Preventing industrial fires

More than 17,000 fires occur in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants every year, resulting in injuries, fatalities and huge property loss. The presence of a heat source combined with manufacturing equipment, chemicals, combustibles and flammable vapors in direct proximity to workers presents a significant level of risk, with life threatening situations arising in seconds.

Every manufacturing facility should have an Electrical Safety Program in place to prevent these life threatening situations. The following strategies should be followed to develop an ESP:

* Operate facilities in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
* Establish operational guidelines for the use of each piece of equipment.
* Train all personnel in accordance with operating guidelines.
* Select and install emergency response equipment in all work areas.
* Establish a fire safety plan with fire extinguishers, smoke/fire alarms, exit signs, emergency lighting and sprinkler and fire suppression systems.