In addition to being very dangerous, fires in the workplace can be very costly due to damages as well as down time and loss of production for the business. There are 115,000 structure fires in non-residential properties annually, resulting in $3.1 billion in direct property damage each year according to research done by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). As is also the case with fires in the home, the leading cause of fires in the workplace is cooking equipment, followed by fires caused by electrical and lighting equipment.
Every workplace is different; some have higher fire risks than others. However, many of the same general precautions can be taken to prevent fires and to limit the damage caused by fires if one is to break out.
Here are some basic fire prevention tips that apply to most workplaces:
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Do not allow areas around electric panels to become blocked or cluttered
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Make sure machines, tools, equipment are properly maintained
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Report electrical hazards and only allow licensed professionals to repair, change or add wiring or outlets
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Be aware of proper handling, ventilation and disposal practices for all chemicals and products used in the workplace
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If smoking is allowed, have designated smoking areas
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Follow OSHA guidelines including posting emergency numbers, placing fire extinguishers where needed, and providing or obtaining proper safety training
Visit OSHA.gov to find out if your workplace is in compliance with their standards.
Remember that if your workplace experiences a fire or a smoke event, call Master Clean in Medford to bring you back to the highest standards of clean and safety as quickly as possible to minimize downtime and lost revenue.