Published by Programme B
You need to keep your business safe from fire, but you also need to know about building codes and local laws. Several businesses that recently thought they were well-protected from fire got an unexpected surprise when Halon 1301 extinguishers were banned due to the damage they cause to the ozone layer. Whether you are looking for a Halon 1301 replacement or want to overhaul your business for maximum fire safety, this guide can help make those goals a reality.
Assess Risks and Come up with a Prevention Plan
The best way to understand how to suppress fire is to have a good knowledge of where a blaze might begin in the first place. Thoroughly examine your building for hazards and come up with a plan to prevent them as needed. For instance, you could use Storemasta aerosol cages for the safe storage of flammable aerosol cans. In all areas where a fire might restrict a person’s ability to escape from the building, come up with a prevention or escape plan. You don’t have to come up with these solutions on your own. Your community likely has a fire marshal or other professional who can walk you through the building and point out both danger spots and proper solutions. Additionally, consider reaching out to Fire Protection Services Houston, or a similar service in your location, to help you create a detailed fire safety plan tailored to your specific needs. This will help to mitigate any potential fire safety threats. By having a better understanding of where fires might start, you can stop them more effectively.
Put Modern, Tested Fire Suppression Systems in Place
Every floor of your building should have a sprinkler system, smoke detectors, and the appropriate fire extinguishers (if you need to get your hands on CO2 extinguishers, for example, you can click resources and get some from Seton). However, it is not enough just to have the equipment—you need to make sure that it meets modern standards and has been properly tested. Due to the sensitivity of electronic equipment, many businesses now rely upon misting sprinkler systems and inert gas fire extinguishers. These systems can extinguish the fire more effectively, while also reducing the amount of damage done to surrounding equipment and structures. Everything doesn’t have to be super high-tech however, tried and true suppression methods such as automatic door closers you can check here are used in all sorts of business premises as a way of slowing down the spread of fire to allow your other systems to function best without being overloaded. If you haven’t installed new equipment recently, make sure that you get your existing system tested by a professional to guarantee that it will protect you if a fire breaks out.
Hire a Safety Officer
A safety officer is somebody who has fire prevention and safety as part of their job description. This doesn’t need to be somebody’s only job—in smaller businesses, safety officers may be one part of a larger position or could be a responsibility shared by numerous employees. The safety officer should be well-versed in the prevention and suppression systems already in place within the office. This individual should also take note of changes in the office or building layout that might affect escape plans should a fire break out. Having a designated person on-site to protect against fire can help you make sure that your safety plans remain up to date at all times.
Fire prevention for your business is a matter of planning, recognition, updating, and remaining vigilant at all times. The tips provided above can help you better understand the risks within your building. In turn, this helps inform future fire prevention decisions and makes your business a safer place for you and your employees.
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