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Fire Hazards in the Workplace, The first step to fire safety is assessing the existence of fire hazards within your workplace. In most facilities, there are three main types of hazards to evaluate: electrical hazards, combustible materials, and flammable materials. Electrical issues, such as damaged extension cords, blocked electrical panels and heaters, and overloaded circuits often lead to fires. Fires are also commonly caused by electrical events such as arc flash. Maintenance of power cords and other electrical equipment should be conducted on a regular basis. Workplace fires are also commonly caused by improper storage of flammable material or a build-up of combustible dust. Flammable and combustible materials both burn, just at different flash points; the difference between being “flammable” and being “combustible” is that flammable materials have low flash points (low temperatures at which surface vapours will ignite), and combustible materials have a high flash point. Both are dangerous and should be properly handled and stored. Identification of • Open flames such as gas ovens, lighters in smoking areas, and welding torches. • Sparks from wood or metal saws and other types of equipment. • Heat sources such as combustion engines, space heaters, ovens, and machines that produce heat during operation. • Chemical ignition from chemicals that combust under normal working temperatures. Dos • In case of fire in your premises, call for fire services. Please do not assume that somebody else with you has already made the call. • Know your building’s evacuation plan. • Evacuate calmly and quickly whenever a fire alarm or carbon monoxide alarm sounds. • Keep important items such as medications and medical equipment handy for quick access in the event of a building evacuation. • Know two ways out of your building. • Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand. If the door is hot, do not open it. • If you encounter smoke during your evacuation, stay low to the floor. • The minute you notice there is a fire, the first thing you do is to alert the others around by yelling “Fire” as loudly to draw their attention to the problem. • Cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth when you are trapped in a fire. Smoke is more dangerous than the flames themselves as most people will asphyxiate because of it. • In case of the smoke, sink low into the ground as the smoke will rise to the ceiling and the air is cleaner closer to the ground. • If you can’t find a way out of the room you are in, seal the points where smoke can enter with wet clothes like sheets and towels, so it doesn’t enter the space. • If you can see a fire and are not caught in it, call the fire services and leave the area so you don’t crowd the space, making rescues easier. • Ensure that the preventive measures like alarms, fire hydrants, public address system etc are in place. • Know how to use a fire extinguisher. • Do keep all electrical devices away from water sources. • Switch off the electric supply of the fire affected areas. • Fuses and switches should be mounted on metallic cubicles for greater safety against fire. • Replace broken plugs and switches. • Keep the electrical wires away from hot and wet surface. Don’ts • When you yell “fire” to let others know, do not yell anything else so they realise the gravity of the situation. • Do not use an elevator in case of fire as the sign always says. Use the stairs. • Do not run if your clothes catch fire because it will fan the flames. Instead roll on the ground or use a heavy blanket to extinguish them. • Do not shout instructions if you are not trained in emergency and fire safety. It adds to the confusion and may cost somebody their life. • Do not hide in bathrooms during fire, because if the fire doesn’t kill you near water, smoke will. • Don’t use electrical equipment in wet floor or location. • Do not try to off the fire by throwing water near electrical boards and loose wire, it may worsen the situation and can catch short circuit. • Don’t place halogen lamps near combustible materials to prevent fire hazard due to heat. • Don’t tie cords in tight knots. Knots can cause short circuits and shocks. Loop the cords or use a twist lock plug. • DO NOT Touch anything electric with wet hands • Don’t use substandard fixtures, appliances. • Never have temporary or naked joints on wiring. • Don’t lay wires under carpets, mats or doorways. They get crushed, resulting in short circuiting.