If a fire or other emergency happened in your workplace, would you know what to do? Planning ahead and staying calm can mean the difference between safety and injury.
Prepare
· Know the location of the two nearest exits from your work area
· Know where fire extinguishers and fire pull stations are; learn how to use them.
· An escape in the dark might be necessary due to smoke or power failure, so count the doors, desks, work stations, etc., between your work space and the nearest exit. Keep the aisles clear.
· Conduct regular mandatory fire drills at least twice a year.
· Post building evacuation routes throughout workplace buildings.
· Employees with special needs should be included in the emergency planning process.
· Fire exits and doorways should never be blocked or locked. Promptly report any signs of malfunction or blockage to building management.
· Ultimately, fire safety, whether at home or the workplace, should be practiced by everyone.
Emergency steps
· Call 911 -- do not assume anyone else has called for help. When talking to emergency personnel remain calm and give the dispatcher as much information as possible.
· Fire extinguishers should only be used to contain a small fire or you are trapped.
· Do not use an elevator during a fire. You may be trapped if the power goes out.
· Feel door handles and doors prior to opening. If the door is cool, open it slowly and be prepared to quickly shut it if smoke or heat rushes in.
· Leave quickly and close doors as you go to contain fire and smoke.
· Use another exit if you encounter smoke or flame during your escape. Heat and smoke rise so cleaner air will be near the floor. Get as low as possible to the floor and move toward the exit.
· Once outside, move away from the building and stay out until emergency personnel say it is safe. Meet at a predetermined area for a head count.
· If coworkers are still inside, notify the fire fighters. Do not attempt to rescue coworkers yourself once you have made it outside.
· Commercial buildings are constructed with fire-resistive materials that repel fire spread, allowing occupants greater time to evacuate.
Trapped personnel
· If you cannot escape safely, remain calm and protect yourself by closing as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
· Seal all cracks where smoke can enter by using wet materials such as jackets, towels, etc.
· If there is a telephone in the room where you are trapped, call the fire department emergency number and tell them exactly where you are located.
· Wait at a window if possible and signal for help by waving an object that can be seen from a distance.
· Open a window for air, but do not break it as you may need to close the window if smoke rushes in.
· Try to remain patient as rescue can take several hours.