ELECTRICAL AND FIRE SAFETY CODE

Fire safety refers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that may result in
death, injury, or property damage, alert those in a structure to the presence of an uncontrolled fire in the event
one occurs, better enable those threatened by a fire to survive, or to reduce the damage caused by a fire. Fire
safety measures include those that are planned during the construction of a building or implemented in
structures that are already standing, and those that are taught to occupants of the building

Threats to fire safety are referred to as fire hazards. A fire hazard may include situations that increase the
likelihood of fire or may impede escape in the event a fire occurs.Fire safety is often a component of building
safety.

Key elements of a fire safety policy

  Building a facility in accordance with the version of the local building code.

 Maintaining a facility and behaving in accordance with the provisions of the fire code.

This is based on the occupants and operators of the building being aware of the applicable regulations and
advice.

Examples of these include:

  Not exceeding the maximum occupancy within any part of the building.

 Maintaining proper fire exits and proper exit signage (e.g., exit signs pointing to them that can function in
a power failure)

 Compliance with electrical codes to prevent overheating and ignition from electrical faults or problems
such as poor wire insulation or overloading wiring, conductors, or other fixtures with more electric current
than they are rated for.

 Placing and maintaining the correct type of fire extinguishers in easily accessible places.

 Properly storing and using, hazardous materials that may be needed inside the building for storage or
operational requirements (such as solvents in spray booths).

 Prohibiting flammable materials in certain areas of the facility.

 Periodically inspecting buildings for violations, issuing Orders to Comply and, potentially, prosecuting or
closing buildings that are not in compliance, until the deficiencies are corrected or condemning it in
extreme cases.

 That sprays fireproofing remains undamaged.

 Maintaining a high level of training and awareness of occupants and users of the building to avoid obvious
Maintaining fire alarm systems for detection and warning of fire.
 Obtaining and maintaining a complete inventory of fire stops. Ensuring mistakes, such as the propping
open of fire doors.

 Conduct fire drills at regular intervals throughout the year.

Common fire hazards

Improper use and maintenance of gas stoves often create fire hazards.

Some common fire hazards are:

  Electrical systems that are overloaded resulting in hot wiring or connections, or failed components

 Combustible storage areas with insufficient protection

 Combustibles near equipment that generates heat, flame, or sparks

 Candle

 Smoking (Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, lighters, etc.)

 Equipment that generates heat and utilizes combustible materials

 Flammable liquids

 Fireplace chimneys not properly or regularly cleaned

 Cooking appliances - stoves, ovens

 Heating appliances (wood burning stoves, furnaces, boilers, portable heaters)

 Electrical wiring in poor condition

 Batteries

 Personal ignition sources - matches, lighters

 Electronic and electrical equipment

 Exterior cooking equipment – BBQ

FIRE SAFETY TIPS IN THE WORKPLACE

Here are some basic safety tips that will help ensure you protect your staff in case the worst ever happens and
you experience a fire.

1. Anything that is capable of burning should be considered a potential risk. Any flammable item should be
safely stowed away in an area that is well ventilated so as to minimize the risk of ignition. These may include
things like paper, chemicals or waste materials.

2. A working ventilation fan should be present as this will help staff escape more safely in the event of a fire due
to the smoke and fumes being cleared quicker.
3. Adequate emergency lighting should be installed and battery powered torches present for staff so as they
can find their way out if the power blackens out the building. Never use a naked flame such as a lighter as this
could ignite further fires during escape.

4. Do not leave unwanted rubbish or items such as waste paper or boxes to accumulate in the workplace as this
represents a serious fire hazard as well as potentially blocking escape routes.

5. Ensure that all staff are aware of the fire escape routes and install fire alarm if you don't already have one. If
the office has one in place already make sure it is tested regularly each year by a qualified fire alarm engineer
and that none of the detectors are covered, blocked or been painted over.

6. A major cause of office fires is due to a short circuit at the plug or in electrical machinery such as computers
or heaters. Ensure that any unused power socket is switched off and have your sockets tested annually to make
sure they are in proper working condition. Never ever plug multiple plugs into a power socket as this increases
the risk of an overload and potential short circuit. Electrical fires can be very dangerous and so you should also
provide the correct type of fire extinguisher for such a hazard. A CO2 extinguisher is especially designed for this
very purpose.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS

When doing electrical work or using electrical equipment, you should practice safety to avoid electric shock.

  Shut off power to the circuit you’re working on and verify it’s off (treat all electrical as having power even
after shutting off power).

 Wear rubber gloves.

 Wear rubber shoes with rubber soles.

 Use tools with insulated handles.

 Keep yourself dry.

 Keep the area around you dry.

 Wear safety glasses.

 Never handle electric switch with wet hands.

 Always report frayed electrical cords and ungrounded electrical cords.

_____1. candles

_____2. bricks

_____3. oven

_____4. sand

_____5. faulty electrical wiring

B. Identify that which is described.

_____1. A major cause of office fires at the plug or in electrical machinery such as computers or heaters.

_____2. Maintain this for detection and warning of fire

_____3. It is often a component of building safety

_____4. A portable metal container ejecting chemicals or water for putting out fire

_____5. This should be installed so that workers or staff can find their way out if the power blackens out the
building