Fire Safety Procedures for the Workplace
The bad news—a fire breaks out in your workplace.
The good news—you are ready because you have done your homework and prepared for the possibility of an emergency.
Emergency Action Plan
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires most employers to have an emergency action plan for various scenarios, including fires in the workplace.
There are two main steps businesses need to take for their fire emergency action plans:
- Create a plan
- Train your employees
While the first step seems obvious, until there is an actual, detailed plan on paper, you have nothing specific to share with the employees.
Creating a Fire Safety Plan
There are several resources available to help you create your plan, including OSHA’s guidelines.
Make sure your plan is included in your employee manual and is part of any onboarding materials for new employees. It is also recommended to have the highlights of your plan—including floor plans and escape routes—posted in a public place like a break room.
An emergency action plan for fires should also include details on how to alert the employees, how to report the fire, and how to evacuate the facility.
The OSHA plan recommends you:
- Make sure alarms are distinctive and recognized by all employees as a signal to evacuate the work area or perform actions identified in your plan.
- Make available an emergency communications system such as a public address system, portable radio unit, or other means to notify employees of the emergency and to contact local law enforcement, the fire department, and others.
- Stipulate that alarms must be able to be heard, seen, or otherwise perceived by everyone in the workplace.
Make sure alarms are distinctive and recognized by all employees as a signal to evacuate the work area or perform actions identified in your plan.
Make available an emergency communications system such as a public address system, portable radio unit, or other means to notify employees of the emergency and to contact local law enforcement, the fire department, and others.
Stipulate that alarms must be able to be heard, seen, or otherwise perceived by everyone in the workplace.
Employee Fire Safety Training
Training on the plan should happen on an annual basis at a minimum. Set aside time to read through, quiz, and drill your procedures with your employees.
Changes in the physical structure of the workplace, i.e., building expansions and remodels or adding new fire prevention equipment, require additional training, so employees know how to locate and safely operate them.
FSS offers a wide range of individually customized fire alarms and protection systems for your business. Our certified technicians will work with your company to create a fire safety system best suited for your needs.
Explore Our Other Blogs
What Is a Central Station Alarm?
A central station alarm system is one that feeds directly into a central monitoring station. If a sensor on the central station alarm system is triggered, such as fire, smoke, C02, or burglar, the system does much more than just set off a loud siren or send an email alert telling you to log into…
How to Maintain a Commercial Security System
Updated May 2023 With the latest advances in security technology, it’s becoming easier for small businesses to find a security system that works for their needs. Whether your business just installed your commercial security system or has been utilizing security measures for some time, proper maintenance will increase the life of your system and provide…
Where Should Window and Motion Sensors be Placed?
Motion and window sensors are basic parts of a security system in both residential and business applications. The expert security team at FSS Technologies has helped thousands of business and property owners stay safe with these tools. Sensors A motion sensor allows a system to detect movement, using waves or light to determine if someone or…
How Landscaping Affects Your Security
Visibility When it comes to the landscaping around your home or business, there are several considerations to keep in mind that could affect your visibility and overall security. While some suggestions to increase visibility and reduce obstructions may seem obvious, others are more subtle and could have a considerable impact. Lighting Having adequate lighting around…
Security Integrations with Avigilon Alta
Security systems and integrations For business owners and managers, security systems are a key tool in protecting your customers, property, and commercial operations. There are several components to consider when working to create the best security system for your business, and there’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. A helpful approach to finding the best fit for…
DIY Security Systems
DIY home security systems have been on the market for years, offering homeowners the ability to order and install a simple-to-use system for their property. A DIY system often boasts cheap and easy security solutions for a home but are not the right fit for all homes. Cost-Benefits As with almost everything in life, cheaper isn’t…
5 Common Causes of Commercial Fires
Many business owners and employees think their chances of dealing with a fire in the workplace are improbable, but the numbers tell a different story. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 116,500 commercial fires were reported nationally in 2021. These fires contributed to 115 deaths, 1,025 injuries, and over $3.6 billion in…
Where Should Fire Alarm Pull Stations Be Located?
While they generally go unnoticed until a moment of need, fire alarm pull stations are an integral part of a business or large residential building’s commercial fire system. What is a fire alarm pull station? As opposed to a smoke detector or sensor, human intervention activates a manual pull station and is the catalyst for setting…
How Do Wireless Doorbells Work?
A doorbell is a pretty self-explanatory tool—you press the button outside, and a chime goes off inside, alerting the homeowner that someone is at the front door. Like everything else, though, today’s technology has brought even the humble doorbell into the limelight as an indispensable tool for convenience and security. Pros and Cons of Wireless…
What Kind of Certifications Make Our Team Security Experts?
At FSS Technologies, we pride ourselves on the fact that we are not your typical fire safety or security company. When people call us, they don’t want a one-size-fits-all solution — they want our experts to design a system that perfectly fits their needs. We take “First in Security, First in Satisfaction” seriously to ensure every…