Tackling Fire Threats in Healthcare Settings
When it comes to protecting the lives of patients and staff, hospitals may overlook the importance of fire prevention. However, with rising concerns and statistics related to fires in healthcare settings, it’s become even more critical for hospitals and other facilities to prepare for potential fire hazards adequately.
Healthcare Fire Statistics
According to the USFA, an average of 5,700 fires are reported yearly. Of those fires, 48% occur in nursing homes. The vast majority of these reported fires are considered contained fires, meaning they are restricted and limited in extent, therefore, easier to contain and extinguish. However, 27% of these fires are considered unconfined and can cause serious property damage and loss of life.
These healthcare facilities are tasked with providing patient care, and when fire prevention measures are not taken, it can directly impact patient safety and the overall delivery of healthcare.
5 Main Causes of Fires in Medical Settings
The safety of patients and staff is the most important thing in a medical facility. Even though doctors and nurses are trained to deal with health issues, the dangers of possible fires are often overlooked. The first step in coming up with successful ways to stop these fires is to figure out what causes them, such as:
- Cooking: Cooking is the leading cause of healthcare fires, especially during meal preparation. During these busy times in the kitchen, things like pots on an open flame or a malfunctioning toaster can become a serious hazard.
- Electrical Malfunctions: With the sheer amount of medical equipment used in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities, electrical systems can start fires. These are usually due to malfunctions in low-voltage wiring and cause damage to the circuit panel.
- Smoking: Though cigarettes are banned in healthcare facilities, they are often snuck in and improperly disposed of, leading to $400 million in damage every year.
- Flammable Materials: Patient care will often require oxygen tanks and other flammable materials, which are common ignition sources for hospital fires.
- Human Error: Mistakes, like not properly disposing of materials or not following safety protocols, can unintentionally lead to serious consequences.
By understanding and addressing these primary factors, healthcare facilities can take proactive measures to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.
How To Effectively Prevent Fires in Healthcare Environments
Fire protection is an important task that needs to be carefully planned and carried out. By knowing about possible fire hazards, healthcare centers can take steps to reduce risks and make sure that both patients and staff are safe. Here are some key ways to keep fires from happening in healthcare settings:
- Regular Inspections: It’s critical to do routine checks of electrical systems and equipment to catch issues like fraying wires, overloaded sockets, and hazardous electrical cords.
- Fire Drills: When it comes to evacuating patients, they will likely need significant assistance. Train all staff for fire safety and fire drills so that they can act quickly and calmly during an actual emergency.
- Safety Protocols: Ensure all staff is aware of safety protocols and enforce strict adherence, especially in high-risk areas like kitchens.
- Proper Storage: Store any flammable materials or chemicals properly, ensuring they are secured and stored away from potential ignition sources.
- Smoking Regulations: Enforcing strict no-smoking policies throughout all indoor and outdoor premises and posting clear signage of no-smoking zones.
Choose Foothill Fire Protection
Fires in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health facilities can cause devastating damage, especially when the care of vulnerable patients is in jeopardy. Protect your patients and staff by prioritizing fire safety in your healthcare setting, including providing proper training, practicing fire drills, and educating them on safety protocols that can help prevent damage and save lives.
To better secure your facility, turn to Foothill Fire Protection for superior fire prevention services, including fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and more.
Call us today at (916) 663-3582 to discuss how we can help you protect your medical facility from fire dangers throughout Northern California and the Bay Area.
