All buildings are at risk of fire, and therefore it’s highly important that all premises are prepped and ready to deal with this possible occurrence.
To lessen the destructive impact of a fire, it is imperative that you can check off the following essential fire safety equipment that your site should have in its possession.
That’s why the team at Safe Fire have put together this guide to get readers clued up about these critical safety measures that should be employed to protect their workers.
Please also note that the equipment listed below should be expertly installed, regularly tested and maintained, and relevant staff should undergo up-to-date training to use them effectively and in the correct situation.
Fire Extinguishers
It doesn’t matter what type of establishment you run; if your premises experiences a fire, you will be sorry if you don’t have a fire extinguisher to hand.
Not only will they protect the lives of your employees and visitors, but they are also crucial for preventing a small fire from evolving into a serious incident.
Different premises will vary in their fire risk, and will also differ in the types of fire they will be most likely to experience, and therefore, which fire extinguishers are most suited for them. Consult with a BAFE-accredited professional, which can be found at BAFE.ORG.UK.
Fire Alarms
These devices provide vital early warnings of a potential fire by alerting workers to the presence of smoke, and their installation is required by law in larger and more complex buildings where shouting “Fire!” or using a manual alarm will not suffice.
The importance of fire alarms cannot be overstated; they provide precious minutes for people to conduct the evacuation procedure and to safely exit a building.
This can mean the difference between life and death and therefore must be frequently tested. It is important that you have an effective fire alarm system installed that is carefully tailored to your premises, including its needs and its size.
Fire Log Book
These books are an essential reference containing key fire safety information, and also offers space for you to record all relevant, updated personal records regarding the maintenance of your equipment and the training of your staff.
These fire log books often contain important tips and advice, helping you to manage the fire safety of your premises, as well as keeping you up to date with rules and regulations.
Health & Safety Law Poster
Even if you only have one employee under your roof, all employers are required to post a Health and Safety Law poster in a prominent and visually obvious position at the premises.
The information detailed on this poster lists some mandatory health and safety guidelines, as well as the key responsibilities expected of staff and visitors to the establishment.
First Aid Kit
If anyone is injured during a fire then fast treatment is important. First aid kits allow a first aider to deliver quick treatment to an injured individual, hopefully avoiding further, more serious injuries from developing.
Emergency Lighting
On occasions when the mains power has cut out during a fire, don’t let the darkness hinder anyone’s swift exit from the building.
Emergency lighting helps to highlight the exit path that the occupants will need to follow in the event of a fire. In addition to this emergency lighting system, it’s also wise to regularly check that any escape routes are free from obstruction.