5 Key Areas To Focus on in Employee Fire Training
If there is anything that can be disastrous to a business, it is a fire incident. For this reason, it is critical for company owners to provide comprehensive fire training to their workers. Read on to learn about five key areas to focus on in employee fire training so everyone can go home safe, even if an incident were to occur.
Practices for Preventing Workplace Fires
Your first line of defense against a fire is teaching your employees how to prevent one from starting. For example, employees must understand how to store flammable liquids properly and the importance of keeping them away from ignition sources.
In addition, maintaining and inspecting your electrical equipment can also prevent a blaze. Educating your staff on these preventative measures creates a proactive safety culture where everyone shares the responsibility for fire prevention.
How To Recognize the Signs of a Fire
Another key area to focus on in employee fire training is how to recognize the signs of a fire. In addition to spotting visible flames, they should know what smoke, unusual heat from doors or walls, and the sound of a smoke detector or fire alarm indicate. By knowing what to look and listen for, your team can alert others and initiate emergency procedures promptly, saving valuable time—and lives.
The Proper Operation of a Fire Extinguisher
Although evacuation is the primary goal, some employees may need to know how to use a fire extinguisher for small, contained fires. It is essential to teach them to assess the situation first and only attempt to extinguish a fire if it is small and they have a clear escape route.
Hands-on practice with an extinguisher, if possible, can build confidence and ensure they utilize the proper techniques during a real emergency. Afterward, you can cover how to properly clean up fire extinguisher residue so they can avoid making any hazardous mistakes.
How To Evacuate Safely
A clear and well-rehearsed evacuation plan is essential to worker safety. Your associates must know the location of all primary and secondary exits from their work area and understand that they should never use elevators during a fire. Emphasize the importance of moving quickly but calmly, without stopping to collect personal belongings, to ensure everyone gets out safely.
Where They Should Go After Evacuating
The final step of a safe evacuation is ensuring everyone is accounted for. Designate a specific, safe meeting point outside the building, far enough away to be clear of the fire and emergency responders.
Direct all your employees to proceed to this assembly area after exiting the building. You should also designate an associate to conduct a head count and report any missing individuals to the fire department immediately.
Thorough training can equip your employees so they emerge from this experience without harm. By doing so, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you did your best to protect your most valuable assets: your staff.