Jo is a writer for 'Phoenix Safety Services Ltd' (http://www.phoenixsafety.co.uk), a well-known consultant in personalized Health and Safety Training that are given to various customers throughout UK and Europe. If your company requires you to attend a Fire Safety Awareness Training or would like to train you and your co-workers with the basic useful information and skills in knowing the fundamental dangers of fire and fire deterrence measures then have a look at Phoenix Safety Services Ltd.
No comments:
Post a Comment