Fire Safety: Three Guidelines on Preparedness in Commercial Premises

The consequences of a fire in a commercial building can be grave. The employees and customers within the business space could sustain severe injuries and life could be lost. Also, the fire will cause a lot of property damage which will translate into significant losses for the company. Therefore, as the business owner or manager, you should be committed to preparedness in case of an emergency. Proper planning will prevent injuries and fatalities and minimise the potential assets losses. Here are essential guidelines to incorporate into your company for ideal fire preparedness:

Plan for Fire Emergencies

If there is no established and documented plan for responding to a fire emergency, there will be confusion, and this will increase the potential risks. Also, if there is no person to take charge during the incident, an excellent plan might not be executed. This will reduce its efficacy. Therefore, you should consider these issues when creating an emergency response plan. In general, it is advisable to designate a safety officer who will guide the rest of the employees. This officer should be well-versed with the documented emergency plan. They will be responsible for leading the people out, taking a roll call and handling other procedures.  

Procure Fire Protection Equipment

You should procure and install fire protection equipment in your commercial premises. Most office fires are localised and can be controlled with considerable ease. However, the small fire could escalate and cause extensive damage without the right tools. Therefore, you should have fire extinguishers placed around the rooms to facilitate a quick response. Ensure that the extinguisher available matches the possible type of fires. If your business space is a high-risk area, you should have a sprinkler system for faster suppression of large fires. Also, you should have smoke alarms and other sensors installed for quick detection of danger. For the best results, you should make sure that all these elements are inspected and maintained regularly. 

Practice and Review Procedures

Finally, you should schedule regular drills to practice the emergency response plan. This practice will help the employees remain calm in the event of an actual fire. Often, fire incidents are confusing and scary, so the evacuation results will be better if the response actions are familiar. You should also review your emergency plans frequently, especially after making changes in your organisation or building. This process will help you tailor the procedures to the new business setup.

If you are uncertain about fire preparedness in the commercial environment, consult an expert for guidance. 

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