Posted by Lori Gicewicz on Thu, Oct 29, 2009 @ 12:29 PM
As many are well aware, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employees be educated in the use of fire extinguishers every year.
A comprehensive fire extinguisher safety program should include a number of both educational components and hands-on instructional opportunities. Each fire extinguisher training program can be tailored to the specific realities of a given worksite (an office complex versus manufacturing facility, or a hospital facility versus a university dormitory for example). Even within a given workplace, programs should be adjusted for different groups of personnel depending on the threats they face and the emergency response protocols that are established. A complete program should include several core classroom and hands-on elements:
- Discussion of the Sources of Fire
- Discussion of the Classes of Fire and Fire Extinguishers
- Identification of a Fire Extinguisher
- Discussion of the Proper Assessment of a Fire Situation
- Discussion of Fire Emergency Protocols for Your Specific Worksite
- Hands-On, Practical Training
Tips for Hands-on Training
- Keep class sizes small, ideally less than 20 at a time
- Simulate a variety of different fire situations
- Have employees work with varying sizes of extinguishers
- Teach employees to maintain proper distance from fires depending on the size of extinguishers used and the type of fire.
- Teach employees to check the pressure gauges and test extinguishers before approaching a fire
A well executed fire extinguisher training program offers much more than a means of regulatory compliance. A comprehensive program that includes both classroom and hands-on education where employees understand the risks, challenges, and opportunities in facing a fire emergency will truly engage employees in the fire safety policies of the company, creating a safer workplace for all.
Posted by Lori Gicewicz on Tue, Oct 20, 2009 @ 03:57 PM
Now that the 2009 FEMA FP&S grant is open, a lot of fire departments are searching the web to find a fire safety trailer to add to their fire prevention program. Here is some information to keep in mind when beginning your search:
- Fire safety trailers should be configurable to best educate your highest risk populations. An element to look for in a fire trailer would be multiple, highly interactive scenarios that can be selected for your particular community.
- When searching for a fire safety trailer to add to your program, be sure to keep in mind ALL of the risk groups in your community, including children, teenagers, adults, and seniors.
- Go beyond traditional static fire safety trailers that are designed primarily for youth education - look for a fire trailer which will simulate a real fire emergency. This could include elements such as digital "flames", smoke, heat, emergency alarms, escape routes, and a variety of simulated "hazards" for adults and hazard recognition and E.D.I.T.H. drills for children.
- Fire safety trailers are an investment in your community. Rugged construction and high-quality finish details are a must, to allow you to use your trailer for years to come.
Fire departments around the country have successfully received grant funding, allowing them to add fire safety trailers to their fire prevention program. Submit your application before the October 23rd deadline.
For more information about fire prevention and safety trailers, visit our website at www.bullexsafety.com/fire_safety_trailer.aspx.