Fire safety awareness is essential in any workplace. A fire emergency can occur without warning, and knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately can save lives, reduce injuries, and minimise damage. Each employee has a role in maintaining fire safety, beginning with recognising workplace hazards and understanding basic response protocols that contribute to a safer, well-prepared environment.
Identifying Fire Hazards
Preventing fires starts with identifying potential hazards. Common risks include flammable materials, electrical equipment, and combustible waste. Employees should be aware of ignition sources, such as faulty wiring, exposed electrical equipment, or open flames, and take preventative action, including safe storage of materials, regular reporting of equipment issues, and following correct procedures when handling hazardous substances. An awareness of these risks and proactive behaviour can prevent many incidents.
Know the Evacuation Plan and Assembly Points
A clear evacuation plan is crucial in a fire emergency. All employees should know the evacuation routes, which should be clearly marked and lead to safe, accessible exits, as well as alternative routes in case primary exits are blocked. Each employee should be familiar with designated assembly points outside the building, where everyone gathers to be accounted for.
Additionally, specific employees, such as Fire Wardens, are assigned responsibilities to assist others during evacuations, ensuring an orderly response and efficient communication with emergency personnel. Regularly conducted fire drills reinforce these procedures, helping employees feel confident and prepared to move swiftly and safely in an actual emergency.
Raising the Alarm and Reporting a Fire
A rapid, organised response to a fire can save lives. Employees who notice a fire should raise the alarm immediately, typically by activating the nearest fire alarm system, which alerts others in the building and initiates the evacuation process. Once safely outside, someone should call emergency services, providing clear information on the fire’s location and any known hazards within the building to assist firefighters. Delaying evacuation for personal items or tasks can endanger everyone, so it is critical that employees prioritise a prompt and safe exit.
When (and How) to Use Fire Extinguishers
In certain circumstances, employees trained in using fire extinguishers may attempt to put out small, contained fires, but only if the fire is manageable, the correct type of extinguisher is available, and there is a clear exit.
Fire extinguishers are designed for specific types of fires, such as those caused by electrical equipment, flammable liquids, or general combustible materials, so it is essential to understand which extinguisher to use and to prioritise evacuation if the fire grows or spreads. For most employees, the safest action will always be to follow evacuation procedures rather than attempt to extinguish a fire themselves.
Your Role in a Fire Emergency: Key Steps for All Employees
During a fire emergency, each employee’s role is straightforward but critical. Following established fire safety procedures contributes to a calm, controlled evacuation. Key steps include staying calm, following the guidance of Fire Wardens or other designated personnel, and moving quickly along evacuation routes while avoiding lifts.
Employees should be prepared to assist anyone who may need help exiting the building and proceed immediately to the designated assembly point for an accurate headcount. Once outside, they must stay clear of the building and only return when authorised by emergency services or designated personnel.
You’re in SafeHands with Our Fire Safety Training
Irish-owned and operated SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions has been delivering tailored, onsite fire safety training and certification for businesses and organisations all over Ireland for over 20 years. Our Basic Fire Safety Awareness and Fire Warden/Marshal courses equip employees and designated safety personnel with the knowledge to handle fire risks, evacuation procedures, the safe use of fire extinguishers and more, with certification valid for two years. For more information on how SafeHands can support your workplace’s fire safety, contact us on 01 7979836 or 087 3823223, email info@safehands.ie or visit www.safehands.ie.