How to Make a Millwork Shop Fire Rated

Effective fire prevention techniques reduce the possibility of a fire emergency while eliminating fire hazards. In many workplace environments, the use of a standard fire rating aids in identifying hazards while generating prevention strategies. Millwork shops and lumber-related facilities present a unique hazard for managers and employees alike. These organizations must adhere to strict fire safety standards while implementing an effective strategy that recognizes inventory hazards. While the task may seem complex, the basic principles of fire prevention provide a useful method for prior planning.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact the local fire authority. By law, individual shops, gathering places and work spaces must be inspected and approved by the local fire authority. Contact the fire inspector to visit the millwork facility to determine the requirements for employees, inventory and visitors.

• 2

  Determine the recommended capacity. Determine the recommended safe occupation capacity for the millwork's primary facilities. Use the size of the facility, the number of employees, building construction and the available doorways and stairs to generate a number. The fire inspector should determine this number following inspection of the facility.

• 3

  Acquire fire extinguishers. Purchase or lease several fire extinguishers for use in the case of fire emergency. Position the fire extinguishers in a prominent position along existing hallways. Ideally, fire extinguishers should accompany fire alarms when positioned in a millwork shop. In addition, determine the class or type of fire extinguisher most useful for the types of flammable material prominent in the millwork shop.

• 4

  Establish fire escape routes. Determine the most expedient route to exit each area of the building in the case of a fire. Highlight these routes on a map and post the map on bulletin boards, in hallways and in employee gathering areas throughout the building. Cover the maps with a document protector and use colored highlights to identify routes.

• 5

  Select a fire safety officer. Choose a millwork employee to act as fire safety officer. This individual acts as a liaison with the local fire authority, conducts training at the millwork shop and inspects extinguishers as needed. Procure training from the local fire authority after the fire safety officer is selected.

• 6

  Reduce fire hazards. Reduce the possibility of a fire by properly positioning flammables away from heat sources. In addition, prevent the possibility of an electrical fire by properly using cords, outlets and electronic devices.