HS: Hazards at home

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Chapter : Housekeeping Safety

HAZARDS AT HOME

Fire inspections are a regular part of your workplace safety program. Look for fire hazards and remove them.

These fire inspections are also important at home. You should regularly examine your house for situations which could cause a fire or prevent escape. Then take the steps necessary to eliminate the hazards.

One of the most important thing to check is your fire fighting system. Do you have any effective fire fighting system in your building or house? Is it still operative or isolated because of some leaks? Do you and your family members know how to fight a kitchen fire?

Besides testing your fire fighting system, you can help keep your family safe by planning what to do in case of fire.

All household members should know:

• An escape route in case of fire
• Where the keys for all doors are available.
• What to do in case of a fire in the neighboring apartment.
• Where to meet outside.
• Whom to contact in case of emergency (Emergency  No 108)

You must also ensure that escape doors and windows open easily. Exit doors and stair case must be free of blocks and shall not be restricted by Garbage bins and other items. Do not use lifts and elevators during a fire as power supply may trip or may be isolated.

Take a tour through your house to look for other fire hazards. Here are some possibilities:

• Flammable liquids stored in the house or near sources of ignition can cause fires and explosions. Keep gasoline and solvents in a separate ventilated area away from the living area.
• Inspect your gas line. Check for leaks. Replace regulators and hoses periodically.
• Know where to isolate your water line in case there is a flooding in your kitchen or toilet due to a broken pipe.
• Do not try to operate any electrical system standing in the water or wet floor.
• Don't keep large quantities of combustible materials in the house, especially near escape routes such as hallways, stairwells and exits.
• Look for electrical problems which could cause a fire. Flickering lights, loose switches and damaged cords or overheated wires and plugs are warnings of electrical fire.
• Place fire extinguishers in accessible areas near kitchens or work area. Show family members how and when to use an extinguisher - emphasizing the importance of getting everyone to safety and calling the fire department first.
• At each phone in the house, post emergency numbers including whom to call in case of fire. Also post your own address and telephone number because a panicked person can forget these.