The 5 most common causes of fire in the workplace
Fire in the workplace is a worrying menace that can cause great loss of property and human life. Recent statistics show that there are more instances of fire in the workplace than in the home. Therefore, creating awareness and installing firefighting equipment in offices, warehouses and other business spaces is indispensable. Here are the most common causes of fire in the workplace.
Presence of combustible materials
Most workplaces are full of combustible materials such as cardboard, paper, office furniture, and plastic objects. These materials can easily catch fire or lead to quick spreading. The best thing is to avoid build-up of office paper and other materials by using secure storage units. If plastic or paper materials are not needed in the office or any other work setting, ensure they are properly disposed of.
Problems with the electrics
Electricity is a major component of any work environment because it provides the energy needed to run machines and offer lighting. However, faulty connections or unexpected power problems can cause fire outbreaks in workplaces. The best way to prevent such problems is by taking care of loose cables, maintaining all electric appliances and having an expert regularly check the systems to avoid power overloads. It’s also important to replace old equipment because it can easily trigger fire outbreaks if it fails.
Ignorance or negligence by workers
Ignoring certain safety measures or being careless with flammable and combustible items is a major cause of fire in workplaces. For instance, a worker leaving a water heater running when they are elsewhere can be dangerous. Failure by workers to follow the right procedures can lead to fires.
Accidents when working
Accidents in the workplace are common due to the many activities people try to juggle at once. For instance, an employee may spill a drink on electric equipment or knock flammable liquids over. All of this can happen due to human error, leading to a fire. Training your workers on where to place items and how to avoid such accidents can be a good way to avoid future problems.
Acts of crime
Crime exists everywhere around us, and this is a common cause of fire in factories, shops, offices and other working environments. There are people with ill intentions who might set a building or equipment on fire to harm or inflict loss on a company or person. It’s vital to have surveillance systems in place to avoid such causes.
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