Looking to step up your office safety plan for the new year? Check out these 10 office safety tips from our Clearwater fire extinguisher services team!
No matter how you slice it, office safety is non-negotiable for us. And it should be for you too! According to the NFPA, there were 125,500 non-residential fires in 2021 and a 30 percent rise in fire-related deaths since 2020.
As a manager, it’s vital that your employees feel safe in their workplace and confident in the building’s readiness for emergencies. We’re talking fire safety equipment, fire drills, evacuation routes; you name it.
So let’s get into it with these ten office safety tips from our Clearwater fire extinguisher services team to ensure the only thing burning in the workplace is a whole lot of brain power.
- Make a Safety Plan & Regularly Conduct Fire Drills
Your workplace should have clear protocols for emergencies and equipment use. Nobody loves fire drills, but they allow exit locations and designated outdoor meeting spaces to stay top of mind. Plus, with a clear safety plan, fire drills can be accomplished efficiently and you can get back to that game of solitaire you play during long Zoom calls.
- Designate Emergency Enforcers
As part of your safety plan, our Clearwater fire extinguisher services team recommends choosing one or two team members who are willing and able to lead the group to emergency exits. These individuals will assist those with handicaps or limitations, and ensure everyone safely arrives at the designated outdoor meeting space.
- Maintain Good Housekeeping
We all know a clean space equals a clean mind, and this sentiment applies to your office safety plan too. Yes, that includes the under-the-desk pile that seems to appear overnight. Ensure that trash is cleared daily, and desks are free from excess clutter or paper waste that might rest on cords or other heated units.
- Allow Smoking Areas
While most offices are largely digital, a lot of work is still done on paper, and there is always an increased chance of fire-related hazards. For example, an ashtray emptied into a trash can on top of paper materials. With a clearly-designated outdoor smoking and disposal area, you can rest assured knowing your employees are safer.
- Routinely Check Break Rooms & Kitchens
Depending on your line of work, your break room or kitchen is likely host to a mixture of combustible or flammable items. Ensure you have a proper plan for food-related storage, use, and disposal.
- Sweep for Hazards
Unlike #3, this isn’t about cleaning. Sweeping for hazards refers to a specific search for anything in the office that could, in a worst-case scenario, spark an emergency. Maybe you have an old computer or printer from the 90s that overheats whenever you open Microsoft Word, or exposed wires on a cord (the NFPA lists this as a main office safety tip). Prevention is key!
- Keep Electrical Control Panels Unobstructed
Yes, these are an eyesore, but our team of Clearwater fire extinguisher services professionals promises they’re there for a reason and shouldn’t be covered up. Most electrical control panels have built-in overload protection, but sometimes that fails and the overload can lead to a fire. Ensure your building’s panels are accessible, organized, and clearly labeled for quick access.
- Provide Clear Exit Signs
It’s natural for your office space to fill up as your business grows. Regardless, plan your design with open pathways and exits that are clearly marked in the case of an emergency, fire or not.
- Confirm Proper Appliance Use
Space heaters are fantastic desk accessories in the winter, but make sure your team understands that all appliances need to be unplugged at the end of the work day. This also applies to toasters, heating blankets, mug warmers, and electric kettles.
- Maintain, Maintain, Maintain
At DynaFire, we understand the importance of routine maintenance. This includes servicing panels and updating sprinklers, smoke alarms, and even Clearwater fire extinguisher services.
Ready to get your building in tip-top shape for the new year? Give us a call today to discuss all of our fire protection solutions.
