Why Invest in Your Fire Prevention Plan?

 

Protecting your commercial building and assets from fire involves much more than just having a fire alarm and sprinkler system. The ability to maintain safety and security involves the cooperation of you and your employees, working cohesively to meet a common goal: fire safety and security. Creating a fire prevention plan for your business is the best and most effective way to meet this goal.

Unfortunately, fires affect thousands of people and companies each year, and the results are devastating. Fires result in loss of life, injury, building damage, and the loss of your customers’ trust. Creating an effective workplace fire prevention plan provides vital protection against expensive damage, injuries and fatalities to employees or residents and possible fines to your business.

Training Employees in Fire Safety is Key 

Many of us will never experience a fire while at work and take on the notion that these things happen to other businesses and other people. This is completely the wrong attitude to have when it comes to fire safety. When employees attend safety meetings with a disinterested and unengaged attitude, it not only affects the morale of the entire group but can also put people’s lives in jeopardy.

The best way to reduce these influences is to hold regular fire safety meetings and demonstrations. Doing this communicates to your employees the seriousness of fire safety and demonstrates that it should be taken seriously. Additional ways to keep your employees safe and informed on fire safety are:

●      Ensure each employee is trained on how to use a fire extinguisher

●      Reinforce that fire safety protocols are understood by all employees

●      Employees who smoke should only smoke in designated areas

●      Train employees on the correct way to store flammable materials

●      Educate employees on keeping exit pathways clear

●      Ensure employees have a firm understanding of fire alarm monitoring protocols

More Tips for a Commercial Fire Prevention Plan 

The following fire safety tips help ensure workplace safety and strategies to prevent fire damage as much as possible.

●      Always have your company’s evacuation route easily accessible to employees. All employees should know where to find the company’s fire safety plan and what their evacuation route should be.  For example, employees located in upstairs offices should have access to an escape ladder that can be hung from a window to escape a fire if the stairs are inaccessible and should know how to use it.

●      The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers fire safety resources, including Standards, Hazards, and Possible Solutions, Additional Resources including training and education, and information on Workers' Rights.

●      The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides leading information and knowledgeable resources on fire, electrical and related hazards, including a list of Codes and Standards that reflect changing industry needs and evolving technologies to help ensure safety in the workplace.

When creating a fire prevention plan, employers must make sure they are meeting all fire safety requirements issued by OSHA and NFPA. Speak with a commercial fire alarm and life safety specialist to ensure you are code compliant with all OSHA, NFPA, and building code requirements in your location.

Inspections of Electrical Equipment 

Faulty electrical equipment is a primary cause of hazardous fires in the workplace. These fires can quickly become unmanageable and can be the result of overloaded plugs, loose or faulty wires, or bad connections.

Having your electrical equipment regularly inspected by a commercial fire alarm specialist is the best option for keeping everyone safe. All employees should be educated on how important it is to keep equipment in good operating condition. Do not use broken or frayed electrical cords, and do not overload extension cords or outlets.

Why Choose HRSS for Your Fire Safety Planning 

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, employs fire safety specialists with vast experience and in-depth knowledge of all fire, life, and safety code requirements. We work with your business to design the best commercial fire alarm system for your unique building and property. HRSS offers commercial fire alarm system design services to meet all safety code requirements by OSHA, NFPA, and other regulations, including the International Building Code (IBC), Chicago Building Code, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

HRSS provides commercial fire alarm system design and comprehensive fire safety services such as regular fire alarm inspections, maintenance, testing, and monitoring 24/7/365. We are equipped to handle emergency response needs promptly, keeping your safety and protection as our main priority. HRSS will assess your commercial fire safety needs and design a commercial fire alarm system that meets your requirements, including assessing any future updates or possible expansions.

HRSS offers commercial fire alarm and life safety inspections and provides recommendations for your commercial fire prevention plan. We use reputable, high-quality equipment known for delivering consistent and dependable fire detection and notification. HRSS prioritizes saving lives and protecting your property as an important part of your commercial fire prevention plan. Contact us today.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-and-life-safety/why-invest-in-your-fire-prevention-plan/