Page 36 - OHS, April 2020

FIRE SAFETY
Fire Inspections Can Foster a Workplace Culture of Prevention
From fire extinguisher training to prepared exit strategies to sprinklers, every aspect of workplace fire prevention affects worker and company safety.
BY TOM MALONEY
As an occupational health and safety profes- sional, it is important to know that fire pre- vention, in all its many forms, is vital to the success of any organization, company or worksite. From fire extinguisher training to prepared exit strategies to sprinklers, every aspect of workplace fire prevention affects the company, its employees, its community and you.
Fire Codes
A key aspect of fire prevention for buildings are fire codes. In the United States, fire codes are developed primarily by two organizations: The International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Both of these code-making bod- ies deal with construction, design and maintenance of the property.
NFPA fire codes were originally crafted to regu- late the hazardous materials or processes that might affect those occupying a structure (NFPA, 1995). This continues today; however, the NFPA’s National Fire Codes are developed and backed by technical com- mittees staffed by more than 6,000 volunteers, and the codes are adopted and enforced worldwide.
Not only do fire codes help to protect and save the lives of those working in the structure, but they also allow the fire service members to go home safely after a fire incident.
Have you ever wondered why your roads are built the way they are—or why certain structures are built to a different standard? The fire code, along with the many other municipal codes, affects all of these fea- tures. If the fire code did not address certain func- tions, then roads—for example—might have been built more restrictively and access would be limited, potentially jeopardizing the safety of the responders, employees and company property in a fire incident. Thus, the NFPA fire code advances fire and life safety for the private sector, workers and first-responders as well as the general public.
Monitoring Fire Code Compliance
While OSH professionals generally deal with the fire codes relating to construction, other safety profes- sionals, such as fire inspectors, have the responsibil- ity of understanding fire prevention codes and how to educate their clients about them. Both professionals, however, are committed to protecting all of the assets involved for internal and external stakeholders.
In order to reduce the amount of negative interac-
tions, fire inspectors must understand the codes and apply them consistently. Just like OSH professionals, fire inspectors conduct safety audits to check for items that are unsafe such as blocked exits, extension cords, clutter and other minor violations. These violations might sound trivial or easily remedied, but vigilant fire inspectors might see these as the tip of the iceberg. They have to be aware of other possible violations as well such as occupant loads, hazardous materials stor- age, industrial practices and non-compliance with an- nual service requirements.
For example, inspectors must be cognizant of haz- ardous materials storage, regulations on amounts and how that storage can affect the local fire department’s ability to provide services in the event of an emergen- cy. This knowledge is crucial so that firefighters can render aid with efficiency and effectiveness. In addi- tion, information about the history of the property helps the inspector evaluate any pre-planning data that may be available. Again, this can assist first-re- sponders with on-site logistics and planning.
Customer Service and
Inspections go Hand-in-Hand
While knowing the fire code is imperative for those conducting inspections, it is equally as important for inspectors to provide thoughtful and thorough feed- back to their clients. Thus, a tactful approach is nec- essary while explaining to an individual that their or- ganization does not meet the minimum requirements under the fire code. This goes hand-in-hand with proactively educating clients about the code and viola- tions. This teachable moment can go a long way in pro- moting a sound culture of fire prevention within the company. Safety consultants, does this sound familiar?
Customer service is evident when a fire inspector performs a maintenance code compliance check to make sure the company is adhering to the fire code. Customer service is the goal, but the inspector has to be mindful of the facility and the client. From the mo- ment an inspector arrives, he or she is being observed by company officials. Inspectors must be aware of this and their tone, behavior and attitude while trying to explain a situation and solution. Good relations can make it easier for the client to be more receptive to criticisms and helpful suggestions.
By building a positive relationship, inspectors can lower the chances of company officials becoming de- fensive about the process and reduce miscommunica- tions along the way. Therefore, professionalism is key
32 Occupational Health & Safety | APRIL 2020
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