Prevention 52: Workplace Fire Hazards

Most of us can probably think of potentially unsafe aspects to our workplaces. Instead of waiting for another employee to take action, thinking ";that's not my job," take control of what you can to contribute to a fire-safe workplace. Includes tips for fire safety.

Fire Prevention 52: Fire Safety for People with Disabilities

Fire Prevention 52: Do you know how to get out of your building if there is a fire?

Destruction of lives and property by uncontrolled fires has been around since ancient times. Despite our advanced technology, the United States has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world, suffering one structure fire every 84 seconds. So this week take 2 minutes to go on a fire hazard Easter egg hunt.

The National Fire Protection Association reports an average of more than 3,340 fires take place in the office workplace each year. Every employee should be empowered with the correct information and training to protect themselves, fellow employees, and visitors to our parks and offices.

At The Wayside: Home of Authors, in Minuteman National Historical Park, sparks from a welding operation ignited a fire on the exterior of the historic structure. However, quick action by employees effectively using a fire extinguisher stopped the fire in its earliest stages. Includes links to NPS hot work policy and permit form.

The New Year offers a time to improve our habits. This article offers easy ways to help ensure the fire safety of your family and belongings, as well as to enhance the safety of your workspace.

Spontaneous combustion is the occurrence of fire without the application of an external heat source and is due to chemical, biological, or physical processes. About 14,000 fires occur annually from spontaneous combustion. Rags and towels soaked with oils, including cooking oils; hot laundry left in piles; large compost, mulch, manure, and leaf piles; and moist baled hay can spontaneously combust in the right conditions. Avoid this type of fire by following simple tips.

Automotive shops, janitorial closets, and water treatment plants are some places in parks that may contain hazardous materials. Hazmats are also transported through our parks everyday. Dangers include the risk of fire or explosion, health-related injuries, and environmental consequences. All chemicals readily used today must have material safety data sheets. Hazardous materials should be stored properly, and parks should have a hazmat coordinator.

NPS policy mandates that every park advise local fire personnel of the locations and characteristics of cultural resources that could be threatened by fire and of any priorities for protecting them. So invite your local emergency responders for a visit and a meal. Have them assess the safety of your facility, make suggestions for improvements, learn the building's layout, complete or update a pre-incident plan, and note hazards or special considerations.