Why You Need Fire Safety Training

Every business needs a plan for how to prepare for fire emergencies. According to OSHA, fires and explosions caused three percent of workplace fatalities in 2007.

Ensuring that your employees have appropriate training can reduce the risk of similar catastrophes in your workplace. Fire safety training is more than a good idea; it’s also a key requirement in compliance with federal laws.

Types of Workplaces at Risk for Fire – Although fire can break out in any workplace, it’s more likely to happen in certain environments. Some types of work sites where fire can occur more frequently include:

• Shipyards,
• Construction sites,
• Mining operations,
• Manufacturing businesses

Companies who work with electrical functions are at particular risk of experiencing fires. These environments call for fire safety training and well-outlined fire safety plans and procedures.

Why Fire Safety Training is Important for Employees – Employees have the right to work in a safe environment, which is guaranteed by federal law. Fire safety is a particular requirement for OSHA compliance to ensure worker safety. Workers should know how to operate equipment safely to prevent fires, as well as how to quickly and appropriately respond if and when a fire occurs in the workplace.

Aspects of Fire Safety Education – Your employees will learn about more than just the risks that make fire safety so important on the job. One of the most important aspects of fire safety training is educating about how to set up an emergency action plan. Each individual work site must have its own unique emergency action plans even if your business has multiple locations. The emergency action plan should contain details such as the following:

• Preferred method of communicating information about fires or other emergencies
• Evacuation procedures
• Emergency escape routes and procedures, including maps
• Names and telephone numbers of individuals within the company to contact for more information
• Detailed protocols for how to operate fire extinguishers and when and how to shut down essential plant operations
• Rescue and medical procedures

Employees should be well-trained in many aspects related to fire safety, including where to locate and how to operate fire extinguishers, how to account for all employees in an emergency, and when to seek medical care. Make sure that all of your employees’ personal information is easily accessible, including contact information for next of kin.

Designate a couple of employees to be leaders in managing fire safety plans. Make sure to do periodic drills to practice your fire safety and evacuation plans, and re-evaluate them as needed.

Fire safety training is an important step in keeping your employees safe, protecting your company and its assets, and remaining in compliance with federal laws. Learn how by contacting RWLS Safety at 570-404-8420.