Operational safety includes measures in the company to protect people, property and the environment. The basis is formed by legal and internal company requirements to identify and control risks and to react correctly in an emergency (e.g. a fire). The building operator and the management are particularly responsible for this. But every individual can also contribute to sustainable operational safety by complying with safety regulations in the company.
Learn more about how you can make safety sustainable in your business and how CWS supports with sustainable fire protection solutions.
Operational safety: The basics
The basis for sustainable operational safety is hazard identification and assessment. Based on this, targeted protection and control measures can be developed and implemented. These include personal protective equipment, high-quality tools, machines, systems or equipment, the installation and maintenance of fire protection/safety systems as well as emergency planning or safety training. Fire protection and safety technology make an important contribution to sustainable operational safety.
In addition, the measures for operational safety are defined in various regulations, e.g. in the Operational Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV), the Occupational Safety Act (ArbSchG) or DGUV regulations.
Lack of operational safety: The consequences
Without appropriate operational safety measures, damaging events - be it an accident or fire - are more likely and associated with profound consequences. People, property and the environment can be damaged, which in turn leads to negative monetary effects. A fire, for example, can result in costly business interruptions and loss of orders.
In addition, there are negative effects on the environment, e.g. through the release of environmental toxins in the course of the combustion process. Furthermore, non-compliance with operational safety requirements may lead to sanctions.
Important: In practice, there is often a certain amount of negligence, especially with regard to the maintenance of fire protection and safety equipment or the elimination of deficiencies.
However, building safety is an important basis for sustainability. Thus, companies can no longer disregard operational or occupational safety and sustainability; rather, a proactive organisation is conducive to operational safety.
Actively protect people and environment
The implementation of operational safety measures actively protects people and the environment. Thus, the prevention of damaging events, be it an occupational accident or a fire, is an essential factor for sustainable success - and thus also a competitive factor - in addition to the conservation of resources.
Fire protection is active environmental protection
Preventive fire protection plays an essential role in this. Every fire incident is harmful to the environment. The combustion process produces environmentally harmful and toxic substances (e.g. carbon monoxide or sulphur dioxide). In addition, contaminated extinguishing water and extinguishing agents containing fluorine have a negative impact on nature.
The more effectively fires are prevented and fought in the event of an emergency, the less impact they will have.
Step by step to more sustainability
Measures for sustainable operational safety must be planned and implemented holistically. The starting point is a comprehensive risk assessment. Based on this, the concept is drawn up and implemented for the individual areas. In fire protection, the steps are as follows:
- Creation of a fire protection concept according to the individual circumstances.
- Planning of the necessary fire protection equipment.
- Selection of fire protection solutions and building materials (taking into account recyclability and resource conservation).
- Installation of the fire protection measures.
- Acceptance of the fire protection measures.
In addition, regular maintenance and servicing of the fire protection facilities are necessary to ensure the protection of the building in a sustainable manner (i.e. also in the long term). Furthermore, fire protection training is an important pillar, so that a quick and correct reaction in case of incidents is guaranteed.
Sustainable CWS solutions
We would like to work with you to ensure holistic and sustainable operational safety. Thus, we support you as a full-service provider in all areas of preventive fire protection and safety technology. In addition to the planning, installation and maintenance of fire protection equipment, we also provide fire protection training.
Furthermore, we also focus on sustainable alternatives to "classic" fire protection facilities. Thus, our product portfolio also includes
- Fluorine-free fire extinguishers
Fluorine-free fire extinguishers completely dispense with poly- and perfluorinated chemicals. Consequently, they are an optimal substitute for fluorine-containing foam fire extinguishers, which are currently still very often in use.
- Water mist extinguishing systems
Water mist extinguishing systems are an alternative to classic sprinkler systems. Due to the small quantities of extinguishing water used, they are much more resource-efficient - without any restrictions in extinguishing performance.
- Asbestos removal
We also support you in asbestos removal, for example in the case of fire dampers containing asbestos. Asbestos is a harmful substance that is now banned. However, asbestos can still be found in many existing buildings built before 1989.
In summary, operational safety and sustainability are closely linked and only unfold their full potential in holistic planning, implementation and continuous testing. In this context, legal requirements form the basis for establishing sustainable and resource-saving actions for companies.
Good to know: Sustainability has a very high priority for us. We pursue the goal of contributing to a safe and sustainable future with our solutions. We are part of the eco-friendly initiative of our parent company Haniel.
