Many people don’t think about fires when going to work, but no matter how small or big the business is, fire safety should never be placed at the backseat of your long-list of priorities. It’s an easy feature to overlook, but establishing a reliable fire protection system in the office should never be underestimated.
This is especially important if you consider how fire emergencies are a lot more common in workplaces than you think. A spark of flame can engulf the whole building without the property strategy and fire equipment in place, so don’t skimp out on equipping yourself with knowledge involving fire emergency plans.
With that in mind, the list below explores some of the common places and situations that start fires in offices:
1. Faulty Electrical Equipment
Seeing as offices manage plenty of electrical equipment on a daily basis, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the biggest culprits behind workplace fires. The root of the problem can vary between loose wires, overloading an outlet, faulty plugs, and wrong connections that can potentially ignite issues.
Offices that are maximizing worn-out equipment and failing to fix minor electrical problems for money-saving reasons will only backfire, so it’s best to upgrade your equipment and ensure everything is in good, working condition.
2. Faulty Cooking Appliances Or Negligent Practices In The Kitchen
Offices pay attention to providing a kitchen as it offers a space where employees can take a break, but that doesn’t mean you can be too lax. Handling cooking appliances seem like a no-brainer, but mishandling items like microwaves, kettles, toasters, and stoves are all it takes to create a hazardous environment.
You can minimize the risk by ensuring all staff members are aware that food must not be left unattended when it is heating. Setting rules that plug and switches should be turned off when not in use can do wonders in preventing a catastrophe from taking place.
3. Clutter And Combustible Materials
If the workplace is surrounded by a mess of combustible materials, then it poses a high risk for everyone. Lack of proper management and storage can increase the chances of mishandling, which can, later on, start a fire.
Ensuring your staff has the appropriate training on managing flammable materials is a must if you want to avoid running into these costly accidents.
The Bottom Line: Preventing Common Workplace Fires By Practicing Awareness And Precaution In Overlooked Places
Even if everyone is practicing caution, accidents can still happen. However, the danger doesn’t have to spiral out of control so long as you have fire preventive equipment set in place – be it fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and working emergency sign exits.
These resources will ensure the safety of everyone, allowing you and employees to douse the flames or reach a safer destination in case the problem gets out of hand.
If you’re looking to replace your fire extinguishers and other fire protection services in New Jersey, we are your best option! We can install all the fire prevention you need – from kitchen suppression systems, hoods, and exit lighting to ensure your workplace is as ready as it can be to handle emergencies. Contact us at (732) 443-0608 to see how we can help you!