For the success of any workplace, it is important to provide a safe working environment to employees. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have released a set of rules and standards to ensure the protection every employee deserves.
A consultation program offered by OSHA contains specific standards that apply to the working environment of small-business employers. Whether it’s an employer or an employee, everyone is somewhat responsible for fire safety. However, let’s dwell further and look more into it.
Employer Office Fire Safety Requirements
Establish A Company Emergency Action Plan
A fire safety emergency action plan outlined by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is mandatory for business owners to have. This plan had all the important measures to be taken in case of fire. However, there is an exception for small businesses with 10 or fewer employees. Even though it is highly recommended, there is no need for a written emergency action plan in such cases.
Maintain Fire Protection and Prevention Equipment
Keeping fire protection equipment in the workplace relies entirely on employers. Portable fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems are a part of fire protection equipment. To keep the equipment safe, make sure to inspect and maintain it regularly. Putting portable fire extinguishers to use even once needs a recharge.
Train Employees to Use Fire Safety Equipment
Employers need to train their employees about the use of fire safety equipment. Employees must attend the training sessions about equipment use once a year.
Employee Office Fire Safety Requirements
Know Fire and Emergency Safety Procedures
Even if the employer has done the task of training employees about the fire equipment, employees must learn the fire safety procedures, and they cannot follow the company’s action plan unless they understand it.
The exits of the workplace must be known to all employees. They should know what their responsibility in case of evacuation will be. The location of fire extinguishers and fire pull stations are also a must-known thing for employees. It is never a good idea to ditch your company’s fire equipment training sessions as they are very important.
Fight or flight – Safety first!
Everyone wants to ensure they have all the safety and protection they need. Anyone knowing how to use a portable fire extinguisher can prevent the fire from growing in case of fire. If you are in the building and cannot find a fire extinguisher, pull the fire alarm as you leave.
Take Part in Office Fire Drills
Office buildings have face drills that keep taking place time after time. Having full participation in such drills is for your benefit. Even if the fire drills are inconvenient, you must take them seriously because they prepare you for a fire emergency in every respect.
Vendor Office and Business Building Fire Safety Requirements
NFPA and OSHA requirements need companies to hire fire and life safety vendors. It is generally recommended to hire a single, licensed, and certified source with efficient and code compliant services. Their products, as well as testing services, are reliable. It always comes in handy to hire a specialized vendor that manages your tasks and saves you the trouble of keeping up to date with shifting requirements.
There are various services offered by vendors that mostly include installation, maintenance, checking, and testing of safety equipment. These include:
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Fire hose
- Fire suppression system of kitchen
- Safety signage
- Emergency lighting
- First Aid Kits
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
- Fire alarms
- Exit Signs
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Photoluminescent markings
Fire safety is not ensured unless everyone participates. The emergency events can be dealt with if you adhere to the requirements set forth by NFPA and OSHA.
You can contact (505) 889-8999, and Brazas Fire will provide you with the fire safety products you need for your business. It offers fire safety products such as fire extinguishers, kitchen hood fire suppression systems and paint booth fire suppression systems for healthcare facilities, sports, and entertainment venues, and they offer maintenance and fire safety systems testing to leading corporations throughout the Albuquerque metro area and New Mexico.