According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, there were 16,500 workplace fires in 2020, many of which were caused by cooking incidents, overloaded electrical sockets, and unattended heating devices. How could these fires have been prevented? With proper fire safety systems and training in place.
If you want to prevent fires in your workplace, safeguarding the lives of your employees and customers, we’re here to help. Follow along as we discuss common fire hazards in the workplace and how to avoid them. We will also provide several tips for preventing fires.
Top Five Workplace Fire Hazards
1. Faulty Electrical or Wiring
Faulty electrical systems, overloaded circuits, and incorrect wiring are the leading causes of workplace fires. When too much electricity flows to one place or faulty wires short out, your electrical system can spark and ignite. If your office or warehouse uses many servers, computers, or machines, you must regularly have your electrical system inspected for potential issues. A fire outbreak in your workplace can lead to significant property damage, loss of business, and, most importantly, endanger the lives of your employees. Regular inspections are a crucial step in preventing such a scenario.
2. Flammable Liquids and Gases
Laboratories, manufacturing plants, and warehouses use flammable liquids and gases daily. These substances can become a major fire hazard for employees and customers without proper safety and supervision. To reduce the risk of an accidental fire, store flammable materials in well-ventilated areas. Equally important, ensure all your employees are adequately trained on how to handle these products, emphasizing their role in fire prevention.
3. Faulty Heating Equipment
Without proper maintenance and supervision, heating systems like boilers, furnaces, and space heaters become a major fire risk in the workplace. To ensure your business stays comfortable and safe, schedule regular inspections of your heating equipment and keep any potential flammable materials far away. It’s also vital to train your employees on the proper use of space heaters.
4. Cooking Facilities
Most businesses have cooking facilities in the breakroom or lunch area, whether that be a microwave, hot plate, or toaster oven. Because these are familiar items, it can be easy to forget that they are potentially dangerous if misused. Inform your employees of proper protocol when using cooking facilities, like not leaving their food or beverage unattended as it cooks. It’s also helpful to have signage reminding employees which materials can and cannot go in the microwave and toaster oven.
5. Blocked Exits or Inadequate Safety Equipment
In the event a fire occurs in your office, your top priority is that employees and customers can exit safely. That’s why it’s critical that all exits are clearly marked and accessible and that you have properly functioning fire safety equipment like sprinklers, smoke alarms, and extinguishers. You should also regularly train employees about fire safety protocols.
How To Avoid Fires in the Workplace
Install the Proper Fire Safety Systems
If you want a workplace that is protected against fires, start by installing the proper fire safety systems throughout the building. Local codes require the installation of fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and emergency lighting to ensure that everyone is immediately notified of the danger and given a clear exit strategy in the event of a fire.
Hold Regular Fire Drills for Employees
However, fire safety equipment can’t fully protect your employees if they aren’t properly trained on how to use it and exit the building safely during a fire. It’s critical that you regularly hold fire drills for employees so they know where fire extinguishers are located and the fastest way to lead themselves and any customers out of the building.
Have Your Fire Prevention System Inspected Annually
Fire safety equipment doesn’t last forever. Batteries need to be replaced, electrical systems need to be tested, and aging parts need to be inspected. To ensure your building is fully protected in the event of a fire, schedule an annual inspection with a fire protection company. They can test and inspect all parts of your fire prevention system, catching and repairing potential issues.
Are You Ready to Improve Your Workplace Fire Safety?
Has learning about these potential fire hazards encouraged you to improve your workplace fire safety? Safe-T Fire Protection would be happy to help. We are a fire protection company based in Buford, GA, and we have assisted hundreds of businesses in the Metro Atlanta area with finding the best fire protection equipment. We’d be happy to visit your property for a full assessment and recommend the best next steps for fire system installation. If you’d like to learn more, contact us today!
