Fire hazards appear in a variety of environments and that is why fire hazard awareness is very important. It involves analysing the possible fire risks in an area and taking the necessary preventive measures to ensure minimum damage and safe evacuation of everyone in a fire.
Different fire hazard awareness approaches are used at different locations. However, the priority of every approach is the safe and successful removal of a building’s occupants during a fire.
For better fire hazard awareness, proper fire safety training is crucial. A clear and concise fire safety training programme includes the actions a person must take during a fire.
It prepares them for an emergency so that they can take the steps required to mitigate the damage. Here are 7 fire hazard awareness measures that must be observed in buildings prone to fire-related hazards.
7 Fire Hazard Awareness Safety Measures
1. Conduct Regular Fire Drills
Fire hazard awareness is necessary to prevent panic in a state of emergency. For example, conducting fire drills will familiarise building occupants with emergency evacuation methods.
2. Provide Adequate Means Of Escape
Fire hazard awareness is an important skill to have as fires can cause death and damage to property. An evacuation plan should be prepared, with adequate escape routes for a building’s scale and occupancy.
The staircases and corridors should also be well-maintained and ventilated to not disrupt the evacuation process.
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3. Install and Maintain Fire Detection Systems
Automatic fire detection systems such as smoke and heat detectors are mandatory in buildings. When paired with proper fire hazard awareness, there is a higher chance for a quick and safe evacuation process.
4. Keep The Building Plans On Hand
Adequate fire hazard awareness not only helps protect oneself from fire-related hazards but firefighters as well. To assist rescue agencies during an emergency, having multiple copies of a building plan on hand can guide firefighters through a building, helping them put out the fire faster.
5. Consult Fire Safety Professionals
Fire safety consultants can assess a building’s level of fire safety to ensure that it is adhering to safety codes and has the necessary safety systems. Old and unstable structures, electricity overloads, and storing of hazardous or flammable materials are potential death traps.
It is best to consult a safety professional to assess your building to ensure optimal fire safety.
6. Identify Fire Hazards
Identifying potential fire hazards in a building is the responsibility of business owners, property managers, and every employee. A fire safety training will teach everyone to spot common fire hazards, such as potential ignition points and sources, and correct them before they ignite.
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7. Monitor Heat Generating Objects
Electrical equipment and machinery can overheat and start a fire. Keeping combustible materials nearby creates even more of a risk.
It is important to keep flammable materials away from these types of equipment. Also, do not leave electrical equipment switched on overnight unless absolutely necessary. If possible, keep them unplugged.
Stay safe with fire safety training and a fire emergency evacuation plan from a professional fire safety company. Palcon offers various fire safety services, such as fire protection systems and safety audits, to keep building occupants safe.
