The General Directorate of Disaster Management can conduct official inspections not only after prior notification, but also on a random basis throughout the country, whether it is a workplace or even an apartment building. If deficiencies are found during the inspection, they can oblige the owner to take immediate action. Fines can also be imposed from HUF 10,000, in the case of multiple violations, up to HUF 10,000,000.
In this article, we will try to summarize the most common deficiencies and errors that we experience in the warehouse area.
Lack of education
XXXI of 1996. Act on Fire Protection, Technical Rescue and Fire Service states that employees must participate in fire safety training upon starting work and annually thereafter.
The most common fire protection deficiencies encountered in warehouses
We are often faced with employees smoking in the warehouse area. Smoking in the workplace is strictly prohibited! It is only allowed in the designated area. In certain warehouse areas, e.g., where highly flammable or explosive materials are stored, ignition sources cannot be brought in, so employees cannot have a lighter.
Storage involves a lot of waste material, be it paper or plastic. A common mistake is not to remove the generated waste from the work area. The storage area must be kept free of combustible waste. Combustible material and waste generated during the activity must be removed continuously, but at least every shift, or after the activity has ended.
It is also a common mistake that materials are stored too close to the ceiling, light fixtures, fire alarm and smoke detectors. In the warehouse, a distance of at least 1 m must be ensured between the slab and roof structure of combustible material and the stored combustible material. A distance of 1 meter from light fixtures and sensors is also recommended.
We have come across several times that due to the large amount of material storage, material storage is carried out in areas where it is not possible. Traffic and escape routes must be left clear, and emergency exits must be temporarily blocked. It is forbidden!
It also does not matter how materials or mixtures belonging to different flammability classes are stored. The materials may be stored grouped by gender and labeled.
Spilled or dripped material, e.g. acid, flammable liquid, etc. must be cleaned immediately.
Combustible material may only be stored on non-combustible shelves (metal shelves).
It is strictly forbidden to block the opening and closing mechanism of the public utility, fire extinguishing devices, and prevent their accessibility. It is advisable to mark the immediate surroundings of these technical devices with paint, thereby preventing storage irregularities.
Fire extinguishers and escape routes must be marked with a standard pictogram.
All employees are responsible for following the fire safety regulations during their work, in the event that they notice any irregularity, they must immediately eliminate it or report it to their direct manager.
If you want your warehouse to be safe, please contact us.
