This article showcases the significance of fire drills at the workplace and how you can properly administer them in your business.
Workplace fire drills can be tedious, but there is a reason why they are repetitive: Frequently practicing a fire drill at work can better prepare you and your workers for a real fire instead of panicking. This article showcases the significance of fire drills at the workplace and how you can properly administer them in your business.
The Importance of Fire Drills at Work
Fire drills at the workplace can help workers prepare for a fire and give your property a chance to test that the fire alarms are correctly functioning.
- Fire drills can minimize the risk of injuries during a real fire.
- Train employees to manage other emergency scenarios.
- Workers can practice various roles and responsibilities during an emergency.
- Regular fire drills allow employees to respond quickly and calmly during an active fire.
- Everyone can know where the emergency exits are located and are easily accessible.
What Should Your Fire Evacuation Plan at Work Have?
If your building already has a fire evacuation plan, it may be a good time to assess and enhance it again. Otherwise, we’ve compiled several helpful suggestions:
Create and Document Fire Drill Procedures
Your fire evacuation plan should include necessary procedures, such as instructions for shutting off machinery or equipment.
- Is your emergency escape route documented and explained?
- Will any employees stay on-site during an initial evacuation alarm?
- Who will be responsible for your employees after a fire drill at the workplace?
- How will your business report an emergency? Will it call 911, call building management to report a fire, or pull a manual fire alarm?
Determine a Communication Plan
Include the names and contact information of workers accountable for helping during a fire emergency.
- Who and how will you communicate with your employees during an emergency?
- Which employees should someone contact for more details or questions regarding the workplace fire procedures?
- Will your workers label themselves safe during an emergency using a communications program?
Achieve Proper Fire Safety Equipment Protocols
This emergency protocol can help you determine what will happen if a fire or other emergency happens and how your workers must manage the situation with firefighting tools. If your employees use fire extinguishers, they should know how to use them. The same goes for smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems.
Practice Fire Drills Yearly
There drills should be held at the workplace every year, and it’s ideal to practice them at least twice or even four times yearly. When practicing a fire drill, imagine various scenarios during a real fire.
- What would your team do if a fire was in the way of the stairwell?
- What should your workers do if a fire breaks out in the kitchen or break room?
- Where should employees go if they cannot evacuate safely through the nearest fire exit?
Help protect your business and employees with the assistance of Judd Fire Protection. Simply having a fire safety system is not enough. Your fire equipment must be routinely inspected, serviced, and maintained to ensure the safety of your property and employees.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, call Judd Fire Protection at 410-871-3480. Follow us on Facebook, X, and Pinterest.