FIRE SAFETY STRATEGIES: EVALUATING THE SIGNIFICANCE
Across board, no matter the size or type of the industry or building, a fire safety program is important for all. Everyone at home or work has a duty to prevent fire. A fire safety culture and strategy is based on a shared set of positive attitude, knowledge, perceptions and beliefs about fire prevention and protection. In that light, an effective fire safety strategy in place will not only help to prepare for an emergency to protect employees but also supports staying in legal compliance with relevant regulations.
Each year Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) require certain fire prevention training and knowledge by employees. This is because fire protection should not only prevent the outbreak of a fire, but it should provide for a successful evacuation if a fire does occur. Therefore, prioritization of fire protection must be embraced by all.
FIRE HAZARDS TO LOOK OUT FOR
It is crucial to know the fire hazards and potential risks to look out for. This can help organizations and individuals take proactive measures and create an effective fire safety system. The following are some common examples of fire hazards that can be present whether in residential, workplace or public settings;
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS: faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, damaged electrical cords and malfunctioning electrical equipment are few sources to look out for
HEATING SOURCES: improper use of heating devices such as portable heaters, fireplaces, wood burning stoves and open sources of heat should also be noticed.
COOKING RELATED HAZARDS: examples are grease, cooking and misuse of cooking appliances are daily risk that we must look out for.
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS & CHEMICALS: this range from gasoline, paint thinners and solvents are clear examples that are dangerous.
SMOKING: notable example is the careless disposal of cigarette butts, and smoking materials.
DEVASTATING FIRE INCIDENTS
Global archive is strife with some devastating fire incidents that rocked humanity. Though some safety principles can be learnt from these episodes, it is imperative to point out that safety strategies were violated in most cases leading to their tragic end.
The recent World Health Organization (WHO) shows that 825 fire related deaths occurred in Saudi Arabia in 2020. According to the Indian National Crime Records Bureau, every year about 25,000 persons die due to fire and related causes. It also estimates that about 42 females and 21 males die every day in India due to fire. Similarly, fire accounts for about 5.9% (23,281) of the total fire fatalities. Also, according to the Jakarta Fire Service Management Board, there were 698 fire incidents in 2017 resulting to 19 deaths, 152 injuries and 8,801 displaced. More so, a global safety watchdog, fire kills approximately 500 children under the age of 14 in the United States as residential fires are the most common cause of death or injury among children.
In February 1991, a devastating fire broke out in the One Meridian Plaza in Philadelphia. The fire started at the 22nd floor and raged 18 hours engulfing 8 floors. Tragically, 3 firefighters lost their lives while battling the blaze.
In April 2016, fire broke at the Lee Chemical Plant in Thomasville North Carolina. The fire quickly escalated due to the presence of flammable chemicals and inadequate fire safety measures.
The New Zealand Hostel fire of May 2017 showed the dangers of poor fire safety strategy with the consequences of painful deaths and burns of students. Also, the horrific London Grenfell Tower Fire displayed the devastating consequence fire can bring when adequate fire safety measures are not put in place.
Interestingly, in these incidents, lives could have been saved with better fire prevention plans and safety protocols rightly placed.
WHAT TO DO DURING A FIRE
During a fire, it is crucial to act quickly and stick to proper procedures. Here are some safety guides;
ALERT OTHERS: This can be done by activating the nearest fire alarm or telling about it verbally. The sooner everyone is aware of the danger, the faster they can take appropriate safety actions.
EVACUATE SAFELY: Follow the designated evacuation routes. Feel doors for heat before opening them and if a door feels hot, do not open it as it may indicate fire on the other side.
CRAWL LOW IF NECESSARY: Stay close to the ground where the air is less toxic and crawl on your hands and knees to avoid inhaling smoke and toxic gases.
USE STAIRS NOT ELEVATORS: Always use stairwells for evacuation especially in multi-storey buildings as elevators may malfunction during a fire or may take you to a floor affected by it.
FOLLOW EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS: If you are in a public place, follow the instructions and emergency protocols provided by the staff or emergency personnel.
STAY CALM: Try to remain calm and focused. Encourage others to stay calm as well.
CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES: Call the emergency services number and provide them with accurate information about the fire or emergency, your location and people who may be trapped.
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