Which of the following is NOT a key factor in effective fire prevention?

The key factor that is not part of effective fire prevention is the immediate evacuation of all personnel. While evacuation is a critical component of fire safety response in the event of a fire, it is not a preventative measure. Effective fire prevention focuses on strategies that reduce the likelihood of a fire starting in the first place.

Regular maintenance of fire safety equipment ensures that systems like alarms, extinguishers, and sprinkler systems are functional when needed. Employee training on fire safety procedures educates staff on how to recognize hazards and what actions to take, which plays a significant role in preventing fires. Eliminating combustible materials from workspaces directly removes potential fuel sources for fires, thereby reducing the chances of a fire outbreak.

In contrast, immediate evacuation pertains to response and safety during a fire incident rather than prevention, which is why it is not classified as a key factor in fire prevention itself.