Jan 25, 2019

The Fire Protection Equipment Your Business Needs



No matter what type of business you run, you have a duty of care towards your employees and must do everything in your power to ensure they are safe.  One element of this is fire safety.  Not only must you have a fire evacuation plan and train your staff on how to follow procedures correctly, but you must also ensure that your building is properly fitted with fire protection equipment.  In this article, we’re going to take a look at the four most important pieces of equipment that every business needs.  Do keep in mind that certain industries will require more than the basics listed below.

Fire Extinguishers


There are five different types of fire extinguisher.  The most common is the water extinguisher and these are recommended for most types of businesses, such as offices.  Depending on your type of business, you may also require one of the other types, which are wet chemical extinguishers, powder extinguishers, carbon dioxide extinguishers, and foam extinguishers.  At least two of these should be placed on every floor of the building in a strategic location.  A professional fire safety company can help you determine how many you need and where to place them if you are unsure.

Fire Sprinkler Systems


While fire extinguishers are important, they should never take the place of a properly installed fire sprinkler system.  Different systems are needed depending on the type of business that you run, and this blog post written by sprinkler engineers explains the different hazard classes in more detail.  A good system will deploy when it detects heat or smoke and will attempt to quench the fire with either water or another fire retarding agent.  Look for a system that contains a manual override that can be used if the automatic controls fail.

Emergency Signs and Lighting


While you should have an evacuation procedure in place, it’s still a good idea to add emergency signs and lighting to your building, which will help direct employees to the closest fire exit.  Lights should be paired with an emergency backup system which kicks in should anything happen to the main electric power.  All signs and lighting should be designed to be visible in high smoke environments, and again this can be recommended by a professional.  The aim of this equipment is to help your employees to escape without injury.

Safety Guards


Finally, you should also add some safety guards to your building.  These prevent unauthorized staff members from getting into a location that could cause a fire hazard.  Guards can also be used in the event of a fire to block access to certain locations, preventing injuries, and to direct staff where to go.  An expert can take a look at the layout of your building and advise on the type of guards you need and where to place them.

Work with a professional company when buying the equipment above and ensure you have a proper fire safety procedure in place.  Your employees will thank you.

No comments:

  © Blogger template 'A Click Apart' by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP