The management must provides a safe, hygienic and healthy workplace setting and takes necessary steps to prevent accidents and injury arising out of linked with or occurring in the course of work or as result of the operational of facilities. The management must have a systems to detect, avoid and respond to potential risks to the safety and health of all employees.
The first step to implement fire safety management in manufacturing plant, the following :
- Conduct risk assessment, The management of each facility must have a documented risk assessment performed for fire safety which includes as a minimum.
- Identification of hazards associated with storage and use of combustible and flammable materials (e.g. list of major fire hazards and ignition sources).
- Evaluation of risk associated with hazards.
- Identification and implementation of control measures to reduce the risk (e.g. firefighting equipment, training, safe storage of flammables, etc.).
The management of facility must have implemented procedures for fire safety, which must cover as a minimum, the following:
Fire Prevention:- Minimize the storage of flammable and combustible materials.
- Storage of flammable substances in an approved cabinet.
- Implementation of a smoking policy (i.e., smoking in designated areas only).
- Ensuring electrical equipment is maintained in a safe and good working condition.
Fire Protection:
- Location of all fire protection equipment documented.
- Appropriate fire detectors and alarm systems in place.
- Sprinkler systems (where appropriate) and procedures for when they are impaired.
- Firefighting equipment provided which is suitable for the type of fire expected in the area.
- Firefighting equipment easily accessible and simple to use.
- Firefighting equipment indicated by signs.
- Fire extinguishers and hoses visually inspected each month
- Inspection and maintenance plan for all firefighting equipment.
Fire Precautions:
- Sufficient number of emergency routes and exits indicated by signs which allow the prompt escape of employees in an emergency.
- Provide aisle or emergency route at least 36 inchi wide.
- Emergency routes and exits kept clear at all times. Emergency exits unlocked during regular working hours and opening outwards to a place of safety.
- Posted diagrams showing emergency routes and exits.
- Emergency lighting available, tested and maintained.
Employees expected to use firefighting equipment in an emergency must be instructed on the hazards and techniques of fighting fire. All employees must receive fire safety training upon initial hire and at least annually thereafter. Training must include as a minimum:
- Fire hazards.
- Emergency routes and exits.
- Roles and responsibilities.
Employees who have additional fire fighting responsibilities must receive annual
training in addition to the above. Training must include as a minimum:
- Use of firefighting equipment appropriate to their role.
- Techniques in fire fighting.
- Personal protective equipment for fire fighting.
