Easy and Effective Tips for Workplace Fire Prevention

Although a commercial fire sprinkler system is an effective method of putting out flames, it’s still important to understand how to prevent fires in the workplace in case an emergency does arise. Here are a few tips on how you can reduce fire hazards and make your business a safer environment in which to work.

Maintain Easy Access to Fire Equipment

Ensuring that all of your fire protection equipment is easily accessible and not blocked by furniture or other items is one of the most important steps in fire prevention. Be sure that everyone in the workplace knows the location of the fire extinguishers and how to properly use them. You should also keep fire sprinklers or alarms free of dust, debris or any other material that may hinder their functionality. Fire protection equipment is one of the most effective ways to save lives, so you want to ensure that everything is easily accessible.

Keep an Eye on Fire-Prone Areas

Every workplace has certain areas that are especially susceptible to fires. These can include:

• Electrical storage rooms.
• Rooms with electrical equipment, such as the kitchen.
• Areas containing flammable or hazardous materials.

To reduce the chances of a fire in the office, be sure to unplug electrical equipment when not in use. You should also exercise caution around flammable materials by keeping them away from heat sources and storing them in a flammables cabinet.

Create a Designated Smoking Area

Smoking is a major fire hazard and one of the leading causes of workplace fires. Therefore, it’s important to create a designated smoking area for employees that’s a safe distance away from the building. You can also offer ashtrays for proper disposal of cigarettes, which can keep your business safe from fires caused by lit cigarettes.

Regularly Test Your Fire Safety Equipment

Unfortunately, there are thousands of fires that occur each year due to malfunctioning fire safety equipment. The good news is that you can easily prevent this by regularly testing your fire extinguisher and fire alarms. All commercial buildings in New York City are required to have fire equipment installed and regularly inspected to ensure optimal functioning. In addition, the FDNY is able to request proof of inspection at any time and can impose fines up to $1,000 for failing to comply.

At Allstate Sprinkler, our team of experienced inspectors can regularly inspect your fire extinguishers to ensure optimal functioning. We also keep your records up to date in the event of an FDNY review. Contact us today to request a free estimate.