Fire safety is important in any environment. Protecting employees and property from fire damage requires knowledge on fire safety and evacuation procedures for any location. Learning a few tips for encouraging fire safety at work helps protect you and your peers in the event of an emergency. Understand where fire dangers lay, help prevent fire hazards and learn your building's design and structure to help ensure your safety at all times.
Know Exit Strategy
Know where your building's exits and fire extinguishers are located. You should know where stairs are located and where they go before an emergency. Avoid using an elevator in the event of a building fire, as you may become trapped in the elevator in the event of an electrical outage or power failure, suggests the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Practice taking the stairs so you know how long it will take you and your coworkers to reach safety.
Clear Pathways
Make sure pathways that allow evacuation of your building are free of boxes or clutter that may hamper timely and calm escape of a floor or office space in your building. Keep your workplace free of clutter to prevent combustion of flammable materials.
Electrical Safety
Regularly check electrical appliances, outlets and circuit boards for frayed or faulty wiring. Don't overload electrical sockets and replace any frayed, cracked or otherwise damaged wiring to appliances and light fixtures. Don't use extension cords for permanent appliances, and make sure all wiring in the office space is adequate to carry electrical loads and is up to electrical codes and standards.
Chemical Storage
Place flammable chemicals in a secure and ventilated location. Use chemicals properly and according to instructions, suggests the SafetyXchange, an online safety community. Know the types of chemicals used in your workplace and determine their flammability based on the Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS, provided by chemical manufacturer and available in print or Internet download.
Smoking Rules
Obey smoking rules in your workplace. Smoke only in designated smoking areas and make sure your cigarette or cigar is thoroughly extinguished before leaving the area. Never smoke in areas where chemicals or other flammable items, including printer ink, paint, cleaners or other liquids, are stored.
Maintain Equipment
Regularly maintain your tools, equipment and machinery for fire hazards. Prevent sparks from reaching any flammable materials, check for overheating or smoking before use. Regularly service and oil machinery and other equipment according to manufacturer's guidelines and operate properly.
