A Fire Servicing Self-Inspection Checklist for Your Business
In any office or commercial facility, you want to ensure that you are concerned about fire safety for all employees. In most areas, there are regular fire inspections conducted by local fire departments, but a self-inspection and regular fire servicing can ensure your office or other facility is as safe as possible. Note a few items you might put on such a checklist for your business.
1. Clearance for fire alarms
Be sure that there is nothing in front of the fire alarms so that they can be reached quickly and easily. It's not enough to avoid putting something on the wall over the fire alarm, but you shouldn't have a table or boxes in the way of the lever, a plant that obscures it or anything else that keeps it from being easily accessed.
2. Clearance for fire exits
Along with the fire alarms, you always want to ensure the fire exits are clear on both sides. This means no boxes, rubbish bins or anything else in front of or on the other side of the door, and also ensure the door itself can be opened easily. Check the latches and hinges of the door so you know it won't be too heavy to open and that rust or other debris will not cause it to stick.
3. Fire exit signs
Try shutting off all the lights and closing all the blinds in your office or production facility and note if you can easily see exit signs that guide you to safety. Remember that in case of a fire, the electricity of your facility may fail and the lights will go out. It's especially important in enclosed areas such as shops and manufacturing areas that exit signs be properly illuminated and spaced close enough that your workers can easily follow them to a safe exit.
4. Condition of cords
Does your facility use electrical or extension cords? Check them for fraying or other signs of wear. If electrical tape has been used for repairs, it's time to replace the cords altogether. You also want to ensure they aren't run under carpets as they may be worn but you simply don't notice this because of being under the carpet.
5. Breaker boxes
Check the breaker boxes for signs of wear including rust. If the breaker boxes in your facility are worn, this can mean higher risk for electrical fire. If you notice moisture around the box, rust, or other corrosion, call an electrician to have the box replaced as quickly as possible.