Did you know that if you run a business in New Zealand, you are legally obligated to provide a safe working environment for your employees? Fire safety in the office isn’t something you can ignore.
At Jim’s Fire Safety, we experts in fire safety. We provide fire equipment testing services to businesses all around the nation. Follow our tips for fire safety in the workplace and let us know if you have any questions.
Your safety is our business.
Fire Safety in Office Buildings
There are a number of things you can do to help secure your workplace. Take a look at handy fire safety tips.
Faulty Appliances
Did you know that damaged electrical goods are one of the most common causes of fires in workplaces? A faulty appliance can overheat, short circuit, or send out sparks that start fires.
To help manage the presence of faulty appliances in your building, ask a Jim’s Fire Safety team member to inspect and test your equipment. As a rule, anything that plugs in needs to be tested.
Using appliances correctly will extend the lifetime of your equipment. Make sure you read the manufacturer instructions and avoid overloading your circuits with extra adaptors and power boards.
Check the Product Recalls website regularly to make sure none of your equipment is on the list to be recalled.
Keep it Clean
Fire safety in the office is easy when you manage your risks. Keeping your office tidy will help you avoid unnecessary danger and possible harm.
- Empty bins regularly
- Label flammable chemicals and store them in a cool dry place
- Remove rubbish from the perimeter of your property
- Control foliage and plants outside your property
- Turn appliances off at the wall when not in use
- Untangle cords and extension leads
Safe Smoke Breaks
A lot of people working in offices have short breaks during the day to have a smoke. Cigarette butts that aren’t correctly disposed of can be a fire threat. Make sure your staff members have a designated smoking area and discard of their butts responsibly. If they are using a bin, make sure it isn’t filled with flammable materials. Providing ashtrays or metal bins specifically for smokers is wise.
Plan for Emergencies
The best way to ensure fire safety in the office is to be thorough. Having an action plan will help you save crucial time in an emergency. This could potentially save lives and damage to your property.
- Have a fire warden
- Invest in fire safety training for your employees
- Have a designated evacuation point
- Run regular fire safety drills
- Make sure emergency contacts are accessible
Fire Equipment Maintenance
There’s no point having fire protection equipment available to your employees if it doesn’t work properly. Fire extinguishers, fire hose reels, and blankets need to be inspected routinely to ensure they are fully functional.
At Jim’s Fire Safety, we provide inspection and testing services to businesses all over New Zealand. We test and inspect all hand-held fire protection devices to make sure you will be protected in the event of an emergency.
Remember, you are legally obligated to maintain all your fire protection equipment.
Call us now to book in an inspection.
If you have any questions about fire safety in the office, contact us today.
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