Fire Safety in the Work Place

Prevention is the most important aspect of safety. All possible prevention tactics should be executed in order to ensure maximum safety in the work place and compliance with South Africa’s


Occupational Health and Safety Act legislation which states: 

All employers have a legal and moral obligation to assure the safety of their employees and anyone visiting their premises. The 1994 Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) gives your employees the right to a healthy and safe working environment and non-compliance can result in stiff penalties.

In order to comply with the legislation, here are some of the fire safety measures that should be followed:

• Smoking should be banned in certain areas;
• Electrical equipment should be tested regularly;
• Plugs with trip switches should be used;
• Electric cables should not lie on the floor;
• Electrical equipment should be turned off when it is not being used; and
• Members of staff should be trained in fire safety and emergency procedures.

How to Detect

• A fire detection system can be installed;
• SAB-approved fire distinguishers should be placed in certain areas;
• Sprinkler systems can be installed if your business has a high fire risk; and
• Fire equipment should be serviced regularly.

How to Evacuate

Make sure all employees know what the evacuation plan is so that if a serious fire starts they will know what to do and where to go. This will keep your work place and all employees safer.
In the event of a sudden fire, employees must know:
• The nearest emergency service/ fire brigade number;
• What to do;
• The order of the emergency procedure;
• Where the emergency escapes/ exits are (fire escapes should be clear of obstacles);
• Where to assemble for roll-call.

Sources:

http://www.fireco-sa.com/welcome-fireco.html
http://southafrica.smetoolkit.org/sa/en/content/en/4915/Workplace-fire-safety
http://www.businesspartners.co.za/