Alerting employees to a fire incident and ensuring safe evacuation is a paramount responsibility of the Fire Marshal and Safety Officer. On Construction sites, industrial premises and open air events it is not always possible to provide automatic wired alarms and even if provided automatic sirens cannot provide staff with urgent information in an emergency situation.
This is where manual alarms and hailers play their part. Fire and Safety Centre recommend several new product solutions to tackle this problem.
A compact and cost effective Emergency Gas Horn powered by a pressurised non toxic gas canister is small enough to be carried in an emergency kit bag. It produces a high decibel siren with an audible range up to 1500metres. Replacement gas canisters are also available.
A battery powered Mini Megaphone offers a convenient compact design with press to talk trigger and integral siren to alert staff and ensure essential information is communicated. For larger sites a high powered Megaphone is available with anti-howl microphone, press to talk trigger, volume control and shoulder strap.
Stand alone portable fire alarms are particularly useful for construction sites, outdoor applications and where wired alarms are impractical. The market leading Howler site alarms offer the ideal solution. Battery powered with fast push button activation they can be installed in minutes and are completely portable.
The Fire Marshal should be easily identifiable to the people on site. It also gives clear authority to the wearer making it easier to command attention. A monogrammed high visibility vest is highly effective and lightweight. Its advisable to select at least one size larger than your standard fit so that it can be worn over existing work clothing with ease.
To ensure the safety of personnel it is important to provide awareness training so all employees can recognise the alarm siren and are aware of the evacuation procedures, fire assembly points, location of fire fighting equipment and the identity of the appointed fire safety officers. Although formal training methods have an essential part to play don’t rely solely on printed information or verbal communication of safety procedures. Run fire drills on a regular basis as these will highlight any practical issues that may put employees at risk or hinder safe evacuation.