We all know how devastating a fire can be, both for human life and for property, so it is important to take every measure that you can to prevent it and to minimize its effects.
However, not everyone is aware of what they should do if the worst happens, which can lead to a lot of mistakes being made.
In this article, the team at Fire Door Specialists looks at some of the most common mistakes made during a fire, and the best ways to be prepared for them.
1. Fire extinguishers
We all know that fire extinguishers are there to help us tackle a fire, but if you use the wrong one, you can often make the situation worse. There are a number of different types of fire extinguishers which are designed for different sorts of fires, so it is important to know which one is which.
Water extinguishers are suitable for class A fires that involve combustible materials like wood, paper and fabric, whilst foam extinguishers can be used on class A or B fires that also involve petrol or diesel.
Class B fires caused by flammable liquids or electrical fires can be dealt with using CO2 extinguishers, and power extinguishers can be used on A and B fires as well as the class C fires that are caused by flammable gases.
There are also wet chemical extinguishers which are for use on class F fires caused by cooking products.
It is important that the right extinguisher is located near to a relevant source, and that they are clearly labelled.
2. Fire alarms
There is no doubt that a fire alarm is an essential tool. It can ensure everyone is alerted to the fact that there is a fire and gives them the earliest opportunity to evacuate.
However, this relies on the alarms being properly maintained to ensure that they are working properly. A faulty fire alarm can mean that people are not aware of any danger, and the effects can be devastating.
3. Time planning
When a fire alarm sounds, many people within a building overestimate how long they have got to leave, especially if they are not aware of any immediate danger.
This can mean that they wait to see if it is a mistake, stop to pick up belongings and do not try to exit the building quickly enough.
It is therefore essential that you stress the importance of leaving the building immediately during fire drills and put together evacuation plans that ensure people can leave the building as quickly as possible.
4. Insufficient escape routes
An evacuation can often be slowed down by the fact that there are not enough escape routes. It is important to put enough fire doors and emergency lighting in place to allow people to get out of the building quickly.
5. Special needs are ignored
If anyone in your building has any special needs such as mobility issues, hearing impairments or any other conditions that might make it difficult to leave the building, then it is important to accommodate their needs.
Make sure that there are accessible exit routes, clear evacuation instructions, and specially designated personnel who are able to offer assistance to those who need it.
Making sure that everyone can leave a building in the event of a fire can be the difference between life and death, and many of the mistakes that are made can be avoided if the right planning and preparation have been put in place.
By taking a realistic look at the building, its hazards, and its needs, you can ensure that the people within the building are kept as safe as possible.
