Whenever you’re dealing with a manufacturing facility, the potential for a fire can be extreme. Not only are we talking about machines, but we’re also talking about gases, chemicals, and all sorts of other agents that can be volatile and causes fire. Anyone who runs a manufacturing business or works in a manufacturing facility needs to take fire safety very seriously.

When it comes to containing and preventing fires, there are a few things that every manufacturing business should adhere to to make sure they have the proper deterrents in place in case of a fire. Here are some of the most important things for you to consider:

Have an evacuation plan

If you experience a fire in your facility, the number one priority is getting employees out of the building quickly and safely. Especially amidst the chaos of a manufacturing plant – fires can cause even more stress and fear in people than they usually do. This makes it very important for the evacuation plan to be clear; everyone should know it and that it’s clearly defined and exits are visible and in plain sight. We even recommend that you drill employees to make sure they are prepared.

Install a comprehensive fire protection system

Commercial equipment is the first line of defense in a fire. The first response to a fire can often be the most important, from your sprinklers above to your fire extinguishers below. Your fire suppression system will be the thing that deals with the fire between its start and when an emergency response team arrives – and saves you enough time to get everyone out safely.

It’s crucial for you to consult with a fire safety company as well – as regular inspections will be needed, and depending on what kinds of materials you work with – you might need specific chemicals in your suppression systems.

Make fire safety training mandatory

Making training mandatory will not only make a difference in the event of a fire, but it can cover all of the necessary topics. It should include things like the location of extinguishers/equipment, identifying all the exits in your building, instruction on how to use certain fire safety devices, discussion, and walkthroughs of evacuation routes, as well as general knowledge about how fires start and spread.

Protective clothing is a must

Especially if your business deals with machines that create excessive heat and sparks, all employees should be required to wear protective clothing. Everyone should be protected.

Always fall back on OSHA

OSHA codes might seem like a pain to some – but they are designed to protect businesses like yours and your employees from fire hazards. Simply following their guidelines or even using them as a simple checklist can make a dramatic difference in minimizing the risk of a fire. Not only is this a great way to promote fire safety in your business, but it also ensures you don’t get a hefty fine from OSHA for not complying.

If you have questions about your workplace fire safety or any other fire safety topic, please get in touch with Protegis Fire & Safety.

School Fire Safety

Keeping schools safe from fire should be a priority at all levels of school. Regularly scheduled fire drills are a start, but more things can be done to prevent fires and improve existing protection.

Here are some things we think school systems everywhere should be thinking about in addition to escape plans and drills.

Back to Basics

A lot of safety measures available to schools simply involve common sense. That means making sure that staff and students have an overall awareness of fire safety and can integrate it into their day-to-day activities. For example – nothing flammable or combustible should be near a heating unit of any kind. Or perhaps it’s as simple as simply checking the chords connected to a teacher’s electrical device to make sure they’re not stretched or damaged.

Simply put – the best fire safety practices just involve groups of people being more conscious of what can cause fires and what simple things they can do to avoid them.

Doors and Hallways

It’s imperative that schools make sure their emergency exit doors and signage is as well maintained as possible. Keeping these in good, working order ensures that everyone knows where to go in the event of a fire, and that the fire can be contained more easily.

Also – a common mistake staff make on a consistent basis is leaving swinging doors and fire doors propped open to improve the flow of foot traffic in the hallways. This is actually a mistake. Those doors should be closed as much as possible because in the event there is a fire – it’ll be a lot more difficult for the fire to spread. That means safer kids and significantly less damage.

Secondary schools

Once you get into middle and high school, you’re introduced to things like chemistry rooms, bunsen burners, and the like. Some include non-traditional classroom settings, workshops, woodshops, kitchens, and other skill-developing spaces. This represents a whole new level of awareness for the people using the space and more safety guidelines to follow – and every school should make sure their staff are thoroughly trained in the dos and don’ts of each.

For example, it’s important for Home Economics teachers to know what to do in the case of a grease fire. Workshops should be kept free of potentially flammable debris. Labs should have any toxic or potentially flammable liquids stored and disposed of properly. And in all of those settings, there should be proper ventilation.

Whether it’s smoke detectors, extinguishers, exists or sprinkler systems – it’s important for schools to make sure their facilities are up to code and ready in the case of a fire.

For more information on this or any other fire protection topic, please call Protegis Fire & Safety.

Fire safety is an important part of the operation of any building – whether it’s commercial or residential. There’s a lot to do to make sure you’re ready in the event of a fire, but there’s also a lot of noise out there regarding what people know and take as fact. Today, we’re going to discuss some of those myths and why you shouldn’t take them to heart.

New Buildings Are Safer

They’re not. Let’s face it – age is just a number. Any fire can be life-threatening, no matter how old or new your building may be. What’s important here isn’t the age – it’s the type of fire protection system you have that’ll make the difference. Is yours outdated and aging? Is it adequate for the makeup of the building or the type of business that resides within it? It’s smart to consult with a fire safety professional to understand what systems are best for your building.

Smoke Detectors Are Enough

No way. Not even close. Smoke detectors save lives. There’s no questioning that. But they won’t help extinguish flames or tell you where a fire is located. Sometimes, smoke detectors can even fail, and when they do – lives could be at stake. Smoke detectors are a must-have for any building – but they’re not enough on their own to protect you.

People Panic In Fires

The thinking here isn’t all that outrageous. Many people don’t handle stress well. But in the event of a fire, research has actually proven to be the opposite. Having a plan and going over it with your employees and residents is the most important thing. If they’re prepared, their chances of getting to safety unharmed increase almost eightfold. By having regular drills and practicing evacuation procedures, the people in your building will be prepared, and you can count on them to most likely act with a level head and get out safely.

Small Fires Can Be Put Out Just By You

While people think a fire extinguisher might solve their problem – the fact is, and the research suggests that the most damaging fires often start small. No matter how big or small a fire is, follow the safety protocols that you’ve set in place.

Sprinkler Systems Freeze When It Gets Cold

They don’t. There are many new ways to install and maintain sprinkler systems today, that weather and temperature play almost no role in their failures. Trust the people installing them that even if it’s frigid outside, your system will work. Now, malfunctions may occur elsewhere and for different reasons. That’s why maintenance on an ongoing basis is a must-have. But the temperature won’t cause your system to malfunction.

Now that you know the facts, it’s time to make sure your building is fully prepared for any emergency that might arise. Give us a call, and we’ll help you map out a plan or system that works best for your building.