Fire prevention is essential at industrial facilities, construction sites, offices, and in our own homes. Identifying hazards and preparing for an emergency are our best tools in protecting ourselves, the environment, and our property in the event of a fire.
The key to fire prevention and emergency preparedness is understanding which fire classes are possible at your site and knowing their unique prevention technique.
Prevention Techniques by Fire Class
Class A – Maintain good housekeeping practices, keep oily rags separate from trash, and ignition sources away from combustibles.
Class B – Only use flammable liquids in well-ventilated areas, keep flammable liquids in tightly closed containers or flammable cabinets, and wait for equipment to cool before refueling.
Class C – Inspect extension cords prior to use, use GFCI outlets whenever feasible, and never run extension cords under carpet or through walls.
Class D – Know and understand the properties of any metals you work with, and properly store combustible metals away from excessive heat and ignition sources.
Class K – Never leave a stove unattended, remove moisture from food prior to cooking, and keep items like oven mitts and wooden utensils away from the cooking area.
Take Five for Fire Prevention
• Prepare a fire prevention and response plan specific to your site.
• Practice drills at least twice a year to ensure a swift and organized evacuation in the event of a fire emergency.
• Keep emergency exits clear, and conduct daily inspections of all emergency escape routes.
• Train employees to use fire extinguishers, even if they are not tasked to put a fire out. This could be their only tool for escape if ever surrounded by a fire.
• Clearly identify fire extinguisher locations on site, store materials so they do not block fire extinguishers.
Training employees on fire extinguisher basics can help stop small fires before they grow. Please use our Fire Extinguisher Basics Toolbox Talk to introduce your employees to common fire extinguisher techniques. Want to take your training to the next level? RETTEW uses live-fire training equipment to provide trainees with a hands-on fire extinguisher training experience. Please contact Kelly Kramer, CECD, HEM, at 800.738.8395 for more information.
Additional Offerings
Safety training and consulting are only some of RETTEW’s 600+ services. Our safety team works hand in hand with engineers, scientists, project managers, and other technical experts at places such as manufacturing facilities, drill pads, and commercial construction sites. We are well respected in many industries and known for ensuring workers and equipment remain safe, which keeps your projects on track and your bottom line growing.
