In the business setting, fire prevention is a matter of extreme importance, as fires put livelihood, productivity, and the lives of business owners and employees at stake. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2007 to 2011, fire departments responded to an average of 3,340 fires in office properties per year, leading to a staggering $112 million in damage, several injuries, and even death.
As a business owner, a single fire event can incur a lot of losses. Thankfully, some steps can make workplace fires preventable. ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief discusses the common causes of fire damage in businesses and commercial establishments, as well as the steps to take to prevent them, in this article.
What Causes Business Fire Damage?
Listed here are the most common causes of commercial fires, according to the NFPA:
Cooking Equipment
Cooking equipment is the top source of fires in both residential and commercial buildings. Grease fires and poor ventilation are the most common causes of cooking fires.
Electrical and Lighting Systems
Electrical malfunctions stem from faulty or under-maintained wiring and electrical systems, as well as overloading extension cables. Make sure that your business has routine electrical system maintenance to reduce the risks of fires.
Heating Equipment
Based on 2012-2016 annual averages of the NFPA, “most home heating fire deaths (86%) involved stationary or portable space heaters”. Heating fire deaths were most often due to placing the heating equipment close to flammable materials, such as bedding, mattresses, or upholstery. Keep this in mind if the business has a living quarters.
Arson
Arson is simply an intentional fire, which often occurs after work hours. This type of fire causes the most damage to property and the highest number of injuries and casualties. To prevent intentional fires, make sure to empty trash bins and dumpsters. Installing motion detector cameras can also help.
Smoking Materials
The NFPA states that smoking materials, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, started an estimated 17,200 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2014. To prevent fires from smoking materials, smoke outside and away from combustible materials. Use ashtrays and never smoke if you are tired, sleepy, or near medical oxygen. Also, create a smoking policy in the office.
Exposure
According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), exposures “are defined as anything in the immediate range of a fire that is not burning but could start burning if the fire is not contained. When enough oxygen is available, combustible material burns once its temperature reaches its ignition temperature.”
In addition, “preventing exposure fires requires protecting the objects from heat spread and thus from reaching their ignition temperatures.”
Office or Electronic Equipment
Fires of an electronic nature could be linked to the improper usage of an electronic device, use of defective electronic equipment, overloading an adapter, and placing combustible materials on or near electronic devices, according to the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA).
How Can Smoke Damage Affect My Commercial Property?
- Smoke has an acidic composition. When left exposed to smoke and soot after a fire, office items such as electronics, machines, metallic parts, plastics, and vinyl will gradually corrode or stain.
- Smoke and soot will also affect furniture, paperwork, decorations, and even closed cabinets and drawers. Smoke odor lingers and sticks on surfaces. The longer it sits, the more difficult it is to remove.
- If smoke and soot damage is not treated immediately, your employees can develop respiratory problems after prolonged exposure.
How to Prevent Commercial Fires
Train your employees.
- Educate your employees about office kitchen fire safety tips and teach them how to use a fire extinguisher.
- If an active blaze is uncontrollable, your employees should know the emergency protocols and evacuation routes.
Inspect your office equipment.
- Check your office equipment regularly and replace items that are not functioning properly. Routine maintenance is also recommended.
Create a fire prevention plan.
- Take the time to create a plan for workplace fire safety. Create guidelines for employees, make a calendar with inspection dates and important maintenance, and share it with everyone.
Clean house.
- Making a clear pathway to an exit not only removes flammable items but also helps you get to safety. Don't forget to clean garbage disposal areas as well.
Install and test smoke detectors.
- Smoke detectors are one of the simplest, most effective things you can do for fire prevention in the workplace. Install the best ones you can afford and inspect them regularly.
Install sprinklers.
- Sprinkler systems are an effective part of any workplace fire prevention plan. Automatic sprinklers can help mitigate the impacts of a fire at your business. Use them in conjunction with a warning system like smoke detectors.
Check for hazards.
- Regularly inspect your equipment, areas where chemicals are stored, and other identified high-risk areas. Perform maintenance on electrical equipment as soon as problems are spotted.
Contact Us for Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in Clearwater, Florida
ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at our emergency hotline, (813) 295-7797. You can also send us a message through our online contact form. We offer fire and smoke damage restoration to both commercial and residential buildings in Clearwater, Florida, and nearby areas.
- We have a combined 30+ years of experience.
- Our restoration professionals are trained by the IICRC.
- We have been awarded by Expertise as the "Best Fire Damage Restoration Services in Tampa, Florida" in 2020.
ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief is now servicing Pinellas County, Florida. Don’t know what to do? We do. Visit our office at 400 Douglas Rd E Suite H, Oldsmar, FL 34677.
