Fires in commercial buildings are costly emergencies that put people’s lives at risk. Building managers and owners are obligated to ensure their buildings comply with fire safety regulations.
Adequately preparing for a fire requires time and diligence. Learn these five tips for fire safety in commercial buildings.
1. Inspect Fire Safety Equipment Regularly
If a fire occurs in your building, you’ll rely on fire safety equipment to alert people and control the spread of the fire. Have a certified fire protection expert inspect your fire safety equipment. This includes your fire extinguishers, fire alarm system, fire sprinkler system, and exit lights. You should also designate someone to inspect fire extinguishers between the professional inspection times.
2. Repair or Replace Fire Protection System Parts
As your fire protection components age, they can become less effective and can even decay. A few useful tips on repairing or replacing your fire protection components will help you keep your system up to par.
For example, one safety mechanism you should check is the backflow preventer. This device prevents your sprinkler system’s stagnant water from contaminating your potable water. A clean water supply will keep everyone in the building healthy, so if there’s a problem with the backflow preventer, you must repair or replace it immediately.
3. Train Employees on Fire Extinguisher Use
The third tip for fire safety in commercial buildings is to empower everyone to use the fire extinguisher. Employees should know fire extinguisher locations on their floor. They should be able to easily reach the extinguisher in case of an emergency. They should also know how to operate it.
Contact your fire protection company for fire extinguisher training. During this training, employees learn about different fire types and how to effectively put them out with the fire extinguisher.
4. Develop, Post, and Practice the Building Evacuation Plan
Develop an evacuation plan with your fire protection company. You’ll strategize for different scenarios and determine escape routes. You’ll also create roles with clear responsibilities to ensure leaders can carry out the plan in case of an emergency.
Post the plan, including marked escape routes, throughout the building. Then, practice the plan so that everyone understands what they should do, where they should exit, and where they should meet outside during a fire event. You want the plan to become second nature to minimize confusion during an emergency.
5. Inspect Rooms and Spaces for Hazards
Finally, inspect objects inside the building for potential fire hazards. Make sure that furniture, equipment, trash, and other objects don’t block stairways or exits. Store items neatly and correctly.
Make sure to replace damaged or frayed power cords. Don’t overload power strips because this can cause overheating and fires. And don’t use extension cords for over 30 days to power equipment because this creates a fire hazard.
By following these five tips, you can protect materials and, most importantly, keep people safe. Well-maintained equipment, a secure environment, and knowledge of the fire safety plan can all help control a fire’s spread.
