Summer Fire Hazards: Keeping Your Workplace Safe During Bushfire Season

As Australia approaches the hotter months, workplace safety becomes even more critical. The bushfire season brings with it unique challenges, especially for those in high-risk areas. Summer fire hazards can jeopardise the health and safety of employees, as well as damage property and disrupt business operations. For workplaces in rural or bushfire-prone areas, like aged care facilities, the risks become even more serious. Elderly residents often have special needs and vulnerabilities, making it crucial for aged care centres to be prepared for fire emergencies.

Fire & Safety Australia provides expert advice and practical strategies to keep your workplace safe during this high-risk period.

Understanding Bushfire Risks

Bushfires are a natural part of Australia’s landscape, but the frequency and severity of bushfire seasons have increased over the years. Hot, dry conditions combined with strong winds create the perfect environment for fires to ignite, and once they do, they can spread rapidly, threatening lives and property.

For workplaces located in rural or semi-rural areas, the threat of bushfires is particularly high. Even businesses situated in urban settings may be affected by smoke, road closures, and other fire-related disruptions. Aged care facilities, in particular, face heightened challenges due to the vulnerability of their residents. In addition to typical fire hazards, aged care workers must ensure the safety and evacuation of elderly people, many of whom may have limited mobility or medical conditions that make evacuation difficult. Preparing for the unexpected is essential, and the right strategies can save lives, protect assets, and ensure that operations continue as smoothly as possible.

Top Summer Fire Hazards in the Workplace

• Flammable Materials
  Many workplaces store or use flammable materials, whether in construction, manufacturing, or offices. During the summer months, the risk of ignition increases due to higher temperatures and the proximity of bushfires. If these materials are not stored properly, they can fuel a fire and cause widespread damage. Flammable liquids, gases, and chemicals should be stored in safe, well-ventilated areas, away from ignition sources. In aged care facilities, special attention must be given to medical supplies, cleaning materials, and other potentially flammable substances.
• Electrical Equipment
  Overloaded electrical systems or faulty wiring are a common cause of workplace fires. During the warmer months, cooling systems may be put under additional strain, leading to the risk of overheating. Ensure that electrical equipment is regularly inspected, and that all safety measures, such as circuit breakers and proper wiring, are in place. This is particularly important in aged care facilities, where electrical systems support critical equipment, including medical devices, air conditioning, and lighting.
• Outdoor Worksites and Bushfire Exposure
  Workplaces situated in or near bushland, construction zones, or rural properties face the risk of direct exposure to bushfires. Overgrown vegetation, dry grasses, and debris can act as fuel for fires and increase the risk of spreading. Workers in these areas need to be aware of fire hazards, especially if they are working with machinery that can generate sparks or heat. For aged care facilities located in rural or bushfire-prone areas, it’s essential to maintain clear firebreaks around the property and ensure that any vegetation near the building is regularly managed.
• Extreme Weather Conditions
  Extreme heat and high winds are characteristic of summer bushfire seasons. Heat can cause dehydration, heat stroke, and fatigue, while high winds can spread fires quickly, making it more difficult to control them. Having a plan in place to protect workers from heat-related injuries and reduce the risk of fires spreading can prevent disasters. In aged care facilities, it’s critical to ensure that residents are kept cool and hydrated during extreme heat. This may involve air conditioning, fans, or cooling stations and providing regular check-ins for those with limited mobility.
• Inadequate Evacuation Plans
  A well-designed evacuation plan is essential during bushfire season. In the event of a fire, employees need to be able to evacuate quickly and safely. Failing to conduct regular fire drills, update evacuation routes, or ensure fire exits are clear can lead to chaos during an emergency. It’s crucial to ensure that everyone in the workplace knows what to do and where to go if a fire breaks out. For aged care facilities, evacuation planning is even more complex. Many residents require assistance with evacuation, and time may be limited to ensure everyone is safely moved to a designated fire-safe area. These plans should be tested regularly with staff, as well as include provisions for elderly residents with mobility issues or other special needs.

How to Keep Your Workplace Safe During Bushfire Season

Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment: The first step in preparing your workplace for bushfire season is to assess the fire risks specific to your environment. Identify potential hazards and determine the level of fire risk based on your location, industry, and the materials you use. For example, a construction site in a bushland area will face different risks than an office in an urban setting. Aged care facilities, due to their unique population, may face added risks, including limited mobility of residents, the need for special medical equipment, and the emotional stress that a fire emergency may cause to elderly residents. Fire & Safety Australia can help assess your workplace and develop tailored strategies to mitigate risk.

Prepare an Emergency Bushfire Plan: An effective bushfire plan is crucial. This plan should outline procedures for evacuation, safety zones, and communication during an emergency. It should also consider the possibility of smoke inhalation and other environmental risks. Make sure employees are trained on the emergency plan, including when and how to evacuate, where to seek shelter, and how to use firefighting equipment if necessary. Regular fire drills will help ensure that employees know how to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a bushfire. In aged care facilities, evacuation plans must be adapted for residents with mobility challenges, providing additional staff support and specialised equipment, such as evacuation chairs or stretchers, to assist with resident movement.

Ensure Safe Storage of Flammable Materials: Store all flammable materials in compliance with local regulations and fire safety guidelines. This includes chemicals, gases, oils, and other hazardous substances. Use appropriate containers, avoid overstocking, and ensure that these materials are kept away from heat sources. Safety cabinets and fire-rated storage units should be used, and employees should be trained on how to handle and store materials safely. Aged care facilities should also secure medical and cleaning supplies, ensuring that nothing can contribute to the spread of fire.

Install Fire Safety Equipment: Ensure that your workplace is equipped with the necessary fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, sprinklers, smoke alarms, and emergency lighting. Regularly check that all equipment is functional, and make sure employees are trained to use it. Having the right fire safety equipment available can be the difference between a small incident and a devastating fire. Aged care facilities must have robust systems in place to alert staff and residents to potential fire risks, including fire alarms that can be heard across multiple levels of the building.

Protect Your Employees from Heat Stress: During the summer, it’s essential to protect employees from heat-related illnesses. Provide shaded areas, adequate hydration, and regular breaks. Heat stress can impair a person’s judgement and response time, which can lead to dangerous situations. This is particularly important for workers in outdoor environments or those using heavy machinery. In aged care settings, ensure that residents are regularly hydrated and cool, as they are more vulnerable to heat stroke and dehydration.

Monitor Weather Conditions: Stay informed about weather conditions, particularly during the bushfire season. Monitor local forecasts and be aware of fire danger ratings. Consider implementing a notification system to alert employees of dangerous conditions and adjust work schedules if necessary. When the fire danger is high, limit outdoor work and ensure that safety measures are in place.

Proactive Fire Safety for Bushfire Season

Bushfire season poses significant risks to businesses, aged care facilities, and their employees. However, by taking the right precautions and staying vigilant, you can minimise the risk of damage and ensure the safety of everyone in the workplace.

Fire & Safety Australia offers expert advice, training, and safety equipment to help businesses prepare for bushfire season and protect their employees and vulnerable residents from harm. The Respond to Wildfire & Prevent Injury training course from FSA teaches you how to respond to wildfires, work safely as part of a team to put out fires, handle mop-up and patrol tasks, and get equipment ready for the next crew. Don’t wait for disaster to strike – act now to keep your workplace safe and secure during the summer months.

Find out more about our courses from Fire & Warden Training, First Aid Training, Emergency Response & Rescue Training, Safety Training, Health & Safety Representative Training, Work Health & Safety Training (WHS) and much more.

Author: Steve McLeod
CEO & Founder of Fire & Safety Australia