Surprising Office Fire Safety Risks Outlined
If you work within a busy office space, the likelihood is that you’ve encountered a fire safety risk during your employment - whether you’ve consciously noticed it or not. From dangling wires and dysfunctional appliances to spillages and discarded cigarettes outside of the building. Despite the seemingly low likelihood of a fire breaking out, the statistics when it comes to workplace fires can make for some grim reading, therefore you can never be too careful. Read ahead and allow Thameside Fire Protection to provide an overview of surprising fire safety risks in 2023 and beyond.
Smoking And Vaping
Whilst most employees will smoke in the designated smoking area, there is still the potential to cause a fire if the rules aren’t followed, or if a cigarette is not put out properly and spreads to the office space. Stakeholders should be sure to put a smoking policy in place and show employees the designated smoking area. Likewise, If the batteries within disposable vapes overheat or become damaged, they can create a chain reaction that can quickly and easily get out of control. Vapes are just as hazardous, and should never be used indoors for this very same reason.
Unattended Or Faulty Appliances
Faulty or unattended electrical equipment is one of the leading causes of fires in the workplace. Broken plugs, overloaded outlets, and loose cables can all lead to electrical fires, while equipment can also overheat and cause a fire. Make sure to check all electrical equipment in your workplace to ensure it is working properly, and have it tested regularly by a professional. Overheating electrics are a common cause of fires in offices, with equipment generating heat if not properly ventilated. Be sure to turn machines off overnight where possible and allow room for these objects to cool.
General Recklessness
While you might think that your office is free from combustibles because there are no oils, gases or visible open flames, there are still risks present in any commercial building if employees are reckless in terms of fire safety. Keep your stacks of fresh material away from heat sources, and keep in mind that cleaning liquids can be highly flammable and must be stored correctly to prevent accidents. Even when fire safety equipment has been acquired, research shows that many do not know how to use such items. More than a third of adults surveyed by Firexo did not know how to operate a fire extinguisher at all when asked, emphasising the importance of training.
A Lack Of Equipment
At Thameside Fire Protection, we take your fire protection requirements seriously and are dedicated to providing an intelligent approach to delivering cost-effective solutions with first class customer service. Systems are designed to control the spread of fire, limit the damage done to your business and protect both you and your team, therefore our experienced engineers will assess your environment and provide professional and reliable fire safety services in order to ensure that your business is fully protected.
When an emergency happens, having the right fire protection training and equipment could mean the difference between life and death. As a family-owned and operated company with over 35 years of experience, you can rely on Thameside Fire Protection for the very best fire protection services! Contact us immediately for tailored assistance.
