Is Your Home Office Safe?
Posted: January 11, 2013
A growing number of entrepreneurs are taking advantage of the new prospects being made possible by technology and the Internet. Never before have there been more ways to create a home office than today. However, the elimination of supervisors and other employees within the work area can cause home office workers to overlook crucial safety measures that can put their entire family in danger. January 6-13 is National Home Office Safety and Security Week, and this marks a time when home office workers should focus on the hazards in their offices. Here’s how:
Operable Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers
With an increase in electronic devices in use, it is important that the home office possesses operable smoke detectors to warn in case of a fire. Batteries should be periodically checked by pressing the detector's test button. Furthermore, in the event a fire does occur, it is necessary to have quick access to a fire extinguisher.
Exit Strategy
While the measures mentioned above significantly decreases the chance of an uncontrolled fire breaking out in the home office, an exit strategy should be planned in the event that a fire does break loose in the home. Multiple exit locations should be determined to ensure the safety of everyone in the home.
Keep Work Station Clean
The absence of a direct superior can make it difficult to worry about keeping the home office clean; however, clutter can cause dangers that many fail to recognize until it's too late. Piles of paper stacked on the floor are easy to trip over, and flammable materials can come into contact with heaters and pose an inadvertent fire hazard.
Family Training
Many start up home offices in attempt to be near their family. While this in itself is noble, it is important that young children understand that the home office is a work area. Arrangements should be made to ensure children are supervised while their self-employed parent is working.
Following these steps can help make your home office safer in 2013.
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Operable Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers
With an increase in electronic devices in use, it is important that the home office possesses operable smoke detectors to warn in case of a fire. Batteries should be periodically checked by pressing the detector's test button. Furthermore, in the event a fire does occur, it is necessary to have quick access to a fire extinguisher.
Exit Strategy
While the measures mentioned above significantly decreases the chance of an uncontrolled fire breaking out in the home office, an exit strategy should be planned in the event that a fire does break loose in the home. Multiple exit locations should be determined to ensure the safety of everyone in the home.
Keep Work Station Clean
The absence of a direct superior can make it difficult to worry about keeping the home office clean; however, clutter can cause dangers that many fail to recognize until it's too late. Piles of paper stacked on the floor are easy to trip over, and flammable materials can come into contact with heaters and pose an inadvertent fire hazard.
Family Training
Many start up home offices in attempt to be near their family. While this in itself is noble, it is important that young children understand that the home office is a work area. Arrangements should be made to ensure children are supervised while their self-employed parent is working.
Following these steps can help make your home office safer in 2013.
*