This blog will focus on identifying the primary cause of workplace fires so that they can be avoided or extinguished quickly. The first step towards preventing such incidents from occurring is to understand what type of workplace fire may occur.
3 top causes of workplace fires, specifically in the Industrial and Manufacturing sectors.
1. Electrical faults – workplace fires:
The first thing that springs to mind when we think about fire in a work environment is electrical problems. Especially in Industrial and Manufacturing where the machinery and equipment ratio is higher.
In fact, machinery electrical faults cause up to half of all workplace fires – but there’s plenty you can do to avoid this happening. The main culprit? Faulty plugs and sockets, lack of equipment housekeeping and maintenance. Ensure all maintenance contracts are up to date at all times.
Over 50% of UK businesses have reported plugging equipment as their biggest risk factor for workplace fires.
Not forgetting other electrical equipment like lighting systems, heating controls and ventilation fans. One of the best things you can do is regularly check all your electrical equipment and carry out regular PAC tests.
2. Incorrectly stored material fires – workplace fires:
It might seem like common sense that storing flammable substances in a way that could cause an explosion would be dangerous, but there are still many businesses that don’t take fire prevention seriously enough. It can lead to serious consequences because even small amounts of fuel can quickly turn into a raging inferno when they come into contact with oxygen.
3. Lack of resources and training – workplace fire prevention:
It sounds basic, but many businesses continually neglect this step. Prevention is key.
What resources does your business need to keep your staff and equipment save?
Do you have smoke detectors? Sprinklers? Are they active and working OK? Is your fire alarm tested on a regular basis and is it regularly maintained? Do you run weekly fire alarm tests and have staged evacuations?
Do you have functioning fire extinguishers? And most importantly are your staff trained to use them?
Remember if a member of staff resigns and leaves do they leave with any workplace fire prevention training skills that you may need to upskill elsewhere?
Workplace fire training available with SS Systems.
Or it might be you have upgraded your fire systems and you need to provide up to date training or even a staff workplace fire prevention refresher session if it’s been a while.
We have the knowledge and expertise
SS Systems have been protecting people in business since 1997. We specialise in the installation and maintenance of wireless fire alarm systems, hard-wired fire alarm systems, addressable fire alarm systems as well as fire extinguishers and the all-important fire training you and your staff may require.
Our qualified surveyors and engineers design, supply, install, commission and service quality fire alarms and security systems throughout the UK. Nationwide 7-days a week 24-hours a day.
So you could say we know only too well about the increased interest in developing more effective methods for detecting fires within buildings. With new fire alarm technology like the addressable systems, you can promptly identify the areas at risk, however, you need to also have the right resource to hand and you need your staff to be fully prepared for any situation that might occur.
If you would like to find out more about SS Systems, our products, services and training, please do not hesitate to get in touch, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please either drop us a line on email, sales@sssystems.co.uk or alternatively give us a call on 03300 417 170 (option 1).
