Preventing Fires in the Workplace

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

Anytime you have multiple employees working in a building, coming and going at different times, utilizing different appliances or outlets in the building, you run the risk of a fire.  Unless you have the absolute perfect system of accountability, there is always the risk of a forgotten appliance or forgotten candle burning that may cause fire. 

Here are a few tips to help prevent fires in your business: 

• Keep your work area free of waste paper, trash and other items that can easily catch fire.
  
  
• Check on your electrical cords. If a cord is damaged in any way, replace it. Try not to lay cords in places where they can be stepped on, as this will contribute to deterioration of the protective outside coating.
  
  
• Don't overload your circuits.
  
  
• Turn off electrical appliances at the end of each day.
  
  
• Keep heat producing equipment away from anything that might burn. This includes copiers, coffee makers, computers, etc.

In the event that you DO have a fire, here are some tips to follow to ensure employee safety and expedient response by emergency responders:

• Upon finding a fire, call 911 immediately and don't hand up with the emergency responder until told to do so.
  
  
• Close doors when exiting to help limit the spread of smoke and fire throughout the building.
  
  
• Never use elevators during an evacuation. 
  
  
• Follow the escape plan and meet at a per-determined place outside of your building and away from danger. Conduct a headcount to ensure all of your staff has evacuated.

Call us at 601.304.5554 or visit us on the web at www.SERVPROnatchez.com.