Fire Protection - Factors Affecting Occupational Health

Fire protection and extinguishing devices require to be installed at proper places in the work place and proper notices for make use of such devices must be posted near the device or on the device. Employer must ensure that fire brigade will be obtainable if and when required. The general fire protection devices are portable fire extinguishers, standpipe and hose systems, automatic sprinkler system, fixed fire extinguishing systems working on chemicals, gaseous agents, water spray and foam. The workplace must comprise fire alarm and fire detection system. Occasional fire drills and informing employees on fire risks and use of firefighting equipment must be resorted. Fire exits from workplace have to be conspicuously marked. The fire exit design must suit both "escape" and "rescue". Escape considers to attempt by a worker to leave the scene of fire whereas rescue refers to attempts made by others to save the workers from affected area.