Fire Safety Procedures For The Workplace
Offices, industrial plants, and factories are at high risk from fires and unexpected explosions due to:
• open flames
• faulty gas lines
• poor pipefitting
• improperly stored combustible materials
Even the smallest of fires due to these risk factors can lead to extensive damage to workers and property.
What types of injuries are associated with a workplace fire?
• Primary Blast Injuries: They happen when pressure is applied on the body and mostly affect ears, lungs and the GI tract.
• Secondary Blast Injuries: they happen when objects from around the workers fly and strike them.
• Tertiary Blast Injuries: These occur when the blast has a lot of energy. It lifts workers from the ground and throws them against nearby objects.
• Quaternary Blast Injuries: These are collateral damages that happen after the explosion or fire such as burns and inhalation of toxic substances.
Take these five fundamental steps to ensure the safety of workers from fires and explosions:
• Clutter is a big no. It acts as fuel to fire plus it hinders employees from accessing emergency fire equipment and exits. Therefore, ensure that the factory or plant is free of all garbage, mess, and litter along with keeping all material in proper storage.
• Waste has to be disposed of correctly. By throwing oily rags or flammable substances anywhere, the chances of a fire occurring increase. Dispose them off by placing them in metal bins that are covered. Empty the containers, regularly.
• Maintain every machine and piece of equipment in the building. When devices are in ill repair, they overheat, create friction and spark. All of these, increase the probability of fires and explosions. Thus, keep an eye on the machines, perform maintenance and keep a record of it.
• Professionals must do all electrical repairs. The most significant contributors to accidental fire or explosion are electrical equipment not working correctly and faulty wiring. When something appears wrong, get it fixed immediately from the right person.
• Chemicals need to be stored safely and used accordingly. Before utilising a new chemical, read the label for all safety instructions. Stick to the instructions given on them. Moreover, handle all flammable substances in a part of the building that is well ventilated. An employee must wear protective gear when handling particularly hazardous materials.
These are just some methods for ensuring the safety of workers in the workplace. More should be done to reduce the risks of fires and explosions.
Read More : Industrial Fire Protection – What Should Workers Do?
