Small scale businesses often feel that state and federal safety regulations and codes are too burdensome to comply with. Others are tempted to bypass the requirements which may not be a smart thing to do. Readiness for the worst-case scenario should be your number one priority as this will best protect your staff, and assets.

Develop a safety plan to protect your business. Make sure to set up health and safety equipment and other aids in your office or actual plant site. Formulate a consistent and stable chain of command and procedural steps which must be followed all throughout in case of emergency. This emergency plan must always include a good and effective evacuation plan. Designate appropriate persons and committees to oversee safety procedure planning.

Fire codes differ between states and local municipalities so know what specific local and state codes will apply to your business. Know the exact regulations for your business site or vicinity area. You may even contact your local fire marshal for specific advice and instruction on your business. Furthermore, handbooks and various other publications on standards and cods are available from the National Fire Protection Assoc.

Before you open your place for business, fire and building departments from your local municipality may conduct onsite inspection to check on your exit egress, emergency lightings, fire extinguishers and fire alarm placements. Such fire inspections may be conducted various times during the business year. You may get more tips on how to prepare well for fire inspections at the Fire Inspection page of Environment, Health and Safety Online.

Make sure that the workplace keeps ample stock of safety equipments. Regularly inspect equipments to ensure that all equipments are working fine. Check batteries in the fire alarms and check your emergency plant shut down procedure. Consult the NFPA for numerous publications which address safety and fire alarm issues, such as, fire alarm and sprinkler systems, hazardous substances, and electrical safety. You may order resources online at the NFPA catalog section.

Formulate a good emergency and evacuation procedural plan. Assign one or several persons to work on the plan and to develop fool proof procedures. Inform all employees regarding the finished plan and help them commit it to memory when able. Else, widely distribute copies of the finished plan. Business safety plans and health plans are available at the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health (Small Business section).

Carefully assess all specific fire and safety risks associated with your kind of business. A question to ponder on would be if hazardous materials such as combustible items, debris, papers, and scraps are properly stored. Know if the workplace equipments and vehicles are in excellent working condition. Inspect electrical appliances to troubleshoot any possibility for faulty electrical work. With regards to the last mentioned, it’s advisable to have all your electrical requirements done by a licensed contractor. Free software is available at Environmental Health Safety. The software gives information regarding the assessment and management of business safety risks. Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides a checklist which allows you to target specific working conditions in your workplace.

Always maintain dated fire alarm models. Check on your sprinkler system regularly to confirm proper working. Check for quality and accessibility, all exits, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.

Tags: Fire Safety, Safety Equipments, Safety Regulations, Workplace Safety