Fire safety training at work is everyone’s business. Each year in the United States, there are between 70,000 and 80,000 workplace fires. Of these, over 5,000 result in injury and 200 end in death. Fortunately, most workplace fires can be prevented — only 15 percent of them are a result of circumstances outside of human control.
The key is training, knowledge, and preventative measures. It’s important that businesses establish and implement fire safety programs and that all employees are involved. This fire safety training covers all the vital elements such as hazard recognition, prevention, and response. Use these fire safety basics to keep you safe.
Hazard Recognition and Prevention
First of all in order to eliminate fire hazards, you have to know what to look for. Take the time to perform a workplace hazard assessment where you can search for and document known hazards. Once hazards have been identified, you’ll then be able to either control them if they are unavoidable or eliminate them altogether. Consider the following:
Always practice good housekeeping. Keep work areas free of clutter and combustible waste.
Make sure any heat-producing equipment (including office equipment like copiers or coffee makers) are kept away from materials that could burn.
39 percent of workplace fires are electrical. Ensure electrical cords are in good condition. Remove equipment from service if wires are found exposed or damaged until they have been repaired or replaced.
Check that power outlets are not overloaded and that outlets and extension cords are capable of handling the voltage of connected equipment.
Be on the lookout for equipment that overheats or gives off a burning odor.
When plugging equipment into an outlet, the plug should correspond with the outlet; that is to say, do not plug a two-prong plug into a three-slot outlet.
Store flammable work materials and chemicals in a safe location away from any ignition sources.
Make sure there are unobstructed emergency exits and escape routes. Routes and evacuation instructions should be posted in locations visible to employees on every floor.
Inspect fire response equipment regularly, including smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers. Items not in working order need to be replaced right away.
Fire extinguishers must be current on their inspections. Tags will indicate the most recent inspection.
Communicate to all employees the hazards of smoking on site. Designate smoking areas outside and away from building entrances.
Part of a preventative strategy includes written and practised evacuation procedures. Your business should conduct regular fire drills where alarm recognition, safe evacuation, designated meeting location, and roll calls are performed. Use drills as an opportunity to identify flaws in your program and make any necessary changes.
The average time needed to complete the course is 1.5 hours and the minimum pass mark for the exam is 70% and is valid for two years.
Who Benefits From This Course
Everyone! The world is changing quickly and businesses need employees with training, knowledge and skills in order to be competitive.
People who continually develop their professional skills or pursue higher education and training, are placing themselves at the forefront for career advancement opportunities in their future.
By giving yourself or your employees, the knowledge to perform your role safely at work, you will stay safe at work and go home safe, which makes the rest and play time in life, far more rewarding, whatever it is you love to do.
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