Fires in the workplace can have a significant negative impact on the business, the employees, the employers and property owners. Moreover, economic costs of fire are so significant that they amount to 1% GPD in most advanced countries. When workplaces experience fires it can cause job loss and could lead to the employer losing their business.
According to a recent Fire Safe Europe report, between 2009-2014 in the United Kingdom 5000 full-time jobs were lost due to warehouse fires. In Slovenia in May 2009 a company called Lesna industrija Litija had a fire which destroyed production equipment with the losses amounting up to 7 000 000 euros.
To ensure fire safety in the workplace, it is important to comply with the company established rules and regulations, but there are a few rules that should be kept in mind regardless if You are working from a home office and sharing the space with family members or using a space provided by the employer.
Rules Employees Should Follow to ensure Workplace Fire Safety
1. Remove any obstacles from exits and make sure windows and screens can be fully opened or removed.
2. Electrical equipment should be unobstructed by flammable materials. Check electrical outlets for overloading. Don’t put cables under rugs.
3. In the colder seasons it is advised to always keep an eye on any heating devices. If You are working from home, make sure any clothes, children’s toys and any flammable objects are removed from ventilators and heating units.
4. Unplug electrical equipment when not using it. If an appliance looks damaged or has stopped working, unplug it, otherwise You are risking getting shocked or causing a fire.
5. It is important to keep Your workspace and any equipment dry, clean and well ventilated.
6. If You are an employer, educate and train your employees on possible exit locations, escape routes and types of fires in general.
7. Fire escape plans are essential for workplace fire safety. Post them throughout the building. Make sure any passive or active fire protection systems are working properly. Regularly check fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, smoke alarms etc.
8. Make sure You know what to do in case of emergency – plan multiple escape routes in case one is obstructed. When working from home, assess conditions of fire ladders and escapes, as well as make sure everyone in Your environment knows what to do in case of fire.
9. The kitchen remains the most likely place a fire will start in any type of building, so be sure to maintain Yours well. If the kitchen is always kept clean, it significantly reduces the chance of a fire occurring. Both build-up of grease and poor ventilation can cause a fire, as well as make the environment less pleasant to be in for employees.
10. In case of fire, call your local emergency phone line. Always choose stairs over an elevator. Make sure to evacuate safely and calmly. If that is not possible, seal door gaps with fabric items such as clothes, remain at the window, and stay calm.
Reliable fire protection with Knauf FireWin products
One of the best ways to keep your workplace or business safe from a fire is to have passive fire protection, that will protect the building in case a fire has happened.
FireWin offers a wide range of fire-protection products, such as sealings, paints and gypsum boards.
Choose Knauf FireWin passive fire protection system and be safe!
