Fire Safety Tips in the Workplace

Install fire detection systems

The first step any business should be taking is to install effective fire detection systems around their building. This is a legal requirement of business, so if you haven’t already, it needs to be at the top of your agenda. Once it has been installed, you should train as many staff as possible in how it works and what they need to do if it is a manual system.

Most detection systems will be automatically triggered, making it much easier for everyone to use. You should be testing your system regularly to ensure that every part is in working order. For example, smoke detectors should be checked at least every 6 months, but ideally more regularly as part of your business’ routine.

Carry out thorough fire risk assessments

Conducting fire risk assessments is also a legal requirement for your business. It allows you to check your system to make sure everything is in working order, as well as help to identify any areas where your business could improve.

You may conduct an assessment and realise that staff are not following good practices to prevent fires. This could prompt you to hold refresher training to remind staff that everyone plays a role in preventing a fire.

This can also remind you to test different systems in your building regularly. For example, your emergency lighting should be tested to ensure that each door, change of direction, staircase and any fire-fighting equipment can be seen by staff or visitors should you face an emergency. You also need to check your fire extinguishers and other equipment to make sure that they are intact and in working order.

Have a comprehensive fire evacuation procedures

In the event of a fire, you need to have clear escape routes to your fire assembly point. You need to take into account the different routes people will need to take depending on where they are in the building and where the fire is. Every evacuation route needs to be clearly signposted, well-lit (even in emergency lighting) and clear of any hazards.

One of our best fire safety in the workplace tips is that the more people in your building who know the evacuation procedures, the more successful and efficient your evacuation will be. This is why holding regular fire drills with different places of origin for a theoretical fire can be incredibly helpful to your employees.

Appoint a fire warden

Designating a fire warden amongst your staff will help delegate fire prevention duties. You can put one or more people in charge of monitoring fire safety around your premises. They can ensure your emergency exits and fire doors are clear of any refuse or combustible materials and test your fire detection systems regularly.

A fire warden could have advanced fire safety training in using fire prevention equipment, such as the different types of fire extinguishers and when to use them. With this knowledge, they can also then help to train other members of staff in these life-saving measures. This is another example of one of our top fire safety tips for the workplace, with more people in your workplace being knowledgeable about your fire safety procedures.

Maintain fire safety training

When someone new joins your business, part of their onboarding training should be fire awareness. They need to know how to store substances according to COSHH regulations, where to go when an emergency happens and how they are to help visitors to your site. This is particularly true in care homes, where your evacuation plan will include helping residents with limited mobility to exit the building.

Your fire risk assessments may identify members of staff that have forgotten or do not completely understand fire safety in the workplace. This can help identify who needs further training.

Maintain electrical safety

Electrical fires are common in workplaces. No matter what your business is, it will have power requirements. Therefore, everyone needs to understand how they can contribute to electrical safety. Staff need to avoid overloading plug sockets and you need to have safe storage for electrical equipment when it is not in use. It is also one of their duties to ensure that combustible materials such as paper and cardboard are not left near electrical items or power outlets.

You should be consulting with professionals who can PAT test your electrical devices to ensure they are not faulty. If you or a member of your staff suspect that there is exposed or faulty wiring, you should arrange for this device to be removed from use until it can be checked by a professional.

Consider professional passive fire protection installation and maintenance

Keeping everyone in your workplace safe is a basic requirement for your business. However, we all know that you have so many other things to worry about in your day-to-day operations that sometimes safety procedures can drop to the wayside. Having professional installation and maintenance will take some of the worry away, with a designated team to come and test your system and ensure that everything is in order.

At Ark Fire Protection, we’re a leader in the installation and maintenance of passive fire protection measures – with a professionally fitted system, you can rest assured that a fire will be contained, allowing employees to exit the building safely. Get in touch with a member of our team to safeguard your property.