When you own or operate a business, your employees rely on you to keep the office safe. That's one of the reasons fire protection systems are required by law. However, beyond installing safety equipment, you also need to take steps throughout the year to practice adequate prevention.

3 Office Fire Safety Tips

1. Install & Inspect Fire Protection Equipment

When a small, contained fire breaks out—such as in a microwave oven or a trash can—one or more people in your team may be able to put it out before it grows. To stay up to code and protect your investments, you need multiple fire extinguishers on every floor.

Smoke alarms and sprinklers will also alert employees to an emergency so they can start moving toward the exits. According to the law, these should be inspected annually.

2. Create & Post Escape Routes

The law dictates that you should plan fire escape routes for the people in your office. These should include the quickest way outdoors, as well as one or more alternate routes in case those are blocked.

Decide in advance where your team should meet after an evacuation. Part of your evacuation procedure should include a fire safety leader who grabs a fire extinguisher to clear a path to the door, if necessary. This person should be trained on how to use the device. If possible, schedule yearly employee meetings to make sure everyone knows the appropriate procedures and routes. You should also post signs outlining the exit routes.

3. Eliminate Clutter

To prevent the swift spread of flames, it's important to keep your office tidy. You should eliminate unused piles of combustible materials like magazines, newspapers, and paper documents. Never store combustible, flammable, or explosive materials near heat or electrical sources, including space heaters, lamps, and computer wiring. 

If your office needs a fire safety equipment inspection, contact ES Systems, Inc. in Rochester, NY. They have served clients throughout Monroe and Ontario counties for more than 30 years. They also draw up plans to identify at-risk areas and devise strategies to minimize the chances of a fire. Call them at (585) 473-9300 to arrange a consultation, or learn more about their work with fire protection online.