Fire preparedness is essential for all companies concerned with workplace health and safety. Although fire prevention strategies are important, it is useless if you are not also prepared with basic fire safety equipment. The main purpose of having fire safety equipment in the workplace is to prevent and fight all possible fires. It is important that employers educate all their employees regarding the use of fire safety equipment should they ever find themselves in a fiery situation.

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What Fire Safety Equipment is needed?

Smoke and heat detectors are important fire safety equipment as it can alert you to the outbreak. It should subsequently be placed on every floor, in every hallway, the kitchen, and bathrooms of the company. It should be checked on a regular basis to ensure the batteries are in a working condition. The building in which your company is situated should also contain basic fire safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher, a hose, and a high-reaching ladder (at least one of each per floor).

Purpose of Fire Safety Equipment

Should a fire break out, fire safety equipment will help you fight it. Some fire safety equipment remains in place while you fight a fire, such as a fire hydrant, an overhead sprinkler system, or other accessible water source. Even though these sources get water on the flame fast, you do not have much control over them. You will be much better prepared for the fire with portable fire safety equipment. Before purchasing a portable fire extinguisher, you need to know what types of fires the device is capable of putting out. Always check the rating of the fire extinguisher before you buy one. Depending on your particular circumstances you will need to consider the type of fire you are most likely to encounter. ABC rated fire extinguishers is a good choice, seeing as it can be used to put out fires involving a range of flammable material from paper to grease to electrical fires.

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Considerations regarding Fire Safety Equipment

All fire safety equipment within your company should undergo tests and inspections no fewer than two times a year. Taking time out to locate fire safety equipment should also occur on a bi-yearly basis. Training on how to properly use fire safety equipment should be given to all staff.