Fire kills or injures at least one person on the job every day in the United States. It also causes millions of dollars in property damage.  When fires destroy workplaces, they also destroy jobs.  That's why it is important to be able to recognize and eliminate fire hazards, whether you are working in a factory or in an office.

Your Fire Safety Responsibilities

The first step in surviving a fire is being adequately prepared for a fire and then responding appropriately. This takes planning and practice.

Before a fire occurs:

• Recognize and respond immediately to the sound of the fire alarm.
• Learn the location of at least two exits from all work areas.
• Always use the stairs to exit multi-story buildings. Never use an elevator.
• Count the doors or workstations between where you work and the nearest exit. You may have to escape in the dark.
• Know the location of the nearest fire alarm and fire extinguisher. Learn how to use them.
• Post the fire department's emergency number by your phone.
• If you have a disability that will slow your escape, ask your supervisor to include your needs in evacuation plans.
• Learn the location of your designated safe meeting place.
• Actively participate in all fire drills as if your life depends on it.

In the event of a fire:

• Sound the alarm and call the fire department, even if the fire is small.
• Leave quickly. Close doors as you go to contain the fire and smoke.
• If smoke builds, crawl on your knees and cover your face with a wet rag, if available.
• Escape using the stairs. Heat from a fire can cause elevators to malfunction.
• Follow fire and security personnel instructions. Once outside, move away from the building, out of the firefighters' way.

Avoiding Hot Hazards

Each year an average of 7,000 reported fires occur in office buildings, but they can be prevented.  All it takes is an effort to recognize fire hazards and eliminate them. The primary cause of fires in the workplace is the misuse of electrical equipment or electrical failure; however, certain workplace chemicals and materials can also be culprits, including the following.

• Overloaded fuses: Do not overload fuses, circuits, motors, or outlets.
• Wiring: Check all wiring for frayed ends or worn insulation before using.
• Ground connections: Make sure the ground connections are not loose.
• Combustible materials: Keep all lights, machinery and other heat sources away from combustible materials.
• Power tools: Check all power tools for defects before using. Report malfunctioning electrical equipment and pull it out of use until it can be repaired.
• Turn it off: Make sure you turn off all electrical equipment at the end of the workday. Electrical fires are often due to equipment left on overnight.
• Flammable liquids: Store these in proper containers and always away from an ignition source.
• Spontaneous combustion: If raw materials or products are stockpiled, monitor the build-up of heat. Collect and remove all trash and waste material from your work area at least daily. Materials that have been contaminated with paint, solvent or other finishing materials should be immediately removed from the building or placed in a closed metal container until they can be removed at the end of the shift.
• Chemicals: Check Material Safety Data Sheets for hazards or compatibility before mixing.
• Flames: Check for improperly placed or unprotected torches, burners or dryers.
• Poor housekeeping: Keep your workplace free of lint or dust on machines, oily rags, and deposits in ducts or waste remaining in open containers.

Fighting a Fire

You should only fight a fire if there is little personal risk and you have been trained to use a fire extinguisher.  Be sure to:

• Check to make sure the extinguisher is the right one for the type of fire. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher may make the fire worse.
• Smother the fire with non-flammable material, such as a sheet of metal, etc.
• When using a fire extinguisher, use a sweeping motion directed at the base of the flames.
• Fight the fire with your back to an exit.
• Turn off electrical circuits and gas lines.
• Close doors as you leave to confine the fire.
• Leave the lights on so firefighters can see other hazards.