For many employers, a fire breaking out on their premises is a nightmare scenario. Unfortunately for some, it can become a reality.
The best way to prevent this from happening and to keep your property safe is to understand the most common fire risks for your workplace.
This article will outline how common certain types of fire are in the workplace, and how one can prevent them from occurring.
Electrical equipment
According to Fireward, electrical fires account for 25% of workplace blazes with retail, industrial premises, and the hospitality industry being the most at risk. Whether it’s loose wires, faulty plugs, or overloaded sockets, there are a whole host of reasons why an electrical fire can break out.
Almost every business uses electricity across its operations, meaning every company should be aware of the risks. One way to prevent this from happening is to ensure that all your electrical equipment is regularly maintained and inspected to ensure it’s safe to use.
Sometimes it can be tempting to look for ways to cut costs when it comes to your electrical equipment, but it’s important to avoid this as subpar appliances can trigger a fire.
Lack of training
Lack of training to use electrical equipment reason why fire is common
As well as this, lack of training or understanding on how to use electrical equipment has been cited as a reason why this kind of fire is common- so it’s important to train all staff on the correct way to operate equipment.
If an electrical fire does break out on your property, then a CO2 or dry powder fire extinguisher is the way to go in order to safely extinguish it. Never use water on this type of fire as it can conduct the electricity, meaning you could be at risk of electrocution.
Arson
While it might sound extreme, arson is actually one of the main risks of fire for a workplace. According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, arson accounted for 50% of fires in the UK in 2018—showing how widespread the problem is.
In order to protect oneself from arson, there are a number of things that can be done. This includes locking away any flammable materials that may be used as an exhilarant.
But, the best way to prevent criminals from committing arson on a property is by installing security measures such as CCTV, alarms, and secure door systems.
Misuse of flammable materials
It is important that the business deals with flammable materials appropriately
If a business that handles a lot of flammable or combustible materials, it is important that the business deals with them appropriately. If the business does not store them correctly, then it run the risk of them catching light or exploding when one least expect it.
For instance, if one work in a garage or warehouse that uses tools that produce sparks, it is important that any of these materials (such as oil, or chemicals) are kept well away. A rogue spark could trigger a fire or explosion that can go on to cause undue damage to property and human life.
To remind people of the dangers these materials pose, it is important they’re correctly labelled and one regularly update fire risk assessments. As well as this, staff members who smoke should be reminded not to do so in the proximity of these substances. A designated smoking area should be created on the property with staff educated on the fire safety risks they can bring.
