What to Do When There Is a Fire in the Workplace

Are you worried about a possible fire hazard in your workplace? Fires can put lives and property at risk, but being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency is just as important. With the right tools, knowledge, and preparation strategies, you can help keep everyone safe from a fire in the workplace before it has a chance to spread. 

So if you’re looking for reliable information on preparing yourself and co-workers for any potential fire hazards in the workplace, then keep reading!

 

If a Fire Starts, Immediately Evacuate the Building

When there is a fire, it is important to act quickly and evacuate the building as soon as possible. It is the only way to ensure everyone’s safety and minimize potential damage to buildings and property associated with a fire. 

Make sure you call emergency services immediately after evacuation and that everyone follows any instructions the fire brigade gives when they arrive at the scene. These will depend on the individual situation and could involve further evacuation or sheltering in place.

 

Do Not Try to Put Out the Yourself – Leave that to the Professionals

Attempting to put out a large fire yourself may lead to disastrous consequences. Fire is an unpredictable element and requires the expertise of certified professionals well-trained in combating fast-moving combustions. 

Not only could trying to put out a fire harm you severely, but it can also end up being counterproductive as the fire can further spread if not handled properly. It’s best to evacuate first and leave things up to experts who know how to safely and effectively extinguish a fire.

 

If You Are Near a Fire Extinguisher, Use It

When fires happen, it is important to act quickly and correctly. If you see a small fire, the quickest and most effective way of putting it out is by using a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are sprinklers that shoot out different chemical compounds, depending on the fire class. Before using a fire extinguisher though, you should read the instructions carefully and ensure they apply to the type of fire.

An extinguisher can efficiently put out a small but potentially destructive blaze before it becomes a larger risk. Therefore, if you find yourself near an extinguisher in an emergency, be sure to utilize it and help ensure the safety of those involved!

 

Keep All Exits Clear, So People can Escape Quickly and Safely

For everyone’s safety in a building, it is important to clear all exits. Unobstructed exits create the fastest escape routes with the least stumbling and obstacles. Additionally, keeping exits clear allows emergency personnel to access the building safely if they need to assist. 

By taking simple steps such as not placing furniture or items in front of doors, you can help ensure that everyone can evacuate quickly and safely if necessary.

 

Follow the Instructions of Emergency Personnel

It is vital to take direction from certified professionals with specific training to handle such situations. It could be first responders (firefighters, police officers, and paramedics) or other public safety personnel. 

Their expertise in navigating difficult or dangerous circumstances can make all the difference between life and death. So it is important to cooperate with and follow their commands and remain respectful of their service.  

 

Conclusion

Fire safety in the workplace is essential to protect yourself and your co-workers. Therefore, knowing what to do when there is a fire in the workplace is important. By having proper emergency plans and resources in place, such as fire extinguishers or alarms, you can help ensure that the situation is contained and everyone is safe.

Need to make sure your fire extinguishers are ready to go in an emergency? We can help with that! Click here to get in touch with Fire-Alert today.

What exactly does it mean for a fire extinguisher to be “tagged”? This blog post will discuss tagged fire extinguishers and why they’re so important in working environments.

Why Are Fire Extinguishers Tagged?

Fire extinguishers are essential safety equipment that can save lives, property, and valuable resources in a fire emergency. It is therefore critical for fire extinguishers to be properly maintained and tagged with an up-to-date inspection tag. 

This tag indicates when the next scheduled maintenance check or recharge should occur, so it’s important to ensure that the tag is visible and not covered or obstructed. 

What Sort of Information Is Recorded on a Tag?

A fire extinguisher tag will typically record several pieces of important information. This includes:

  • The date that the fire extinguisher was last serviced
  • The type and size of the extinguisher, a list of any defects or problems with it
  • Contact information for an authorized distributor or service provider who can provide repair and maintenance services for the fire extinguisher
  • A list of approved uses for the specific fire extinguisher type
  • Any special instructions or warnings regarding its use
  • An expiration date, which indicates when the fire extinguisher should be re-tested and serviced

It is important to note that failure to retest and service your fire extinguisher may lead to serious injury or death, as it may not be ready-to-go in an emergency.

How Long Do Fire Extinguisher Tags Last?

Fire extinguisher tags are designed to be durable and long-lasting. However, the lifespans of these tags depend on what type of material is used. 

Most fire extinguisher tags are made from vinyl resistant to water, sunlight, and other environmental factors. This type of tag lasts anywhere from 5 to 10 years with proper use. 

Tags made from metal are also available; these typically last even longer than those made from vinyl. These tags can often have a lifespan of up to 15 years or more if taken care of properly. 

Both types of tags should be inspected periodically for any signs of damage that could lessen the effectiveness of the tag. It’s important to remember that fire extinguisher tags are not designed to be permanent and should be replaced as soon as they show signs of wear or damage. Replacing the tags regularly is important to maintaining a safe and effective fire extinguisher system.

Safety Precautions Before Using a Tagged Fire Extinguisher 

  1. Before use, always read the instructions and warnings on the tagged fire extinguisher. 
  2. Check to ensure that the safety pin is still in place and that there are no visible signs of damage or corrosion.
  3. Always keep the extinguisher nozzle away from yourself and other people in the vicinity. 
  4. Stand at least 6 feet away from the fire when using the extinguisher.
  5. Check to ensure the fire has been completely extinguished after using the extinguisher, and stay on site until a professional fire crew has arrived. 

Conclusion

Tagging fire extinguishers can help keep you prepared in the event of a fire. So, make sure all extinguishers are tagged, regularly inspect them for any damage or wear, and keep a record of all tagged extinguishers for easy reference. You never know when a fire will break out in your home or business, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

Is it time for your fire extinguishers to be serviced and maintained? We’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with Fire-Alert today.

Fire safety inspections are an important part of protecting your business from fire. By implementing a regular inspection schedule, you can help ensure that your employees are aware of potential fire hazards and know how to respond in the event of a fire. This blog post will discuss 4 benefits of regular fire safety inspections.

1) Detection of Potential Fire Hazards

Regular fire safety inspections can help you detect potential fire hazards. By identifying and addressing them, you can help to prevent a fire from occurring in the first place. There are many potential fire hazards, but some of the most common include electrical issues, combustible materials, and poor ventilation.

  • Electrical issues, such as faulty wiring, can be a serious fire hazard, so it’s important to find and fix these issues as soon as possible
  • Combustible materials like paper and fabric can easily catch fire, so you need to keep them away from heat sources
  • Poor ventilation can also be a fire hazard, as it can cause smoke and fumes to build up in an enclosed space. 

By being aware of potential fire hazards and taking steps to address them, you can help keep your home safe.

2) Early Warning In the Event of a Fire

Most fires start small, giving people time to escape if they are alerted early. So, renters and homeowners can take steps to protect themselves and their property by installing working smoke alarms and testing them regularly. 

Once you’ve managed to escape from a burning building, it’s important to remember to never go back inside. It’s best to stay put and let the fire department work to prevent the fire from spreading.

3) Maintenance and Repair of Fire Safety Equipment

Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and fire sprinklers should all be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good working order. 

Fire extinguishers, for example, should be serviced by a certified technician every year, and the batteries in smoke detectors should be replaced at least once a year. 

By taking these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your fire safety equipment will be there when you need it most.

4) Documentation of Fire Safety Measures for Insurance Purposes

In a fire, having up-to-date documentation of these safety measures can help minimize damage and ensure a quicker recovery. Insurance companies often require this documentation as part of the claims process. Without it, businesses may be ineligible for certain types of coverage or may be required to pay higher premiums. 

Fire safety documentation typically includes:

  • An inventory of fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and other fire suppression equipment
  • A floor plan showing the location of exits and fire exits
  • A list of procedures for evacuating the premises in the event of a fire. 

By ensuring that this documentation is up to date, businesses can help protect themselves from the financial impact of a fire.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, there are lots of benefits of regular fire safety inspections. Not only can they identify potential fire hazards before they become a problem, but they can also help ensure that your staff is aware of evacuation procedures in the event of a fire. 

By conducting regular fire safety inspections, you can identify potential fire hazards before they become a problem and take steps to mitigate them. And it’s hard to see a downside to that!

Looking for a mobile service that will inspect and recharge your fire extinguishers on-site? We’ve got you covered! Click here to get in touch with a member of the Fire-Alert team today.

Every year, thousands of people are injured in fires that could have been easily prevented. Many of these fires occur in buildings where the occupants had no idea a fire could start. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 ways to identify fire hazards in your building and take steps to prevent them from causing damage or injury.

Here are some ways you can identify potential fire hazards in your building:

1) Listen to Your Intuition

If you feel something is wrong, it probably is. If you think something is dangerous, it probably is. And if you feel something is unsafe, it probably is. And if you think something isn’t right in a building or area of the building, trust that feeling and look into it further.

Just because a floor looks fine does not mean that there aren’t any issues beneath the surface, and this can be especially true for older buildings with wooden floors that have been in use for many years. A fire hazard may not be apparent at first glance; sometimes, it takes someone who knows what they’re looking for to spot them!

2) Verify the Presence of Smoke Detectors

If your building does not have smoke detectors, it clearly indicates that it does not meet fire safety standards. Smoke detectors must be present in every room and hallway of a building. They are simple to install and can save lives, so it’s important to ensure they are present every time you change or add to your property.

The laws regarding smoke detectors vary from state to state, but generally speaking, there are two types: ionization (which uses ions) and photoelectric (which uses light). Both are effective if installed correctly. However, photoelectric detectors may be more sensitive than ionization models in rooms with low levels of humidity or high temperatures.

3) Check Electrical Wiring in the Building

If you’re not an electrician, it can be hard to know what is and isn’t normal regarding electrical wiring. A qualified professional should always check for loose or exposed wires, frayed wires, damaged or broken wires, and exposed electrical sockets, switches, and outlets. They’ll also look for exposed electrical cords that aren’t properly protected by receptacles (outlets).

If these hazards are found during an inspection and mainly if they’re located in non-public areas such as crawl spaces or basements. You’ll want to address them immediately by a licensed electrician before someone gets hurt.

4) Scrutinize Heating Equipment

The heating equipment in your building is one of the most critical components that must undergo regular inspections. Some examples of improper installation include installing gas-fired heating appliances on combustible floors or installing water heaters on combustible floors or ceilings.

Ensure that the unit undergoes regular inspection from a technician who knows how to operate and maintain it correctly and inspect it for potential problems.

5) Spot and Address Hazards in the Kitchen

There are more kitchen fires in the United States than any other type of residential fire and are responsible for more deaths than any other type of residential fire. Kitchen fires also cause more property damage than any other residential fire.

The kitchen is a natural gathering place, so leaving unattended cooking unattended or allowing grease to accumulate on your stovetop is easy. Evaluate your kitchen for potential hazards that could lead to a house fire:

  • Barbecue grills – make sure you clear out any ash before you turn off your grill
  • Spilled liquids – if you’ve spilled liquid on the stovetop, immediately wipe it up with paper towels and throw them away in an outside garbage can (not inside)
  • Lighters – keep them away from children by locking them in a drawer when not in use

Conclusion

Fire safety is key to keeping your building and its occupants safe. By identifying and correcting fire hazards in your building, you are protecting yourself from potentially costly damage, loss of life, and liability claims. It is our hope that these tips will help you identify any potential fire hazards in your building so that you can keep everyone safe!

Does your building require fire extinguisher services? Contact Fire-Alert today to see how we can help!

In the summer, we like to grill and spend time outdoors. But with all that fun comes the risk of fire. We’ve compiled 3 summer safety tips for preventing fire. Keep your grill clean, be careful with fireworks, and watch for sparks when using heat tools like lighters and matches. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy the summer without having to worry about fires!

1) Keep Your Grill Clean

Cleaning your grill is important for preventing fire. Food on the grill can cause a fire. The grease and fat from the food can catch on fire. Cleaning your grill will help to prevent these fires. It would help if you washed your grill after each use.

A wire brush would be useful for removing the food from the grill. It would be best if you also wiped down the inside of the grill with a paper towel. It will help remove any grease or fat on the grill. Cleaning your grill will help to prevent fire.

2) Be Careful with Fireworks

Before the Fourth of July, many people begin to stock up on fireworks. While fireworks can be a lot of fun, it’s important to be careful with them. In some cases, these injuries can be serious. It is why it’s so important to follow some basic safety tips when using fireworks.

First, make sure you always have adult supervision when using fireworks. Second, never point or throw fireworks at another person. Third, keep a supply of water handy in case of a fire. By following these simple safety tips, you can help ensure that your Fourth of July celebration is enjoyable and safe for everyone involved.

3) Watch for Sparks While Using Heat Tools

Sparks are common when using heat tools like lighters, but they can be more than just a nuisance. If not properly controlled, sparks can cause fires that damage property and injure people. Thus, it would help if you always watched out for sparks while using heat tools. To keep yourself safe, follow these tips: 

  • Use heat tools in well-ventilated areas to help prevent sparks from igniting flammable materials. 
  • Avoid using heat tools near anything that could easily catch fire, such as gasoline or other flammable liquids. 
  • Inspect heat tools before use to ensure they are in good working condition and will not create excessive sparks. 
  • Be sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. By following these simple guidelines, you can help prevent fires caused by heat tool Sparks.

Conclusion

A summer day can be a great time for fun, but it can also be a time for potential fires. We’ve put together these three summer safety tips to help prevent fire accidents from happening. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy your summer without worrying about a potentially devastating fire. Have you implemented any of these fire prevention measures in your own home? Tell us!

Want to learn more about protecting your home from a fire? Learn more about Fire-Alert’s residential services here!

Healthcare workers are not strangers to the risk of fire. Healthcare facilities must have extensive fire safety procedures to protect patients, staff, and property. Although the staff is well-trained in these procedures, there are still a few basic tips everyone can follow to help minimize the risk of a fire. Here are five basic fire safety tips for healthcare facilities:

  1. Keep exits clear and unblocked.
  2. Make sure equipment is properly grounded and plugged into appropriate outlets.
  3. Educate staff on proper burning techniques for candles, incense, and cigarettes. 
  4. Inspect electrical cords for signs of wear and tear. 
  5. Regularly check smoke detectors

Fire Prevention

Fire safety is the most effective approach to preventing fires. However, no building is fault-free, and no strategy can anticipate every potential source of the fire. Ensure your electrical cords and plugs are in good working order with no damage, nicks, or frayed areas. Do not run electrical cables under rugs or carpets or overload electrical outlets or extension cords. Replace any appliances, tools, or pieces of equipment that produce sparks, smoke, or unusual odors. Increase safety measures in the kitchen, dining hall, laundry room, and other areas where fires are more likely. Take extra precautions if you work in a kitchen; be careful when cooking!

Don’t allow smoking to come into contact with oxygen-dispensing equipment. According to the NFPA, fires burn more easily, quickly, and hotter when more oxygen is in the air. Clean the lint traps in your washer and dryer. Make sure no grease or other combustible items accumulate on kitchen equipment. Also, make sure you store flammable materials are properly, and that fire alarms and suppression systems are operational. 

Fire Safety

One of the most important things you can do to encourage fire safety is establish a fire safety and evacuation plan, and ensure that everyone who works in the facility knows it. To test their knowledge, conduct fire drills to verify that all employees know where to flee in the event of a fire and what to do if there is a problem.

It’s always a good idea to ensure that there’s at least one person on your staff who knows their fire safety. This individual should guarantee that the proper fire extinguishers are accessible and that nothing is blocking them. This person should also know any damaged safety seals, leaking nozzles, and pressure gauge readings in the correct range.

Ensure that no obstructions remain in the path of outgoing or incoming traffic and that fire doors aren’t blocked or cluttered. Follow local rules on locking doors and keeping fire doors in good working order. Ensure all personnel know where fire alarms are located and how to use them.

The Bottom Line

Healthcare facilities have a responsibility to protect their patients, staff, and visitors from the dangers of fire. By following these basic fire safety tips for healthcare facilities, you can help keep everyone safe from flames. Have you implemented any of these tips in your healthcare organization? If not, now is the time to start!

Think the staff at your healthcare facility would benefit from a fire safety course? Learn more about Fire-Alert’s Half-Day Safety Course Training Program here!

Summertime is a great time to get out on the water and enjoy a day of boating. However, it’s important to remember that fires can happen on boats. This blog post will discuss some fire safety tips for boat owners. Fire can quickly spread on boats, so it’s essential to be prepared and know what to do if a fire breaks out. Keep these tips in mind this boating season, and stay safe on the water!

Which Kind of Fire Extinguisher Should Be on Your Boat?

The United States Coast Guard recommends that recreational boat owners carry a certain number of portable fire extinguishers. So, this boating season, make sure you have at least one two-pound fire extinguisher onboard boats under 26 feet. For boats between 26 and 40 feet, there should be at least two (2) 2 lb. fire extinguishers or one 2.5 lb.

The type of fire extinguisher you use on your boat is crucial. Electrical accidents cause many boat fires, but that is not always the case. Selecting an ABC fire extinguisher will guarantee that fires can be effectively put out. This way, you will be secure while boating.

Typical Causes of Boat Fires

Boat fires are often started in the galley, engine compartment, or electrical panels. Given this knowledge, it’s not surprising that so many boating fires are caused by gasoline and electrical systems. Most boat fires are caused by problems with 12-volt DC electricity systems connected with batteries or engines kept within the engine room.

Poorly kept wiring in an enclosed space with gasoline or diesel fuel is a typical cause of fires. Overloaded outlets and faulty plugs can create deadly circumstances. Cooling system failures and the resulting overheated engines are additional causes of fire.

Boat Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Every month, conduct a visual inspection of all portable fire extinguishers on your ship. Check the gauges to ensure that the extinguishers are fully charged, that the seals are intact, and that the hoses are in good shape. If necessary, recharge or replace used firefighting equipment.

To remove any dry chemical, remove the extinguishers from their holders and give them a good shake once a year. Have your fire suppression equipment serviced by a qualified expert fire specialist certified in marine fire-suppression systems once a year.

What Should You Do if Your Boat Catches Fire?

If you see or smell smoke, act quickly! Fire aboard a boat can spread rapidly and be difficult to control.

The first step is to get everyone off the boat as soon as possible. Fire on a boat can quickly fill the cabin with smoke, making it difficult to breathe. Once everyone is safely off the vessel, call 911 and alert the authorities.

Do not try to put out the fire yourself unless you are confident that you can do so safely. Remember that your safety is always the number one priority!

If you have a fire extinguisher, use it only if you are sure it will not endanger your safety. Never use water to extinguish a fire on a boat – this will only make things worse!

Want to make sure your fire extinguisher is working properly? Contact Fire-Alert today to see how we can help!

An emergency assembly area, also referred to as an evacuation assembly area, is a designated spot where people are supposed to gather in the event of an emergency. This could apply to any type of emergency situation, from a fire to a natural disaster, or even something like a terrorist attack. However, no matter what the cause, the main goal of emergency assembly areas remains the same: to keep people safe.

 

In this blog post, we will discuss emergency assembly areas and provide some helpful tips on how to choose one for your building. Let’s get started!

 

What is an Emergency Assembly Area?

As touched upon above, an emergency assembly area is a designated meeting place for people to go to in the event of an evacuation. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t intended to be the final safety destination. Instead, an emergency assembly area acts as more of a midpoint between the emergency and safety. 

 

You may be wondering, why not just head all the way to safety? After all, it’s an emergency! While that may be true, the main purpose of this area is to help keep people safe and accounted for during an evacuation. Meeting up and checking in with everyone at a midpoint provides a good opportunity to conduct a head count and make sure there’s no one left at the emergency site.

 

How Do You Choose an Emergency Evacuation Area?

Now that we know a bit more about emergency assembly areas, let’s discuss how to go about choosing one. There are several factors you’ll need to take into consideration when making your selection. The following are a few of the most important things to keep in mind.

 

Size

One of the first things you’ll want to consider is the size of your emergency assembly area. Of course, you’ll ideally want a large enough area to accommodate everyone in your building. However, depending on your location, this isn’t always possible. If you don’t have enough space to fit everyone, try to make the best of it by choosing an area that’s large enough to at least accommodate the majority of your employees.

 

Location

The location of your emergency assembly area is also important. When choosing a spot, you’ll first want to make sure it’s far enough away from the evacuation site. This is why emergency assembly areas are often outside, as it helps to ensure that everyone remains at a safe distance from the potential danger.

 

You’ll also want to make sure the area is easily accessible. If it’s too difficult to reach, people may have a hard time getting there, and every second counts in an emergency. Try to choose an area that’s easy enough for everyone to get to, but not so close that it puts them in danger.

 

Safety

Last but not least, you’ll want to consider the safety of the area. This is probably the most important factor to take into consideration when choosing an emergency assembly area. After all, the whole point is to keep people safe! 

 

When assessing the safety of a potential location, there are a few questions you’ll want to ask yourself. Is the area:

  • Well-lit?
  • Free from potential hazards?
  • Easily accessible by those with special needs?

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then the area is probably a good choice for an emergency assembly area.

 

Want another way to prepare your building for an emergency? Contact Fire-Alert today to learn more about our fire extinguisher services!

 

While it’s often a good idea to stay cool, calm, and collected whenever a fire breaks out, it’s not always a reality. Some people start to panic when they come face-to-face with the spreading smoke and flames. And who can blame them? A fire is a dangerous situation! It can be absolutely overwhelming when your safety is at risk, which can make it difficult to remember and follow proper fire safety procedures.

 

This panic is completely understandable, so experts have created certain acronyms to help make fire safety best practices easier to remember. RACE, for example, stands for Remove/Rescue, Alarm/Alert, Confine/Contain, and Extinguish/Evacuate, and this is exactly what you need to do if you encounter a fire. Let’s take a closer look at the RACE acronym below.

 

Remove/Rescue

After you’ve been alerted to the presence of a fire, you should immediately stop what you’re doing and take a quick scan around the room. Not only is it important to make sure that you have a clear escape route, but you should also see if anyone else needs assistance getting out of the building. Sometimes, helping others can bring a sense of calmness to a chaotic situation, which can result in better decision-making during an emergency.

 

If you do happen to see others, focus on helping those who are injured or are otherwise unable to get to safety. Those who don’t have any issues should be able to get out themselves.

 

Alarm/Alert

Let others know about the fire. If the alarm system hasn’t been activated yet and it’s safe to do so, go ahead and pull the trigger. This will alert everyone else in the building and may also alarm the local fire department.

 

On the other hand, if you’re unable to get to a fire alarm pull station, then call 911 once you’ve reached safety. The operator will probably ask about your location, details about the fire, and if there are any injuries, so try and be ready with this information.

 

Confine/Contain

This is referring to confining/containing the fire, as it can help slow or stop it from spreading quickly around the area. Once everyone is safely out of the room or building housing the fire, you should try to close every door and window you pass as you make your way to safety.

 

However, make sure you’re not blocking or trapping anyone as you’re closing everything. Always keep your eyes and ears open as you make your way through the building just in case.

 

Extinguish/Evacuate

If the fire is small, you can safely reach a fire extinguisher, and you’re confident in your ability to use it, then attempt to put out the fire. Just remember to PASS:

 

  • Pull the pin to break the seal
  • Aim the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire
  • Squeeze the handles together
  • Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side

 

Those who aren’t confident in their extinguishing abilities or simply aren’t near one should just focus on evacuating the building. Remember, everyone’s safety should be the top priority in a fire, so don’t put yourself at risk if it isn’t necessary.

 

Want to learn more about fire extinguishers and other fire safety tips? Contact Fire-Alert today to see how we can help!