Each October, organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and others observe Fire Prevention Week and Month by spreading fire safety awareness and helping protect homes, businesses and people. The annual event began in 1911 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, a fire that killed approximately 300 people and destroyed over 17,000 structures.

Whether your franchise partakes in Fire Prevention Week or Month, or works on fire safety procedures year-round, it is important to be aware of fire hazards and have a plan in place. Because as OSHA states, “fire safety becomes everyone’s job”.

Planning Fire Safety Procedures for WellBiz Franchisees

Create an emergency action plan

As an organization, you are obligated to maintain the fire code requirements of your state and city. Emergency action plans may also be required of your business. Exits and safety signage may be subject to annual inspections. When creating an emergency action plan, OSHA requires a plan that:

• Describes the routes for workers to use and procedures to follow.
• Accounts for all evacuated employees.
• Remains available for employee review.
• Includes procedures for evacuating disabled employees.
• Addresses evacuation of employees who stay behind to shut down critical equipment.
• Includes preferred means of alerting employees to a fire emergency.
• Provides for an employee alarm system throughout the workplace.
• Requires an alarm system that includes voice communication or sound signals such as bells, whistles, or horns.
• Makes the evacuation signal known to employees.
• Ensures the provision of emergency training.
• Requires employer review of the plan with new employees and with all employees whenever the plan is changed.

Practice evacuations with employees and ensure evacuation routes are posted where employees and guests can see them.

Identify key fire risks

There are several common workplace fire hazards, including:

• Franchise equipment like wax warmers, hairstyling tools and towel warmers
• Cooking appliances
• Electrical equipment
• Power strips and other electrical hazards
• Lighting equipment
• Heaters
• Arson
• Smoking materials

Consider your business’s risks and pay special attention to fire prone areas.

Educate employees

In addition to sharing evacuation routes, exit locations and fire protection equipment, encourage your employees to speak up if they notice fire hazards, such as frayed wiring, overloaded power strips, dysfunctional smoke detectors and damaged power cords.

Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers

Install smoke alarms and test them at least once a month. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested.

Ensure detectors meet the needs of all visitors, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Consider detectors that include a flash alert for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Mount fire extinguishers so that employees and guests can locate and use them if necessary. Ensure employees are familiar with general extinguisher use. Maintain and inspect extinguishers per regulations.

Protecting Your WellBiz Franchise from Fire Risks

Even with fire safety procedures for WellBiz Franchisees implemented, your organization could still experience a fire, and a fire at your WellBiz property could be detrimental. Beyond extensive property damage, employees or guests could be harmed.

With Property insurance from Lockton Affinity, you can protect your business from the costs associated with fire damage.

See what coverage will look like your franchise today by contacting the dedicated Lockton Affinity team at (866) 597-1346.