Important Steps for Fire Prevention in the Work Place

When you run a business, there are so many things to consider and plan for. Business owners shoulder so many responsibilities, and on the list of those obligations is the safety of those who work at your establishment. While flameproofing goes such a long way in protecting your patrons as well as your employees, there are many things you and your staff can do to see that a fire never occurs at your place of business.

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Administration) as well as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) provide some helpful ways that you, as a business owner, can employ fire safety methods at your business site. By having just a few simple measures in place, you can enhance the fire protection levels that are already in place through flameproofing and other means.

Here are some recommendations as per the NFPA and OSHA:

• Emphasize to your employees the importance of keeping the work area neat and tidy.  Should a fire occur, a clean workspace will minimize the spread of fire as well as help in keeping it contained.  A fast, smooth evacuation is also stronger possibility when employees don’t have to weave through a messy maze in order to exit.

 

• All maintenance for machinery and equipment should be current and up to date.  A malfunctioning wire could easily spark and start a fire.

 

• Maintenance is also needed for electric panels, so be sure to keep up with that as well.  As with machinery and equipment, faulty outlets and electric panels are also catalysts for fires, so regular maintenance can help with fire prevention.

 

• If you have chemicals on site, be sure that they are stored according to the Materials Data Sheet guidelines.  There are typically special conditions for ventilation, storage, and disposal. This is especially important for chemicals that are flammable.

 

• Smoking areas for employees should be in a designated and safe space. Cigarettes that are haphazardly discarded can be fire starters if not taken care of. Employees should be informed of these smoking areas as well as be provided with appropriate places to dispose of cigarette butts.

 

• Be sure that employees are informed as to the location of emergency exits and fire extinguishers – and also make sure there are clear signs in those locations.

While this clearly isn’t an exhaustive list for fire safety, by employing just a few simple and practical steps, you can greatly enhance the fire protection and prevention at your place of business. This helps in keeping not only the individuals on the premises safe from fire, but it also will protect your property.  Coupled with flameproofing, you are adding several layers of fire protection at your business location.

NYC Flameproofing has been a contributor to fire safety in the Metro NYC area for over 60 years.  Through our flameproofing process, we have served businesses in NYC as well as New Jersey, Connecticut, Westchester, and Long Island.  We would be happy to serve your business as well. Please call us today to discuss your needs and receive a free, no-obligation estimate 1-800 291-0904.

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