Don't let FIRE do this to your store

By Donald Rung Vice President Corporate Field Services

Lumber Insurance Companies fN A TIME of fierce competition land eroded profit margins, a lumber and building products retailer can not afford the disruption, loss of sales, potential loss of customers and uninsurable expenses resulting from a serious fire loss.

While the potential for fire can never totally be eliminated, a consistent and aggressive prevention and control program can substantially decrease the likelihood of a devastating loss.

Your program should focus on two very clear targets: Prevention and control.

Preventivemeasures

Smoking - While increasing numbers of businesses are imPlementing a "smoke free" PolicY, many businesses still allow employees and/or customers to smoke on the premises.

If your facility does not allow smoking, "no smoking" signs should be clearly posted in both public and employee-only areas. Butt cans should be Provided at points of customer entry so that ihey can safely dispose of smoking materials. Management/supervisory personnel should remain vigilant and periodically inspect outof-the-way places, such as storage decks, where employees might be tempted !o sneak a cigarette.

If you do allow smoking in your facility, you should clearlY identify and strictly enforce approved smoking areas and areas where smoking is not allowed. Appropriate containers should be provided for disposal of smoking materials, both in approved smoking areas and at points of entry to areas where smoking is prohibited.

Heating Systems - Fumace and boiler rooms are notorious for becoming general storage rooms during sunmer months. When the first cold weather arrives, the tendency is to automatically turn uP the thermostat without making sure heating devices have adequate clearance from combustible materials. Clear space also should be maintained between suspended unit heaters and storage. Chimneys, chimney connectors and vents serving heating appliances should be examined regularly to ensure they are in sound condition with adequate clearances from combustibles maintained.

Electrical - Most fires of electrical origin in retail building material operations are attributable to temporary, inappropriate or damaged wiring. Extension cords should not be used in lieu of permanent wiring. All flexible elec-

Story at a Glance

How to avoid fire losses prevention and control measures that cut the oddsof becoming a firE victim.

or open flame. Spare and empty propane tanks should be stored away from heat and open flame in a location protected from potential vehicle or forklift damage.

Control Measures

Fire Extinguishers - An adequate number of fire extinguishers should be provided. In the event of a fire, the distance to be traveled to reach an extinguisher should be 75 feet or less. ABC type extinguishers are preferable due to their effectiveness on fires involving ordinary combustibles, as well as electrical, flammable liquid and grease fres. Fire extinguishers should be clearly marked so no time is lost in finding them in the event of a fire. All employees should be trained in the location and proper use of extinguishers. Extinguishers should be inventoried monthly to confirm they are charged and located appropriately.

Fire Departrnent Inspections - trical cords should be examined on a regular basis for signs of wear or damage. Ifblock heaters are used on vehicles or forklifts, particular care should be taken to ensure that the amperage rating of the cord is sufficient for the demands of the block heater. Lighting or wiring damaged by forklifts should be repaired as soon as possible. Fluorescent lights should be scrutinized for signs of failing ballass and ballasts or fixtures replaced.

Housekeeping - Employees should be trained to clean as they go. Adequate provisions should be made for scrap, waste and debris disposal.

Flammable Liquids and GasesGasoline or other flammable liquids should be kept in approved fl arnmable liquid safety containers in areas free from excessive heat

It is advisable to invite your local fire department into your facility at least annually. This allows them to remain current with your operations and physical layout and more effectively preplan how they would respond to and fight a flre at your facility.

Private Protection Systems -

Automatic sprinklers and automatic smoke or heat detectors should be tested at least quarterly to ensttre that the system functions as it is supposed to and to evaluate whether alarms and connections to central stations, alarm comPanies or fre deparunents are working.

Self Inspection - Management personnel should develop the habit of conducting a comprehensive walk through of the premises at least once a week to determine whether the hazards noted above, and any other property hazards peculiar to the particular operation, are being adequately controlled.