Even if you are insured against fire and allied risks, the damage can be devastating. The insurance payout may compensate you for loss of buildings, equipment and even profits, but nothing can restore the loss of life and limb.
It is in everyone's interest that the workplace is as `fire-proof' as possible and that employees are trained to deal with emergencies.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act No 85 of 1993, places the accountability for the training of employees on the shoulders of the employer.
Firstly, the employer "has a duty to provide and maintain as far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of his employee".
Secondly, the employer needs to identify the risks associated with the workplace that might have an adverse affect on the health and safety of the employee, and then the employer shall "provide necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his employee" (Section 8 (2) (e)).
Most fires are caused by:
* Faulty electricity.
* Open flames.
* Heated surfaces.
* Matches and cigarettes.
* Lightning.
* Friction.
* Static electricity.
* Spontaneous combustion.
* Chemical reactions.
The four classes of fire
There are four different types of fire and each needs to be treated differently.
Class A: wood, paper, etc.
Class B: flammable liquids such as petrol, oil and paraffin.
Class C: electrical fires.
Class D: flammable metals such as magnesium, lithium, etc.
Further, the three elements that need to be present for a fire to survive are: oxygen, heat and fuel. The fire will be extinguished by removing any of these elements. For instance, sand, foam or certain chemicals will shut out the oxygen; water will remove the heat; and cutting off the fuel supply will starve the fire.
Checklist: how to prevent fires
* Employees need to continuously be kept aware of the need to prevent fires.
* Flammable, combustible and explosive materials must be kept under proper control.
* Flammable liquids should be properly labelled and stored. If, for any reason, a flammable or poisonous liquid needs to be stored in a different container, the container should be clearly marked to indicate the contents.
* Open element heaters must be kept away from curtains or other combustible materials. These heaters should be placed well out of the way to prevent persons from tripping or falling over them.
* Candles, gas cookers, primus and paraffin stoves should never be left unattended.
* Fire fighting equipment, such as fire buckets, fire hoses and fire extinguishers, must be kept in good repair and not removed from the places assigned to them. Nozzles, hoses, pressure gauges and seals should be checked regularly and fire extinguishers must be refilled after use.
* Fire fighting equipment must be kept in readily accessible places, so it can be reached immediately in case of emergency. There should be adequate signage, such as directional arrows, to indicate where the equipment can be found. These signs should be visible from various points on the premises.
* Fire fighting equipment should only be used for fire fighting. Employees should receive basic instructions on how to operate hoses, extinguishers etc.
Procedures to be used in case of fire
* Arrange for regular fire drills to make employees aware of what steps they should take in case of fire.
* Employees should be taught that they should take all reasonable and safe measures to put out the fire, and if this fails -
* To evacuate the premises and notify the fire and emergency services.
* Windows and doors should be kept closed, where possible, to contain the spread of the fire.
* All persons must be kept well away from the area until such time as the Fire Department is satisfied that the fire is under control.
Fire-fighting equipment
The South African Bureau of Standards recommends that one portable fire extinguisher should be installed per 100 m² for moderate to high-risk industrial or commercial premises. Carbon dioxide and dry chemical type extinguishers are considered the most suitable.
Fire extinguishers and fire hoses should be located as close as possible to the fire hazard, but not so close that they cannot be reached during a fire. The equipment should not be placed inside 'danger areas', but outside the entrances.
Tip: Consult the Fire Prevention Officer at the nearest local authority for advice on what would be the most appropriate equipment for your type of business. Remember: The life you save might be your own!
Staircases and fire escapes (OHS ACT - Environmental Regulation 9)
* Staircases leading from one floor to another must be provided with adequate handrails.
* Staircases intended for use as fire escapes should be constructed of non-combustible material.
* Staircases should be kept free of obstructions and in a good state of repair.
Prevention is better than cure!
Errol Peace is the managing director of BTC Training (Africa), which specialises in skills development training. He is a Governor on the Board of the South African Institute of Security. For more information he can be contacted on +27 (0)82 414 4898 or visit: www.btcafrica.co.za
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