Businesses need to have plans to prevent fires and help their business recover should an unforeseen emergency occur.

IS YOUR BUSINESS FIRE SAFE?

The National Fire Authority recommends this simple safety checklist to assist your bussiness prevent damage that could be caused by fire.

• Teach your staff about workplace fire prevention and safety. For a small fee the National Fire Authority will provide the necessary basic training.
• Avoid storing or stockpiling flammable materials such as packaging materials or waste where they could be accessed by the public, including areas immediately outside your business premises.
• Make sure all machinery are serviced as recommended by manufacturers and is kept clean. If possible switch machinery off when the business is unattended.
• Secure all doors, windows or other access points when the business is unattended, and make sure your business has adequate lighting to deter trespassers.
• Make sure your business has an adequately serviced and functional fire alarm system that is suitable to your business. DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR LOCAL FIRE STATION.
• If your business stores dangerous goods, make sure their storage and use is in line with legal requirements.
• Make sure your business has a written and practiced fire escape plan that includes full staff list and designated meeting points.

THE NATIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY RECOMMENDS this simple safety checklist to assist your business to reduce damage

• Ensure that all of your staff has sufficient training in what they should do if your business is exposed to an unexpected fire. They should at least know where to escape and to dial 911 for the Fire Brigade.
• Make sure you know what information is important for your business continuity. This should include having contingency plans to protect and/or restore all important information [hard copy and IT] like a supplier and client lists, business contacts and insurance details.
• Consider having an secure off-site location to store important information in your contingency plan.

Business Safety Tips.

Remember that smoke from a fire can confuse you and that you cannot see in smoke.

If you have escaped from fire, remember to stay out and dial 911 immediately.

Always ensure your business has sufficient fire insurance.

If your staff require workplace fire prevention and safety training including developing a written fire escape plan please, contact the

National Fire Authority:

• Phone : 3312877
• Fax : 3303348
• Write to : The Chief Executive Officer, National Fire Autority, P.O. Box 207, Suva.