Fire Safety
In addition to participating in evacuation drills, we can improve the
safety of your building by following these housekeeping rules:
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Discard unnecessary files, excess paper, and combustible material.
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Keep all work areas, corridors, and aisles clear of files, boxes, telephone and electrical wires, and other articles that could cause accidents or that could interfere with an orderly evacuation.
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Avoid using extension cords. If you must use extension cords be sure they are U.L. APPROVED, are of proper gauge (wire size), are rated for the equipment to be used, have a ground wire, and are not overloaded. Extension cords should never be used as a substitute for permanent electrical outlets. BM provides a single power strip that must be used.
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In buildings with automatic sprinklers, be sure that stacked materials in storage areas are at least 18 inches (457 mm) below sprinkler head deflectors. In places without automatic sprinkler systems be sure that stored materials are at least 24 inches (610 mm) or below the ceiling.
Storing of Flammable Liquids
Some liquids used in modern offices may be highly flammable and if not
stored properly present a serious fire hazard.
These liquids include but are not limited to, duplicating machine
fluid, acetone, alcohol, and cleaning solvents.
Whenever you find that your office is using flammable liquids, follow
the manufacturer’s recommendations of precautions to ensure your safety.
Areas With high Concentration of Combustible Materials
Work locations with large amounts of combustible material (material that
burns easily) require safety precautions.
Both supervisors and employees must cooperate to ensure that
proper housekeeping practices are maintained in these areas.
If your work area has a high concentration of combustible
materials, follow these guidelines:
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Limit stored paper supplies to the minimum required for efficient office operations.
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Keep storage areas/rooms neat and clean.
Fire Extinguishers
In accordance with state and local building code requirements, portable
fire extinguishers are available in all buildings.
However, fire extinguishers must not create a false sense of
security.
EMPLOYEES ARE NOT EXPECTED TO
FIGHT FIRES USING THESE EXTINGUISHERS, NOR SHOULD THEY DELAY REPORTING A
FIRE BY ATTEMPTING TO USE THESE EXTINGUISHERS.
Fire extinguishers are designed for small fires and must be properly
matched to the type of fire in order to be effective.
Most fire extinguishers contain 30 to 60 seconds of firefighting
material. If they are not
used properly, or if their use causes a delay in reporting a fire, they
could do more harm than good. Unless you are familiar with the proper
use of your buildings portable fire extinguisher, your safest action is
to report the fire and evacuate the floor.