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Teach Your Staff to PASS Fire Safety Training | SERVPRO® of Hayward
3/28/2023 (Permalink)
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? SERVPRO of Hayward is your local restoration expert.
No owner wants to think about suffering damage to his or her business or commercial property. The damage alone could be catastrophic and costly to repair. Having a plan in place for handling emergency situations can help minimize or even prevent damages.
This is especially true when fire is involved! Building fires can quickly get out of hand if your employees are not prepared or taught how to respond.
By following our tips on teaching fire safety below, you can arm your employees with the knowledge they need to act quickly and efficiently in the event of a fire.
Do you know where the fire extinguishers are located on your property? Hopefully you do, and your employees do as well.
In fact, it is actually an OSHA requirement that all employees be trained on fire extinguisher use. This includes how to use one to fight a fire and how to distinguish between the different types of fire extinguishers.
Give your employees their first lesson by letting them hold and practice using your fire extinguisher. Aiming, pulling the pin and sweeping the flames are all important steps to explain as they practice. Also, ensure that they understand that six to eight feet is the distance they should be away from the flames.
If your staff have trouble remembering the steps, introduce the acronym PASS. In an emergency situation, it can be easier for your employees to recall and put their newly found skills to use. Aim to do this training at least once a year, and don’t let your veteran employees skip out on it! A refresher is needed every year.
Once your staff has that down, it is now time to divide up responsibilities. Designate a few trusted members the tasks of calling 911, fighting the fire and getting your crew and customers to safety.
No two fire situations are exactly the same, especially when it comes to a business. A fire that breaks out in a business along Nursery Road will have a different response than a simple break room fire at a local restaurant or storefront along Main Street. Because of that, your employees should understand the risks and know how to act in each situation.
Your employees’ safety is your No.1 priority, and it should be theirs as well. Reassure them that backing away and seeking safety is always an option. Walk around your building and discuss how to exit each room quickly and efficiently.
Preparing now can save you from a widespread disaster later! If your employees are confident about their fire safety skills, your chances of avoiding a devastating fire increases dramatically.
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.