Five Tips for Creating a Fire Prevention Plan

Fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems are essential for every workplace and manufacturing floor. However, the biggest tool in your firefighting arsenal is prevention. OSHA and other regulatory agencies require fire prevention plans anyway, so it’s a good idea to ensure yours is in writing and communicated to your employees. Here are five tips for creating your fire prevention plan in Lawrenceville, GA:

• Know the hazards: Every fire prevention plan starts with a list of possible hazards and their location. This includes storage of hazardous materials, potential ignition sources and areas where fires may have occurred previously. This part of the plan should also include fire suppression options near those locations. Keep in mind that the type of fire risk determines the suppression method, so make sure those are in line (e.g. you have the right type of extinguisher for a chemical fire).
• Outline procedures: If your line of work deals with hazardous materials, you need plans for how they are handled. This includes controlling their accumulation and proper disposal in order to reduce risk. You should include routines for disposing of items or rendering them less flammable or hazardous. Once established, schedule regular safety meetings with employees to ensure compliance. Fire prevention plans in Lawrenceville, GA have a lower chance of working if people are not on the same page.
• Keep a maintenance schedule: Equipment is often the largest fire hazard under your roof. Your fire prevention plan must include care and maintenance of heat-producing equipment to keep it from accidentally igniting combustible materials. List safeguards for keeping equipment safe and indicate the fire suppression solution nearby. If equipment is unsafe to use, complete a backup plan so there are no desperate situations where dangerous equipment remains in use despite the fire risk.
• Assign maintenance duties: Your fire safety plan should also name employees and supervisors in charge of carrying out its procedures. This includes names and job titles of those who are in charge of maintaining equipment. Not only does this help narrow down responsibility if something happens, but it indicates to whom employees can turn if they have questions. There should also be a clear reporting plan for employees to inform supervisors if equipment overheats easily or if there are any close calls. If you do not have a plan, now is a good time to draft one along with the fire prevention plan.
• Centralize hazard control: You likely also need someone in charge of managing hazardous and flammable waste. It is too easy to assume everyone will pick up after themselves or remember to empty containers every Friday, only to have it all fall by the wayside. A floor supervisor or other manager should be in charge of controlling fuel source hazards and ensuring everyone else complies with those routines. If not, you likely need a hazardous material plan that outlines these procedures.

AAA Fire Protection Resources, Inc. offers guidance and supplies for fire prevention plans at local businesses in Lawrenceville, GA. If you require assistance, please contact us today to take advantage of a fire prevention consultation.

Categorised in: Fire Prevention Plans

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