Common causes of workplace fire – risks and prevention strategies

There are thousands of incidents of workplaces fires each year in Ireland. Sparks can turn into flames, rapidly spreading throughout the workplace in as little 40 seconds. The ramifications of a workplace fire for organisations are enormous, so identifying risks and implementing prevention strategies are key.

Failing to address workplace fire safety or implement effective fire safety practices can put employees and others at risk . It can affect business continuity, cause property damage and potentially open organisations up to legal claims and damages if not compliant with fire safety regulations.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) states that employers must ‘ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees’. The person in control to any extent of the workplace should ensure a safe workplace, safe access, and safe articles or substances.

There are different regulations in place across the Ireland, including:

• Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Fire Services Act 1981
• Fire Services Act 2003

 ComplyPro`s guide highlights the most common causes of workplace fires and the steps employers can take to mitigate the risks.

Most common causes of fire in the workplace

Electrical faults

Electrical faults are one of the most common causes of workplace fires.

Some of the causes include:

• Overloading – electrical equipment overloaded caused by plugging numerous devices into one single circuit can result in overheating and potentially induce sparks.
• Frayed wires – electrical wires that have been damaged could create short circuits, which is a risk of igniting nearby materials.
• Employee misuse – employees misusing electrical goods, such as using the wrong charger to power workstations, can result in a fire hazard if the charger voltage is incompatible with the device.
• Modern-day compliance – it’s essential to consider the age and legality of electrical goods. They must be checked regularly to ensure they are still compliant with regulations. Workplaces could have expired or degraded electrical goods and components that are more prone to failure.

Heating equipment

Portable heaters and boilers can overheat.

If such equipment is improperly maintained, it can become a fire hazard. If heating equipment isn’t effectively cleaned, it risks gathering dirt and dust, adding to its flammability risk. It’s important to note that a fire could also start if combustible materials such as paper and cardboard are stored too close to active heat sources.

Combustible dust

If workplaces lack sufficient ventilation and inadequate cleaning, there’s a risk of dust clouds gathering throughout the building.

Dust can be created from wood, coal, certain chemical solvents, granular materials and agricultural settings, to name a few. Such dust clouds can be ignited by sparks, potentially resulting in explosive ignition. Combustion can spread through a workplace. As well as subsequent fire risks to health, explosive incidents can also cause harm to employees, equipment and building fabric.

Waste

Typical workplace waste can comprise flammable materials such as cardboard, paper and plastic packaging.

Potential sparks or ignition sources could ignite such materials and start combustion if waste isn’t adequately stored and disposed of. For example, an employee smoking area close to waste bins could result in heat from a discarded cigarette catching on to nearby rubbish.

Human error

Workplace human error can lead to a fire breaking out. This could be due to the following:

• Inadequate handling of chemicals and solvents resulting in leaks and spillages of flammable chemicals.
• Failing to turn off electronic machinery before the end of the day. Not switching off things like chargers, heating equipment, and plant can increase the chances of a fire starting.
• Improper use of appliances, such as workers placing coats or materials over electrical heaters.
• Lack of communication and necessary training, with fires potentially caused by human error, can result from a lack of clear guidelines and fire safety policies.

Cooking

Workplace canteens, cafes, and restaurants can potentially be a fire hazard.

Inefficient cooking practices and the cleaning regime, particularly canopies and ductwork, can be a fire hazard. Catering industry employees need to be sufficiently trained in fire safety. Potential fire hazards associated with cooking can be caused by leaving fryers or stoves unattended. Not correctly washing worktops, where highly flammable grease from cooking oil and fat can build up is also a danger.

Mechanical friction

Friction from machinery and equipment can generate heat and cause a fire.

Off-centre conveyor systems, or those overloaded or worn down, can create friction and potentially become a fire hazard, for example. Moving machinery or machinery parts can also create friction, especially those with unmaintained brakes and clutches.

Fire prevention strategies

Fire risk assessments

Organisations need a robust system that allows them to frequently identify and evaluate potential fire hazards within the workplace. Once done, employers must take sufficient steps and practices to minimise the risks of such threats.

Fire safety equipment

Employers must ensure they have working smoke detectors. Fire alarms, and sprinkler systems throughout the buildings are also recommended in many premises. Fire safety equipment such as smoke alarms and fire alarms can detect fires early and reduce the risk. Such alarms need to be regularly checked and maintained. Fire extinguishers and exit doors should also be allocated at appropriate organisational locations.

Employee training

Sufficient training highlights how human error (misuse of equipment, smoking in undesignated areas or failing to switch off devices, for example) can result in a fire. Employees – including contractors, need to be trained on the proper handling and storage procedures of flammable chemicals. They should also be trained in other common causes of workplace fires.

Efficient fire safety training should be completed by all employees as soon as they commence work. ComplyPro run industry specific Fire Awareness training for employees with the sole outcome of protecting themselves and preventing of workplace fires. We also cover safe evacuating procedures, which comply with the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003.

Emergency plans

Employees need to know the correct protocols to follow when responding to fire hazards.

This comprises:

• Undergoing evacuation drills.
• Understanding the company’s Emergency Evacuation Plan.
• Accessing fire exits.
• Using fire safety equipment.
• Calling the emergency services.
• Reporting fire hazards to the appropriate people within the organisation.

Regular maintenance

Regular maintenance should be conducted to prevent fires from occurring.

This includes:

• A thorough inspection of electrical equipment to ensure they’re in good working order.
• Frequent checks on smoke alarm systems to make sure they are always active.
• Inspections on the safe storage of flammable materials and chemicals to ensure they are stored securely.
• Regular service on machinery, particularly those with brakes and friction.
• Ensuring all electronic appliances and in line with safety regulations.
• Thorough and frequent cleaning is conducted to reduce the build-up of dust.
• Workers receive regular and up-to-date training, including refresher courses. Remember, training should be more often if organisations have a high staff turnover.