Despite the fact that business owners are already faced with a multitude of issues, these life-saving protocols must never be ignored. Many of the tips below are actually based on laws. They are not just recommendations, but also necessities. You must take into account your location, the size of your building, your occupancy type and any other requirements mandated by your local municipality and fire marshal.
1. Create & Implement an Evacuation Plan that is Carefully Curated
It doesn’t matter if you have a large commercial property with many employees or a small one with a few, the creation and implementation of a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan should always be your top priority. It is required in almost every county and municipality.
Make sure to pay special attention to employees with disabilities who may need extra assistance.
According to the “ADA Best Practices Tool Kit” for State and Local Governments, pre-emergency plans should include disabled employees. It’s important that you test and modify your evacuation process, but involving those with disabilities in the planning phase will help ensure that all phases are aligned with ADA and local laws.
Mark and illuminate the quick exits and display evacuation routes in common areas, elevators and stairwells. All employees must know all exits.
A local fire marshal can also help you develop a plan to prevent fires by assessing your fire risks. The property manager of your building is another resource that can be helpful in this process. Don’t forget to consult the NFPA handbooks on fire safety codes in offices and retail stores as you prepare for your commercial business.
2. Test and Examine Fire Wellbeing Gadgets
Commercial businesses are often required to have sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
It is important to regularly test and inspect these devices. Low batteries, electrical problems, or other issues can cause a non-working device to fail. This could result in injuries, death, and escalate an emergency. It may also violate fire safety codes.
While a beeping CO detector may indicate that gas has been detected, it is often an indication that the batteries or device need to be replaced. Routine inspections can also prevent employees from experiencing unnecessary anxiety when a carbon monoxide or fire safety detector sounds without any threat.
In many cases, Central Station monitored systems such as fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinklers are mandatory legal requirements. However, smart energy-efficient technologies, like smart heat and smoke detectors, can offer additional protection to your employees and assets. While not always required, these advanced systems offer enhanced capabilities for fire detection and notification.
Some Fire Alarm Systems, depending on the make and model are compatible with smart security and access controls systems. They can be monitored and alert you immediately to a potential threat. Smart technology is able to turn off the air system in order to stop the spread of smoke as employees leave the building. It can also tell them where they should go during an emergency. Heat detectors are able to detect a rapid increase in temperature and alert you immediately of a fire.
General Security, a reputable provider of fire safety services, will help you at every stage. From helping to design and draft emergency plans and installing the best devices and technologies. They’ll also ensure compliance with safety and health regulations by conducting inspections and performing maintenance. Final checks are performed before activation to ensure that all safety features, such as input/output signal detectors, security alarm panels, batteries, fuses and fuses work properly.
Your security and fire safety provider will conduct periodic inspections and tests to ensure that your system is working properly. These inspections and testing are done in accordance with the municipal fire codes and regulations of the fire marshal. Fire prevention relies on regular maintenance.
Also, it’s prudent to include 24/7 Central Station Monitoring. If an emergency occurs, first responders are dispatched whether or not you are onsite. Alarm.com will also send you smart alerts in real time.
Fire safety systems that are regularly maintained, cleaned and inspected will prevent false alarms and fines. Insurance providers may also offer discounts if you maintain your fire safety systems regularly. Ask your insurance representative for more information.
3. Direct intermittent fire and safety drills
Preparation is key in the event of a disaster. It will ensure the safety of all involved. It’s not just a precaution to create an emergency evacuation plan, it’s also a legal requirement. By assigning employee leaders, you not only create a structure but also encourage a sense responsibility and accountability.
In a professional environment, fire drills are more important. These drills are real-time tests to determine the effectiveness of an evacuation plan. Businesses can ensure their employees know the safe zones and exit routes by conducting mandatory emergency simulations and regular fire drills. These drills allow businesses to identify bottlenecks and challenges on evacuation routes.
It is not enough to have fire safety devices.
Testing these devices regularly, such as smoke alarms and sprinkler systems, will ensure they are functional when you need them most. Evaluate evacuation methods and safety measures such as the clarity and availability of emergency announcements.
4. Be on the Lookout for Electrical Hazards
Electrical equipment and wires should be inspected. While accidents and defective devices are often the cause of fires, they can also lead to them. Overloading and overextending power cables can cause surges and heat. Never try to jam a two prong plug into a 3-prong outlet or vice versa. Avoid extension cords as they can be a cause of trips and falls.
To avoid electric shocks and overheating, keep printers, copiers and computers away from heat and water sources.
Consult your local fire marshal or fire safety provider and the municipal fire prevention guidelines in order to make sure that your electrical infrastructure is compliant with any legal requirements.
5. Set Fire Safety Rules in Kitchens & Normal Areas
The NFPA has determined that cooking accidents are the number one cause of fires in commercial buildings. It is important to unplug and store appliances safely when they are not being used.
It is important to ventilate all areas, including kitchens and any rooms that store flammable materials.
Near stoves and ovens, sprinklers indoors, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide sensors, as well as other fire suppression equipment, should be strategically located. To avoid fires, these appliances should be checked and maintained regularly.
Guarding Your Workers and Business and Sound
Safety plans should always include measures to protect your workers, assets and workplace against the dangers of carbon monoxide, smoke and fire. General Security, a reputable provider of fire safety devices, can help you choose the right technologies, integrations and protective measures.
Commercial fire safety requirements may vary greatly depending on the local municipality. Due to this variability, your business will need to be especially attentive to local codes to remain compliant.
A fire safety device supplier is a valuable partner to protect your employees, business assets and your local fire marshal.