Fire Safety Equipment for Hospitals

Compared to other establishments, essential fire emergency protocols for healthcare facilities may be much more complicated. From evacuation guidelines to fire safety equipment requirements, hospitals and healthcare facilities must follow strict protocols when it comes to fire safety.

Unlike other facilities such as schools and campuses, sports stadiums, industrial warehouses, or apartment complexes – the occupants of healthcare facilities are the sick, elderly, and disabled – and it’s one of the reasons why the implementation of fire safety rules are unique for healthcare facilities.

According to a report issued by the National Fire Protection Association in 2017, an average of 5,700 structural fires happens in healthcare facilities every year.

Fire Safety Strategies for Healthcare Facilities

There are many integral aspects of healthcare facility management. The safety of the patients and healthcare staff are of utmost importance. Healthcare facility managers must, therefore, be constantly aware of essential things such as routine safety checks, fire safety equipment maintenance and repair, and fire safety education – among other things.

Here is some important information about fire safety equipment and fire prevention considerations for healthcare facilities – whether it’s a smaller clinic, big hospitals, nursing homes, specialized clinics, etc.

Pay Special Attention to the Kitchen in Your Healthcare Facility

The NFPA has reported that the leading cause of hospital and clinic fires is from cooking appliances and equipment. Studies also discovered that the peak times for hospital fires are when the staff is preparing meals.

One good news about this type of fire is it’s often contained in the kitchen. To safely prevent fires originating from kitchen equipment, make sure to do the following:

• Clean the grease traps, grills ducts, and grills regularly.
• Store flammable liquids properly and away from cooking appliances.
• Check the electrical wirings for damages or tears.
• Keep portable fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers close by.
• Make sure that all employees are updated on your fire safety plan.

Conduct a Routine Check of Wires and Electrical Outlets Throughout the Facility

Electrical malfunctions are prevalent in all types of establishment. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) found out that one out of five fires is a result of an overloaded outlet or broken wiring.

Thus, your healthcare facility’s electrical structure and setup must always be checked. Electric fires can be avoided with routine safety checks and proper maintenance.

Avoid using extension cords if you can. Always connect electrical equipment to the outlet to prevent the use of extension cord.

Also, it goes without saying that the cords must not be placed near flammable materials. Make sure they are not underneath a rug or a carpet.

Ensure you are contracting certified and professional electricians to set up, monitor, repair, and maintain your building’s electrical system.

Install the Right Fire Safety Equipment

NFPA recommends installing wet-pipe sprinkler systems. This sprinkler system discharges water as soon as it detects heat. Also, the NFPA reported that healthcare facilities with wet-pipe sprinkler systems only spent up to $5,000 for property damage per facility. Those without spent $14,000.

Maintenance of Fire Safety Equipment

All fire safety equipment needs to be regularly inspected to ensure that they are in good condition. As a facility manager, you can also do the following visual inspections until you can get a professional to conduct an official assessment.

• Are the instructions to use the extinguishers legible?
• Are there enough fire extinguishers in your facility?
• Are the fire extinguishers easily accessible?
• Are all the safety seals intact?
• Do you see any signs of damage on the exterior of the extinguishers?
• Are the nozzles clogged, leaking, or corroded?
• Is the needle on the pressure gauge in the right position?
• Are the fire extinguishers full, or do they feel light empty?

Professional Fire Safety Company for Your Healthcare Facility

Please reach out to us for all your fire safety equipment needs for your healthcare building. Our goal is to meet your specific fire protection requirements to ensure the safety of your facility.