UL Offers Tips to Protect Employees During Emergencies

Oct. 10, 2001
It's Fire Prevention Week. If a fire broke out at your workplace, would your employees know what to do?

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In honor of Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 7-13), ask yourself this question: If a fire broke out or other emergency arose in the workplace, would your employees know what to do? Planning ahead and keeping a level head can mean the difference between safety and danger.

"We''re calling everyone to action during Fire Prevention Week to start thinking about fire safety not just at home, but at your place of work or any building you''re in," says John Drengenberg, Global Consumer Affairs Manager at Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL). "Preparation now could lead to an effective escape in the event of a fire."

The safety professionals at UL offer these steps you can share with employees to prevent accidents and loss of life in workplace emergencies.

  • Know the location of the nearest fire alarm; know how to use it and be familiar with its signal.
  • Learn the location of the two nearest exits from your work area.
  • Count the doors, desks, work stations, etc., between your work area and the nearest exit. During a fire, it may be necessary to escape in the dark.
  • Don''t panic.
  • Don''t assume anyone else has called emergency services personnel. When calling the fire department (9-1-1), remain calm and give the dispatcher as much information as you know.
  • Never take the elevator during a fire. You may be trapped if the power goes out.
  • Before opening any door, feel the handle with the back of your hand for heat. Then, feel the door itself, starting from the bottom and moving to the top. If the door is hot, do not try to open it. Smoke and flames may rush into the room. If the door is cool, open it slowly but be prepared to quickly shut it if smoke or heat rushes in.
  • Leave quickly, closing doors as you go to contain fire and smoke.
  • If you encounter smoke or flame during your escape, use another exit. Heat and smoke rise so cleaner air will be near the floor. Get as low as possible to the floor and move toward the exit.
  • Once outside, move away from the building and stay out until emergency personnel say it is safe.
  • If coworkers are still inside, notify firefighters. Don''t attempt to rescue coworkers yourself once you''ve made it outside.

If you cannot escape safely, remain calm and protect yourself by closing as many doors as possible between you and the fire. Seal all cracks where smoke can enter by using wet materials such as jackets and towels. If there''s a telephone in the room where you''re trapped, call the fire department emergency number and tell them exactly where you are.

Wait at a window if possible and signal for help by waving an object that can be seen from a distance and, if possible, open a window for air, but do not break it as you may need to close the window if smoke rushes in. Try to remain patient as rescue can take several hours.

Underwriters Laboratories suggest that employers should conduct regular mandatory fire drills at least twice a year. They should post building evacuation routes throughout workplace buildings. Employees with special needs should be included in the emergency planning process. Employers should also ensure that fire exits and doorways are never blocked. Any signs of malfunction or blockage should be reported to building management.

For more fire safety and other safety material, visit UL''s Web site at www.ul.com/consumers.

by Sandy Smith

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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