Ensuring proper fire safety is one of the most vital responsibilities of any business owner. Meeting fire codes, preventing damage to your business, and protecting your employees, customers, and other occupants are all top priorities. With our fire safety checklist, business owners can evaluate their property’s fire safety status.
Fire Alarms
Fire alarms are an absolute necessity when it comes to fire safety. If a fire does break out, everyone on site needs to know right away. There are a variety of fire alarm options that businesses can choose from today. Conventional smoke alarms detect smoke, while other systems detect the heat of fires directly. The latest tech includes visual fire recognition alarms that can deliver the fastest response possible.
Fire Extinguishers
Every business legally requires a certain number of fire extinguishers to meet fire codes. Not only that, but your business also needs to keep up with inspections and occasional recharges to ensure that your fire extinguishers are pressurized when they’re needed.
You need the right type of fire extinguisher in New Jersey as well. Different types of businesses throughout the state might require foam, CO2, or dry powder extinguishers.
Exit Signage
Everyone, even visitors unfamiliar with your building, needs to know how to get out when there’s a fire. Exit signage provides a clear indicator of where to go to access the fastest exit route, and these signs must be clear, well-placed, and feature their own illumination. In most cases, these signs are capable of glowing in the dark, ensuring visibility in all conditions.
Emergency Lighting
In the case of a fire or another emergency, you may find your facility without power. When that happens, you and your occupants will still need a way to see where they’re going and find their way out as fast as possible, especially when an exit sign is not in the immediate vicinity.
Emergency lighting kicks in automatically when power is lost, illuminating exit routes, so make sure that you have it installed everywhere it’s needed and that said fixtures are tested regularly.
Fire Sprinkler Systems
The rapid response of fire sprinklers and other suppression systems can make all the difference when a fire breaks out in your facility. These systems must be professionally designed and installed, and they require regular inspections as well.
Most fire sprinkler systems spring into action automatically when the heat from a fire physically breaks a tube or plug holding them closed, but today’s fire sprinkler systems can also be integrated into smart building systems.
Evacuation Plan
Every business needs to have an evacuation plan in place, which includes defining a meeting place at a safe distance from the facility or multiple areas, depending on the size of your business. It’s also vital that proper attendance and visitor sign-in practices are implemented, as it will let your business know if anyone is unaccounted for and potentially still inside the building.
Staff Training
Keeping staff up-to-date on fire safety is vital. Your business must ensure that every staff member knows the location of fire extinguishers, exit routes, and meeting places. Make use of fire drills to evaluate the readiness of your staff for an emergency. Depending on the specific nature of your business, there could also be emergency shutdown procedures to ensure that equipment doesn’t pose an additional safety hazard.
First Aid
First aid is another vital component of fire safety. Your business will need the appropriate first aid kits and cabinets, which must be kept stocked and up-to-date. You will likely also have requirements for a certain number of first aid and CPR-trained staff.
Prepare Your Business for Fire Safety
You can prepare your business with fire safety products and services from ABC Fire & Safety. Ensure that you have the right fire extinguisher in Kenilworth to mitigate the specific risks at your site. Stay up to date with fire extinguisher inspection in NJ and infrastructure, including suppression systems, sprinklers, and signage.
