Understanding workplace fire risks allow you to be better prepared if a fire were to break out. Knowing how to mitigate fire hazards at work is important for maintaining a healthy and safe work environment.
Business owners often think that installing fire extinguishers and educating staff on fire safety is enough to mitigate fires in the workplace. And while this does help, there is definitely more that you can do.
Keep reading to find out the most common workplace fire hazards, so that you can be better prepared if/when an emergency occurs.
Flammable Products
For many businesses, it’s necessary to house combustible products or materials. While these sorts of products are always a fire hazard, you can minimize risks with proper planning.
You should have clear guidelines in place for the storage, transport, and removal of these products. Your staff should also be trained to deal with combustibles and fire extinguishers should be readily accessible.
Human Error
Let’s face it, human error is one of the main causes of workplace fires. It’s unfortunate but it happens. Dropping a lit cigarette into a flammable liquid or spilling coffee on your computer can cause fires to break out.
The best way to mitigate human error is to keep electrical equipment (computers, servers, etc) away from liquids.
Electrical Devices and Circuits
A common fire safety hazard in the workplace is overloading power sockets. Overloading power sockets can cause overheating which can lead to a fire if undealt with.
Faulty electrical devices like kettles or toasters can also cause fires. All your office appliances should be regularly maintained and check for issues. Another important part of workplace fire prevention is to turn off all electrical devices when they aren’t being used.
Smoking
A lit cigarette landing on dry grass or flammable liquid is all it takes to start a fire. Your business’s smoking area should away from everything else (especially flammable products).
Educate your staff on the dangers of smoking at or around the workplace and sure they are properly trained to deal with fires.
Equipment Misuse
Many fires result from the accidental misuse of workplace equipment. If you’re serious about preventing fires in the workplace, ensure that all your staff is trained to use each piece of equipment.
Also ensure that your offices contain the proper fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers.
Dust
Many people don’t realize that dust can become a fire hazard if it’s allowed to build up. Machines and electrical equipment that heat up should be kept free of dust at all times. This includes computers, kitchen appliances, etc.
Reduce Workplace Fire Hazards
There are many workplace fire hazards that businesses overlook. Now you should be aware of some of the most common ones.
When it comes to preventing fires at your place of business, it’s very difficult to ensure 100% protection. After all, there is only so much you can do. Sometimes things happen that are out of your control.
United Fire Protection provides world-class services designed to protect your employees and place of work. Interested? Request a quote today.
