Surprisingly, office
fires occur fairly often. According to the National
Fire Protection Association, an estimated 3,340 office building fires
are reported annually. When it comes to owning a
business or
managing a group of people, protecting your assets is a top priority. From your
employee base, to your property and equipment, you want to be well prepared should
something happen in your office. Continue reading to learn more about how to
best protect your business and those inside.
Be Proactive
When it comes to fire prevention, being proactive about your safety assessments and strategy is the most important thing. Follow
these fire
prevention tips to stay ahead of the game:
- Stay
informed and up to date. One of the
most effective ways of preventing a workplace fire is to stay up to date on business
fire codes. The National Fire Protection
Association offers publications on fire safety standards. Be
sure to re-visit the publications frequently to ensure your business is always
up to code.
- Always keep
traffic ways clear. Never block stairways, doorways or exits with
furniture, materials, equipment, or trash.
- Always
keep fire protection equipment, like a fire extinguisher on hand
and readily available .
- Install
and test your detectors. Early fire detection can mean the difference
between life and death. Install smoke and
carbon monoxide detectors throughout the office and be sure to test
them regularly. It is recommended that
you test the detectors every 6 months. Daylight saving days are a great time to
do this and make it easy to remember.
- Invest in
a sprinkler system. Having sprinklers is a fast and simple way to put
out any fire that may start in your office at any time of day.
- Inspect
wiring regularly. Faulty wiring is a common igniter of workplace
fires. Always report electrical
hazards. Never attempt electrical repairs unless you are qualified and
authorized.
- Check
your fire extinguishers often. Be sure that your extinguishers are
accessible and ready for use. You’ll want to schedule fire
extinguisher training sessions for your employees and strongly
encourage everyone to attend.
Train Your Employees on Fire Safety
Your employees are your next line of prevention for office fires. For their own safety and yours, be sure to use the following tips to train all employees:
- Pick a safety officer. No matter what size your business is, all offices need a fire prevention officer. This is the person who will be in charge of making sure your fire prevention efforts are up to date and will plan escape routes and meeting places for all employees.
- Designate smoking areas. Encourage all employees to smoke only in the designated smoking area and extinguish smoking materials safely. If possible, consider going smoke-free.
- Conduct
fire drills. Holding fire drills is the best way to test if
your employees are adequately prepared should there be a fire in the office. Consider
holding a handful of random drills each year to keep safety on the
top of everyone’s mind.
- Leave
space for appliances. Appliances give off
a lot of heat. Keep the space around them clutter-free so that they have room
to breathe.
- Keep
first aid kits. Place first aid
kits
throughout the office and make sure your employees know what is included in
them and where they are located.
- Use
chemicals safely. Always read the labels to determine a material’s
flammability and store it appropriately. Whenever using harsh
chemicals, be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area.
- Post
emergency numbers. Keep emergency phone numbers as well as your
company’s address around the office for quick access.
We know that protecting your employees and your office from
fire is a top priority. Now that you know what preventive measures you can take
to prevent disaster inside the office, it’s time to make sure your business is
protected for whatever comes your way. To learn more about a business insurance
policy with NYCM, check out the link below to speak
with one of our local
agents!
