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Fire Safety

Oct. 20 2023 Safety By Pattison Agriculture

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GENERAL PRECAUTIONS IN THE WORKPLACE

Eliminate workplace fire hazards:

  • Damaged electrical outlets, cords, cables, etc.
  • Overloaded outlets and circuits
  • Combustible objects in unsecured locations (included excessive trash and recycling)—keep these far from electrical equipment!
  • Fire exit obstacles

Keep workspace and equipment clean, dry, and well-ventilated, and especially clean of oil and dust.

Prepare for emergencies:

  • Follow workspace protocol and guidelines to ensure safety and health; know and understand rules and procedures concerning fire emergencies.
  • Ensure that smoke alarms and sprinkler systems are installed, working properly, and are not blocked.
  • Conduct regular fire drills.

Managers should follow these workplace fire safety tips:

  • Post clear fire escape plans on every level.
  • Educate all employees on emergency procedures, exit locations, escape routes, fire alarms and drills, and the use of fire extinguishers.
  • Conduct regular drills.
  • Install and properly maintain all fire safety equipment.
  • Provide for disabled employees.

HAZARDOUS ELECTRICS AND EQUIPMENT

Use only electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory (i.e. UL).

  • Immediately replace damaged, hazardous equipment:
  • Look out for anything that appears overheated, smells strange, or delivers electrical shock.
  • Replace all damaged, worn, frayed, or old wires.
  • Only use three-prong plugs in three-slot outlets (and, similarly: two-slot plug into two-slot outlets).
  • Equipment that emanates substantial heat should be at least several feet away from combustible surfaces and objects
  • Heaters must include a thermostat control mechanism.

A NO-SMOKING ZONE IS LESS OF A DANGER ZONE

1. If you must smoke, smoke outdoors, and always ensure that you properly extinguish the cigarette in a sandfilled

can, or drown cigarette butts and ashes in water.

2. Never throw away hot cigarette butts or ashes without attending to them properly.

3. Be alert and then alert others. If you smell or spot fire or smoke, bring it immediately to attention.

4. Never smoke where oxygen is being used. Even if the oxygen is turned off, the building is much more vulnerable—oxygen can be explosive and will only serve to fan the flames.


IN CASE OF FIRE: FOLLOW THE EVACUATION PLAN

Immediately call 911 in case of a fire.

Know and understand the fire emergency and evacuation plan with these workplace fire safety tips:

  • Plan at multiple escape routes from as many locations as possible.

Never use the elevator. Walk—don’t run—down the stairs.

If you cannot evacuate,

  • Remain calm and put as much distance as possible between yourself and the fire.
  • Seal all cracks with wet materials (towels, jackets) to prevent smoke from seeping into the room.
  • Practice; Do you think you can you feel your way out of the office and building with your eyes closed, or in the dark? Do you know multiple escape routes? Do you know the low windows from which you could jump? Do you instinctively use the back of your hand to feel a door’s heat, and do you remain crouched down as close to the floor as possible?