15 Apr IS YOUR SYDNEY BUSINESS FIRE SAFE?
Sydney Extinguishers knows that as a business owner or manager of your building, you know that adequate safety equipment should be in place. Fire protection in Sydney is an essential element of building safety, but how much thought do you give to the full effect that just one fire could have on your business?
Protecting people is the number one consideration for businesses to avoid serious liability. You need to be prepared in order to minimise injury and prevent fatality in the event of a fire. However, any business that has experienced a fire in the past knows that the aftermath can take far longer to battle through than the fire itself.
Fires can have devastating consequences (lives lost) and the damage can sometimes be irreparable. Expensive equipment and important data can be destroyed while property loss and damage can result in lengthy downtime as repairs and rebuilding need to be done. When planning for fire protection, managers should develop a crisis management plan, giving careful consideration to how critical data is backed up and how they would operate if their premises were destroyed by fire.
Sydney Extinguishers educates businesses on fire safety and fire prevention located Sydney. If you are a Sydney business owner or manager, now is a good time to undertake a risk assessment of your premises. This will help identify potential fire hazards and guide you in taking necessary precautions. Consider the following fire safety checklist to assist you in preventing damage and liability at your business that could be caused by fire:
- Take some time to research and select the right fire extinguishing products that carry the correct certification, approvals, Australian Standards & ratings.
- Install effective smoke alarms and have an evacuation system in place.
- Ensure that all fire protection equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire hose reels and smoke alarms is positioned correctly.
- Ensure that all of your fire extinguishers, hose reels and smoke alarms have been serviced and maintained and are functioning properly.
- Keep fire sprinkler heads free from obstruction.
- Do not store combustible material such as cardboard boxes and paper near sources of heat or ignition.
- Ensure flammable liquids and materials are stored safely.
- Check that electrical appliances, equipment and machinery are in good condition and free from obvious defects or exposed wiring.
- Do not overload electrical circuits or extension cords.
- Ensure machinery and appliances are switched off when not in use.
- Organise appropriate fire safety and evacuation training for staff and ensure evacuation procedures and fire escape plans are shared with each staff member.
- Exit doors should be unlocked, clearly marked and free from obstruction.
- Exit signs must be illuminated and emergency lights operating.
- Regularly check your premises to make sure it is safe and secure.
- Avoid storing or stockpiling flammable materials such as packaging materials or waste where they could be accessed by the public, including in areas immediately outside of your business premises.
- Make sure all machinery is serviced as recommended by manufacturers and is kept clean. If possible, switch machinery off when the business is unattended.
- Secure all doors, windows or other access points when the business is unattended, and make sure your business has adequate lighting to deter trespassers.
- Ensure your business has an adequately serviced and functional fire alarm system that is suitable to your small business, e.g., remotely serviced alarm systems, sprinkler systems, thermal or smoke alarms, etc.
- If your business stores dangerous goods, ensure their storage and use adheres to legislative requirements.
- Make sure your business has a written and practised fire escape plan that includes full staff lists and designated meeting points.
Sydney businesses need to have plans and procedures in place to prevent fires and to help their business recover should an unforeseen emergency occur. You should also check to make sure that your business has sufficient fire insurance.
Fire can spread out of control very quickly, particularly within large businesses and facilities. One option is to install an automatic fire suppression system, such as an automatic fire sprinkler systems, which can help minimise property damage. Sprinkler systems can be linked to a facility’s fire or smoke detection system and, once activated, automatically release water to quickly suppress and control the spread of a fire.
Sydney Extinguishers knows that when it comes to fire safety, careful planning is required. All fire hazards and risks should be assessed in order for the most appropriate fire protection system to be recommended and installed. Sydney business managers must realise the impact that a fire can have on their business’ day-to-day operations and, subsequently, their bottom line. To ensure your Sydney business is fire safe call us today to have a fire technician visit site.