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DOES YOUR BUSINESS HAVE A FIRE EMERGENCY PLAN?

How would you respond to a fire emergency in your business premise? It is essential for every business owner keeping their employees safe.  If a fire breaks out, it’s necessary to prepare with a plan that safely leads people to outside of the building. Your business fire emergency plan should consist of complete steps and fire safety equipment that works together to alert people of an emergency and direct them safely away from the flames.

Read on for more important information about office fire emergency plans.

Exits And emergency lighting test

Make sure that all exits on every floor and at the end of every corridor are marked and open. If the electricity goes out, the lights on the exit doors should have battery backup systems that allow them to be lit in the darkness continually. Make sure that these emergency exits have been used during evacuation drills so that everyone knows where they should go to leave the building safely. If elevators are shut down, designate employees to help with people who may need assistance down the steps. Finally, choose a meeting place(Assembly area) for everyone a safe distance away from the building.

Alarms and Testing

All fire alarm systems should be checked regularly to ensure that they are working correctly in case of an emergency. The testing will also help employees become familiar with the sound so that they know what it means when they hear it during a real crisis. It is also important to announce any emergency tests to your employees, so they are not alarmed by the sound.

Equipment and Response

Your office should be equipped with all the necessary fire protection systems appropriate for the specific characteristics of the building. The appropriate type of sprinkler system, a sufficient number of fire extinguishers, and fire suppression and pumps should work together to create a network that completely covers your office building for all kinds of fire emergencies.

Still, Have Fire Safety Questions? Call Australia Fire Protection today! Australia Fire Protection is here to help you with all of your residential and commercial fire safety needs. To get a quote for our fire safety services, get in touch with us. For more information about fire safety, or to ask us any questions, visit us online.

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HOW TO PREVENT FIRE IN YOUR COMMERCIAL KITCHENS?

A commercial kitchen is highly prone to fire due to its exposure to high temperatures, flames, sharp equipment, slippery floors, flammable oils, greasy surface and so on.

Therefore, it becomes essential to take proper preventative measures to ensure protection against any kind of accidental fire.

Since, fire prevention and protection is a crucial part of any commercial kitchen, here are few important fire safety tips to keep your business safe from fire.

  • #1. Automatic fire suppression system is in proper condition.

    It is observed that half of all commercial kitchen fires involve cooking equipment. Therefore, it essential to install an automatic fire-suppression system. This system automatically dispense various chemicals to suppress the fire and shuts down the fuel or electric supply to other cooking equipment. It is recommended to get your fire-suppression system inspected by a professional twice a year.

  • #2. Regular maintenance and inspections of fire safety equipment.

    Like every business, a commercial kitchen must schedule regular inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment. Moreover, exhaust system should be inspected regularly to determine the grease build-up. We also recommend quarterly inspection of high volume operations and monthly inspection of exhaust systems serving soil-fuel cooking equipment.

  • #3. Prepare your staff for emergencies

    Your staff needs to be prepared for worst situations. Therefore, it is important to have proper fire prevention training to know how to prevent a fire event. Fire training involves handling and using a fire extinguisher, storing inflammable liquids properly and knowing about various inflammable objects that could result into a fire hazard. Also, it is crucial to have an emergency plan in the event of a sudden fire outbreak to ensure your staff and customers are unharmed.

When a fire occurs in the commercial kitchen, it can be extremely devastating for the facility and its operations. Fortunately, there are preventive measures that ensure protection for employees, customers, and establishment.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE SAFETY TRAINING IN ANY WORKPLACE

If you are a business owner of any commercial property, you know how much essential to protect everyone who works within the organisation. It is by law to protect your assets as well as your employees from any hazardous events including fire. It involves accessing the risks and specific hazards present in your business premise and then installing the right fire safety measures accordingly, including equipment such as fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers and more.

However, it’s vital that you don’t stop there. Instead, it is beneficial to provide professional fire safety training for your staff, ensuring that they have the necessary knowledge to respond safely and effectively in the event of a fire.

Why is Fire Safety Training is so crucial for any workplace?
Providing fire safety training to employees is one of the best investments a business owner can make. Not only will it help keep the workers safe, but it will also help prevent fires. Let us share some significant benefits of fire safety training so that business owners can make a perfect decision for your business.

It prevents workplace fires.

The best way to tackle any fire hazards is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Our fire safety training classes teach your employees how to address the fire hazards so they can take the emergency decision to save themselves as well as the property. For example, electrical cords or wires should not be placed near a heat source or hidden under rugs and carpets. The emergency exits should also never be blocked. Getting rid of these fire hazards and teaching employees to recognise them will help make your commercial building a safer place to work.

Assesses Fire Safety Risk

During training, our fire protection technician will study your company’s fire safety plan. This evaluation involves some essential factors such as whether you have emergency routes planned,  emergency lighting installation and fire equipment maintenance check.  At Australia Fire Protection, we are dedicated to providing fire safety risk assessment plan that will help you realise where can you take a safety measures to prevent a fire.

Teaches Employees to Take Prompt Decision

According to the fire safety law for commercial businesses and properties, all the organisations should have an emergency fire evacuation plan and make sure all employees are familiar with it.  A complete fire emergency plan will help employees know where the emergency exits are.  For workplaces, such as chemical factories where the threat of fire is significant, we highly recommend training employees to learn how to take immediate action when they detect the warning signs of fire.

When your business is at an increased risk of fire, it’s crucial to train the employees how to use different types of fire extinguishers. The should also know where the fire alarms are located and check whether they are working correctly or not.

Australia Fire Protection is a fire safety equipment provider and protection company dedicated to empowering customers with fire safety training. We are proud to serve customers in Australia. If you are interested in looking for professional fire safety training, give us a call at 1300 475 715.

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FIRE PROTECTION TIPS FOR THE WORKPLACE

The importance of a timely and well executed fire protection strategy cannot be ignored, especially when the flames are rising in the vicinity of a workplace, the results can be devastating.

Working Tips for Fire Protection

Fire protection tips not only involve a finely devised evacuation plan, but also a thoughtful workplace maintenance schedule, so as to control and mitigate the potential damages.

This involves:

  • Good housekeeping.
  • Machinery maintenance.
  • Proper attention to, and reporting of, any electrical hazards.
  • Regular replacement of the damaged fire protection equipment placed at the workplace.
  • Ensuring an easy access to fire exit routes and removing any obstacles or hurdles.
  • Creating awareness about fire protection response at the workplace.
  • Imparting correct training to the staff in using the fire extinguisher equipment, for immediate damage mitigation.
  • Smoking cautiously and responsibly in the workplace vicinity, at the designated smoking zones only.
  • Switching-off the electricity switches and cords, prior to leaving the workplace, on a daily basis, without fail.
  • Conducting a regular fire protection and response infrastructure assessment with the help of fire protection services professionals, like; Australia Fire Protection / AFP Groups.

Australia Fire Protection / AFP Groups, is an acclaimed fire protection and safety services provider in Melbourne.
Get in touch with the AFP Groups’ fire safety professionals today, in order to prepare a comprehensive, active and passive fire safety and protection plan for your workplace. Australia Fire Protection services the entire Melbourne Metro.

Contact AFP Groups:
Tel: +61 425 844 833
1300 475 715
Web: https://www.australiafireprotection.com.au

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KNOW WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER A FIRE

Implementing safety in retail and household environment is very crucial, following the recent series of fire breakouts in Australia. Last year, there were 1,565 preventable house fires reported in Melbourne. They resulted in loss of lives and a property damage of almost $30 million. This highlights the risk of fire outbreaks and devastatingly fatal damage they can cause.

Fire safety should be a prime concern for your homes, retail outlets, corporate buildings, warehouses and stores. Most of the fire outbreaks occur due to avoidable factors. Learn how to keep your loved ones safe with few fire safety tips from Australia Fire Protection.

PREVENTION MEASURES – BEFORE A FIRE

  • Have adequate and suitable smoke alarms installed across your building and floors
  • Take support from Thermal Imaging Assessment technology
  • Keep emergency numbers on easy accessibility
  • Make a fire escape plan and emergency exits diagrams
  • Practise the fire exit plan regularly
  • Consider an insurance company for financial assistance and risk management plans
  • Use authorised electrical appliances and machines only
  • Store matches and lighters in secure places
  • Don’t overload electrical outlets
  • Use surge protected multi-outlet power strips and extension cords only
  • Get annual maintenance checks for the oil, gas and wood heating units
  • Install a electrical safety switch or circuit
  • Keep fire extinguishers and blankets near the emergency exit
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE – DURING A FIRE
  • Do treat the fire alarm as an emergency and exit the building immediately
  • Immediately inform the nearest fire station
  • During the evacuation from the building, feel the doors for heat before opening them
  • To escape the dense smoke in the air, fall and crawl to reduce inhalation exposure.
  • Remain in the room if you are unable to exit. Keep the door closed and await assistance or notify rescue Personnel of your location with something like a bright cloth from the window.
  • Close the doors before leaving the premises as this would help in slowing the fire and decreasing the damage
  • Keep a track of your colleagues/neighbours and notify the personnel if they are missing.
  • Avoid collecting personal items before moving out of the fire exit.
  • Do not use a elevator during a fire emergency. Walk or run through the stairs.
SAFETY RULES – AFTER A FIRE
  • Once in a safe place, call or report about the fire outbreak and inform about your safety/assistance required
  • Await further instructions from the fire emergency department and stay safe in the refuge area.
  • Don’t panic or hinder the evacuation or fire exhaustion process.
EMERGENCY SERVICES IN AUSTRALIA : For Police, Fire, Ambulance in a life threatening emergency call triple zero (000). For SES assistance call 132 500. If calling from a satellite phone or from international or interstate, dial +61 8 9395 9395 in a life threatening emergency.

For assistance on evacuation diagrams, fire equipment servicing and emergency response plans, contact Australia Fire Protection Group. Our services are currently available in CBD, North West and inner suburbs of Melbourne. Call 1300475715 for a comprehensive range of passive and active fire protection services.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

1. What should I do first if I discover a fire in my home or workplace?

Raise the alarm immediately so everyone nearby knows to evacuate, then leave the building using your nearest safe exit. Only attempt to fight the fire yourself if it’s small and contained, and you have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket within reach. If in doubt, get out and call triple zero (000).

2. Should I use a lift during a fire evacuation?
No, lifts should never be used during a fire emergency. Power to lifts can fail or they may open onto a floor filled with smoke or flames. Always use the stairs and follow your building’s designated fire escape route.

3. What’s the safest way to move through a smoke-filled room?
Get low and crawl, since smoke and toxic fumes rise and collect near the ceiling first. The air closer to the floor is generally cooler and clearer, giving you a better chance of breathing safely while you make your way to an exit.

4. What should I do if I can’t escape the building?
Stay in the room, close the door to slow the spread of smoke and fire, and try to seal any gaps with towels or clothing if possible. Signal for help from a window using a bright cloth or torch, and call emergency services to let them know your exact location.

5. How can I reduce the risk of a fire starting in the first place?
Simple habits go a long way: don’t overload power outlets, use surge-protected power strips, keep matches and lighters stored securely, and have your heating units and electrical systems checked annually. Installing smoke alarms and keeping a fire extinguisher or fire blanket accessible also significantly lowers your risk.

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“PASS” RULE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS | LEARN

Although most of the fire extinguishers that are in place in Melbourne work in the same way, at Australia Fire Protection /AFP Groups, we recommend the user to check the instructions before deploying a fire extinguisher in the case of fire.

Did you know a typical fire extinguisher contains only 10seconds of extinguishing power? To be precise, you have a thin scoped of mistake. That’s why it is important to learn—how to use a fire extinguisher? As mentioned above, read the instructions over the unit beforehand to become familiar. You won’t be having much time during an outbreak.

Moreover, a hands-on-training with the extinguisher would be great.

Every fire extinguisher, irrespective of built and brand,follows the “PASS” rule:

P: Pull the Pin
A: Aim at the base
S: Squeeze the level gradually
S: Sweep from side to side

Pull the Pin: The pin unlocks the lock. Thus, allows you to discharge the extinguisher.

Aim at the base of the fire: Don’t aim at the fire but at the base of the fire. Empty the entire content of the extinguisher unit over fire’s base.

Squeeze the lever slowly: This will release the content. Don’t release the handle or the discharge will stop.

Sweep from side to side: In a sweeping motion, move the fire extinguisher backward and forward ’til the fire is out.

Precaution:

  • Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance, at least a few feet away.
  • Read the instructions on your fire extinguisher.
  • Aim at the base of the fire, not over the flames!
  • After putting off the fire, do not pace away! Watch the area for a while; it re-ignites sometimes

Final Words: The extinguisher won’t be of much use if it’s full or partially discharged. This could prove fatal in case of an emergency. Don’t let that happen with you or anyone? Always insist on Australia Fire Protection Groups’ annual fire maintenance contract for complete peace of mind.

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How to Use a Fire Blanket?

Fire blankets are useful during fires. Fire blankets are non-flammable and can withstand a temperature up to 900F. They overpower small fires by restricting oxygen. Owing to its straightforwardness, a fire blanket may be more convenient for somebody who is inexpert with fire extinguishers.

Learn how to use a fire blanket in the event of a fire and guard your place.


1.Putting Out a Fire
Fire blankets are normally packed in small bags with two tabs hanging down. Drawing on the tabs will swiftly discharge the blanket, letting fast access in case of a fire emergency.

2.Protect your hands
Do not let any flame to injure your fingers. Put over the corners of the blanket over your palms to protect them. In addition, flame retardant gloves can deal with the state quickly provided you have a pair at that moment of time.

3.Place the blanket over the fire
Once your hands are protected with flame retardant gloves or the blanket itself, place the blanket over the flames. Do not try to toss the blanket from a distance even if you’re a basketball fan; rather put it down gradually. Commence from the inner sides of the flames and draw near.

4.Switch off any heat source
Heat sources such as an oven, stove burner, and space heater are some of the common reasons of household fires. If you find any of them is still switched on, then turn the heat source off. This will decline the sum of time it takes for the fire to smother.

5.Keep the blanket in place
Keep the blanket in the same place for a few more minutes to make sure the blanket has exhausted the fire source. This should not take more than 15 minutes. It will take some time for the blanket to cool down. Any attempt to hold it before that can burn your hand severely.

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How To Use Fire Extinguisher Safely in Case of a Fire Emergency?

Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can help keep you safe in an emergency while you wait for the help to arrive.

The usage of fire extinguisher is simple, but in an emergency situation, for many people, simple can become complicated or confusing. This is why it is so important to, first of all, know where fire extinguishers are located in your building, and second of all, review its proper use so that if and when it is needed, it actually works.

A simple fire extinguisher training technique to use in any situation is the PASS method:

It requires just 4 easy steps, each represented by a letter in the word PASS:

P = Pull the pin or release any other locking device
A = Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire
S = Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent
S = Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it is extinguished

Pull the pin

Every fire extinguisher comes with a safety pin to prevent accidental discharge of the extinguishing media during handling. The fire extinguisher cannot discharge until this pin is removed.

Aim the hose at the base of the fire

From a safe distance, aim the hose where the fire is taking place. If you aim at the flames (which is frequently the temptation), the extinguishing agent will fly over the burning material and do no good. You want to hit the fuel where the chain reaction is taking place.

Squeeze the handle

Now the next step is to squeeze the top handle or lever of the fire extinguisher to discharge the extinguishing media.

Sweep

Sweep from side to side over the base of the fire until the fire completely out. This ensures that all of the burning areas are covered by the extinguishing media. Be cautious not to get close or to stand on the previously burning area. Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites.

It is as simple as that Look at distinguished video on how to use a fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers are meant to handle only small fires. If a fire becomes too large or the environment becomes too dangerous, call the fire safety professionals.

If you and your team are in need of fire safety or fire extinguisher training, give us a Call Today!

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