National Fire Prevention Month - Manufacturing
Fire Prevention In Manufacturing
October is National Fire Prevention Month Manufacturing and a good time to revisit fire safety and prevention in the manufacturing facility environment. Fires lead to hundreds of injuries and deaths each year and lead to billions in property damage and losses.
Shockingly, the vast majority of fires and their subsequent damaging effects could be prevented.
While there is no such thing as a completely fireproof facility, there are some important steps you can take to help prevent fire and improve fire and life safety.
Tips to Improve Fire Safety in the Manufacturing Setting:
Have a Professional Facility Hazard Assessment
A professional fire safety assessment will look at the manufacturing facility to identify needs and deficits concerning fire and life safety needs. While manufacturing facilities are required to meet local, state, and national levels, that does not mean that there are not additional needs that should be met.
Get the Advise of a Fire and Life Safety Professional
It is important to have a security system professional look at your facility and make recommendations, provide instruction on usage, and explain system capabilities.
Maintain Equipment and Provide Proper Equipment Training
While this could be two important points, they are so closely related we’ve made them one. An NFPA study found that heated equipment, shop tools, and industrial equipment were found to be the leading causes of structural fires in manufacturing facilities. According to manufacturing processes research firm FM Global, three-fifths of fires and nearly three-fourths of property damage could be avoided through regular preventative maintenance, testing, and inspections.
Practice Your Evacuation Plan Frequently
In addition to using posted building maps and lighted exit signs, prepare and regularly practice an emergency evacuation plan with your building/business occupants. It is important to practice more than meeting a minimum so all students receive training. The more a plan is practiced, the more quickly and safely it can be executed in an emergency.
Remove Clutter
Clutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by preventing access to exits and emergency equipment.
Have Designated Smoking Areas
Smoke only in designated areas, and extinguish smoking materials safely. Never smoke in storerooms or chemical storage areas.
Have Fire Extinguishers
Maintaining the appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers and learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
Remove Electrical Hazards
Many fires start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment. Ensure that all electrical cords and equipment are in good condition and are being properly used.
Practice Chemical Safety
Use and store chemicals safely. Read the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances.
Important Fire and Security Technologies for the Manufacturing Setting
While most educational facilities generally have fewer elements that typically cause fires, they also have areas of increased concern, such as having many buildings across a large area and a large number of people on the grounds during operating hours. Because of this, mass notification and communication systems are an important complement to fire and life safety systems and professional monitoring.
In manufacturing, the risks of fire are many, constant, and varied. Call SSP today to find out how to protect your facility better! 1-888-540-0175
