South Ulster County Businesses - Protect Yourself From A Fire

8/8/2016 (Permalink)

Do not let your business go up in flames!

The owner of a commercial business has many things to keep track of.  From the amount of profit the business is drawing in, keeping track of the competition and struggling to stay on top, it is easy for owners to forget about something as important as fire safety.  

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, in 2014 alone there were 1,298,000 fires reported in the United States.  These fires caused 3,275 civilian deaths, 15,775 civilian injuries and $11.6 billion in property damage.  

It is imperative that business owners and employees in a commercial business understand the most common causes for commercial fires so they can avoid them.  According to safety.blr.com there are 8 common causes of workplace fires and how you can avoid them.    

1. Heating equipment

Heating equipment can easily cause commercial fires if they are improperly installed, operated or not maintained correctly.  Make sure to keep any materials or building components away from the minimum clearance distances on all sides and above.  Do not use any temporary heating units like portable heaters in public buildings and never store combustible materials in furnace rooms.    

2. Electrical

Misused, overloaded, damaged or improperly maintained electrical equipment are a common cause of a workplace fire.  Do not leave any cords coiled up when plugged in and only use extension cords for temporary power for equipment in use at the moment.  Use multiple outlet strips for computer equipment, not for appliances of other electric equipment.  Avoid overloading circuits.  

3. Cooking equipment

Make sure all of the cooking equipment in your breakroom never go unwatched when they are being used.  Ensure any room with cooking materials is equipped with a smoke detector.  In addition, be sure to follow cooking instructions for anything that is made in the microwave.  

4. Mechanical friction

Keep mechanical bearings properly lubricated and aligned. Keep conveyors and mobile equipment cleaned and free of accumulations of combustible materials. Any improperly maintained or cleaned mechanical equipment can lead to a fire.   

5. Housekeeping

Not only can poor housekeeping conditions cause a fire, it can also make it that much easier for an existing fire to spread.  Avoid excessive storage of boxes and other combustible material.  In order to ensure your employees can get out in case of a fire or other emergency, make sure stored material never blocks exits, walkways, electrical panels or emergency equipment.     

6. Proximity hazards

Nearby fuel tanks or dumpsters could cause a fire hazard.  Avoid putting them extremely close to your building.  In addition, keep landscaping neat to avoid excess grass, weeds or brush near your business.

7. Smoking

Consider banning smoking from your facility.  Poor setup of smoking areas and people who are careless with their cigarette butts can put everyone at risk for a fire.  

8. Special Hazards

Keep track of any special hazards your business might have.  Examples of this would be any cutting/welding and other hot work that could produce flames, flammable liquid, storage and handling, chemicals, hay or leaves.

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties is Here For All Your Commercial Needs

With over 30 years of experience, SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties is the business to trust with your commercial fire, water, storm damages and more.  Our  trained professionals are available 24/7 with all of your commercial business restoration needs.  Call us at (845) 342-3333 to find out more information.