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FIRE SAFETY IS IMPORTANT BUSINESS By Pinnacol Assurance By the end of the day, more than 200 workplace fires will have occurred. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the more than 75,000 workplace fires that occur each year cost businesses over $2.3 billion. In 2003, Pinnacol Assurance received approximately 700 claims for burns and injuries from heat, fires, and explosions. OSHA standards require employers to provide proper exits, fire - fighting equipment and employee training to prevent fire deaths and injuries. The U.S. Department of Labor recommends these steps: Exits • Provide at least two means of escape that are apart from each other. • When occupied,the building's fire doors and exit routes must be clear and unlocked. • Properly label designated exits. Extinguishers Each workplace building must have the proper fire extin- guishers for their potential hazards. Instruct employees on fighting fire hazards and operating fire extinguishers. Only approved fire extinguishers are permitted. Follow a regular maintenance and inspection program. Don't Dig Until You Know! • Eliminate Expensive System Water Losses • Reduce Liability For Water Damage to Roads and Property • Avoid System Contamination From Leaking Lines • Lower Repair Costs By Avoiding Hit or Miss Digging For Leaks • Electronic Location of Hidden Leaks at Low Western Rates ! 28 Written Evacuation Plan Emergency action plans must describe evacuation routes and procedures. Designate a meeting place outside of the building to ensure all employees have exited the building. Where needed, address procedures for helping physically impaired employees. Written Prevention Plan • A written fire prevention plan must accompany the fire evacu- ation plan. • Include procedures for storage and cleanup of flammable materials and waste. • Address controlling workplace ignition sources such as weld- ing and burning. Heat producing equipment such as burners, heat exchangers, boilers, ovens, etc. must be properly main- tained and kept clean. Do not store flammables close to this equipment. • Inform employees of the potential fire hazards of their job and train them on the prevention and action plans. For more information on preventing workplace fires, call your association representative, or contact your Pinnacol Assurance safety consultant at 1- 800 - 873 -7242. 25 Years Experience Certified Leak Technicians Industry's Most Advanced Equipment Highly Effective On All Types Of Pipe - Even Plastic Professional Leak Detection Service Company COLORADO- WYOMING- MONTANA (800) 525 -6595