What are the Key Aspects of Fire Safety
A fire in the workplace is devastating and hence requires the utmost importance in protecting the lives of people and property. Fire safety is a crucial aspect of any risk management strategy of an organisation. A person responsible for fire safety should proactively identify and mitigate fire risks and hazards, ensuring compliance with fire regulations and effectively responding during an emergency.
This blog will outline the key roles in fire safety and deeply examine the responsibilities for a safer workplace.
NEBOSH Fire Safety Certification
NEBOSH Fire Safety are the personnel allocated by a workplace manager and work closely with them in establishing the essential fire safety measures for the potential risks identified by the manager. The role also covers preventing a fire and making sure that all inhabitants of the premises are informed of evacuation procedures and exit the building safely.
NEBOSH Fire Safety covers certain additional courses that cover a range of areas such as:
Management and Supervisors
Supervisors and management are accountable for ensuring relevant safety measures are in place and everyone in the workplace adheres to it. They are also responsible for providing necessary training and awareness for fire wardens and workers to effectively carry out their roles and responsibilities and ensure they align with organizational procedures.
Fire risk assessments
A fire risk assessment typically covers identifying the potential risks and associated control measures that would prevent a fire. This will cover the installation of sprinklers, and smoke detectors and taking appropriate actions related to wiring, appliances and storage areas. Fire risk assessments can be carried out at any time in a year and have to be considered regularly as a part of a routine inspection.
Implementing a Fire Safety Plan
A fire safety plan is an official document that outlines fire prevention procedures, evacuation procedures and policies in the event of a fire. Fire safety plans guide everyone in the organization to be aware of what to do to mitigate the consequences caused by a fire. It is an important requirement for any building.
Fire safety plans involve employees and occupational health and safety professionals and are carried out collaboratively. An in-depth fire risk assessment initiates a successful plan.
Identifying Risks and Hazards
The number and kind of hazards depend on the type of industry. Still, certain common hazards include:
Electrical Equipment:
Overloaded circuits and lack of maintenance lead to faulty wires.
Ensuring all electrical works are performed by skilled electricians and assuring up-to-date portable appliance testing (PAT) is essential.
Heating / Cooking Appliances
Accumulated materials can lead to fire.
Keep everything clean with cooking appliances. Avoid wearing loose clothing and NEVER leave while cooking. Make sure to keep heaters away from clothes, curtains and furniture and avoid using them for drying clothes.
Improper Storage of Combustible Materials
Regularly empty bins and make sure that no flammable materials are in the evacuation routes.
Flammable Liquid Storage
Ensure proper storage of glues and other solvents as they are combustible materials.
Smoking
Smoking areas to be designated far from the buildings and proper ash bins for disposal have to be provided in such areas.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
A fire safety plan should clearly set out the evacuation routes and procedures to respond during a fire. All within the premises must be able to safely evacuate. A typical fire safety plan covers detailed information on escape routes, emergency procedures and designated assembly points. Everyone entering the premises including new employees should have an overview of these procedures. Fire drills should be conducted regularly, ensuring all have practical knowledge of evacuation safely and calmly.
Conclusion
Any person having a key role in ensuring fire safety should properly understand his roles and responsibilities so that they can perform the duties effectively. Enrolling in fire safety training ensures that such persons are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake all relevant fire safety responsibilities.
