Fire Protection is an organized approach designed to prevent fires. In the event of a fire, a fire protection program will help prevent or minimize personal injuries, losses, and harm to the environment. This guideline is designed to help you develop a fire protection program, or to identify areas in your existing program that may need improvement. The basic elements of a fire protection program are discussed below.
The first thing you can do to protect your employees, your property and the environment from a fire is to do a workplace assessment. You will be evaluating your workplace for:
- Fire hazards
- Effectiveness of controls
- Emergency preparedness
Next, collect an inventory of all the hazardous materials used in your workplace; this will prove useful in developing your fire prevention plan. Follow this up with a walk-through assessment of your workplace. Your inspection should answer questions such as:
- Are all sources of ignition identified?
- Is all wiring properly installed and of approved construction, without extensions or temporary wiring?
- Are ventilation systems implemented and working properly?
- Is garbage removed daily or more frequently?
- Are aisles and floors free of oil and other flammable spills?
- Is there an approved fire safety plan posted?
- Is there a spill control procedure posted?
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
