5 Fire hazard myths debunked

Despite widespread fire hazard awareness, many executives, managers, and site personnel believe inaccurate or erroneous things about fire dangers. Let’s consider some of the most prevalent and potentially dangerous fire hazard myths that proper fire hazard studies can debunk.

1. Gas detection = fire protection??

Simply having gas detection on-site is not the same thing as having adequate fire protection. For one, gas leaks are not the only potential causes of worksite fires. For another, part of fire protection is maintaining capabilities to put out small fires before they spread. Gas detectors do not necessarily assist with this if their coverage is not comprehensive enough or if the gas ignites immediately upon release.??

A fire hazard study can help you eliminate gaps in coverage and understand the best ways to maintain true fire protection beyond just installing gas detectors.

2. Our site has plenty of monitors – firewater is guaranteed to reach hazards??

Having monitors throughout the facility is not the same thing as being able to apply firewater to fires. Performing a fire hazard study can identify potential gaps in your monitor coverage, plus analyze where and what equipment your firewater system can reach. A fire hazard study may further provide you with data to improve your firewater coverage throughout your facility.?

3. We had water for a previous fire, so we have enough for all fires??

Putting out one fire in the past is excellent. But it doesn’t mean that you automatically have enough firewater (or a good enough firewater distribution system) to combat all potential fires that may impact your worksite.??

Perform a fire hazard study with fire protection experts like BakerRisk to determine how much firewater you need, how you can bring the firewater to potential fire sites, etc.??

4. We train, so we don’t need fire pre-plans??

If you already mandate fire training for site personnel, continue to do so. But training may not be enough if your personnel does not know exactly where to go, what to do, who to contact, or what other hazards are present within the facility. Fire pre-plans are important elements for any facility and are crucial parts of comprehensive training. A good fire hazard study can provide you with vital information to develop the best fire pre-plans for your facility’s unique layout and needs.??

5. Our operators fight fires, so we don’t need fixed systems??

Your facility certainly benefits from having operators trained to fight fires personally, as they can begin combating a blaze before emergency services arrive. But fixed systems, such as sprinklers, can provide greater safety for site personnel and critical equipment and begin the application of firewater before site personnel even know a fire has started.??

Fire hazard identification studies will show you the best ways to implement fixed fire protection systems throughout your facility, as well as provide data to help you implement these changes cost-effectively.

5 Myths about fire hazard analysis?

Fire hazard analysis are also subject to certain myths regarding what they do, their comprehensiveness, and what they are meant to help your organization achieve. Read the rest of this article to debunk 5 myths about fire hazard analysis. ??