Fire Safety For Your Business

EXIT DOORS: For security purposes many business owners lock rear exit doors. Even in a small shop, a fire can trap someone who needs to rely on the rear door to escape. All required exit doors must be unlocked during business hours or have escape hardware which allows them to be opened from the inside without a key. This is a crucial issue to life safety. Installing escape hardware or a door alarm can satisfy both security and fire safety.

EXIT AISLES AND PASSAGEWAYS: Must be unobstructed and clear of stock, rubbish, and storage at all times. Exit signs must be unobstructed and illuminated at all times.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: Every business location is required to have at least one fire extinguisher. They must be inspected and tagged annually, or immediately after use, by a person holding a valid Certificate of Fitness licensed by the Nassau County Fire Marshals Office. Extinguishers must be installed on approved brakets or set in an approved cabinet. They must be conspicuously placed or have signs that identify the location.

BUILDING HEATING PLANTS AND WATER HEATERS: The burner flame can easily start a fire if combustible items are placed to close. Maintain at least three feet of clearance around these units. No combustible materials are allowed within an enclosure containing a heat producing device.

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS: Extension cords are often misused and can be very hazardous. They should be used only for temporary wiring, not permanent use. They should not run through ceilings, walls, doors or windows. Also, beware of the extension cord "octopus". Using multiple outlet adapters to run many items off a single outlet can be dangerous. It is much safer to install additional outlets rather thab to use adapters and extension cords.

FIRE SPRINKLERS: For fire sprinklers to work properly, stock must be kept at least 18" below the sprinkler heads. Having extra sprinkler heads on the premises allows the fire department to restore your system thereby continuing protection of your property.

FIRE CONTROL VALVES: Fire control valves can become blocked by storage. Maintain a three-foot access aisle and make sure the valves are well marked and secured with a chain and lock or a tamper switch to prevent against tampering.