Business owners are obliged and responsible to maintain the safety of their employees and customers aside from guaranteeing fair pay, competitive prices and quality service. No matter the size of the business, fire safety and protection should not be neglected because it is the ethical thing to do. Also, fire safety is a good investment for the business.
A well-developed fire safety and protection plan should include a fire risk assessment, fire protection system, trainings, and evacuation procedures and fire emergency diagrams. Follow these steps to protect the building, assets, and people from potential fire emergencies.
Conduct Fire Risk Assessments
The first step in preparing a Sydney business fire safety plan is knowing the risks and potential hazards of the workplace. To take proper actions, identify the risks or sources of threat. For example, heat-generating equipment and appliances such as microwaves, ovens and stoves in the office pantry can be a source of ignition.
To reduce the risks, rules and regulations are implemented to maintain office fire safety
To reduce the risks, rules and regulations are implemented to maintain office fire safety. Another example is the waste pile. Most wastes and garbage contain combustible material such as paper and cardboard boxes; these items could fuel fire. Thus, garbage should be disposed of properly to prevent waste pile.
Installing a Fire Protection System
An effective fire protection system is required by local codes and Australian Standards. The scope of a fire protection system is designed in accordance with the fire risk assessment of your building. Because of this, there are no two buildings with the same fire protection system. However, here are the most common equipment that are installed in a building:
- Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems - Restaurants and other businesses with cooking areas are required to have a kitchen fire suppression system. This system is intended to automatically douse off fire caused by grease and oils.
Replacing fire protection equipment
- Sprinkler Systems - Fire sprinkler systems is an effective fire protection equipment against ordinary fires. They have saved countless lives and businesses over the years. Most of the time, the fire has been put out by the sprinklers before emergency responders arrive.
- Fire Alarms - Fire alarms alert everyone with sound and light strobing so they are able to evacuate quickly to safety.
- Fire Extinguishers - Install the right type of fire extinguisher in strategic locations in the workplace.
- Emergency & Exit Lighting - The emergency & exit lighting guides the employees and customers to the nearest exit in an organized and timely fashion. These should be connected to an alternate power source in case of a power outage. FCF installs, maintains, repairs and replaces fire protection equipment as needed. They will be glad to partner with the users in keeping the business safe.
Creating an Emergency and Evacuation Plan
The emergency and evacuation plan outlines the emergency evacuation procedures, methods in notifying the fire department and emergency response team. It should indicate the nearest fire exit routes and locations of fire extinguishers and alarms as well as the location of the safe assembly point outside the building.
Employees should be familiar with the emergency evacuation procedures of the building. They should also be knowledgeable in the proper handling of fire equipment such as fire extinguishers. FCF offers fire protection services for both new businesses and existing ones. With FCF, users can be assured that their building is safe and code compliant.
