The success of a business lies not just in the productivity of its people or its bottom line, but also in the safety and resilience of its operations. An office, warehouse or store fire can be catastrophic for a business, bringing it to a standstill as well as endangering the jobs and lives of its employees.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were 16,500 office and store fires across the country in 2020, causing $932 million in property damage. To safeguard their success and the well-being of their people and communities, businesses must ensure compliance with local and state laws and implement measures to minimize the risk of a fire occurring. In this article, we will explore some best practices that businesses should follow to prevent the outbreak of fire.
Conduct a Risk Assessment
By carrying out a fire risk assessment businesses can determine any potential fire hazards and areas of concern with their business premises. The first step in conducting a fire risk assessment is in understanding local fire safety regulations such as the Houston fire code.
Fire codes are location-specific and will typically cover concerns such as fire hydrants, fire department access, hazardous materials, and automatic fire alarm systems. By taking into account the requirements specified, businesses can identify any areas of non-compliance and begin taking steps to address them.
Eliminate Common Hazards
Eliminating some of the most common causes of business fires can help to reduce an outbreak occurring. One common cause is faulty electrical equipment such as damaged insulation, exposed wiring and overloaded cords, cables and electrical outlets. Businesses should arrange regular inspections of their electrical systems to ensure they are properly maintained and any issues are addressed swiftly and in compliance with fire and safety standards.
Cooking equipment is another common cause of business fires, accounting for over $72 million in losses for businesses in 2021. Amongst other measures, businesses should ensure cooking appliances and heating devices are never left unattended to mitigate the risk of a fire.
Invest in Detection
The early detection of a fire is essential to minimizing its spread, reducing the risk of damage and saving lives. Businesses should prioritize this aspect of fire safety by investing in high-quality smoke detectors and fire alarms that act as the first line of defense to a potential fire.
With advancements in technology, many of the latest fire detection systems contain features which can detect heat, flames and other indicators of a potential fire, helping to minimize its spread.
Employee Training
A workforce that is well-prepared and vigilant is a critical asset in maintaining fire safety. Businesses should ensure their employees receive comprehensive training on all matters relating to fire safety within their workplace. This should cover a range of topics including fire prevention, the operation of fire extinguishers and other safety equipment, and evacuations procedures.
In addition to fire safety training, businesses should also conduct regular fire drills to ensure employees put into practice the training they have received and remain alert and effective in a real-life situation.
By following these best practices, businesses can ensure their business premises and staff are safe from the risk of fire, while remaining confident in their abilities to respond effectively to a fire emergency should one arise.
-In Collaboration with blogoutreach
