Ways to fireproof your operation

If the building is equipped with sprinkler devices, the control valves should be chained open or hav€ alarms attached to them. All employees should be familiar with the system. Fire drills as well as regular instruction sessions should be held. The fire department's phone number should be clearly posted at each telephone. All fire alarms must be accessible and in good operating condition.

No smoking and safe smoking areas should be established and clearly identified. Ashtrays or sand pails must be standard equipment in all designated smoking areas. Rules pertaining to smoking need to be strictly enforced.

Good housekeeping is another deterrent to fire. Trash, scraps, sawdust, dunnage, oily rags and waste material must be picked up and disposed of promptly. High grass and weeds must be cleared from alongside buildings.

Flammable liquids should be stored in approved containers away from heat and open flame. Spare and empty forklift propane tanks are best stored in an area where they are protected from physical damage. There can be no storage, especially of combustibles, in furnace or boiler rooms.

Maintaining all electrical systems and equipment in good condition is vital. All must be adequately supported with no damaged insulation. Wiring can not be overloaded. Fuses and circuit breakers must be appropriate and adequate. Approved lightning/surge protection devices must be installed on the building's electrical service entrance. Equipment such as vehicle block heaters must be maintained in good condition with adequate amperage and appropriate gauge cords.

Common fire hazards are open flames, electrical equipment that overheats or shorts out. friction. mechanical sparks, static electricity, gasoline, ethers, alcohol and other substances that can ignite or explode. Poor safety habits such as allowing welding or cutting near combustible materials, placing burnables too close to hot surfaces and failing to observe smoking restrictions are additional causes.

You can best prevent arson by being aware of conditions or situations that encourage it. Preventive steps include keeping yard areas well lighted during non-operating hours, fencing in storage areas, installing gates that can be locked during nonoperating hours and maintaining a security guard. Any suspicious activities, persons or cars should be reported to authorities promptly.

Fire safety is a full time job. Educate all employees to be alert to unsafe conditions and report them to those responsible for correcting them. Practicing good housekeeping and maintaining equipment in a safe condition are the responsibilities of every employee and manager.

Story at a Glance

Fire prevention recommendations. equipment, staff re sponsibilities, safety practices ... often neglected procedures can save dollars and avoid a disaster.