As a business owner, you are responsible for providing a safe workplace for customers and employees. Part of this is equipping your workplace with fire extinguishers and getting them tested regularly. However, that’s just one aspect of overall fire safety.
Aside from regular fire extinguisher testing, there are other necessary things to do and check before a workplace can be 100% fire-safe. To help you make sure yours is protected, here is a checklist of preventative measures and emergency protocols that you can use as a guide.
Prepare Your Fire Safety Equipment
- Install fire alarms that connect to Fire and Emergency New Zealand Communication Centres. This includes smoke alarms and even sprinkler systems.
- Make sure that all alarms have working batteries. Replace the batteries at least once a year.
- Install fire extinguishers in the building. Make sure they are accessible and that you regularly conduct fire extinguisher testing to see if every unit is up to code and ready to use for emergencies.
- Install a fire hose reel in the building. Make sure that they are also accessible and functional.
Keep Your Workplace Safe
- Post clear fire escape plans and signs on every level.
- Never lock, bar, or block fire exits.
- Keep stairwells and passageways clear and obstruction-free.
- Regularly check the condition of fire ladders and fire escapes. These should be easy to use, stable, and accessible.
- Eliminate workplace fire hazards. Ensure that all electrical wiring, equipment, and appliances are in good condition and maintained regularly.
- Keep the workplace a no-smoking zone. Assign smoking areas outdoors and provide adequate cigarette snuffers, like a sand-filled can or water, to drown cigarette butts in.
- Install security lighting and surveillance equipment outside your building to prevent arson.
- Ensure that you have adequate perimeter fencing around your workplace.
Prepare Your Evacuation Plan
- Draft an evacuation plan approved by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
- Conduct fire drills regularly.
- Train your staff to understand and act out the evacuation plan in emergencies. Included here is training them to use fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.
- Provide contingency plans for disabled employees.
Your Workplace’s Fire Safety Is Our Priority
For dependable fire safety services, reach out to our experienced and qualified team.
We can ensure that your workplace is 100% fire-safe, as we have everything you need for reliable fire safety inspections. This includes a wide range of services that include fire extinguisher testing, fire hose reel testing, fire blanket inspection, and more.
We also provide the following complimentary services if you want to work together on a regular basis:
- Reminder Service – Keeping up with this timeline can get pretty hectic, so we will let you know when your equipment is due again for retesting.
- Data Management Service – We will keep an accurate record of all your testing results for you.
This is why Jim’s Fire Safety is the most trusted name for fire extinguisher inspection and testing services across New Zealand. Call us at 0800 454 654 to learn more about our services, or request a free quote via our online form.
