Fire-safety: How to Protect your Practice from a Devastating Blaze

When other people turn up to dinner on Friday night, sighing and moaning about how they’ve had the worst day ever, they’re probably referring to a difficult phone call with an angry client or an infuriating afternoon trying to catch up with an overflowing email inbox.

Yet, as the owner of a healthcare practice with the well being of your patients in your hands, their bad days are nothing compared to yours.

Considering the industry’s current cyber-security challenges, the growing superbug threat, and constant inspections, you’ve got plenty of responsibilities to deal with every hour of the working week.

But with such a busy and important to-do list to manage it’s shockingly easy to neglect your duty to protect your business, clients and employees from the risk of fire – and it could lead to a disaster, the effects of which will last much longer than just one bad day.

To help you avoid that nightmare situation, we’re sharing a few basic fire-safety rules to get your practise in tip-top shape. Take a look.

#1: don’t neglect your legal obligations

You’re used to strict regulations regarding pretty much every aspect of your business, so remember to check in on the latest fire-safety updates.

From staff training to inspections, alarm systems and emergency exit plans, there are lots of different elements you need to get right or you could end up facing a costly fine. Ask for help from your local council and read government guidance to stay on the right side of the law.

#2: remember prevention is best

Prevention is best when it comes to dealing with accidents. Besides being a legal requirement, regular risk assessments are a great way of noticingand managing any potential problems or likely sources of a fire.

Pay close attention to common hazards, like faults with electrical equipment or incorrect storage of sensitive chemicals, and train all staff to pay attention when working with such threats.

#3: invest in protective measures

No matter how prepared you are, accidents still happen – in that worst-case scenario, all you can do is limit the damage.

Investing in protective measures like a sprinkler system, blast wall or other structural fire-proofing is your best bet for keeping everyone safe from harm in the event of an emergency. Talk to the experts about what’ll work most effectively in your practise.

#4: update your alarm system

Another element of fire-safety you should never skimp on is your alarm system. Depending on the nature of your healthcare practise – for example, whether it’s residential or not – you’ll require different things.

Once you’ve picked one and it’s properly installed, train staff on the correct protocol to follow should it ever sound and don’t forget to regularly check it’s in full working order with drills.

Do you have any other fire-safety tips we’ve not included that healthcare professionals might find useful? You can always leave a comment and let us know.