The U.S. Fire Department reported an average of 1,200 hospital fires per year between the years 2009 and 2013.
A fire in a hospital can cause mass confusion and become fatal. That’s why it’s important to know hospital fire safety to prevent fires from happening. If they do occur, the hospital will know exactly what to do in case of a fire.
For hospitals located in Tampa, Florida, United Fire Protection has services to increase fire safety for hospitals.
Keep reading to learn the eight essential hospital fire safety tips to ensure everyone stays safe.
1. Create a Smoke-Free Environment
Being careless with cigarettes is one of the biggest factors for fires. Creating a smoke-free hospital environment will increase your hospital fire safety.
2. Be Aware of Kitchen Appliances
Because of the open flames in a kitchen, it’s important to keep the area safe to prevent fires. Hospitals should make sure kitchen appliances are up to code, smoke detectors are working, and fire extinguishers are readily available.
3. Double Check Electrical Wiring
Although this isn’t the biggest fire risk, double-checking that the electrical wiring is working properly can prevent fires. If there is faulty equipment or cords, an inspection allows you to fix it before it becomes a problem.
4. Create a Safety Check to Reduce Human Error
Human error is inevitable. Yet, there are many ways to prevent fires from human error:
- Keep liquids away from electricity
- Do not allow smoking
- Train staff on hospital fire safety
5. Have a Hospital Fire Safety Escape Route
A fire safety escape route for a hospital is complicated. Due to the large space and number of people that are within a hospital at all times, planning an escape route is vital.
There should be someone in charge of communication to a fire department. The hospital also needs a mapped-out route of escape for each floor and room in the hospital. From there, there also needs to be a designated place for gathering once outside the hospital.
6. Install Sprinklers
Installing fire sprinklers in hospitals is one of the most important things you can do for hospital fire safety. Sprinklers can protect employees, staff, and patients by keeping a fire from spreading. Sprinklers can put out the fire where it originates.
7. Train Staff to Operate Fire Extinguishers
With so many different types of fire extinguishers, it’s important to train staff about how to use each when it comes to a fire emergency. Not only should staff be trained on how to use extinguishers, but they also need to be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are working properly.
8. Store Flammable Products Safely
There are many types of chemicals and devices in hospitals that may be flammable. Storing these items in a safe place to reduce explosions is a must. Staff should be trained to store these products safely to reduce fires.
Keep Everyone Safe Today
Without a fire safety plan, hospitals are not as safe as they could be and could be putting patients and staff in harm’s way.
It may be difficult to implement all these tips quickly and effectively. United Fire helps ensure fire safety for hospitals to protect everyone inside! Request a quote today.
