Industrial fires and explosions are serious issues, and prevention is the key to avoiding any damage, injury, or death. These disasters may happen for various reasons, but often due to the lack of awareness of occupants on the risks that surround them. Industrial workplaces face particular risks from dangerous equipment and processes, working with hazardous materials, and large-scale operations handled by many employees. They simply cannot afford to downplay the risk of fire in such a workplace. Installation of safety equipment such as fire alarms, fire doors, and extinguishers becomes absolutely essential. Navair International, the leading fire door manufacturer in Delhi, suggests some ways to prevent industrial fires and explosions.
Conduct a Hazard analysis
A Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) is a significant measure for fire safety and is known as the core fundamental of combustible dust. It is a tool meant to help improve the fire safety of industrial plants by determining combustible dust hazards. While it is a standard specified for NFPA(National Fire Protection Association), hazard analysis is helpful in inspecting the entire facility for risks. It will help specific areas of the facility that pose the greatest risks in safety, and help determine how to enhance and eliminate those risks which will allow you to make your industrial facility safe and help avoid penalties and issues.
Train Employees
Training is essential for the safety of employees and significantly reduces industrial fire risks. Employees should be educated on the causes of fires and explosions, spotting fire hazards, and handling equipment and flammable materials. Also, they should be trained in preventing fire and should be imparted knowledge about fire safety measures. Fire safety should also include proper cleaning techniques to ensure that combustible dust and other flammable wastes do not linger where they can pose a danger. Fire safety training should also include what to do in case of a fire, starting from fire extinguishing to the safe evacuation of all personnel.
Practice Good Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is crucial in preventing industrial fires and explosions. Flammable industrial wastes and materials should be kept away from electrical and heat sources. The equipment should be maintained properly and reported as soon as possible for any repair. Poorly maintained equipment is a critical factor to be considered in industrial fires. Inspection of machinery should be done twice a year or more. Install fireproof doors that prevent the rapid spread of fire, especially in flammable areas. Any failure to comply with housekeeping guidelines can result in serious penalties.
Establish Fire Prevention Plan and Emergency Procedures
It is imperative to prepare foolproof fire evacuation plans and emergency procedures, especially in industrial buildings. An industrial fire safety plan needs to cover everything that is fire-related, and all employees must be educated on the plans and procedures. The safety plan should include a detailed evacuation map that explains what occupants should do and how they should escape in case of an industrial fire. The plan should be accessible to all, and the employees should be trained so that they can better understand what they should do in such circumstances. It is also vital to update employees on all the procedures.
While industrial fires are unfortunately very common, they are also entirely preventable. There are many potential risks, but appropriate prevention measures and proper training of employees save your industrial properties from fire without any damage. Choosing fire-rated wooden doors, fire retardant paints, and fire curtains largely help in fire safety. The above tips are some of the critical preventive measures suggested by the leading fire door manufacturer in Delhi, Navair International, that you need to take in order to keep your facility safe from fires.