Understanding fire safety is an important part of keeping your business, your employees, and yourself safe. Cooking equipment, electrical distribution, and lighting equipment are some of the leading causes of fires are. In this article, we are going to discuss 5 key resources you can use for fire prevention.
Fire extinguishers
Your first line of defense in an emergency should be your fire extinguisher. Not only are they the most important piece of fire damage control, but they are also mandatory for businesses in Lansdale, Doylestown, Hatfield and the surrounding areas. Owners are encouraged to check the fire extinguishers regularly to make sure they are functioning and easily accessible. There are different types of extinguishers meant for various situations, distinguished with a class rating. Using the wrong extinguisher can increase the chances of hazards, so it’s important Lansdale, Doylestown, Hatfield business to understand what each letter and symbol means.
Sprinkler systems
Sprinkler systems are a common way to extinguish a fire. However, there are two different types of systems you should be familiar with. The first is a smoke alarm activated automatic sprinkler. The second is a fire suppression system, which uses other types of liquids and foams. For example, dry chemical suppression douses flames caused by combustible liquids, whereas wet chemical suppression forms a vapor foam to prevent materials from catching fire.
Since your sprinkler systems are linked to your smoke alarms, you should always make sure the alarms are wired together so they go off at the same time. Don’t forget to test them once a month and replace them every ten years.
PPE
Although PPE is not typically worn on a daily basis, it’s still a good idea to have some on hand for those who work in departments with a higher fire risk. These could be employees in the electrical department or a kitchen. Be sure to understand the difference between approved flame-resistant clothing (FR) and flame-retardant clothing; the first is made from materials that are naturally resistant to flames, whereas the second is made from chemically-treated materials.
An emergency response plan
Accidents can still happen, even when precautions are taken. This is why you should have a solid emergency response plan in place. Examples of an emergency response plan include evacuation maps and visual communication for employees to reference when they need to. Ensure that these visuals are clear and easily available.
Employee training
Every single employee in Lansdale, Doylestown, and Hatfield should have fire safety training, regardless of their department. They should have a solid understanding of potential fire hazards, how to practice fire drills, and where the emergency exits and fire extinguishers are located.
For more information on how to protect your business in case of a fire, contact Smyrl Insurance today!
