When it comes to fire safety in healthcare facilities, you can take some simple steps to increase your facility’s protection against flames. From checking electrical outlets and wires on a regular basis to having designated safety professionals who work with your team members to develop an action plan in case of emergency.
Monitor Your Kitchens
In the kitchen, pay special attention to your stove and oven. Make sure that the burners are off when not in use. Also, keep an eye out for grease build-up on the walls and floors near your stove top—you don’t want any of that dripping onto anything that could ignite. Keep flammable items like paper towels away from open flames, and keep grease and oil separate from any cooking areas by storing them in containers away from heat sources like stoves or microwaves.
Check Electrical Outlets and Wires Regularly
First, check for any loose wires. You can ensure the outlet works by plugging in a lamp or another small appliance. Next, look at the actual wiring. Is there anything wrong? Check each wire closely for wear or damage, such as thin edges, bulges, and other unusual shapes. If you see any of these things, tell your building’s maintenance department right away,
Never Smoke Near Oxygen Tanks
Smoking at healthcare facilities is never a good idea, but it becomes even more deadly when oxygen machines are nearby. More oxygen in the air makes fires burn quicker, faster, and hotter, according to the NFPA.
Develop An Action Plan And Train Employees
As a healthcare facility, you must train staff on fire safety procedures. All personnel must know how to use fire extinguishers and what to do in an emergency evacuation. These tactics should be implemented through testing and training.
To ensure that your facility is as safe as possible in a fire, you must develop an action plan. This should include:
- A list of emergency contacts.
- Information on what steps to take in the event of a fire.
- An escape route from each room or area.
- Practice drills for evacuating patients and staff members out of the building through alternative exits when the main exit is blocked by smoke or flames.
- Make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency and how far they need to travel before finding an alternative exit route.
Always Take Steps To Prevent Fires
Fire safety is an essential part of the safety program at healthcare facilities. An important part of fire safety is preventing fires, but it also includes mitigating risks from hazards, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. Installing sprinklers and smoke detectors helps keep patients and staff safe from fires. Working together as a team ensures that hospitals are safe for everyone who enters them.
