It takes a lot of hard work and time to start up your own business, but it is well worth it in the end. The last thing you want is for something to happen that will damage your heavy equipment or harm your employees, such as a fire. Below are three tips to ensure this does not happen.
Fire Alarm Inspection
If an alarm does not go off when your building catches on fire, you not only put your employees at risk, but also risk losing your equipment. You also may want to check with your insurance company, because they may require that your fire alarm be tested each year. If not inspected, they may not cover damages to your equipment and building due to fire damage.
To be completely safe, hire a security company to test the fire alarm for you. They will check the program settings for each fire alarm you have. The security company will check and test all batteries and battery connections to ensure they are in good working order. They will also check the sound of the alarm to ensure it is working and loud enough for everyone to hear in the building. The company will also test the control panel and the circuits.
Ask the security company to show you the maintenance you should do on your protection system weekly and monthly.
Fire Extinguisher
There are over 200 fires in the United States workplace each day, which costs businesses over $2 billion each year. Fortunately, you can take steps to keep this from happening to you.
You should have at least one fire extinguisher in easy access. This can be a lifesaver to put out a fire before it becomes large. There are different types of fire extinguishers you can purchase.
Once you determine the type you need, you need to consider the features of the fire extinguisher you purchase. For example, consider how you recharge and refill it, and how it is mounted on the wall. You should also make sure the fire extinguisher comes with full instructions on how to properly use it. Your employees should be trained on how to use it, and you need to check the fire extinguisher at least once per month to make sure it is working. How you do this depends on the type you have. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions.
If you have large heavy equipment, you may want to consider using an automatic fire suppression system. This equipment controls and puts out fires without you having to do anything at all.
Electrical Work
Hire an electrician to check the electrical work in your building to make sure everything is working properly. This may be something you want to do on a yearly basis. The electrical contractor will check for any damaged or frayed electrical cords, and make sure all connections are secure. The contractor will also check electrical equipment, such as circuit breakers, motor starters, switches, transformers, and motors.
The electrical contractor may go over safety practices with you and your employee when it comes to electrical equipment. The contractor may also use a process called infrared scanning to help them identify if there are any hot spots that need to be checked and serviced. They will use thermography equipment to do this. This is something you may want to consider purchasing so you can check for hot spots on your own. The electrical contractor can train you and your employees on how to use this equipment.
For assistance with your fire alarm system, talk to a professional like Tri Communications Security Services Inc.
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