Fire Prevention
Posted in Fire Safety, Work Health SafetyPrevention is the best tool for keeping your program safe. By looking at the program’s space with a critical eye, you may stop a problem before it starts.
Check for Fire Hazards
The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.
The State of Maryland Fire Prevention Code (COMAR 29.06.01) establishes basic fire safety standards for homes and buildings. Generally an organization can anticipate regular inspections to make sure that our homes and other buildings meet basic health and safety requirements. These requirements include the placement and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and an evacuation plan/drills.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. They need to be installed inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement if there is one. they should be tested once a month to make sure they are working.
Download and read about additional tips regarding smoke alarms.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide alarms need to be installed in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Due to the nature of carbon monoxide, never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
Download and read about additional tips regarding carbon monoxide alarms and safety practices.
Fire Extinguishers
When it comes to fire safety, it is important to know not all fires are the same. There are different kinds of fires because different fuels create different fires, which need different types of fire extinguishers. Fire is an element that rapidly spreads. It is highly self-sustaining, however it can be extinguished when one of the following four elements is removed that make up the four fire elements which are heat, fuel, oxygen and a chemical chain reaction.
Everyone needs to have at least one fire extinguisher at home, but it’s just as important to ensure you have the proper type of fire extinguisher, in the proper place. A typical fire extinguisher contains 10 seconds of extinguishing power. This could be less if it has already been partially discharged. Always read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher beforehand and become familiarized with its parts. It is highly recommended by fire prevention experts that you get hands-on training before operating a fire extinguisher. Most local fire departments offer this service.
Basic Operating Instructions for Fire Extinguishers
Fire experts recommend the PASS method of operating a fire extinguisher.
Watch the video below for more information on fires and using a fire extinguisher: