Every company has the responsibility to ensure that their employees can safely evacuate. It is each employee’s job to know those procedures and be ready to act if a fire occurs in the workplace.
Fire Prevention Efforts in Each Work Area:
- Remove any fire hazards.
- Inspect extension cords and those on devices for exposed wires or damage.
- Ensure no prongs are missing and it is plugged into the appropriate outlet.
- Ensure any power strips used are not overloaded.
- Extension cords should not be used for permanent wiring.
- Any electrical items that can produce heat should be placed on a heat safe surface with adequate room around it.
- Maintain good housekeeping in each work area.
- Ensure any flammable material is stored properly.
Be Prepared:
- Know the company’s emergency evacuation procedures and follow them.
- If there is an escape plan in the area, be familiar with it.
- Plan a route to take ahead of time, to safely exit the building.
- Note any fire protection equipment in the area and who the company has trained to use it.
- Treat any fire drills as if they are the real thing.
If a Fire Occurs:
- Notify anyone in the area of the fire and safely and calmly exit the building.
- Unless tasks (such as specific equipment shutdown) have been assigned by the employer do not try to finish work or gather items prior to exiting.
- Call 911
- If escaping from an upper level use the stairs, not the elevator to safely exit.
- Stay out of the building once exited and a safe distance away.
