Fires in the workplace are a concern that not only pose a threat to yourself and others but also towards the property. Understanding the most common causes of these fires is the first step in preventing them and ensuring the safety of all employees. Make sure your workplace is fire safe with an internal risk assessment.

We’ve highlighted the most common causes of workplace fires to identify proper safety measures and ‘must knows’.

Electrical Hazards

Electrical issues are one of the leading causes of workplace fires. This comes from faulty wiring, overloaded power supplies, and improper use of electrical devices.

Wiring Issues

Outdated or damaged wiring can easily lead to short circuits and overheating, which are prime conditions for starting a fire. Regular electrical inspections can identify and correct hazardous wiring setups.

Overloaded Circuits

Plugging too many devices into a single outlet can overload circuits and lead to overheating. Employers must ensure that power distribution is managed correctly and that devices are evenly and safely distributed across multiple circuits.

Heating Equipment

Another common fire source in the workplace comes from heating equipment. Whether portable heaters or central heating units, these devices can become fire hazards if not used correctly.

Portable Heaters

Portable heaters are convenient but risky if placed near flammable materials or left operating unattended. Always place heaters on a hard, non-flammable surface and keep them away from combustible materials.

Central Heating

Central heating systems should be maintained and checked regularly. In the event of a malfunctioning system, nearby flammable materials may ignite.

Kitchen and Cooking

Workplace kitchens are frequent fire-starting points due to the nature of cooking, which involves heat and potentially flammable oils and fats.

Commercial cooking equipment must be kept clean and in good working order to prevent grease fires. Regular cleaning to remove fat buildup is essential.

Employee Negligence

Simple mistakes like leaving a stove unattended or misusing equipment can lead to serious consequences. Educating employees on the correct use of cooking appliances is key.

Chemical and Flammable Materials

The improper storage and disposal of chemicals and flammable materials can create highly hazardous environments prone to fires.

Improper Storage

Government regulations and standard safety practices should store chemicals and flammable substances to minimize risk.

Disposal Issues

Discarding chemical waste or flammable materials incorrectly can be just as dangerous as improper storage. Ensure all employees are trained in correct disposal methods.

Human Error

A significant number of fires are caused by simple human error, which can often be mitigated through better training and workplace policies.

Smoking

Smoking in non-designated areas can lead to fires, particularly if conducted near flammable materials.

Poor Training

Lack of adequate training on fire safety procedures can lead to accidental fires.

FAQs

1. What are the most common electrical issues that cause workplace fires?

Overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and improper use of electrical equipment can cause electrical fires.

Electrical installations that comply with safety standards and are regularly inspected can mitigate these risks.

2. How can overheating of equipment be prevented to avoid fires?

Preventing equipment overheating can be achieved by regular maintenance checks, ensuring devices are used according to their operational guidelines, and keeping combustible materials away from heat sources. Using thermal sensors can also help in monitoring equipment temperature.

3. What specific steps can be taken to reduce cooking-related fires in workplace kitchens?

To reduce cooking-related fires, ensure all cooking equipment is cleaned regularly to avoid grease build-up, never leave cooking appliances unattended in use, and train employees on proper cooking and kitchen safety practices.

4. To prevent fires, do chemical and flammable materials need to be stored specially?

The storage of chemicals and flammable materials should be done in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

It’s essential to choose the appropriate containment systems and make sure everything is clearly labelled. Following OSHA and other relevant guidelines is also important to guarantee that storage practices are safe.

5. How often should fire safety training be conducted in the workplace?

Fire safety training should be conducted at least annually or as required by local laws and regulations. However, if new threats are identified or after an incident, additional training or briefings may be necessary to address specific risks.

These issues should be addressed early in the workplace and a safer environment should be created that minimizes the risk of fire occurring.