Basic H&S Guidelines

Section 3 – Fire Safety

Each year industrial fires cause injuries and loss of life and property. These losses can be avoided
with the proper implementation of fire prevention measures and emergency preparedness. Fire
extinguishers are one of the less expensive aspects of fire safety, but their use in factories is often
compromised by poor maintenance, inappropriate and/or obstructed placement, and lack of
worker training. Automatic sprinkler systems, when adequately designed, installed and
maintained, are up to 95%+ effective and offer the best protection for building occupants and
property.

Every country has fire safety legislation and fire safety and building codes. Suppliers should
understand and comply with these codes and regulations. General guidance on fire safety is given
below and further details can be found in the adidas Group’s Fire Safety Guidance Note. Whenever
there is a conflict between national codes and the adidas Group guidance, the most stringent
standard should apply.

3.1 Fire Safety Guidelines

• Fire alarm systems (sound and light)
should be installed which are distinct
from other alarms and notification
systems:
o Full testing of alarm systems every
three months.
o All records of tests, maintenance,
repair or replacement of alarm
systems should be retained.
• Emergency lighting should be installed
along egress routes, at exits, in
stairwells, and at other appropriate
locations (see Figure 3.5):
o Lighting should be >1 lux.
o Inspection and testing with
documentation every month.
o Illuminated “EXIT” signs with back-
up power supply are required at
exits and along egress routes.
• Sufficient directional and exit signs to
ensure that all egress routes from all
areas of the building to exits are clearly
indicated.
• Exit signs should be clearly legible with
pictogram and wording in English and
the local language.
• Assembly areas outside the building
should be designated, and should not
interfere with emergency service.
• “No Smoking” signs should be displayed
prominently throughout the premises.
• Fire hydrants and fire hoses should be
inspected and tested at least twice
yearly and have control tags as
documentation.
• Automatic sprinkler system operation:
o An independent water supply for the
sprinkler system is required.
o Pressure checks of the water
storage container should be
conducted every 5 years and
documented.
o Water level and pressure, water
pumps and the general condition of
related equipment should be
inspected monthly.
o Sprinkler heads should be kept
clean.
o Water flow through the sprinkler
system should activate the building
fire alarm.
o Sprinkler piping should not be used
to support unrelated equipment or
materials.
o There should be at least 0.45 metre
clearance between sprinkler heads
and stored materials.

Social & Environmental Affairs Page 15 of 127 Feburary 2010