No place or business is completely safe from the risk of fire. But proper fire escape plan can prevent the occurrence of fire by controlling fire risks in the building. Also, by establishing fire protection systems and maintenance procedures, you can systematically save the building in the event of a fire. Cementitious fireproofing is one thing you can do as protetctive measure.
Causes of fire occurrence
A fire can break out at a workplace or home due to any reason, including:
- Electrical failures
- Short circuits
- Loose wires or faulty equipment
- Inappropriate storage of flammable materials
- Human error
- lack of fire safety equipment
To help you develop an effective fire protection plan, we’ve mentioned a list of tips that can help you create a fire escape plan for your place or business.
Hire local fire official
Before you do anything, schedule a meeting with a local fire official to find out exactly what types of fire alarm and automatic extinguishing systems, the city or county codes ask you to set up. Your location, your industry, and the size of your facility can significantly influence your choice of fire protection equipment, so find out precisely what you need before investing.
Fire evacuation plan
Safety is a crucial part of any corporate culture. Create a detailed fire evacuation plan Victoria for your employees. Make sure that those with physical difficulties receive the necessary help and an easy way out of the building.
The following points should be addressed in a fire safety evacuation plan:
- Evacuation protocol
- Who will be designated to call the fire brigade and the emergency services
- Location of firefighting equipment throughout the building
- How the occupants of the building will be alerted of the fire
- Where evacuation routes will lead evacuees
- Additional responsibilities for assigned staff
- Arrangements in place for employees and visitors with special needs
- The area of final assembly for the construction of the evacuees
- Where specific isolation points are located in the building
- The person responsible for stopping the machines or removing the equipment from the building
- What type of training is required
Consider communications
No emergency fire evacuation plan Victoria is complete without covering the critical component of communication, and this method varies from person to person. It is the best way to ensure to transfer the information most efficiently and effectively.
Fire safety training
Train all employees on the procedure and perform several fire drills per year to ensure that there will be no confusion in the event of a real emergency. Designate a safe place outside the establishment where employees can regroup, collect and count; make sure this location is far enough away from the building so that no one is in danger from heat, falling debris, or broken glass.
Exit plans
Fire evacuation plan leads from the surface to the ground and serves to a public highway or an approved open space. Make sure all the walls, floors, doors, or any other means in the workplace provide a protected path for occupants to enter a shelter with reasonable security. Also, there should be an alternative exit route, which means that if one direction is damaged by fire, the second route is there for people to exit.
The vertical stairwells accessible from above or below the ground should also be protected from the rest of the building.
Install fire safety devices
Many fire safety devices warn you of fire and smoke where you install them. Tools such as fire alarms and smoke alarms detect the presence of smoke and emit a loud beep to notify you of a fire. These devices help you take action at the right time before a fire spreads over a large area of the office. You can also install rechargeable light bulbs in your business area as during fire occurrence might electric appliance stops working.
Therefore, every workplace should have fire alarms, rechargeable lights installed on their premises. There are also many other fire detection systems that you can install in your office.
Schedule routine reviews and updates
Emergency response planning is dynamic, not static. Review your plan regularly to identify areas for change. A simple way to identify problem areas while strengthening emergency procedures with your constituents is practicing and reviewing. Find out which aspects are going well and which are not, and revise your plan based on these strengths and weaknesses.
The Bottom Line
A safe working environment is essential for the well-being of employees. Following the tips mentioned above can help organizations to create a perfect fire escape plan. Also, inspect your business for fire hazards and check your smoke detectors regularly to minimize the risk and make sure you and your employees stay safe.