October is National Fire Safety Month. Keep your workplace safe by keeping the following in mind:
* familiarize yourself with your workplace's fire safety plan and evacuation procedure--all employees should know that plan and be required to drill regularly
* know the location of two exits closest to your work area
* keep exits, stairways, and halls clear
* minimize clutter, particularly combustibles such as empty cardboard boxes
* keep flammable liquid storage to a minimum and store only in approved containers away from heat sources
make provisions for evacuating employees with disabilities by assigning a partner to assist them
* know the location of the nearest fire alarm pull station and how to use it
* always turn off or unplug appliances at the end of each day
* make sure suitable fire extinguishers are placed in accessible areas throughout the building and that all workers know how to use them
* check and replace any electrical cords that have cracked insulation or broken connectors
* never overload outlets or extension cords
* never run extension cords across doorways or under rugs
* keep all appliances a safe distance from combustible materials
* use only UL Listed tools and appliances
* leave enough space for the circulation of air around heaters and other equipment such as computer terminals and copy machines
* smoke only in areas allowed
What to Do in An Emergency
1) Go to the nearest exit and close all doors behind you
2) Never fight a fire if the fire is large or spreading quickly
3) If you encounter smoke, consider taking an alternate stairwell/exit
4) Heat and smoke rise leaving cleaner air near the floor; crawl low under smoke
5) Call 911 immediately regardless of the size of the fire
6) Once outside, do not re-enter building until fire fighter personnel tell you it's OK
For more information, visit the "Emergency Preparedness and Response" section of the OSHA website.
Source: Camden Fire Department, Camden, Maine