What to Do in the Event of a Fire at Your Office Workplace

Fire safety in the workplace is a critical concern, and being prepared can make the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic event. In the United Kingdom, fire safety guidelines are robust, and the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) provide a structured approach for effective response. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do if a fire breaks out at your office, ensuring you follow national guidelines and JESIP principles.

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1. Immediate Response: Raise the Alarm

The first step in the event of a fire is to raise the alarm. This can be done by:

Activating the Fire Alarm: Locate the nearest fire alarm call point and activate it. This will alert all occupants of the building and initiate the evacuation process.

Calling Emergency Services: Dial 999 to report the fire, providing clear information about the location, size, and nature of the fire.

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2. Evacuation Procedures

Follow the Building’s Evacuation Plan

Every office should have a well-documented evacuation plan. Familiarize yourself with this plan and follow it meticulously. Key components include:

Using Designated Exits: Use the nearest safe exit as indicated in the evacuation plan. Avoid using lifts during a fire.

Assembly Points: Proceed to the pre-designated assembly point outside the building. These points are usually a safe distance away

from the building and free from obstructions.

Assist Others

Helping Colleagues: Assist those who may need help evacuating, such as individuals with disabilities or injuries. Ensure everyone is accounted for at the assembly point.

Fire Wardens: Fire wardens or marshals have specific roles during an evacuation. They ensure their designated areas are clear and assist in the orderly evacuation of staff.

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3. Personal Safety Measures

Stay Low

Avoid Smoke Inhalation: Smoke is more dangerous than flames in a fire. If you encounter smoke, stay low to the ground where the air is clearer. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth if possible.

Do Not Re-enter the Building

Wait for Clearance: Do not re-enter the building until the fire services have declared it safe. Returning prematurely can put you and others at risk.

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4. Reporting and Communication

Report to Assembly Point Coordinators

Accountability: Once at the assembly point, report to your designated coordinator or fire warden. This ensures everyone is accounted for and provides vital information to emergency services.

Clear Communication

Provide Information: Communicate any useful information to the emergency services, such as the location of the fire, the presence of hazardous materials, or missing persons.

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5. Post-Evacuation Actions

First Aid

Treat Injuries: Administer first aid to those in need while waiting for professional medical services. Many workplaces have trained first-aiders who can provide initial assistance.

Support Services

Emotional Support: Fires can be traumatic. Ensure that support services are available for employees, including counselling and mental health services.

JESIP Principles in Fire Response

The Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) emphasize coordinated and effective multi-agency responses. In the context of a fire in the workplace, the JESIP principles can be applied as follows:

Co-locate

On-Site Coordination: Ensure that fire, police, and ambulance services establish a joint command point at the scene. This facilitates effective communication and coordination.

Communicate

Shared Information: Ensure that accurate and timely information is shared among all responding agencies. Use common terminology to avoid misunderstandings.

Co-ordinate

Unified Response: Ensure that all responding agencies work towards a common goal with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.

Jointly Understand Risk

Risk Assessment: Collaborate to assess risks and make informed decisions to mitigate hazards. This includes understanding the fire’s behaviour and potential impacts on the building and occupants.

Shared Situational Awareness

Unified Perspective: Develop a common understanding of the situation through regular briefings and updates. This helps in aligning the actions of all agencies involved.

Fire Prevention Tips

Preventing fires is as important as knowing how to respond to them. Here are some tips to enhance fire safety in your workplace:

Regular Drills: Conduct regular fire drills to ensure all employees are familiar with evacuation procedures.

Fire Safety Training: Provide fire safety training for all employees, including the use of fire extinguishers and first aid.

Maintenance of Fire Safety Equipment: Ensure that all fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting are regularly inspected and maintained.

Clear Exits: Keep all exits clear of obstructions and ensure that escape routes are well-marked and illuminated.

Electrical Safety: Regularly inspect electrical equipment for faults and avoid overloading sockets.

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Conclusion

In the event of a fire at your office, knowing what to do can save lives and minimize damage. Following the UK national guidelines and JESIP principles ensures a coordinated, effective response. Raise the alarm, evacuate safely, assist others, and communicate clearly with emergency services. Remember, preparation and prevention are key to maintaining a safe workplace. Regular training, drills, and maintenance of safety equipment are essential components of a robust fire safety strategy. Over the coming weeks we will continue to bring both informative and enjoyable reads about topics within the Safety & Emergency Services sectors, please follow for future posts!

Stay safe, stay prepared, and prioritise fire safety in your workplace.

The Command Solutions Team