How to Keep Your Employees & Property Safe from Fire Damage

The aftermath of a fire can be catastrophic for businesses, leading to costly repairs, disruptions in operations and services, potential harm to customer relationships, and substantial revenue loss due to downtime. More importantly, the health and safety risks of fire damage can be severe.

During Fire Prevention Month, our team at ServiceMaster Restoration by FUSON is using this opportunity to share various strategies that can help shield your business from the harmful impacts of fire damage. We will outline key methods designed to safeguard your employees and property from the potentially life-threatening outcomes caused by fires.

Electrical Safety

The importance of electrical safety in preventing fires at commercial properties cannot be overstated. Electrical faults cause a significant number of fires, and hence, regular inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment is essential.

You can start by:

• Inspecting Electrical Equipment and Wiring: A qualified electrician should conduct regular inspections of all electrical equipment and wiring. This includes checking for loose or frayed wires, signs of overheating, and any unusual noises or smells.
• Avoiding Overloading Sockets: Overloading sockets is a common fire hazard in commercial properties. Plugging too many devices into a single socket can lead to overheating and potentially cause a fire. Use one plug per socket whenever possible.
• Maintaining Electrical Cords: Electrical cords can become frayed or damaged over time, resulting in a fire if not addressed. Regularly inspect cords for damage and replace them immediately if any wear and tear is found.
  Maintaining Electrical Equipment: Poorly maintained electrical equipment can pose a significant fire risk. Ensure all equipment is properly serviced and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

RCDs can instantly break an electric circuit to prevent serious harm from an ongoing electric shock. They provide personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit breakers cannot provide.

By paying careful attention to electrical safety, you can significantly reduce the risk of a fire, protecting your commercial property and the people who work within it.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are an essential element of safety in commercial spaces. They should be strategically installed in various areas throughout your establishment. This includes offices, meeting rooms, break rooms, and any location where a fire could potentially start, such as communal kitchens or areas with electrical equipment.

It's also crucial to have smoke detectors on every level of your commercial building, including basements and upper floors. For larger spaces, multiple detectors may be necessary to ensure complete coverage. Remember, different commercial spaces may have specific requirements for smoke detector placement, so always consult the relevant safety codes and regulations in Midland.

You should also replace the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year, even if they appear to be working fine. Some models will beep or chirp when the batteries are low to alert you. Even if a smoke detector works correctly, it won't last forever. The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.

Good Housekeeping

Keeping a clean workspace at a commercial property is essential to fire prevention. Here's why:

• Reduces Fuel for Fires: Clutter like paper, cardboard boxes, trash, and flammable liquids can quickly fuel a fire. By maintaining a clean workspace, you eliminate potential fuel sources.
• Prevents Overheating: Electrical equipment needs space for proper ventilation to prevent overheating, which can lead to fires. A clean and organized workspace ensures that these devices have adequate air circulation.
• Improves Accessibility: In the event of a fire, clutter can block access to exits and firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers and fire alarms. A clean workspace ensures clear pathways for evacuation and enables faster response times.
• Avoids Electrical Fires: A messy workspace can lead to damaged wiring or overloaded power strips, which can cause electrical fires. Regular cleaning helps identify potential electrical hazards.
• Reduces Risk of Combustible Dust Accumulation: In some industries, dust from operations can be highly combustible. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of such dust, reducing the risk of a fire.

Remember, a tidy workspace isn't just a professional one – it's also a safer one. Regular cleaning should be a part of every Midland company's fire prevention strategy.

Regular Inspections

Regular inspections of your commercial property by a professional fire safety officer are integral to maintaining a safe environment. These experts comprehensively understand fire safety regulations, potential hazards, and best practices to prevent fires.

During an inspection, the fire safety officer will thoroughly assess your property for any potential fire risks. This could include evaluating the building's structure, checking the condition and functionality of fire safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and ensuring that exit routes are clear and properly marked.

One key benefit of these inspections is the identification of overlooked risks. Even with the best intentions, missing certain hazards is possible due to a lack of expertise. With their specialized training, a fire safety officer can spot these issues easily.

Dealing with Commercial Fire Damage? ServiceMaster Restoration by FUSON Can Help!

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of fire and smoke damage, ServiceMaster Restoration by FUSON is ready to support you with expertise that spans over 65 years, thanks to our main brand, ServiceMaster Restore. Our comprehensive restoration services can help return your commercial space to a thriving business in Midland.