Fire

Planning for emergencies is something that any worthwhile building owner will take care of, because not only is it a legal requirement, but the reward vastly outweighs the time and effort you put into this effort. Sure it may take you a couple of weeks and some expense to ensure all areas of the developing premises are easy to evacuate, that the exit signage is bright and easy to follow, and that reporting systems are in place; but the results could quite simply save lives. This is, of course, even more important than curating revenue as a firm.

That said, emergency contingencies are not a ‘one and done’ process, in that the task is never ‘complete.’ We need to focus on maintenance from that point on, and making sure that regular tests keep us ready. Furthermore, essential measures such as staff training, qualifying certain team members for first-aid use, and making the use of the building easy to understand and carry out is essential when necessary.

In this post, then, we’ll discuss three important emergency contingencies to hold within your business premises. This way, safety isn’t just a nice word we use, but a habit we embody.

Plumbing Failures

From time to time, plumbing failures can occur. This is why it’s important to have maintenance staff able to prevent the problem from getting worse while you wait for professional contractors to come in. Learning where your water mains is and being able to turn that off, having reporting systems in place to notify an issue; especially if staff notice it, as well as ensuring alternatives exist like portable toilets or disabled toilet access temporarily is essential.

Fire Safety Inspections

Fire protection system inspection efforts are important to schedule regularly so they can overlook your entire approach. This may also culminate in checking your sprinklers, making sure your reporting alarm systems work appropriately with necessary drills, and also ensuring that additional measures, like disabled staircase access for when the elevator is locked down can be so helpful; in this case a manual lift that can be operated by two people to help a wheelchair carefully but steadily make its way down those steps is key. This way, no one is left behind, and also every potential pitfall in your evacuation process is managed properly. With measures like sprinklers, plumbing expertise is required.

Elevator Safety & Callouts

No one wants to be locked in an elevator; and so making sure your error reporting systems are in place is key. This way, you can easily call for help, or ask for a callout of technicians to let out your staff where appropriate. In some cases, you may be able to manually open the doors if properly aligned with the opening; but this is not something we should focus on without trained and qualified personnel able to distinguish the right time for an exit. In the long run, this will make a tremendous difference.

With this advice, you’re certain to perfect your emergency contingencies within your premises going forward.