Fire Safety Needs to be at the Top of Everyone’s Agenda
Workplace fires are more common than people think. Every business needs to have appropriate fire safety measures in place.
Mention fire safety, and many people heave a sigh of resignation, as they think of being distracted from their day to day work to stand around in a cold parking area during an interminable fire drill.
Yet when you consider that more than 300 people in the UK die every year in fire related incidents, it becomes soberingly obvious that fire safety measures such as drills, training, fire signage and suppression equipment are all there for a very good reason.
The 21st century workplace is, in broad terms, a far safer place to be than in years gone by – workplace accidents and fatalities are lower than ever. Yet this is, to a large extent, because of better processes to manage and monitor risks.
In the modern era, these are changing as rapidly as everything else around us, and it is important that we remain vigilant. Here, we take a look at the top four causes of fires in the workplace, and what you can do about them.
1) Electrical faults
No surprise here. The modern business environment has more electrical gadgetry than ever, all competing for those precious power outlets.
There are a variety of problems that can emerge, but the most common are overloaded sockets and worn or damaged cables. These can lead to overheating, sparking and electric shocks.
Avoid the use of trailing sockets, as these can overload the outlet, and ensure all devices in the workplace are PAT tested.
2) Cooking
The kitchen has always been the most high-risk location for fire in the home, and it is a pattern that is emerging in the workplace too. There is a growing trend for employers to provide cooking facilities for staff, and while it makes for great choice, it can be hazardous.
One of the biggest causes of fires is when staff put their lunch on to cook and then get distracted and forget all about it.
Strict rules need to be implemented to prevent this happening, and appliances should always be unplugged when not in use.
3) Smoking
You might think that the smoking ban has reduced the risk of fire from cigarettes, but in some cases the reverse is true. Today, smokers often find themselves hiding in remote corners of the premises to have a cigarette, and a carelessly discarded cigarette end can lead to disaster.
It is important to cater for the smokers and provide somewhere they can have a cigarette and stub it out safely when they have finished. Also, ensure that cigarette bins are emptied regularly.
4) Heating
If your office heating system is not the best, employees are often tempted to bring in their own fan heaters and hide them under the desk. These are a common cause of fires, either through an electrical fault or being placed too close to flammable material.
The solution is clear – make sure the office heating system is up to scratch, and nobody will be tempted towards the dangerous alternative!