An Effective Fire Prevention/Evacuation Plan can be broken down into 3 objectives or goals..
(1) Prevent a fire from starting:
- Ensure your building is compliant to relevant regulations, codes and standards..
- Fire Suppression Systems in place as per AS1670
- Good Housekeeping is Crucial. …
- Maintain Machinery and Electrical Items and fire protection systems. as per AS1851
- Store and Use Chemicals Responsibly. …
- Maintain Easy Access to All Electrical Control Panels and Fire Alarm Equipment. …
- Test the Fire Alarm System Regularly. …
- Only Smoke in Demarcated Areas.
(2) Prevent loss of life in case fire does start: Have a Fire Emergency / Evacuation Plan, which would consist of the following elements:
- emergency procedures, including an effective response to an emergency
- evacuation procedures
- notifying emergency service organisations at the earliest opportunity
- medical treatment and assistance
- effective communication between the person authorised to coordinate the emergency response and all people at the workplace
- testing of the emergency procedures—including the frequency of testing
- information, training and instruction to relevant workers in relation to implementing the emergency procedures. SafeWork Australia
(3) Ability to confine fire to its origin:
Effective active and passive fire suppression systems.
Passive Fire Protection (PFP) is an integral component of the three components of structural, fire protection and fire safety in a building. PFP attempts to contain fires or slow down the spread through use of fire–resistant walls, floors and fire rated doors.(d) extinguish fire.
Active Fire Protection by which a fire event can be controlled or extinguished, either manually (fire fighting) or automatically. Manual control includes the use of a fire extinguisher or a standpipe system. Automatic control means can include a fire sprinkler system, a gaseous clean agent, or firefighting foam system. Automatic suppression systems would usually be found in large commercial kitchens or other high-risk areas.
Factoring in an effective and compliant fire emergency and evacuation plan, to your overall business obligations under current safety legislation, is critical and a can also be a major cost saving measure, in the event of a fire.
Dedicated To Your Fire Safety
Alex
