Most business owners are aware of the devastating consequences that a fire can have on their businesses. Because of this, they strive to protect their company and their employees by installing high-quality fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers. However, it is important to remember that fire protection does not end there. Proper care and maintenance are necessary to ensure that the safety of your employees and your business is not compromised by faulty or failing fire extinguishing devices. This procedure involves professional services, but apart from this, the business owner must also do their part to ensure that the fire extinguishing devices in their business are well maintained. These are the best ways to do it.
Professional annual service
Business owners are required to follow the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This provision states that fire fighting equipment must be maintained in accordance with recognized British standard. One of the requirements is to have the fire extinguishers at least once a year. A professional service technician from a BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) approved company should perform maintenance on your fire extinguishers. In addition to the fire extinguisher, annual service should also be performed on your other fire safety devices, such as fire hoses and sprinkler systems.
Professional regular maintenance
In addition to the annual service, it is also important to maintain the extinguisher regularly. Recruit a technician to frequently check fire extinguishing devices for teeth, cracks, rust, gauge performance, tamper evident seals, weights, head cap degradation, discharge test dates, etc. . Once the regular check is done, the technician should provide you with a detailed written inspection report as well as complete your fire log book. In this way, you will have an overview of the status of your fire extinguishing devices.
Own monthly inspection responsibilities
Professional maintenance is not the only important thing here. You, as the business owner, are also responsible for conducting regular inspections of your fire safety devices. For example, you should test smoke detectors at least once a month to see if the batteries need to be replaced. Walk around the business to see if the fire safety devices are in the correct locations and if the signs are pointing in the right direction. Examine the fire extinguisher for damage or teeth. Make sure the safety pin is straight. Record your inspections in the fire log book. If you prefer not to do the job, assign someone trustworthy and trustworthy to do all of this for you and make sure they do it correctly.
It takes a lot of work to maintain fire safety equipment, but due to its valuable ability to provide optimal protection to protect your business and employees, you wouldn’t mind. Aside from your own and professional inspections, make sure your employees participate as well. They should report it immediately if they notice any signs of damage or malfunction in fire safety equipment. [out]. Also, train a fire watchman to assist you with the maintenance and inspection of your company’s firefighting tools.