Improving Environmental Health Through Quality Information

REPEAT THE QUESTION PLEASE!

What should be included in a proper maintenance, inspection, and testing of fire protection equipment?

*Equipment installed to detect
fuel leaks, control heating, and
control pressurized systems,

*Portable extinguishers,

*Automatic sprinkler systems,

*Fixed extinguisher systems,

*Detection systems for smoke,
heat, or flame,

*Fire Alarm System,

*Annunciation System,

*Emergency Back up System and
the equipment they support.

Adapted from DOE HASP

It was difficult not to think about safety this month. Many people probably thought twice about flying or entering certain buildings. However, lets face it, after September 11 most people were back to their complacent selves. Some people define an accident and/or a disaster as something that happens to the other guy. Let's refresh our memories on some definitions:

Accident - an event occurring by chance or unintentionally.

Disaster - a sudden or great misfortune.

Prepared - To be ready before hand, to equip.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee, not even in the dictionary that misfortune will always happen to the other guy. Take a few moments to go over this checklist to equip you and your staff to be "The Other Guy" in the event of an accidental toxic release, natural or planned disaster, or any other major emergency.

Do you have the following established and in place?

1. Emergency escape procedures for staff and on-site contractors,
2. Procedure for essential personnel who stay behind to conduct critical operations,
3. Procedure to account for all personnel,
4. Procedure for rescue and medical duties,
5. Procedures for reporting fires and other emergencies,
6. A list of individuals to contact in the event of an emergency,
7. Procedure for alerting personnel,
8. Training of all personnel in the emergency action plan,
9. A method of evaluating staff knowledge of the plan.
Adapted from DOE HASP

THINK ABOUT IT!

DID YOU KNOW?

 

A fire prevention plan should have the following:

• A list of the major workplace fire hazards,
• Names of personnel responsible for the control of workplace hazard,
• List of types of fire protection equipment and the hazards they control,
• Fire drills coordinated with the local emergency response services.