Office Safety Tips

How safe is your business? Find out by taking this quick survey.

• Are fire extinguishers up to date? (Should have a date stamp or tag that is less than a year old.)
• Are fire extinguishers mounted properly and free of obstruction? (Should be between 36″-42″ from floor and nothing within a 36″ radius of the extinguisher.)
• Is the hood system inspected and up-to-date? (Required to be inspected twice a year — date tag should be less than six months old.)
• Are sprinkler heads free from obstruction? (Storage not to be within 18″ of the head and nothing hanging from the head.)
• Are fire doors working properly and free from obstruction? (They are not permitted to be propped open by wedges or any other temporary device.)
• Are rolling fire door/shutters annually tested? (They are required to be drop-tested once a year.)
• Do you have an adequate number of fire extinguishers? (They should be placed so that travel distance does not exceed 75 feet, or where there is a significant hazard to protect such as kitchens.)
• Are exit doors clearly marked, lit up and free from obstruction? (They are required to be identified with signs that are internally illuminated and include emergency lighting.)
• Are exit doors unlocked?
• Are all exits well-lit?
• Are all electrical plates and outlets free from exposed wiring? (Cover plates are required on open junction boxes.)
• Are extension cords used properly? (They are for temporary purposes and are not a substitution for permanent wiring.)
• Are electrical panels kept clear? Storage is to be at least 36 inches away. Electrical equipment rooms are not to be used for storage. Is the door labeled?
• Are gas cylinders secured so as not to permit tipping?
• Are hallways and storage spaces free from accumulated rubbish?
• Is storage kept at a distance of 24 inches from the ceiling?
• Is your address properly posted? (Four-inch height minimum and in a contrasting color to the background.)
• Are fire lanes clearly posted and marked?
• Are combustibles kept a safe distance from any heat source? (Minimum of 36 inches.)
• Are flammable liquids properly used and properly stored? (Must be stored in an approved cabinet.)
• Are employees educated in fire safety and able to use a fire extinguisher?
• Are fire drills often performed?
• Are employees aware of the location of fire extinguishers and exit doors?
• Are safety issues enforced at all times? (Do you have a written policy?)
• Do you have a Fire Safety Plan?
• Are employees trained in this plan?
• Are hazardous materials properly labeled?
• Are hazardous materials properly stored and disposed of?
• Is propane gas properly used and stored?
• Do you have current MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) on site for hazardous materials?

Every “no” response indicates a potential fire hazard that needs to be corrected. If you have any questions, please call the Bureau of Fire Prevention at 330.729.9535 or email us at fpo@boardmantwp.com.