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Fires in commercial buildings cause millions in property damage every year, as well as injuries and fatalities. Luckily, the right commercial fire protection plan can prevent these outcomes and provide invaluable peace of mind. To help your employees and customers stay safe, and to protect inventory, equipment, and the building itself, follow these tips when upgrading your business’ fire safety program.

How to Improve Your Business’ Fire Protection Plan

1. Schedule a Fire Risk Assessment

Request an assessment to determine what needs improvement and what structures, appliances, and materials pose fire hazards. Perhaps the emergency and exit lighting need replacing, or the fire escape stairs require re-treading to avoid slips. Alternatively, maybe your business has expanded and will benefit from additional fire extinguishers. Make changes that comply with state and national fire codes, and use fire safety handbooks for quick reference.

2. Review Safety Procedures With Your Team

commercial fire protectionTake a fire safety exit tour with your team and go over emergency practices, such as following the designated evacuation plan and reporting unsafe work conditions. Also, show your employees where the fire extinguishers are and schedule a training day for safe usage. OSHA regulations require portable fire extinguisher access for all employees, such as at least one extinguisher on each floor. Employees should also be able to remove the devices from their casings without injury.

3. Upgrade Your Fire Alarm & Sprinkler Systems

Test your smoke, fire, and sprinkler systems to get them repaired or replaced as needed. These systems must address the building’s structure and applications, including how quickly a blaze will spread based on factors such as the use of flammable liquids, untreated wood, or hazardous chemicals. Also, ensure the alarms and sprinklers won’t go off because of avoidable errors, such as keeping large appliances against the wall, preventing air circulation.

 

Improve your business’ commercial fire protection with services from GMW Fire Protection in Anchorage, AK. Serving residents and business owners throughout the state for over 15 years, this company installs fire sprinklers, alarms, emergency and exit lighting, and fire pumps, among other suppression systems. Call (907) 336-5000 today to get started, or learn more about commercial fire protection online.

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