Efficient fire safety systems are essential for any type of building. One very essential fire safety component that needs to be kept in mind is fire-fighting training for front-line technicians. The fire safety training should be mandatory for all involved in specification, installation, testing and maintenance of key fire safety system components.
A rule of thumb for whether certain staff members need fire-fighting trainings is ‘ If you delegate, you must educate.’ In no shape or form should managers delegate responsibility for fire safety tasks, until they provide proper training and education.
Fireline is here to help you effectively manage your fire safety systems by teaching you how to find effective training and measure its effectiveness.
Before you are able to discover effective training, you must know that some fire safety training will apply to every situation, while others will only address specific needs that can only be met with fire safety customization at each facility.
According to the U.S Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are five issues the standard fire safety plan should cover for effective preparation and training. The five issues are as followed:
- A list of major workplace fire hazards.
- Ignition sources (examples: chemistry labs, welding areas and smoking areas).
- Fire protection equipment and systems that control fires.
- Maintenance of fire-protection systems.
- Names/ Titles of people responsible for control of fire source hazards.
For an optimum fire safety plan and training program to be properly developed, it needs to address Class B, Class C and Class D fire concerns.
Class B fire equipment address all flammable or combustible gases and liquids such as oil and grease. Class C is all about energized electrical equipment and Class D focuses on tackling combustible metals (magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium and potassium).
Building managers should have a list of all materials present in facilities and categorize them within the four fire classes to identify the amount and type of hazards in the facility and the locations of these hazards.
Fixed and portable systems can be combined to most effectively address fire extinguishing systems hazards.
Some fixed fire extinguishers that should be used in a facility should include automatic dry-pipe or wet pipe systems that activate when heat melts the seal in the ceiling sprinkler head. Sprinkler heads feature hose systems as well if manual activation is necessary. The number and distribution of sprinkler heads can be assigned for such systems.
Next, a minimum unobstructed distance to the head should be set in place. OSHA says this minimum should be 18 inches and it’s management’s responsibility to implement it in the facility. In-house safety works should be responsible for maintenance checking this minimum at least once a month.
Portable systems should also be able in the form of wheeled fire extinguishers and handheld extinguishers. These extinguishers should be designed for one trained person to easily operate. Portable fire extinguishers should be visually inspected every month as well as annually inspected and periodic hydrostatic testing should be conducted.
Inspections are important because they reveal whether fire extinguishers are stationed at proper intervals and whether employees can safely access them.
If you’re in search of effective fire safety training, Fireline Corporation can train your staff with commercial fire-safety programs and courses. The typical courses cover common fire causes, fire-protection and prevention methods, and how to properly use portable fire extinguishers.
Effectiveness of fire fighting training can be measured through quizzes and certificates. With quizzes managers will be able to test students comprehension of material and make sure they satisfactorily complete fire safety courses. The quizzes and certifications can then be used as evidence of proper training and to help with annual updates to training. A tracking system can be created to manage this fire system database.
Fireline can design, furnish and install all types of fire sprinkler systems, fire alarms, emergency exit lights and fire safety equipment. Learn about our fire protection systems by clicking here.
We are a Maryland corporation founded in 1947 by John S. Waters. Fireline remains a pioneer in the fledgling fire equipment distribution business and we have grown to encompass all facets of fire protection. Our Totally Integrated Protection Solutions provide you with a wide variety of services. We can design, install, inspect, or service any type of fire protection system. From fire alarm to fire extinguisher, we do it all.
If you have any questions about Sprinklers, extinguishers, fire equipment, or other Fireline products and services, contact Fireline by calling 410.247.1422 or click here today!
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Source: http://www.facilitiesnet.com/firesafety/article/Fighting-Fire-with-Training–2402