Oke Olusola: February 2012

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HOUSKEEPING

Combustible material should not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms or electrical equipment rooms.
Combustible materials should not be stored in exits or exit enclosures.
Outside dumpsters should be kept at least 5 feet away from combustible walls, windows, doors, overhangs and lid should be closed.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks should be secured to prevent falling.
Storage is not allowed near electrical panels or in electrical equipment rooms.

EXIT

Exit ways and doors should not be visually or physically obstructed.
Exit ways and doors should be unlocked when building is occupied.
Emergency lighting systems should be functional.
Fire assemblies should not be obstructed or otherwise impaired from their proper operation at any time.
Main door should have a sign above door stating "THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN BUILDING IS OCCUPIED."
Exit door should not be blocked.
Exit signs should be illuminated as required.
Items should not be stored in hallways

Fire protection

All fire lanes should be clear and unobstructed.
Fire alarm systems should be serviced annually.
Fire protection systems should be maintained in an operative condition at all times and repaired where defective.
Fire hydrants and hose connections should not be blocked by items (i.e., idle pallets, etc.)
Make sure fire department telephone numbers are conspicuous
Make sure trash and debris are not lodged into piping and other locations

Building maintenance

The building address should be clearly visible from the street, minimum 4 inches in height with a contrasting background.
Fire-resistance-rated construction should be maintained.
Emergency lighting must be tested every six months and records must be maintained on site
Muster point should be clearly marked
Designated smoking area to be identified

Electrical

Extension cords and flexible cords should not be a substitute for permanent wiring.
Electrical panels must not be obstructed.
Electrical panel openings must be covered.
Breakers that continue to trip should not be tied off.
Power strips must be plugged directly into an outlet and NOT daisy-chained
Power strips should be directly connected to a permanently installed receptacle.
Power strip cords and extension cords should not extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or floor coverings, or be subject to environmental or physical damage.

Fire Extinguishers

A minimum of one 2A-10:BC portable fire extinguisher should be provided within 75 feet of travel distance from anywhere in the business on each floor.
Fire extinguishers should be inspected at least monthly.
Fire extinguishers should not be obstructed and should be in a conspicuous location.
When visually obstructed, an approved means should be provided to indicate location of fire extinguishers.
Fire extinguisher should be mounted on the wall with a hanger.

On discovering Fire

1. raise an alarm to alert others

2. call fire service

3. evacuate the building

4. shut all doors behind you

5. never try to pick any valuables or possession

6. do not panic

7. do not pull or push others

8. do not run but walk out smartly

9. do not use elevator or lift, it might fail. Use the stairs

10. follow the emergency exit nearest to you

11. assemble at the designated muster point

12. make a roll call to ensure no one is left in the building

13. never go back to the building until the fire brigades tells you to do so

14.assist the fire brigade as much as you can

Please call the fire safety department in Lagos state

Oke Olusola