One Death Every Three Weeks In A Workplace Fire, Despite Increased Awareness
HSE legislation requires businesses to have adequate fire safety procedures in place, but accidents will still happen. What are the most common causes of workplace fires?
The UK is a world leader in workplace health and safety practices, and no more so than when it comes to fire safety. Of the 258 fire fatalities in the 12 months to March 2015, less than 7% occurred in the workplace. That is a fatality rate of just over four deaths for every 10 million workers. Compare this to the USA, where the rate is 16 per 10 million workers, and you can see why the UK is heralded as a global benchmark in fire safety.
UK businesses need to remain vigilant, both to protect employees and to ensure they meet the relevant HSE regulations. This means ensuring your business has the necessary fire safety and prevention measures in place, including all necessary fire safety signs and clearly marked emergency exits.
Vigilance also means understanding the most common causes of fires and having measures in place to prevent them.
Poor Electrics
Quite simply, faulty electrics are the biggest cause of fires in the workplace. This includes misused, overloaded, damaged, or poorly maintained electrical equipment. Annual PAT testing is absolutely essential to ensure that all portable electric products are safe, and visiting Fire Safety Officers will expect to see evidence that it has taken place.
Other simple measures can also significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires, such as not leaving cords coiled up when plugged in, minimising the use of extension cords and avoiding overloading circuits.
Cooking Equipment
The most obvious overlap between domestic and commercial fires is that a high proportion of both start in the kitchen.
The rules for PAT testing apply to break rooms just as much as office space, and microwaves, coffeemakers, and ovens can cause fires if they are misused.
It is even easier to be distracted at work than it is at home, and cooking must never be left unattended.
Combustibles
Businesses that store flammable and combustible materials clearly face a higher risk if fire breaks out and must therefore have fire safety at the top of their HSE agenda.
This should include adequate procedures for storage, handling and disposal.
Poor Housekeeping
Poor housekeeping practices are a common cause of fire, with a particularly high incidence rate in the USA.
Specifically, avoid excessive and unnecessary storage of boxes and similar combustible material, and make sure exits and corridors are kept clear and free from hazards.
Also ensure that fire safety equipment is always readily accessible and easy to access.
Smoking
There are fewer smokers and more stringent non-smoking rules in the workplace today. While this means that smoking is a less common cause of fires than in years gone by, it also means that those who do still smoke need somewhere to do so safely. Smoking areas should be clearly marked, in a sensible location and with adequate facilities.
Arson
Businesses premises are a common target for vandals and arsonists. CCTV and the use of fireproof shutters can act as a strong deterrent.
In Conclusion
Most of the above causes stem from human error or carelessness. By far the best thing a business can do to reduce the likelihood of fire is to ensure that Fire Safety procedures are followed and that staff are properly trained.