As fire safety professionals, we have a strong focus on the maintenance of your facilities passive fire protection systems. However, there is not enough emphasis on preventing a fire from starting in the first place. So, what can you do to help prevent a fire from happening in your workplace?
1) Never Leave Cooking Unattended
The kitchen is where heat, electricity, water, and grease come together, and can be a potential fire hazard. If there is a reason to leave the kitchen, make sure to turn off the stove and take your pots and pans off the heat. If you are cooking food in the oven, take the food out of the oven and turn off the broiler.
2) Check For and Fix Damaged Electronics
Most commercial or office buildings use some kind of electrical equipment, which means there is already the risk of a fire starting from an electrical source. Check to see if wires have become worn, cut or damaged during use. Replace plugs that produce sparks when plugged into an outlet. If these hazards are found, they should be fixed or properly disposed of to prevent workplace fires.
3) Dispose of Cigarettes Safely
Although a cigarette may seem out, cigarette ashes can continue to burn and will ignite anything flammable they come into contact with. To prevent these fires, designate certain areas of a facility for smoking with proper disposal bins and no flammable materials nearby. Make sure that a cigarette has been completely put out in order to prevent the possibility of something catching fire.
Unfortunately, even after taking all the necessary precautions in preventing a fire, accidents will happen. That’s why ensuring that your facilities passive fire protection systems are properly maintained and up-to-date with the code is of the upmost importance. Fire and smoke dampers prevent the spread of fire through the ductwork, firestopping as well as fire doors help contain the fire to one specific location, while photoluminescent egress path markers and exit signs help guide the way to safety.