Fire is the flames and heat from something that is burning in an uncontrolled way.
Measures taken to ensure that the fire does not become destructive by reducing its impact thus saving lives & Properties
Training is key in fire protection as informed public is able to take the necessary actions to prevent, mitigate and or put out fires.
There are many risk factors that can cause or accelerate the occurrence of fires.
We have highlighted some of the main causes below
Poor electrical installation, faulty equipment and appliances can cause electric shocks. Therefore, it is important to have controls and measures put in place to manage electrical risks
We also encourage installation of the right fire, smoke, water, gas detection and alarm systems to mitigate the effects
Flammable and combustible materials should be stored properly to prevent workplace fires. Workshops and garages are prone to fire due to the sparks from circular saws and similar tools can set light to nearby flammable materials.
All materials should therefore be stored properly, away from ignition sources. Warehouses are also high risk of fire due to the large quantities of stock and materials they often hold, thus the importance of ensuring proper procedures are in place.
Training equips the employees with the necessary skills and techniques required in the event of fire. It reduces the likelihood of fires starting and gives employees the confidence to deal with emergencies.
Proper training for all employees is vital for dealing with accidental fires and avoiding them in the first place. They should also be trained on the nature of various flammable materials.
Companies and businesses should invest in the necessary resources and equipment for fire prevention. These resources should specifically be designed to keep people safe. There is also need for installation of active smoke detectors and alarms. The smoke alarms at home and workplace should be on and active at all times. It is also important to have filled and functioning fire extinguishers. Without proper equipment, a fire can quickly reach a dangerous stage before one is aware of it.
This is a criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property. Therefore, it is important to ensure correct identification of risk and effectively secure the property against outside vandals. Installation of CCTV cameras helps in covering expansive areas. The doors and windows should be properly locked. The occupants should stay alert to suspicious behavior and ensure that anyone coming into the building has the correct credentials.
The consequences of fire can be extremely expensive for businesses due to the damage of property and stock.
Firefighting equipment should be easily accessed. One should also ensure they are functional and are not blocked by dust especially the fire sprinklers and alarms.
All hazardous waste like chemicals should be properly disposed e.g in a metal container that has a lid. This ensures prevention of fire hazards.
Training and demonstrations to the occupants of a building on how to react to a fire and how to use fire extinguishers and other firefighting devices.
· Ensuring regular maintenance of the fire protection equipment. Proper maintenance of all the machines in a building ensures prevention of overheating or sparks created from friction
Chemicals, flammable and hazardous substances should be safely stored in a dry and well ventilated room. It is also important to keep firefighting equipment for flammable substances near the storage area just in case of a fire outbreak
Clean, neat and clutter free environment plays a major role in fire prevention. This is by reducing the spread of fire and also ensuring the fire exits are not blocked thus easy escape.
Investing in building security to avoid fires caused by arson. The occupants should always lock the building behind them and report any suspicious people or behavior within the building.
There should be a designated smoking area that is a safe distance away from the building. The cigarettes should be disposed of properly and safely to prevent accidental fires.
Adhering to the health and safety regulations put in place by OSHA. It should be the responsibility of each and every individual in a building to follow the rules and guidelines to ensure fire protection and safety.
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