Should You Upgrade Your Fire Safety Equipment? 4 Signs That the Time is Now!
One of the responsibilities that come with operating a business is ensuring that employees are safe. It’s not just security measures that keeps unauthorized personnel from entering the building; it’s also about ensuring employees can exit safely if a fire should break out. That’s why you invested in fire cabinets and safety storage equipment that’s filled with extinguishers and other resources.
Since nothing lasts forever, it may be time to invest in more cabinets and possibly replace some of the equipment. How do you know if this is something you need to do this year? Here are four signs that will help you decide.
A Lot of the Equipment Has Been Around a Long Time
All of your equipment was purchased new rather than used. As you think back, quite a bit of it was bought when you opened the business. Quite a few years have passed and things have changed a little.
It boils down to keeping up with the latest technology. Some of what you have on hand right now is no longer on the market because something newer and more efficient has taken its place. Since you do want to ensure all employees are protected if a fire breaks out, it’s time to get rid of the old and bring on the new.
You’re Not Sure If Everything is in Compliance With Current Safety Codes
With advances in technology come changes to local safety codes. Perhaps your jurisdiction has grandfathered in some of the equipment and supplies you have on hand. Is that really good enough for you?
A conscientious business owner wants to ensure every safety measure in the workplace is in line with current codes, not allowed due to some sort of exception. If you’re not sure if everything is in line with the latest code, find out. Anything that’s no longer compliant needs to be replaced.
You’ve Changed the Layout or Added to the Facility
Your original plan for the placement of fire extinguishers, alarms, and other essentials was based on the facility’s original layout. Over time, you’ve reworked that layout. Perhaps you’ve also added another wing to the facility. The bottom line is that the original plan is no longer adequate.
What you need now is a professional to come in and help you identify a new plan for placement of fire safety equipment, cabinetry, and other basics. Once that’s done, you can rest assured that your employees have a better chance of avoiding injury due to a fire.
Lots of Repairs in the Last Two Quarters
How much have you spent on repairing the fire equipment over the last two or more quarters? If that total is getting close to the cost of investing in new equipment, now is the time to change the way you’re thinking. Rather than spend more money on repairing aging equipment, invest in something new. That will mean more expense on the front end, but it will save money later on.
When was the last time you arranged for a comprehensive evaluation of your facility’s fire safety strategies and equipment? If you can’t remember, it’s time to change that. Contact a professional today and set up a date for a full assessment. All it takes is one fire to make all of your efforts worth it.
Rob Teitelman is an avid blogger and digital marketing enthusiast with years of experience creating content for businesses and brands. His work has been published on major publications and blogs across North America, covering a variety of niches from tech to real estate. Recreational guitarist, amateur photographer and avid fan of all things technology and gadgets.