How to Plan for Fire Safety at the Workplace

Waiting on the fire engines to arrive could prove to be dangerous.

When working in an office building or any other location where lots of people work or travel through, having a sound fire safety plan is key to everybody's safe and expedient exit. A plan can also minimize panic amongst those inside, as well as minimize risk of injury, as people won't be making a mad dash for the exits. Depending on the workplace, your plan may differ greatly from someone else's.

Instructions

1. Create maps showing the nearest exit for each section of the building and place them in clearly visible locations, such as on walls near doorways and in areas where people frequent, like bathrooms and near the coffee machine. If possible, outline the quickest way to your nearest exit. These maps will lead everyone inside to the nearest exit, allowing the building to be evacuated quickly.

2. Keep filled and readied fire extinguishers on site, preferably on walls near desks. These can be used to extinguish small fires or clear a hallway blocked by flames to allow you or others to escape. Try to have at least one extinguisher in every section of the workplace.

3. Run fire drills that test to see how quickly you can evacuate your building in the event of a fire. By practicing fire drills on a monthly or bimonthly basis, employees can get a feel for what needs to be done during an actual emergency. Do not let the employees know that it is a drill, as it will alter their mindset and take away any fear of real danger.

4. Designate a location outside of the building for employees to gather in order to conduct a head count and ensure everyone made it out of the building safely. Make sure, either on the written plan or during drills, that all employees know of the designated location. If possible, select an easily recognizable location.

5. Have a contingency plan in case exits are not an option. This could include selecting a designated room for employees to seal themselves into, or using wet towels to seal the bottom of the door and prevent smoke from entering the room. If possible, use a room on the first floor with some kind of ventilation, though which room is best for such a contingency will be different from building to building.

6. Hire professionals, i.e., construction workers and building inspectors, or bring in off-duty firemen, to examine and test the automatic fire response measures, like fire sprinklers and automated alarms.

References

• Department of Labor: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Seattle: Workplace Safety