Workplace fire safety should be of the utmost importance, regardless of the company or operation. A robust fire safety policy must be established to protect the safety of all employees, customers and service users - this includes identifying risks and taking the necessary steps to eliminate or reduce them. Here are examples of common workplace fire hazards and how you, as an employee or member of management, can resolve them to promote a safe working environment.
Flammable Liquids
Flammable liquids in the form of cleaning supplies and industrial solvents should be stored safely and correctly according to company policy. Flammable cleaning products such as drain cleaners and aerosol cans should be kept away from potential ignition sources, such as cooking equipment. In terms of storage, workplace cleaning products should be clearly labelled and kept in clean, cool and dry environments away from direct sunlight.
Cooking Equipment
Commercial kitchen fire safety is vital. The most common cause of workplace kitchen fires is overheating what is being cooked, so under no circumstances should cooking equipment be left unattended. Along with regular fire drills and emergency procedures, risk assessments should be carried out daily to ensure the ongoing safety of staff and customers. Furthermore, every commercial kitchen should be equipped with a fire blanket and a Class K fire extinguisher.
Smoking
Most workplaces either have a designated smoking area or request that employees smoke off-premises. Commercial building smoking areas should be clearly signposted as per the company’s smoking policy and situated in safe areas away from fuel sources. Cigarettes and other smoking materials should also be disposed of appropriately, i.e. in specialist stainless steel bins to avoid contact with flammable general waste.
Fire Doors
Fire doors prevent the spread of fires by utilising intumescent strips, which expand when exposed to extreme heat. They are also fitted with hydraulic devices known as door closers, which work to ensure fire doors are closed at all times for effective fire safety. Propping a fire door open renders it useless, thus risking your own life and the lives of others. Leaving fire doors wedged or propped open could also invalidate your insurance if a fire causes damage to your property.
Poor Storage Of Waste/Combustibles
Combustible waste materials, like wood, paper and plastics, should be disposed of in a way that keeps them separate from self-combusting items such as batteries. Where possible, waste materials should be stored in metal bins away from the main building. Waste containers should also never be overfilled and kept securely shut - some commercial waste bins feature rubber seals to starve any potential fires of oxygen.
Electrical Equipment
There is no avoiding electrical equipment in the modern workplace. Electrical equipment should undergo regular PAT testing depending on class, from computers to power tools. Commercial buildings can also benefit from thermographic surveys to detect abnormally high temperatures within electrical installations, potentially due to overloaded sockets or faulty equipment. Workplaces with the potential for electrical fires should be equipped with suitable fire fighting equipment, such as a class B fire extinguisher containing pure carbon dioxide.
Human Error
Human error is a significant cause of fires, both at home and within the workplace. Consequently, policies and procedures should always be adhered to - everything from reporting faulty equipment to carrying out regular risk assessments. Furthermore, employers have a legal responsibility to provide staff with fire safety training, which combines classroom-based learning and practical training experience to reduce negligence and improve fire safety awareness.
Clutter
A cluttered office space may be a relatively common characteristic of a busy, hardworking team; however, there are multiple advantages to maintaining a clean, organised working environment. Not only are cluttered workspaces detrimental to employee productivity and mental well-being, but excess clutter can significantly increase fire risks. Reduce and eliminate hazards by decluttering, removing trip hazards and relocating obstructions that may be blocking exits and escape routes.
Heaters
During the colder months, it may be necessary to introduce some portable electric heaters into your workspace. Still, these high-wattage appliances have the potential to ignite nearby combustible materials such as paper, clothing and furniture. Keep all portable heaters on a flat surface, at least three feet away from flammable objects, and never leave them unattended for any length of time.
Resources:
- PAT Testing - Notion
- Commercial Fire Alarm Installation - Caramella
- Led Lighting Design - Taiga