An overloaded power strip overheats. An employee leaves the breakroom stove on. Or a frayed electrical cord begins to generate sparks. All of these incidents seem minor on their own, but if ignored, the resulting fire can spread through all the flammable materials present in an office environment, like stacks of paper folders, fabric-based dividers and synthetic carpet.
And the consequences can be significant: lives lost, property irreparably damaged, businesses closing and hundreds of millions in property damage.
Unfortunately, workplace fires are a regular occurrence: For 2022 alone, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported over 140,000 non-residential incidents. Major incidents also require major, months-long recovery efforts involving rebuilding, insurance claims and addressing a potentially besmirched reputation.
To lower your risks, what are your options?
Address Fire Detection and Protection Equipment
While industry standards vary, the basics for workplace fire detection and prevention include:
- Installing an automatic sprinkler system that will deliver water, foam or a chemical extinguishing agent. This setup is your facility’s primary fire suppression system.
- Installing smoke detectors and fire alarms that identify and sound when the air contains a percentage of combustion byproducts.
- Fire extinguishers, a secondary suppression system that’s designed for smaller, easy-to-control incidents.
Identify Common Risks and the Appropriate Control Method
According to the NFPA, the most common workplace fire hazards include: cooking environments, electrical systems and equipment, lighting, heaters, smoking and arson.
To anticipate these risks:
- Install and maintain an automatic sprinkler system — which prevents the fire from spreading to another room in 97% of all cases.
- Never crowd your appliances, and be sure to unplug them at the end of the day.
- Get in the habit of assessing your electrical system: Frayed cords and damaged connectors should be replaced, and recommendations for power strip and extension cord load should be followed.
- Store cleaning products away from heat and electrical sources, in their original, labeled containers and in a ventilated storage cabinet. The same approach applies to other flammable liquids. Accelerants like gasoline and paper must also be kept away from these areas.
- Designate an outdoor smoking area with a dedicated receptacle for cigarette butts.
Make a Fire Safety Plan
While your fire safety plan will be workplace specific, make sure to account for:
- Procedures and practices: Outline evacuation routes, and practice them with fire drills conducted a few times per year. Along with this baseline, have all employees undergo fire safety training, and regularly inspect your facility for potential hazards.
- Assign a safety officer or team: These individuals — usually a human resources, office or safety manager — will lead fire drills and training sessions. And they’ll also serve as a second set of eyes for identifying and addressing hazards from electrical issues to obstructions along evacuation routes.
- First aid: Along with signs highlighting escape routes and exits, make sure your first aid kit is clearly visible, accessible and stocked with enough essentials for your full staff.
- Training: Along with addressing common workplace fire risks, create a training program specific to your facility or industry: You may need to instruct on safe conditions for welding, how to properly store hazardous materials or controlling fires involving cooking oils and fats.
- Schedule regular inspections: Expect to have all fire detection and prevention equipment professionally serviced once per year. In between, check the fire extinguishers once per month to make sure they’re charged, test smoke detectors every six months and walk along evacuation routes to identify potential safety concerns.
When it’s time to replace your fire extinguishers or first aid kits or repair your sprinkler system, realize that Fire Safety USA is here to assist your efforts. Browse now or contact us to learn more about solutions for your business.