5 Top Fire Safety Tips

5 Top Fire Safety Tips

In support of Fire Prevention Week, Jason Labuschagne, MD of Delta Fire, shares five top fire safety tips for in the workplace.

  1. Maintain electrical safety: A large number of fires can be traced back to faulty wiring and electrical equipment. Consult a qualified electrician to conduct regular inspections to avoid the risk of electrical fire. You should also maintain the safe operation of your site’s equipment and prevent overheating or sparking wherever possible.2. Store chemicals safely: Flammable chemicals can be found in most workplaces in the form of printing supplies and cleaning products. Follow all documented advice and instructions found on the labels and safety data sheets for these items.

    3. Maintain fire safety training and hold regular drills: One of the most important parts of fire safety training concerns exit procedures in the event of fire. Knowing the best course of action in an emergency can help prevent major disasters and unnecessary loss of life and infrastructure. It is therefore imperative that all employees, both new and old; are regularly trained in your company’s fire safety procedures. Make fire drills a regular part of your workplace schedule and ensure that they are treated with the respect they deserve.

    4. Fit relevant equipment: Smoke detectors and alarms should be fitted throughout your building and tested at regular intervals, with their batteries replaced annually. Ensure that you have the right fire-fighting equipment relevant to the possible threats present in every room. Consider installing passive fire protection (PFP) to stop the spread of smoke and fire. PFP is an integral component of structural fire protection and fire safety in buildings through the use of fire-resistant walls, floors and doors.

    5. Appoint qualified service providers: Don’t fall victim to illegal service providers that are not SABS 1475 approved and whose technicians are not qualified or registered by the South African Qualification & Certification Committee for the Fire Industry (SAQCC). The consequences including non-compliance, fines and possible arrest are a daunting reality.

    “Every workplace has its own unique fire risks and should therefore be thoroughly assessed. Contact a trusted, qualified fire protection industry expert to ensure your fire equipment is up to date and compliant,” concludes Labuschagne.

    Photo: Jason Labuschagne – MD Delta Fire.