FIRE SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Prevention is the Best Start

 Smoking

 Smoking materials are one of the major cause of all fires. Especiallly officr fires.

 Smoke only where lyo;u are permitted to smoke. Never discard ashes or cigarettes into anything but large, deep ashtrays. Make sure the contents are cold before you dispose of them.

 Make sure visitors are aware of smoking rules and check to see that ashes and/or cigarettes have not been left on furniture or in a wastebasket.

 Wiring

 Electrical cords that have cracked insulation or broken connectors should be replaced.

 Extension cord may not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring, and appliances cannot be plugged into them. Never run extension cords across doorways or under rugs and do not plug one extension cord into another or more than one into an outlet.

 Be careful not to pinch electrical cords under rugs, or under or behind furniture.

 Appliances

Heat-producing equipment, such as heaters, copiers, and computer terminals need space around them for air to circulate.  Keep appliances away from anything that might catch fire, such as paper supplies, etc...

At the end of each work day, make sure that someone turns off or unplugs all appliances, such as coffee makers and hotplates.

Housekeeping

Keep all types of fire hazards, such as waste paper, empty boxes, and dirty rags, out of exits, storage areas and stairways, where they could block your escape if they catch fire.

Arson

Arson is the largest single cause of fires in general office buildings.

Make sure your building has security measures and stick to them.  Keep clutter out of halls, lobbies, alleys and other public areas.  These areas should also be well-lit at all times.

Doors may be locked after business hours, but exit doors must be open during business hours to allow for escape from a fire.  Locks which require keys or other special knowledge to open are prohibited.  If you have a security problem, consult the Fire Prevention Division for assistance.

 Step Two - Plan Ahead

 How well employees and employers respond to an emergency depends on how well you are prepared.

 Employees should...

 During a fire employees may have to find their way out in the dark by feeling their way. Count the number of doors or desks to the nearest exit.

 Learn the location of all alternative exits from all work areas.

 Know the location of the nearest fire alarm and how to activate it.

 Post 9-1-1 stickers on or near all telephones.

 If you have a disability, be sure to notify your employer so that appropriate assistance can be built into any evacuation plan.

 Employers should...

 Post evacuation plans, making sure to update these plans after renovation or reorganization.  Discuss them with new employees during orientation.

 Conduct regular fire drills and insist that employees take them seriously.

 Whenever possible, include disabled employees in the planning process.

 If A Fire Strikes...

 Sound an alarm immediately and dial 9-1-1, no matter how small the fire appears to be.  Leave the area quickly, closing doors as you go to contain fire and smoke.

 If you must escape through an area with smoke, crawl low near the floor where the air is cleaner and cooler.

 Test doors before you open them.  Kneel or crouch at the door and reach as high as you can with the back of your hand.  If the door is hot, use an alternate route.  If it is cool, open it slowly, and be prepared to close it quickly if smoke or heat enter the room. 

Follow directions from fire and security personnel.  Once outside, move away from the building, out of the way of firefighters.  Remain outside until told it is safe to return.  Never go back for anything and do not stop to gather anything on the way out. 

Take a head count once outside.  If you believe someone is trapped, notify arriving firefighters.

 Most portable fire extinguishers are appropriate only for small, contained fires, such as in a wastebasket.  Never fight a grease or electrical fire with an extinguisher that contains water.  Do not fight a fire if you have not read the extinguisher instructions, or if the fire is spreading, or blocking your escape.