Fire Prevention in Your Business

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Space heaters, excessive wires, and loose papers are all potential fire hazards in your office space.

Fire is unpredictable. It can happen anytime, to any business, anywhere. 31% of office fires happen between 7pm and 7am, after hours while workers are not present. Fires that occur while workers are not in the office cause about 67% of recorded property damage. This is because they went undetected for a longer period of time. Luckily, there are a few preventative measures that anyone can take to minimize the chances of a fire happening in your business or commercial building.

Once a year, according to OSHA, employers are required to perform a full maintenance check on their workplace’s fire extinguishers. “Maintenance” means a thorough examination and repair, as needed, of all of your facility’s portable fire extinguishers, as covered in NFPA (98), Sec. 4-4.

• Along with ensuring that your fire extinguishers are regularly inspected and maintained according to local fire code; each month you should perform a visual inspection on your fire extinguisher(s).

1. Look for obvious signs of damage. These include dents, corrosion, and leakage.
2. Check the pressure gauge to make sure that the indicator is in the operating range.
3. Make sure that the pull-pin is not missing and that the pull-pin seal is intact.
4. Verify the date of the last professional maintenance inspection.
5. Date and initial the tag to log the visual inspection.

There should be a fire prevention plan that is in writing, kept in the workplace, and is available to all employees for review. If you have 10 or fewer employees you can communicate the plan verbally, though it is still recommended that you have a hard copy in writing. This plan should include:

1. Relevant information about the building’s layout
2. The building’s fire protection systems and equipment
3. Emergency evacuation procedures

Ban risky appliances such as space heaters, and keep others like coffeemakers and toasters away from paper and other flammables. You should also reduce the amount of clutter in your building or office space. Items such as boxes, piles of paper, and other flammable materials can provide fuel for a fire, especially if left near a heat source. Before you plug something in ensure that the wire has not been damaged or frayed. If you notice any damaged wires, replace them immediately. Wires should not run under rugs or between furniture and walls; they tend to heat up, so you want them clear of any flammable items.

We understand how devastating and confusing a fire to your home or business can be. Do not hesitate to contact the experts here at SERVPRO of Media, and SERVPRO of Central Delaware County to help guide you through the restoration process.