Fires are one of the greatest threats a company can face. A fire puts ever member of the staff in danger, can severely damage or destroy equipment, and can bring a company to a screeching halt. It is for this reason that OSHA Standard 1910.155 is so important for any business to review and follow. This standard covers fire protection, with regulations to help prevent fires as well as help suppress or contain them, should the need arise.

Fire prevention is obviously key to any fire protection strategy. If you can stop a fire from ever happening, that is a true safety win. The best way to do this is to make sure all of your equipment and machinery are properly maintained and all safety devices are working properly.

And while prevention is the goal of every business, equally important is preparing for a fire emergency. Early detection and elimination can save lives, machinery, and keep a business running smoothly. Simple things like fire detectors and sprinklers can help suppress a fire, while properly working fire extinguishers can put a fire out before it has the chance to spread. It is also important to ensure your fire protection equipment is regularly checked to ensure it is functioning properly. This is best accomplished by an annual audit, which will test each piece of equipment, and ensure that your plan is still efficient, regardless of the changes you make to your business year over year.

If you have any questions about your fire protection plan and implementation, please contact us so that we can help ensure you are safe and up to code. And if you have anything to add about fire protection and prevention, please leave a comment.