What are the Benefits of Fire Safety Training?

 

Fires wreak havoc on property, injure people, and claim lives. Many of the offices and industries destroyed by fire in Canada are never rebuilt, therefore a fire in the workplace can also imply job loss. Fire safety training is one of the most important measures for keeping a safe workplace and preventing fires.

Workers can remove fire threats and respond promptly and efficiently if a fire breaks out with adequate training. Without sufficient training, a little event might swiftly escalate into a huge crisis with disastrous consequences.

If there is a fire, everyone is at risk. Some workers, however, may be at increased risk because of when or where they work, or because they are unfamiliar with the work site’s facilities or equipment.

Workers can learn how to spot fire dangers, complete a fire safety risk assessment, prevent a workplace fire, and respond if one happens with fire safety training.

Identifying Fire Risks

The basic features of fire are first identified during fire safety training. When heat (a source of ignition) comes into touch with fuel (anything that burns) and oxygen is present, a fire will start. The purpose of preventing a fire is to keep sources of ignition and fuel separate.

Conducting a Risk Assessment for Fire Safety

The fire safety risk assessment can assist a company figure out what it needs to do to avoid a fire and keep employees safe. The evaluation looks at:

Routes and exits in case of emergency

Systems for fire detection and warning

Firefighting apparatus

Hazardous material should be removed or stored safely.

The fire evacuation strategy in case of an emergency

Vulnerable individuals’ requirements

Employees and others on the property should be communicated with.

Fire safety training for employees

The first step in identifying fire dangers is to conduct a fire safety risk assessment. It also determines who is at danger, the condition of emergency readiness, and the effectiveness of workplace controls. Employers can improve their fire safety plans and eliminate or decrease risks using the information from the risk assessment. Employers can also guarantee that personnel receive appropriate training.

Preventing Fires in the Workplace

Workers are taught how to avoid fires through fire safety training. Workers who are aware of the best strategies to prevent fires can make a big contribution to a safer workplace.

The following are some suggestions for preventing workplace fires:

1. Maintain a clean work environment. Litter and building debris are also fire starters. Access to exits and emergency equipment may be obstructed by clutter.

2. Only smoke in approved areas and carefully dispose of smoking products. Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever

3. Use clear, visible signage to identify hazards and potential fire risks. In all work places, post emergency phone numbers and the firm address near the phone.

4. To avoid overheating and friction sparks, keep machinery clean and well greased.

5. Place oily rags in a metal container with a lid. On a regular basis, this trash must be appropriately disposed of.

6. Have any damaged wiring or electrical equipment rectified as soon as possible. You should only attempt electrical repairs if you are qualified and permitted to do so.

7. Don’t run electrical cables or wires through rugs or carpets, or near a heat source; keep them out of doorways where they can get tangled.

8. Keep all electrical control panels accessible. In an emergency, material or equipment stored in front of the panels could delay power shutoff.

9. Be cautious when handling and storing chemicals. To understand about flammability and other fire concerns, read the labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). When using and storing these compounds, make sure there is enough ventilation.

When operating in potentially explosive atmospheres, such as those containing flammable liquid vapours or tiny particles, be cautious of possible ignition sources (e.g. vehicle paint spraying or grain flour). Use non-sparking tools and keep static electricity under control as needed.

11. Sprinklers, firefighting equipment, and emergency exits should never be blocked. When stacking materials, keep in mind the clearances.

12. Understand how to use a fire extinguisher appropriately. Know where to get fire extinguishers and which ones to use depending on the type of fire.

If a Fire Breaks Out, What Should You Do?

It is critical that everyone in the workplace be prepared in the event of a fire. Workers must know what to do in the event of a fire and how to work together to effectively stop a fire from spreading.

Workers learn: • The company’s emergency plan

 • The worker’s role in the emergency plan 

• How to activate the fire alarm so the building occupants may escape • To leave the area immediately, closing all doors behind them

 • Where designated muster areas are located outside the building

Fire drills must be taken seriously by both employees and employers in order to improve response times. By practising what to do in the event of a fire, shortcomings in the emergency plan can be exposed and corrected. In the event of a genuine fire, practise boosts confidence and keeps everyone calm.

Extinguishers are used to put out fires.

Portable fire extinguishers are seen in almost every business. Small, contained fires, such as a fire in a wastebasket, can only be put out with fire extinguishers. Grease or electrical fire extinguishers at various workplaces may or may not be suitable for dealing with these types of fires.

Workers who have not been trained in the usage of portable extinguishers should not try to put out a fire.

Workers learn to never fight a fire through training:

• if the fire is large or expanding;

• if the fire’s spread may obstruct their escape route

• if they haven’t been taught in how to use an extinguisher properly or aren’t aware what kind of fire they’re dealing with

If firefighters are called to a fire, they should first phone 9–1–1 to confirm that everyone has been evacuated or is leaving the area or structure.