Health Agency Offers Tips To Enhance Workplace Fire Safety

HARTFORD — October is National Fire Safety Month and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging Connecticut’s employers and workers to keep their workplaces safe from accidental fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than half of all nonresidential structure fires from 2005 to 2009 occurred in workplaces. Almost 20 percent of those workplace fires occurred in office settings.

“Fire safety in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility,” said Thomas St Louis, supervisor of the DPH Occupational Health Unit. “All workers and employers should be alert to anything that could cause a fire in their workplace, and take responsibility to report any problem areas so they can be corrected before an accident happens.”

DPH recommends that all of Connecticut’s employers and workers review the “Workplace Fire Safety Top Ten” checklist:

1. Exit doors: Make sure exit doors are not obstructed, propped, or locked to ensure that occupants can escape in an emergency. Employees should also be aware of exit routes and ensure they lead directly to an open space (i.e., street, walkway, refuge area, or public way).

2. Main hallways: Make sure hallways are kept clear of slip and trip hazards. Do not store equipment or materials in exit hallways.

3. Flammable materials: Make sure flammable chemicals or other flammable materials are properly labeled and stored. Do not hang flammable materials on walls or from ceilings.

4. Reduce clutter: Do not let paper and other flammable materials build up in office spaces, hallways, or near exit doors.

5. Electrical appliances: Make sure all appliances are UL listed and approved to be used in the building. Never use extension cords with small appliances (space heaters, coffee makers, lamps, etc), and never connect one extension cord to another or to a surge protector.

6. Fire extinguishers/fire sprinklers: Know where fire alarms and fire extinguishers are located, make sure no materials are stored in such a way as to block fire extinguishers or sprinkler heads in any direction.

7. Assist others: Be aware of those that may need assistance exiting the building in an emergency.

8. Plan ahead for emergencies: Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures in your work place, including sounding alarms, designated assembly areas/meeting places, emergency contact numbers, and exit route maps.

9. Take fire drills seriously: Make sure you know what is expected of you in an emergency and practice so you are ready if called upon in an emergency situation.

10. Report problems: If you notice problems with any of the above in your workplace, notify a supervisor or building management person so the problem can be corrected immediately.

For more information about workplace fire safety or fire prevention in general, visit the National Fire Prevention Association at www.nfpa.org or contact DPH at 860-509-7742.