The Importance of Fire Safety Training in Commercial Environments Prone to Fire Risks

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: In a commercial environment prone to fire risks, fire prevention and fire safety training is essential. SERVPRO of Media highlights the importance of fire prevention strategies for businesses.

Effective fire prevention strategies are essential to prevent commercial fire damage in Media, PA. Due to the raw materials involved in the production process or the process itself, certain industries are particularly susceptible to fires. This vulnerability to fire danger compels these industries to provide staff with fire prevention training to reduce these risks. If a fire should occur, resources must be tapped to get the business up and running as soon as possible. A key resource is a fire, smoke, and water damage restoration company with the knowledge, skills, and equipment to provide the needed restoration services.

Fire safety is a top priority and should be a prominent component of a company’s safety culture. Fire prevention needs to be an indispensable element of the daily workforce protocol. Fire safety strategies should be second nature for everyone who works in the industry. Over time, the workforce will embrace and internalize fire safety. Ongoing instruction and thorough training will instill the calm discipline required to respond to a fire emergency.

What are some common fire hazards?

All industries and businesses with on-site employees have some exposure to fire danger. However, some industries are more vulnerable. These vulnerabilities include:

• flammable materials, such as paper, fabric, and plastics, that are stored on-site or used in the production process
• chemicals such as solvents, petroleum distillates, and raw materials that, when combined with other ingredients in the production process, can ignite or explode
• various equipment, machines, and systems that utilize heat, require electricity, create friction, or produce sparks

If any of these vulnerabilities are present in an industry or business, fire safety should be at the core of the company’s training program.

Who should receive fire safety training?

Fire safety training should be mandatory for all employees, both old and new. New employees must receive upfront intensive training; however, established employees should not be exempted from frequent fire safety and prevention training. On-site product vendors and contract service providers should also be included in the fire safety training program for their own personal safety and to reduce potential liabilities should an injury or fatality occur during a fire.

Why is the management mindset essential?

A proactive management mindset is crucial if the workforce is to fully embrace fire prevention training. Experts in industrial fire prevention explain the vital role management mindset plays in establishing and maintaining an effective fire prevention training program: “How you [the business owner or senior management] approach and teach your staff of fire safety plays a large role in the overall effectiveness of training. Not only are you teaching the basics of fire prevention and safety, you are also showcasing the value of their life to you as the business owner.”

What are the benefits of fire safety training?

Listed below are some of the benefits of training management, staff, and the workforce on fire prevention and safety:

1. Reduces the likelihood of a fire

Successful fire prevention is the single greatest indicator that fire prevention training is effective. Some fires such as those resulting from a natural cause like lightning are unavoidable. The prevention of one fire can justify the expense of implementing a fire prevention training program. Employee wages must be paid during the time spent in training. The cost of shutting down a production line to train the crew can be staggering.

However, a fire event can disrupt or shut down the entire facility for days or weeks. A partial rebuild might take portions of the facility offline for months. Equipment, resources, and inventory may be damaged or destroyed. Customer service can be interrupted. In the final analysis, fire prevention is worth the investment if it prevents a disaster that may have caused serious personal injury or fatalities.

2. Minimizes property damage in case of a fire

Employees who know how to discharge a fire extinguisher, deploy a fire hose, and apply a fire blanket are, in many cases, capable of extinguishing a fire as soon as it erupts. Neutralizing a fire before it spreads out of control reduces the extent of the damage and the expense of restoration and repairs.

3. Ensures proper and safe escape in case of a fire

A fire escape plan reinforced by having regular fire drills improves the safety of all employees. Regular fire drills reinforce familiarity with escape routes and the use of equipment to extinguish the fire.

4. Opens up the lines of communication

A robust fire prevention program encourages management and employees to address concerns, ask questions, and propose improvements in prevention strategies. Employee insights can prevent fires and save lives.

Why call SERVPRO of Media, PA, for commercial fire damage restoration?

1. Availability and rapid response

SERVPRO of Media, PA, is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and can be on scene within an hour. With each passing minute, advanced secondary damage increases the scope of the disaster and the cost of the restoration project.

2. The ability to adapt and scale

Commercial fire damage almost always involves smoke and water damage. The area affected by the fire may range in size from a few thousand square feet to hundreds of thousands of square feet. The complexity of the disaster, the size of the facility, and the nuances of different environments are all factors that must be considered during the restoration process. A damage restoration company must be able to scale immediately and exponentially in order to handle a wide range of restoration challenges.

3. The most advanced equipment, technology, and cleaning techniques

Commercial-grade equipment works quickly and efficiently, and the latest moisture detecting technology ensures that the water removal and drying process is thorough. The company uses proven cleaning techniques and EPA-approved cleaning solutions so that the client’s facility is clean and safe.

For more information about Media, PA, commercial fire damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Media at (610) 566-5720 or email office@SERVPROmedia.com