A warehouse fire can endanger your employees and put tens of thousands of dollars in assets at risk of ruin. Thankfully, you can reduce the risk of a major fire by implementing fire extinguisher systems throughout your facility.
Here are eight tips to help you make the most of your extinguishers and fire sprinkler systems:
1. Conduct Fire Risk Assessments
Begin by identifying potential hazards within your warehouse. Your assessment(s) should include everything from the type of materials you work with to the status and location of your electrical systems. Conduct an after-action breakdown with your team to discuss any issues and how to resolve those hazards as well.
2. Install the Right Fire Extinguishers
Your warehouse may face different types of fire risks. With that in mind, you need to ensure your facility is equipped with the right kinds of fire extinguishers. Some variations you may need are as follows:
- Class A: For fires involving ordinary combustibles, like wood and paper
- Class B: For fires involving flammable liquids
- Class C: For fires involving energized electrical equipment
Proper placement is also vital. Your extinguishers should be easily accessible, clearly visible, and installed near the hazards they are designed to address. For example, you should place a Class C extinguisher outside of an electrical or utility room.
3. Implement Fire Sprinkler Systems
The presence of fire sprinkler systems within your facility is non-negotiable. They provide automatic suppression in the event of a fire and can significantly reduce the extent of fire damage. Make sure that your sprinkler system is designed and installed according to the specific needs of your warehouse and complies with local regulations.
4. Schedule a Fire Extinguisher Inspection in NJ
Your business is required to have its fire extinguishers inspected regularly. Failing to do so could open your business up to civil liability in the event of a real emergency. Partner with the professionals at ABC Fire & Safety for annual inspections and maintenance. We serve businesses in Kenilworth and throughout New Jersey.
5. Train Your Team
Your employees need to know what to do in the event of a real fire emergency. And that means your training program should cover the following:
- Identifying different types of fires
- Proper use of extinguishers and alarms
- Evacuation procedures
Periodically run drills to reinforce your employees’ training. You want to ensure they are ready if a real fire breaks out.
6. Develop and Implement a Fire Emergency Plan
Create a comprehensive fire emergency plan that details the following:
- Evacuation routes
- Assembly points
- Roles and responsibilities
Send the plan to your entire workforce and periodically review it to ensure it includes the latest best practices.
7. Maintain Clear Evacuation Routes
Ensure that all exits and pathways are unobstructed and clearly marked and that your emergency lighting and exit signs are functional and visible. Educate your team members on the locations of the nearest evacuation points as well as secondary options in case they cannot reach the closest exits.
8. Adhere to Local Regulations
Finally, make sure you know and keep up with New Jersey’s fire safety codes. Regularly review any updates to the fire code and consult with local fire authorities to ensure your warehouse is compliant. It’s up to you to stay informed about any changes and adjust your fire safety plan accordingly.
Need Equipment or Maintenance? We’ve Got You Covered
When your business needs help with a fire extinguisher in New Jersey, ABC Fire & Safety is the only team you need to call. Whether you’ve got questions about a maintenance issue or need an equipment upgrade, our team will be there to lend a hand. Contact us to learn more.
