Most people love the start of a new year, and it’s not just because we’re usually on holidays! The New Year symbolises a fresh start; a time to reflect on the previous year and make adjustments in our lives to improve ourselves and those around us. The same goes for our professional lives as well.

Generally, it’s not as busy around Christmas and the New Year so it’s a fantastic time to review the year’s progress and plan ways in which we can improve our performance. While it’s great to have specific goals to start the New Year on the right foot, we also need to make sure that our fundamentals are sound and we don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.

In an office environment, fire safety protocols should be reviewed at least once a year, so why not make your ‘office’ New Year’s resolution to ensure that the health and safety of your office environment is up to date and compliant? From fire extinguisher refresher courses to full Fire Risk Assessments, there are a number of practical measures you can take to ensure your office environment is as safe as possible.

Check your fire alarms

It’s important that you check your fire alarms each month to make sure they’re in good working condition. Check to ensure the batteries are working and run a test alarm to ensure there are no electrical faults. The batteries on your fire alarms should be replaced every year, so if you make a habit of changing the batteries at the start of each year, then you surely won’t forget! Furthermore, fire alarms have a life-cycle of 10 years, so if you’re unsure of when they were last replaced, talk with your fire safety advisor.

Check all electricity sockets

Nowadays, almost everything in a business environment is electronic, meaning that your office is probably littered with electrical equipment and electricity sockets. It’s very important that you check that all electricity sockets are working properly. If just one socket is faulty, it could spark a fire that can cause extensive damage to property, equipment, and put people’s lives at risk. It’s strongly advised that you hire a professional electrician to conduct these electrical safety tests.

Check your fire evacuation procedures

While your fire evacuation routes won’t need to change unless you’ve undergone renovations, you will need to regularly check that the equipment used to assist in emergency evacuations are in good working condition. You’ll need to check that emergency lighting is working, all escape routes are unobstructed, and all fire escape doors and windows can be easily opened and closed.

Is your Fire Risk Assessment up to date?

Normally, employers or building owners must conduct a Fire Risk Assessment of the premises once a year, however if any major changes have been made such as renovations or extensions, then you should perform a Fire Risk Assessment as soon as possible. If you don’t already have a fire safety advisor that can organise a full Fire Risk Assessment for you, then now would be a good time to look around. Fire safety advisors can organise all fire safety protocols, tests, and assessments, which will save you a lot of time and energy and guarantee full fire safety compliance.

Conduct a fire extinguisher refresher course

Depending on the type of office you occupy or the business you conduct, you may need several different types of fire extinguishers strategically located around your premises. Fire extinguishers are distinguished by the type of coloured band at the top of the device, and this can be very confusing especially in an emergency situation. Make sure that all your employees understand how to safely and effectively use a fire extinguisher by providing a refresher course with fire safety experts. At the same time, you can check to see if your fire extinguishers require any servicing!

A safe working environment for all

Effective fire safety protocols revolve around understanding all the fire hazards and risks inherent in your business activities and office environment. Fire safety advisors are excellent at identifying these risks and hazards, creating individualised protocols and procedures, and ensuring that your fire safety is up to date and compliant.

If you’d like some guidance in putting any of the above ideas into practice or you’d like to shop for a range of fire extinguishers and fire blankets and accessories, get in touch with the fire experts at King Fire Protection Solutions by phoning 1300 882 825, or visit our website at https://www.kingfire.com.au/