Ensuring that your commercial building adheres to fire safety standards can be challenging. This is especially the case when it comes to complex layouts and an increasing risk of vertical spread.
There are many ways that business owners try to minimise these risks. This can include focusing on aspects such as essential fire safety tips and regular fire hydrant repairs and services. In addition to these, there are a bunch of other fire safety tips to implement that will help you and your employees reduce the risk of a commercial fire.
Pointers to Minimise Fire Risks
It’s important to point out that basic fire safety tips should be tailored to suit the shape, size, and nature of your commercial building. Our list of fire safety tips will help you get started.
1. Install the Relevant Alarm and Fire Detection Systems
The number one rule for fire safety involves installing an efficient fire alarm and detection system. Not only does this enable swift action in case of emergency, but it can also reduce the spread of a fire. Keep in mind that the fire alarm system should be linked to a security monitoring system so that they can alert the business owner and fire services in case of an emergency.
2. Maintain and Service Fire Equipment
All fire equipment should be installed according to Australian regulations. Furthermore, all equipment should be regularly tested and maintained. A certified commercial plumber or fire services agent will be able to check your equipment and advise you of anything that needs to be repaired, filled, or replaced.
This will ensure that your equipment is in optimal working condition. It’s also important to ensure that your employees know how to use the fire equipment. You can also create a team of employees to be in charge of handling the fire equipment in case of emergency.
3. Install Fire-Resistant Partitions and Fire Doors
Essentially, fire-resistant partitions and doors can be installed in specific areas to contain any potential fires. These doors can also contain smoke which in turn prevents it from engulfing the building. This is an effective way to keep fires and smoke contained for as much as possible, while employees and customers evacuate.
5. Create an Emergency Response and Evacuation Plan
Every commercial building should have an emergency evacuation plan in place. This plan should include all employees as well as potential customers and guests. Essentially this plan should outline a plan of action for everyone to follow in case of fire.
Assembly points, team leader information, emergency exits, and emergency services contact numbers should be highlighted in the plan. Not only should all staff be familiar with the plan, but you should also have it stuck in strategic places for guests to see as well. You can use this plan as a basis for routine fire drills.
5. Teach Your Staff Fire Safety Tips
Don’t assume that everyone knows how to respond in case of a fire. Since your commercial building may have a complex layout, it may not be all that simple for guests and new employees to find the emergency exit.
Take time to teach your employees about the basic fire contingency plans for your building. This includes evacuation procedures, location and proper use of fire equipment, and other basic fire prevention guidelines. Be sure to distribute informative materials with key safety points. This will give your staff the time to learn tips and guidelines on your own.
6. Ensure that Emergency Exists are Clear
It’s not uncommon for the emergency fire exit to be somewhere in a corner at the back of the building. Since it’s very seldom used, it sometimes becomes obstructed with boxes or other materials. It’s essential to ensure that this doesn’t happen in your building. Do routine inspections to ensure the door is unobstructed and easy to open if necessary.
7. Enforce No-Smoking Policies
Another effective way to reduce potential fire hazards is to enforce no-smoking policies throughout the building. This is especially important if the building contains flammable materials or other chemicals. Create designated smoking areas outside the building and ensure that these are kept clean to prevent an accidental fire.
8. Clean Areas Around the Building
Ensure that there’s no debris such as building rubble, dry leaves, or anything else lying around outside your building. This will make it less likely that embers from nearby bushfires can cause external fires.
Additionally, if your building is near a bushfire risk area, be sure to follow the protocols and safety procedures for his type of emergency. Add these steps to your emergency plan so that your staff is aware of them.
Final Thoughts
Fire safety is essential no matter what type of business you have in your commercial building. Whether it’s a low-risk office building or a high-risk industrial warehouse, being proactive will ensure that your building is as safe as possible. Follow the tips shared in this post and you’ll be taking vital steps to safeguard the lives of anyone in and around your building!
