Fire exits should help people get out of a burning building safely. They are protected from other parts of the building and are made using fire-resistant materials to provide a safe way out of the building in case of fire. They are also your way out whenever there is an earthquake, and you can’t use the elevator.
But more often than not, people take building fire exits for granted. Unfortunately, people tend to pile boxes and other items up near exit paths of fire exits because they are very rarely used. Sometimes, they put broken chairs or tables temporarily in stairwells but forget about them completely. That’s when true disaster could occur.
Keeping your building’s fire exits clutter-free and clean could save the lives of hundreds and possibly thousands of people during an emergency. So, keeping them clean and well maintained at all times should be part of your routine cleaning schedule. Here are six reasons why.
1. They are easier to notice during an emergency.
Exit paths or doors leading to fire exits are easier to spot if they are kept clear of any obstruction. Make sure there are no boxes, old chairs and other furniture blocking these doors. You should also clean exit signs regularly to make them visible. Even when people are panicking, they can clearly see where to go to evacuate the building safely.
2. It facilitates fast evacuation.
A clear, unobstructed exit path can guarantee that people get to safety fast. That’s because there are no large and sometimes heavy stuff to slow down the evacuation process. Without these obstructions, people have one less thing to worry about when they are trying to get out of a burning building or during an earthquake.
3. Clutter poses a safety hazard.
There is a reason why this fact sheet from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that aisles, stairwells, and other passageways in factories, depots and other buildings need to be kept clear at all times. That’s because clutter and other obstructions may not only impede evacuation to safety, but they can also cause someone to trip and get injured while on their way to safety.
So, make sure to get rid of old computers, furniture and other obstructions properly. The building fire exit is definitely not the place to store them.
4. Keep fire exits clean to ensure safety.
A clean fire exit is a safe escape route. So, always ensure that exit paths, especially stairwells, are cleaned on a regularly, if not daily. Look out for dirt such as grime, dust, oil, stains, and even moss.
Remove candy wrappers, empty cans, broken glass and other litter as soon as you notice them. These make building fire exits unsafe for people to use – which is the exact opposite of what they are supposed to represent.
5. Can an unclean fire exit harm your people?
Yes, it can. Even when you clean constantly, dust still manages to get in somehow. So imagine the amount of dirt you’ll find if you postpone cleaning even for just a few days. Dust will accumulate, especially in enclosed areas such as stairwells, which raises health risks to your staff and customers alike.
Dust can irritate the eyes, skin, and even airways. It can make asthma, bronchitis, and other existing respiratory conditions much worse. Other types of dust, such as silica dust, pose an even greater risk because they can actually cause cancer. So, make sure that people around you have a safe passageway in case of emergency and safeguard their health in the process by cleaning fire exits regularly.
6. A clean facility makes you look good.
Every little thing counts when it comes to business. Even fire exits, no matter how seldom they are used (or at all), can impact your reputation. So, always make sure that they are clean and free of clutter at all times. After all, you never know when one person will take a peek just out of curiosity. This will also guarantee a hassle-free experience when building inspectors come knocking on your door.
At Prestige Property Services, we take commercial cleaning seriously. We have been providing high-quality commercial cleaning and janitorial and maintenance services for more than 15 years. Industry-leading companies in Southern California have relied on our outstanding services since 1997. Why not give us a try, too?
From building fire exit cleaning to floor waxing, carpet, and window cleaning, we do it all. We can also clean your refrigerators and microwaves, vacuum your office spaces, pressure wash your outdoor parking area, sanitize restrooms, and more.
By working with us, you don’t have to deal with multiple companies, which lets you save time and money in the process. Call us today at (714) 224-0301 or email info@prestigepropertyservices.com for inquiries!
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