Don't Get Burned: Tips for Preventing Office Fires

As you start your business, your to-do list is likely a mile long.  One task may not have made it on your list, but it could save lives and money as it relates to physical damages and lawsuits. It is preparing for fire. As you set up your office building, you'll need to install numerous fire safety devices.  You'll also need to train employees on keeping the office building safe and what to do if there is a fire.

Setup for Safety

The first thing you need to do is research your state's fire code. This will guide you in exactly what you need to do. Even if there were previously tenants in your office space, don't just assume that they met fire code.  Check everything and update equipment and signs as needed.

Install at least one overhead fire/smoke alarm and sprinkler in each room. You may need more depending on the size of the room. If you have manual fire alarms, place signs leading to the fire alarm and directly over the fire alarm. Also strategically place fire extinguishers throughout the building. Fire extinguishers come in different classifications because they are used for different purposes. Place them accordingly. You should also install fire extinguisher signs with arrows that direct people straight to the extinguisher.

You will need to place "Exit" signs over each exit, preferably signs that will glow even when the power is out. Exit signs with arrows should also be placed to guide people to the exits in case they are unfamiliar with the building. If your office has elevators, place signs by the elevators that say "In Case of Fire, Use Stairs." It may seem like common sense, but people may need a reminder in an emergency.

You should also devise an evacuation plan. A map of the evacuation plan should be placed in each room, hallways, and near exits. Each sign should show the person where they are with easy to read arrows showing their safe exit route. Also highlight alternate exits in case the closest exit is blocked.

Keep It Safe

Once you have your office building set up for safety, train your employees on how to keep it safe. The most important thing is to keep the office clean. Don't let clutter and stacks of documents or equipment collect, especially in exit pathways. 

Pay close attention to anything that could catch fire, including electrical wiring. Replace damaged wiring, and don't run wiring or extension cords anywhere they could be damaged.  Keep wires untangled, and don't overcrowd outlets. Be careful with heat-producing equipment and electronics (computers, copy machines, coffee makers, lamps, etc.). Leave space for air to circulate around them, keep cloth and paper away from them, and turn them off or unplug them at the end of each day. 

Open flames are the most obvious cause of fire, so keep them out of the office. No open candles, gas ovens and stoves or smoking. If smoking is allowed in your building, designate areas with clear signs and only use ashtrays. Install No Smoking signs in appropriate areas.

Plan for Fire

Even with all your precautions, fire may still occur, so plan for it. Devise a specific evacuation plan that includes how to sound the alarm, call 911, where to exit the floor and building and where to meet once you have exited the building. Designate floor monitors to ensure that everyone on the floor makes it out safely. Include plans for disabled employees, assigning a monitor for each one and a designated safe room where they can wait for help. As you train employees on your building-specific evacuation plan, also train them on general fire safety rules, what to do if they are trapped, and how to use fire extinguishers for small fires. Conduct fire drills at least annually and make sure they know their way around the office, even with the lights off. Also, make a list of emergency contact information for each employee. 

Office fires claim many lives, but if you properly equip your building with the necessary fire safety equipment and train your employees on fire safety, the chance of fatalities from fire will be dramatically reduced in your office.

Posted in: Offices