Identify ignition sources and fuel, keep chemicals and lint controlled, maintain equipment and building systems, provide suitable detection and firefighting equipment, train staff and practise a safe evacuation and emergency response.
Identify fuel, heat and ignition sources
Walk the actual premises and include production, storage, roof spaces, switchboards, plant rooms, office, vehicles and unattended service points.
- Lint in dryers, ducts and filters
- Solvents, spotting agents, aerosols and packaging
- Boilers, burners, heaters and steam equipment
- Electrical boards, plugs, leads and overloaded circuits
- Hot work, smoking and external contractors
- Batteries, chargers and unattended equipment
Control housekeeping and storage
Good housekeeping prevents fuel accumulation and keeps exits, fire equipment and isolation points accessible.
- Clean lint filters and ducts to schedule
- Remove waste and contaminated material safely
- Store chemicals by SDS and incompatibility
- Keep exits and fire equipment clear
- Separate ignition sources from flammables
- Maintain safe plant-room access
Maintain systems and emergency equipment
Use qualified service providers and keep evidence for alarms, extinguishers, hose reels, sprinklers, emergency lighting, gas, electrical and pressure equipment as applicable.
- Site fire-system register
- Inspection and service due dates
- Emergency shut-off identification
- Evacuation diagrams and assembly point
- After-hours and landlord contacts
- Fault, repair and impairment procedure
Fire protection, gas, electrical and building requirements vary by premises and jurisdiction. Obtain current advice from competent professionals and relevant authorities.
Train for alarm, isolation and evacuation
Staff must know the first safe actions without attempting a response beyond their training or blocking their escape.
- Raise the alarm and call emergency services
- Evacuate customers and staff
- Use isolation controls only when safe and trained
- Do not fight a fire that threatens escape
- Account for people at the assembly point
- Report, investigate and restore controls before reopening
This page provides general operational awareness. Always follow care labels, safety data sheets, equipment instructions, workplace procedures, testing requirements and professional judgement.