Fires in the workplace can have devastating consequences, both for the safety of employees and for the company itself. That's why a comprehensive fire safety plan is essential. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about preventive fire protection, necessary structural measures and the correct behaviour in the event of a fire in order to effectively protect your employees and your company from fire hazards!

Preventive fire protection - what is it?

The topic of preventive fire protection encompasses a range of measures that ultimately serve to prevent fires and enable a quick and safe evacuation if the worst-case scenario - a fire - occurs. The most important measures are divided into three main categories: structural, technical and organisational fire protection. Let's take a closer look at these three areas.

Structural fire protection

Structural fire protection refers to the structural elements of a building that help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. These include

• Fire resistance of building materials: Building materials and components are tested for their fire resistance and classified accordingly.
• Fire protection concept: A detailed plan that documents the building's fire protection measures and ensures that all legal requirements are met.
• Escape route concept: Escape and rescue routes must be clearly defined and labelled to enable rapid evacuation in the event of a fire.

Technical fire protection

Technical fire protection measures include the use of devices and systems for early fire detection and firefighting. These include, among others:

• Fire alarm systems: Automatic and manual fire detectors ensure that fires are recognised and reported at an early stage.
• Smoke and heat extraction systems: These systems prevent the spread of smoke and enable better visibility and air quality during evacuation.
• Fire extinguishing systems and fire extinguishers: Regularly maintained fire extinguishers and extinguishing systems should be available in sufficient numbers and easily accessible. 

But beware! Not every fire can be extinguished using regular fire extinguishers or water. For example, metal fires (fire class D) should never be extinguished with water, but with extinguishing sand or covered in some other way. Grease fires (fire class F) must also never be extinguished with water, as this can even lead to dangerous explosions! Here too, it is important to cover the source of the fire as well as possible and thus smother it.

Organisational fire protection

Organisational fire protection includes training, drills and compliance with rules of conduct in the event of a fire. The following measures are particularly important:

• Fire safety instructions: Regular training for all employees to ensure that they react correctly in the event of a fire.
• Evacuation drills: Evacuation drills should be carried out at least once a year to practise procedures in the event of an emergency.
• Appointment of fire safety assistants: These specially trained individuals support the implementation of fire safety measures and help with evacuation in the event of a fire.

Correct handling of fire protection agents

An essential component of effective fire protection is the correct handling of fire protection equipment. All employees need to know where these resources are located and how they can be used in an emergency. This includes fire extinguishers, fire blankets and other fire protection equipment.

Fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are - as already mentioned in the technical fire protection section - indispensable tools for fighting fires. They must be clearly visible and easily accessible throughout the building. Every fire extinguisher should be serviced regularly to ensure that it is in working order in the event of an emergency. Fire safety assistants in particular need to know the following things:

• Locations: Fire extinguishers should be installed near sources of danger and along escape routes.
• Labelling: The locations of fire extinguishers must be clearly marked so that they can be found quickly in an emergency.
• Instruction: Annual instruction in the use of fire extinguishers is mandatory. Employees learn what types of fire extinguishers there are, how to use them and which extinguishing agents are suitable for which fire classes.

Fire blankets

The use of fire blankets on personal fires is risky and should only be used with caution. In many cases, fire extinguishers are the better choice as they enable faster and safer firefighting. Fire blankets should only be used if it is safe to wrap the burning person in them without causing additional injury. Otherwise, there is a risk of burning or glowing pieces of fabric being pressed against the skin, which could lead to severe burns and potentially make the situation worse for the people involved in an emergency.

Regular fire drills

Regular fire drills are essential to ensure that all employees can react calmly and safely in an emergency. These drills should be carried out at least once a year and include, for example, the triggering of the alarm. Practising the triggering of the alarm system inhibits its use in an emergency and also ensures that everyone knows how and when to trigger the alarm. 

In addition, the evacuation of the workplace should be practised at least once a year. The focus here is on practising an orderly evacuation despite the potentially dangerous situation, in which all escape routes are used and the assembly points are reached quickly. 

Practical exercises in the use of fire extinguishers and other fire protection equipment are also essential to ensure that all employees can use them effectively.

Support from fire safety officers and helpers

Fire safety is not a matter for lone fighters, but a joint task in every company. Fire safety officers and fire safety assistants therefore play a central role in the implementation and monitoring of fire safety measures. Their main tasks cover several areas. One core task is the planning and monitoring of fire safety concepts and plans. In addition, fire safety assistants and fire safety officers are responsible for providing training and instruction for all employees. Another important measure is the regular inspection of fire protection systems and equipment as well as informing the management of the annual fire drills.

Escape and rescue plans

Escape and rescue plans are also of crucial importance, especially in the event of an emergency. These plans must be displayed in clearly visible places in the building, for example in corridors, entrance areas and stairwells. People often walk past them without really knowing what they actually show. So here is a brief overview of what these plans actually reveal:

• Escape routes and emergency exits: These indicate the quickest and safest routes out of the building.
• Locations of fire protection equipment: Show the locations of fire extinguishers, fire alarms and other fire protection equipment.
• Assembly points: Indicate the safe assembly points where all employees should gather after the evacuation.

Conclusion

Comprehensive fire protection in the company is therefore not only mandatory, but can be essential in an emergency in order to save the safety or even the existence of the company and its employees. From structural and technical measures to organisational precautions and regular drills - every measure helps to prevent fires or minimise the risk of fire and to react correctly and quickly in an emergency. The message is therefore to invest regularly in fire protection to ensure a safe working environment and to keep putting it to the test so that nothing catches fire in the end. 

FAQs

What are the most important fire safety regulations for companies?

The most important fire safety regulations for businesses include a large number of regulations aimed at preventing fires and ensuring safe evacuation in the event of a fire. The key regulations include

• Occupational Health and Safety Act (§10): Regulates the employer's obligations to protect employees in the event of a fire.
• DGUV Regulation 1 (§4): Regulations of the German Social Accident Insurance, which define specific measures and obligations in fire protection.
• Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV): Specifies requirements for the safety and health protection of employees in workplaces, including fire protection measures.

What is preventive fire protection?

Preventive fire protection includes measures aimed at preventing fires and minimising the spread of fire and smoke. These include

• Structural fire protection: Use of fire-resistant materials and constructions as well as the planning of escape and rescue routes.
• Technical fire protection systems: installation and maintenance of fire detection and extinguishing systems as well as smoke extraction systems.
• Operational and organisational fire protection: training employees, conducting fire drills and appointing fire safety assistants.

How should escape and rescue routes be designed in the company?

Escape and rescue routes must be designed in such a way that they enable quick and safe evacuation in the event of a fire. Important aspects are

• Labelling: Escape routes must be clearly marked with green and white illuminated signs.
• Keep clear: Escape and rescue routes must not be blocked by objects and must be freely accessible at all times.
• Regular review: Escape and rescue plans should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that all changes in the building are taken into account.

What are the tasks of fire safety assistants?

Fire safety assistants have the task of acting quickly and efficiently in the event of a fire.