Ensuring the safety of your workplace from the threat of fire involves more than just installing smoke detectors. Every business is unique, and while some fire hazards are universal, various industries may require tailored efforts. In this blog post, we'll provide essential tips to help you reduce workplace fire risks by addressing common factors that lead to commercial fires.
Assessing Your Fire Risk Hazard: To determine your workplace's specific safety needs, start by assessing your fire risk hazard. Different industries face distinct challenges:
- Manufacturing facilities may contend with machinery fires and combustible dust.
- Restaurants and cafeterias are susceptible to grease and cooking fires.
- Churches face fire risks from electric heaters and candles in older wooden structures.
- Hospitality and healthcare buildings, housing diverse occupants, present unique challenges.
Consider external factors such as geographic location, which can influence fire risk. Hotter, drier climates and wildfire-prone areas heighten danger. Create a comprehensive list of fire hazards unique to your industry, including specific equipment or lighting. To mitigate these risks, consult product manuals or manufacturers for fire safety information, document safety measures, and educate employees. Take this opportunity to establish evacuation routes for all departments.
Eliminating Electrical Hazards: In addition to industry-specific risks, businesses should address common fire hazards like electrical issues. Follow these electrical fire prevention measures:
- Avoid overloading circuits by redistributing electric appliances.
- Plug in only one high-wattage appliance at a time.
- Unplug unused appliances, especially space heaters.
- Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials.
- Immediately unplug devices exposed to water or other liquids.
Regularly inspect your facility for frayed cords, exposed wiring, and overloaded outlets. Never use wire tape for quick repairs. Ensure routine machinery and equipment maintenance and inspect tools for damage. Remove extension cords hanging from ceilings or walls with sharp objects and prevent cords from running through high-traffic areas, carpets, or doorways.
Performing Regular Maintenance: Routine maintenance is crucial for heating systems. To minimize fire hazards:
- Have heating equipment professionally installed.
- Schedule annual inspections and recommended maintenance.
- Maintain a three-foot clearance between vents and flammable materials.
Ensure that vents and heat sources aren't blocked by furniture or boxes, just like with space heaters.
Keeping Fire Extinguishers On Hand: Different fires require specific extinguishers. Maintain the right types and quantities based on industry guidelines. The U.S. Fire Administration offers valuable information on fire extinguisher classes. Common types include:
- Class A: For solid materials like wood and paper.
- Class B: For combustible liquids like grease.
- Class C: For electrical equipment.
- Class D: For flammable metals.
- Class K: For vegetable and animal oil fires.
Regularly inspect extinguishers for accessibility, pressure levels, working parts, cleanliness, and adherence to safety guidelines. Fire extinguishers have limited lifespans, so replace or recharge them as recommended by the NFPA guidelines.
Employee Training: Educate your employees about fire prevention through written instructions, training sessions, and regular drills. Assign someone to conduct fire prevention inspections, but foster a team effort in identifying and mitigating fire hazards.
If creating a fire prevention plan seems daunting, consider partnering with a disaster restoration company like ServiceMaster DSI. We can assist in fire prevention planning and provide soot and smoke removal services. ServiceMaster DSI offers tailored solutions for various industries, ensuring your workplace stays safe and prepared for any eventuality.
Contact ServiceMaster DSI today to learn more about their pre-loss plans for businesses and comprehensive fire prevention services.
