Fire hazards exist everywhere, both in homes and commercial buildings. This makes fire prevention an essential part of the daily activities, in every industry. One industry that requires a foolproof fire prevention system in the healthcare industry. This is because hospitals and other healthcare facilities house patients that might not be able to move fast enough, in the case of a fire outbreak. As such, putting measures in place to prevent a fire outbreak in health facilities is very crucial. We have highlighted below, five ways to prevent fires in healthcare facilities
Five Ways to Prevent Fires in Healthcare Facilities
- Monitor the Kitchens: The kitchen is one of the areas that is most prone to fire outbreaks in every building. Electrical equipment as well as cooking fires, represent fire hazards in healthcare facilities. It is important to monitor the kitchen at all times, ensuring that no equipment is left unattended. You should also be sure to put in place, a fire suppression system that works. Carry out routine checks on the fire suppression system, and ensure to maintain it regularly.
- Do not Smoke Around Oxygen: Oxygen stands out as one of the most flammable chemicals that are found in a hospital. Oxygen is very important, so keep it away from smoke or fire. Do not allow any patient or hospital staff to smoke around oxygen. Patients who are on oxygen should not be allowed to smoke, as they put the whole establishment at risk. Lay down strict rules on smoking, and ensure to put warning signs around the hospital. Create a secure smoking area, where people can smoke safely.
- Check The Electrical Wiring Regularly: Faulty wiring leaves you at the risk of an electric fire. It is important to always look out for defects such as frayed and chewed wiring, hot electrical outlets as well as burning smells around outlets. Ensure to feel switches for irregular heat, as this is a sign of faulty wiring. Check all cords and ensure that they are not cracked or split. As a safety measure, avoid overloading outlets, as this can result in malfunction. Put in place an automatic fire detection system that will raise a fire alarm whenever an outbreak occurs.
- Practice Evacuation Drills: Although it is best to prevent fire outbreaks altogether, it is also important to prepare for unforeseen events. This makes the practice of evacuation plans and fire drills an essential fire prevention method. Practicing these drills will ensure that your workforce know how to respond to fire outbreaks. In addition to these drills, it is important to teach fire prevention methods. This will ensure that every employee is aware of fire hazards, and has the proper preventive measures to tackle them.
- Fire Extinguisher Training: Another training to carry out is fire extinguisher training. Using a fire extinguisher in the wrong way can leave someone hurting themselves and others. Once every worker has this training, it will be easy to respond to a fire outbreak quickly.
Conclusion
Be sure to put these measures in place and you can be sure to prevent a fire outbreak in your health facility.
