It is legally required of employers to maintain a minimum level of fire safety in their offices. The majority of them do so without ever having their fire safety precautions examined. Since fires are rare, most people will fortunately never have to witness the devastation caused by one.
However, when a fire does occur, the results can be disastrous. As a result of the devastation, many small businesses never fully recover. It is therefore among the most crucial risk controls for your organization.
This guide will assist you in identifying workplace fire hazards and managing them using control methods. You’ll be able to fulfill your legal obligations, educate people about their part in preventing fires, and improve workplace safety.
What Does ‘Fire Hazard’ Mean?
Although they are different, the terms “fire hazard” and “fire risk” are frequently used simultaneously.
Anything that has the potential to start a fire is a fire hazard. For instance, improperly stored flammable materials or malfunctioning electronics could be the cause.
An estimate of the probability that a fire may start due to the recognized hazard multiplied by the possible outcomes is called a fire risk rating. It is basically a measurement of the “harm potential” of a fire hazard.
Fire Risks in the Office
Everyone is responsible for good fire safety. Every employee in your organization needs to be aware of the risks and know what to do if they see one. Most people are sensible enough to stay away from common fire hazards. However, if fire safety is not a top concern, it is simple to become complacent.
Since every workplace is unique, this list is not all-inclusive. However, it will make you consider your workplace and the tasks that you and your coworkers need to complete.
1) Combustible Materials
Paper, cardboard, wood, and other combustible materials are either being kept improperly or are being left to accumulate. If these come into touch with a heat source, they may serve as fire fuel.
Control Measure
Combustible items should be kept safely away from heat sources. To prevent a buildup of combustible clutter, make sure recycling bins and other disposal places are cleaned on a regular basis.
2) Overloaded Electrical Sockets or Extensions
Electrical outlets that are overloaded have the potential to get extremely hot and serve as a fire starter.
Control Measure
Use an online current calculator to make sure your extension cables and sockets are not overburdened. Extension cables should never be plugged into other extensions. Long cables should be unrolled to avoid overheating.
Ensure that employees are aware of the dangers of overloaded sockets and know not to use them. Additionally, they must report any overloaded sockets right away.
3) Faulty or Unauthorized Electrical Equipment
An ignition hazard could result from malfunctioning equipment that overheats or sparks. Employees may also bring in unapproved, unsafe, and unchecked devices.
Control Measure
Make sure that every piece of electrical equipment is kept up to date and undergoes frequent PAT testing. Electrical flaws that could cause a fire are found during PAT testing. Inform employees that they can only use personal electrical devices after receiving clearance.
Make it clear once more that nobody should ever take a chance by using defective equipment. Reporting any errors right away is also a shared duty.
4) Heat Sources
Ignition sources include space heaters, radiators, and equipment like heat guns and blow torches. These can produce enough heat to ignite a fire if placed near a fuel source.
Control Measure
Think about the devices’ storage and usage. Paper and flammable liquids are examples of possible fuels that should always be kept apart from heat sources.
5) Cooking Equipment
Heat sources are evident in appliances like toasters, microwaves, and ovens. Additionally, poorly maintained equipment may accumulate crumbs, oil, or dirt, all of which can serve as fire fuel.
Control Measure
Ensure that all cooking equipment is routinely inspected and cleaned. Never utilize defective equipment, and clean up any grease traps or crumb trays.
Make sure employees never leave appliances running unsupervised and report any possible risks or issues they may observe.
6) Smoking
Fires can be started by smoking in prohibited places or by discarding cigarettes near combustible materials.
Control Measure
Although it is not required by law, providing a designated smoking place for your staff is a good idea for fire safety. Smoking places must be marked with signage and kept a safe distance from the structure. This should stop people from smoking in places that aren’t approved and have a considerably higher chance of catching fire.
7) Flammable Liquids and Gases
Improper storage or disposal of flammable liquids and gasses can contribute to the spread of a fire. These can become explosive and burn rapidly, making them potentially very dangerous.
Control Measure
Gases and liquids that catch fire should be kept safely away from sources of heat. Make that all employees who handle flammable liquids and gasses have received the necessary training, and supply spill kits.
8) Unclear Reporting Procedures
Because employees don’t know who to talk to or what their responsibilities are, fire hazards go unreported.
Control Measure
Encouraging employees to speak up and establishing clear protocols for reporting fire threats are crucial. Establish a culture of perpetual vigilance and remind employees on a regular basis that everyone bears responsibility for fire safety.
9) Poor Housekeeping
Although this might involve several problems, it usually involves employees leaving the incorrect items in the wrong locations. Fires can be started or spread by an accumulation of flammable trash or the negligent disposal of combustible materials. Additionally, poor cleaning might block access to extinguishers, alarm call points, and fire exits.
Control Measure
Make sure employees have received the appropriate fire safety training and are aware of their responsibilities. Keep an eye out for unhealthy habits and make sure to explain why they are harmful. Only if every employee contributes will this succeed. Keep in mind that everyone has responsibility for fire safety.
10) Unrehearsed Fire Procedures
Employees are unsure of what to do in case of a fire. Employees who are unaware of the location of fire escape or how to properly leave the workplace greatly increase the risk of fatalities.
Control Measure
Make sure an evacuation strategy is established and practiced on a regular basis. In the event of a fire, being prepared reduces anxiety and guarantees a safe and efficient operation. Additionally, drills are a great way to test and make sure your evacuation plans are working.
Depending on your organization’s size and nature, fire drills should take place at least twice a year. For instance, let’s say you have some shift workers.
How You Can Keep Your Office Safe from Fire?
Although heat, fuel, and oxygen are needed for a fire to spread, careless mistakes frequently cause or worsen fires. The best tools for successful fire protection are knowledge and sound practices, but identifying and controlling fire hazards is crucial.
It is your responsibility to provide your employees with appropriate fire safety training. Additionally, every employee needs to be familiar with the basic concepts of safe evacuation and fire prevention. One of the best ways to keep employees alert and committed to fire safety is to enroll them in regular training.