Fire Protection & Prevention
Fire safety training at work is everyone’s business. Each year in the United States, there are between 70,000 and 80,000 workplace fires. Of these, over 5,000 result in injury and 200 end in death. Fortunately, most workplace fires can be prevented — only 15 percent of them are a result of circumstances outside of human control. The key is training, knowledge, and preventative measures. It’s important that businesses establish and implement fire safety programs and that all employees are involved.
-Always practice good housekeeping. Keep work areas free of clutter and combustible waste.
-Make sure any heat-producing equipment (including office equipment like copiers or coffee makers) are kept
away from materials that could burn.
-39 percent of workplace fires are electrical. Ensure electrical cords are in good condition. Remove equipment from service if wires are found exposed or damaged until they have been repaired or replaced.
-Check that power outlets are not overloaded and that outlets and extension cords are capable of handling the voltage of connected equipment.
-Be on the lookout for equipment that overheats or gives off a burning odor.
-When plugging equipment into an outlet, the plug should correspond with the outlet; that is to say, do not plug a two-prong plug into a three-slot outlet.
-Store flammable work materials and chemicals in a safe location away from any ignition sources.
-Make sure there are unobstructed emergency exits and escape routes. Routes and evacuation instructions are posted in each work area.
-Inspect fire response equipment regularly, including smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers. Items not in working order need to be replaced right away.
-Fire extinguishers must be current on their inspections. Tags will indicate the most recent inspection.
-Communicate to all employees the hazards of smoking on site. Designate smoking areas outside and away from building entrances.
Hampton Tedder Electric Co. shall ensure each Emergency Action Plan provides fire protection and response planning within each site Emergency Action Plan and is utilized during all phases of work. As a minimum, all shall include the following:
- Smoking is not permitted except in designated ‘SMOKING” areas.
- Facilities shall be designed and maintained in accordance with local fire code and regulations.
- Portable fire extinguishers shall be stationed, inspected and maintained in accordance with local fire code and
regulations. Hampton Tedder Electric Co. personnel shall be trained in their use. - Flammable and combustible liquids shall be properly stored.
- Employees shall report all fire safety issues to their immediate supervisor.
- Facilities shall be inspected by use of the Hampton Tedder Electric Co. Emergency Inspection Checklist
Response
In the event of a fire, personnel working in facility will adhere to the following procedure for their work area: - Warn others in the immediate area. Notify the appropriate emergency response personnel by phone or radio and
pull the nearest fire alarm if present. - If nearby staff have been trained, and it is safe to do so, fight the fire using a portable fire extinguisher.
Remember, if in doubt get out.
Roads are designated as fire lanes. Vehicles can stop there for unloading, but no parking will be allowed. - Evacuate the premises via the nearest exit and proceed to the nearest Emergency Assembly Area.
- Re-enter only after the Emergency Coordinator has given an ALL CLEAR.
Roads are designated as fire lanes. Vehicles can stop there for unloading, but no parking will be allowed.