Fire Prevention

The following are general safety measures in establishing and maintaining fire protection in the workplace:

• Never pile or lay material in a way that it covers or blocks access to firefighting equipment.
• Make sure to use only approved containers for the separation and disposal of combustible refuse. Remember to always replace the lid.
• Stack and pile all materials in orderly and stable piles.
• Never let unnecessary combustible materials get accumulated in any part of your work area. Make a periodic clean-up of entire work site and keep grass and weeds under control.
• Regularly dispose of combustible debris and scrap from your work area.
• Use only approved containers and tanks for storage, handling, and transport of combustible and flammable liquid. Always performing operations that present fire hazards like welding and grinding

Fire extinguishers are commonly used as fire suppression equipment. Here are guidelines you must follow in using fire equipment:

• First, inspect and maintain firefighting equipment regularly.
• Place an adequate number of firefighting equipment in plain view in your work areas. When appropriate, label the location of each one and make sure it is properly rated.
• Provide employees with proper training in fire prevention and protection.
• Prohibit smoking at or around work areas where fire hazards are present. Put up signs, saying NO SMOKING or OPEN FLAMES.
• Ensure an emergency plan is in place at each location.
• Post reporting instructions and local Fire Department codes on info boards, common areas, and areas near the phone.

If you discover a fire:

• Leave the fire area immediately.
• Activate the fire alarm and/or alert other staff.
• If safe to do so, assist anyone in immediate danger.
• Close all doors behind you to confine the fire.
• Use exit stairwells to leave the building.

If youhear a fire alarm:

• Shutdown process/equipment (as preplanned, where applicable).
• Leave the building immediately.
• Close all doors behind you to confine the fire.
• Use exit stairwells to leave the building.
• If designated with fire emergency duties, carry out pre-planned procedures if safe to do so.

In the event of a fire:

• Do not use the elevator(s).
• Do not re-enter the building until the fire marshal or respective supervisory staff announces that it is safe to do so.