Fire Hazards And How To Deal With Them

Fires are always a hazard in warehouses, particularly where flammable materials make up part of the inventory. But if a fire started where you work, would you know what to do? Do you know your workplace evacuation procedures in the event of an alarm? Warehouses are required by law to follow fire safety regulations. They must provide proper exits, firefighting equipment, emergency plans and employee training to prevent fire deaths and injuries in the workplace. It is your responsibility to know these regulations, obey them and make sure that they are enforced, too.

Fire Alarms

Warehouses must have an alarm system throughout the warehouse to alert employees and customers of a fire emergency. The alarm system may be voice communication or sound signals such as bells, whistles or horns. Employees must know the evacuation signal. Some larger warehouses may be equipped with fire alarms that can be manually pulled to sound the alarm. Employees should know where these pull alarms are located.

Fire Extinguishers

Each workplace must be equipped with portable fire extinguishers to put out small, contained fires, such as a fire in a wastebasket. These fire extinguishers must be appropriate for the potential fire hazards. Employers are required to maintain, inspect, recharge and replace fire extinguishers periodically. Employees expected or anticipated to use fire extinguishers must be instructed on the hazards of fighting the fire, how to use the fire extinguishers, and what procedures to follow in alerting others to the fire emergency. If you have not been trained in the proper use of portable extinguishers, do not attempt to fight a fire.

Click here to view a video that explains the use of fire extinguishers.

Fire Suppression Systems

Automatic sprinkler systems throughout a building are the most reliable firefighting tool. These systems detect the fire, sound an alarm and put the water where the fire and heat are located. Some systems use agents other than water to put out the fire. If these agents are a health hazard (i.e. carbon dioxide), warning signs must be posted. The sprinklers also must be equipped with an alarm to warn people of the impending discharge of the system and allow time to evacuate the area.

Fire Evacuation Plan

With any luck, a fire will be spotted early and put out. But fires can quickly burn out of control. Safety laws require retailers to have written emergency action places identifying fire escape routes and exits. These plans must be available for employee review. Do not wait until there is a real emergency to study the plan. Read it beforehand so that you will know exactly how to leave the store if a fire should break out. This is especially important because customers may not be familiar with the store layout. You may have to lead them to safety. Training of all employees in what is to be done in an emergency is required. Employers must review the plan with newly assigned employees, so they know correct actions in an emergency and with all employees when the plan is changed.

Fire Exits

Every building must have at least two means of escape remote from each other to be used in a fire emergency. Generally, fire exits are not used under normal conditions. Because of this, boxes and other materials are often piled up in front of the exits – especially when they are under stairwells. This is illegal. Fire doors must not be blocked or locked. Exit routes must be clearly marked with signs designating exits from the building.

Fire Prevention Plan

The best way to fight fires is to prevent them. Employers are required to outline a fire prevention plan for the workplace. Housekeeping procedures for storage and clean-up of flammable materials and flammable waste must be included in the plan. Procedures for controlling workplace ignition sources such as smoking, welding and burning also must be addressed. Heat producing equipment such as burners, heat exchangers and ovens must be maintained and kept clean of accumulations of flammable residues. Flammable substances must not be stored close to these pieces of equipment. All employees must be informed of the potential fire hazards of their job and the procedures called for in the employer’s fire prevention plan. The plan must be reviewed with all new employees as part of orientation and with all employees when the plan is changed.

In Case of Fire

If you discover a fire, and cannot control it with a portable fire extinguisher, sound the fire alarm. Leave the area immediately, closing all doors behind you. Go to the nearest exit and leave the building. Close all doors behind you. If you encounter smoke, consider taking an alternate stairwell/exit. (Crawl low under smoke since heat and smoke rise leaving cleaner air near the floor). Call the fire department regardless of the size of the fire. Never assume this has been done. Give the correct address, location of the fire and your name.

Preventing Fires

Losses due to workplace fires total millions of rands a year. Hundreds of lives are lost, and thousands are injured each year in workplace fires. What can you do to prevent fires in your workplace?

Smoke

Smoke only in areas allowed. Use large, non-tip ashtrays. Do not empty ashtrays into wastebaskets. Check for smouldering cigarettes on furniture and in wastebaskets.

Electric

Check and replace any electrical cords that have been cracked insulation or broken connectors. Avoid octopus wiring. Do not run extension cords across doorways or under tugs. Avoid plugging more than one extension cord into an outlet. Leave enough space for the circulation of air around heaters and other equipment such as computer terminals and copy machines. Keep all appliances at a safe distance from combustible materials. Always turn off or unplug appliances at the end of each day.

Arson

Arson is one of the leading causes of fire in the workplace. To prevent or minimize the risk of fire due to arson, be aware of your building security procedures. Report any type of vandalism and notify security and/or policy of suspicious behaviour and visitors. Lock doors after working hours. Ensure areas around your building are free of combustibles and are well lit. Keep all halls, lobbies and areas used by the public clear of obstructions.