Fire Prevention and Protection

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Fire Prevention and Protection
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A fire can occur anywhere at any time. While we
take every precaution to safeguard against fires,
be it at home, in schools, in offices, at
restaurants, in hotels, in warehouses, or
manufacturing facilities the possibility of a
fire occurring remains a concern for everyone.
This is mainly because fires often take place
quite unexpectedly starting with just a spark or
due to the mixing of two or more chemicals that
results in an adverse reaction. Of grave concern
is that once a fire starts, the spread can be
quite rapid, and a few seconds or minutes could
make the difference between life and death! Thus,
it is not surprising that all people make every
effort to safeguard against fires occurring and
put in place measures to alert the people in the
vicinity in case of a fire. Lets see what can
be done to prevent fires, increase fire safety in
homes and workplaces, and what processes we can
put in place to safeguard families, friends,
coworkers, and employees in case of a fire.
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Tips for Preventing Fires in Homes

1. Install smoke alarms and/or smoke detectors in
   the kitchen, bedrooms, basement, and other rooms.
2. Install a sprinkler system that could
   auto-activate when a fire is detected.
3. Ensure that you test the smoke alarms and home
   sprinkler systems at least once a month, to check
   for defects or the need for new batteries.
4. Sit with your family (children included) and
   discuss what should be done in case of a fire.
   Plan how they should leave the home and where
   they should gather, and how to contact the fire
   department.
5. Put up a poster in common areas where emergency
   contacts are identified with their phone numbers.
   This will help scared children and stressed
   elders to call for help without hassle in case of
   a fire.
6. Be careful when using equipment and tools that
   spark and could cause a wildfire. Examples
   include welders, lawnmowers, weed-eaters, chain
   saws, grinders, and trimmers.
7. When using candles, matchsticks, lighters, and
   other similar fire-starting items make sure to
   keep the surrounding areas clear and free of
   materials that could easily catch fire.
8. When using flammable chemical products or other
   fuels in homes, follow instructions and apply
   best practices that safeguard against causing
   fires.
9. Ensure electrical wiring is checked regularly to
   prevent fires from occurring due to faulty
   wiring.
10. If an electrical short occurs when using any
    electrical equipment, immediately stop using it,
    and get it checked and repaired or replaced.

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How to Prevent Fires in Workplaces
Preventing fires in workplaces can be much
trickier than safeguarding against fires
occurring in homes. Many workplaces (for example,
factories, goods manufacturers, laboratories,
educational institutions, etc.) use various
chemicals and flammable materials which can
increase the occurrence of fires. Some works
tasks such as those carried out in the
construction industry, by maintenance services,
and facilities management also use electrical
tools and equipment that can cause sparks that
could result in wildfires! Even offices, shopping
malls, and apartment buildings use a combination
of everyday cleaning solutions and electrical
tools, some of which are fire hazards.
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As a part of these fire preventions safety plans
and programs, employers must also ensure

• Clearly markers emergency exits that are kept
  clear at all times, so that workers can evacuate
  the facility without delay in case of a fire.
• Put up relevant emergency exit signs and a
  diagram indicating the evacuation route to be
  followed in case of an emergency such as fire.
• Install and maintain all relevant fire detection
  equipment and fire suppression systems such as
  fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire
  extinguishers, water outlets, fire hoses, etc.
• Ensure the proper storage and handling of
  flammable and combustible materials and
  substances to minimize the risks of fires from
  occurring.
• Use containers as stated in OSHA regulations. The
  recommendation is to use only approved, closed
  containers for the storage of flammable or
  combustible liquids. For example, safety cans or
  containers that are approved by the U.S.
  Department of Transportation (DOT).
• Appointing a fire safety officer as per
  regulatory requirements.
• Planning and executing fire drills to prepare
  employees on what should be done if a fire breaks
  out in the building.

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In addition, employees can also contribute to
workplace fire prevention and fire safety by

• Adhering to the relevant fire prevention and
  protection procedures and policies in place at
  their workplace.
• Being vigilant when using equipment or flammable
  materials that can cause fires.
• Reporting electrical or other hazards that can
  cause fires.
• Ensuring electrical outlets and circuits are not
  overloaded.
• Bringing to the employers notice malfunctioning
  electrical equipment, open electrical wires, or
  any other hazards that may cause fires.
• Making sure no damaged electrical outlets or
  electrical cords are being used to carry out work
  tasks.
• Being alert and careful when working in areas
  such as laboratories, kitchens, and rooms with
  high voltage equipment that are fire-prone.
• Following instructions and the information
  provided in the safety data sheets (SDS) on the
  proper storage and handling of flammable
  materials.
• Keeping combustible substances (e.g., chemicals)
  or materials (e.g., paper, hazardous waste, etc.)
  at a safe distance from electrical equipment.
• Annually getting the relevant training on fire
  safety and prevention measures.

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Thank you!
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