Fire Safety Tips at Work
When fire occurs at the workplace it has the potential of being a deadly event. To prevent a fire from occurring or the worst from happening, and to minimize the damage, employees and employers should be prepared and take special precautions to prevent a lethal outcome. There are safety tips to make your workplace safer, yet it is important than everyone on the premises be informed and participate to ensure a safe work environment.
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Evacuation Plan
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Every building should have an evacuation plan. Yet, even the best plan will be of little use if no one but the person who designed the plan knows it. Read the evacuation plan, and make sure every worker is familiar with the evacuation plan. This includes being familiar with the exits, and counting the steps from your work place to the exit, to help you get out of the building should there be visibility problems. You should have at least two exit routes, in case one is blocked. When the fire alarm rings, don't ignore it, use the evacuation plan and take the threat seriously.
Become Familiar
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Familiarize yourself with the location of the fire alarms and fire extinguishers, and learn how to use them both. There should be someone in the office who is responsible for seeing the fire extinguishers are checked regularly and are fully charged. Keep an eye on the extinguishers, and don't be afraid to remind the appropriate person that the extinguishers need recharging. Post the fire department's emergency phone number clearly on all the telephones.
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Be Conscientious
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Be conscientious and encourage safe office practices. This includes keeping breathing room around electrical and computer equipment, to minimize the heat build up. Don't bend or smash cords under office furniture or overload electrical outlets. Unplug the coffee pot when it is not in use. Smoke in designated smoking areas and properly dispose of your cigarette butt. Keep hallways and stairways clear, for easy and quick exits. If you see a fire hazard, such as frayed wires or a possible short, report it to maintenance immediately, and follow up to make sure the repairs have been made.
Safe Evacuation
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Encourage your employer to post the evacuation plan and conduct fire drills. Don't forget to make provisions for any disabled employees, and what to do in case there are visitors to the workplace, and are unfamiliar with the plan. When evacuating, close the doors behind you, sound the alarm if it is not on, and choose the smoke-free route, if possible. If not, crawl through the smoke, keeping your head about 1 to 2 feet above the floor. Before opening a door for exit, touch the doorknob and door (with the back of your hand) to see if it is warm. If it is, find another route. If the door is cool, open slowly, but be prepared to slam the door shut if there is smoke.
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