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Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties is your local restoration expert.
3/27/2023 (Permalink)
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties is your local restoration expert.
The Basics of Fire Safety in the Workplace | SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
There is no such thing as a good emergency, but when you don’t anticipate and plan for what could happen at work, you can create a more dangerous situation. If your commercial building ignites in a fire, you want to be able to rest assured every step was taken to ensure your staff and your property’s safety.
Starting with basic fundamentals of fire safety, like how to handle fire extinguishers, is a great way to introduce the subject to everyone who has access to your property. Very few people have actually been trained to use an extinguisher, and they only take a few simple steps.
Create a commercial safety plan that keeps everyone safe and business running.
Installing proper safety equipment throughout your building is crucial in creating a safe atmosphere. When you have fire extinguishers, OSHA rules state that someone in the building must be trained to use them.
Not only should you instruct your staff on how to operate fire extinguishers, but you should also ensure they are aware of the different kinds of commercial extinguishers there are.
As a first step, start by simply showing your employees how to hold and aim an extinguisher. Make sure they understand they should first get a solid grip on wherever they are pointing, then they can pull the pin and squeeze the handle. A sweeping motion is the best way to thoroughly put flames out, and you should include in your instructions to stay six to eight feet away from the fire.
The acronym PASS is a great way to remember each step of the process. Review the process at least once a year with regular staff, and make sure it is also included in any kind of onboarding when someone is hired.
While you should make sure that everyone in your building has access to basic fundamental training for fire safety, you may also want to assign specific roles to staff members that can be relied on in different areas of your property. This ensures if an emergency ensues someone is tasked with handling a floor or other intentional area, which can aid in mitigating extreme losses.
In staff training, it is important to address specific situations your building or company could potentially face. If you have a commercial kitchen, handling grease fires should be addressed in order to ensure the correct method and extinguisher is used. If you have a warehouse or work with chemicals, understanding what to do if a fire erupts can prevent losses.
As with any safety training, it is crucial to always put the priority on protecting life first. A fire extinguisher can do a lot to prevent damages and control a situation, but fires move quickly and can easily become out of control. Make sure your employees understand when and how to evacuate in order to keep themselves safe.
Clearly mark exits, and include a location to meet and numbers to call if an evacuation is required.
Creating a workplace safety plan can give you peace of mind as an owner or manager knowing that your people and your assets are protected. Practice your plan often, including the basics, to ensure the best possible response any time there is an emergency.
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.