Best Fire Safety Products for Small Businesses
Whether you operate an office, retail store, restaurant, workshop, or small warehouse, fire safety should be an important part of your workplace safety plan. Small businesses may not have dedicated safety departments, making it especially important to have the right products in place and ensure employees know what to do during an emergency. While every business has different hazards, these fire safety products are a good place to start.
1. Fire Extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers are a fundamental piece of fire safety equipment for many businesses. The right extinguisher depends on the types of fire hazards present in the workplace. Multipurpose ABC extinguishers are commonly used in many commercial environments because they are designed for fires involving ordinary combustible materials, flammable liquids, and energized electrical equipment. Businesses with specialized hazards, such as commercial kitchens, may require different types of extinguishers. Beyond having the appropriate extinguishers, it is crucial that employees can easily locate and access them when an emergency arises.
2. Smoke & Fire Alarms
Early detection can give employees and customers valuable time to evacuate in an emergency. Smoke alarms, fire alarms, CO2 detectors and other detection systems can alert building occupants to a potential emergency before conditions become more dangerous. Businesses should regularly inspect and test their alarm equipment and replace batteries or components as required to ensure a safe environment.
3. Exit & Emergency Signage
During an emergency, employees and visitors need to know where to go. Exit signs and directional signage help identify evacuation routes, while other safety signs can identify where to find fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment. Clearly marked exits are particularly important for customers, contractors, and other visitors who may not be familiar with the building.
4. Emergency Lighting
A fire or other emergency may interrupt normal building power. Emergency lights can illuminate hallways, stairways, exits, and other portions of an evacuation route when normal lighting is unavailable. For small businesses, emergency lighting and illuminated exit signs work together to help occupants safely navigate their way out of the building in an emergency.
5. Fire Blankets
A fire blanket can be a useful addition to the fire safety equipment in certain workplaces. Depending on the product and application, fire blankets may be used to help control some small, early-stage fires. They can be particularly useful in environments such as workshops, garages, laboratories, and other locations with appropriate fire hazards. Always select a fire blanket designed and rated for your intended application and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
6. Flammable Material Storage
Businesses that keep paints, solvents, fuels, or other flammable liquids on site should pay particular attention to how these materials are stored. Depending on the materials and quantities involved, approved safety cans, flammable-liquid storage cabinets, spill-control products, and appropriate safety signage can help businesses manage these hazards. Flammable products should also be kept away from potential ignition sources and disposed of in a safe manner in accordance with local regulations.
7. Fire-Safety Signs and Labels
Not every hazard is obvious. Signs and labels can provide employees and customers with quick reminders about areas where smoking is prohibited, flammable materials are stored, or specific precautions are required. Good signage can also make fire extinguishers, exits, alarms, and other emergency resources easier to locate when they're needed and every second counts.
Don't Forget Training & Planning
Buying fire safety equipment is only the beginning. Employees should know where safety equipment is located, understand the company's emergency procedures, and know when they should evacuate rather than attempt to fight a fire. Businesses should also routinely inspect their workplace for changing hazards and make sure exits remain clear, extinguishers and emergency equipment remain accessible, and safety signs remain visible.
Identify the Fire Risks in Your Industry
Every small business is different. A small office won't necessarily need the same equipment as an automotive repair shop, restaurant, or woodworking business. Start by identifying the ignition sources, combustible materials, electrical hazards, and flammable products present in your workplace. From there, you can select fire extinguishers, alarms, emergency lighting, signage, storage products, and other equipment appropriate for those risks.
The best fire safety products aren't simply the ones you own. They're the ones appropriate for your hazards, correctly installed or positioned, properly maintained, and supported by employees who know what to do in an emergency.