With this week being Fire Prevention Week here are some activities for workplaces and Households to Increase Awareness
Fire Prevention Week is a time to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention. It is also a good time to review your fire safety plan and make sure that everyone in your household or workplace is trained and knows what to do in the event of a fire.
Here are some activities that jobs and households can do to increase awareness during Fire Safety Week:
Tip #1 - Host a fire safety training session.
This is a great way to teach employees or family members about fire safety best practices. You can cover topics such as how to prevent fires, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how to create a fire escape plan.
Tip #2 - Conduct a fire drill.
This will help everyone practice what to do in the event of a fire. Make sure to include all areas of your workplace or home in the drill, and practice different types of evacuations, such as exiting through a doorway or window. This should be carried out at least 2 times a year for business premises and overseen by your trained Fire Warden
"According to the Irish Fire and Emergency Services, there were 1,783 dwelling fires in Ireland in 2022. This is an average of 4.9 fires per day."
Tip #3 - Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Make sure that all of your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and that the batteries are fresh. Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of your home, including the basement, and outside of each sleeping area. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on every level of your home, including the basement, near each bedroom, and outside of each sleeping area..
Tip #4 - Create a fire escape plan
Your fire escape plan should include two ways to exit from every room in your home or workplace. It should also include a meeting place where everyone can gather after evacuating.
"Under the Safety Health and Welfare Act 2005 it states that employers should have adequate emergency plans and procedures in place. It is also a legal responsibility to manage all aspects of fire in the workplace and ensure that you have staff trained"
Tip #5 - Talk to your children about fire safety
Teach your children about the dangers of fire and how to prevent fires. Make sure they know what to do in the event of a fire, such as getting low to the ground and crawling to the nearest exit. Get them to draw a map of the house and get them to draw in their espace routes in the event of a fire.
Tip #6 - Test your fire extinguishers.
Make sure that all of your fire extinguishers are working properly and that they are the correct type for the types of fires that could occur in your workplace or home.
Tip #7 - Organise a fire safety walk-through
This is a great way to identify fire hazards in your workplace or home. Make sure to include all areas of your workplace or home in the walk-through, and identify any potential hazards, such as blocked exits, flammable materials, and overloaded electrical outlets.
Tip #8 - Carry out visual inspections on your electrical appliances
Ensure they have been visual inspected and Pat Tested. This will determine if an electrical appliance is still operating within its SAFE manufactured thresholds, reducing the chance of electric shock or fire
Fire safety is important for everyone, regardless of where you live or work. By taking the time to learn about fire safety training and prevention, you can help to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
To find out more about fire safety training visit www.eosullivantrainingsolutions.com